Activities

EXPERIENCE THE OPEN TOP

EDITOR’S PICK

If you’re looking for a new and exciting way to experience Banff and the Canadian Rockies, look no further than Pursuit’s new Open Top Touring (p 42) busses. These busses harken back to the automobiles of the 1930’s and the original tours conceived by the Brewster Brothers. The Open Top busses mimic the old ones in design and purpose, but they are custom built to meet today’s standards of safety. Each bus is impeccable, from the stylish grille to the leather and suede interior. These large, luxurious and custom built vehicles provide the best views of the grandeur of the mountains. You’ve never seen the Rockies like this before! -KATE BARKER

UNWIND

Playing in the mountains can be intense. Release some tension with professional treatments from excellent mountain spas. The awardwinning Willow Stream Spa (p 43) offers an array of treatments to help you relax, recover and reconnect with the mountains. Rapunzel's (p 43) uses sustainable products so both you and the planet can feel good. -TJ

BACKCOUNTRY COMFORT

Adventuring into the backcountry doesn’t have to mean roughing it! Hike the 11 km trail from Lake Louise to Skoki Lodge (p 35) and experience comfortable cabins, homecooked meals and some of the most stunning mountain views around. In Kananaskis, drive right to the door of Mount Engadine Lodge (p 35) for delicious food, a great stay and some amazing backcountry trails for biking, hiking exploring, accessible from the lodge’s front

ACTIVITY BOOKING

BANFF ADVENTURES Rafting, canoe rentals, wildlife tours, kayaking, climbing, fishing, heli-tours, horseback rides, sightseeing lifts, via ferrata, ziplining, bike rentals, e-bikes, ATV, hiking and caving. Value combos. Lodging and airport transfers. Bison Courtyard, 211 Bear St, 403-762-4554, banffadventures.com

DISCOVER BANFF TOURS Hikes, rafting, ATV, caving, heli-tours, horseback riding, sightseeing lifts and via ferrata. Value combos. Visitor info. Sundance Mall, 215 Banff Ave, 403-760-5007

EXPERIENCE LAKE LOUISE Bus, boat and helicopter tours. Sightseeing lifts, Columbia Icefield attractions, rafting, ATV, caving and Skoki Backcountry Lodge. Samson Mall, 403-522-1319

PURSUIT ADVENTURE CENTRE

Book your next mountain adventure! Choose from: Banff Gondola, Lake Minnewanka Cruise, Open Top Touring, Columbia Icefield Adventure, Columbia Icefield Skywalk, Brewster Sightseeing Tours, Maligne Lake Cruise and Maligne Canyon experiences. Heli-tours, horseback riding and rafting. Ultimate Explorer Package includes 3 attractions. Locations: Elk + Avenue Hotel in Banff and 616 Patricia Street in Jasper, 1-866-606-6700, banffjaspercollection.com

BACKCOUNTRY LODGES

MOUNT ENGADINE LODGE Nestled high up in an alpine valley, this vehicle accessible lodge contrasts luxurious creature comforts with a dynamic and enthusiastic landscape. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a smorgasbord of yearround activities at their doorstep including hiking, mountain biking, mountaineering, climbing and more. Home cooked meals and boxed lunches included for lodge guests. Lodge rooms and glamping tents available. Spray Tr, 37 km S of Canmore, 403-678-4080, mountengadine.com

READY TO RIDE

There’s no better way to see the mountains than between the ears of a horse. There are many riding outfits that offer trips from one hour to several days. Brewster Adventures (p 41) in beautiful Lake Louise is the oldest outfitting company in Alberta. Enjoy rides in town or embark on the backcountry adventure of a lifetime! Know exactly what you want? Timberline Tours (p 41) has custom backcountry experiences to meet your needs and abilities. Fill your days with photography, fishing, hiking, riding or just plain relaxing before enjoying hearty, home-cooked meals. -KATE BARKER

SHADOW LAKE LODGE Access by foot on Red Earth Creek trail, 1 km/0.6 mi west of Banff townsite. 14 km/9 mi trail to log cabins, historic day lodge, dining cabin, heated washroom building and hearty meals. 403-678-3200

SKOKI BACKCOUNTRY LODGE Access by hike, 11 km/7 mi from the Lake Louise Resort. Shuttle available from the parking lot to the trailhead. Rustic and charming 1930s log cabins and lodge. Homecooked meals. 1-888-997-5654

BIKE TOURS & RENTALS

Suggested mountain and road bike routes that range from backcountry to roadside are noted in the Sights section on p 27. For the best advice on current conditions, talk to the local bike stores. E-bikes are allowed on the Legacy Trail between Banff and Canmore. BACTRAX Town, trail, road, tandem, touring, full suspension, BMX and kids bikes. Additional rentals include camping supplies, fishing gear and more. Bike servicing. 225 Bear St, 403-762-8177

BANFF ADVENTURES Offering front and full suspension Marin mountain bikes, cruiser bikes, kids bikes and e-bikes. All rentals come with a helmet, lock and map of the best routes. Hourly, or full-day rates available. Combine with bike rentals with various Banff attractions with a value package. Bison Courtyard, 211 Bear St, 1-800-644-8888, banffadventures.com

CHATEAU MOUNTAIN SPORTS

Mountain, hybrid, e-bike and kids bikes. Rentals come with helmet and lock. Fairmont Banff Springs, 403-762-2508, and The Shops of Canmore, 117-304 Old Canmore Rd, 403-675-7500

Lake Minnewanka is named from the Stoney Nakoda language meaning “Water of the Spirits”. As the glaciers receded, the water spirits returned, creating what is now the lake. -TAYLOR JAINE

ACCESS THE ADVENTURE

Summer crowds mean busy roads and packed parking lots. E-bikes are an excellent way to get around town, and get to popular attractions. Everyone can go at the same speed with their preferred level of exertion for the perfect cohort vacation. Experience Johnston Canyon with an e-bike tour from White Mountain Adventures (p 40) and see this natural wonder with guided interpretation. Rent your own e-bikes for a day of adventure from Banff Adventures (p 35), Chateau Mountain Sports (p 35) or Wilson Mountain Sports (below). -TJ

GEARUP SPORTS Cruising, e-bikes, junior suspension, kids, trail-a-bike and chariot rentals. Also renting climbing gear. Rentals include helmets. 1302 Bow Valley Trail, 403-678-1636 ULTIMATE SPORTS Hard tail, full suspension, road, e-bikes, tandem, junior, kids chariots and trail-a-bike rentals. Helmet and lock included. 206 Banff Ave, 403-762-0547

KANANAKSIS OUTFITTERS Front- and full-suspension mountain bikes, kids bikes, trail-a-bikes and chariot trailers. Tours, lessons and advice. Kananaskis Village, 403-591-7000

REBOUND CYCLE Legacy Trail bikes, road bikes, mountain bikes, kids bikes and chariots. Group mountain bike rides, trip advice, coaching, instruction and bike-fitting. All rentals include a helmet and lock. Bike sales and service with excellent advice. 902 Main St, Canmore, 403-678-3668, reboundcycle.com

TRAIL SPORTS Full suspension mountain bikes, road bikes, high-end carbon mountain bikes and kids bikes from world leading Rocky Mountain brand. Lessons available. Disc golf and bear spray also available. Canmore Nordic Centre, 403-678-6764, trailsports.ab.ca WILSON MOUNTAIN SPORTS Front suspension, hybrid or mountain bikes, road bikes, tandem bikes, chariots, kids bikes and trail-a-bikes. Camping, climbing and hiking rentals also available. Lake Louise Samson Mall, 403-522-3636

BOAT TOURS & RENTALS

BANFF CANOE CLUB Located on the banks of the beautiful Bow River. Paddle to the serene 40-Mile Creek or Vermilion Lakes with calm water and iconic views. Canoe, kayak and stand up paddleboard rentals. Well-behaved dogs allowed in canoes! End of Wolf St, 403-762-5005, banffcanoeclub.com

FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAKE LOUISE

Drop-in canoe rentals with hourly rates. Book other canoe activities in advance with the hotel concierge. 403-522-3511 LAKE MINNEWANKA CRUISE Glassenclosed cruisers take visitors the length of Lake Minnewanka while guides provide heritage interpretation on the geology, history, wildlife and folklore of the area. Multiple departures daily. Upgraded packages available including Beer Voyage. Discounts with advanced bookings at ultimate-explorer.com. Groups must pre-book. Snack bar and ROAM Transit access. Minnewanka Loop Dr, 15 min from downtown Banff, 1-888-597-4352, banffjaspercollection.com

LAKE MINNEWANKA BOAT RENT-

ALS Explore the only lake in Banff National Park where power boats are permitted. 16 ft aluminum motorboat rentals as well as single and double kayak rentals are available at the docks. Rentals include the necessary safety equipment and gas. Minnewanka Loop Dr, 15 min from downtown Banff, 1-888-597-4352, banffjaspercollection.com

MORAINE LAKE LODGE Rent canoes and paddle the stunningly beautiful Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks near Lake Louise. Moraine Lake Rd, 403-522-3733

BOWLING

CANADIAN BOWLING & ENTER-

TAINMENT CENTRE Fun for everyone whether you're a seasoned bowler or you're looking for a rainy day activity for the whole family. Canadian five-pin bowling as well as ping pong, pool and darts. Music and fully licensed lounge serving nachos, chicken wings, chicken fingers and pizza. Four bowling lanes available. Shoe rentals included. Ask about neon blacklight bowling! Reservations are recommended. Fairmont Banff Springs, 403-762-6892, fairmont.com/banffsprings

CARRIAGE TOURS

BANFF TRAIL RIDERS Beautiful horse-drawn carriages take guests along historic downtown and by the Bow River to the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel. Book: Trail Rider Store, 132 Banff Ave, 403-762-4551

Trail Rides DesignED FOR YOU

CLIMBING

ELEVATION PLACE Indoor climbing with 1000 sq m/11,000 sq ft of climbing surface. Wall heights to 15 m/45 ft. Bouldering, 7 auto belays. No experience needed. Rental gear and child minding. Climbing is for ages 4 and up. Canmore: 700 Railway Ave, 403-678-8920

MT NORQUAY VIA FERRATA Guided climbing on via ferrata. Routes with fixed anchors, cables, ladders and bridges. No experience needed. All gear supplied. Various routes for different desires. Mt Norquay Rd, 403-762-4421

COLUMBIA ICEFIELD TOURS

130 km/81 mi north of Lake Louise via the scenic Icefields Parkway is the Columbia Icefield, one of the largest sheets of ice south of the Arctic Circle. Take a guided tour by foot or ride on the all-terrain Ice Explorer on ice that is up to 400 years old and 300 m/1000 ft thick.

Caution: the ice has crevices and holes that are hard to spot. Melting ice changes regularly and can be unpredictable. Unguided walks can be dangerous.

ATHABASCA GLACIER ICEWALKS

Safely explore the Columbia Icefield with a certified, professional guide. Enjoy half a day on the lower glacier with superb views and learn how glaciers form, move, and affect the mountain environment. Take the full day tour and hike to the icefalls of the Athabasca Glacier. Gear provided includes boots and crampons. Reservations available online or call. Booking desk in Jasper. 1-800-565-7547, icewalks.com

Timberline Tours

Lake Louise,100 St. Piran Road 1.888.858.3388 TimbeRLineTouRS.ca 10 min to 10 days For ages 1-99 customer parking

COLUMBIA ICEFIELD GLACIER

ADVENTURE Canadian Rockies' most popular tour. Ride 5 km/3 mi aboard an Ice Explorer all-terrain vehicle on the Athabasca Glacier. At the glacier headwall, step onto the ice. 80 min tours depart from the Glacier Discovery Centre. Tours include access to the glass-floored Columbia Icefield Skywalk. 1-888-597-4352. Book and find discounts at ultimate-explorer.com

COLUMBIA ICEFIELD GLACIER

SKYWALK Award-winning, cliff edge, glass-floored observation platform. Walk on glass 280 m/918 ft above a glacier and waterfall filled valley. Interpretive displays on the history and geology of the area as well as wildlife, glaciers and the balance of the mountain ecosystem. Roving interpreters and hand-held audio guides provide extra information. All Skywalk tours depart from the Glacier Discovery Centre. 1-888-597-4352, Booking and discounts at ultimate-explorer.com

CRAFTS

CROCK A DOODLE Drop-in, paintyour-own pottery in a bright and beautiful studio. Choose from a wide selection of plates, mugs, animal figurines and more. All supplies provided. Leave your masterpiece overnight to be professionally glazed and fired for a sleek, polished look. Shops of Canmore, 109, 300 Old Canmore Rd, 403-675-4999. crockadoodle.com/canmore

FISHING

Fish the Bow River, Lake Minnewanka, Spray Lakes, Mt Lorette Pond, Barrier Lake and Kananaskis River and Lakes.

Chief Hector Lake requires a Band permit. Get provincial fishing licenses from Canadian Tire, 1110 Gateway Ave, 403-678-3295 or Wapiti Sports, 1506 Railway Ave, 403-678-5550 in Canmore. Get Parks Canada fishing licenses from Standish Home Hardware, 223 Bear St, 403-762-2080; Banff Visitor Centre, 224 Banff Ave, 403-762-1550; or Lake Louise Visitor Centre, Samson Mall, 403-522-3833.

It is the angler's responsibility to know the fishing regulations and restrictions for each area and to acquire the proper licenses before casting a line.

BANFF FISHING UNLIMITED The region’s oldest fishing company with a 5-star TripAdvisor rating. Private, fully outfitted trips with experienced guides, certified by the province of Alberta and Parks Canada. Charters on Lake Minnewanka, floats or wades along the Bow River. 403-762-4936

BANFF GUIDED FISHING TOUR

Private fishing tours on Banff’s Lake Minnewanka. Custom Hewescraft Sea Runner boats with fishing gear, electronics and sonar. Equipment, refreshments, and instruction provided. Book at the docks. Minnewanka Loop Rd, 5 min from downtown Banff, 1-866-606-6700, banffjaspercollection.com

ROCKIES HELI CANADA Heli fishing adventures for anyone who loves fly fishing pristine backcountry lakes, far from civilization. Fly into remote locations and fish for golden trout and other unique alpine species at remote scenic lakes. Locations include: Landslide Lake, Lake of the Falls, Ram River, Michelle Lake, Coral Lake and Fortress Lake, with access to the lodge and amenities. Meet at the base: Cline River, north of Lake Louise on the Icefields Parkway, then east on Hwy 11, 1-888-844-3514, rockiesheli.com

WAPITI SPORTS Guided fishing and lessons. Bow River float or wade trips access spectacular brown trout waters. Casting clinics to master your skills. Fly shop sells fishing, hunting and outdoor equipment. 1506 Railway Ave. Canmore, 403-678-5550

GOLF

CANGOLF Brand new business! Canmore’s only indoor entertainment and recreation venue. Filled with five wide screen golf simulators and a sports bar styled clubhouse with great food and great drinks. Huge patio with iconic views of Three Sisters and Ha Ling peaks. 5,000 sq ft function centre for parties, events or weddings. Opening summer 2021. Moose Meadows, 306 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore.

CANMORE GOLF & CURLING CLUB

Located in the heart of the valley. Established 1926. Fairways, greens and tees by the beautiful Bow River. Amenities include pro shop, putting green and driving range. Restaurant with a large patio and excellent mountain views is open to the public. Green fees for 18 or 9 hole courses. Lessons and twilight rates, gear rentals and advanced booking available. 2000 8 Ave, 403-678-4785

CANMORE NORDIC CENTRE DISC

GOLF Beautiful and challenging 18-hole course where players throw a disc into baskets. Discs rentals and on-site sales and instruction at Trail Sports. 403-678-2400, trailsports.com

KANANASKIS GOLF COURSE

36-holes in Kananaskis Valley with 2 course layouts: Mt Kidd and Mt Lorette. Enjoyed by novice to experienced golfers. Discounts for seniors, juniors and twilight. Dining, pro-shop, driving range and lessons. Kananaskis Village, 403-591-7070

SILVERTIP GOLF RESORT 18-hole mountain course with 600 ft of elevation change, hanging tees and great views. Early, twilight and junior rates. Restaurants, lessons and pro shop. 2000 Silvertip Tr, Canmore. 403-678-1600

The Canadian Rockies are only one click away

whererockies.com

STANLEY THOMPSON COURSE at the Fairmont Banff Springs. Golf Digest ranks this course one of the best golf resorts in North America. Challenging courses feature large greens, lots of water and sand, stimulating terrain, and jaw dropping mountain views. 9- and 18-hole green fees with cart and practice facilities. Club rentals available. Junior fees and other discounts offered. Alberta Residents rate. Pro shop. Fairmont Banff Springs, 403-762-6801, banffmountaingolf.com

STEWART CREEK GOLF COURSE 18 holes of layered fairways, subtly sloped greens and natural features. Dining, pro shop, and practice area with a driving range, putting green and short game features. 4100 Stewart Creek Drive, Canmore, 1-877-993-GOLF

HELICOPTER TOURS

ALPINE HELICOPTERS 12-30 min tours to Three Sisters peaks and Mount Assiniboine. Marvel Pass private tours available. Canmore Heliport: 91 Bow Valley Tr, 403-678-4802

ROCKIES HELI CANADA Heli-tours of glaciers, icefields, waterfalls, lakes and peaks. All tours offer glacier views and a wilderness hiking experience. Heliengagement/wedding and heli-fishing packages available. Upgradeable options. Private tours. Shuttle service from Banff and Lake Louise. Cline River via Icefields Pkwy and Hwy 11, 2.5 hrs south of town, 1-888-844-3514, rockiesheli.com

WHITE MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES

Heli-hike offers a 6-8 minute scenic helicopter flight to a secluded area above the Bow Valley. Enjoy 2.5 to 3 hours of spectacular backcountry hiking, catered to your fitness level. 403-760-4403

HIKES & WALKS

Please be respectful when using the mountain trails. Pack out what you pack in, be respectful of other trail users, and do not disturb wildlife. Backcountry camping permits are available online. For backpacking gear and rentals, see p 35. BANFF CULTURE WALK Self-guided walk to art galleries, museums and cultural sites. Free Explore Banff Arts & Culture guide/map at the Banff Visitor Centre, 224 Banff Ave, 403-762-8421

FAIRMONT MOUNTAIN ADVEN-

TURE PROGRAM In 1899, the Chateau Lake Louise introduced professional mountain guiding to the Rockies. The tradition continues with half-day hikes to Lake Agnes & Teahouse, Consolation Lakes or Saddleback Pass and full day hikes to Plain of Six Glaciers, Larch Valley & Sentinel Pass, Helen Lake or Mt Fairview. Private hikes; book a week ahead. Reserve with concierge, 403-522-1601. Meet: Guide’s Cabin. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

LAKE LOUISE SUMMER SIGHTSEE-

ING GONDOLA Access stunningly beautiful hikes through alping meadows from the top of the gondola until midSept. Tour the alpine meadows, see glaciers and often spot wildlife. Trail of the Great Bear 45 min walk, Trail of Ice & Fire 2 hrs, Trail of 7 Wonders 3.5 hrs of beautiful hiking. Discover the natural history and wildlife of the Canadian Rockies at the Wildlife Interpretative Centre. Plenty of free parking at the base. Trails may be closed for adverse weather or to protect wildlife. Northside of Hwy 1, across from Lake Louise Village, 403-522-3555, skilouise.com

WALKING THROUGH BANFF’S

HISTORY Five self-guided tours of Banff. Downtown Discovery, Cemetery Circuit, Culture Cruise, Whyte Wander and Further Forays. Total of 42 heritage residences, from 1887. Museums, churches, public buildings and a cemetery, est. 1890. Blue interpretive plaques flag sites. Free guide/map at Banff Visitor Centre, 224 Banff Ave, as well as museums, library and Town Hall. Free guide/ map at Banff Visitor Centre, 224 Banff Ave, museums, library and Town Hall, or tablet version at banff.ca

WHITE MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES Daily guided hikes during the summer and early fall. Easy hikes include Johnston Canyon with access by e-bike and shuttle. Access exclusive and stunning

alpine hikes at Fortress Mountain with ATV assisted hikes. Transport, guide and hiking poles included. Kananaskis and Lake Louise tours, heli-hiking, multi-day hikes and private hikes. 403-760-4403

HORSEBACK RIDING

BANFF TRAIL RIDERS Guided trail rides in Banff. One hour to six day trips available including full day rides with BBQ lunch, cowboy cookouts with horseback or covered wagon rides for lunch or dinner. Backcountry lodge and tent pack trips. Book: The Trail Rider store, 138 Banff Ave, 403-762-4551

BREWSTER LAKE LOUISE STABLES

Guided rides along scenic and historic trails. Trips include: Destination Lakehead 2 hrs with shoreline views, Lake Agnes Tea House 3 hrs. Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House 4 hrs with closer view of Victoria Glacier, High Line Trail 6 hrs to both Lake Agnes and Six Glaciers tea houses. Full Day Extended 7 hrs with lunch to Paradise Valley, Giant Steps, Lake Annette and Horseshoe Glacier. Pony Stand, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, 403-522-1608, Reservations: brewsteradventures.com

BREWSTER MOUNTAIN PACK

TRAINS The oldest outfitter in Banff National Park offers scenic 2-4 day horseback vacations with backcountry cabin lodging. Ride the historic Horse Drive Trail to the famed Brewster Company Ranch, featuring some of the most scenic areas of the Alberta foothills and the Canadian Rocky Mountains bordering Banff National Park. Schedule accommodates late bookings and longer trips. East of Canmore off Hwy 1, exit 114, 403-762-5454, Trip details: brewsteradventures.com

BOUNDARY RANCH Horseback riding adventures in beautiful Kananaskis! 1 to 6 hour rides including lunch access the stunning backcountry of the Canadian Rockies. Combos available for other activities such as canoeing, biking and more. BBQs, facility bookings, events, weddings and more. 2 Guinn’s Rd, Kananaskis, 1-877-591-7177 TIMBERLINE TOURS Personalized service for over 40 years. Designing rides that suit you. Average 4 riders per group. Guided trail rides start as short as 10 minutes. Longer options to Lake Louise lake head, Lake Agnes Teahouse, Plain of Six Glaciers, High Line Trail. Four full day options. Overnight to 10-day pack trips. Inquire about themed pony rides, special events, photoshoots and private rides. Depart Lake Louise Corral, 100 St Piran Rd behind Deer Lodge, 403-522-3743, timberlinetours.ca

RAFTING

Rafting companies will reopen throughout the summer when it is deemed safe to do so. The Bow River offers mild float trips while Kananaskis River offers plenty of excitement for novices. Make the trip to BC for class 4 rapids in the Kicking Horse River.

CHINOOK RAFTING Half-day rafting adventures departing from Nakoda Lodge east of Canmore include gentle, class 2-3 rapids, great for first-timers and families as well as class 3-4 rapids with big waves. Trips to Kicking Horse in Golden BC include soaking waves and big rapids. 215 Banff Ave, 1-866-330-7238

Lake Louise stabLes

Ride the Historic Mountain Trails

Since 1892

Reserve 403.522.1608 brewsteradventures.com

Take a Hike...on Ice at the Columbia Icefield

HYDRA RIVER GUIDES Tours on the best whitewater in the Canadian Rockies! All tours are led by highly trained and licensed guides. Kicking Horse Classic has class 4 rapids on the Kicking Horse river in Golden, BC. Wetsuits, booties, life jackets and helmets included. Book in town at Banff Adventures, 211 Bear St in the Bison Courtyard, 403-762-4554, raftbanff.com

ROCKY MOUNTAIN RAFT TOURS

Extraordinary sightseeing trip begins below Bow Falls in the beautiful Banff townsite. Scenic Bow River floats are available for all ages. Explore the river in comfort aboard large, guided rafts. 1.5 hr round trip. Dress for the weather of the day. Life jackets provided. Camera friendly with excellent photo opportunities! Serviced by ROAM Route 2. Info and reservations at rmrt.ca

Promo Code WHERE21 for 10% off.

Guided 3 & 6 Hour Interpretive Hikes

Information & Reservations Icewalks.com

Athabasca Glacier Icewalks

AROUND TOWN

Summer in the mountains is busy. Even with regional traffic restrictions, the mountains saw record numbers of visitors arriving in their vehicles last summer. As a result, new paid parking measures have been put in place alongside certain seasonal road closures. You can still access all the iconic sites while leaving your car at home! Take ROAM Transit (right) to the Johnston Canyon with a specialized shuttle from Banff, or travel to Lake Louise on their regional route. Visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake with the Parks Canada Shuttle service, departing from the Park and Ride location, 6 km east of the village. Pre-booking is required to secure your spot on these shuttles! -TAYLOR JAINE

SIGHTSEEING LIFTS

BANFF GONDOLA “Banff‘s #1 attraction” is popular year-round. Ride the 8 min gondola with window seats and excellent views to the 2281 m/7486 ft Sulphur Mountain summit complex with a large interpretive centre, theatre and excellent dining. The observation decks offer 360° views of Banff and the surrounding valleys. Banff Summit Walk rises to Sanson’s Peak Cosmic Ray Station, a National Historic Site. Find seasonal programs, event info and 10% discounts for advanced bookings at banffgondola.com. 5 min from downtown. ROAM transit route #1, at the end of Mountain Ave, 1-888-597-4352, banffjaspercollection.com

LAKE LOUISE SUMMER GONDOLA

Access stunning alpine scenery with ease on a 14 minute gondola or chairlift ride that rises over natural grizzly bear habitat to 2088 m/6850 ft on Mt Whitehorn. At the top is a panoramic view of Lake Louise and the surrounding peaks, as well as a viewing platform, Whitehorn Bistro and patio. Learn about the natural inhabitants of the area at the Wildlife Interpretation Centre. Alpine meadow hikes demonstrate the beauty of this environment. At the base is patio dining at Banded Peak Base Camp. Ample free parking. Frequent wildlife sightings. Northside of Hwy 1 across from the village of Lake Louise, 403-522-3555, skilouise.com MT NORQUAY North American Sightseeing Chairlift 15 min ride on the classic North American "Big Chair" to a sightseeing deck, interpretive boardwalk, Cliffhouse Bistro, and incredible views. Mt Norquay Rd, Banff, 403-762-4421

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

BREWSTER SIGHTSEEING TOURS

Guided motorcoach tours. Explore Banff 4.5 hr tour includes Banff Gondola, Surprise Corner, hoodoos and Bow Falls. Mountain Lakes & Waterfalls 9.5 hrs from Banff to Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake. Columbia Icefields Discovery 10 hrs with Glacier Adventure and Skywalk. Tours, combos and hotel pick-up available. Some Canmore, Calgary, Lake Louise and Jasper tour departures. 1-800-760-6934, banffjaspercollection.com

DISCOVER BANFF TOURS See Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, two of the Rockies most iconic lakes, without worrying about traffic. Visit, take photos and hear stories of the area. Sundance Mall, 215 Banff Ave, 403-760 5007

OPEN TOP TOURING Brand new in Banff! Vintage touring with a modern twist! Climb aboard a new, custom vehicle and discover the people, places and moments that made Banff into what it is today. Vintage-inspired coaches have the look and feel of the original automobile touring vehicles of the 1930s with all the modern amenities. Storyteller guides in full costume transport you to another era. Book online or at any Explore Rockies location. Tour departs from the Mount Royal Hotel, 138 Banff Ave, 1-866-606-6700, banffjaspercollection.com

SPAS

MEADOW SPA Therapeutic, hot stone, sleep enhancing and couples massage. Manicures, pedicures and facials. Packages available. Moose Hotel, 345 Banff Ave, 403-760-8577

Iyamnathka Mount Laurie is known for its impressive, flat cliff face. This peak is commonly called Yamnuska, after the Stoney name Iyamnathka, which means flat stone. -KATE BARKER

RAPUNZEL’S SALON AND SPA The ultimate experience for all your salon and spa needs. Using only sustainable sources for plant and flower essences. Massages, wraps and polishes. Makeup, facials, manicures, pedicures and more focus on wellness, relaxation and stress prevention. Full hair salon including bridal services. 602 Bow Valley Tr, Canmore. 403-678-2626, rapunzelshairsalonspa.ca

RED EARTH SPA Full spa services including relaxation, hot stone, shiatsu and therapeutic massages. Facials, waxing, manicures and pedicures. Treatments for couples and men. Gym and pools will reopen when safe. Caribou Lodge, 521 Banff Ave, 403-762-9292

RIMROCK SPA Bridge a deeper sense of awareness to mind, body and energy. Pre-natal, sleep and hot stone massage. Facials, manicures and pedicures. Rimrock Resort, 300 Mountain Ave, Banff, 403-762-1835 ext 1

WILLOW STREAM SPA Awardwinning luxury resort spa with waterfalls, whirlpools, fireplace lounges, saunas, steam rooms and more. Unwind in this serene alpine sanctuary for pampering, relaxation and rejuvenation. Offering a wide range of massages, facials, body treatments and salon services. Newly renovated facilities. Pools, lounges and change rooms will reopen when safe to do so. Fairmont Banff Springs, 403-762-1772, fairmont.com/banff-springs/spa

TRANSPORTATION

ROAM PUBLIC TRANSIT Banff Routes connect downtown to Banff Gondola, Tunnel Mountain and the Banff Centre. Canmore Route connects downtown to Elk Run, Three Sisters and the Canmore Nordic Centre. Banff-Canmore Regional runs regularly, connecting the two towns. Banff-Lake Louise Routes offer scenic and express routes as well as a route to Johnston Canyon. Schedules online. Bus stops equipped with NEXTBUS.com. Bike racks. 403-762-0606, roamtransit.com

ZOO

CALGARY ZOO Take the short and scenic drive to Calgary and visit the Calgary Zoo! This family-friendly zoo is home to nearly 1,000 creatures across 119 species. Committed to the highest quality of animal care, this is just one of five zoos in Canada accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. See lions, tigers, bears, giraffes, gorillas, hippos, lemurs, penguins and so much more! Learn about how these animals interact in the wild. The zoo aims to become Canada’s leader in wildlife conservation. Book your time slot to enjoy the zoo tour with the latest safety measures in place. Regular events, kids programs and virtual tours. 210 St. George’s Dr NE, Calgary, Tickets: 403-232-9300, calgaryzoo.com