Rockies offer a winter wonderland of fun for families
by Michele Tipman Stott
Crisp cold air, a soft white blanket of snow and a wide variety of outdoor activities to choose from in a spectacular mountain setting add up to winter paradise for families.
If you're like many others visiting the area with family members of all ages, it's likely you'll find yourself riding the lift at Sunshine Village Ski Resort on a traditional sunny Rocky Mountain morning.
The Bow Valley is known for is first-class skiing, with a number of resorts within a short driving distance from Canmore. These include Skiing Louise in Lake Louise, Sunshine Village and Ski Banff @ Norquay just a skip away in Banff, and in Kananaskis Country, Nakiska and Fortress ski resorts. Try them all and save bucks with a Tri-Area Lift ticket for Lake Louise, Sunshine and Norquay. There's something for every ability, from a beginner three-year-old, an avid 16- year-old boarder to an experienced or inexperienced adult.
Cross-country skiers, too, find paradise in the Rockies. The superb cross-country ski opportunities include groomed back and front-country trails in Banff National Park and Kananaskis Country as well as at the Canmore Nordic Centre, site of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games' Nordic skiing events.
Of course anytime you are heading out on a backcountry trip be sure to check the avalanche conditions at www.avalanche.ca. Better yet, take along a guide to help you with your outdoor skills and ensure a safe experience.
The ski hills are great, but there are even more opportunities on a long list of winter outdoor fun for families in the Bow Valley.
The smallest members of your family will enjoy ice skating in the Canadian Rockies, especially with the scenic background provided by the ice castle built on the shores of Lake Louise.
How about a traditional family activity that requires nothing more than a sled, warm clothing and a pal - because two makes it faster. Bring your toboggan or crazy carpet, or pick one up at a local hardware store and head over to cemetery hill or the new soccer field in Eagle Terrace in Canmore. There is also a popular toboggan hill behind the Banff Springs Hotel.
Outdoor skating is popular with the locals and the opportunities in the Bow Valley are abundant. Take in the magic of Lake Louise and skate around the ice castle traditionally built on the lake every January. In Banff a circle is regularly maintained on the Bow River. The Banff Springs maintains a skating rink on the Spray River near the Waldhaus restaurant where skaters can shed their mitts and warm them by the daily bonfire.
back to top
|
Snowy playtime is still a possibility in Canmore as the warmer days of Spring approach. There's nothing like getting outside with the little ones to build a snowman or make a snow angel before it all melts.
Afterwards discover this great restaurant and pop into the Waldhaus for a warm drink and a meal or a mid-afternoon treat. In Canmore visit the local favourite skating hangout known simply as 'The Pond', just a block off Main Street. Skate rentals are available in all three communities. Be sure to put safety first and check for ice conditions posted at various skating locations.
For an unforgettable winter walk, Johnston Canyon is not-to-be missed. Follow the trail that takes you up at a slow but steady climb on a well-kept trail crossing breath-taking catwalks as the walls of the canyon stretch above and below you. No matter if little legs tire 20 minutes or two hours in, at the end of the walk your quest for rocky mountain beauty will be fulfilled.
Those hiking to the end of the marked trail can often watch ice-climbers clambering on the large waterfall. In winter the trail can be slippery - before heading out phone Parks Canada for up-to-date trail conditions at 762-1550. To get there drive west past the first and second exits to Banff and look for the turnoff to Highway 1A, Bow Valley Parkway and follow it for about 20 minutes. The resort is closed until May but the trail is open, as are the public washrooms. And there's more. Lots more.
A number of dogsled companies offer a truly Canadian adventure. Snuggle in and let a team of huskies and an experienced guide take you for the ride of a lifetime. Or, take it a little slower but no less thrilling with a trail ride, sleigh ride, carriage ride or trip on a hay wagon with the folks at Cross Zee Ranch or one of the other area stables.
If you are hesitant to head out on your own, various tour companies can arrange the outdoor experiences that will make your family getaway complete. A local tour company will hook you up with unlimited opportunities for winter fun, including icefishing, wildlife viewing, icewalks, offroad Hummer adventures, snowshoeing trips and wilderness photography tours. Check out the Web site at www.canadianrockies.net for more information.
After a day on the go, soothe tired muscles and take time to reflect on the day with a warm-up dip at the Banff Upper Hot Springs. The Hot Springs are open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 10 a.m. to 11.p.m. Friday and Saturday. Bathing suit and towel rentals are available.
|
