ALBERTA
BRITISH COLUMBIA
MONTANA
For a long time I complained that Canmore gets all the good live music. I thought that Banff was just full of loud cover bands that turn up the speakers to the point that you can’t hear yourself speak. Sometimes this can be good on a big night out and especially when you are actually speaking rubbish. However, finally I have found a place that has regular smaller acoustic sets where you can sit down with a nice cold beer or three and enjoy the music. Wild Bills – at the centre of all Banff hotels and accommodations is ideal.
Ducks have wild Bills as does Banff.
The bands that play there vary greatly. From American rappers like D12 to the bluesy reggae of Australian singer Toby, it really does host all sorts. Wild Bills is a great venue. It is surprisingly big so you can be centre stage or all the way around the back of the building to have a quiet drink and enjoy the music from afar. It has been around Banff a long time and has a reputation as somewhere that always has some sort of entertainment on whether it is line dancing or cattle catching.
Though Canmore really does have a great live scene, Banff is equally good though you just have to look a little harder for it. Keep in mind that this is Banff and there are specials every night of the week. On Monday night for the Toby gig for example, you could get two beers for $7 – not bad at all for a place like Wild Bills. If you are staying in a hotel in Banff and looking to watch live music, the best thing to do is just ask one of the staff. Word of mouth carries a lot of weight.
Call Wild Bills for more info on live gigs –
201 Banff Avenue
Banff, AB T1L 1C4
(403) 762-0333
The snow is melting, concrete is beginning to show on the roads and fields after a long absence, the blue skies are beginning to release comforting warmth from the sun – yep, winter is coming to a close in the Rockies. Take a moment to shed tears about the loss of another skiing season and then get excited about a mountain biking adventure in the parks and dominant mountains of this wonderful holiday location. Whether you are a novice cyclist or one who likes to challenge yourself to steep hills, there is something for everyone out here around Banff and the other towns of the Rockies.
Mountain Biking in the Rockies can be challenging but the rewards make it all worth awhile.
There are a few options to choose from. You can bring your own bike, rent a top class mountain bike, do some research about the best trails to take or go with one of the experts. Rocky Mountain Cycle Tours fall into this last category. Since 1977, they have been providing world class bicycle tours and multi-sport trips not just in the Canadian Rockies and British Columbia’s West Coast but internationally in places as far away as New Zealand and Vietnam. To put it short, these guys have the experience and knowledge to make sure your cycling trip to the Rockies is as perfect as possible.
Rocky Mountain Cycle Tours are the local bike tour company for the Banff and Jasper area and offer very affordable trips with local, friendly guides, top class accommodations and great food on all trips. Among the many trips they organize is the ever popular Icefields Parkway Cycle Tour. This is one of the most stunning drives in the world and it is even more enjoyable when seen from two wheels on a mountain bike. The fresh mountain air and eye-catching 360 degree views make you forget about the sometimes challenging slopes. It really is one of the best adventures you could have on a vacation. Summer is just around the corner. Make sure to book early!
For more info, email res (at) rockymountaincycle.com
or call at
1800 661-BIKE(2453)
Jasper National Park is full of out door activities and adventures to make anyone’s vacation in the Canadian Rockies as fulfilling and exciting as possible. Regardless of season, there is a list the length of my arm to choose from and I have pretty long arms. Jasper has some great hiking trails in the summer but just because the snow has taken over the earth, there is no reason to stay indoors or restrict yourself to the ski hills. Jasper Adventure Centre has a ton of recreation trips in both summer and winter and snow shoeing in the Jasper wilderness is one of the best.
Snowshoeing is a great way to see Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies.
Jasper Adventure Centre’s program offers an intimate and unique way of seeing the wonderland that is Jasper in winter. Aside from seeing the natural beauty and the wildlife, the expert guides will fill you in on everything from animal prints and scats to how they survive in such harsh conditions. You will have to bring your own warm winter apparel but boots are available on request.
To get the most out of a vacation to a place like Jasper National Park, you really have to go out and see it in its vast and wild beauty. Companies like Jasper Adventure Centre are there to bring you to the right place with the right guide and the right gear. You can walk around the Coliseum in Rome and enjoy it but if you don’t know some of the history and facts about what happened and happens there, your experience is lessened. Snow shoeing brings you as close to stunning winter wilderness as you are ever likely to be.
Some hotels and lodgings in the Canadian Rockies have the power to simply blow you away. My list of favorites are the Fairmont Lake Louise and the Pyramid Lake Coast Resort in Jasper but the Nakoda Lodge just outside the boundaries of Canmore is one of the most stunning locations I have ever seen. Forget motels and city hotels, as far as accommodations around Banff go, this is paradise. Only a short drive from either Banff National Park or Calgary, you are instantly transported to another naturally stunning world.
Beautiful Kananaskis Country.
Nestled amongst secluded, serene woods and overlooking the eye-opening and tranquil Chief Hector Lake, it is comfortably up there as one of the finest lodges in the Canadian Rockies. As ideal for a picturesque wedding of up to 250 as it is for a corporate conference meeting, it really does have it all. You can promise that your staff will be extremely relaxed amongst the trees and the placid lake. Wedding guests could sleep comfortably amongst the sounds of nature and wake up with a dip in the lake while the bride and groom enjoy a lazy morning in the comfort of the newly refurbished rooms.
The Nakoda Lodge sells itself as a lodge that will transport you back to a quieter, simpler time. It has an intimate, rustic charm, with all the modern conveniences you require. It is remarkable to think that such a lodge can be running so close to a big city like Calgary but such is the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Whether you are in Canmore, Kananaskis or even Banff- there is always a hidden gem around the next corner. The Nakoda Lodge is definitely one of the most sparkling hidden gems.
Highway 1A, between Morley and Seebe
16 km West of Morley
Phone: 403-881-3949
Toll Free: 1-877-881-3949
The words Banff and bingo are not just beautifully alliterated, they really do go hand in hand. From quiz nights to pool competitions and live music to poetry readings, Banff has a huge amount on offer for such a small town. Of all the time I have lived here in Banff surrounded by the Canadian Rockies, I have never made it to the Thursday night bingo night in the legion. The Royal Canadian Legion is great for many reasons. Firstly – it’s location – right above the Bow River. Secondly it is a great place to go for a game of pool with a friend for a quiet chat. Thirdly they have delightfully cheap jugs of beer and finally a mixture of all of the above with crazy bingo nights on Thursday.
Blow some steam off with bingo in Banff!
When I walked in, I expected fierce competition from a few old locals. Though there was the usual smattering of friendly Banffites, the place was also packed full of people of all age, race and nation. With 8pm approaching, I dare say the atmosphere was electric! Cards can be bought for anything from $1 upwards at the start of the night. The caller takes her job professionally and you really do get your value for money as she gets through games at super speed. In fact, despite the numbers in the room, your faithful writer managed to call out a shy bingo, winning $15 in the process. My bingo associated peer pressured me into investing this straight back into the jugs of beer.
Bingo at 8pm in the legion is a great way to kick off your night rather than having a drink in an overpriced Banff hotel. It is a cheap option that can actually win you a fortune if the numbers fall correctly for you. With the Canadian Rockies surrounding you, a cool cheap Kokanee in your hand, a vibrant nightlife ahead and the echoes of that number that was never called in your head – you are ready to tackle Banff!
The Paradise Lodge, sitting a stone’s throw from the shore of world-renowned Lake Louise in Banff National Park, offers some of the finest vacation accommodations in the Canadian Rockies. It’s perfect for any vacation, and easily accesses all the best activities that Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies offer.
Is it any wonder that weekend weddings in Banff and the rest of the Canadian Rockies are becoming increasingly more popular? Weekend weddings allow family and friends to gather for an unforgettable celebration with plenty of activity.
The main idea is for your loved ones to get to know one another and to have fun. You don’t need a tropical location to keep your guests entertained and feeling loved either. There are many fabulous places in the Canadian Rockies to be married, including the destinations of Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise and Jasper.
Not only are these destinations breathtakingly beautiful, they offer unlimited promise of adventure and activity. These locations are known for their picturesque beauty and incredible year round, adventurous activities such as skiing, hiking, mountain biking, rafting and so much more!
A weekend wedding can be as casual or as extravagant as you’d like. It can take place at a lake or cabin, a beautiful mountain resort or just about anywhere. There are a wide variety of hotels and lodging in the Canadian Rockies to choose from. In general, the wedding weekend begins with a welcoming activity such as a casual barbeque or dinner.
The following morning typically involves various activities such as a round of golf or a white water rafting excursion. Then everyone comes together for the wedding ceremony and reception which are usually a little later in the day in order to accommodate the various activities. Sometimes, the party will linger well into the evening with various festivities, followed by a farewell brunch to wrap up the weekend.
Of course, you’ll want to personalize the activities based on the location you choose and your interests. Sharon Auld, wedding planner and owner of Naturally Chic suggests a weekend wedding at either Emerald Lake Lodge or at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Both these locations are idyllic for action packed weekend extravaganzas that don’t have to break the bank. Auld suggests a “camping style” wedding at Emerald Lake complete with a welcome barbecue, canoe rides, a campfire, and smores? In winter, a weekend wedding at the Lake Louise Ice Castle would certainly be memorable for wedding guests. “Activities could include skating on the frozen lake, sleigh rides, skiing and a hot chocolate / espresso bar at your reception”.
Or, maybe an elegant castle in the mountains such as the Fairmont Banff Springs is more your style, where your guests could enjoy golfing, sightseeing, fine dining and a visit to the spa. Whatever your style or taste, a weekend wedding is a sure way for you and your loved ones to bond. Standard wedding etiquette does not necessitate that the couple pay for all the activities either. It’s common for various family members to host an activity.
Oftentimes it’s enough to just arrange the activities or provide information on activities that your guests can partake in. Most guests attending a weekend wedding will want to get out and experience the sites anyway. Most will treat your wedding as a mini-vacation or getaway weekend and they’ll appreciate having something to do. There’s also plenty of activities such as a nature walk or hike that don’t require any expense at all.
The key to a weekend wedding notes Auld is to “provide plenty of activities that appeal to all your guests young and old. Just don’t over-schedule your guests’ itinerary. It’s important to provide down times for your guests so they can explore the area or just relax in their hotel room. There’s really no better way to show your guests how much you care about them then by spending quality time with them. The immense value of a weekend wedding is that everyone feels appreciated and valued.”
With so many fabulous locations and activities to choose from, you can be sure that your weekend wedding in the Canadian Rockies will be unique, personal and an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
Can you picture a better location in the world than the Canadian Rockies to play a relaxing round of golf? There is no such thing as a bad golf course up here and with some of the world’s finest hotels and scenery surrounding the course; you are guaranteed to have an incredible vacation. Stewart Creek Golf Course is an example of a golfer’s paradise on earth. Elk strutting around on manicured greens, beautiful country club flashing in the distance, a waving flag flickering against the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies. Screw the American dream – this is the Canadian dream!
The Canadian Rockies is the perfect backdrop for a great round of golf.
From the first hole where you are welcomed with a ‘Beware of Bears’ sign, you know that you are in for a unique round of golf. The course architect Gary Browning set out to sculpt the rugged landscape into layered fairways and subtly sloped greens all surrounded by threatening but pristine forest. There are 35 bunkers strategically placed around gushing streams, crystal clear lakes, restored mine entrances and rocky outcrops. As well as being thoroughly enjoyable to play, it is also challenging.
The course is quite pricey but you can save money by booking into one of the cheap but beautiful hotels in nearby Canmore. Besides, it is more than just a round of golf; it is a trip through the history of Canmore, it is a wildlife walk where you are likely to see anything from a coyote to a mule deer. As far as golf resorts and vacations go, a trip to the Canadian Rockies and Stewart Creek Golf Course promises to be one of the best you will ever have!
Photography in Banff and Jasper has been interesting this winter. For starters, there hasn’t been much fresh snow in the past month, and temperatures have been unseasonably warm. Just yesterday I played hockey on a Canmore pond in short sleeves!!
However, there are still numerous great photo opportunities throughout the parks. All of the great peaks in the parks are still snow-covered and with the gorgeous sunny days, dramatic sunrise and sunset shots abound. For those of you visiting the Banff-Canmore-Lake Louise areas, try Mt Temple near Lake Louise at sunset, Castle Mountain halfway between Lake Louise and Banff at either sunrise or sunset, or Mt Lougheed near Canmore at sunrise.
The moon sets over Mt Lougheed near Canmore, Alberta
If waterfalls are your thing, then the Canadian Rockies sports a spectacular collection of frozen waterfalls, so much so that this area is actually considered to be the premier ice climbing destination in the world! Try Haffner Creek Falls in Kootenay National Park, Johnston Canyon in Banff, or Maligne Canyon in Jasper for some great frozen falls photography.
Icicles hang from Haffner Creek Falls in Kootenay National Park
And even though the lack of snow is making tracking wolves difficult, there is still a lot of great wildlife to be found. There are more than 100 elk hanging around both the Banff and Jasper townsites, and Jasper has some fantastic spots to photograph bighorn sheep, like Wilcox Pass along the Icefields Parkway, or Disaster Point on Highway 16 east of Jasper.
Bighorn sheep rams gather above Jasper Lake off of Highway 16 East
Happy shooting!
John
Ah! I can almost smell the freshly cut grass of the golf course already. I have always loved playing golf even when it was with a pitching wedge with no grip and with views of council houses and motorways to admire. It almost seems unfair that the Canadian Rockies is blessed with golf courses that have beautifully manicured fairways and greens as well as literally the best views in the world. It is almost like a dream sequence as you watch your ball fly towards snow capped mountains and a deer leaps from the lake. When you rest in your hotel later, it feels surreal. No-where is this scene more poignant and the atmosphere more relaxed than Kananaskis Golf Course.
Golfing the Rockies' is an unforgettable experience.
Located deceivingly close to Banff, the drive itself gives a hint of what’s to come. Situated in the Kananaskis Valley among flourishing forests and a breath taking backdrop, the golf course is perfectly maintained. Even in winter, everything shines with the sun. The clubhouse itself is a lovely little building with big windows to take advantage of the sunlight. Playing a round here is more than just playing a round. It is a real experience. Getting a hole in one would only be the icing on the cake.
Online individual Tee Time reservations will begin at 12pm MST on Monday Feb 22nd. It is a measure of this course that there is a steady flow of people all through the year enquiring about rates and tee times. If you are organising a corporate tour, a stag do or simple a family vacation – Kananaskis Golf Course is a great choice. It has the feel of being in the middle of no-where but it is still a relatively short drive to either Calgary or Banff. The only thing you will have to worry about is your game!
Banff and Jasper photography tips, locations and stories from professional wildlife and nature photographer John E. Marriott.
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