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Family Fun in the Canadian Rockies!
FAMILY FUN IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES
Having a family myself, we are always on the look out for things that the whole family can take part in. Whether it be sunny and warm or snowy and cool, let your imagination guide you...
If you are going to be in the Rockies in May, make some time for the Canmore Children's Festival. The kids will enjoy the singing, storytelling, crafting, activity tents, informational stands and the many entertainers who come to get the kids excited about life! Don't forget to get a balloon animal and drop by the dress-up tent! Your little ones might even want to get their faces painted and be transformed into something scary!! Location: Canmore Collegiate High School Date: TBA
FUN AT THE LAKE
The air is warm, the mountains inviting. Why not spend some time at a mountain lake? Now, remember that mountain lakes are glacier-fed, and that means they are brrrrr cold! There are some that are shallow enough to be warmed by the sun's summer rays: Canmore-Quarry Lake, Banff-Johnson Lake and Lake Louise-Herbert Lake. Bring some food and make it a picnic!
HIKE JOHNSTON CANYON AND DISCOVER A CAVE!
A hike up Johnston Canyon to the Lower Falls is fun for the whole family - even a baby in a stroller can take part. It is an easy hike along the river that has surprises around every bend. The rushing green water cascades down mini-falls that kids love. At the end - the big reward - a cave to discover! Go in and have the cool misty spray from the thundering falls freshen you up! If you are interested in a longer, more challenging hike, you can keep going to the Upper Falls and/or the Ink Pots.
YOHO NATIONAL PARK
Spend the day in Yoho National Park, British Columbia. First stop: Natural Bridge. The Kicking Horse River has carved rock for centuries. Where water once went over top of the rock, it now crashes beneath, creating a natural bridge. Next stop: Emerald Lake where you can glide in a canoe on the greenest waters. Takkakaw Falls, the highest waterfall in the Canadian Rockies, is not far! Park and take the trail to a viewpoint and watch the water come shooting out of rock!
MORAINE LAKE
After a visit to famous, Lake Louise, go for a short drive and discover Moraine Lake. Park your car and go for an easy hike up - up - up. The kids will love this part! What awaits you is the most beautiful blue-green mountain lake surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Photo. Stunning. Take another photo. No wonder it used to be on the back of the Canadian twenty dollar bill! This has become the favourite lake of many visitors on my tours!
THOUGHT OF A BUS TOUR?
You're on holiday and want a day off from the responsibility of driving. How about a tour on a motorcoach? These guided tours allow you to sit back and see the mountains through a whole new set of eyes. You sit higher in the bus and the large windows are great. Kids love listening to the stories set in the mountains, and the frequent stops get them out and about. Brewster Tours are great! My favourite: Mountain Lakes & Waterfalls!
SUMMER GONDOLA AT LAKE LOUISE
Lake Louise, located in Banff National Park is already famous for its lakes, but how about checking out some of the surrounding area with the Lake Louise Mountain Resort Summer Gondola. At the top enjoy daily interpretive programs and guided walks. Interested in wildlife? The Wildlife Interpretation Center profiles different animals that make the area their home. Come and see why this area is a United Nations World Heritage Site.
LOOKING FOR A PLAYGROUND?
Sometimes you just need a playground to let the kids loose on! Last year we were enjoying Waterton National Park. "Isn't it beautiful?", I asked. "Dad, where's a playground?" Banff: Central Park, Rotary Park, Banff Recreation Grounds, Birch Avenue, Park Avenue, Middle Springs, Jasper Avenue, Banff Elementary School, Canmore: Lion's Park, Centennial Park, Eagle Terrace, West Canmore Playground as well as many tot lots.
WALK TO BOW FALLS!
Bow Falls is just a short walk from downtown Banff or the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. The trails are nicely maintained and steps have been built where necessary. Follow the trail and listen to the sounds of the tumbling waters of the Bow River as it slowly wears away the rock beneath it. Surprise Corner on Tunnel Mountain gives you a great vantage point from the other side of the Bow and lets you see the waters as they approach the falls, as well as the historical Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel!
UP TO THE TOP OF SULPHUR MOUNTAIN!
Summer or winter, spend the morning or afternoon of a clear day on the top of Sulphur Mountain! The kids will enjoy the 8-minute adventure of taking a Banff Gondola ride to the top. Go out onto the observation deck for some spectacular views!! Look at the surrounding mountains and try and find some of the landmarks as you overlook the town of Banff. Cafeteria (summer)/restaurant also available for the growlies kids tend to get.
EVERYBODY LOVES AN ICE EXPLORER RIDE!
What an adventure! Take a trip up the Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield and discover the mysteries of the ancient ice of the Athabasca Glacier. Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime ride on a Brewster Ice Explorer and go for a walk on the glacier. Try the water and rejuvenate yourself and get some spunk back... okay - adults only! Kids have enough of that!
LITTLE CHIPPERS ICE CARVING IN LAKE LOUISE
Get on your little goggles and grab a chisel! Try carving your own masterpiece out of a small block of ice and you may even win a prize! The snacks and hot chocolate will keep you going while you try out all of the fun activities and watch demonstrations such as dog sledding held just outside Samson Mall in the Village of Lake Louise. Don't forget to dress WARMLY!!
ANNUAL ICE MAGIC INTERNATIONAL ICE SCULPTURE COMPETITION
Afterwards you can go down to the lake and watch some professionals work their magic on a much grander scale at the Annual Ice Magic International Ice Sculpture Competition! Pictured here is Crushed Ice of Canmore, AB working on the Downhill Skier. If you can't make it during the actual competition, the works of art do last a while if the weather cooperates!! The kids will go crazy over the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Ice Palace!!
AN AFTERNOON OF SKATING ON LAKE LOUISE
There is nothing like spending the afternoon in the crisp mountain air skating!! Of course there are a few outdoor places you can go, but nothing compares to Lake Louise. Look up as you skate around and feel how small you are with the mountains towering around you. Cold? Warm up by the fire. If you go in January/February, you might be lucky enough to skate around the beautiful Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Ice Palace!