TRAVEL CALGARY
(Including Banff-Lake Louise-Columbia Icefields-Jasper)
(Including Banff-Lake Louise-Columbia Icefields-Jasper)
GENERAL INFORMATION-Calgary is an attractive and dynamic city situated on the banks of the Bow River and close to Alberta's majestic Rocky Mountains. It is the eastern gateway to the Rocky Mountains and an important centre of trade and tourism for the western prairies, sprawling across 800 sq. km (over 300 sq. miles). Calgary stands at the point where the vast Canadian prairie touches the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains. The Calgary Stampede is undoubtedly Calgary's best-known visitor attraction and event. This event, featuring a large parade and world-class rodeo, draws more than a million people each year. Calgary was the host city of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games.
HISTORY- In 1883, the first rail station was built and Calgary started to grow in every direction and became an agricultural and business hub. In 1894, it was renamed the City of Calgary. In 1902, Oil was discovered but it did not become a significant industry in the province until 1947 when reserves of it were discovered near Leduc. Calgary quickly found itself at the centre of the ensuing oil boom and major companies started heading to Calgary and opening offices.
GEOGRAPHY- Calgary is located transition zone between the Canadian Rockies foothills and the Canadian Prairies. Downtown Calgary is about 1,045 m (3,4300 ft.) above sea level. Two rivers run through the city. Bow River and Elbow River converges at the Fort Calgary.
AREA -825.30Km2 (318.7 sq. mile)
POPULATION- 11,00,000(city)3rd largest in Canada.
TIME ZONE - UTC-7 Summer UTC-6
CO-ORDINATES- 51°03′N 114°04′W
CLIMATE-
Temp JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
AvH -1 1 4 11 16 20 23 23 18 12 3 -1
AvL -13 -11 -8 -2 3 8 15 9 4 -1 -8 -13
Temp JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
AvH -1 1 4 11 16 20 23 23 18 12 3 -1
AvL -13 -11 -8 -2 3 8 15 9 4 -1 -8 -13
AIRPORT- Calgary International Airport (YYC) is one of Canada's busiest airports. As Western Canada’s best connected airport. The airport is located in northeast Calgary, about 20 minutes from downtown. The airport is well-served by Canadian and international carriers. Calgary International Airport is no more than one-stop from any major city in the world. The airport has a volunteer force of mostly retirees dressed in red and white Western wear who are quite friendly. The airport has direct connections with the nearby towns with the bus system like-
Brewster Banff Airport Express –The fare from Calgary to Banff is $57.00
Depart Calgary International Airport 08:30 09:30 10:30 11:30 13:00 14:00 15:30 17:15 18:30 22:00
Arrive Banff 07:55 10:15 11:15 12:15 12:20 13:15 14:45 15:45 17:15 19:00 20:15 23:45
http://www.brewster.ca/transportation/brewster-banff-airport-express
Brewster Banff Airport Express –The fare from Calgary to Banff is $57.00
Depart Calgary International Airport 08:30 09:30 10:30 11:30 13:00 14:00 15:30 17:15 18:30 22:00
Arrive Banff 07:55 10:15 11:15 12:15 12:20 13:15 14:45 15:45 17:15 19:00 20:15 23:45
http://www.brewster.ca/transportation/brewster-banff-airport-express
PUBLIC TRANSPORT-
i-CTrains(LRT)- With 56 kilometres of track and 44 stations on two lines.
Fare- One time use, valid for 90 min=$3.15
i-CTrains(LRT)- With 56 kilometres of track and 44 stations on two lines.
- The Red Line, runs from Crowfoot in the northwest to Somerset-Bridlewood in the south.
- The Blue Line, starts at Saddletowne in the northeast and travels to 69 Street in the west.
Fare- One time use, valid for 90 min=$3.15
WALKWAYS- The downtown core is home to the largest expanse of walkways in North America. The Plus 15 pedestrian bridges stand 15 feet above street level giving its coined name. It accounts for 16 kilometres of a climate-controlled network of walkways. During the winter months, this system enables travel between office towers, retail centres and many parking lots.
DISTANCES-
Calgary to Banff =127kms (1hr 25mts)
Lake Louise =182kms(2hrs)
Columbia Icefields =305kms(3.30hrs)
Jasper =413kms(5hrs)
Calgary to Banff =127kms (1hr 25mts)
Lake Louise =182kms(2hrs)
Columbia Icefields =305kms(3.30hrs)
Jasper =413kms(5hrs)
SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS AT CALGARY-
001-CALGARY TOWER*-Calgary Tower is 191m(627ft) high. The Observation Deck offers a bird's-eye view of the city, the prairies and the magnificent Rocky Mountains to the west. A walk across the glass floor suspended over the city street below can be an good experience. A revolving restaurant, Sky 360, provides a more relaxed environment in which to take in the view of the city. SKY 360 is located at 155 metres and completes a full rotation every 45 minutes during lunch and every 60 minutes during dinner.
Opening Times- Daily 0900-2200 (Jul-Aug);
Daily 0900-2100 (Sep-Jun).
Admission Fees-$18.00
Address- 101 9th Avenue SW, Calgary.
Location- The Calgary Tower is attached to the Plus 15 walkway system. The Tower is located in the section that connects such places as the Fairmont Palliser Hotel, Tower Centre, the Calgary Marriott Hotel, the Glenbow Museum, the Telus Convention Centre, the Hyatt Regency Hotel, and the Epcor Centre for the Performing Arts.
Opening Times- Daily 0900-2200 (Jul-Aug);
Daily 0900-2100 (Sep-Jun).
Admission Fees-$18.00
Address- 101 9th Avenue SW, Calgary.
Location- The Calgary Tower is attached to the Plus 15 walkway system. The Tower is located in the section that connects such places as the Fairmont Palliser Hotel, Tower Centre, the Calgary Marriott Hotel, the Glenbow Museum, the Telus Convention Centre, the Hyatt Regency Hotel, and the Epcor Centre for the Performing Arts.
002-CANADA OLYMPIC PARK & WIN SPORT* (WinSport owns and operates Canada Olympic Park in Calgary)-The Canada Olympic Park where Calgary host the XV Olympic Winter Games in 1988. Canada Olympic Park is a multi-purpose athletic facility designed for skiing, snowboarding, bobsleigh and luge during the winter and mountain biking during the summer. You can practise skiing and snowboarding, try luge and bobsleigh rides, or test moves on the 17m (55ft) Big Airbag. Fly down North America's fastest zip line on a 500m (1,640ft) cable from the 90m (295ft) ski jump tower at speeds up to 140kph (87mph). In summer, you can speed down the ‘Road Rocket' bobsleigh track at 95kph (60mph) or take to the 25km (16 miles) of mountain biking trails.
Address- 88 Canada Olympic Road SW, Calgary.
Website- http://www.winsportcanada
Address- 88 Canada Olympic Road SW, Calgary.
Website- http://www.winsportcanada
i-Zip Line- The Zipline course consists of 3 lines and will get your adrenaline pumping as you soar through the air and experience spectacular views of Calgary. The tour takes about an hour and can be booked as an individual or as a group.
Trainer Zipline – This is where you will learn how to ride the Zipline.
Price=$10.99
Plaza Zipline – The final of 3 ziplines, here you will hit speeds of up to 80km/hr.
Price=$39.90
Monster Zipline – North America’s fastest Zipline at 120km/hr starts at Calgary’s highest vantage point, the ski jump tower. Experience a zipline that is 500 metres long with a vertical drop of more than 100 metres.
Price=59.99
Trainer Zipline – This is where you will learn how to ride the Zipline.
Price=$10.99
Plaza Zipline – The final of 3 ziplines, here you will hit speeds of up to 80km/hr.
Price=$39.90
Monster Zipline – North America’s fastest Zipline at 120km/hr starts at Calgary’s highest vantage point, the ski jump tower. Experience a zipline that is 500 metres long with a vertical drop of more than 100 metres.
Price=59.99
ii- Summer Bobsleigh Rides- A professional pilot will accompany you as you ride the legendary Olympic sliding track twisting around 10 turns including the famous Omega and Kreisel corners. Reach speeds of up to 80 km/h and reach 2G forces. This will be 60 seconds you talk about for the rest of your life. This experience is for those that are 14 years old and above to a maximum weight of 250 lbs.
Price=$59.99
Price=$59.99
003-SKYLINE LUGE CALGARY-Skyline Luge at Canada Olympic Park on the outskirts of Calgary is a unique wheeled gravity ride that provides the rider full control over their descent on a track. It's easy to learn and is suitable for people of all ages. With more than 50 twists and turns, covering a distance of over 1,800 m (5,900 ft.) on a continuous downhill, the Skyline Luge is the longest in the world.
Skyline Luge Calgary is open for family summer fun from late May till October. The summer Skyline Calgary Luge track runs alongside the famous Winsport Olympic Luge track. Accessed via chairlift you will drop over 100 metres (328 feet) from the Start Zone and Luge down the 1800 metres (5905 feet) of track to the End Zone.
Price- One Luge ride $15.00
Three Luge rides $23.00
Five Luge rides $32.00
Location- Skyline Luge Calgary is located at WinSport Canada Olympic Park.
Address-WinSport Canada Olympic Park, 88 Canada Olympic Road S.W, Calgary
(This company has Luge at Singapore, Rotorua (NZ), Tongyeong (South Korea))
Skyline Luge Calgary is open for family summer fun from late May till October. The summer Skyline Calgary Luge track runs alongside the famous Winsport Olympic Luge track. Accessed via chairlift you will drop over 100 metres (328 feet) from the Start Zone and Luge down the 1800 metres (5905 feet) of track to the End Zone.
Price- One Luge ride $15.00
Three Luge rides $23.00
Five Luge rides $32.00
Location- Skyline Luge Calgary is located at WinSport Canada Olympic Park.
Address-WinSport Canada Olympic Park, 88 Canada Olympic Road S.W, Calgary
(This company has Luge at Singapore, Rotorua (NZ), Tongyeong (South Korea))
004-TELUS SPARK-Calgary’s science centre reopened in October 2011. The building houses four main galleries: ‘Being Human’, ‘Earth & Sky’, ‘Open Studio’ and ‘Energy & Innovation’. There is a Creative Kids Museum, a 930-sq-m (10,000-sq-ft) atrium, outdoor park, 230-seat HD Dome Theatre for a 40/20min Dome Show.
Opening Times- Sun-Wed-Fri 10.00-16.00,
Thurs 09.00-21.00,
Sat 10.00-17.00.
Admission Fees-$19.95(general)+Dome Show-$10.00/$7.00
Address- 220 St Georges Drive NE, Calgary, Canada
Location- TELUS Spark is conveniently located near Calgary's bike path system and is accessible by Calgary Transit.
Website- http://http://www.sparkscience.ca
Opening Times- Sun-Wed-Fri 10.00-16.00,
Thurs 09.00-21.00,
Sat 10.00-17.00.
Admission Fees-$19.95(general)+Dome Show-$10.00/$7.00
Address- 220 St Georges Drive NE, Calgary, Canada
Location- TELUS Spark is conveniently located near Calgary's bike path system and is accessible by Calgary Transit.
Website- http://http://www.sparkscience.ca
005-HERITAGE PARK HISTORICAL VILLAGE-Over 180 exhibits on 127 acres of land, Canada's largest living history museum displays the life in the Canadian West from 1860s to 1950s.This working museum comprises more than 150 restored buildings. You can also ride a steam locomotive, an antique Ferris wheel, historic streetcars or the SS Moyie, an early sternwheeler. The adjacent Gasoline Alley Museum displays an extensive collection of vintage cars, while Heritage Town Square represents a 1930s to 1950s street. Explore the First Nations encampment, stroll the antique midway, taste fresh baked treats from the Alberta Bakery, enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride and set sail on Calgary's only paddlewheeler.
Opening Times- Historical village: Daily 0930-1700 (late May-early Sep); Sat-Sun 0930-1700 (early Sep-mid-Oct). Gasoline Alley Museum: Daily 0930-1700.
Admission Fees-$26.25(Summer)
Address- 1900 Heritage Drive SW, Calgary.
Website- http://www.heritagepark.ca
Opening Times- Historical village: Daily 0930-1700 (late May-early Sep); Sat-Sun 0930-1700 (early Sep-mid-Oct). Gasoline Alley Museum: Daily 0930-1700.
Admission Fees-$26.25(Summer)
Address- 1900 Heritage Drive SW, Calgary.
Website- http://www.heritagepark.ca
006-GLENBOW MUSEUM- Western Canada's largest museum has three annual special exhibitions and more than 20 permanent galleries chronicling the history of the Canadian West. Don't miss the Mavericks Gallery, which has interactive displays that chronicle the lives of 48 dynamic and incorrigible Alberta natives. Displays of First Nations and pioneer artefacts examine the people, stories, and events that shaped the region. The Nitsitapiisinni exhibit traces the story of the Blackfoot people in their own words through interactive displays, films, and artefacts.
Opening Times- Mon-Sat 0900-1700, Sun 1200-1700.
Admission Fees-$14.00
Address- 130 9th Avenue SE, Calgary, Canada
Website- http://www.glenbow.org
Opening Times- Mon-Sat 0900-1700, Sun 1200-1700.
Admission Fees-$14.00
Address- 130 9th Avenue SE, Calgary, Canada
Website- http://www.glenbow.org
007-FORT CALGARY HISTORIC PARK- Fort Calgary is located on 40 acres of parkland on the eastern edge of downtown Calgary. This is the place where the modern city of Calgary began.
When the North West Mounted Police built their fort at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers in 1875, they laid the foundations for the city. An interpretive centre outlines Calgary's development via artefacts, audio-visual displays and walks along the river. The site also includes the Deane House Historic Site & Restaurant, a historic building that now houses a restaurant.
Opening Times- Daily 0900-1700.
Admission Fees-$12.00
Address- 750 9th Avenue SE, Calgary, Canada
Website- http://www.fortcalgary.com
When the North West Mounted Police built their fort at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers in 1875, they laid the foundations for the city. An interpretive centre outlines Calgary's development via artefacts, audio-visual displays and walks along the river. The site also includes the Deane House Historic Site & Restaurant, a historic building that now houses a restaurant.
Opening Times- Daily 0900-1700.
Admission Fees-$12.00
Address- 750 9th Avenue SE, Calgary, Canada
Website- http://www.fortcalgary.com
008-CALGARY ZOO, BOTANICAL GARDEN & PREHISTORIC PARK-Located on scenic St George's Island, Calgary Zoo houses more than 1,000 animals. Its nearly 300 different species are left in their natural environments as much as possible, such as in the ‘Canadian Wilds' exhibit where close encounters with cougars, grizzlies and Rocky Mountain goats are possible. The more exotic ‘Destination Africa' section features gorillas, giraffes and zebras, while the Eurasia exhibit is home to Siberian tigers, snow leopards, red pandas and Asian elephants.
The Botanical Garden, including a butterfly garden, rainforest garden and waterfalls, covers over 2.5 hectares (6 acres). The Prehistoric Park features 22 life-size dinosaur models. The zoo’s new Penguin Plunge exhibit opens in 2012.
Opening Times- Daily 0900-1700.
Admission Fees-$24.95 (March 18, 2016 to October 13, 2016)
Address- 1300 Zoo Road NE, Calgary, Canada
Website- http://www.calgaryzoo.com
The Botanical Garden, including a butterfly garden, rainforest garden and waterfalls, covers over 2.5 hectares (6 acres). The Prehistoric Park features 22 life-size dinosaur models. The zoo’s new Penguin Plunge exhibit opens in 2012.
Opening Times- Daily 0900-1700.
Admission Fees-$24.95 (March 18, 2016 to October 13, 2016)
Address- 1300 Zoo Road NE, Calgary, Canada
Website- http://www.calgaryzoo.com
009- CALGARY STAMPEDE- The Calgary Stampede is called The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth for good reason. For 10 days every July, a spectacular celebration of western heritage is held. There are rodeo competitions, chuckwagon races, a midway carnival, live music, festival events, arts and culture. Calgary Stampede also features a vast array of arts and agricultural exhibits, musical performances, intriguing cuisine, shopping, and an extensive midway of rides and games.
Entry-Free
Address- 1410 Olympic Way S.E., Calgary.
Entry-Free
Address- 1410 Olympic Way S.E., Calgary.
010- PRINCE'S ISLAND PARK- Calgary's largest inner city park is an island with a number of pleasant trails for walking and relaxing. It is also the site of two of the city's largest annual festivals- the Calgary Folk Music Festival and Carifest. The first Calgary Stampede was held in 1912.
011-CALAWAY PARK- Calaway Park is western Canada's largest amusement park. Calaway Park has 32 rides, 24 food locations, 23 games, live entertainment and a 3D theatre. Located 10 kilometres west of Calgary in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains you can appreciate the spectacular view from your favourite ride.
The park has a traditional carousel, dodgems and gentle kiddie rides, Ocean Motion (a swinging ship) and The Vortex rollercoaster. You can go on Shoot the Chutes or take a trip on the Rocky Mountain Railroad. There are also daily live musical performances and stage shows.
Opening Times-Daily Jul-Aug-1000-1900
Ticket- Regular (7-49 years) $37.95+GST
Address-245033 Range Road 33 (off Highway 1, 10km/6 miles west of city limits), Calgary,
The park has a traditional carousel, dodgems and gentle kiddie rides, Ocean Motion (a swinging ship) and The Vortex rollercoaster. You can go on Shoot the Chutes or take a trip on the Rocky Mountain Railroad. There are also daily live musical performances and stage shows.
Opening Times-Daily Jul-Aug-1000-1900
Ticket- Regular (7-49 years) $37.95+GST
Address-245033 Range Road 33 (off Highway 1, 10km/6 miles west of city limits), Calgary,
012-STEPHEN AVENUE WALK*- As one of Calgary's most famous streets, Stephen Avenue (8th Avenue S between Barclay Mall and 2nd Street E) was declared a National Historic District by the Canadian Government. It is a major venue for boutique shopping, bars, pubs and restaurants. The mall is free of traffic throughout most of the day.
013-OLYMPIC PLAZA*- This public square was built as the site of medal presentations during the 1988 Winter Olympic Games. During the summer, peoples can enjoy the water-filled plaza, while winter visitors can go skating.
Located- at 800 block of Macleod Trail SE (corner of 8th Ave SE and Macleod Trail).
Located- at 800 block of Macleod Trail SE (corner of 8th Ave SE and Macleod Trail).
014-DEVONIAN GARDENS*- Alberta's largest indoor gardens, which are reached by two glass-enclosed elevators just inside the 7th Avenue light-rail transit (LRT) entrance, have numerous ponds with rainbow trout, koi, goldfish, and turtles. Art exhibitions are held here, and there's a stage for performances. On the 4th level of the Core Shopping Centre, visitors will come somewhat unexpectedly upon the floral paradise of Devonian Gardens. Covering about one hectare, the indoor gardens feature lovely tropical palms, sculptures, fish ponds, fountains, and a living wall. About 10,000 plants make up the displays, and despite Calgary's cold winters they thrive under a glass ceiling. The Devonian Gardens are free and open for the public to wander.
Entry-free
Address- 400 - 317 7 Ave SW, Calgary
Location- Above Toronto Dominion Square and atop the Toronto Dominion Centre shopping complex
Entry-free
Address- 400 - 317 7 Ave SW, Calgary
Location- Above Toronto Dominion Square and atop the Toronto Dominion Centre shopping complex
TRAVEL BANFF
GENERAL INFORMATION-The Town of Banff was intended to be a tourist town from its very inception. Banff is a town within Banff National Park in Alberta. It is located in Alberta's Rockies along the Trans-Canada Highway, approximately 126 km (78 mi) west of Calgary and 58 km (36 mi) east of Lake Louise. Located at an elevation of 1,400 m (4,600 ft.) to 1,630 m (5,350 ft.), Banff is the community with the second highest elevation in Alberta after Lake Louise. The town of Banff is a short 1.5-hour drive from Calgary and about a 3.5-hour drive south on the scenic Ice Fields Parkway from Jasper. The nearest International Airport is located in Calgary.The peak season is July and August. The Town of Banff has a permanent population of about 8300. There are three ski resorts located in Banff National Park, with 200 kilometres of trails spread over 7,748 acres,they are Banff Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village and the Lake Louise Mountain Resort.
Banff National Park is a year-round discovery of the 6,641 km2 mountainous landscape. As the first national park established in Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, what makes Banff National Park so special is its combination of vast unspoiled wilderness, mountain lakes like Lake Louise. The highest mountain entirely located in Banff National Park is Mt. Forbes, at 3612m (11, 850 feet), at 3618m, Mt. Assiniboineis slightly higher than Mt. Forbes and stands in Banff National Park.
Banff National Park is a year-round discovery of the 6,641 km2 mountainous landscape. As the first national park established in Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, what makes Banff National Park so special is its combination of vast unspoiled wilderness, mountain lakes like Lake Louise. The highest mountain entirely located in Banff National Park is Mt. Forbes, at 3612m (11, 850 feet), at 3618m, Mt. Assiniboineis slightly higher than Mt. Forbes and stands in Banff National Park.
001-BANFF UPPER HOT SPRINGS-Loated in the town of Banff, in Banff National Park, the Banff Upper Hot Springs has all the amenities of a modern facility in a splendid historic spa and bath house - against a backdrop of Banff National Park’s spectacular alpine scenery. The Banff Upper Hot Springs are on Mountain Avenue, four kilometres south of the Town of Banff. Public Transit available by taxi and Banff Roam Banff Roam Service.
Hours of Operation
Dates Days Hours
October 31, May 19, Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Friday and Saturday 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Fees-Single Admission - $7.30
http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/voyage-travel/sources-springs/banff/debit-flow.aspx
Hours of Operation
Dates Days Hours
October 31, May 19, Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Friday and Saturday 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Fees-Single Admission - $7.30
http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/voyage-travel/sources-springs/banff/debit-flow.aspx
002-BANFF GONDOLA-The Banff Sightseeing Gondola is located just 5 minutes from the Town of Banff, on the shoulder of Sulphur Mountain, in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. You will feel like you’re on top of the world when you are standing on the spacious main level observation deck, where the optional Banff Skywalk (a 1km self-guided interpretive walkway) leads you to the Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site and Sanson’s Peak Meteorological Station.
Ticket – $42.00
Timings-
May 1 - May 20, 2016 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
May 21 - Jun 30, 2016 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Jul 1 - Sept 5, 2016 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Ticket – $42.00
Timings-
May 1 - May 20, 2016 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
May 21 - Jun 30, 2016 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Jul 1 - Sept 5, 2016 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
003-THE BANFF LAKE CRUISE- Lake Minnewanka lies in the heart of the Canadian Rockies in Banff National Park, just a short 15-minute drive from the town site of Banff. This magnificent interpretive lake cruise of Minnewanka and the scenic Canadian Rockies is one hour and provides unique photo opportunities unavailable anywhere else. Here learn about the wildlife and vegetation that inhabit these mountains, the early explorers who named them and the tremendous forces that created them. The Lake Minnewanka valley offers some of the most interesting and spectacular scenery found anywhere in the Canadian Rockies. Cruises depart hourly between May to mid-October, with additional cruises every half hour between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM from July 1-September 5, 2016.
Price- from $60.00
Price- from $60.00
004- FAIRMONT BANFF SPRINGS HOTEL -The original wooden hotel that opened in 1888 burned down in 1926, but was replaced two years later with the grander castle-meets-Baronial-Scottish-hall structure that exists today. The hotel has 11 different restaurants, cafes, and bars.
005-BANFF HELICOPTER TOURS-Spectacular scenic flights on these helicopter tours that border Banff National Park. The Banff helicopter tours depart from Canmore (20 minutes drive - transportation is available) on 3 scenic flight routes, a 12 min Three Sisters Peaks, a 25 min Royal Canadian Heli tour of Goat and Sundance Ranges, or the ultimate 30 min Mount Assiniboine Heli tour to the "Matterhorn of the Canadian Rockies".
http://www.banfftours.com/banff-activities-and-tours/summer/helicopter-sightseeing
http://www.banfftours.com/banff-activities-and-tours/summer/helicopter-sightseeing
TRAVEL LAKE LOUISE
GENERAL INFORMATION-This alpine lake, known for its sparkling blue waters, is situated at the base of impressive glacier-clad peaks. At about 2.5 kilometres long and 90 metres deep, the lake offers a surreal paddling experience in the warm summer months and one of the most scenic skating rinks in the world in winter. It is located at 1600m(5200ft) above mean sea level.
The hamlet of Lake Louise, located just minutes from the lake itself, has been developed over the last century to serve the needs of people visiting this astonishingly accessible and picturesque area of Banff National Park. Located nearby, Moraine Lake, with its indigo blue waters surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks, is another one of Canada’s most iconic lakes. The Village of Lake Louise is on the Trans-Canada Highway fifty-seven kilometres (thirty-five miles) west of Banff.
The hamlet of Lake Louise, located just minutes from the lake itself, has been developed over the last century to serve the needs of people visiting this astonishingly accessible and picturesque area of Banff National Park. Located nearby, Moraine Lake, with its indigo blue waters surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks, is another one of Canada’s most iconic lakes. The Village of Lake Louise is on the Trans-Canada Highway fifty-seven kilometres (thirty-five miles) west of Banff.
FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAKE LOUISE-The iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel is located in Alberta's Banff National Park. Originally built as a base for outdoor enthusiasts and alpinists over 100 years ago, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is a year-round luxury mountain resort offering guided mountain tours, world-class skiing in the winter.
LAKE LOUISE SIGHTSEEING GONDOLA & INTERPRETIVE CENTRE-The Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola & Interpretive Centre offers a unique opportunity to dine in the beautiful Lodge of Ten Peaks, ascend to an awe-inspiring viewpoint.
WILDLIFE INTERPRETIVE CENTRE-The Wildlife Interpretive Centre, located at the top of the sightseeing Gondola in Whitehorn Lodge, provides guests with a unique opportunity to learn about the local wildlife and rich history of Lake Louise and the Banff National Park.
TRAVEL COLUMBIA ICEFIELDS
GENERAL INFORMATION-The Icefields Parkway is easily one of the most popular attractions to the visitors of the Canadian Rockies whether it be from Banff or Jasper National Park. It covers 325km2 area, making it comfortably the largest body of ice in the Rocky Mountains. The greatest estimated depth is 365m (1200 ft.). The average snowfall is 7m (23 ft.) every year. The Icefields stretches 25 kilometres across the Continental Divide.
It lies on a high, rolling plateau, average elevation 2800 m, edged by huge cliffs and ringed by some of the higher peaks in the Canadian Rockies, nearly three-quarters of the park's highest peaks are located close to the icefield, ideally placed to catch much of the moisture that Pacific winds carry across the British Columbia interior, including Mt. Columbia, second-highest at 3747 m. Other Peaks are-Mt Athabasca-3491meters, Mt Andormeda-3450 meters, Snow Dome-3450 meters and Mt Kithenere-3505meters. This icefield is dwarfed by those to the west, in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia and Alaska (the Juneau Icefield covers over 3000 square kilometres), but it's still the largest glacier in the Rocky Mountains.
From its melting snows and many glaciers water flows across North America to Atlantic, the Artic and Pacific Oceans. From Jasper, the Icefields Parkway Center is 108 km. And from Banff is 178kms (2.5hrs drive), Lake Louise is 123kms (1.5hrs drive) and Calgary is 305kms (3.5hrs drive).
i-The Athabasca Glacier is the largest of six ice sheets that form part of the Columbia Icefield in Jasper National Park. It is a popular destination for tourists from around the world who climb aboard huge snow coaches to get an up-close look. Due to its close proximity to the Icefields Parkway, between the Alberta towns of Banff and Jasper, and rather easy accessibility, it is the most visited glacier in North America, a six kilometre tongue of ice flowing to within a kilometre of the Icefield Parkway. While it receives about seven metres of snowfall annually, the glacier has been slowly shrinking for about 150 years. It is 6 km squared in area. It is 6km long.
The Icefield Interpretive Centre, stands across from the glacier. It is used as a lodge and for ticket sales for sightseeing on the glacier. Standard buses transport tourists to the glacier edge, where they board specially designed snow coaches for transport over the steep grades, snow and ice part way up the glacier.
It lies on a high, rolling plateau, average elevation 2800 m, edged by huge cliffs and ringed by some of the higher peaks in the Canadian Rockies, nearly three-quarters of the park's highest peaks are located close to the icefield, ideally placed to catch much of the moisture that Pacific winds carry across the British Columbia interior, including Mt. Columbia, second-highest at 3747 m. Other Peaks are-Mt Athabasca-3491meters, Mt Andormeda-3450 meters, Snow Dome-3450 meters and Mt Kithenere-3505meters. This icefield is dwarfed by those to the west, in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia and Alaska (the Juneau Icefield covers over 3000 square kilometres), but it's still the largest glacier in the Rocky Mountains.
From its melting snows and many glaciers water flows across North America to Atlantic, the Artic and Pacific Oceans. From Jasper, the Icefields Parkway Center is 108 km. And from Banff is 178kms (2.5hrs drive), Lake Louise is 123kms (1.5hrs drive) and Calgary is 305kms (3.5hrs drive).
i-The Athabasca Glacier is the largest of six ice sheets that form part of the Columbia Icefield in Jasper National Park. It is a popular destination for tourists from around the world who climb aboard huge snow coaches to get an up-close look. Due to its close proximity to the Icefields Parkway, between the Alberta towns of Banff and Jasper, and rather easy accessibility, it is the most visited glacier in North America, a six kilometre tongue of ice flowing to within a kilometre of the Icefield Parkway. While it receives about seven metres of snowfall annually, the glacier has been slowly shrinking for about 150 years. It is 6 km squared in area. It is 6km long.
The Icefield Interpretive Centre, stands across from the glacier. It is used as a lodge and for ticket sales for sightseeing on the glacier. Standard buses transport tourists to the glacier edge, where they board specially designed snow coaches for transport over the steep grades, snow and ice part way up the glacier.
COLUMBIA ICEFIELD GLACIER ADVENTURE TOUR-This is once-in-a lifetime experience will leave you feeling exhilarated and inspired with an amazing ride on a massive Ice Explorer to trek onto the surface of the Athabasca Glacier. Then, take a jaw-dropping walk along the cliff-edge, glass-floored Glacier Skywalk.
The tour includes a stop along the glacier where you can walk on the glacier and fill your own water bottle with fresh glacial water. It’s the perfect time to capture the beauty of the icefield’s breathtaking mountain setting.
The grand finale to this experience is a stroll along the cliff-edge walkway of the Glacier Skywalk, where giant glaciers rest above and the spectacular glacier-formed Sunwapta Valley teems with wildlife below. Experience waterfalls, wildlife, fossils and more on this exciting 1 KM cliff-edge walkway that leads to a platform where glass is all that separates you from a 918foot drop.
Tours depart every 15-30 minutes from the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre, from here guests will be able to hop-on any of the designated Ice Explorers departing the glacier every 12 minutes to transfer to the Glacier Skywalk.
Duration of Tour-Three Hours.
Price- $80.00
Timing- May 28 to Sep 4 Daily 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Operation-
i-Glacier Skywalk operates from April 15 through to October 16
ii-Glacier Adventure operates from April 15 through to October 16
iii-Maligne Lake Cruise operates from May 21 through to October 2
iv-Banff Lake Cruise operates from May 6 through to October 9
Combo Packages-
Banff Gondola Banff LakeCruise Maligne Lake Cruise GlacierAdventure Price (Ice Explorer and
Glacier Skywalk)
Ultimate Explorer y y y y $150.00
Banff Explorer y y n n $80.00
Jasper Eplorer n n y y $130.00
Single Attraction $42.00 $60.00 $65.00 $80.00
(Ice Explorer
Only-$54.95) -
The tour includes a stop along the glacier where you can walk on the glacier and fill your own water bottle with fresh glacial water. It’s the perfect time to capture the beauty of the icefield’s breathtaking mountain setting.
The grand finale to this experience is a stroll along the cliff-edge walkway of the Glacier Skywalk, where giant glaciers rest above and the spectacular glacier-formed Sunwapta Valley teems with wildlife below. Experience waterfalls, wildlife, fossils and more on this exciting 1 KM cliff-edge walkway that leads to a platform where glass is all that separates you from a 918foot drop.
Tours depart every 15-30 minutes from the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre, from here guests will be able to hop-on any of the designated Ice Explorers departing the glacier every 12 minutes to transfer to the Glacier Skywalk.
Duration of Tour-Three Hours.
Price- $80.00
Timing- May 28 to Sep 4 Daily 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Operation-
i-Glacier Skywalk operates from April 15 through to October 16
ii-Glacier Adventure operates from April 15 through to October 16
iii-Maligne Lake Cruise operates from May 21 through to October 2
iv-Banff Lake Cruise operates from May 6 through to October 9
Combo Packages-
Banff Gondola Banff LakeCruise Maligne Lake Cruise GlacierAdventure Price (Ice Explorer and
Glacier Skywalk)
Ultimate Explorer y y y y $150.00
Banff Explorer y y n n $80.00
Jasper Eplorer n n y y $130.00
Single Attraction $42.00 $60.00 $65.00 $80.00
(Ice Explorer
Only-$54.95) -
By-http://www.brewster.ca/activities-in-the-rockies/brewster-attractions/columbia-icefield-glacier
By- http://www.viator.com/tours/Banff/Athabasca-Glacier-Snow-Trip-from-Banff/d611-3827GT
By- https://banfftours.zaui.net/modules/webBooking/
By- http://www.viator.com/tours/Banff/Athabasca-Glacier-Snow-Trip-from-Banff/d611-3827GT
By- https://banfftours.zaui.net/modules/webBooking/
TRAVEL JASPER
GENERAL INFORMATION- A world reowned vacation destination, Jasper offers first-class visitor attractions, activities, facilities and services. It is at the elevation of 1,060 m (3,480 ft.) with 4000 populations. The town site is cradled between towering snow-capped mountains amidst rugged unspoiled wilderness of unparalleled beauty. Jasper is also at the Northern end of the Icefields Parkway, the dramatic and scenic route that leads down through the Columbia Icefields to Banff National Park; it’s the perfect starting point for a Glacier Adventure. The Grand Trunk Pacific Railway reached Yellowhead Pass in 1911.
JASPER NATIONAL PARK-Jasper National Park is the largest park in the Canadian Rockies and most northerly of the four mountain parks. Jasper spans 10,878 square kilometres (4200 square miles) of broad valleys, mountains, glaciers, forests, alpine meadows and wild rivers along the eastern slopes of the Rockies. There are more than 1200 kilometres (660 miles) of trails. Large numbers of elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer and other large animals, as well as their predators make Jasper National Park one of the great protected ecosystems remaining in the Rocky Mountains.
001-MIETTE HOT SPRINGS-The Miette Hotsprings are the hottest known springs in the Canadian Rockies. Water as hot as 53.9ºC flows out of these springs in a narrow canyon along Sulphur Creek. Each minute approximately 800 litres of steaming water pours out of the natural ducts along the creek. Rich in calcium, sulphate and hydrogen-sulphide, the water is collected, cooled, chlorinated and filtered, then pumped into pools. The winding mountain road to Miette includes the Punchbowl Falls, an old coal mining site, and Ashlar Ridge Viewpoint. The area also offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Hours of operation:
May19 – June 22, 10:30 a.m. -9:00p.m.
June 23 to September 4, 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
September 5 – October 9, I1:O0 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: 61 km east of Jasper, Alberta
Hours of operation:
May19 – June 22, 10:30 a.m. -9:00p.m.
June 23 to September 4, 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
September 5 – October 9, I1:O0 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: 61 km east of Jasper, Alberta
002-MOUNT EDITH CAVELL-This area offers a great scenic drive and some great hiking and sightseeing opportunities.
Location: 29 km from Jasper-south of Jasper via 93A.
Location: 29 km from Jasper-south of Jasper via 93A.
003-JASPER TRAMWAY-Jasper Tramway summits to Whistler Mountain for sweeping views of the surrounding areas. It is the longest and highest tramway in the Canadian Rockies and the ride is narrated with tram history and local folklore. At the top of the tramway, there are boardwalk exhibits and a steep 1.5 km trail to the summit.
Location-4kms from Jasper.
Location-4kms from Jasper.
004-HELI-HIKING AND SIGHTSEEING-Take a helicopter tour of the stunning Canadian Rockies wilderness to see views that few will get the opportunity to experience. Trek through glacial valleys and lakes and then fly to the highest peaks in Jasper.
005-MALIGNE CANYON -Here the Maligne River plunges 23 m into a narrow, steep-walled gorge of limestone bedrock. A 3.7 km interpretive trail takes you over footbridges providing spectacular views.
Location-11.5 km from Jasper-east of Jasper on the Maligne Valley Road.
Location-11.5 km from Jasper-east of Jasper on the Maligne Valley Road.
006-MARMOT BASIN-Marmot Basin, the northern rockiest Mountain ski area, enjoys abundant dry, light and fluffy snow that is a dream to ski and snowboard on. With the highest base elevation in Canada the area is blanketed with over 400 cm of natural snow between November and May. Combined with a state-of-the-art snowmaking system. Explore a wide variety of runs, from novice to expert, on four mountain faces spanning 1,675 acres (678 hectares) of skiable terrain.
007-MEDICINE LAKE - Medicine Lake is part of the Maligne Valley watershed. Approximately 7 km (4.3 mi) long, it is famous for its disappearing water. In summer, it looks like a normal alpine lake but in fall and winter the water disappears and it becomes not much more than a mudflat. Think of pulling the plug in the bathtub – the water that pours into the lake from the Maligne River drains out through sinkholes in the bottom, travelling through a cave system and resurfacing 16 km (10 mi) downstream.
Location-20km southeast of Jasper.
Cruise-on Maligne Lake aboard an interpretive 90-minute boat cruise. Discover Maligne Lake’s lovely, tranquil blue waters and witness one of the most photographed locations in the Rockies.
Price-$65.00
Location-27 km from Jasper.
Location-20km southeast of Jasper.
Cruise-on Maligne Lake aboard an interpretive 90-minute boat cruise. Discover Maligne Lake’s lovely, tranquil blue waters and witness one of the most photographed locations in the Rockies.
Price-$65.00
Location-27 km from Jasper.
008-ATHABASCA FALLS-At 23 m (75.5 ft.) in height, Athabasca Falls is one of the most powerful, due to the sheer volume of water flowing into the gorge from the Athabasca River, fed by the massive Columbia Icefield. There are a number of platforms and walkways where you can safely view and photograph the falls.
Location -30 km from Jasper- south of Jasper via 93A or 93.
Location -30 km from Jasper- south of Jasper via 93A or 93.
009-SUNWAPTA FALLS - Located along the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park, Sunwapta Falls consists of upper and lower waterfalls that are fed by the Athabasca Glacier. The upper falls, which are easily accessed from the view point parking lot, have an impressive dropoff of about 18 m (59 ft). A 1.3 km (.8 mi) hike takes you down through a lodge pole pine forest to the lower falls. Here you'll see three waterfalls spread over the Sunwapta River. Visit in late spring or early summer, when the snowmelt is at its peak.
Location-55 km from Jasper-south of Jasper via 93.
Location-55 km from Jasper-south of Jasper via 93.
010-MALIGNE LAKE- Maligne Lake is approximately 22.5 km (14.0 mi) long and is 97 m (318 ft) at its deepest point. While its azure-blue waters can be cold for swimming, there are plenty of other activities to do in the Maligne Valley. Make sure to bring your camera, it's one of the most photogenic places in Jasper National Park. Maligne Lake, as well as Maligne River, Maligne Mountain, and Maligne Pass, takes its name from the French word for malignant or wicked. The highest peak in the area is Mount Brazeau (11,386 feet), which stands southeast of Maligne Lake at the head of the Brazeau Ice field.
Location-48 km. (28.8 mi) SE of Jasper-on the Maligne Valley Road.
Location-48 km. (28.8 mi) SE of Jasper-on the Maligne Valley Road.
011-PYRAMID LAKE-Nestled at the base of Pyramid Mountain, which overlooks the town of Jasper in Jasper National Park, Pyramid Lake is one of 20 small lakes left behind by retreating glaciers in what's known as the Pyramid Bench area. Found at the end of Pyramid Lake Road, just 5 km (3 mi) from Jasper, the lake is a popular spot for fishing and paddling. It empties into the Athabasca River via Pyramid Creek.