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Browsing Banff
Banff Centre
The Banff Centre truly strives to promote artistic talent. It nurtures and encourages upcoming artists, as well as exhibiting the work of artists from Canada and around the world. Musical concerts, dance performances and plays are just some of the events on its vast platter. You can participate in several workshops, conduct research, meet like-minded individuals or simply witness some fine artistic performances. The amenities include 400 guest rooms, 60 meeting rooms, lecture theaters and auditoriums. And once you're done absorbing all the artistic knowledge, give your body a treat and go swimming or rock climbing.
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Banff Park Museum
This wildlife museum offers visitors a close glimpse of the area's spectacular and sometimes menacing wildlife and nature. Housing a taxidermy collection of Banff's indigenous animals, visitors can spy on cougars, grizzlies, beavers, and mountain goats—all set in recreations of their natural habitats. Wildlife related art, models, displays and a library of natural history are also here.
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Banff Springs Golf Course
The spectacular mountain setting of Banff Springs Golf Course will inspire you as much as it challenges you. Designed by Stanley Thompson, Canada's master golf course architect, the original course has 18 holes, with an additional 9-hole course, the Tunnel 9, added in 1989. The 27 holes follow the Bow River under the soaring heights of Mount Rundle and Sulphur Mountain, and the alpine setting creates tricky optical illusions that add to the challenge of the championship course layout. A highly professional golf academy, practice facility, and rental shop are at your disposal as you enjoy this stunningly beautiful Rocky Mountain golf course.
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Banff Sulphur Mountain Gondola
Ride this safe, glass-enclosed gondola system to the top of Sulphur Mountain for unparalleled views of Banff and the Rocky Mountains. The eight-minute journey is a year-round attraction, and during the summer you can hike around when you reach the summit. Marvel at the breathtaking and photo-worthy vistas from the observation deck, have a snack at the Summit Restaurant cafeteria (summer only) and visit the gift shop. For full meals, visit Panorama Restaurant (closed from December 3 to December 26).
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Bow Lake
Fed by glacial melt waters, the clear, still waters of Bow Lake reflect the surrounding snow-capped peaks with stunning precision. A photographer's dream, the lakeside picnic tables at the southeast end of the lake are an excellent spot to have a snack and take in the scenic splendor. A trail leads from the picnic area to a marshy area at the lake's outlet. Another hiking trail, which starts near the lodge at the upper end of the lake, leads to Bow Glacier Falls.
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Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum
This Banff museum celebrates the history and culture of the Plains Indians. Wander through the gallery and learn about their life, their contact with Europeans and their spirituality. This beautiful museum--located on a river--features displays of Native Canadian beadwork and clothing, quillwork, weapons and hunting implements, musical instruments and photographs. The life-size displays of daily life and special ceremonies are especially interesting.
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Canadian Ski Museum West
The history and lore of Banff's favorite outdoor sport is celebrated in this complex. The museum follows the sport of skiing from its century-old origins to the present day and introduces visitors to some of the sport's most exciting personalities. Special exhibits are devoted to the development of popular Rocky Mountain ski resorts Canmore
A charming mountain town centered on an island in the Bow River, Canmore is an ideal location from which to access the surrounding national parks. The area around Canmore boasts countless recreational activities: topnotch hiking, fishing, kayaking, rafting, and golfing are all easily available, and there is a world-class rock climbing center at nearby Mount Yamnuska. With so many attractive qualities, it is not surprising that Canmore's population has tripled in the past 20 years, making it the fastest-growing town in Canada. The town has a large and diverse selection of restaurants and is said by some to have the largest number of restaurants per capita of any town in North America.
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Canmore Caverns
Descend into a cave under Grotto Mountain for a unique subterranean adventure. Experienced guides lead half-day tours or full-day expeditions that bring visitors face to face with fossils, calcite formations and glacial deposits. The half-day tour is a relatively easy introduction to the amazing underground cavern system. The full-day Adventure Tour is more exciting; visitors squeeze through tight passageways and rappel into the subterranean abyss. Guides ensure that everyone is safe, and all equipment is provided.
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Canmore Museum & Geoscience Centre
With displays and exhibits devoted to Canmore's coal-mining heritage, the Canmore Museum & Geoscience Centre is the place to dig for insight into the town's history and to learn about the geology of the area. The museum's displays about the geologic formations on three local hikes are particularly useful, and the museum also allows visitors to get hands-on with interactive exhibits that feature microscopes and computers. For anyone interested in the development of the town and the surrounding valley or the role that geology played in Canmore's history, this museum is not to be missed.
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Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park
This year-round sports park is located on the outskirts of Kananaskis Country and the Rocky Mountains. In the winter, enjoy cross-country skiing at the site of 1988 Winter Olympics races. In the summer, hit the dirt on some of Canada's finest mountain bike trails. Lessons and equipment rentals are available. If strenuous adventure is not your bag, enjoy a meal at the 'Kick N' Glide Cafe' or browse the souvenir shop and sports store. The Center also offers catering services and is a unique venue for corporate functions.
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Cascade Ponds
These ponds are actually man-made, but you would never guess it when you gaze at the incredible natural beauty that surrounds them. The ponds are a popular day-use area with picnic tables, shelters, and fireboxes, making them a perfect spot for a picnic before exploring the surrounding trails. In addition to a 2.5 kilometer trail that heads north from the ponds and connects with the Bankhead Interpretive trail, a short trail leads around the pond, and a more challenging trail climbs the steep hill behind the ponds.
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Cave and Basin National Historic Site
Wander around these interpretive trails exploring a cave tunnel, mineral springs and hands-on displays of the area's history and wildlife. Specially designated as the birthplace of Canada's extensive parks system, this area was opened to visitors in 1885. The trails and pools showcase warm water fish, unique plants, interesting birds and other indigenous nature. The site is located one mile west of downtown Banff.
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Cross Zee Ranch
You will love this rustic ranch and trail ride outfitter. Join experienced horse guides and gentle horses for a ride through the mountain scenery near Canmore. Or consider getting a group together for a hayride, carriage ride or, in winter, a dash through the snow on a one-horse open sleigh. The ranch hosts western style barbecues, barn dances and private functions, and will even provide gun-fighters. This is an ideal setting for wanna-be cowgirls and boys.
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Fairmont Banff Springs
This world-famous hotel, located in the midst of Banff National Park's beauty, has been wowing guests since its opening in 1888. Looming like a Victorian castle from the thick forest of the Rockies, this first-class hotel offers elegant, deluxe, and premiere rooms, junior suites, and one-bedroom suites. If the hotel's tasteful and luxurious suites are not enough to win you over, its tennis courts, bowling alleys, spa, golf course, games, cafe, grocery store, and 12 dining facilities surely will be. It is close to the Banff Park Museum, Yoho National Park, Rocky Mountain Rail Tours, and Luxton Museum. (wCities)
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Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
This magnificent 100-year-old property has hosted kings, queens, and dignitaries from around the world. Gourmet Magazine has voted this hotel "Best View in the World." The luxurious accommodations are coupled with world-class skiing and mountain climbing at Lake Louise Resort. It is an excellent example of sandstone construction, which was very popular in Alberta during the late 19th century. It also offers fine dining in a world-class restaurant, and some of the best views Canada has to offer. (wCities)
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Grizzly Paw Brewing Company
As Canmore's only brewpub, this restaurant holds a special place in the hearts of Canmore's visitors. The brewery boasts six cold and fresh draught beers with setting-specific names such as Drooling Moose Pilsner and Grumpy Bear Honey Wheat. The menu offers a selection of casual fare featuring burgers, pizzas, steaks, ribs, pastas, and the sort of finger foods that beg to be washed down with more ale. The huge patio is complete with a beautiful stone fireplace and is a popular spot for an outdoor Drooling Moose.
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Johnston Canyon
Situated between Banff and Lake Louise, beautiful Johnston Canyon is a protected wildlife corridor. Site of one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Canadian Rockies, the canyon's spectacular scenery has been sculpted over thousands of years by the small but wild stream that runs between its narrow walls. A paved trail from the parking area follows the canyon, sometimes over steel catwalks, to the Lower Falls, which can be viewed either from the trail or through a cave, and then on to the Upper Falls. From there, a dirt path leads even higher to the Ink Pots, a series of spring-fed pools that are a pleasant and scenic place to rest before heading back down the trail.
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Kananaskis Village
Situated in the midst of the many recreational opportunities offered by the Kananaskis Valley and the Evans-Thomas Provisional Recreation Area, Kananaskis Village provides visitors with two luxury hotels as well as restaurants, shops, a post office, and other facilities. The world-class snow sports, golf, hiking, and mountain biking that the Valley is famous for are all literally right on your doorstep, and the village pond offers ice skating in winter.
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Kootenay National Park
Adjacent to Yoho National Park to the north and Banff National Park to the east, Kootenay National Park is known for its mild climate and the diversity of landscapes within its borders. From glaciers and snow-capped mountains on the Continental Divide to cacti in the semi-arid grasslands of the Rocky Mountain Trench, this park showcases the spectacular geography that makes Canada's national parks the country's natural treasures. The park is the only national park in Canada to feature the Western Ranges of the Rockies, and their complex geology makes the park distinctive and unforgettable. The spectacular canyon setting and therapeutic waters of Radium Hot Springs have attracted visitors since early aboriginal times.
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Lake Louise Ski Area
With four faces and over 4000 acres of ski space, Lake Louise is a special place for a day on the slopes. Louise boasts 113 runs, 10 lifts and a vertical rise of almost 1000 meters. There are four lodges, a ski and snowboard school and a complete rental department. North America's largest terrain park promises its guests a unforgettable winter experience. There are also special half-day, afternoon, late-day and multi-day prices.
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Lake Minnewanka
Humans have lived on the shores of Lake Minnewanka for 10,000 years, and it is easy to see why: the lake, surrounded by evergreen forests and the towering summits of the Rocky Mountains, is spectacular and offers a myriad of recreational possibilities. If you like to swim, hike, fish, sail, or boat, this place holds a natural attraction. The original shoreline of the lake is now underwater after the lake was dammed in 1895, and then again in 1912 and 1941, but scuba divers can still visit Minnewanka Landing, a once thriving summer resort now submerged in the lake.
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Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake features on many postcards of the Canadian Rockies, and the crystal clear, deep blue glacial waters of the lake are truly dazzling. Surrounded by the snow-capped Wenkchemna Peaks, the lake was created by a rock slide from a mountain on the northeast end. Looming above the lodge at the lake is Mount Temple, the third tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Numerous trails depart from the lake, and you can rent canoes from the boat dock.
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Mountain Chocolates
The management of this sweet shop must have to spend a fortune on window washers. There is always a crowd of people with their faces pressed up against the front window watching chocolate and caramel delights being prepared. The Fudgery makes up sticky caramel apples, big slabs of chocolate bark, nutty treats, ice cream and bricks of fudge. And its location on Banff Avenue means they are always busy. Be warned: just the smell of this place could rot your teeth.
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NWMP Barracks
As Canmore's first police station, built in 1893, the North West Mounted Police barracks provides a glimpse into the town's colorful history. The only purpose-built NWMP barracks in Western Canada that remains on its original site, the building is just big enough for two men and two horses. The sturdy log structure, only about 1300 square feet, became a private house in 1929 but was restored to its original condition in 1989. The barracks are surrounded by a pleasant park with picnic tables, and a tearoom at the site provides refreshments.
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Parker Ridge
Hikers who make the short but steep climb up to Parker Ridge will be rewarded with views of Mount Athabasca and Hilde Peak on the way up, and, at the top, a striking panorama of the Saskatchewan Glacier, with Castleguard Mountain beyond. The trail climbs through a fragile landscape of meadows dotted with strands of subalpine fir and, during the summer, fields of wildflowers. The ridge itself, however, is mostly treeless and usually very windy, so dress accordingly. The trailhead is located on the west side of the Icefields Parkway, 2.5 miles south of Sunwapta Pass.
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Peyto Lake
Come summer, as the meltwater begins to flow into this alpine lake, the color shifts, like a giant mountain mood ring, from deep blue to an intense bright green. While it's a nice thought, the joy of an impending summer isn't really the culprit for the shade change, but rather, finely ground "rock flour" that reflects the blue-green sector of the light spectrum. You don't have to know the science behind it, though, to appreciate the breathtaking view. The lake was named for Bill Peyto, an early outfitter who, in 1898, camped at Bow Lake and found this gem when he slipped away from the expedition he was with, seeking a little solitude. Peyto Lake is easily accessible from the parking lot at Bow Summit, off of a short paved trail.
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Ski Norquay
This ski resort has been offering downhill thrills since 1926. Norquay boasts gentle beginner slopes, exciting expert runs and everything in between. There is also a fully maintained snowboard park. For après ski activities, march your tired legs into one of Canada's best ski lodges. This is a true family resort that provides rentals and lessons to skiers of all ages and abilities.
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Sunshine Meadows
Come July and August, this remote alpine meadow high in the Canadian Rockies is a riot of color, carpeted with over 300 species of wildflowers. Several trails cross the meadow, and with its primo location on the Continental Divide, all promise great views. The self-contained resort, Sunshine Village, is located here and accessible only by gondola from the valley floor. But during summer, after the snow melts, you can also walk the 3.7 mile restricted access road up to the Meadows, or take the Sunshine Meadows Shuttle.
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Sunshine Village Ski Resort
Sunshine boasts "Canada's best snow," and it is one of the few resort operators that does not require snow making equipment—all the white stuff is real. Twelve lifts bring skiers of all abilities to any of 91 runs spread out over 3 mountains. Some of the runs are the steepest in the Canadian Rockies. Sunshine Village offers rentals and lessons for skiers of all abilities and has a good lodge on the premesis called Sunshine Inn.
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Upper Hot Springs
These mountainside, steaming sulfur pools are a soothing tradition for locals and visitors as they soak away their skiing and hiking aches and pains. Especially inviting in winter and on cold rainy days, the pools are open year round. You can rent lockers, bathing suits and towels if you are unprepared—there are even spa services. The pools are two miles south of downtown Banff.
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Village of Lake Louise
This small hamlet, situated just west of the TransCanada Highway in the Bow Valley, is small, composed mostly of hotels, restaurants, and a small shopping mall. Most visitors to the village come for lodging or sustenance before taking in the emerald waters of Lake Louise a couple of miles away. The town built up around the rail line, which, until 1926, was the only way to access Lake Louise. Now, the lake is one of the most popular Alberta attractions, drawing as many as 10,000 visitors a day during the summer.
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Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies
This Banff museum serves to celebrate the arts and culture of the Rocky Mountains and Banff National Park. The Whyte's art collection reflects the evolution of visual arts in the Rockies, featuring artists from the region. The history of mountain recreation, transportation and commerce, pioneering artifacts, Native Canadian materials and Japanese materials make up the museum's unique Heritage Collection. The museum shop offers a large selection of books, postcards and posters devoted to Rocky Mountain culture.
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Yoho National Park
Situated on the western slopes of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, this World Heritage Site offers something for hikers, campers, geologists, mountaineers, photographers, and pretty much anyone else who can appreciate a spectacular view. Established in 1886, it's one of the oldest parks in the Canadian park system. It's been wowing visitors for much longer, however; the name "Yoho" comes from the Cree word for "awe." The area's ancient rock forms have copious examples of well-preserved fossils dating back to the Cambrian Epoch, 512-520 million years ago, making it a popular destination for both amateur and professional geologists. Interpretive walks will guide you through some of these fossil formations if you're interested, but even if you're not, there's plenty to do, including hiking, swimming, canoeing, birding, and so on. Several front and backcountry campgrounds are available for those looking to stick around for a while.
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