Mystic Pass trail. Photo by Ingolfson, Creative Commons

It’s the final glory days on the trails in Banff when the trails are their driest and the temperatures are still moderate. September to October offer some of the most pleasant days for hiking.

Still, mountain weather is unpredictable at best so you should prepare before you head out. Here are some tips for staying safe in the mountains:

• The higher you go, the more there is a chance of catching some snowfall in early autumn.
• Bring along the right clothing and camping gear so if you are suddenly hit with bad weather you can stay dry and warm.
• Be sure to check in at the Park Information Centre to check condition prior to your departure.
  Bring along a backpacker’s camp stove and enough fuel for cooking.
• Even though this is the far north, the UV rating in Banff tends to be high due to its altitude and the angle of the sun. Bring your sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat that cover your ears.
• Don’t assume that mountain stream is pure! Some of the waters in this area carry Giardia lamblia and other water borne parasites. Filter or boil your water before drinking.
• Reduce the temptation for bears coming to your campsite by suspending all food, garbage, toiletries and cooking equipment from at least 4 metres (13 feet) above the ground.
• Don’t leave any food in your vehicle since this can encourage bears to rip it open in search of some tasty morsel.
• You’re in the wild so there are going to be any flush toilets. The park has installed pit privies where you can do your business. If there is none available, dig a hole deep enough to hit dark soil and the afterwards bury everything.
• Do not bury tampax or any other feminine hygiene products. Carry those out with you.
• Pack it in and pack it out. Don’t leave your garbage behind since it attracts scavengers who can attack you.


Elk grazing in the park. Photo by Aude, Creative Commons

• September and October is mating session for the large Elk population in the park. Males can be particularly belligerent during this period so don’t approach them. Stay back at least 50 metres (54 yards) if you spot them, Use binoculars or a telephoto lens on your camera to get a closer look. Stay calm and don’t provoke them.

Banff is an incredibly beautiful place and the hiking here will lead you to some breathtaking scenery.  Come prepared and you’ll enjoy a memorable hike.  Find out more Elk Managment in Banff and Hiking Safety at Parks Canada.

Photo courtesy of The Rose & Crown

Nothing beats having a brew against the backdrop of the magnificent Rocky Mountains. Local breweries have created some outstanding ale made with the pure glacial water of the region. Check out some of our favorite watering holes for beer.

Opened in 1985, The Rose & Crown is Banff’s oldest pub with a wide selection of local and international beers. Saddled up to the 40-foot long cherry wood bar to enjoy the 10 beers on Tap served in a proper full sized 20-ounce glass. It also features live music nightly and has become a must-play for Canadians bands touring the area. Stopping off for a drink at the bar has become a local tradition for natives and visitors alike.

St. James Gate Olde Irish Pub is a little piece of Ireland in the mountains. The perfect place for a post-hike pint, this pub offers a wide selection of draft beer along with imports and microbrews. Grab a place by the stone fireplace and enjoy a whiskey or some traditional Irish stew flavored with Guinness or some Shepherd’s Pie, Fish and Chips. The pub also offers cigars to accompany that whiskey.Since you’re in the West you need to experience a true frontier saloon.

Photo courtesy of Banff Ave Brewing Company

The Banff Ave Brewing Company located on the second level of the Clocktower Plaza opened in 2010 and creates tasty beer using premium hops and malts. They create fresh and modern brews that are favorites with locals. Enjoy beers with catchy local names such as Pilsner, Banff Ave Blond Ale (a mild kolsch style) and the Reverend Rundle Stout, making this brand new pub an automatic local’s favorite. Enjoy traditional pub food as well as dishes like Buddha Noodles (a thai-style option), a variety of salads, Banana and Panko Stuffed Chicken and a vegetarian dish called The Fist Pumping Hippy. Open daily from 12 pm to 2 am at 110 Banff Avenue.

Wild Bill’s Saloon offers western hospitality and a stomping good time. Enjoy the live music in a saloon with brass railings, turned woodwork and Western memorabilia. There’s a wide range of locally brewed beers a well as huge hamburgers and steaks. Bring your boots and your hat so you’re ready for the dance floor.

Photo courtesy of US Fish & Wildlife Service

Hiking in Banff is a must-do activity since there is no better way to experience the incredible mountain views. However, the Rocky Mountains are home to both grizzly and black bears.

Bears prefer their own company and will generally avoid people. However, encounters between bears and people do occur, particularly in mid-August when the bears in search of sweet berries to gorge on.

Stay safe while on the hiking trails in bear country by following these important tips from Parks Canada.

• Avoid an encounter. Let the bears know you’re in the woods. Make noise and talk loudly. You’ll be safer in large groups. Parks Canada recommends groups of four or more.
• Stay out of areas with a lot of berries. Watch for fresh bear signs and tracks. Turned over rocks or soil, fresh tracks or droppings are all indications there is a bear nearby. Avoid that area.
• Hike during daylight hours along officially marked parks and trails.
• If you come across any large dead animals, leave the area immediately. Report the location of the animal to park staff.
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it. It can be an effective deterrent but only when used correctly. Check the manufacturer’s instructions but also learn more about when to use the spray.
• Dogs and bears don’t mix. Keep your dog on a leash at all times. Even better, leave man’s best friend at home.

If you encounter a bear, give it LOTS of space! Find out more at the Bears and People website

If you are driving and see a bear by the road, DON’T STOP – keep driving. Follow the speed limit and road signs. Bears are often spotted crossing the highways in search of more berries.

Learn more by visting Bears and People. Enjoy your hike and stay safe in bear country!

Spectacular scenery awaits at Banff's Summer Festival. Photo courtesy of Banff Centre

There’s still over six weeks of events at the The Banff Summer Arts Festival. There are dozens of free or donation-at-the-door events staged at the Banff Centre or in downtown Banff. from May until the end of September. This annual arts event in the Canadian Rockies includes close to 200 events with 1,000 international artists performing concerts, performances, art walks, exhibitions, readings, lectures, and new media events.

Many are the artists are participating in the Banff Centre summer program which has become known for its creative and collaborative atmosphere. The summer school has been offering its program for more than 75 years and has become famous for the diverse group of artists.

The festival offers a wide variety of music from classical to contemporary. Every Friday evening you can hear the up and coming classical musicians performing at Music for a Summer Evening.

August 11, international guitarist-singer Mighty Popo will be performing his unique blend of blues, rock, reggae, folk, and R&B traditions steeped in the African traditions of Rwanda and Burundi, it also reflects. Popo playing tracks from his award-winning acoustic album Gakondo.

Opera sound better in the mountains. On August 18 renowned soprano Judith Forst is reprising her role from the Vancouver Opera’s Lillia Alling. This opera is from Canada’s foremost opera-creation team: composer John Estacio, librettist John Murrell, director Kelly Robinson, and conductor Leslie Dala. It tells the 1927 story of the Lillian, a Russian emigrant who walked across North America into the wilds of northwestern BC in search of her lost-love.

Opera continues with the August 19 and performances of Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte directed by Joel Ivany and conducted by David Agler. It’s the first time in 20 years that the Banff Centre has staged this comic battle between the sexes, one of Mozart’s most alluring operas filled with his ravishingly beautiful music.

The cast of Cosi Fan Tuti at the Banff Summer Festival. Photo courtesy of Banff Centre

Juno award-winning, Serean Ryders and her band The Beauties will be playing on August 25 at the Shaw ampitheatre. Ranging musically between folk, roots, country and rock, Serena is known for her songwriting and originality. Blue Rodeo takes the stage on Sept 11 to perform their award-winning music. They’ve been Canada’s premier popular roots-rock band since their 1987 release of Outskirts. The festival finishes off its musical line-up with a September 17 performance by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Led by Resident Conductor Mélanie Léonard, the orchestra will perform favorite melodies by featured composers including Copland, Dvorák, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky

The festival wraps up with The World Anew a film screening event presented by Cineworks Independent Filmmakers Society (Vancouver) featuring contemporary Aboriginal film. Short films by six filmmakers celebrate the First Nation identities in Canada using documentary, narrative and experimental film styles.

Reservations and tickets can be made online.

The slopes in early morning glow at Sunshine Village.

Ski Big 3

The Town of Banff has three ski hills within a short driving distance. Here’s just a snapshot of each one:

Mount Norquay

Only a 5 minute drive from  Banff, Mount Norquay is the smallest of the three ski areas but it is by far the closest and most affordable. Due to its proximity, skiers can head out for a morning and be back in town with plenty of time to enjoy other areas of Banff National Park. The mountain features 5 lifts and over 25 tree-sheltered runs. The Cascade Lodge features cathedral style ceilings and fire places and is a cozy spot to warm up before your next run. The mountain not only features a Terrain Park, but also offers tubing – a fun activity for the whole family. Check out their Trail Map.

*This ski area gets my vote for best access.

Lake Louise Ski Area

With 4200 skiable acres, the Lake Louise Ski Area is one of the largest ski areas in North America. The mountain is known for its long runs, powder bowls and steep, challenging terrain. On the other hand, the mountain features a green run from the top of every chair. With 139 runs and some off-piste adventures, you can entertain yourself all day. This ski area is a 50 minute drive from Banff, but is only a few minutes away from lodging options in the Lake Louise village. Check out their Trail Maps.

*This ski area gets my vote for best terrain for all experience levels.

Boarders gearing up at Sunshine Village.

Sunshine Village

Sunshine Village is a unique ski area because its slopes land on the Continental Divide between Alberta and British Columbia where 30 feet of snow falls annually. A 20 minute drive from Banff gets you to the parking lot at the base of the mountain. From there, a 15 minute gondola ride takes you to the base of the main ski area and Sunshine Mountain Lodge, Banff’s only ski-in, ski-out lodge. Sunshine Village offers3300 acres of skiing terrain on three mountains and offers incredible views (as all the ski areas in Banff do) to the surrounding peaks. Check out their Trail Map.

*This ski area gets my vote for best snow.

Conditions Reports

For conditions on all three mountains, the best resource is the Ski Big 3 website.

Need to Rent Gear?

For rentals in Banff, check out the following locations:

Ski Banff -Lake Louise- Sunshine Tri Area Rentals – located at the Banff Ski Hub, 119 Banff Ave.

Banff Springs Ski Shop – located in the Conference Centre at the Banff Springs Hotel.

Ultimate Ski & Ride – located at 206 Banff Ave.

What makes this brew pub so great?

1. Glacier fed water: They make the highest quality beer by using premium hops and malts combined with their own cultured yeast strains and mountain water sourced from the Canadian Rockies.

2. Local recognition: The Banff Ave. Brewing Co. gives their beers names to honour the local history, such as Reverend Rundle Stout, Lower Bankhead Black Pilsner and Head Smashed IPA. You might have to ask a local what these names refer to…

photo from: www.banffavebrewingco.ca

3. Street front patio: The brew pub has a streetfront patio located on the second floor of Clocktower Plaza. This let’s you look out on Banff Avenue or up at the mountains that surround the town while you sip on your choice of local brews.

4. A Celiac menu: People allergic to gluten get so tired of modifying their menu choices to meet their needs. Here you can just order one of the three dishes made specially gluten free.

5. Environmental efforts: The Banff Ave. Brew  recognizes the importance of environmental responsibility. Therefore, they conserve water, use refillable/reusable glasses and compost their hops and grains.

photo from: www.banffavebrewingco.ca

The local trends also vary because of the transient nature of the town. There are a few stereotypes though: you can blend in with the people who look like they’re from Calgary or blend in with the outdoorsy group. Overall, the style is relaxed, comfortable, outdoorsy and active.

In general, certain companies have their hold on Banff. Anything from Mountain Equipment Co-op, Arcteryx, North Face, Patagonia, Burton, Prana and lululemon athletica will no doubt help you look like a local.

What girls are wearing in Banff:

• Hiking Boots, Uggs or Birkenstock sandals
• Jeans, black stretchy pants or tights or hiking pants/shorts
• Flannel shirts, wool sweaters, hoodies, or any active top
• Shell jacket, down jackets or vests, or ski/snowboard jackets
• Popular accessories: climbing gear, skis/snowboard, yoga mats, sporty sunglasses, cute but sporty toques and hats

Here I am in your classic Banff outfit: black stretchy tights, a sporty top layered underneath a fleece jacket, sunglasses and light hiking shoes.

Also a typical outfit: Bundled up to be active outside. Hiking boots, gaiters, shell pants and jacket, toque and mittens!

And here's #3: Black stretchy pants tucked into boots, hoodie layered under sporty but casual jacket and a fun pair of mittens and toque.

What the guys are wearing in Banff:

• Mountaineering boots, flip flops, trail running style shoes
• Jeans,  hiking pants/shorts, board shorts
• Hoodies, cotton tees, quick dry shirts
• Shell jacket, down jackets or vests, or ski/snowboard jackets
• Popular accessories: climbing gear, backpack, mountain bike parts, sporty sunglasses, toques and hats

Alright guys, your turn: Hiking boots, jeans and a fleece pullover are perfect for an afternoon stroll by Johnson Lake.

I mentioned climbing gear would help you fit in. You don't want around the streets like this, but you can definitely hit the hills!

Typical foot wear for guy or girl: light hiking shoes.

Basically, if you want to look like a local in Banff, wear anything that makes you look active, don’t wear your camera around your neck, and walk like you know where you’re going!

Guest Speakers

You can still get your tickets for notable events, including speakers Alex Honnold and Peter Croft and author of Every Lost Country, Steven Heighton. A particularly unique event is the convergence of two artists who originally met in Banff and were inspired by each other’s work. On November 4, be sure to check out John Vaillant, author of The Golden Spruce, and filmmaker Sasha Snow together on stage and find out where their work has taken them now.

Stories from Around the World

Some of the highlights this year include Greg Mortensen, author of Three Cups of Tea and Stones into Schools, who is returning to the festival to speak about his work promoting education in rural regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Unfortunately this November 5 event is already sold out, but perhaps you’ll see Mortensen strolling around The Banff Centre campus between speaking engagements.

Feature Films

Of course Radical Reels makes its annual appearance on November 2 and the Feature Length Films and other film screenings provide bookends on both weekends of the Festival experience. This year line up features some of the best films that festival organizers have ever seen entered in the annual Festival. One particularly anticipated film is Nanga Parbat, the story of Reinhold and Gunther Messner’s ascent of one of the most famous mountain faces in the world. Be sure to check out the full festival schedule.

Free Events

A number of free events at the Banff Mountain Festival allow you to take in the action without spending any money. The Short Show, for instance, will feature young Canadian filmmakers in celebration of 125 years of national parks in Canada. Be sure to check out the Big Topic Breakfast Conversations, Words and Wine, the Tradeshow, Mountain Art and Craft Sale and more!

To purchase tickets, contact The Banff Centre Box Office or order online.

How Cheap Is Cheap?

In general, prices in Banff range from some sweet deals to expensive (but often worth it). Even lower budget travel, however, can be more than other Canadian destinations, particularly because it is located in a national park and its prices are driven by its distance from other cities. Some businesses charge more just because they can.

The good news is that many of the attractions and sites operated by Parks Canada, the government organization managing Banff National Park, cost the same price as a latte in town. The Cave and Basin National Historic Site is one of these awesome attractions.

The Best $5 You’ll Ever Spend

For just $3.90 CAD or less (if you’re a senior, student or part of a large group) you can gain access to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. This is the birthplace of the Canadian parks system and Banff National Park, which was the third national park in the world. Back in 1883, William and Tom McCardell found this mist-filled cave which turned out to be a natural hot spring contained in an underwater cave. The site also had a basin, or hot pool, located just a few meters away. Eventually, the Canadian government declared this site as for all Canadians, and now you can visit and take in some of the history of the area through interpretation around the site. You can’t go in the pools anymore because of an endangered snail that makes its home there, but The Cave and Basin and interpretation are worth your $3.90.

The Low-Down

The Basin

As a local that had lived in Banff National Park for six years, I was almost ashamed that I had never visited the Cave andBasin National Historic Site. So, I finally made the trip down to the Cave and Basin, which is located only a 10 minute walk from downtown Banff. After enjoying some of the interpretive signs, I entered the hallway to the Cave and was immediately struck by the smell of sulphur in the air. On the ceiling of the Cave is a hole just above the hot pool, and I could just envision William and Tom peering down that hole into the void below before eventually lowering a tree trunk to climb their way down. I felt like I was stepping back in history and enjoying just standing and taking in the experience, watching light reflective off the water and on the walls of the Cave. Next, I walked upstairs towards the Basin and then took in a short historical video where I learned so much more about the origins of the place I now call home. I felt that I benefited so much from visiting this site, not only for its history but also for its offering as a miraculous natural feature.

Endangered Snail

Now You Do It

All you have to do is fork out that $3.90 and walk around the whole site. The Cave and Basin sites may not wow you, depending on what your expectations are, but the history of the area is significant. Be open to learning about the area and the origins of Banff National Park and you will walk away having gained some insight into this unique place in the world. Be sure to read through the interpretation on the site to help you gain better understanding of that snail situation, too! It might just be a snail, but it’s no small issue!

]]> http://www.nileguide.com/destination/blog/banff/2010/09/23/banff-on-a-5-budget-the-cave-and-basin/feed/ 1 1 http://www.nileguide.com/destination/blog/banff/2010/09/15/a-night-of-calf-roping-and-music-at-wild-bills-legendary-saloon/ http://www.nileguide.com/destination/blog/banff/2010/09/15/a-night-of-calf-roping-and-music-at-wild-bills-legendary-saloon/#comments Wed, 15 Sep 2010 20:34:05 +0000 clairesloan http://www.nileguide.com/destination/blog/banff/?p=21 If you’re looking for something fun to do at night in Banff, head to Wild Bill’s Legendary Saloon. Wild Bill’s is named after Bill Peyto who was a famous guide in the early days of Banff Park and extremely knowledgeable of the Rocky Mountains.

Conveniently located on Banff Avenue in downtown Banff, Wild Bill’s has been around for years and is a great place to hang out. The saloon is decorated with saddles, old farm tools, and other paraphernalia typical of the wild west, giving it a relaxed, rustic atmosphere. And, like many other restaurants and bars in Banff, Wild Bill’s has great views of the mountains.

There’s certainly a lot going on at Wild Bill’s – you can sit and chat while drinking a beer and eating a burger, watch sports on its big screen TVs, and listen music. Wild Bill’s also features a separate gaming lounge, dancing, and even calf roping. There is an energetic and upbeat feeling at Wild Bill’s – there is usually a live band and people dancing on the dance floor.

Wild Bill’s has different theme nights several evenings of the week. On Tuesday nights, Wild Bill’s hosts Redhot Karaoke, where aspiring singers (or people who just like to sing) sing their favorite songs on stage. On Wild West Wednesdays, the saloon offers line-dancing lessons. Check the Wild Bill’s website for the event schedule.

For those who come to Wild Bill’s hungry, there is an extensive menu of high-quality North American/Canadian dishes and pub fare to choose from. Appetizers and snacks (“Campfire Classics”) include potato skins, chips and salsa, nachos, and quesadillas. There is an interesting, hearty array of sandwiches (Alberta Beef Dip, Peyto Burger, Buffalo Burger, Elk Burger, among others), as well as some “legendary” entrees (fajitas, salmon, pork chop, baby back ribs).

Wild Bill’s Legendary Saloon is great for all types of groups and tourists. With its private dining areas, Wild Bill’s is great for celebrations and parties.

[image: Jordan Morningstar]