Activities

STILL LEARNING?

Whether you’re looking to get the little ones used to skis, wanting to learn some new skills, or you’re aiming to improve something specific, lessons can be a great way to take the next step. Trail Sports (p 51) offers cross country ski lessons for all abilities at the Canmore Nordic Centre (p 38). SkiBig3 has great lesson packages from certified instructors at the three hills in Banff National Park: Mt Norquay (p 38), Banff Sunshine Village (p 38) and Lake Louise Ski Resort (p 38). Try one of the many options in the Learn to Ski & Snowboard package or dedicate to advancing your skills with private lessons. To learn all the local secrets of the hill, try a Guided Adventure, suitable for intermediate skiers and up. -TJ

LACE UP

Given the right conditions, lakes and rivers in the Canadian Rockies can be excellent places to skate outdoors. Try Lake Louise, Johnson Lake, Lake Minnewanka or the Bow River. In Canmore, the pond at Policeman’s Creek is popular. Rent skates at Wilson Mountain Sports (p 53), Banff Adventures (p 37), Chateau Mountain Sports (p 51) or SnowTips (p 44). -TJ

CURL LIKE A CANADIAN

EDITOR’S PICK

The Canmore Golf and Curling Club (p 37) developed the Curl like a Canadian experience to introduce everyone to the sport of curling. The workshop showcases the physical, mental and social aspects of the game. Equipment and snacks are provided. The two-hour experience includes a presentation from experienced curlers and time on the curling sheets with instruction on how to throw, sweep, and yell “hurry HARD!”

ACTIVITY BOOKING

• Banff Adventures 211 Bear St, 403-762-4554 • Discover Banff Tours 215 Banff Ave, 403-760-5007 • Experience Lake Louise Samson Mall, 403-522-1319 • Explore Rockies Elk + Ave Hotel, Cave and Basin, Brewster Transportation Centre, 1-800-760-6934

BACKCOUNTRY LODGES

BANFF SUNDANCE LODGE Ski, snowshoe or fat bike on Healy Creek trail, 11 km/7 mi. Home cooked meals, solar, indoor washrooms with water and showers. Book at Warner's Stables or The Trail Rider store. 1-800-661-8352

MOUNT ENGADINE LODGE Vehicle accessible wilderness lodge with guest rooms, luxurious glamping tents, dining, lounge and amazing, uninterrupted views. Access to large network of backcountry trails for skiing, fat biking, snowshoeing and exploring. 3-course, seasonally-inspired dinner changes daily. Delicious packed lunches available for day trips. Spray Tr/ Hwy 742, 37 km/23 mi south of Canmore, 403-678-4080, mountengadine.com

SHADOW LAKE LODGE Access by ski or snowshoe on Red Earth Creek trail. 14 km/9 mi to log cabins, historic day lodge, dining cabin, heated washroom building. Hearty meals. 1-866-762-0114

SKOKI BACKCOUNTRY LODGE

Access by hike or ski tour, 11 km/7 mi from the Lake Louise Resort. Shuttle available from the parking lot to the trailhead. Charming 1930s log cabins and lodge. Home cooked meals from a wood-fired stove. 1-888-997-5654

BIATHLON LESSONS

TRY BIATHLON Biathlon combines intense exercise with precise target shooting. Package includes a coach to instruct you on shooting a rifle as well as photo ops and a paper target souvenir. Must be reasonably fit. 10+ years. Pre-booking required. Canmore Nordic Centre, 403-679-8788, canmorenordic.com

PET FRIENDLY

The luxury treatment at the Fairmont Banff Springs isn’t just for humans! VIPs (very important pets) also get to relax in comfort at the Castle in the Rockies. Each $50 pet fee includes a cozy bed, a water bowl and tasty treats. A portion of this fee is also donated to the Bow Valley SPCA, Canada’s first no-cage, no-kill adoption centre. The hotel also offers pet-sitting through their babysitting service for an additional fee. Let your pet stay in style while helping their furry friends find their forever homes! -KATE BARKER

BOWLING

CANADIAN BOWLING & ENTER-

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

HIGH ROLLERS Let the good times roll! Six lanes of 10-pin bowling, pool tables, 48 beers on tap and classic pizza. Online reservations for bowling and meals. Lower level, Clock Tower Mall, 110 Banff Ave, 403-762-2695

CASINO

STONEY NAKODA RESORT &

CASINO Classic games including blackjack, roulette, poker, baccarat and slots. Gaming floor liquor service and nonsmoking areas. Off-track betting. UFC nights. Excellent dining at The Ridge Restaurant or more casual Sidelines Lounge. Event room with hunt simulator. Lodging and adventure packages. Hwy 1 at Hwy 40, 15 min east of Canmore, 403-881-2830, stoneynakodaresort.com

CAVE TOURS

CANMORE CAVE TOURS Guided tours under Grotto Mountain. See cave formations, rappel and squeeze through the ‘Laundry Chute’. Clothing, helmets and lights provided. Cave is 5°C/41°F yearround. Meet in Canmore. 202, 129 Bow Meadows Cres, 1-877-317-1178

MUSHING THROUGH THE SNOW

When the snow falls, making your way on foot to see the majestic backcountry can be quite a challenge. Enter a sled with a professional team of dogs that’ll have you mushing through the powder on an exhilarating and unforgettable adventure. Get sledding instruction and a dog sledding tour from Howling Dogs (below) or Mad Dogs & Englishmen (below). -RYAN MASSEL

CLIMBING

ELEVATION PLACE CLIMBING WALL 1000 sq m/11,000 sq ft of indoor climbing surface with wall heights to 15 m/45 ft. Bouldering, 7 auto belays: no experience needed. Climbing is for ages 4 and up. Kid's under 13 require supervision. Other facilities include workout rooms, swimming and library. 700 Railway Ave, Canmore, 403-678-8920

YAMNUSKA MOUNTAIN ADVEN-

TURES Ice climbing, backcountry skiing, avalanche safety courses and glacier hut-to-hut excursions with ACMG certified guides. Trips for experienced adventurers and first-timers. 50 Lincoln Pk, Canmore, 403-678-4164

DOG SLED TOURS

HOWLING DOG TOURS Authentic dog sledding experience with private, professional guides. Interact with the dogs and learn about care of the animals. Flexible tours can accommodate personal expectations. All tours include the option to harness the dogs and drive the team with the help of a guide. Guaranteed one guide per sled. Transportation from major hotels included. Book in town at 105, 712 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore. 1-877-DOG-SLED KINGMIK The only dog sledding experience in Banff National Park. Half hour to full day tours in stunning Lake Louise. Learn to drive the team with experienced guides or relax in the sled and enjoy the ride. 16439 Hwy 1A, Lake Louise, 1-855-482-4592

MAD DOGS AND ENGLISHMEN

Hands-on, intimate and authentic dog sledding experience for the whole family. Drive the team with professional instruction or relax in the sled and enjoy the views. Learn about the sport of dog sledding, the Husky breed and proper care of the dogs. Two tour locations in Kananaskis: on Spray Lakes or at Boundary Ranch. Private and intimate group tours available. Book at Mad Dog Café, 302 Old Canmore Rd, Shops of Canmore 403-609-3670, maddogsexpeditions.com

SNOWY OWL SLED DOG TOURS

Harnessing dreams since 1983. Dog and sled handling instruction allows guests to drive their team, or relax in the warm comfort of a professionally driven sled. All tours include stop with Canadian campfire cuisine. Book: Adventure Dog Outfitters, 829 10 St, Canmore, 403-678-4369

FAT BIKING

Ride packed snow trails. A few are: • Canmore Nordic Centre groomed trails for fat biking. • Sundance Canyon Banff, 2 km/1.2 mi paved Bow River trail. Start at the Cave and Basin. • Fenland Trail Banff, 2.1 km/1.3 mi loop, interpretive trail by 40 Mile Creek. Start at the trail parking lot, Mt Norquay Rd.

Fat Bike Rentals • Snowtips 225 Bear St, Banff, 403-762-8177 • Rebound Cycle rentals and guided tours, Canmore, 902 Main St, 403-678-3668 • Kananaskis Outfitters 403-591-7000

HELI-SKIING

CMH Have the best run of your life, again and again at the world's first and largest heli-skiing outfit. Multday heli-skiing adventures. Truly escape the crowds and stay at one of 12 luxury backcountry lodges, each with their own unique charm. Take advantage of the best snow the mountains have to offer. Book: 217 Bear St, Banff. 1-800-661-0252, cmhheli.com

HELICOPTER TOURS

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

ROCKIES HELI CANADA Helicopter tours of the stunning Canadian Rockies. Heli Snowshoeing Adventure fly to a high alpine meadow with over 2 metres of snow or to the Confluence and snowshoe to a frozen waterfall. Snowshoes, hot chocolate and Irish cream provided. Try a Bubbles Tour to see frozen natural methane bubbles on Abraham Lake. Cline River via Icefields Pkwy and Hwy 11, 1.5 hrs north of Lake Louise, 1-888-844-3514, rockiesheli.com

TOWNSITE WALKS

BANFF CULTURE WALK Self-guided walk to art galleries, museums and cultural sites. Free Explore Banff Arts & Culture map at the Banff Visitor Centre, 224 Banff Ave, 403-762-8421

WALKING THROUGH BANFF’S

HISTORY Five self-guided tours of Banff. 42 heritage residences from 1887. Museums, public buildings and a cemetery est. 1890. Blue interpretive plaques flag sites. Free map at Banff Visitor Centre, museums, library and Town Hall. Tablet version at banff.ca

ICE FISHING

BANFF FISHING UNLIMITED Private trips with guide almost always land trout. Heated huts, tackle, boots and snowpants supplied. Hot drinks and lunch of your fish. Transportation to Spray Lakes. 403-678-2486

WAPITI SPORTS Hike to heated ice fishing huts. Fish with expert guides. Instruction, equipment and transportation to Spray Lakes provided. 1506 Railway Ave, 403-678-5550

ICE SKATING/CURLING

CANMORE GOLF & CURLING CLUB

Curling sheet rentals with broom and slider. Workshops and lessons available to enhance your skills or learn something new. 2000 8 Ave, 403-678-5959

OUTDOOR SKATING RINKS

Banff • Fairmont Banff Springs by Waldhaus Restaurant • Banff High School field • Bow River, end of Wolf St

Canmore • The Pond at 7 Ave and Mallard Alley • Elk Run at Canyon Rd hockey rink • 17 Street hockey rink by the day care • Rundle Crescent hockey rink • Peaks of Grassi hockey rink • Nordic Centre skating rink

Lake Louise • On the lake at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

SKATE RENTALS

• Chateau Mountain Sports Fairmont Banff Springs, 403-762-2500; and Shops of Canmore, 403-762-2500 • GearUp 1302 Bow Valley Tr, Canmore, 403-678-1636 • Snowtips 225 Bear St, Banff, 403-762-8177 • Wilson Mountain Sports Samson Mall, Lake Louise, 403-522-3636

SIGHTSEEING LIFTS

ANGEL EXPRESS AND STANDISH

CHAIRLIFT Enjoy the jaw-dropping vistas at Banff Sunshine Village. 360° views of the Canadian Rockies will take your breath away. 8 km/5 mi west of Banff, 403-705-4000

BANFF GONDOLA “Banff‘s #1 attraction” is popular year-round. Ride the 8 min gondola with window seats to the 2281 m/7486 ft summit complex including an interpretive centre, theatre and two dining facilities. The observation decks offer a 360° view of Banff and the Bow Valley. Banff Summit Walk rises to Sanson’s Peak Cosmic Ray Station, a National Historic Site. Find seasonal programs, current event information and advanced bookings at banffgondola.com. 5 min from downtown. Roam transit #1, Mountain Ave, 1-888-597-4352, banffjaspercollection.com

Mad Dogs & Englishmen Sled Dog Tours

The Shops of Canmore, #113, 302 Old Canmore Rd

1.403.609.3670 maddogsexpeditions.com

LAKE LOUISE SIGHTSEEING

GONDOLA Ascend to a breathtaking view of soaring peaks and stunning glaciers, surrounded by the unspoiled beauty of winter. 1 Whitehorn Rd, Lake Louise, 403-522-3555

NORTH AMERICAN CHAIRLIFT

Ten minute ride to a sightseeing platform and historic Cliffhouse Bistro with views of the Banff townsite and surrounding mountains. Mt Norquay, Banff. 403-762-4421

Your free maps to the Canadian Rockies

Widely available in brochure racks

MAP MAP HINTON 2020/21MAP JASPER BC ROCKIES

2020/21

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

BANFF ADVENTURES Book guided sightseeing activities including ice walks, snowshoeing, cave tours, ice climbing, ice fishing, helicopter tours and more. Transportation and winter equipment rentals. Activity packages and multibooking discounts. Bison Courtyard, 211 Bear St, 403-762-4554

CANADIAN ROCKIES EXPERIENCE Get whisked away in the comfort of a deluxe SUV for an unforgettable experience. Sightseeing and guided showshoeing, icewalks and winter hikes. Tours with a hint of luxury by local guides. Experiences in Canmore, Kananaskis and the National Parks. 403-708-2164

Sights ActivitiesShoppingEntertainment Sights Activities Shopping Entertainment

Sights Activities Shopping Entertainment

Howling Dog Tours

ADVENTURES BY DOGSLED

CANMORE • BANFF 1-877-DOGSLED howlingdogtours.com

WINTER ADVENTURE AWAITS

JOIN US FOR AN OVERNIGHT STAY AND ASK ABOUT WEEKDAY RATES.

DISCOVER BANFF TOURS Guided tours with transportation and equipment include canyon icewalks, snowshoeing, sightseeing, wildlife viewing, sleigh rides, dog sledding, snowmobiling and more. Tour combos and package deals. Book: Sundance Mall, 215 Banff Ave, 403-760-5007

FAIRMONT MOUNTAIN ADVEN-

TURE PROGRAM Guided adventures since 1899. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, icewalk and walks. Equipment included. Further rentals at the hotel including heritage snowshoes, outerwear and boots - call for availability. Book guided activities through the concierge. Meet: Guide’s Cabin, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

GYPSY GUIDE SELF DRIVE TOURS Fun, informative app tours. Search “GyPSy Guide Banff.” Attractions, history, photo stops, wildlife. Automatically plays at 1000s of GPS activation points. Works without network service.

MYSTERY TOWN TOURS Combining the fun of a scavenger hunt with the clue-solving challenge of an escape room. You've never seen Canmore like this before! Download the Mystery Town Tours app to get started.

WHITE MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES

Winter tours include experienced guides, equipment and transportation. Snowshoe tours for beginner to advanced including Sunshine Meadows and backcountry snowcat adventure, icewalks, sightseeing tours, private and custom trips. 1-800-408-0005

SKI HILLS

BANFF SUNSHINE VILLAGE Three mountains, 12 lifts including Canada's only heated chairlift, and more than 3,300 acres of terrain. Tubing, terrain park, sightseeing, snowshoeing, accommodations and spa. 8 km/5 mi west of Banff, 403-705-4000

NORQUAY "The local's hill" only 6 km/4 mi from downtown Banff. 5 lifts access 190 acres of terrain. Offering night skiing and tubing with light runs on select nights. Lessons, tubing, sightseeing, snowshoeing and terrain park. Mt Norquay Rd, 403-762-4421 NAKISKA Originally built for the Alpine events at the 1988 winter Olympics. Six lifts access 1021 acres of terrain. Tubing, terrain park, snowshoeing and snow school. 81 km/50 mi from Calgary on Hwy 40, Kananaskis. 1-800-258-7669

LAKE LOUISE SKI RESORT Ten lifts on 4 mountains access 4200 acres of terrain. Runs for all abilities from every lift. Huge terrain expansion with quad lift accesses 480 acres of new terrain! Sightseeing, lessons, terrain park, dining and licensed day care. 1 Whitehorn Rd, 403-522-3555

SLEIGH RIDES

BANFF TRAIL RIDERS Horse-drawn sleigh rides through woodlands and mountain meadows. Luxury two-seat cutter with chocolates and champagne. All trips include a campfire for hot chocolate and marshmallows. Book: The Trail Rider, 138 Banff Ave, 403-762-4551

BREWSTER ADVENTURES Horsedrawn sleigh rides to the end of Lake Louise beneath Victoria Glacier Romantic 2 seat cutter rides on request. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, 403-522-3511 ext 1210

SNOWSHOE & XC SKI

CANMORE NORDIC CENTRE

PROVINCIAL PARK Olympic and World Cup venue with 65 km/40 mi of trails track-set for classic and skate skiing with 6.5 km/4 mi of light trails for night skiing. Day lodge, café, warming hut. 403-678-2400. On site Trail Sports offers ski lessons, rental gear, sales and tuning. Demo gear on the trails. 403-678-6764, trailsports.com

CROSS-COUNTRY SKI & SNOWSHOE RENTALS

• Banff Adventures 211 Bear St, 403-762-4554 • Chateau Mountain Sports Fairmont Banff Springs, 403-762-2500; Shops of Canmore, 403-678-3668 • GearUp 1302 Bow Valley Tr, Canmore 403-678-1636 • Snowtips 225 Bear St, Banff, 403-762-8177 • Trail Sports (xc only), Nordic Centre, 403-678-6764 • Wilson Mountain Sports Samson Mall, Lake Louise, 403-522-3636

CROSS-COUNTRY SKI TRAILS

Visitor Centres provide trail conditions, route details and safety tips. Near Banff Townsite • Spray River East & West 12 km/7.5 mi return; 65 m/213 ft elevation gain. Riverside fire road to a picnic area. • Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court 5.7 km/3.5 mi; no elevation gain. Fun track with night-lit loops. • Cascade Valley 13 km/8 mi return; 70 m/230 ft elevation gain. Double track with skating lane to Cascade River bridge. Views and fun downhill return.

Bow Valley Parkway • Baker Creek to Protection Mountain Campground 7 km/4.3 mi return; no elevation. Single track parallels Bow Valley Parkway.

Lake Louise • Fairview Loop 7.5 km/4.7 mi; 50 m/164 ft elevation gain. Short fun uphills, downhills and turns. • Pipestone Loop 13.3 km/8.3 mi; 190 m/623 ft elevation gain. Single trackset. Exciting, moderate trail with tight turns and hills.

Canmore/Kananaskis • Canmore Nordic Centre Favourites incl. Banff Trail 6.5 km/4 mi; part lit at night. Meadowview Trail 5.1 km/3.2 mi, part of 13 km/8 mi Blue Loop. Silvertip/ Rundle Trails 12 km/7.5 mi loop with climbs and thrilling descents. • Mount Shark 30+ km/18+ mi; elevation gains vary. Loops for classic and skate skiing. Smith-Dorrien Spray Tr.

SNOWSHOE TRAILS

Please keep off xc ski tracks. Banff National Park • Johnson Lake 2.8 km/1.7 mi loop; no elevation. Follow the shoreline with Mt Rundle view. • Lake Louise Lakeshore 4 km/2.5 mi return; no elevation. Victoria Glacier view and icefall en route.

Kananaskis • Chester Lake 9 km/5.6 mi return; 287 m/941 ft elevation gain. Climb to great views. Smith-Dorrien Spray Tr. • Hogarth Lakes Loop 3.9 km/2.4 mi; 30 m/98 ft elevation gain. Forested trail with great views on a series of frozen lakes. Smith-Dorrien Spray Tr.

TRANSPORTATION

ROAM PUBLIC TRANSIT Banff Routes connect downtown to Banff Hot Springs, Gondola, Tunnel Mountain and Banff Centre. Canmore Route connects downtown to Elk Run and Three Sisters Village. Banff-Canmore Regional runs hourly, every 30 min Mon-Fri at peak times. Banff-Lake Louise Regional Downtown Banff to Lake Louise. Schedules at roamtransit.com. All bus stops are equipped with NEXTBUS.com. 403-762-0606, roamtransit.com

TUBING/ TOBOGGANING

Toboggan Hills • Fairmont Banff Springs by Spray River • Cemetery Hill by Benchlands Tr, Canmore • Riverside Park gentle river slope, Canmore • Kananaskis Village easy night-lit run

Rentals • Chateau Mountain Sports Fairmont Banff Springs, 403-762-2500; Shops of Canmore, 403-678-3668 • Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise 403-522-3628 • Snowtips 225 Bear St, Banff, 403-762-8177

Purchase Sleds • Home Hardware 233 Bear St, Banff, 403-762-2080 • Sports Experts 1080 Railway Ave, Canmore, 403-609-3030 • Kananaskis Outfitters 403-591-7000

WOLFDOG SANCTUARY

YAMNUSKA WOLFDOG SANCTU-

ARY Non-profit rescue with adoptable wolfdogs. Learn about wolves and their importance on the natural landscape. See wolfdogs and other animals. Photos are encouraged! Sanctuary Walk is a self-guided tour with interpretation signs. Intro Tour with 30 min presentation. Interactive Tour with 45 to 60 min guided tour and up-close experience with wolfdogs. Reservations required. Range Rd 53 off Hwy 1A, 45 min east of Canmore, west of Cochrane, 1-877-565-9372

TOURS

Kicking Horse Snowmobile Family Snowmobile Extreme Backcountry Evening Moonlight

VIP Transportation & Snowmobile Gear Included On All Tours

Parking Lot 2, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort 1-877-950-SLED (7533) rockymountainriders.com