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Originally a school for theater students, the Centre has evolved over the past 70 years to become an institution celebrated for its dedication to arts education and training. Artists in a variety of disciplines study on the 43-acre campus, expanding personal knowledge of their respective crafts and sharing ideas with each other. Festivals and performances are scheduled throughout the year, making the Centre an incredible resource for those who love theater, dance, and the visual arts. Local newspapers carry listings for upcoming programs, and the school itself is happy to provide information about future events.
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The town of Banff is actually located inside Banff National Park. At 6641 square kilometers (2564 square miles), the park is a vast playground for close to four million visitors annually. Most are outdoorsy types who enjoy hiking, backcountry camping, cross country skiing, rock climbing, fishing, and a wealth of other activities. If time is a factor or if you simply prefer to see the wilderness from the relative comfort of an enclosed vehicle, there are a couple of scenic highways that cut through the park, so you can still appreciate the majesty of the rugged Canadian Rockies without getting dirty! But with its roaring waterfalls and ice-blue glaciers, meadows full of wildflowers and breathtaking panoramic vistas, this is one park that is best appreciated on foot. Luckily, several turnouts along the Icefields and Bow Valley Parkways allow you to get a closer look without investing too much time or energy. A plethora of companies offer guided one-day and multi-day park tours via bus, bike, snowshoe, ski and hiking boot. A Park Pass (available at the Banff or Lake Louise Visitor Center) is required.
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Set in a rustic pagoda near the Bow River, this museum dates from the turn of the last century. It houses a collection of native creatures that have been stuffed and mounted for display. Most of the specimens date from 1890 to 1930 and were acquired when hunting was permitted in the area. The museum, which has the distinction of being western Canada's oldest natural history museum, provides a glimpse of both the diversity of the Rockies and the Victorian conception of a wilderness. A reading room and a hands-on discovery room for children are also part of the complex.
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Commemorating the contributions and presence of native Americans in the area, this museum has been in operation since 1952. Named for a local shopkeeper and friend of the Indians, the facility maintains displays on hunting, culture, and domestic activities. Clothing, a teepee, and quilts are among the many items available for perusal. A gift shop offers related merchandise, showcasing the heritage of a society who lived close to nature in a time before Europeans inhabited Canada's western plains and mountains.
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One of the more adventurous outings in the Canadian Rockies, this 4-km (2.5-mile) cave system is hidden under Grotto Mountain and has had no "improvements" or safety features added. That means no stairs, elevators, lights (you'll wear a headlamp), handrails or boardwalks. Guides lead you through Rat's Nest Cave where you'll glimpse glacial deposits, fossils, pools of water and calcite formations. The Adventure Tour includes an 18m (60 ft) rappel and crawling through the "Laundry Chute," but if that sounds just a little too exciting, opt for the Explorer Tour instead, which deletes those two sections. Transportation to the cave from Canmore is provided, and tours are available year round, but reservations are required.
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Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park was the site of the 1988 Winter Olympics Nordic Skiing events, plus several other mountain bike and cross-country skiing competitions. With 65 km (40 miles) of exceptional ski trails and numerous single track mountain bike trails, the provincial park is popular year round. Trails are well marked and some are lighted. The day lodge (open seasonally but complete with café, restrooms and showers, lockers and a fireplace) is a cozy spot to rest after a day on the trails. Trailsports offers lessons and equipment rental.
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One of Canada's oldest official sports, dogsledding predates even hockey. This company, located near Grotto Mountain, offers a wide range of tours, from two hours to full days to overnights. Their three-acre kennel is home to about 150 amazingly athletic dogs who will not only impress with their physical strength and stamina but enchant with their charm and good-natured personalities. A dogsled tour is a must for any visitor to the snowy Canadian Rockies!
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Sunshine Village
Sunshine Access Rd, Off Hwy 1, Banff, AB T1L 1J5 · 403-277-7669
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Celebrated for its incredible powder and all-natural snow, Sunshine has one of the longest ski seasons in the area. Spread across 3 mountains, its 103 runs are accessible by skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities. Challenging terrain is also available for those who want to test their mettle and their skills. To take care of all the patrons, 12 lifts transport skiers from run to run. The resort is located less than a half-hour from Banff, but its elevation gives it the feel of a much more remote location.
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Upper Hot Springs
101 Mountain Ave, Sulphur Mountain, Banff, AB T0E 1E0 · 403-762-1515
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Just a brief drive south of town, these thermal springs draw bathers year-round to their warm, soothing waters. The complex, which was renovated in 1996, has attracted visitors since the 1880s and now boasts modern facilities, including a large outdoor pool, a wading pool, and an indoor spa. Several shops and a cafe are available as well. If you're ambitious, you can hike from town to the site over somewhat steep terrain. If not, simply enjoy the incredible vista from the comfort of the pool.
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Instituted in 1968 to house materials conserving the heritage of the Rockies, this museum is now one of Banff's best and most comprehensive. With extensive collections of literature and art, the Whyte Museum houses thousands of items, including journals, oral histories, photographs, and artifacts relating to mountain climbing and exploration in general. The exhibitions provide a fascinating insight into the history of the region, as do the log structures on the grounds. Art displays change regularly, and the archives are open for public research and interest.
You want only quality attractions and activities to occupy your leisure hours. To that end, we've researched a diverse list of options, ruled out the wastes of time, and delivered only the 10Best. We provide detailed information about historical sites, theme parks, sporting events, and city sights that you won't want to miss. Peruse our lists, see what grabs your fancy, and then head out for some personal time!
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