by ampmlimo, on May 3, 2021 11:11:00 PM
Banff is just 1.5 hours drive from the Calgary Airport. This strikingly beautiful town, situated in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, attracts winter enthusiasts from all over the world. Visitors to Banff are treated to an extraordinary combination of breathtaking scenery, exciting sports, scintillating nightlife, fine dining and fun activities for all ages.
Banff is popular because of the unparalleled resort skiing available to tourists and residents alike. One of the most popular ski destinations in Banff is the Sunshine Village Ski Resort, about a 15-minute drive away. Note that unless you have your own vehicle, or you are staying in a Banff hotel, there are no shuttles direct from the Calgary airport available, except through AM PM Limo.
Sunshine Village has terrain to suit any level of skier from novice to expert, not to mention lessons for those who wish to learn or improve their skiing skills.
Here are some of the many amenities to be enjoyed at Sunshine Village:
- Extraordinary sightseeing & guided tours
- Three ski mountains of varying topography
- Skiing & snowboarding lessons
- Convenient equipment rentals
- Ski-and-stay rental package deals
- Ski lift with stunning views of 3500+ acres of mountain terrain
- Multiple eateries and dining options
- The Sunshine Mountain Lodge, (the ONLY ski-in/ski-out boutique hotel in Banff)
The Sunshine Mountain Lodge
If you have traveled from afar to ski or board at Sunshine, then you would do well to book several nights at Sunshine Mountain Lodge. Not only can you enjoy ski-in, ski out accommodation, but you can take advantage of the largest outdoor hot tub in Banff National Park.
Rooms come well-appointed. The dining room offers scrumptious meals, in some cases beside a roaring fire. Just a short walk away is Mad Trapper’s – a historic lodge built in 1928 that is now a rustic mountain pub.
For skiers and non-skiers alike, you can enjoy spa services, shop for clothing you’ve forgotten to pack, relax in a cedar-lined sauna or play with your kids in the family-activity room.
The giant hot tub at Sunshine Mountain Lodge
If you’re visiting Sunshine Village in winter
Need a break from skiing and boarding? Then sign up to do the Sunshine Meadows snowshoeing tour. Take the chairlift to the top of Standish Mountain and set out in deep powder snow with your guide from White Mountain Adventures.
The mountain views on bluebird days are simply out of this world. You’ll even be able to see the famed Mount Assiniboine. Over a couple of hours weave through trees, jump off rocks into giant snowdrifts, and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate with a view. On the way back to the lodge you’ll cross the Continental Divide into British Columbia.
The Sunshine snowshoeing tour starts at the top of the Standish Chairlift
Incredible mountain scenery on the snowshoe tour
Sunshine Village in summer
Sunshine Village is an equally amazing destination in summer. From somewhere around mid-July until mid-August, depending on the year, you can enjoy reams of wildflowers, set against a spectacular mountain backdrop. Stop at the interpretive centre by the chairlift so you can pick up information on the wildflowers. Hike in both Alberta and British Columbia along the Continental Divide to see the wildflowers along with stunning mountain lakes.
Alpine forget-me-not
Not into flowers? You’re still in luck. Head to nearby Rock Isle Lake for a picnic. If you’re photography, you’ll be hard-pressed to leave. Stretch your legs on a hike to Howard Douglas Lake – or even Citadel Pass if you’ve got the energy.
Hike to Howard Douglas Lake from the top of the Standish Chairlift
When summer comes to an end, and the days get cold, it’s time to return to Sunshine Village. The larch covered hills turn a brilliant yellow – the equal of any fall colours you’ll see in the east. They are usually at their peak around the third week of September, but they only last a few weeks.
Calgary to Sunshine Village – What you need to know to get there
There are many modes of transportation for those traveling from Calgary to Sunshine Village via Banff. However, private car, limo or mini-bus shuttle service is the most ideal. This is because it’s the safest and most convenient means of travel.
Why?
Because driving for your own party or catching a shuttle have significant caveats that can mean the different between a delightful luxury vacation and a trip rife with frustration. For example:
- Whether you’re a year-round resident or just visiting, the driving conditions in Calgary and Banff can be hazardous. This is due to Severe weather that befalls the region with very little notice. As a result, navigation can be perilous for even those drivers who have traversed winter roadways before.
Hiring an experienced chauffeur who has been specially trained to navigate icy roads and blistering winter storms. Furthermore, it should be someone one who is very familiar with the routes between Calgary and Banff. Then, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ll be traveling in safety and comfort.
- Shuttle service is an available option for travel ‘on the cheap’. However, what is saved in dollars is paid with time and inconvenience instead. This is because shuttles run on a fixed schedule. In other words, they’re available only at certain times of day, so riders must conform to their schedule.
Furthermore, shuttles are shared with other passengers, (i.e. complete strangers,) and make frequent stops along the route to pick up and drop off other riders. This can be an uncomfortable experience for many travelers. Not to mention that resulting delays ‘eat away’ at time that could be spent on the slopes.
Private chauffeured service is a far more desirable option, especially if you’re traveling in a large group. This type of transportation ensures that your group travels in privacy. At the same time, you get direct, non-stop service from Point A to B.
Transportation from YYC Calgary Airport to Sunshine Village
At AM PM Limo, we’ve provided expert drivers and safe transportation for hundreds of Alberta travelers since 2010. Our professional chauffeurs are highly trained for navigating the region’s roadways. This is true in every type of harsh weather. We are dedicated to ensuring your security, comfort and convenience at all times.
We invite you to rely on our world-class transportation services. We will carry your entire party safely to and from Calgary Airport and Banff. Here’s what you can expect when you hire AM PM for your travel needs:
- Luxury transportation to Sunshine Village Lodge & Ski Resort
- We can accommodate large groups & ski equipment
- We’ll wait and meet you when flight arrives if delayed by weather-related issues
- Short-notice bookings will be accommodated as needed
- We provide an airport meet & greet for domestic or international arrivals
- Late arrivals & early departures are handled on your schedule, (most car rental companies close after midnight, so in case of late arrival you may be stuck waiting overnight for car rental.)
- Flexible reservation updates in times of inclement weather
- Experienced drivers with exceptional safety record
Pricing for Transportation to and from YYC Calgary Airport & Sunshine Village
Rates vary based on the vehicle. All listed prices are one-way from Calgary Airport to Banff, and vice-versa:
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Chauffeured luxury vehicle suited for smaller groups of 2-4 passengers. |
$425 |
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Spacious yet elegant, and great for tours & excursions. Ideal for groups of 4-6 passengers. |
$575 |
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Spacious interior, luggage space and ease of boarding/exiting the vehicle. This the ideal transportation for 10-13 passengers. |
$575 |
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Ample space for up to 24 passengers to ride in comfort. In addition, there is extra luggage room at the rear and in overhead bins. |
$799 |
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Dodge Ram Truck Stretch Limousine The first of its kind in Alberta! This is a Dodge Ram pick-up stretched to limousine proportions. Additionally, the half-ton rear-end is enclosed for storage space. The vehicle comfortably accommodates up to 16 passengers, because the interior is so roomy. |
$849 |
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The ultimate mode of transportation for groups of 18-30 passengers. An extraordinary experience because of the custom lighting effects and state-of-the-art sound system. Not to mention plenty of room for moving around in the interior. |
$1150 |
Our reservation specialists are standing by 24/7 to assist with your reservation. Simply call us at 403.475.5555. We’ll ensure the perfect transportation from Calgary Airport to Banff. Get ready for your ultimate ski vacation!
