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Lake Louise Attractions
Bow Valley Parkway
Also known as Hwy 1A, this 51 km (30.6 mi) route is a scenic alternative to the Trans-Canada Hwy between Banff and Lake Louise. There are peaceful picnic areas, short hikes and three lodges offering cabin accommodation and services for travelers. At Johnston Canyon, a self-guided tour takes you along Johnston Creek to two impressive waterfalls. It's a 5.6 km (3.5 mi) hike to the Ink Pots, which has six cold water springs bubbling out of the ground. Access the parkway 7 km (4.3 mi) west of Banff and from the Lake Louise overpass.
Columbia Icefield
This massive field of ancient ice covers 125 sq mi. and reaches depths estimated at 385 m (1,270 ft). It is composed of the Athabasca, Stutfield and Dome glaciers. Straddling the Continental Divide, the icefield feeds four of the continent's major river systems: the Columbia, Fraser, Mackenzie and Saskatchewan. Meltwaters from the icefield flow to three different oceans (the Pacific, Arctic and Atlantic). Called a 'hydrological apex,' it is one of only two in the world (the other is in Siberia). Markers at the icefield indicate the rate at which the toe of the Athabasca Glacier has receded this century. Tours of the glacier given on custom designed Sno coaches from April 20 to Oct 15, depart every 15 min. daily 9 am - 5 pm Admission charged. 762-6700. Ice-walk tours are also available mid-June to mid-Sept, book by calling 852-5595 or 1-800-565-7547. 125 km (75 mi).
The Icefields Parkway
between Lake Louise and Jasper is 230km of unsurpassed scenery. It is considered one of the greatest mountain drives in the world. The mountain peaks (often snowcapped) and many rivers, waterfalls, lakes, and above all the glaciers, make this drive a must for any visitor to the Alberta Rockies. Despite the rugged terrain, this is an excellent highway that makes for easy driving (except on occasion in winter). There are numerous viewing points along the route, and this are well signed with information on the immediate area. Often there are hiking trails leading off from these areas, and there are plenty of campsites, so it is possible to spend a number of days to take in the whole route.
The highlight of the Parkway is undoubtedly Columbia Icefields. There is a visitors center that explains the glacier, and it is possible to walk or take a trip by snocoach onto the glacier itself.
Lake Louise Information Center
522-3833
A few steps from the parking area, offers not only information but also hi-tech natural history exhibits (daily: mid-June to early Sept 8am-8pm; early Sept to late Sept & mid-June 8am-6pm; Oct-May 9am-5pm.
Lake Louise Gondola
Lake Louise Gondola (the "Friendly Giant") runs thirteen minutes to 2042m, partway up Mount Whitehorn (2669m). To reach it, take the free shuttle which operates from village hotels or return to and cross over the Trans-Canada Highway, and follow the road toward the ski area. Signs lead the way to the gondola. daily: mid-June to Aug 9am-9pm early to mid-June & early to mid-Sept 9am-6pm; 522-3555
There is a choice of enclosed gondola cars, open chairs, or chairs with bubble domes. At the top (2034m) there is a sensational view: rated as one of the best in the Rockies as well as a self-service restaurant, sun decks, picnic areas, souvenir shops and several trailheads through the woods and meadows. One track takes you to the summit of Mount Whitehorn, 600m above the gondola station.
Banff
The Banff Center:
The Banff Centre began as a summer theatre school in 1933. Today, it is an internationally renowned cultural centre for the arts, providing resources and instruction to professional performing artists. The Banff Centre presents a number of events year-round, including music, dance, opera, theatre, films and lectures. Annual special events include the Banff Arts Festival, June through August, and the prestigious Banff Festival of Mountain Films in November. For more information contact The Banff Centre, St. Julien Road, (403) 762-6300.
Canada Place
Canada Place is a centre where visitors of all ages can discover interactive displays which explore Canada's natural and built historical heritage, as well as the events and people who shaped them. Admission to the Canada Place exhibit is free.
Kananaskis Country
Kananaskis, to the southwest of Banff National Park,or 'K Country' as it is known, is an unspoiled paradise. Full of picture perfect mountain scenery, wildlife and flora, Kananaskis Country can be visited at any time of the year. There are excellent cross-country skiing trails, which become excellent hiking trails in the spring. There is also an excellent golf course.
Banff Park Museum
(403) 762-1558, ext. 4295.
91 Banff Avenue
Daily 10-6 (June-Sept.) Call for hours rest of the year.
Learn about local wildlife in turn-of-the-century style. This rustic building is Western Canada's oldest natural history museum, with wildlife specimens dating back to the 1860's. A National Historic Site, the museum also houses a comfortable reading room and a hands-on Discovery Room for children.
Cascade Gardens
The gardens circle the park's administration building.
Admission free.
The beautiful, fragrant Cascade Gardens at the Banff National Park Administration Building are a summer highlight. Ponds and cascading water add special interest to this lovely spot, making it a popular setting for photographs.
Cave and Basin National Historic Site
311 Cave Avenue
403-762-1557.
Visit the birthplace of Banff National Park at this historic site. See the cave, the subterranean spring discovered in 1883, and the basin, the natural pool with a replica of the original bathhouse built in 1886, where the film "Steam, Schemes and National Dreams" was produced. Upstairs, find interactive exhibits or walk the scenic boardwalks onto the marsh, an ecosystem of unusual plants, animals, birds and fish.
Luxton Museum
403-762-2388.
Journey back in time to the days before Europeans arrived and experience the rich culture of the Natives of the Northern Plains and Canadian Rockies. Life-sized scenes featuring ornamental costumes, teepees, and other artifacts depict Native arts and daily life.
Natural History Museum
112 Banff Avenue
(403) 762-4747.
Daily 10-6. 1-5 after September
The Natural History Museum traces the geological evolution of the Rockies. There are displays of rocks and minerals, fossils and dinosaur bones, flowers and plants, a film on the eruption of Mt St Helens, and a life sized model of "Big Foot," the legendary giant ape said to live in remote mountain regions.
Walter Philips Gallery
(403) 762-6281
In Glyde Hall at the junction of Mountain Dr. and St. Julien Rd.
The Walter Phillips Gallery presents the latest in contemporary art, with exhibitions by national and international artists investigating the issues and ideas of our time. The gallery maintains a permanent collection and organizes nine shows of art, video screenings, lectures and performances every year. Media include ceramics, textiles, printmaking, sculpture, and painting.
Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies
(403) 762-2291
111 Bear Street, Banff
Admission charged.
Daily 10-5
Discover the spirit of the wilderness in the heart of Banff. The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies houses four art galleries, exhibiting works of contemporary and historic art, often incorporating a mountain theme; a heritage collection of artifacts, archives, museum shop and six heritage homes on its grounds. The museum hosts a regular program of talks, slide shows and discussions.
Movie Theaters
The Lux Cinema has four movie theatres showing the latest first-run features. Located at the corner of Bear and Wolf Streets in Banff. Call the 24 hour cinema line at (403) 762-8595.
Performing Arts
The cultural heart of Banff and the Canadian Rockies, the Banff Centre presents year-round performances and exhibitions, concerts, and events in the visual and performing arts. The Banff Centre for the Arts has for over 60 years been a major training centre for musicians, artists and writers.
In summer, the Banff Arts Festival is presented annually from May to August. The Festival is a celebration of talent featuring performances and exhibitions by the Centre for the Arts participants and guest artists in music, opera, drama, dance, jazz, vocal, writing and visual arts programs.
During the winter months, The Banff Centre offers top-notch music concerts, music theatre performances and inter-arts events.
The popular Playbill Series features a variety of entertainment by well-known touring performers.
Other Banff Centre events include the Banff Festival of Mountain Films (November), the Banff Mountain Book Festival (November) and the Banff International String Quartet Competition (every third April). The Walter Phillips Gallery holds exhibitions of contemporary art, with works by guest artists, participants of the Centre for the Arts, and touring shows.
Entertainment
There are many ways to experience the natural glory of Banff National Park. In summer the visitor can walk along the park's many nature trails, hike into the backcountry or climb peaks made famous by early visitors who helped fill in the map of the Rockies a century ago. In winter participate on canyon icewalks, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride, or fly across the snow in a dog sled. Banff and Lake Louise are most tranquil in the in-between seasons of spring and late fall. All museums and cultural attractions remain open during the off season.
Banff / Lake Louise Tourism Bureau
P.O. Box 1298, Banff, Alberta, T0L 0C0, Canada
Telephone (403) 762-8421
Fax: (403) 762-8163
for further information about any of the following:
Airplane Tours
Air tour companies offer year round guided air tours of the Canadian Rockies and Columbia Mountains.
Pool
Many of the local pubs and taverns offer visitors the opportunity to 'rack 'em up'. A great way to relax after a long day in the backcountry or on the slopes.
Boat Tours
Lake Minnewanka, located 15 miles northeast of the town of Banff, off the TransCanada Highway. Your cruise on beautiful Lake Minnewanka to the famed Devil's Gap will be the highlight of your trip to Banff and the Canadian Rockies. You will be welcomed aboard for 1 1/2 hour fully narrated tour of some of the most spectacular scenery found anywhere. Sixteen foot boats with outboard motors can be rented for fishing from mid-May to Labor Day.
Bowling
There are four five-pin bowling lanes located at the Banff Springs Conference Centre.
Dogsledding
The warmest and most comfortable way to enjoy and photograph the Canadian Rocky Mountains in their spectacular winter setting is to do it from a sled pulled through the forest by a team of huskies. Tours can last between 2 - 10 hours including traditional mountain snacks and refreshments to re-fuel you for the ride ahead.
Downhill Skiing
Lake Louise
Lake Louise ranks with the finest resorts in the world. This terrain, spread over four separate mountain faces, is interconnected by a lift and trail system that is comparable to the European "ski circuit" concept.
Banff Mount Norquay
The area's oldest resort, Mount Norquay has been totally re-designed and expanded to world-class standards.
Sunshine Village
This alpine resort receives more than 30 feet of 100% natural snow every year and has one of North America's longest ski seasons (mid-November to mid-May).
Fishing
The famed Bow River (open year round), as well as numerous lakes and streams in and around Banff National Park are home to an abundance of fish species that attract Fly and Spin fisherman from all over the world. There are several stores that can outfit you with the necessary equipment and licenses for you to fish at your leisure Summertime also offers the opportunity to rent small motorized boats on Lake Minnewanka, with or without a guide.
Golf
Teeing-off against the backdrop of dramatic mountain ranges with local wildlife standing by, is available at several courses in our area. As well as 9 & 18 hole world-class golf courses, there are also companies that can arrange tee-times and transport to a number of courses in the area.
Helicopter Skiing
The helicopter can deliver you to the top of a remote mountain and pick you up at the bottom after an exhilarating run down untouched powder.
Helicopter Sightseeing
Fly over magnificent mountain landscapes on a helicopter sightseeing tour of Banff National Park offered year round In winter enjoy an afternoon sightseeing tours in Panorama, British Columbia.
Heli-Hiking
Experience the back country via helicopter! The helicopter can deliver you to a remote site for an half-day stroll up to a week long adventure. Sightseeing from the air is the best way to really gain perspective on the grandeur of the Rockies.
Hiking/Snowshoeing Cross-Country/Nature Tours /Hiking
One of the best ways to really get to know the national parks... Explore them on foot! Over 1,000 kilometres of hiking trails, rated from novice to expert await you in the park.
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