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Banff, Canmore & Area

Hidden Patio Views

Friday, June 4th, 2010

Juniper Patio

It’s worth dining five minutes north of downtown Banff across Hwy 1 for the majestic view of Mount Rundle and the Sundance Range from the expansive Juniper Bistro & Lounge deck and windowside tables (free taxi vouchers, 403-763-6205). “The sun shines on us throughout the day,” notes Juniper Hotel manager James Kendal. Downtown, the Elk & Oarsman has a hidden rooftop patio with an amazing view.—AW


| Tags: Banff patios, Elk & Oarsman, Elk & Oarsman Banff, Elk & Oarsman Pub, Juniper Bistro, Juniper Bistro & Lounge, Juniper Bistro Banff, majestic mountain views, outdoor dining Banff, patios with mountain views, patios with views Banff, rooftop patio, rooftop patio Banff  |  No Comments »

Hot Rock Relaxation

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010

There’s nothing like a massage after a strenuous day to achieve sublime serenity. Take relaxation and indulgence to the next level with a Warm Earth hot stone massage ($169) from Red Earth Spa. Smooth lava rocks transfer heat deep into the muscles. “It’s 90 minutes of pure bliss,” says spa director Suzannah Patmios. A unique twist is the optional use of cold stones to add an extra therapeutic benefit. —Lisa Stephens


| Tags: banff hot rock massage, Benefit, hot rock massage, indulgence, pure bliss, relaxation, serena ryder, therapeutic, Warm Earth, Warm Earth hot stone massage  |  No Comments »

Locomotive Lookout

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010

Morant's Curve by Rob Eull

To sightsee at a relaxed pace, drive 5.5 km (3.4 mi) west from Banff to the Bow Valley Parkway. Take this 58 km (36 mi) scenic alternative to Hwy 1 to Lake Louise. Stop at Morant’s Curve 54 km (33.5 mi) en route. This lookout, named for CPR photographer Nicholas Morant, has a great view of the mountain-framed Bow River and railway. This may be the best spot in the Rockies to take pictures of trains. —Ally McConnell


| Tags: Banff sightsee, banff sightseeing, bow river, CPR, CPR photographer, Dining, great view, locomotive lookout, locomotive photos, morant's curve, railway, sightsee, sightseeing, train image, train images, train photos  |  No Comments »

Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides

Monday, December 7th, 2009
Sleigh Ride with Holiday on Horseback

Sleigh Ride with Holiday on Horseback

Dash through the snow on a one-horse, two-seat sleigh and jingle all the way. A Holiday on Horseback cutter ride is pure romance, with mountain views, a meadow that’s home to elk and hot spring marsh with birds all winter. Snuggle under buffalo hides, and indulge in liqueurs and Callebaut chocolates. Alternatively, Brewster Lake Louise Sleigh Rides feature picturesque lake and glacier views, plus the lights of Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise if you go after dark. Both also offer traditional sleigh rides for larger groups. —JN

| Tags: buffalo hides, cutter rides, elk meadow, horse drawn sleigh rides, hot spring marsh, lake and glacier views, mountain views, picturesque views, pillows of snow, pure romance, sleigh rides, traditional sleigh rides  |  1 Comment »

Insider’s Guide to Skiing Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Kananaksis, Golden & Panorama

Monday, December 7th, 2009
Sunshine Village credit Richard Hallman

Sunshine Village credit Richard Hallman

Seven ski areas, tons of snow and a November through May ski season. A world-class combination of ski terrain, high-speed lifts and on-hill amenities. No wonder Banff, Jasper and area draws skiers and snowboarders from around the world. Read on for insider ideas to help you make the most of your time on the slopes.

Jasper National Park

At 10,878 sq km (4200 sq mi), Jasper is Canada’s largest Mountain Park. Its ski area is big too. We like Marmot Basin for its lack of pretension and crowds (you seldom wait for a lift). The overall ski experience is amongst the best in Canada.

Connecting Lake Louise to Jasper, the 230 km (143 mi) Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93) is lined by peaks of the Continental Divide; 100 glaciers flank its western side and wildlife sightings are common. Drive with plenty of gas, and take food and warm clothes; for road conditions call 780-852-3311 (Jasper), 403-762-1450 (Banff).

Mountain Connector (1-888-786-3641) offers daily shuttles to Jasper from Banff, Calgary and Edmonton through April. They co-ordinate multi-day packages and Jasper sightseeing and activities.

Eagle's Nest at Marmot Basin

Eagle's Nest at Marmot Basin

Marmot Basin Ski Area
Located 20 minutes south of Jasper townsite (shuttle bus available), Marmot’s 1675 acres include huge alpine bowls framed by rugged pinnacles and ridges. Tree-lined runs and snowmaking are lower mountain features, while the Rogers Terrain Park is off the Paradise chair. Enjoy the 100 peak view everywhere.

Insider tips:
• New quad: The Canadian Rockies Express is the region’s longest high-speed quad; ride 2.3 km (1.4 mi) up in 7.5 min.
• Efficient rentals: It’s a streamlined process to get Head gear. Free overnight storage saves lugging skis to and from town.
• Private guide: $438 buys an all-day guide/instructor for up to 3; get lift line priority and access to the best pistes.
• Route picks: Open terrain lets you choose a run while riding the lift; there’s an easy way down off every chair.
• Food favourites: Poutine (fries with cheese and gravy) is in high demand; cafeterias serve all-day breakfasts.
• Sit down lunch: Eagle’s Nest  (mid mountain chalet), and Caribou Lounge (base) offer service weekends and holidays.
• Best Tan: Sunshine saturates Kokanee Glacier Deck off Caribou Lounge; enjoy great views.
• Expert run for intermediates: Try black Showoff and Highway 16 off Paradise chair if they’ve been recently groomed.
• Big powder: Ski the Knob chair after a snowfall for above treeline lines. For hidden powder, hike skier’s left 10-minutes from the Eagle Ridge chair to Cornice run. Or, cross gates to ski open slopes and glades of Eagle East. Or, take Keefer’s Dream off the Paradise chair and through the easy-to-miss gate on the left; watch closely for the outrun on the right.

Banff National Park

Mt Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise are Banff’s Big 3, a 7750-acre alpine paradise so big you could ski for a month and never take the same run twice. Forget images you have of massive slopeside development at resorts like Whistler. In Canada’s first national park the protected, majestic wilderness remains intact.

Volcom Rail Jam at Lake Louise credit Mathew Timmins

Volcom Rail Jam at Lake Louise credit Mathew Timmins

Lake Louise Ski Area
Located north of Lake Louise Village and 35 minutes west of Banff townsite, The Lake racks up accolades such as Skiing magazine’s “most scenic resort.” With runs on four mountain faces, this is Canada’s largest single ski area. You can find sun-lit slopes all times of day.

Ride the 6-person Grizzly Express Gondola 3 km (2 mi) from the base to an upper ridge. From mid mountain, the Canadian Rockies’ only 6-person high-speed chairlift (The 6-Pack) goes to the Saddle. There are 139 named bowls, chutes and tree-lined runs. Beginner to advanced routes from every chair makes the entire resort accessible to all, and a new simplified trail map makes it easy to find your way.

Insider tips:
• Killer blog: Read Lake Louise Lowdown on their website for Mountain Operations’ Chris Mosley photos and insights.
• Valet parking: Pay $27.50 to park out front. But, we find the ample free parking with car-to-lift shuttles convenient.
• Infant daycare: Veteran child-care specialist Jane Herman takes infants from 18 days old. Imagine Mom ripping up the slopes 18 days after giving birth!
• Slope for kids: They love the animal cutouts at the Wilderness Adventure Park.
• Fresh powder: Book First Tracks after a snowfall. $99 gets up to five people a guide and rides up the hill a half hour before lifts open to the public.
• Air time: Last year The Lake re-introduced Terrain Park jumps; this year shredders find more air and rail jam features.
• Backside: Frontside views of Lake Louise and Temple Mountain are famous. But we marvel at the rugged backside powder bowls with 2500 acres of open skiing and steeps.
• Favourite chutes: Summit Platter accesses Whitehorn 2 backside chutes that trap blowing snow. Intermediates can tour the entire backside by traversing left to Boomerang.
• Old school lift: We like the uncrowded Paradise triple that accesses powder bowls and chutes of Paradise, Eagle Ridge and The Wall.
• Timing is everything: On busy days lines form for Larch and Ptarmigan quads. So, we ski here early for corduroy and during lunch when crowds thin.
• “We serve Starbucks”: Slopeside Coffee Kiosk at the base.
• $5.25 Canadian beer: We drink ours outdoors at base area Kokanee Kabin with fire pit, or newly expanded Powderkeg Lounge upstairs in Lodge of Ten Peaks with leather seats and organic crust pizzas.
• Crowd alert: Temple Lodge at Larch gets busy on peak days. Otherwise, we love this rustic chalet with cafeteria, big BBQ deck and full service Sawyer’s Nook (try the lamb burger).
• Downhill at Dusk: Spend Fri night at this buffet dinner and live music event (p 39).
• Wilderness retreat: Access log-built 1930s Skoki Lodge by an 11 km (7 mi) backcountry ski over two mountain passes.

Sunshine Village
Located 8 km (5 mi) west of Banff via Hwy 1 is Canada’s highest ski resort with the nation’s longest ski season. Sunshine is blessed with awesome natural snow that shows 24/7 on its webcams. The resort straddles the Continental Divide; ski Boundary Bowl that begins in Alberta, passes into BC, and ends back in Alberta.

Sunshine is 81 years old, but its lifts are modern. From the base, ride the world’s fastest 8-passenger gondola to the region’s biggest concentration of high-speed quad chairs. Built on three mountains, much of the terrain is above treeline, which affords views to 80 km (50 mi). Look south to see Mt Assiniboine, “Canada’s Matterhorn.”

Insider tips:
• Arrive early: On busy days parking lots fill leaving only roadside parking, so get here by 9:30 am or take a ski bus. Fortunately, shuttles run from your car to the gondola. $25 gets you VIP parking.
• Cruisers’ heaven: Try the open bowl off the Continental Divide quad, and Goat’s Eye blue runs that start open and become tree-lined.
• Best slopes of the day: For the best light and snow, ski Goat’s Eye in morning, and Lookout and Standish in the afternoon.
• Amazing steeps: Delirium Dive, Wild West and Silver City freeride zones are open to those with partner, shovel and avalanche beacon (rentals at Banff Springs Sports). The Dive is our favourite run at Sunshine; most access the slope down the stairs, but we prefer the small cornice jump at far skier’s left. Sunshine offers guided tours down Delirium.
• More amazing steeps: No avalanche beacon is needed for Goat’s Eye black/double black gullies and glades on skier’s left.
• Trick treasure: A Park Bully grooms the Terrain Park.
• Novice alternative: Most stick to gentle terrain off the slow Strawberry chair. Instead, ride high-speed lifts and take Green Run off Angel and Borderline and Creek Runs off Standish.
• Old-time skiing: Ride the ancient Tee Pee Town double to access steep and rugged slopes that never see a groomer.
• Snowhost: Hook up in front of Mad Trappers Saloon at noon for free mountain tours.
• Coffee time: Starbucks at Java Express in the Day Lodge.
• Beer time: Mad Trapper’s Saloon, in the 1928 log lodge.
• Lunch time: Chimney Corner Restaurant & Sports Bar with table service and sports big screens at Sunshine Lodge.
• Overnight: Sunshine Mountain Lodge is Banff’s only on-hill hotel (1-877-542-2633). Get a luxury suite with jetted tub and fireplace in the new wing. Go during Taste of Sunshine wine and food pairing events Dec 12, Jan 23, Feb 20, Mar 20 and Apr 17.

Mt Norquay
Banff’s original ski area (established 1926) is where locals go when they should be working and where their kids learn to ski and race. Canadian ski legend Ken Read along with other ski enthusiasts intent on preserving the family-friendly character of Norquay are the resort owners.

This is home mountain to World Cup gold medalist Thomas Grandi; he’s the one that skied by you like you were standing still. Giver Grandi run honours Banff’s favourite son.

Located 10 minutes north of downtown Banff (Norquay Rd over Hwy 1), this resort is a good choice for a mellow day, or few-hour escape. You’re treated to Cascade Mountain views, and summit cliffs give the area a rugged feel and shelter ski runs below. The snowmaking system blows tons of white stuff, and nightly grooming of all beginner and intermediate runs makes Norquay great for fall-line cruising.

Insider tips:
• Fresh corduroy: Arrive at opening (9 am) for Giver Grandi, Banshee and Knight Flight cruisers. Even on weekends there is never a lift line.
• Canada’s first double blacks: Tackle steep lines off the North American chair after the sun has softened the bumps.
• Ski by the hour: Norquay offers unique hourly lift pass options; its day rates are the least pricey of all Banff resorts.
• Floodlit slopes: Cascade quad runs and the Backyard Terrain Park are lit 5 to 10 pm, Wed (Jan 27 to Mar 24) and Fri (Jan 8 to Mar 26).
• Pub pleasures: The post and beam daylodge has a cafeteria, but try full service dining at Lone Pine Pub; musicians play Sat and Sun noon to 4:30 pm.
• Non-skiing fun: New is Norquay’s tubing park with four wide shoots (great for racing) and a dedicated lift.

Bordering Banff

Between Banff and Calgary is Nakiska, while west and south of Banff are the Kootenay Rockies’ Kicking Horse and Panorama Mountain Resorts.

Kicking Horse credit Mike McPhee

Kicking Horse credit Mike McPhee

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Called the “Champagne Capital of Canada” for its abundant dry snow, Kicking Horse is near Golden under two hours west of Banff and one hour from Lake Louise via Hwy 1 and Yoho National Park (at Spiral Tunnel viewpoint see a feat of railway engineering).

Kicking Horse Resort is named for an accident that befell Sir James Hector during his 1858 railroad route quest. Hector was presumed dead after being kicked by a horse but regained consciousness as he was being prepared for burial.
Highlights of the ski area are three rugged powder bowls, and the Golden Eagle Express gondola that shuttles skiers quickly from base to upper ridge in comfy 8-person cabins. It’s a long, exhilarating run down the highest vertical rise of all Canadian Rockies resorts (1260 m/4133 ft).

Insider tips:
• Ditch your car: Take the daily Powder Express shuttle (403-760-5465) from your Banff or Lake Louise hotel, a bargain at $89 with lift pass.
• Amazing glades: Drop into the trees from the CPR Ridge traverse off the gondola.
• Best steeps: Take Whitewall into Feuz Bowl (once heliski domain); ride the Stairway to Heaven quad and go right.
• Family zone: Wildlife-themed Horse Play Corral has contour grooming and play trails.
• Tubing: Take the surface lift by the daylodge up and ride a tube down; no skill required. Sat night is “disco tubing.”
• Kids Club: Enroll 18-month to 5-year-olds; you make turns.
• “Hidden” village eateries: Try Sushi Kuma, Horse Thief Café and The Peaks Bar & Grill.
• Ice rink: Rent skates on-site; join Wed “hockey night” fun.
• Dawn Mountain Nordic Trails: 30 km (18.6 mi) of groomed classic and skate skiing. A cozy hut with is one km (.6 mi) from the trailhead.
• Ski-in/out lodging: Book at 1-866-754-5425; go for $2195 a night Eagle Eye Suite with personal ski instructor, valet, meals and first tracks for two.
• Canada’s highest restaurant: Eagle’s Eye at 2350 m/7700 ft has a fireplace, vaulted ceilings and stunning views; the food is good too! On busy days arrive early or late to avoid the noon rush. Reserve Fri or Sat dinner with free gondola ride.

Panorama Mountain Village
Located two hours from Banff via Hwy 93S, the drive to Panorama is though Kootenay National Park. Stop for a half hour walk at Marble Canyon.

At the resort, three quads (2 high-speed) ascend a 1220 m (4000 ft) vertical rise. This year Founders Ridge runs have been graded making this intermediate slope more fun to ski. Try the new Taynton Bowl expert area off the View of 1000 Peaks run.

Insider tips:
• Banff ski bus: It’s $99 with lift pass; reserve 403-762-5900.
• Steep and deep: Big Taynton Bowl is former heliski terrain; also try Extreme Dream.
• Carving capers: Check posted grooming reports and ski early for corduroy on long cruisers.
• Beginner haven: A fenced area is serviced by a 135 m (443 ft) long Magic Carpet.
• Air show: Enjoy Terrain Park antics while riding Mile 1 quad.
• Night ski: Toby Chair runs are lit some weekends/holidays.
• Adventure Club: 8 to 14 year olds learn and lunch 10:30 am to 3 pm while parents play.
• Hot pools: On-hill guests (1-800-663-2929) access the Panorama Springs complex.

Nakiska Ski Area
Host of the ‘88 Olympics, Nakiska is 15 min south of Hwy 1 via Hwy 40, near Kananaskis Village. Snowmaking, a long run down and slopes that are groomed nightly make this cruise and carve crowd favourite. Slow skiing and self-contained beginner zones are family-friendly, while upper slopes offer steeps and glades.

Insider tips:
• New quad: Ride the Gold Chair Express to access upper mountain runs including the new Monster Glades.
• Ski early: Nakiska is best in the morning when the grooming is fresh, crowds are light, and the slopes are sun-lit.
• Best eats: Try the upstairs restaurant/bar with table service, fireplace and sports TV.

| Tags: 2010 Winter Games, banff ski tips, banff skiing, insider guide to skiing, jasper ski tips, jasper skiing, lake louise skiing, marmot ski tips, nakiska skiing, ski banff, ski golden, ski jasper, ski kicking horse, ski louise, ski marmot, ski nakiska, ski panorama, ski tips, skiing kananaskis  |  1 Comment »

Winterstart Festival Nov 28-Dec 6

Friday, November 27th, 2009
Winterstart Festival (credit: Banff Lake Louise Tourism Bureau)

Winterstart Festival (credit: Banff Lake Louise Tourism Bureau)

Celebrate winter during the Winterstart Festival in Banff and Lake Louise. The event kicks off with the World Cup Alpine Ski Racing (men’s Nov 28-29; women’s Dec 4-6) at Lake Louise Mountain Resort—cheer on world-class athletes as they vie for the final positions on the Olympic team. There’s also free on-hill entertainment by the Mocking Shadows Rhythm and Blues Revue (Nov 28). If you can’t make it to the hill, you can watch live racing action via Jumbotron’s big screen in Banff Avenue Square (200 Banff Ave). The festival continues in Banff with the Castle Carolers roaming downtown streets (Nov 28/Dec 5), Warren Miller’s Dynasty film screening (Nov 30), retail window decorating contest (Dec 4), Christmas in the Rockies with face painting, cookie decorating and free wagon rides (Dec 5), Santa Claus Parade of Lights (Dec 5), performances of Parks Canada’s Mountain WIT Theatre Troupe’s “Imaginanation”—a tale of hope, inspiration and natural wonders explored through puppetry, masks and music (Dec 5), Stuart McLean and a Vinyl Café Christmas (Dec 5), Mountaintop Christmas Sing-Along (Dec 6), and Bow Valley Chorus’ Christmas musical concert (Dec 6). With all of these family fun events, come and celebrate the glorious winter season in Banff and Lake Louise.

| Tags: alpine racing, alpine ski race, banff santa claus parade, banff winter, banff winterstart, christmas in the rockies, festival fun, winter festival, world cup, world cup alpine skiing, world cup skiing  |  No Comments »

Soundly Crafted

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009
Morgan Guitar

Morgan Guitar

An apprentice of guitar maker Jean Larrivee for 25 years, Vancouver craftsman Dave Iannone now hand-builds his Morgan Guitars using Mexican cocobolo hardwood that produces “a great tone and unbelievable look.” Visit Harvest Moon Acoustics.—RM

| Tags: canmore, great tone, guitars, hardwood, Harvest Moon Acoustics, Jean Larrivee, mexican cocobolo, morgan guitars  |  1 Comment »

Origins of Ammolite

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

Colourful ammolite gemstones are derived from fossilized ammonites, shelled creatures that inhabited an inland sea that covered much of southern Alberta 75 million years ago. Learn about the origins of ammonite, manufacturing techniques and gem grading by taking the Ammonite Gem Factory tour ($5) that runs daily at 10 am, 11 am and noon. —TK

Ammolite jewellery

Ammolite jewellery

| Tags: ammolite, ammonite, ammonite factory, ammonite gem factory, gem, Jewellery, jewelry, shelled creatures  |  No Comments »

Hidden View

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009
diner-duo-3Ravens

Dining at Three Ravens

It’s worth the short drive or walk from downtown to dine at the Three Ravens for the elevated Bow Valley view through enormous windows. The sparkling lights of Banff set against Rundle Mountain, Sulphur Mountain and the Sundance Range is a feast for the eyes, especially when the peaks glow red and yellow at sunset. —RM

| Tags: 3 ravens, Dining, dining with view, feast for the eyes, hidden view, mountain view, Rundle Mountain, Sulphur Mountain, Sundance Range, three ravens  |  No Comments »

Canadian Roots

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

Roots is an internationally recognized brand with an iconic Canadian history. Their logo incorporates the beaver, the furry creature that appears on our 5-centroots-tee09 coin and Parks Canada emblems. The first Roots store was established in 1973 by Michael Budman and Don Green who were inspired by Ontario’s Algonquin Park. Their company transformed a love for the Canadian wilderness into the distinctive leather goods and athletic wear you see today.—RM

| Tags: athletic wear, Banff, Canmore & Area, Canadian, leather goods, Roots, tshirt  |  No Comments »

WordFest Oct 16-18

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009
Douglas Coupland presents his new novel "Generation A"

Douglas Coupland presents his new novel "Generation A"

This weekend Banff gets lit—literary that is—during WordFest 2009. The Banff Calgary International Writers Festival heads to The Banff Centre (tickets 403-762-6301) and is packed with discussions, workshops, readings and multi-media presentations. Highlights include Wicked Words with cutting-edge performances by Kris Demeanor, Alexis O’Hara and Roland Pemberton that will be sure to get your toes tapping (Oct 16, 8 pm); renowned author Douglas Coupland presents his latest work Generation A and is joined by debut novelists JR Carpenter and Emily St. John Mandel (Oct 17, 7 pm); Poetry Cabaret where a variety of poet’s words mingle with music (Oct 17, 9:30 pm); and Curtain Call that features Can-lit and international author readings including Bonnie Burnard, Don Gillmor, Lisa Moore, Shani Mootoo and Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt (Oct 18, 3 pm).

| Tags: 2009, Alexis O'Hara, banff centre, bonnie burnard, discussions, Don Gillmor, Douglas Coupland, Generation A, Kris Demeanor, Lisa Moore, multi-media, poetry cabaret, Readings, Roland Pemberton, Shani Mootoo, wordfest, workshops  |  No Comments »

100 Years of the Warden Service

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009
Warden Family, courtesy Whyte Museum

Warden Family, courtesy Whyte Museum

In partnership with the Jasper Yellowhead Museum for the 100th anniversary of the Warden Service, Banff’s Whyte Museum hosts A Way of Life, A Legacy to Protect: 100 Years of the Warden Service until November 15th. The exhibit tells the story of a warden’s life back when each headquarters was a simple log cabin from which wardens performed varied duties such as building backcountry cabins, maintaining trails and forestry telephone lines, patrolling campgrounds, caring for animals, controlling mosquitoes and operating ski patrols. The Whyte has added the Warden’s climbing expedition (part of the 1985 centennial of the creation Canada’s national park system), the essential supporting role of Warden’s families, as well as the story of Windy Lodge (No. 3 Warden Patrol Cabin) situated on the Museum’s riverside grounds.

| Tags: exhibit, Jasper Yellowhead Museum, museum, trails, warden, whyte museum, Windy Lodge  |  No Comments »

Festival of Eagles

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009
Golden Eagle

Golden Eagle, photo by Szmurlo

Experience the annual migration of the majestic Golden Eagle in Canmore October 16-17 during the Festival of Eagles. Join celebrations that include guided hikes, interpretive theatre, displays and guest speakers. Get close and personal with a golden eagle (without binoculars) during Colin Weir’s Alberta Birds of Prey exhibit. Evening speaker highlights include: Sid Marty for an evening of song, spoken word and storytelling (Oct 16; 7:30 pm; $15 at the door), and Karsten Heuer to hear what a decade of travel along the spine of the Rockies (Yellowstone to Yukon Hike), across Arctic tundra (Being Caribou) and east across Canada (Finding Farley) has taught this local wildlife biologist and his filmmaking wife Leanne Allison (Oct 17; 7:30 pm; $15 at the door). The Festival Pass ($20) is available at Café Books, as are advance tickets ($12) for Sid Marty or Karsten Heuer.

| Tags: ancient migraiton, canmore, festival of eagles, Golden Eagle, golden eagle migration, guided eagle viewing, interpreters, speakers, spirit of the eagle  |  No Comments »

Colourful Autumn Hike

Monday, October 5th, 2009
Larch Valley courtesy Parks Canada/Stefanie Gignac

Larch Valley courtesy Parks Canada/Stefanie Gignac

Hiking Larch Valley from Moraine Lake is a popular trail, especially in the autumn when the alpine larch trees turn a radiant golden hue. There’s a 350 m (1150 ft) elevation gain in the relatively short 2.4 km (1.5 mi) one-way hike. And with a meadow near the top, you are rewarded with unobstructed mountain vistas and panoramic view of the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Group Access: Hiking Larch Valley may require hikers to travel in a tight group of four or more if grizzly bears are in the area (check with Parks Canada 403-522-3833).

| Tags: alpine, hike, Lake Louise, larch valley, moraine lake, temple mountain  |  No Comments »

3-D Artistry

Monday, October 5th, 2009
Glass Plant by Susan Gottselig

Glass Plant by Susan Gottselig

The Canmore Public Library Art Gallery hosts Off the Wall: CAAG’s Three-Dimensional Art Exhibition to Oct 20. View (and possibly purchase) the diverse works by 15 of the best 3-D local artists. So drop by to marvel at stunning glass sculptures by Susan Gottselig, handcrafted jewellery by Rudi Peet and functional and artistic pottery by John and Katie Borrowman from Of Cabbages and Kings, plus other impressive 3-D pieces by local artists.

| Tags: 3-D, Art, artists, artworks, canmore, canmore art and artisan's guild, gallery, John Borrowman, Katie Borrowman, library art gallery, rudi peet, susan gottselig, three-dimensional  |  No Comments »

Northern Melodies

Monday, October 5th, 2009
Leela Gilday

Leela Gilday

Known for music that is strong and clear, Leela Gilday’s soulful songs will move you. She is recognized as one of Canada’s most important Northern artists and has won numerous awards including a Juno. Gilday is playing at The Banff Centre (tickets 403-762-6301) this Saturday October 10th.

| Tags: 2009, banff centre, Juno winner, Leela Gilday, Music, northern, Oct 10, performance, tickets  |  No Comments »

Sizzling Masterpiece

Monday, October 5th, 2009
Bison and chicken fajitas at Iron Goat Pub

Bison and chicken fajitas at Iron Goat Pub

The enticing sound of sizzling bison, chicken, peppers and onions on a cast iron hot plate combine with spiced aromas to bring Mexican fare with a Rocky Mountain twist to life. The build-it-yourself fajitas at Iron Goat Pub & Grill are enhanced by the colourful presentation of pico de gallo (hand cut salsa), guacamole, grated cheddar, sour cream and lettuce—all the ingredients to create a mouthwatering masterpiece (the best fajitas I’ve tasted).—LS

| Tags: best fajitas, bison, chicken, fajitas, Mexican fare with Rocky Mountain twist, mouthwatering  |  No Comments »

Reclaimed Wood

Monday, October 5th, 2009
Spice Box from Two Day Designs

Spice Box from Two Day Designs

What’s old is new again. Unique furniture by Two Day Designs is created from antique lumber, most notably from old wine barrels. Heritage Artisan Furniture (hailing from Olds, Alberta) creates distinctively handcrafted furnishings from salvaged prairie barnwood. These one-of-a-kind pieces have been etched by nature’s elements and the passage of time. Drop by Castle Mountain Home Furnishings to pick out a rustically elegant treasure.—LS

| Tags: antique lumber, etched by natures elements, furniture, handcrafted furnishings, heritage artisan furniture, old wine barrels, one-of-a-kind, pieces, prairie barnwood, reclaimed wood, rustically elegant, salvaged wood, treasures, two day designs  |  1 Comment »

Cowboys to Catwalks

Monday, October 5th, 2009
Cowboy hat from Lammle's

Cowboy hat from Lammle's

The crease of a cowboy hat used to indicate where you lived, and if you were a rancher, wrangler or rodeo rider. But today’s hats are more fashion statement than practical wear. Cattleman hats with big middle crease and side dents are the most popular. Real cowboys sport wool or rabbit felt hats ($100+). The rest of us don straw ($20-$100) for mountain horseback rides and the Calgary Stampede. Lammle’s and The Trail Rider have hats for all.—RM


| Tags: cattlemen, cowboy hat, fashion statement, holiday on horseback, lammle's, rancher, rodeo rider, straw hat, the trail rider, wrangler  |  No Comments »

Starbucks Instant Taste Test

Friday, October 2nd, 2009
Starbucks-Via-Ready-Brew_580_2432

Starbucks Via Read Brew

Head to Starbucks in Banff or Canmore this weekend (Oct 2-4) for a free taste test of their new instant coffee product, Via Ready Brew. See if you can taste the difference between their new instant version and their traditionally brewed coffee. 20 years in the making, Via is microground and is sold in 3- or 12-packs of Columbian or Italian Roast.

| No Comments »

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