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Bird Watching:
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Birding is a sport that everyone can enjoy. Pick up a pair of binoculars from the Front Desk. The most productive areas are Tunnel Mountain, the Bow River upstream from the Bow River Bridge, and the area around the riding stables below Cave Avenue. Or participate in a Banff Community Bird Walk from April – early June, brochures are avialable at the Front Desk
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Banff Upper Hot Springs:
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The Banff Upper Hot Springs is located on Sulphur Mountain – about a 10 minute drive across Banff from the hotel. The views are spectacular as you soak away the day in the large outdoor pool. Price is approx $7.30 per adult – they are open until 10 p.m.
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Bike Rentals:
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Biking is a wonderful way of travelling around Banff townsite – it’s very environmentally conscious and there are so many places to explore. See Biking & Cycling Trails, Rent bikes online
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Boat Tours:
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Enjoy a leisurely and highly informative 90 minute cruise with Lake Minnewanka Cruises. You can also Book a Fishing Charter or Rent a Boat
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Canoe & Kayak:
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Blue Canoe provides hourly rentals of canoes, solo kayaks and cruiser town bikes available from our canoe docks right on the Bow River. Paddles the waters of Vermilion Lakes, 40 mile creek and the Bow River
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Drive Tours:
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Enjoy the spectacular scener and spot wildlife on your own schedule with GyPSy Guide an in-car self directed tour experience. GyPSy Guide plays interesting and entertaining commentary and stories automatically as you approach interesting places.
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Entertainment:
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There are many ways to entertain you in Banff. Lux Cinema in downtown Banff is where you can catch up on your favorite Hollywood Block buster. Wild Bill’s Saloon on main street – Karaoke on Tuesdays. Wild Bills, Brunos and other smaller venues often have live music, sporting events as well so ask at the Front Desk or pick up the local Rocky Mountain Outlook or Crag & Canyon Banff newspapers.
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Fishing:
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Banff National Park is home to a number of rivers and lakes that are home to a variety of trout species. A permit is required for Banff National Park and special regulations apply. Fishing outside the Park requires an Alberta Provincial fishing license. Fishing Tours can outfit you with licenses and gear.
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Golfing:
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Banff, Alberta and Canmore, Alberta are home to several of the most scenic Rocky Mountain golf courses in the world. Banff Springs Golf Course - Tel: (403) 762-6801 - Canmore Golf Course - Tel: (403) 678-4785 - Golf Course at Silver Tip, Canmore - Tel: 1-877-877-5444 or visit Golf the Rockies or Canada Golf
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Gondola:
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Take in outstanding 360 degree views from 7486ft (2281m) at the Banff Gondola . There are hiking trails and observation decks at the summit for maximum viewing pleasure. Approximately $28 per adult. (open year round)
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Hiking:
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Banff National Park is a hiker’s paradise with a variety of trails from moderate to challenging. Download Banff & Lake Louise Hiking Maps.
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Horseback:
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Travel through Banff as the pioneers of the area once did on horse. Horseback riding trips range from hourly to full day trips including meals.
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Photography:
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Early and late in the day is usually the best time for photography and nature watching. Please treat the landscape and its inhabitants with respect; stay on established trails to avoid trampling vegetation and always give wildlife plenty of space.
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Programs:
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Parks Canada offers a number of free Interpretive Programs throughout the summer. Voluntourism is a great way to engage in Banff National Park through Parks Canada's volunteer activities - available year round
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Rafting:
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Rafting is one of the most exciting ways to experience the majestic force of the Rockies. Banff Rafting gets you on the water and paddling your way through active rapids. Rafting in Alberta is a great way to see wildlife along the river banks while enjoying spectacular scenery. If you are planning a loop trip of the Canadian Rockies, Rafting in Jasper is also a great activity.
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Scuba Diving:
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Discover the underwater remains of the first town in the area - Minnewanka Landing. IN 1912 the townsite was flooded. This townsite is the best preserved, rare example of a submerged historic village in Canada. All dives at Lake Minnewanka are cold water, altitude dives.
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Shopping:
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Looking for that perfect gift? Find unique gifts, artwork, crafts and souvenirs in the many shops of downtown Banff. Often shop owners will be discounting merchandise after the peak summer months. Visit the Christmas Store on Main Street for Christmas gifts and Banff-themed ornaments.
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Sightseeing:
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There are many places to see and photographs to be taken right in Banff town site.
Bow Falls: Bow River crashes over ancient limestone creating a spectacle of sound and sight.
Banff Springs Hotel: The Castle of the Rockies
Cave and Basin: The birthplace of Canada's national parks.
Surprise Corner: A higher view of Bow Falls and the majestic Banff Springs Hotel.
Lake Minnewanka: Large man-made lake, big horn sheep frequent this area
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VolunTourism:
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Voluntourism is a great way to engage in Banff National Park through Parks Canada's volunteer activities - available year round
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Wildlife:
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The chance to observe wild animals as they go about their natural lives is one of the most fascinating experiences that our mountain national parks have to offer. Wildlife Sightseeing Tours are available in Banff and Lake Louise
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What to Bring:
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Bring your bathing suit, warm jackets and sweaters for layering, good walking boots & your camera!
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