Banff is decorating the hallways, preparing to host Christmas after COVID-19 halted holiday events last year.
The Banff Christmas Market started its first of two weekends on Friday. The event did not take place in 2020, downplaying vendor results.
“We had a huge loss last year in our business,” said Margaret Zabielska, who runs Gosia’s Perogies. “We depend on the Christmas markets and Banff was one of our most important markets. We are very happy to be back ”.
“It is just fantastic. We look forward to the Banff market more than any other market, ”added Marvin Gill of Field Stone Winery. “Our Christmas markets account for up to 40 percent of our sales, so it’s great.”
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Jolene Brewster, founder of the Banff Christmas Market, said they entered this year knowing there was a chance they would have to unplug. He said providers supported the possibility of taking the risk.
“We are euphoric,” he said. “We love every moment and we make our decoration to the fullest.
“In fact, we were exhausted for vendors at the end of the summer, which had never happened before, with a long waiting list. Everyone was excited to be back on the market. “
The holiday spirit is spreading throughout the city, as Fairmont Banff Springs is also covered in ribbon-clad garlands and impressive skyscraper trees.
“We have come a long way. We are very satisfied with where we are now. It’s very different from last Christmas, ”said hotel manager David Garcelon.
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Even some international reserves are returning, he added.
“The levels will be similar to those of 2019.”
The Fairmont, also affectionately called The Castle by many, is a quintessential Christmas destination. Events and attractions range from holiday teas and lunches, an open-air glass dining room, dinner at Santa’s and, new this year, a pop-up bar called The Thirsty Reindeer that drips in Christmas decorations.
While there is cautious optimism among many businesses that were extremely affected by the pandemic, Banff and Lake Louise Tourism said there are still challenges for everyone to return to Banff.
“They are reserving,” Angela Anderson said. “We are hearing that the ski reserves are looking very good. We’ll see what happens.
“There are still specific testing requirements to enter Canada that can be expensive for families, but it is definitely beginning.”
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