Canmore/Banff Condo Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions
The answers to the questions below are specifically in regards to my own personal condo suite at 403C Canmore Crossing.  I sometimes help people rent other suites within the same complex.  Some of the answers below may not apply to those units.  If something is critically important to you then please ask.

Will I pay tax on the suite?  On Canmore Crossing suite 403C you will pay tax.  This tax, known as the GST has been at 6% since July 1st, 2006.  This tax is charged on most goods and services in Canada.  Residents of countries other than Canada may be able to get this tax back, see next question.

Can I get a refund on the taxes paid?  If you are a resident of a country other than Canada you may be able to get the GST back on some of your purchases.  For more details on possible GST refunds, including a link to the official Canadian government website please click here. 

How does cleaning the unit work?  We pay to have the unit professionally cleaned after guests leave so the unit will be clean for you when you arrive and cleaned after you leave.  We do ask that you leave the unit neat & tidy but you don't need to vacuum, wipe down mirrors, etc., on your last day.  We do ask that you do the dishes, there is a dishwasher, before leaving and put items back roughly where you found them but everything else is looked after for you.

Is there an Internet connection?  Since mid May 2007 we've had a high speed Internet connection available (you need to provide the laptop).  It is from the local Cable company and you will need an Ethernet jack on your computer (RJ45 Female connector - this is the normal port for DSL or Cable Internet).  The service we are signed up for is up to 3Mb/s.  However, we will not guarantee what your speed will be, or even that the service will be up (although the up time tends to be over 99% up time).  We do not provide technical support on the connection.  It should just work when you plug it in if your TCP/IP settings are set to obtain an IP address from a DHCP server.  The provider’s Internet help page is:  http://www.shaw.ca/enca/CustomerCare/InternetSupport/Residential/ which should help provided you can connect to it.  Their technical support phone# is available (24/7/365) at this phone#: 1-800-400-9605.

The SMTP server (needed to send e-mail out from your computer) won't forward so to send e-mail you will likely need to change your SMTP settings to shawmail.cg.shawcable.net or use your provider’s webmail access (most providers allow you to sign in to e-mail through a web browser).

A basic Ethernet cable is at the unit provided a previous guest didn't pack it up by accident.

Are there grocery stores near by?  Yes, there are two fair sized grocery stores within a couple minute walk of the condo complex.  These stores should be able to handle most regular grocery needs.  There are also wine and liquor stores within a couple minute walk.

Are there any restaurants near by?  Yes, there are many restaurants, from inexpensive, to upscale within a 10 minute walk.

What is the weather like, what should I pack?  Check out the local weather for Canmore/Banff and surrounding areas.  Set the area using the dropdown box.  Hit the 'full forecast' button for tips on what clothing you'll need to bring.  Full forecast opens a new window with access to weather trend and historical data.

Typically you have warm summer days and cold, possibly snowy days during the winter.  Keep in mind that Canmore is in a valley in the mountains.  Weather can be fairly unpredictable, especially depending on elevation, and which side of the mountains you are on.  You could have snow at almost any time of year, although it is rare for it to snow in the town of Canmore in the summer.  Here is what I would typically pack at various times of the year.  From June to September pack T-Shirts and Sweaters.  Hopefully you will only need the T-shirt but especially in the evenings you may have need for a coat or sweater.  Winter I bring warm layered clothing and definitely have winter boots.  Spring and fall I again pack layers so that I'm prepared for a warm Chinook (unseasonably warm weather pattern) passing through, or snow.

There are a lot of sporting goods stores, and a few other clothing stores in the area.  If you forget to pack something you should be able to find it in town. 

Is there much noise near by?  I believe the suite is in a quite location. The suite is on the top floor so there are no units above you for people to be stomping around making noise. The complex is about a block away from the downtown area, close enough to be convenient but far enough removed that we've never had problems with noise from downtown.

Even if you don't rent my condo ask all places you are considering renting about any train and new construction noise.  Both can be very intrusive depending on exactly where you are in town.   If you rent my suite you shouldn't have to worry about either here is why.  I specifically looked for a condo where the train noise would not be intrusive and I've never received a complaint about any noise from the train.  The area around my condo is already built up so you should not have to worry about any construction noise.  I have only received one noise complaint, this was back in 2004 when a new complex was being built near by.  Since that building was completed I have not received another noise complaint.  There is new construction in many other areas of Canmore.

How close is the condo complex to Banff National Park?  It is about a 3 minute drive to the park gates.

How close is the condo complex to the town of Banff, town of Lake Louise?  Depending on where you are going in the town of Banff it is a 20 to 25 minute scenic drive.  Lake Louise during good driving conditions is about an hour drive away - very nice drive.

How close is the condo complex to the various ski resorts?  The complex is centrally located to numerous ski resorts.  Please click here for distances and drive times.  Driving times can be impacted by the weather.  Keep in mind that it can be storming at one resort and sunny at another resort just 30 minutes away.

How close is the town of Jasper?  It would typically take about 3 hours to drive to Jasper from Canmore.

How close is the Calgary Airport?  It is usually about an hour drive, or slightly less with no traffic and good weather.  We e-mail you a map to the condo complex from the Calgary Airport if you book our suite.

What type of transportation is available?  Please see our directions page for more details.

Is the condo wheelchair accessible?  Basically, the set up is not ideal for a wheelchair; however, we get asked the question occasionally so here is some information.  There is an elevator in the building that services the various floors.  The doors inside the condo are 30 inches wide (the actual doorway openings in the unit by the time you add the door jam, etc., are about 29.5 inches wide, the front door is 35.5 inches wide.  The main bedroom is fairly close to the front door with fairly decent access.  There are spots in the family room that would provide for less than 30 inches between furniture.  There are no handrails in the bathroom.   

There is another bathroom on the 4th floor of the same building.  However, it is not private to my condo.  That other bathroom is inside the condominium fitness room.  The fitness room is limited access to people in the building (but hardly ever is used).  Once you are in the shared fitness room that area has a private bathroom with a shower.  

Trip Insurance questions?  We recommend you get some type of trip insurance.  Any funds paid to us (and likely your flights, etc) are non refundable.  We see at least one person a year who needs to cancel due to illness, or a family emergency.  Please get some type of insurance to cover off the unforeseen events which do happen.  Here is a 3rd party link to various trip insurance plans; however, you will need to verify with the insurance company that the plan you pick covers all of your needs:  http://www.insuremytrip.com/, or http://www.insurmytrip.ca (for Canadians).

Where would you stay if you needed/wanted to spend at least one night in Calgary?  Click Here for details.

Rates Start at:

$135.00/night ($CDN)

$750.00/week

2 Bedroom - 403C

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"Just wanted to take the time to thank you for such a lovely place to stay in. We truly enjoyed it. You folks have thought of everything a family might need. And the view was beyond magnificent!" 
K.W. from Alberta, Canada
May 2, 2007

1 or 2 Bedroom - Building B

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Other suites will differ please ask for details