By Marcia Abramson
I found that the welcome mat is out as usual to the town of Banff and hamlet of Lake Louise in the heart of Banff National Park, designated by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. There is no doubt in my mind that Banff and Lake Louise are the truly unique destinations in the Canadian Rockies to explore natural mountain scenery and a mountain way of life. The beauty of the area is ever present in its craggy mountains, alpine meadows, stunning waterfalls, mystifying canyons, glaciers, ice fields and numerous emerald green cold water lakes. Nature has also made caribou, elk, bighorn sheep, and grizzly and black bears right at home in this beautiful serene environment. But have no fear "bear bells" are sold just about every-where in the Rockies to warn the "people fearful" bears of your presence. I learned about them, when I saw some bells on a small Velcro band for sale at a souvenir shop and wondered how they could fit on a bear's paw. The proprietor of the shop informed me that they were designed to be worn on a person's wrist to scare the bears away. (Now, my grandchildren Bradley and Maris Wasser are the only owners of "bear bells" in bear-free Roslyn). Banff Park Museum is the oldest natural history museum in Western Canada and is a favorite for kids of all ages. The display of animals, from a grizzly bear down to the smallest birds and rodents is fascinating. This is a turn-of-the-century taxidermy collection dedicated to the mammals, birds, insects and fish primarily found in the Canadian Rockies. Banff is Canada's first protected national park and is Canada's most popular destination. It started out covering 10-square miles in 1885 and now is a 2,656 mile colossus, attracting millions of tourists a year. This location is a four season recreation area with world class accommodations. Lake Louise is particularly well-known because of its large ski area as well as its outstanding Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Resort. This hotel is one of the grand hotels built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in the latter part of the 19th century and is rated as the most magnificent of the Rocky Mountain Hotels. The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is another Canadian Pacific Railway masterpiece of majestic splendor. Both these hotels have deluxe renovated spas. The Fairmont Banff Springs Willow Stream Spa offers a spa for two in a romantic couple's room with a variety of treatments. The room comes with a super large fireplace, flickering candles and a Japanese soaking tub. The Chateau Lake Louise Escape Spa has equally inviting cozy rooms and spa treatments. I've found that the Fairmont Hotels throughout Canada have set the standard for luxurious deluxe accommodations with excellent restaurants. A must for the family to see during the summer season is the Banff Summer Arts Festival which runs through August 13, 2005 and features artists from around the world with over 100 events, including dance, music, opera, theatre, visual arts, new media, aboriginal dance, literary readings and films. (The Box Office at 1-800-413-8368 can supply you with specific information.) Another exciting activity for the family seeking adventure is white water rafting. It is hands on 'face in the water' wild river boarding. They say it's a real buzz to flow downstream completely at-one with the river's current, riding through swirls, boils, holes and waves. However before you try surfing the waves, a professional guide will provide a training session in the slow backwater eddies before you can sail off into the river's main stream. September 7-12, 2005 is set for the celebration of the spirit of adventuresome women. For five nights and six days there will be a Holiday on Horseback for women riders only. They will relive the dreams of the powerful pioneer women who were the first to explore the wild-west of Alberta and British Columbia and retrace their footsteps on the ladies-only trip to the tent camps in beautiful Banff National Park. For additional information contact 1-800-661-8352 and your travel professional.
Copyright by Marcia AbramsonE-mail:mascribe@aol.com
