CityGuide.ca/ROCKIES - Canadian Rockies City Guide

Canmore, Alberta Featured in New York Times

Posted by Marc on January 23, 2009

canmore alberta

Canmore was one of Canada's best kept secrets until the 1988 Calgary Olympics put Alberta and all of its nooks and crannies on the world stage. Perhaps even more so than Calgary itself, Canmore has been transformed by that event and much of the growth and global awareness of Canmore's beauty is a direct result of that Olympic moment.

While the Olympic torch has come and gone, Canmore's flame continues to burn brighter with each passing year, and now the New York Times is the latest publication to focus on this beautiful and peaceful mountain town.

Historically, those who yearned to own a second home in the area looked to Banff. Federal legislation restricts residence in the town of Banff, which is officially part of the national park, to those who can prove “need to reside.” Canmore, about 17 miles away, would have been the obvious next choice, but it was too small and too poor to attract interest. Then, in 1988, the Olympic Winter Games were held in Calgary, and Canmore, about 65 miles west, hosted the Nordic events. Today, the population is 17,572, about three times the number before the Games.

About a third of Canmore’s residents are second-home owners. The town, which stretches along the Bow River, offers access to some of the most spectacular alpine, foothill and valley scenery in the world. It is minutes from five major ski areas. And it is surrounded by the front range of the Canadian Rockies.

Whether it is hiking, skiing or watching a sunrise or sunset, Canmore has activity and natural beauty that is world-class. Here's a great video of a time-lapse sunrise over the The Three Sisters mountain range.

If hiking is your thing, a stunning 5-hour hike to the summit of one of the Sisters is an incredible way to spend a day.

via Still Glowing From the Olympic Flame
image I, Timmy

TAGS: Alberta, Canmore, Destination, Features, Mountains
POST TOOLS:
COMMENTS ( 0 )

Calgary's Closest Mountain - Nakiska Opens To Public

Posted by Marc on December 18, 2008

nakiska alberta ski

The 2008-09 public ski season at Nakiska has officially begun. Located just 80 kilometers from Calgary, Nakiska is one of the most beautiful and accessible ski resorts in the Canadian rockies. Nestled on the face of Mount Allan, Nakiska boasts 28 trails with 6 operating chairlifts to take you up and down quickly with minimal crowds and wait times.

The operators of the Nakiska resort 'Resorts of the Canadian Rockies' who are also the owners of other successful Rockies resorts Lake Louise Mountain Resort, Fernie, Kimberley, Mont Sainte Anne and Stoneham have been hard at work improving the Nakiska resort in every way. Nakiska has always been a haven for great ski conditions, but this year things should be even better thanks to new pumps and equipment which has increased snowmaking capacity by 33%. More improvements have also been made to the main Daylodge, including a new deck, roof, washrooms and floors. The Finish Line Lounge, located on the upper level, has been completely re-furbished. New racks and computer kiosks in the rental shop will help guests retrieve their equipment and get up on the mountain faster, and Nakiska’s new “North Axe” meeting space caters to groups of up to 50 people.

Ski clubs now have a place to call their own throughout the season, as the new Mapmaker Race Centre is a dedicated racing run available for clubs and teams to train all season long. Nakiska is the preferred pre-season homebase for ski teams from Canada, Norway, Switzerland, Italy, France and more, thanks to its world-class facilities, snow and dedicated race track.

If you haven't been to Nakiska yet, this is definitely a good year to check it out! Visit www.skinakiska.com for ski condition updates and applicable rates. Check out this video taken from the top of the Silver Chair at Nakiska.

image felixion
via press release

TAGS: Alberta, Calgary, Canada, Mountain, Nakiska, Resort, Ski, Vacation, Winter
POST TOOLS:
COMMENTS ( 0 )

How WildSmart Are You?

Posted by Sonya Procenko on November 28, 2008

I'm super excited by the next How WildSmart Are You? Speakers Series event in the Alberta Rockies. Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jay Honeyman will talk about aversive conditioning on grizzly bears in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. For more than 20 years, he has worked in the field of bear-human conflict in Canada and the US.

When: Monday, December 8/08, 7 pm
Where: Canmore Collegiate High School Theatre, Canmore
Information: Visit WildSmart online.

Image courtesy of CTC

TAGS: Bearhuman Conflict, Bow Valley Wildsmart, Canada, Canmore Collegiate School Theatre, Grizzly Bears, Information, Jay Honeyman, Outdoors, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, United States, Wilderness, Wildlife, Wildlife Conflict Specialist, Wildsmart
POST TOOLS:
COMMENTS ( 0 )

Super Sunday in the Columbia Valley

Posted by Sonya Procenko on November 28, 2008

If you're in the Columbia Valley this weekend, swing by Invermere for Super Sunday, November 30/08. The downtown social event will feature merchant specials, hay rides and St. Nick.

For more information, go online. or call 250-342-2844.

TAGS: Bc, British Columbia, Christmas, Columbia Valley, Hay Rides, Invermere, Sales, Seasonal, Shopping, St Nick, Super Sunday
POST TOOLS:
COMMENTS ( 0 )

Verde Day Spa, Canmore

Posted by Sonya Procenko on November 28, 2008

I'm an organic girl so I love Verde Day Spa in Canmore. It's a green spa which features all-natural manicure, pedicure, facials, massages and other treatments and organic products.

If you're looking for Christmas gift ideas, the spa sells gift certificates and organic products from Eminence Spa Care.

Check out Verde Day Spa online.

Image courtesy of www.freephoto1.com

TAGS: Alberta, Beauty, Canmore, Christmas, Facials, Gift Certificates, Gift Ideas, Health, Manicure, Massages, Natural, Organic, Pedicure, Products, Shopping, Skin Care, Things To Do In The Canadian Rockies, Verde Day Spa, Wellness, Wraps
POST TOOLS:
COMMENTS ( 0 )

Let it Snow in Fernie

Posted by Sonya Procenko on November 27, 2008

The holiday light-up events in the Rockies are lovely, community spirited events. I'm hoping to go to
Let it Snow - Downtown Light-Up on December 5/08 in Fernie, BC.

Highlights will include Skate/Swim with Santa at the Aquatic Centre; Snow/Skate competition at Skateboard Park, Christmas music and carolling; kids Christmas craft activities and photos at the Art Station and Window display voting.

For more information, Go Online or Call 250-423-6868.

TAGS: Aquatic Centre, Art Station, Bc, Carolling, Christmas, Christmas Crafts, Downtown Light Up, Fernie, Holidays, Let It Snow, Music, Photos, Santa, Seasonal, Skate, Skateboard Park, Snow, Swim, Things To Do In The Rockies, Window Displays
POST TOOLS:
COMMENTS ( 0 )

Twisted Basil Organic

Posted by Sonya Procenko on November 27, 2008

Fancy shopping for organic food in the Rockies? There's Twisted Basil Organic Market & Deli on Fridays in Canmore, Alberta. The organic food includes produce, quiches, dips, salsas, fruit pies, baking, cookies and salad.

When: Fridays, 11 am-3 pm
Where: St. Michael's Hall, 709 - 7 Street, Canmore. Online order and delivery available.
Information: Go online or Call 1-877-932-6727.

Image courtesy of www.freephoto1.com

TAGS: Alberta, Baking, Canmore, Cookies, Dips, Food, Fruit Pies, Groceries, Online Ordering, Organic, Produce, Quiches, Salad, Salsas, Shopping, Stmichaels Hall, Twisted Basil Organic Market And Deli
POST TOOLS:
COMMENTS ( 0 )

An Evening of International Shorts, December 1/08

Posted by Sonya Procenko on November 27, 2008

I can't wait to experience An Evening of International Shorts coming up at The Banff Centre, December 1/08. The Reel Time Film Screening event will feature international short films in comedy, drama, animation and experimental genres.

When: Monday, December 1/08, 7 pm
Where: Margaret Greenham Theatre, The Banff Centre
Cost: $12
Tickets: Call to reserve at the Banff Box Office at 403-762-6301 or 1-800-413-8368. Cash at the door.
Information: Visit The Banff Centre online.

Image courtesy of Banff Lake Louise Tourism

TAGS: Alberta, An Evening Of International Shorts, Animation, Arts, Banff, Comedy, Culture, Drama, Experimental, Film, Margaret Greenham Theatre, Movies, The Banff Centre, Things To Do In Banff
POST TOOLS:
COMMENTS ( 0 )

Christmas shopping at Whyte Museum

Posted by Sonya Procenko on November 26, 2008

Are you looking for a special Rockies Christmas gift? The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies is currently holding its Museum Art Show and Sale, until January 27/09.

The event features 14 Alberta artists including Barbara Amos, Tanya Bouchard, Kim Bruce, Catherine Hardie-Wigram, Lynne Huras, Priscilla Janes, Deanna Lavoie, Deborah Lougheed Sinclair, Gisa Mayer, Wayne Milburn, Zelda Nelson, Erica Neumann, Fonda Sparks and Liz Wiltzen.

For more information, visit Whyte online.

TAGS: Alberta, Art, Banff, Christmas Shopping, Culture, Museum Art Show And Sale, Things To Do In The Canadian Rockies, Whyte Museum Of The Canadian Rockies
POST TOOLS:
COMMENTS ( 0 )

Mountain Waters Spa, Nelson

Posted by Sonya Procenko on November 26, 2008

"A sanctuary for your heart; a garden where you tend to your wellness and relaxation. A spa where the energy of the mountain and the depth of the waters meet, allowing the essence of your own well-being to continuously emerge."

That's how Mountain Waters Spa in Nelson, BC describes itself. This serene place in the West Kootenays really is a retreat from everyday stresses, from a snowboarding injury to a demanding job.

The spa's massage menu includes relaxation and deep tissue, acupuncture, traditional Thai, acupressure, pregnancy, La Stone, and Watsu Aquatic massage. Other treatments include facials, hand and foot care, body wraps and waxing.

Check out Mountain Waters Spa online.

Image courtesy of www.freephoto1.com

TAGS: Acupuncture, Bc, Beauty, Body Wraps, Facials, Foot Care, Hand, Health, Massage, Mountain Waters Spa, Nelson, Skin Care, Treatments, Wellness, West Kootenays
POST TOOLS:
COMMENTS ( 0 )