Hotel Intel: Eco-conscious Juniper respects Banff’s precious land

The progressive Juniper Hotel & Bistro in Banff, Alta., represents both nature and nurture.

Its team is mindful of the past and the future in fostering a connection to the majestic land of Banff National Park. And it respects the history of the area’s Indigenous Peoples and honours their traditions in several ways.

A circle of First Nations elders meets here periodically. The hotel also displays fine Indigenous art and, on request, organizes cultural experiences such as smudging ceremonies to cleanse the spirit and nature walks to discover plants.

Thinking ahead, Juniper has partnered with EcoStay (ecostayforest.ca) to preserve this precious landscape of crystal-capped mountains, pristine lakes and hardy forests, where some tree root stems go back an astounding 14,000 years.

EcoStay focuses on global reforestation, soil preservation and protection of natural habitats. Guests can donate $2 a night (it’s optional) to support green ventures. And the hotel’s eco-operations include water and waste recycling, non-chemical cleaning products, low-waste kitchen practices and energy conservation.

The hotel: Opened 60 years ago as the Timberline Inn, this vintage lodge was always ahead of its time. Two kilometres from downtown Banff, it is a peaceful retreat built on a hilltop with a modernist design.

It captures snowy woodland views on one side and majestic alpine scenes on the other, though that dramatic vantage point also overlooks Highway 1. Juniper is adjacent to Banff’s wildlife corridor, and you won’t even need binoculars to spot animals. Deer graze on the property, and you can watch them from your hotel room or from Juniper Bistro.

The 52 guest rooms still have a mid-century look (with some well-worn original furniture, and some reproductions). The accommodations are basic, but perked up with mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs and coffee machines, and some rooms have balconies. The spacious, top-notch Sky View suite is an updated penthouse for up to 10 people in three bedrooms, with a full kitchen and a living room for entertaining.

A simpler option is to rent one of Juniper’s two cabins that are tucked into the forest, also equipped with full kitchens and cosy living rooms with fireplaces.

The cuisine: The much-loved Juniper Bistro has swept Banff’s Best of the Bow awards for just about everything — views, patio, local flavours, brunch/breakfast and dinner.

The wall-to-wall windows look out over the exceptional mountain vista, and the kitchen is known for innovative, fresh cuisine. A great combo.

Juniper Bistro follows the hotel’s eco-theme, sourcing food locally, especially from regenerative farms. Highlights include the Sudo Farms beet salad, which locals voted the best salad in town, plus Alberta pork chops or short ribs, vegan hummus with kale and mushrooms, or brie and a baguette.

The Juniper Burger is so popular that it’s even on the breakfast/brunch menu, along with eggs Benedict atop salmon or braised rabbit, and smoked salmon with lemon crème fraîche. The amazing French toast (which will hold you for a full day of sports) is served with stewed apples, bourbon, cheese, apricot coulis and pure, local maple. The menu is often served until 1 or 2 p.m.

The mountains: About one-quarter of Banff’s four million annual visitors come during winter, most for the huge variety of adventure activities, including superlative downhill skiing and riding at SkiBig3, which launched its season with early storms in November.

There is something for everyone at this formidable alpine trio. Banff Sunshine has a summit peak of 2,730 metres, and the highest-elevation non-glacier skiing and the longest non-glacier season in Canada (often until the end of May). Lake Louise Ski Resort recently expanded and is now the third-largest ski area in Canada. Mount Norquay is the oldest lift-serviced area in Canada (since 1926), prized for exhilarating day and night skiing and snowboarding, plus outstanding snow tubing.

And the price is right. If you have an Ikon Pass, a Mountain Collective Pass or a SkiBig3 Lift Ticket, you can tackle all three stations, which average nine metres of snow each season and feature 29 lifts and 362 trails.

Black Tie Ski Rentals (banff.blacktieskis.com; 866-360-6433, 403-762-0881) can streamline your day. A Black Tie concierge will bring gear to your hotel and fit you personally and privately. Voilà. Skis, boards, boots, poles, helmets and even winter parkas. You avoid baggage and lineups, and get expert advice.

If you go

Juniper Hotel & Bistro: 866-551-2281, thejuniper.com; 1 Juniper Way, Banff, Alta. Pets, $25. No elevator.

Price: Rates fluctuate. Rooms from $159 with woodland view, or from $189 with mountain view. Cabins for up to four or six, from $419. Prices may be higher on holidays and weekends. Occasional 20-per-cent-off deals for multiple nights.

Banff and Lake Louise tourism: 877-762-8421, banfflakelouise.com (includes a handy trip planner). Alberta tourism: travelalberta.com. SkiBig3: 844-754-2443, skibig3.com.

rochelle@rochellelash.com

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