9. Banff Mountain Festivals

The Buzz -- Celebrating the allure of life and adventure in the mountains, this festival is actually comprised of two events. The Book Festival unites publishers, writers and photographers who make the mountains their focus and brings them to the public with seminars, lectures, a book fair and an awards ceremony. The Mountain Festival does the same thing with film: presenting screenings, guest speakers and discussions of the issues raised. A trade show with mountain-related merchandise is held in conjunction with the festivals, as is an arts and crafts show.