Celebrating Canada Day Weekend in Banff

I don't think you can get any more Canadian than celebrating Canada Day in Banff National Park.  It is after all, our country's first and oldest National Park :)

FYI that hotels in town usually sell out this weekend, so make sure you book your accommodation before coming to town.  We still have a few rooms left on Friday night, with limited availability for Saturday and Sunday night.  Give our reservations team a call at 1-800-661-0227 for more information.

There is so much to do in Banff on July01...here are a few of my top choices for you:

*Canada Day Sidewalk Art outside of the Whyte Museum from 11:30am - 4:30pm.  I love walking down the street mid-July and still seeing everyone's drawings from Canada Day.
*Central Park Activities from 12:30pm - 11pm.  Enjoy face painting, a kid's Bouncy Castle, Balloon Artists, First Nations Dance and Drumming, Calgary Stampede White Hat Round Up and so much more music and dancing! 
*Canada Parade ~ goes down Banff Avenue starting at 5pm
*Canada Fireworks (Central Park) at 11pm

And please ensure we all take a few moments on July 1st to appreciate this amazing country that we live in.  Happy Canada Day!

What to do this Weekend in Banff!

There is a ton going on in Banff this weekend...here are a few things that I suggest checking out if in Banff:

Friday June22nd
*Riverfest at the Blue Canoe Docks in Banff ~ 3-9pm.  Enjoy canoeing, kayaking, face painting, a BBQ, campfire and more for only a $5 donation.

Saturday June 23rd 
*Join Parks Canada, First Nations and Métis interpreters and explore a traditional fur trade wedge tent, teepee and Métis wall tent at Museum Corner (Banff Avenue & Buffalo Street; outside of Banff Park Museum) from 12-5pm.

*Performance in the Park - 4pm.  Sam Roberts is performing at Cascade Gardens (Parks Canada Administration Grounds).  Tickets are $35 per adult and some are still available through the Banff Centre Box Office - 403 762 6301.

Sunday June 24th 
*Wildlife sketching class from 1-2:30pm with renowned artist Dwayne Harty at the Banff Park Museum National Historic Site.  Registration required at 403 762 1558 and all materials are provided.  The class is free with site admission

News at the Banff Aspen Lodge!

I would like to welcome Chris Barr to the Banff Aspen Lodge in his new role of General Manager of the hotel.  Chris has been in the Bow Valley for almost two years now and before that, spent time in Waterton Lakes National Park.  I'd like to welcome Chris to the team and thought I'd share a bit more about him and some of his favourite things to do in Banff National Park:

When did you come to Banff? Two years ago
Why did you come to Banff?  Because of the scenery and it's a great place to raise a family
What is your favourite restaurant in Banff?  Banff Avenue Brew Pub
Where do you go for a cup of coffee or hot chocolate in Banff?  Tim Horton's
What is your favourite store to shop in Banff?  The Candy Store! (Welches)
What activity do you enjoy doing in the winter time?  Curling, building snowmen
What activity do you enjoy doing in the summer time?  Hiking, biking
What is your favourite drive to go on in the area?  Bow Valley Parkway
Where is your favourite picnic spot in Banff National Park?  Johnson Lake – great place for families!