Visitors to the lovely Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada have long been amazed by the beauty of nature in this pristine place. The only problem is that accommodation can get pricey really quick in the core Banff area. But fret no more, say hello to Canmore, a mere 18 min drive away from Banff. A small town in its own right, it has everything a traveller would need. Who wants to pay premium price for travel essentials you accidentally forgot to pack? With its own supermarket, chain of restaurants and surrounded by mountains, you can't go wrong with making Canmore your base for your Banff vacation.

Personally, I recommend the Pocaterra Inn. Situated close to the Trans Canada Highway (but far enough from traffic noises), the Pocaterra Inn is a perfect spot for those looking to visit Banff and yet not pay the higher hotel fees in Banff. It takes about 20 mins to get to Banff and you could continue to drive further west if you are going to visit other places such as Lake Louise.

Back to the hotel. We were four adults and a 3 year old in a room, so I might be biased when I say the room was just sufficient. Facilities wise, the room comes with a Microwave, a Fridge and a coffee maker. Would have loved a kitchenette, considering that the hotel doesn't have any restaurant and most restaurants are in the core Canmore area. The morning buffet breakfast is ample and the staff are prompt in restocking. We didn't have any issues with the breakfast area overcrowding, but I do see that happening during the peak season.

The waterslide, pool and spa-pool is a nice bonus. They are well serviced by nearby changing rooms and sufficient towels. A quick swim before breakfast helps to build a good appetite and load up on the sugar. The sugar rush doesn't have to stop - later in the day, fruits and cookies are available near the reception. (Traveller Tip - don't miss the cookies, they are delicious)

Parking & WiFi are free. If you wanted to relax and watch TV, you have a decent bouquet to choose from. If you want to stock up on snacks, there is a Safeway supermarket, which is open about a kilometer from the hotel.

Would recommend this hotel to folks planning to visit Banff/Lake Louise for being a pretty good hotel that gives you freedom to explore without having to drive too far.