A Cabin at Panorama Mountain Village - Photo by Tourism British Columbia/David Gluns

Snowfall has been terrific in many parts of the Canadian Rockies region during the last two weeks, adding to an already excellent opportunity for skiing and snowboarding. Many resorts continue their showcase of winter events and advantages for hitting the slopes this season:

Red Mountain Resort

• March 12-20 – Red’s Spring Fest will take advantage of its new day lodge and feature more than a week of comps and events, such as the Ski Cross Open and the RBC Riders Board Cross.

• March 27 and April 2 The season winds up with Red’s Slush Cup and Dummy Downhill (why is it the poor makeshift dummies always get the last run?)

Kimberley Alpine Resort

• March 12 – Kimberley, the BC Rockies’ Bavarian village, provides the ideal setting for Kimberley Alpine Resort’s second annual Beerfest, March 12, 2011. Sample some Labatt Beer, grab a bratwurst, but by all means be sure to take in some skiing!

• April 2 – Sadly, even the skiing season must come to an end – so be sure to mark your calendars for Kimberley’s Spring Splash, where you can join in on the Pond Skimming and Dummy Downhill Comps. Can’t imagine what skiing and ponds have to do with each other? Turn out and watch! There will be music and Kimberley’s Bavarian beer garden to keep the tempo up.

Kimberley Alpine Resort - Photo by Mike Reece

Fernie Alpine Resort

• March 19 – Fernie Alpine Resort features its 80s weekend with live DJ music and a beer garden featuring Kokanee Beer, the Canadian Rockies’ original brew.

• March 26 – Families will enjoy Fernie’s Got Talent Family Event, which will have multiple attractions and activities for kids of all ages. More information to be released by Fernie soon.

• April 2 – Be sure to turn out for the Last Chance Rail Jam – cash prizes will be awarded. Helmets are mandatory and parents signed authorization is required for minors.

Panorama Mountain Village

With the recent change in management at Panorama Mountain Village, this season has seen major upgrades, including a totally relocated and revamped terrain park, expanded night skiing, a new black diamond 25 acre/10 hectare run, a revised snow school program and a new access to the beginner slopes.

There’s lots to take advantage of in this last month of skiing at all of the Canadian Rockies ski resorts, and judging from current snow reports, it’s going to continue to be a great season!

Be sure to check out NileGuide’s other two Rockies blogs as well:

For information on Banff, Alberta’s great attractions and events, see Matt McPherson’s  Banff page and blog.

Starting this week, Jan Lee will keep you updated on Montana’s top mountain attractions on the Montana page and blog.

See you in the Rockies!

Skiing at Fernie Alpine Resort Photo by David Gluns & Tourism BC

Driving winter roads in the Rockies is often one of the necessary hassles one has to put up with in order to take advantage of great skiing. Fortunately, B.C. has an excellent winter advisory system that keeps travelers up to date on road conditions, weather and when necessary, road closures in the province. Alberta has set up a good reference system as well. Both provinces are also fairly good at keeping roads cleared, sanded and posted for detours.

NileGuide Link to Weather Underground and Twitter

In Canada and the U.S., travelers can get on-the-spot weather information by clicking on NileGuide’s Weather Underground icon (or, often called “Wunderground”, located just below the Canadian Rockies blog) on the Canadian Rockies page. Wunderground’s information can be used for any destination in Canada as well as the U.S. Type the city closest to the area in the Rockies that you are interested in and it will provide up-to-date weather information for that area. For example, for a glimpse at the weather conditions in Invermere (which is near Kicking Horse Ski Resort incidentally), type in Invermere, British Columbia (Wunderground will likely summarize the destination as “Invermere Canada”).

You can also take advantage of interesting quips of information about travel on our NileGuide Twitter page, which has an icon on the Rockies page as well. Feel free to subscribe to this post.

Sunset Jump at Red Mountain - Photo by Dave Heath & Tourism BC

BC and Alberta Provincial Transportation Information

Drivers in BC can also get great information on road conditions at the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation’s website (drivebc.ca), which divides the province up into four main regions that are accessible by clicking on “weather” on the left-hand side of the page. For the BC Rockies, you will want to access the Southern Interior region.

Drivers heading for the Alberta Rockies can click on Alberta’s Ministry of Transportation (transportation.alberta.ca) and follow the links it provides for road conditions (handled by the AMA).

At the present time (March 1), all roads to the Canadian Rockies are open. Snow is expected in the Rockies for the first week of March, which may lend to driving a little slower on winter roads.  But it also means even better skiing at the end of the drive!

Kimberley Alpine Resort - Photo by Henry Georgi

Most skiers in the Northwest need no introduction to the Rockies, Canada’s winter playland. With more than 12 ski resorts and areas in the Canadian Rockies overall, and snowfall at some resorts at 23 feet (Fernie) and counting, skiers and snowboarders have an almost unlimited venue for enjoyment.

February and early March are also a great time for festivals and other events at Canadian Rockies resorts, with much of the excitement taking place on the weekend of March 5. Here are just a few of the events going on through the beginning of March:

Fernie Alpine Resort

• Feb. 23-27 – Fernie Alpine Resort hosts the Smith Optics Fernie Freeski Competition on some of its more challenging terrain and you won’t want to miss this event, which ends Sunday. Skiers will be competing for a cash purse, and there’s a spectator area set aside at the finish line.

• March 5 – The first Monster Energy Big Bump Bash kicks off to coincide with the town of Fernie’s Griz Days, a major Rockies winter celebration. This year is destined to be a great time to be at Fernie.

Kimberley Alpine Resort

• March 5 – The Greasy Rail Jam returns to Kimberley Alpine Resort for the fifth year, with lots of opportunities for riders to demonstrate their best moves and win prizes.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort

• March 5 – Turn up at Revelstoke Mountain Resort and register for the Helly Hansen Big Mountain Battle – oh, and bring a friend! Teams of two of all ages can compete.

• March 5 – Also, same day is  Girls Day Out at Revelstoke with coaching, tips, prizes and a great lunch at Rockford Grill.

Red Mountain Resort

• Feb 24-27 – Red Mountain Resort’s FIS race is happening now! It goes until Sunday, outside of Rossland.

• March 4-6 – Snowboarders, don’t forget to return next week to watch/compete in the BCSA Snowboard Cross. The RBC snowboard event follows on March 6 for younger riders interested in honing their skills and eventually competing on the slopes.

Stay tuned for more events in future posts!

The St. Eugene Golf Resort and Casino

Many travelers have the image of Banff and Jasper in mind when they think of the dramatic resorts of the Rockies. These hotels are the iconic symbols of luxury and historic beauty, and draw thousands of visitors to their doors each year. Banff Springs Hotel, a former Canadian Pacific Railroad hotel is a timeless example of “the best of the best” when it comes to elegant travel.

CPR Hotels in the Canadian Rockies
Yet in truth, Jasper and Banff are only two of many resorts found in the Canadian Rockies. They also are not the only historic landmarks of unusual travelers’ lodges in the Northwest. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the CPR constructed more than 30 elegant mansions and lodges in which to host their traveling guests. The beauty and character of these hotels reflected the CPR’s desire to impress its guests with the spectacular nature of their surroundings. The hotels were not just waysides in which to spend the night, but in many cases, a lavish reflection of the beauty of their natural environment.

Smaller hotels filled a niche in the remote communities. Balfour Hotel, whose balconies overlooked the shores of Kootenay Lake, near Kaslo, could only be reached by ferry boat from the train, and served as a vacation spot for curious rail passengers. Many a party and dinner was held on its property during its short life. Glacier House, located on Roger’s Pass, once served as a prestigious stop for Canada’s first intrepid rail vacationers.

Winter Resorts, Summer Getaways
The CPR however, was not the only one to establish resorts across the B.C.’s eastern region. Natural wonders such as mineral springs also inspired travel, which in the late 1800s and early 1900s could be arduous and long. Resorts such as Halcyon Hot Springs, spread beneath the spectacular Kootenays, and Ainsworth Hot Springs grew out of early, less elegant stops that served as magnets for the traveling public. Today many of B.C.’s hot spring resorts serve as year-round getaways. Guests can ski and snowboard during the winter and swim and hike in the summer. Hot springs such as those found in the tunnels of Ainsworth and the open pools at Fairmont Hot Springs attract guests throughout the year.

History also played a part in the development of other unique resorts in the Kootenays. The beginnings of St. Eugene Golf Resort and Casino, outside of Cranbrook, were less prestigious, but inspiring. A former residential school for First Nations children until the 1970s, it was later acquired and refurbished by the Ktunaxa Nation. Today, three First Nations bands run the all-in-one vacation resort. Guests can golf alongside the St. Mary’s River, take advantage of its spa facilities or enjoy its full casino, as well as ski, horseback ride and tour the nearby wineries. A non-profit interpretive centre provides information about the heritage and history of the Ktunaxa People.

The Rockies’ ski resorts offer another location for relaxation, and many host summer activities as well. Kimberley’s Trickle Creek Golf Resort, and Revelstoke Mountain Resort’s helicopter sightseeing tours and outdoor workshops are popular attractions for those in-between-ski and-snowboard seasons.

The resorts that populate the Rockies region are as diverse as the scenery that surrounds them. Whether you are interested in the history of its fascinating pioneer era, or the beauty and splendor of Banff, Jasper and other equally unusual resorts, the Canadian Rockies is worth the stay.

Photo credit: St. Eugene Golf Resort and Casino

For some it is the unparalleled opportunities for skiing and snowboarding. There are more than a dozen ski resorts and ski areas within driving distance of each other. Resorts like Kicking Horse Resort with its 4,133 foot/ 1,260 meter vertical drop, Revelstoke Mountain with its dramatic heliskiing and catskiing; and Fernie, which garners some of the deepest powder in the region have made the Rockies a household name.

For others it is the sheer expanse and breathtaking beauty of the region’s many parks that give the region its legendary status. Six national parks span the region, offering thousands of miles of trails for hiking, cross-country skiing, camping access and wildlife viewing. Revelstoke Mountain, Mount Robson and Hamber Provincial Parks add to B.C.’s notoriety for outstanding ecological beauty. Alberta’s spectacular resorts, their meticulously preserved Banff and Jasper landmarks and awe-inspiring parks are among the most visited destinations in North America.

And for many travellers, it is the breadth of recreational opportunities both inside and outside its many small towns that draws them to the Rockies. Ever wanted to experience a naturally created hot springs? Canada’s Rockies has an entire driving tour designed around its many mineral baths.  Want to learn about First Nations history and culture? The Rockies’ first inhabitants are an integral part of this region’s cultural legacy and its magnificent accomplishments. Want to follow the trail of the gold rush? Pick a town, pick a route. Gold rush history exists not just along the rocky shores of the Fraser River and the distant Yukon, but right here along B.C.’s most dramatic landscape.

For me, the magic of the Rockies is captured in undaunted spirit of its pioneers. They include the ancestral First Nations

Fernie Alpine Resort - Courtesy of Mark Shannon

and the 19th century gold miners;  the rail workers who made this region accessible and the enterprising Swiss mountain guides who inspired and educated its visitors.  It is symbolized by the amazing spirit of the many pioneers who have made – and continue to make – this region their home. Through their experiences we gain our greatest appreciation of the Canadian Rockies’ beauty, ecology and timeless gifts.

The Pub Scene in Banff, Alberta

If you’re looking for a fun night on the town, there’s plenty of options for you in Banff including those with a little rustic charm and cowboy feel because after all, you’re in Alberta.  So do as the locals do – grab your cowboy hat and boots, and head on down to one of these local favorites.

The atmosphere at Wild Bill’s Legendary Saloon will make you want to buy that cowboy hat and boots if you don’t already have them.  Have some fun with the hands-on calf roping, line dancing, or even take a two-step lesson.  This bar serves up live music, generous portions of food, and a lot of fun that’s reminiscent of hanging out at Billy Bob’s Texas in Dallas, but just not that big.

If you’d like to go British, try The Pump & Tap Tavern located on the lower level at the Sundance Mall.  It offers a traditional British pub decor with a little Canadiana mixed in.  The Pump & Tap Tavern offers great pub fare and a daily Happy Hour from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., which makes for a perfect stop before hitting the clubs.  Or if you’d rather do Irish, check out St. James Gate, an authentic ye olde Irish pub that offers up a nice selection of pub food and beer.  Grab some friends, a Pub Platter, some Guinness, and you’re set.

The Mad Trapper’s Saloon located at Sunshine Village in Banff is a casual bar offering yummy pub food and great barbecue from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily; during ski season, the saloon can be packed but it also offers a fun party atmosphere that’s definitely worth checking out.

The oldest pub in Banff is the Rose & Crown Pub & Restaurant which welcomes a a quarter million visitors annually.  Serving up traditional pub food, the Rose & Crown also mixes in its fair share of Canadiana especially through the live bands offered seven nights per week.  Slide on up to the 40’ cherry wood bar and enjoy the selection of tap beers served in a ‘proper’ 20 ounce pint glass.

Voted the ‘best in Banff,’ Bruno’s Bar & Grill offers a somewhat contemporary decor mixed in with a rustic feel.  The pub food is great (try anything salmon!), and enjoy the fun atmosphere made up of locals and visitors alike of all age groups.  Bruno’s is a very comfortable place to while away any evening.

Flickr.com Photo Credit: St James Gate by Placid Casual

Dining Choices in the Canadian Rockies

Generally speaking, dining at any tourist area in the world means higher prices and the Canadian Rockies are no exception.  The food will be excellent but if you expect to pay more than expected, then you’ll have no way of being disappointed.

Settled in amongst the trees next to Baker Creek in Lake Louise is the very popular and somewhat rustic Baker Creek Bistro.  Known for its dedication to locally grown food, the authentic log cabin serves lunch and dinner daily and also offers accommodations at the adjacent Baker Creek Chalets.

The Relais & Chateaux Post Hotel & Spa in Lake Louise was chosen as the ‘3rd Best Rustic Retreat in the World’ by Gourmet Magazine.  This might have something to do with the over 32,000 bottles of wine they have hidden in their cellar, the amazing gourmet food they feature, the impeccable service, or maybe it’s a combination of all of the above.  You won’t go wrong with any item on their menu and it’s sure to be a five-star dining experience all the way.

Walliser Stube is an old-world restaurant with rich wood panelled walls that’s located at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.  Known for its fondue and wine selection, albeit expensive, Walliser Stube is only open from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily and offers a Fue Brothers Fondue Experience with salad, your choice of a cheese, meat or seafood fondue, and a chocolate fondue for dessert for CAD $79 per person.

Located ½ hour outside of Banff, Storm Mountain Lodge was established by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) in 1922.  The expansive windows and rustic fireplace add to the ambience while serving up dishes of wild salmon, Alberta beef, as well as homemade pastries and desserts.  Or if you’re heading off to a hike, Storm Mountain Lodge also prepares a selection of boxed lunches.

For a great deal by tourist standards and if you’re looking to grab a quick bite to eat or a nice cold beer, try the fun atmosphere at the Elk & Oarsman Pub & Grill located in Banff.  A sure bet is the Tuesday special of an Angus steak sandwich with fries and a salad for only $8.00 or the Wednesday ‘Everything Elk’ menu where, obviously, elk dishes are featured.

Le Beaujolais in Banff offers three different classic French dining experiences under one roof consisting of the Restaurant Le Beaujolais for fine dining, the cozy Cafe de Paris bistro, or the Lobby Wine Lounge.  Favorites here include the mushroom soup, elk or beef, followed by the scrumptious crepes Suzette for dessert.

Flickr.com Photo Credit: High Tea at the Castle by zOxx.

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Dramatically set at the foot of the Canadian Rockies and nestled against the edges of the Bow River, The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel dates back to its beginning as a Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) hotel in 1890.

Located in Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984, the lavish Banff Springs was designed after a Scottish Baronial-style castle.  Cited as ‘Canada’s Castle in the Rockies,’ a stay at The Fairmont Banff Springs brings magnificent entrance ways, opulent grand ballrooms, with fireplaces, gorgeous woods and stone work throughout.

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel offers a variety of accommodation choices including:

• Guestrooms – ranging from a cozy 250 square foot Fairmont Room, to a Viewside, Deluxe, Deluxe View, Deluxe Premier, Deluxe Premier View, or a 450 square foot Signature Room with in-room fireplace
• Fairmont Gold Room – offers extra amenities like a private reception and lounge area for Fairmont Gold members
• Suites  – range from a 450 square foot Junior to a two level 1,500 square foot Presidential suite

A number of packages are available when selecting accommodations at The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel such as the Bed and Breakfast, Food and Wine, Golf, Family, and the ‘Stay Longer ‘N Save’ internet only offer.

The Fairmont Banff Springs also offers a wide array of choices when it comes to dining with a selection of ten restaurants, bars, and lounges, plus Afternoon Tea service, their famous weekend Brunch, along with an elegant In-Room dining option.

The Willow Stream Spa is a site to behold in itself with its rock faced pillars and mineral waters.  Here you can choose to pamper, rejuvenate, or relax, by choosing any number of Willow Stream Spa treatments.  The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel also has an indoor pool, and outdoor pool, and fully-equipped fitness center offering classes and wilderness walks.

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is also known for its ‘hidden room’ located on the 8th floor along with the ghostly hauntings that are said to still occur today.  The hidden room that had no windows and no doors was apparently discovered in 1926 when the Banff Springs experienced a fire.  The room was said to house the spirit of a bellhop who worked at the hotel for many years; apparently he, as well as a bride who fell to her death, and a headless Scottish bagpiper, still roam the hotel on occasion today.  There have also been long running rumours of hidden passageways and secret tunnels at the Banff Springs hotel as well.

Flickr.com Photo Credit: Banff Springs Hotel by DBlackAdder

Riding the Gondola at Lake Louise

Lake Louise offers stunning turquoise waters surrounded by the Canadian Rockies.  As if the picturesque views from the lakeshore weren’t enough, you can get even better views by taking a ride on the Lake Louise Gondola.

While it may not be the perfect choice for those afraid of heights, it will only take 15 minutes for the gondola to arrive at its destination on Mt. Whitehorn, 6,850 feet above sea level.  You can choose to ride in an open chair or an enclosed gondola with both providing the same amazing views.

In the summer, the Lake Louise Gondola ride will provide fabulous views of Banff National Park, glaciers, alpine meadows, creeks, and natural wildlife.  It’s not uncommon to see whitetail deer, wolves, elk, moose, cougars, mountain goats, and even the majestic grizzly bear – where daily sightings from the Lake Louise Gondola are the norm.

Once you’re at the top, you can choose to go hiking on a number of trails designed for various fitness levels, or to learn more about the Canadian Rockies which were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.  The Wildlife Interpretive Centre offers a further look through a number of programs including ‘Deer and Wolves and Bears. Oh My!’, ‘The Bears Embrace: Coming Full Circle,’ and ‘Lake Louise: the Making of a Famous Landscape.’

During the summer, the Lake Louise Gondola is in operation from mid-May until the end of September and offers complimentary shuttle service from many area hotels including Chateau Lake Louise, Deer Lodge, Lake Louise Campground, Samson Mall, and the village hotels.  In the winter, the gondola operates as part of the Lake Louise Ski Area which was voted as ‘one of the Top 50 Ski Resorts in North America’ by Ski Magazine.

Rides on the Lake Louise Gondola are a bargain at only CAD $25.95 per adult and $12.95 for children ages 6 to 15.  If you’d like to enjoy a buffet breakfast or lunch while you’re at it, the Ride ’n Dine option is the best bargain for your dollar – including both the gondola ride ticket and your chosen meal at the Lodge at Ten Peaks, the adult combo tickets are only $28.60 for breakfast ($32.25 lunch) and $15.95 for breakfast ($18.50 lunch) for children.

Groups are welcome to visit Lake Louise Gondola and it’s also possible to arrange weddings which can include accommodations, catering, and some of the most spectacular views in all of Canada.

Flickr.com Photo Credit: Up the Gondola! by Ripkas

Golden, British Columbia, the staging point for our adventure, is reachable via a spectacular drive from Calgary through Banff and Yoho National Parks on the Trans-Canada Highway. Once airborne in the chopper, the views immediately were nothing short of jaw-dropping. The milky blue Columbia River snaked away to the south, dividing the Rockies from the Purcell Range. The Purcells themselves rose abruptly west as the helicopter banked up the Holt Valley, bounded by carpets of green. As we climbed, sheer walls rose from lakes whose aquamarine color seemed to defy reality. This was the wild, untamed Canada that we denizens of the crowded land to the south had come to see.

Rising higher, the chopper crested a ridge and the jagged peaks of the Selkirks in Glacier National Park (no, not THAT Glacier) announced themselves. Soon after, the bright blue roof of the Purcell Lodge appeared, spectacularly situated on a high, rolling plateau dotted with the late-season seeds of wildflowers.

Touching down on an impossibly small gravel pad, we were greeted by Nathalie, the innkeeper. Upon entering the lodge, we found an airy dining area bounded by large windows, a fireplace, and the pleasing aroma of baking bread.

After a quick introductory tour, we were eager to stretch our legs and set off to explore the area along with 7 other guests and our two guides, Heidi and Joelle. The lodge’s remote location (it is accessible only by helicopter or a 14 km hike from the end of a logging road) protects its trails, which are built and maintained by co-owner Paul Sutton, from the hordes frequenting the standard stops along the Banff-Jasper tourist pipeline. Despite the sketchy weather, we were treated to stunning views across open meadows to the Selkirks across the 3,000 foot deep valley of the Beaver River. The jagged pyramid of Mount Sir Donald stood out from the row of peaks, and heavily crevassed glaciers tumbled down from the summits.

Ray, the lodge’s amiable cook, made us a decadent dinner worthy of a trendy, citified restaurant. It is worth noting that all guests eat breakfast and dinner together; due to the intimate size of the lodge (only 10 rooms), this system actually works rather well, encouraging social interaction among the predictably diverse and interesting guests, while leaving the days free for exploration. After dinner, we all repaired to the lounge for a raucous game of Pictionary, which dramatically put our artistic talents (or complete lack thereof) on display.

The following day seemed ill-suited to hiking given the dense fog and rain, but we resolved to make the best of it. Joelle gamely led us up the trail to the summit of Copperstain Mountain, which at close to 8,600 feet is the most accessible local peak. As we gained elevation, the wind picked up and the rain changed to sleet, but hey, this was the first day of September, right? Summer ends early in the Canadian Rockies. We reached the rocky summit in a virtual whiteout and could only imagine the views in every direction, hoping to return the following day if the weather improved. Still, despite the weather, there was a certain beauty to the green alpine valleys and the soaked-through landscape. Small streams cascaded down amidst Indian paintbrush flowers and the occasional bear scat—we knew we were in a truly wild place.

Returning to the lodge, we enjoyed a luxuriantly rustic sauna, complete with a wood stove and steam bucket. A hot shower later on proved equally indulgent. Part of the lodge’s charm lies in its self-sufficiency: all electricity is produced by harnessing the power of a nearby mountain stream. As dusk fell, snow obscured the view outside, ceasing just before darkness to reveal the slopes of the Purcells coated with a fresh dusting of the white stuff.

As we had hoped, the sun rose unobstructed the following morning, and I went outside for a quick trail run to experience the first sunlight on the Selkirks. Bushwhacking through thick pine trees, I emerged on a crumbly promontory overlooking the Beaver Valley. The morning sun glinted off the peaks, and far below, a carpet of fog wound its way up the valley. All alone, with not a soul in view, it was a sublime moment.

After a hearty breakfast (and I do mean hearty: spicy chicken sausage, blueberry pancakes, a breakfast egg casserole, fresh croissants, fruit salad, and granola), we set off again for the summit of Copperstain. This time the weather gods were on our side, and the views were of the pinch-yourself variety. Chains of mountains and valleys extended in virtually every direction. Climbing above the tree line, we reached the rocky “path” to the summit, now covered in fresh snow. The contrast of the crunchy snow underfoot with the still-verdant valleys below was an unforgettable experience as we continued on to the summit. From the top, the views were predictably gorgeous, yet somehow managed to surpass even our inflated expectations. From this vantage point, the Purcell Lodge appeared as a small blue speck in an alpine meadow against an endless sea of mountains.

We left knowing that we had indeed experienced a “Rocky Mountain High.”

Additional Notes

The best season for wildflowers is late July to early August. The Purcell Lodge is also a fine backcountry ski lodge during the winter months, and can serve as an eminently comfortable base for exploring the region when the entire area becomes a (cold!) winter wonderland from late November through early April. More information is available on the lodge’s website at www.purcell.com.

It’s also worth taking some time to explore the great national parks of the Canadian Rockies (Banff, Jasper, Yoho) if you have the time, as well as Glacier and Mt. Revelstoke National Parks, which are further west along the Trans-Canada Highway.