another good reason to stay in Lake Louise. THANKS.

(I love when cute animals give me things.)

I posted a message here at the forums about the project when it began; there is also a special Inside Page about it:

tripadvisor.com/Travel-g154911-c62931/Banff:…

I haven't been to Banff since the work started; RickyThetis, if you have anything to contribute to this page (facts, not opinions), please do so. It's a wiki, so anyone can edit it.

I think most of what I said are facts and not opinions. I think tourists need to know the extent of the work. They are not spending 22 milion bucks to put up a few park benches. It's major work.

We are coming to Banff in a few weeks, flight booked, accom booked. Really looking forward to a week on building site.. great. Shame no one selling Banff to us took the trouble to tell us when they took the money off us though.

If I can warn one person off, it'll be worthwhile..

Ricky -- anyone who is coming to Banff to wander down Banff Avenue is either missing the point or has a passionate desire to buy knicknacks and calendars.

Banff Avenue is a great place to watch people watching you, to find a mediocre meal, or to eat a Cow.

If the mess on the boulevard causes people to get out into the countryside and actually experience what made Banff a destination to begin with, then it will all be worth it.

I'' guess you've never been to the Rockies -- spend a few days out in the fresh air -- you're apt to forget that Banff Avenue ever existed.

Although you should find time to eat your own Cow.

ENJOY

RickyThetis,

Sorry, didn't mean to suggest that you weren't giving facts in your statemen! It was just intended as a general pointer about the role of Inside Pages, because sometimes people feel use them to do reviews of different attractions etc.

Although Banff Avenue is not the main attraction in Banff National Park, all those restaurants and gift shops are there for a reason; at the end of a day of hiking or sightseeing, many people unwind with a nice meal and/or some shopping. I think that it's important that people know what to expect when they get there.

Having been to Banff just recently I do have to say that the Refreshment does not hinder the experience. While there is fencing up around the street the tradeoff is not having to dodge cars and buses. The Town has done a great job with making sure dust is kept to a minimum. They have mid street crossings, lots of signage and some street entertainers. When I was there they had driving traffic limited to one lane in either direction on Banff Avenue. I understand that they will be soon stopping car traffic completely on Banff Avenue. Personally, I look forward to a car/bus/motorhome free avenue.

Have to agree with Canuk22.

I was in Banff in April for a week and the construction isn't bad. They have everything fenced off and all the stores and resturants are open. The only thing I missed were the benches on the sidewalk. I like to sit and people watch while others check out the stores.

I've been to the Rockies on many occasions and agree entirely,there is so much more to the area than Banff Avenue, however, many tourist (just like ourselves)may have rented houses/apartments just off the Avenue and it's for them that this information is posted.

Having crossed the Atlantic to visit the Rockies, the last thing I wanted to find was my accomodation adjacent to the "refreshment project"

Ricky -- next time, consider staying outside Banff. You;ll like it, believe me.

We're booked into the Red Roof Inn on Banff Ave. the last week of June. I presume they have some sort of detours to get people in and out of their hotels??