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February is a month where we celebrate the people closest to us. As we power through the last few dark, cold weeks of winter, Valentine’s Day and Family Day offer us a chance to celebrate the most heartwarming connections in our lives. There’s something about Banff that inspires romance – maybe it’s the stunning vistas, the fresh mountain air, or the sense of possibility that comes from standing face to face with the wilderness. No wonder it’s played a part in so many love stories.

One of the best known actually began thousands of miles away in Boston, Massachusetts, in the late 1920’s. Peter Whyte was a talented young artist, whose father settled in Banff in 1886 and founded one of the town’s most successful business dynasties. Young Peter travelled to Boston to study at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, where he met Catharine Robb, the daughter of a wealthy local family. Drawn in by his tales of adventure in the Canadian Rockies, Catharine married Peter in 1930 and they returned to Banff together.

Peter & Catharine Whyte in front of their home – courtesy of The Whyte Museum Fonds 

Though the adventurous life in Banff was a world away from Catharine’s privileged upbringing, she thrived in the mountains, and was renowned for her generosity to the arts community and support for the local Stoney people. The couple’s talent and passion for the arts left a lasting impression on Banff, culminating in the foundation of the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies. The museum’s ‘Gems from Within’ collection explores the Whytes’ legacy through the works they collected, many of them painted by their friends and contemporaries. Peter and Catharine’s romantic story was brought to life on the big screen in 2017 with the release of the movie Drawing Home.

Mr. & Mrs. Wilkinson arrive at The Juniper, October 2015 

We witnessed a chapter in another Banff love story at The Juniper a few years back, when Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson checked in to celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary. Reaching that marriage milestone is amazing enough, but it turned out that they had stayed at our hotel on their honeymoon back in 1960! They were kind enough to share their souvenir scrapbook of the trip, including the receipt for their night’s stay at what was then The Timberline Hotel. The bill came in at a very reasonable $15.00, plus $3.70 for dinner in the dining room.

 Memories in their Honeymoon Scrapbook

A lot has changed here in Banff since 1960, but the love that began all those years ago lives on, as does the power of this special place to mark the big moments in our lives. As Banff National Park continues to be a top pick for honeymoon trips and romantic getaways, we look forward to setting the scene for many more great love stories in the years to come.

Happy Valentine’s Day,

–The Juniper Team

Mount Rundle with snow reflected in Vermilion Lakes

Save on Snow Days in 2023

This is your year - get outside and embrace it! Save up to 25% on the winter wonderland of Banff. Experience Snow Days from Jan 18th - 29th or design your own adventure on skis, skates or snowshoes.

Get 25% Off January & February trips with code SNOW25.

Book by February 1st 2023 to save on stays before February 16th 2023. Blackout dates and 72 hour cancellation policy applies. Limited availability, cannot be combined with any other offer.

 

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Seniors Discount

Savvy seniors 65+ can save 15% off our Best Available Rate! Book direct with us using code SEN22 and be ready to provide your ID at check-in (because you know you look younger than your years!)

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Valid for stays until February 16th, 2023. Proof of age is required at check-in: blackout dates may apply.

Advanced Purchase Rate

Plan ahead and save! Get 15% off stays this October and November when you book 7 days ahead with our Advanced Purchase rate. 

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Payment is due at time of booking: AP reservations are non-refundable but credit may be transferred to alternative dates. New nightly room rates will apply. Subject to availability.

Stay 2, Save 20%

Take your time to enjoy the beauty of Banff National Park.

Choose from our Standard Woodland View, Deluxe Mountain View rooms or King Suites and save 20% when you stay 2 nights or more.

Also included: breathtaking views, deep breaths of fresh air and the revitalizing spirit of the mountains. 

 

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Valid October - December 2022. Subject to availability, blackout dates apply.