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).
Columbia Icefield Snocoach Tours
The Athabasca Glacier offers an up close and personal visit
to a small portion of the Columbia Icefields. A major attraction
is Brewster Tour's "Glaciers in Motion," a 9.5-hour
interpretive tour of the glacier from within the comfort
of a "Snocoach," a customized tour bus equipped
with huge all-terrain tires that drives up onto the glacier
itself.
Rainbow Riders Adventure Tours Inc.
This adventure tour operator runs summer whitewater rafting
trips along the scenic Kananaskis River. River tours, lasting
about three hours, are perfect for families and first-time
rafters. Rainbow Rider's guides are certified and friendly,
and offer instruction in paddling techniques and safety.
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 visiotrs in 1885. The trails and pools showcase warm
water fish, unique plants, interesting birds and other indigenous
nature. The trails are self-guided and the basin's pool
has boardwalk trails.
Banff\Lake Louise Winter Festival
This annual festival is a two week celebration of alpine
winter. Events include snowboard and mountain relay races,
a family Winter Carnival, a spicy "Chili Challenge"
and much more. The centrepiece of the event is the Town
Party where Banff townies celebrate the fact they live in
one of the world's most beautiful landscapes. (Visitors
are invited to become an Honorary Local and join the fun).
The festival offers a myriad of winter activitiesmany are
freeand is an ideal event for families. Venues vary; call
for details.
Banff Arts Festival
The beautiful Banff Center for the Arts is a mountain Mecca
for creativity. It is host to a wide range of exciting summer
events. The festival includes outdoor theatre performances,
dance recitals, jazz concerts, cultural journalism lectures,
art gallery exhibitions, mountain film screenings and aboriginal
art. The mountain setting is stunning and tickets prices
are reasonable, ranging from 'pay-what-you-can' to CAD26.
Student and senior prices are often discounted. Contact
the Center Box office, or visit the web site for a detailed
schedule of events.
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 lakeside museum 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. |
