Aside from the comfortable, nailhead-studded, top-grain leather sofa
in the living room, there is (remarkably) no store-bought furniture in
the loft!

As such, every piece of furnishing is unique and has a story to tell.
Skilled artisans from all over Canada were commissioned to craft
unique works of art, based on the artist-owner's sketches and designs.
The interior design and furnishings reflect the tranquil beauty of the
Canadian Rockies; hence, the liberal use of birch, willow and
lodgepole pine throughout.

There are visual delights at every turn -- the trapezoidal
birch-willow dining table, the soaring 20-foot console table made from
a polished birch slab and ancient root stumps, the late 1800s crackle
barnwood armoire, the romantic lodgepole log canopy bed that's
custom-crafted from diamond willow twigs... and much more...

We are proud of Birch Haven's impeccable furnishings as we are firm
believers that an exquisite ambience can make the difference between a
vacation that is merely good, and one that is truly unforgettable!

It is likely apparent, even from website photos alone, that Birch
Haven offers a rather different calibre of accommodation. Here, you
will not find the lacklustre decor nor the merely adequate
"rental-class" furnishings common in so many rental properties.

That is because Birch Haven was not furnished to be a vacation rental
per se. It was meticulously decorated by the artist-owner to be her
second home, and her primary place to rejuvenate. As such, it is
unlikely that you will find another place decked out quite as
artistically or as lovingly as this one!

We are, of course, pleased to be able to offer our personal haven to
guests when we are not recalibrating here ourselves!

Banff is ranked as Canada's top vacation destination and a mecca for a
dizzying array of outdoor activities. Every year, over 5 million
people visit the area to enjoy world-class skiing, golfing, horseback
riding, whitewater rafting, hiking, ATV adventures, snowmobiling,
mountain biking, dogsledding and more!

In the midst of all the offerings, but away from the crowds, is Birch
Haven. Ideally situated in downtown Canmore, this brand new luxury
loft is 3 minutes from the Banff National Park gates and just over an
hour from the Calgary International Airport.

Our downtown Canmore location means that everything is at your
doorstep or just a short walk away � from trendy cafes, restaurants
and supermarkets to health food, sporting goods and video stores, and
even doctor's offices and ATMs.

Birch Haven is blessed with easy access to four national parks and
several provincial parks. The national parks marked with * are, in
fact, honored as UNESCO World Heritage sites:

24 km / 15 miles to Banff townsite (approx 15 mins)
80 km / 50 miles to Lake Louise and the start of the Icefields Parkway
(approx 45 minutes)
60 km / 35 miles to Kootenay National Park* entrance (approx 45 mins)
80 km / 50 miles to Yoho National Park* entrance (approx 1hr 15 mins)
200 km / 125 miles to Jasper National Park* entrance (approx 2 hrs)
26 km / 16 miles to Kananaskis Country (approx 0.5 hrs)

One thing that sets the Canadian Rockies apart from other mountain
destinations is how little effort it takes to reach spectacular
scenery. Truly stunning vistas that may require hours of hiking in
other parks are right on the highway, accessible from the window of
your car or tour bus.

Indeed, some of these drives (including the Icefields Parkway drive)
are rated as one of the most scenic highways in the world. You can
even drive up to Columbia Glacier, the largest non-polar ice-cap in
the world, hop on a snowcoach and walk on the face of the glacier!

Summer activities are seemingly endless: world-class golfing,
whitewater rafting, fishing, horseback riding, wildlife-watching,
hiking, heli-hiking, ATV expeditions, caving, rock climbing,
mountain-biking and more.

Winter is romantic and simply magical. Ice-skate, snowshoe,
snowmobile, dog-sled, ice-fish, ski and more in postcard-perfect
surroundings! Follow the tracks of wolves and learn the hunting
patterns of owls in snowshoe excursions. Or take guided ice walks
through Johnston and Grotto Canyons.

Don't miss the world-class skiing and snowboarding on dry champagne
powder. Banff/Lake Louise was recently voted "Best Ski Resort of the
World" by over 25,000 readers polled by the respected London Daily
Telegraph! Other accolades include Good Ski Magazine's "#1 Ski resort
in North America" and Thomas Cook's "Favorite Destination for British
Skiers."

Five downhill ski areas are within easy reach of Birch Haven. Banff's
Norquay, Sunshine and Nakiska are within a 20-30 minute drive. With
over 30 feet of natural snow every year, Sunshine has one of the
longest seasons in North America (mid November to mid May) and offers
supreme skiing above the timber line. Norquay, meanwhile, boasts the
"Best Fall Line Cruising," according to Ski Canada magazine. The ski
resorts of Fortress and Lake Louise are 45 minutes away and feature
breathtaking drives that are as highly recommended as the destination.

The Canmore Nordic Center, just 5 minutes from the Birch Haven, was
designed for the Calgary Olympics and offers 40 miles of smooth
cross-country and biathlon trails. Beginner skiers can explore the
gentle touring trails of the national park while experts will enjoy
the high-alpine glacier traverses rivaling the "haute-routes" of the
European Alps.

And how does one top an exhilarating out in the mountains? By
returning to the warm comforts and romantic ambience of Birch Haven,
of course! After all, our rooftop hot-tub awaits your sore muscles...
Nothing beats a soothing massage from a host of steaming aqua jets,
the crisp mountain air and 360 degree panoramic views, all from the
convenience of your very own complex!

Indeed, there is so much to do and see near Birch Haven that planning
the ideal itinerary can be somewhat over-whelming. That's why you'll
find an assortment of brochures (organized by activity) and the area's
best travel guidebooks (loaded with trail maps and photos) waiting for
you on the bookshelves of the Birch Haven.

It's just one of the many thoughtful conveniences we hope you'll
appreciate. After all, the owners are avid travellers and keenly aware
of the little personal touches that make a welcomed difference!