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Overall Increase of International Visitors

Posted on: January 29th, 2016

Our observations during the summer of 2015 was the visitation to the Mountain National Parks in Western Canada was up sharply in 2015 over visitation in 2014. Since the summer, as we have spoken with our clients within the parks, along the Cowboy Trail and in and around Kananaskis Country, most have confirmed that their 2015 sales were up between 6% and 30% over 2014.

Travel Alberta has recently confirmed our observations and the feedback from our clients, by reporting:

“Though the final numbers for 2015 visitation will not be complete until February, as of October 2015, Statistics Canada reports that Canada has experienced an overall increase in international visitors of 7.3%. This includes significant growth from the United States, and continued growth in China – two of our most important markets.

We have also seen great numbers from Brazil and Mexico (partly due to the draw of the Pan Am games in July), South Korea, as well as steady visitation from our European markets. Hopefully with the implementation of Connecting America funding, strong industry advocacy, and the value of the Canadian dollar, tourism will stay the course for continued growth in 2016!”

——————–

FORECAST FOR 2016

We would agree with Statistics Canada. Given the great value of the safe Canadian experience, the number of international tourists within Western Canada during 2016 will continue to grow.  That, combined with the growing Canadian trend of the Staycation, should cause the tourism industry to be a bright spot within the Canadian economy, and especially here in Alberta!

"Traversing Centennial Ridge" - by Joanna Gregson

“Traversing Centennial Ridge” – by Joanna Gregson

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Sponsorship Opportunities Available for 2016 Coal Mine Tour Map

Posted on: January 20th, 2016

Sponsorship opportunities are available for our special 2016 Coal Mine Tour Map. CMI Publishing has been authorized to print this popular commemorative map, originally printed in 1998 in honour of the 100th anniversary of the Rocky Mountain Coal Branch. The reprinted map will be distributed for free by Information Centres. Business that cater to travellers will particularly benefit from advertising on this map.

Coal Mine Tour Map cover

Your advertisement will also appear on the digital edition of our map, which will  reach even potential customers. Sponsors will also receive 25 free copies of the Commemorative Tour Map, which includes a detailed coal mining map and a unique overview of the railway and the communities it served. Click here to view the ad sizes and prices as outlined in the media kit.

You can view a mock up of the Commemorative Tour Map here.

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Ice Magic Festival Begins Today

Posted on: January 15th, 2016

Watch artisans create beautiful ice sculptures at the Ice Magic Festival January 15th through January 24th. Beginning today, teams of two ice carvers will compete in a 34 hour International Ice Carving Competition. The sculptures will reflect the 2016 theme of “Earth, Wind, Fire & Water – Elements of Life.” Next weekend is also filled with a number of fun activities for the whole family.

Because the Ice Magic Festival has been so popular over the past few years, viewers will need to purchase tickets during the busiest hours to prevent the event from being much too overcrowded. Tickets are required on the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise lakeside carving site SATURDAY & SUNDAY January 16, 17, 23 & 24 from 10:00am – 4:00pm. All other times, locations & activities are FREE. (Weekdays and Saturdays/Sundays before 10:00am and after 4:00pm are FREE carving viewing times.)

Tickets can be purchased online. They can also be purchased onsite in the Lake Louise Visitor Information Centre & outside the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise on the pathway to the carving viewing site during the Ice Magic weekends. Please be aware that 11:00am – 3:00pm has been extremely busy in the past and could mean longer wait times.

**Guests staying at hotels in Lake Louise will have FREE ACCESS to the Ice Magic carving site at all times.

Ice Magic Festival 2016

Read on for the currently planned schedule:

 

International Ice Carving Competition Weekend

International Ice Carving Competition

Jan 15 & 16, 8:00am – 10:00pm / Jan 17, 8:00am-2:00pm

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Carving Site, Lake Side

Ten internationally renowned teams have 15 blocks of ice and 34 hours to create one-of-a-kind sculptures that capture gold. Vote for People Choice Award on Sunday, January 17 between 11:00am – 2:00pm. Award ceremony follows at 4:30pm.

 

Awe-inspiring Ice Carving Demonstrations

Jan 15 & 16, 10:00pm – 5:00pm
Marvel at ice creations by two of Canada’s top carvers.  Ask questions about this increbible art form. Visit Montaineer Lodge for the event.

Jan 16 & 17, 12:00pm-12:30pm
Watch an interpretative demo by Ice Magic Lead Judge. The event takes place at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Lakeside.

Jan 17, 11:00am – 3:00pm
Entertaining ice carvers perform speed carving demonstrations at Samson Mall.

Jan 17 10:00am – 11:00am
Head-to-head display of ice carving talent between two Ice Magic judges at The Lake Louise Ski Resort.

 

One Carver, One Hour, One Block

Jan 16 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Tomorrow (Saturday), individual ice sculptors will compete in “One Carver, One Hour, One Block” at Deer Lodge. Watch as blocks of ice are quickly transformed to works of art, and then vote for your favourite carving – it could win the People’s Choice Award.

 

Little Chippers Weekend

 

Self-guided Ice Magic Circuit

Jan 23 & 24,  All Day

You’ll be filled with wonder as you gaze on finished sculptures and find out which creations won. An Ice Magic Ticket will be required between 10:00am to 4:00pm at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Visit the The Lake Louise Ski Resort, Samson Mall, Mountaineer Lodge, Deer Lodge and The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise to view the sculptures on the Ice Magic Circuit

 

Little Chippers Ice Zone

Jan 23 & 24, 11:00am – 3:00pm

Visit the Little Chippers Ice Zone at Lake Louise Inn with your little friends and family. Kids will learn about ice carving first-hand and get to chip their own mini ice block. This event is FREE.

 

Ice Carving Demonstration

Jan 23 & 24, 10:00am – 12:00pm & 1:00pm – 4:00pm

A master carver will teach what it takes to carve a giant ice cube. An Ice Magic Ticket is required. The demonstration will be at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Carving Site, Lakeside.

 

Lake Side Fun

Jan 23 & 24, 12:00pm – 3:00pm

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Lakeside

Meet and Skate with the Ice King & Queen on iconic Lake Louise. FREE.

 

Cozy Corner Kids Indoor Activity Centre

Jan 23 & 24, 12:00pm – 3:00pm

Hours of fun entertainment for the whole family hosted by a Calgary Theatre Group. This event – held at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Trail Rooms, Mt. Temple Wing – is FREE.

 

Snow Magic

Jan 15 – 24

Various locations throughout Lake Louise

Attend this NEW event to watch expert carvers create enormous snow sculptures at some of Lake Louise’s most scenic locations. These creations will remain intact until the weather

 

Park & Ride!

FREE shuttles running from the Samson Mall to The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, returning every 20 minutes: Saturday & Sunday, January 16 & 17 and 23 & 24 from 10:30am – 5:30pm. Sorry no pets allowed on the buses.

 

For all the Ice Magic Festival details, to purchase tickets, and to view the full schedule, visit BanffLakeLouise.com/IceMagic. Note that the Event Schedule subject to change without notice.

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Join Banff’s Early Christmas Celebration Tomorrow

Posted on: December 4th, 2015

Banff will be celebrating Christmas throughout the day tomorrow, and you’re invited to stop by and join the festivities. The Banff’s part in the annual Winterstart Festival is on Saturday, December 5 this year and includes a variety of FREE events and activities that all ages will enjoy. Make it an all-day event, or drop by between holiday get-togethers and Christmas shopping. And if your schedule’s booked, read on for future holiday events in the area.

Christmas Parades into Banff 2015

Christmas in the Courtyard
11:30am – 3:00pm –  Bison Courtyard, 211 Bear St.

Bear Street will be bursting with holiday cheer as people join in dancing, singing Christmas carols, and listening to stories.

 

Holiday Wagon Rides
11:00am – 4:00pm – Banff Trail Riders Store, 132 Banff Ave.

Take a memorable tour through the streets of wintery Banff by horse and wagon. Tours are free however first come first serve & weather dependent.

 

Holiday Magic in the Mall
1:00pm – 4:00pm – Cascade Shops, 317 Banff Ave.

Face Painters, Balloon Twisters and other magical friends will delight children in Cascade Shops during the afternoon. People of all ages will enjoy festive songs from Christmas Choirs or taking an “Elfie” or family photo in the Photo Booth!

 

Santa Stops by the Train Station!
1:00pm – 4:00pm – Banff Train Station, junction of Railway Ave. & Elk St.

Come meet Santa and get a photo taken with him! Proceeds go to support Santa’s Anonymous. Relax in Storybook Corner, get crafty or get silly and pose with a festive ice sculpture.

 

A Whyte Christmas
1:00pm – 4:00pm – Whyte Museum, 111 Bear St.

Experience a visit from Santa, and enjoy carols, crafts, and treats in the Whyte Museum.

 

Santa Claus Parade of Lights
5:30pm –  Banff Ave.

Banff Avenue will be filled with wonder and excitement during the Christmas parade. Christmas characters will come out to play alongside Santa himself as brilliantly lit floats parade down Banff Ave.

 

Festive Fun continues after the Parade
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Banff Ave Square.

The fun’s not over when the parade ends! Warm up next to roaring fire and toast a marshmallow as you’re serenaded by the joyful caroling of a choir.

 

New for 2015!

The new free free horse & wagon rides will get you to all the activities around town with ease. The rides will run continuously from Cascade Shops to Train Station from 1:00pm – 4:00pm and act as a shuttle. Pickup for Cascade Shops is in front of Unlimited on Banff Ave.

If you can’t make it to the events this weekend or if you want to more ways to enjoy the season, view the Winterstart festival schedule. Here are some highlights of upcoming events:

  • WOOD WATER a Celebration. Dec 1 – Dec 19. Willock & Sax Gallery.
  • Appaloosa. Dec 4 – Dec 6. Wild Bill’s Legendary Saloon.
  • Musical Encounter Series; Jacob Greenberg. Dec 4 (tonight!). Rolston Recital Hall.
  • Stuart McLean, A Vinyl Christmas. Dec 5. The Banff Centre – The Eric Harvie Theatre.
  • Castle Carolers Roam Banff Ave. Dec 6. Banff Ave.
  • Santa Arrives at the Spirit of Christmas. Dec 6. The Spirit of Christmas.
  • Reel Time Screening; Coming Home. Dec 7. Lux Cinema.
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Bon Appétit Banff: 10 Days of Exceptional Cuisine

Posted on: November 6th, 2015

Enjoy the some of the best cuisine in Banff by participating in this year’s Bon Appétit Banff festival. From Thursday, November 12 to Sunday, November 22, you can enjoy unique three-course menus from 30+ restaurants in Banff. Meals include three options per course and are offered at the fixed price of $27, $37, $47, and $57 per meal. Click here for a list of participating restaurants and menus.

Bon Appetit Banff 2015

If you want to really make an evening special, consider purchasing tickets for Dine Around Banff. Participants can enjoy a drink pairing with 3 different courses at 3 different unforgettable restaurants while a charismatic, interpretive guide drives you to each restaurant. Tickets are limited, so make sure to reserve yours soon. View the participating restaurants and schedule below.

Monday, November 16 – The Intimate & Innovative Experience
Featuring Juniper Hotel Bistro, Park Distillery & Nourish Bistro

Tuesday, November 17 – An International Affair
Featuring El Toro Restaurant, Castello Ristorante & Nourish Bistro

Wednesday, November 18 – The Must Visit, Must Eat, Must Brag Experience
Featuring Balkan Restaurant, Waldhaus Restaurant, Park Distikllery

Thursday, November 19 – For the Pub at Heart
Featuring Toque Canadian Pub, Banff Ave Brewing Co. & the Elk & Oarsman
* The tour on the 19th will be a walking tour and includes a Brewery Tour

If you’re interested in an even more unique opportunity, then you may enjoy 5 new signature events created for Bon Appétit Banff. They range from a Pup Up Italian Kitchen at the Bison on Friday, November 13 to Park Distillery Tours at Park Distillery on November 22. Click here to learn more about each event and to make reservations.

For those who live out of town or are looking for a short get away, Dine + Stay accommodation offers provide a discount on lodging during the 10 festival. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and delectable cuisine at the same time. Mention Bon Appétit Banff when you call to book your lodging. Click here to view participating hotels and discounts.

No matter which option you choose, your experience with Bon Appétit Banff is sure to be delicious.

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40th Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival Begins This Weekend

Posted on: October 28th, 2015

This weekend kicks off the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival’s 40th anniversary. There are many activities – including free ones – that will ignite your sense of adventure. The free Festival Kick-Off Party this Friday (October 30) starts at 7 p.m. in Banff Avenue Square. Enjoy live music by the Bitterweed Draw, special guests, campfires, prizes, and more! The party continues at Wild Bill’s Saloon from 9 p.m. until late.

Watch Opening Weekend Film Screenings on Saturday (October 31) at 12 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. and on Sunday (November 1) at 12 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12, and the films will be shown at Eric Harvie Theatre. Each screening features a variety of 2-4 different films. During the course of the festival, 89 films will be offered, including over 50 premieres from around the globe.

And in honour of the Festival’s 40th anniversary, attendees can watch Festival Flashback screenings at the Lux Cinema Banff, October 30 – November 5. The selection of Flashback films includes both award-winning films and audience favourites from past Festivals. Tickets for Festival Flashback screenings are $12.

Festival Flashback Screening - from the film Red Gold

Festival Flashback Screening – from the film Red Gold

The festival features 20 book programs about exploration around the globe.  Events are $15 and highlight award-winning photographers, authors, adventurers sharing their latest works – including Alpine Exposures with Jonathan Griffith, Voices of Adventure with Simone Moro and The Tower with Kelly Cordes.

"The Tower - a Chronicle of Climing and Controversy on Cerro Torre" - written by Kelly Cordes

“The Tower – a Chronicle of Climing and Controversy on Cerro Torre” – written by Kelly Cordes

If you’re an aspiring adventurer, filmmaker, or author, then take advantage of free workshops from National Geographic. You can learn about everything from how to get your story published to exploration and adventure grants. See page 35 of the Festival program for more details.

During the festival you can also view the Mountain Art Exhibitions for free across the Banff Centre campus and in participating galleries in downtown Banff. Both mountain art and mountain photography will be displayed.

From Indigo Haze - Canada House Gallery - Steven Nederveen

From Indigo Haze – Canada House Gallery – Steven Nederveen

View the complete festival event schedule here.

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Vacationing in Jasper – New Blog Post from Tanya Koob

Posted on: October 14th, 2015

Our friend Tanya Koob has written a new blog post about vacationing in Jasper. Tanya writes about the adventures of exploring the Canadian Rockies with children, but her new blog post is perfect for any nature lovers – with kids or without – who are looking for a getaway.

Tanya and her family found that the Pine Bungalows property offers comfortable, rustic shelter without sacrificing all modern conveniences. They enjoyed a couple of local outdoor activities during their two night stay in Jasper, and also took a mini road trip to Miette Hot Springs.

Click here to read the blog post and get ideas for your own short getaway in Jasper!

Simple cabins at the Pine Bungalows in Jasper

Simple cabins at the Pine Bungalows in Jasper

Old Fort Point Viewpoint in Jasper

Old Fort Point Viewpoint in Jasper

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Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Reveals Luxurious Specifics of Honeymoon Contest Prize

Posted on: October 11th, 2015

Our Honeymoon Contest winner Tara Fillion recently wrote to us about how excited she is to have won the contest. Each contestant entered a photo of themselves and their spouse in the Canadian Mountain Parks, and Tara’s photo was selected in a random draw. The prize is a “second honeymoon.” Tara has even more reasons to be excited now that the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge has unveiled the full gift package that they are providing. With an estimated retail value of $1,300, it includes:

  • 2 nights’ accommodation in the newly renovated Lakefront Suites (the premier accommodations at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge).
  • daily breakfast for two at the newly opened ORSO Trattoria! This restaurant provides an authentic taste of Northern Italy (and significantly better views featuring Jasper National Park).
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Lakefront Suites

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Lakefront Suites

Dish from ORSO Trattoria!

Dish from ORSO Trattoria!

Another dish from ORSO Trattoria!

Another dish from ORSO Trattoria!

Tara also received great news from VIA Rail. Since Tara lives in Winnipeg, VIA Rail has generously offered to adjust the prize so that Tara and her husband will be able to ride The Canadian from Winnipeg to Jasper (return) rather than from Jasper to Vancouver. She and her husband will ride in a Sleeper Plus Cabin for Two, enjoy all meals in the Dining Car, and also have access to all the lounge areas and glass dome viewing carriages.

Tara plans to put her prize to a special use. She wrote,

Oh I am SO EXCITED! This is an amazing trip and I cannot wait to experience Jasper!!

If everything pans out, I am hoping to take this trip end March/early April to encompass my husband’s 40th birthday!

Wouldn’t that be memorable!

Visit our Honeymoon Contest sponsors’ websites and social media pages to learn more about them and about how you can plan your own dream getaway.

http://www.fairmont.com/jasper
https://www.facebook.com/fairmonthotels
@FairmontJPL
http://www.viarail.ca
https://www.facebook.com/viarailcanada
@VIA_Rail

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36th Annual Melissa’s Road Race This Saturday in Banff

Posted on: September 23rd, 2015

This Saturday (September 26), approximately 4,500 runners will race through Banff during the Melissa’s Road Race. Participants will race the new 5km course – which takes runners through Banff residential streets and footpaths – or the 10km course. Melissa’s Restaurant will be donating profits to the Banff Canmore Foundation, The Banff High School Green Team, The Banff Daycare Society and the Banff Rugby Club.

Banff - Melissas Road Race 2015

Although online registration has closed, you can still register in person at the following places on specific dates:

Thursday, September 24th
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Eau Claire Running Room
Unit A01, 200 Barclay Parade SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 4R5

Friday, September 25th
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Eau Claire Running Room
Unit A01, 200 Barclay Parade SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 4R5

Friday, September 25th
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Melissa’s Restaurant in Banff

Melissas Road Race 2015

If you’re not a runner but still want to join the action, you can cheer the runners on or participate as a volunteer. Melissa’s Road Race relies on over 300 volunteers to help with First Aid, water stations, t-shirt distribution, food and beverage, bag check, finish line and course marshaling.

All volunteers receive an original art work T-shirt, and 50% off coupon for Melissa’s.  There is a Volunteer Party on Sunday, September 27 in Melissa’s Bar, starting at 7 pm, with lots of great food and beverage and many prizes.

To volunteer for Saturday’s event, please contact a Manager at Melissa’s Restaurant, 403-762-5511.

Weather you’re involved in the race or not, make sure to paying attention to the following road closures and parking information if you’re in Banff on Saturday:

  • There will be no parking available at the Banff Recreation Grounds on Saturday September 26 until race completion; approximately 2:00pm.
  • Rolling road closures will take place in Banff along the race route from 10:29am – 12:00pm
  • There is an expected delay of 12 – 15 minutes, beginning at 10:30 a.m.
  • Buffalo street is affected from Tunnel Mountain Dr. (Banff Centre) to Muskrat Street on the ascending lane. Vehicles can come down from the Banff Center but must use St. Julien Road to go up. (Delay from: 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.).
  • The Bow River Trail is affected from the Pedestrian Bridge to behind the Mineral Springs Hospital. (Delay from: 10:15 – 11:45 a.m.)
  • West sidewalk of the Banff Avenue Bridge will be closed to pedestrians from 10:30 – 11:45 a.m
  • Please view the course map for the 5km race and the 10km race for further details

A courtesy shuttle bus will take runners from Banff Avenue to Central Park and back throughout the morning. The buses will pick-up from five marked spots along Banff Avenue, every 15 minutes, starting at the Voyageur Inn. Anyone can ride the runner’s courtesy bus.

Visit banffparking.ca to view the available parking spots, directions and time frames.

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Announcing the 2015 Honeymoon Contest Winner!

Posted on: September 17th, 2015

We had a great response to our first Honeymoon Photo Contest. Thanks to each of you who submitted a photo of yourself and your spouse enjoying the Canadian Mountain Parks. The winner was selected through a random draw and we’d like to congratulate. . .Tara Fillion! She submitted the photo below of her and her husband in Riding Mountain National Forest.

As their prize, Tara and her hubby will receive a train trip on The Canadian between Jasper/ Edmonton to Vancouver and back. They’ll ride in a Sleeper Plus Cabin for Two, enjoy all meals in the Dining Car, and also have access to all the lounge areas and glass dome viewing carriages. Once they arrive in Jasper, they’ll enjoy accommodation at the luxurious Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

Thanks again to all of our contestants who entered!

CL2013 (249)

Winning entry in the Honeymoon Photo Contest: “My Hubby and I enjoying the Parks!”

 

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