Calgary Coupon Hunters *HEADS UP*

[luinge]

We've stayed at http://www.banffmountaincountry.com/cabin/home.html a few times. Its a lil cabin in these peoples backyard. Its off the main road and very quiet. It's a lil high in the high season but the low season its a great price.

I second the recomendation to the Grizzly House, soooo yummy!!

[DentalDiva]

Grizzly House is Awesome!

There were Tonnes of Pure Protein bars - both types - last night at Royal Oak Walmart....use your coupons, just a couple days left

[CalgaryMom123]

We've stayed at http://www.banffmountaincountry.com/cabin/home.html a few times. Its a lil cabin in these peoples backyard. Its off the main road and very quiet. It's a lil high in the high season but the low season its a great price.

I second the recomendation to the Grizzly House, soooo yummy!!

I am thinking September 2 is still in the high season. Does anyone know? They did not have the dates on there web page.

[PurpleChocolate]

Well, you know where the town of Banff is (a little over an hour from Calgary city limits), and Johnston Canyon is not that much further - maybe 20 - 30 mins (?) past the town. Just stay on the TransCanada (#1) and watch for the Bow Valley Parkway turnoff on the right, about 15 mins after you pass Banff townsite - then just follow the quiet and winding 2 lane highway for an additional 15 mins (speed limit is 60 if I remember right). Even if you can't stay overnight, it would make for a beautiful day trip.
The hike to the Lower Falls from the parking lot takes about 40 minutes - depending on a persons fitness level. Take your camera! Its very scenic, and parts of the pathway are actually catwalks mounted into the canyon wall, hanging over the water. Go earlier in the day, say from around 9 am to 2 pm, to get the most sunlight and best pictures.
The Lower Falls hike is very popular and tour buses full of Asian and European tourist groups go there all the time. (Thankfully, the cabins are just up behind the Giftshop/Restaurant and hiking trail, so they remain quiet.)

(The more athletic and adventurous can hike to the Upper Falls and then up to the top where there are 'Ink Pots' are. The hiking gets tougher once you leave the Lower Falls behind. I've been all the way up to the top and it was well worth the effort, but it takes quite a while and a lot of sweating to get there not very romantic LOL)

If you want, you can then drive the Bow Valley Parkway all the way to Lake Louise. Its a quieter and more scenic route. We've seen lots of elk and even bears, and there are a couple of areas where you can pull over to take pictures.
(yeah, I love the mountains... )

We've usually stayed in August, and when I call, they have been very nice to talk to. It might be a good idea to call them (if you are interested) just in case they do have better rates in September.
(Johnston Canyon closes their cabins for the winter in very early October, so maybe there is no 'off' season for them but I don't know for certain)

[PurpleChocolate]

I've updated my trade list & have coupons that will be expiring soon! My kids, coupons and I are still in AB, but not at home (& boy, is my DH is enjoying the solitude ), but I can still mail them to you from Strathmore and they should get to you in time...

I have some PAMPERS products ones that are expiring soon (Don't want them to go to waste, so PM to work yourself a great deal if interested!)

I have other coupons that are expiring in the next 2 to 2 1/2 weeks - check my list. I hate to see them go to waste, so PM me on any that will expire by the 16th of August to work a deal to your benefit if you are interested!

Have SAVE, WEBSAVER, P&G & GOCOUPONS, as well as some from tear-pads & June SmartSource.

[CalgaryMom123]

Well, you know where the town of Banff is (a little over an hour from Calgary city limits), and Johnston Canyon is not that much further - maybe 20 - 30 mins (?) past the town. Just stay on the TransCanada (#1) and watch for the Bow Valley Parkway turnoff on the right, about 15 mins after you pass Banff townsite - then just follow the quiet and winding 2 lane highway for an additional 15 mins (speed limit is 60 if I remember right). Even if you can't stay overnight, it would make for a beautiful day trip.
The hike to the Lower Falls from the parking lot takes about 40 minutes - depending on a persons fitness level. Take your camera! Its very scenic, and parts of the pathway are actually catwalks mounted into the canyon wall, hanging over the water. Go earlier in the day, say from around 9 am to 2 pm, to get the most sunlight and best pictures.
The Lower Falls hike is very popular and tour buses full of Asian and European tourist groups go there all the time. (Thankfully, the cabins are just up behind the Giftshop/Restaurant and hiking trail, so they remain quiet.)

(The more athletic and adventurous can hike to the Upper Falls and then up to the top where there are 'Ink Pots' are. The hiking gets tougher once you leave the Lower Falls behind. I've been all the way up to the top and it was well worth the effort, but it takes quite a while and a lot of sweating to get there not very romantic LOL)

If you want, you can then drive the Bow Valley Parkway all the way to Lake Louise. Its a quieter and more scenic route. We've seen lots of elk and even bears, and there are a couple of areas where you can pull over to take pictures.
(yeah, I love the mountains... )

We've usually stayed in August, and when I call, they have been very nice to talk to. It might be a good idea to call them (if you are interested) just in case they do have better rates in September.
(Johnston Canyon closes their cabins for the winter in very early October, so maybe there is no 'off' season for them but I don't know for certain)

I took a look at there web page and they look really good. After looking into accommodations if Banff I am finding out that $150 a night is a good price. I will be about 6 months pregnant then so I don't know if I will be up to the longer hike but the short one sounds good.

Thank you everyone for all the help!!

[Goddess in this Household]

I found some new coupons at Safeway this morning:

$1 on purchase of any Alberto European product (exp 12/31)
$1 off Cool Whip (ep 12/31)
$1 off Simply Orange/Lemonade/Apple (exp 9/30)
Buy 4/Get 1 Free Minute Maid or Nestea frozen concentrate

[schwarzie]

Not sure of your preferences when it comes to amenities, etc, but if you like rustic and peaceful quiet, try Johnston Canyon. Its West of Banff on the Bow Valley Parkway. Its beautiful, and they have small cabins. Last time DH & & went there for an anniversary weekend was a few years ago, and if my memory serves me right, it was approx 150 a night then. (Ouch! But 'inexpensive' and 'room' are 2 words that do not go together during summer months in Banff )
There are no phones, TV, cable, satellite, etc in the cozy little cabins. Just solitude. Plus a fairly easy hike to a scenic waterfall is practically at your door. They do have a website & it may be worth cheking into if you are interested
When we stay there, we drive back to Banff to dine usually at Subway, McDonalds, etc, but as a special treat, one of our favourites is the Grizzly House (depending on budgets, it can be pricey, but when we only go once a year or every 2nd year, its worth it for us.). They offer all kinds of exotic meats that you cook yourself using oil fondue or hot rock slabs at your table. Don't lose heart, they also offer pork and beef selections to. Plus there is a meal for 2 thats not priced too high, that includes a chocolate fondue dessert.
Whatever you end up doing, hope you have a happy anniversary!

I have seen that place so many times and have always wanted to stay there! I love the small cabins they have, it looks great!

[schwarzie]

Does anyone have any ideas of something special to do for my 5 year wedding anniversary? I am not comming up with much other then going to Banff for a night, but I am sure the hotels in Banff are very expensive.

Another thought, if you can send the kids out for the night and budget is a consideration (which it is for most of us), what about a "Pleasure Hunt"? You could spend your money on "treats" for the two of you and hide them around the house, making your DH go on a hunt with clues. Each time he finds an item, there is another clue to something different. You could use things like lingerie, coupons for services (you know what I mean by that!), and even burn a CD with romantic songs. You can hide them everywhere, in the dryer, in the fridge, cupboards etc.

Or you could go to the stores and prepay for everything and have him drive around and pick it all up.

Again, just a thought, but speaking for myself, anticipation is better than what I imagine Viagra is like!

[CalgaryMom123]

That is a good idea, and my DS will be with my parents for the night, but my husband works from home so it might be a little tricky picking up the stuff without him know what I am doing. Thank you for the idea, it is something to think about.

Another thought, if you can send the kids out for the night and budget is a consideration (which it is for most of us), what about a "Pleasure Hunt"? You could spend your money on "treats" for the two of you and hide them around the house, making your DH go on a hunt with clues. Each time he finds an item, there is another clue to something different. You could use things like lingerie, coupons for services (you know what I mean by that!), and even burn a CD with romantic songs. You can hide them everywhere, in the dryer, in the fridge, cupboards etc.

Or you could go to the stores and prepay for everything and have him drive around and pick it all up.

Again, just a thought, but speaking for myself, anticipation is better than what I imagine Viagra is like!

[CalgaryMom123]

I went for my 20 week ultrasound yesterday..... it's a girl

[findme]

I went for my 20 week ultrasound yesterday..... it's a girl

Congratulations

[findme]

Just FYI.. I was looking for some coupons for the Columbia Icefields and came across this:

http://www.explorerockies.com/unplug...unplug-explore

It allows you to get free tickets for kids(15&under) for every paying adult to Banff Gandola, Icefields and Banff Cruise line. valid until Sept 30, 11.

Hope someone can use it....and if anyone has any ideas on how to save in Jasper, please let me know.

Looking forward to a fun (DRY) camping trip. Is it summer yet???

[shennig]

I know this isn't in Calgary, but I'm looking for coupons for discounts at Butchart Gardens in Victoria. Anyone know where I might be able to find some?

[findme]

Does anyone know where I can find bear spray in NW??