Activities

BANFF CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES

General Information

Banff shops offer an incredible variety of goods with prices generally competitive with those in Calgary (there is no provincial sales tax ). Most stores are open seven days a week year round until 10pm, or later during busy times.
Here is a small listing of shopping possibilities:

Sundance Mall on Banff Avenue

1. Glacier Gifts

2.Buffalo Gals
3.Freya's Collectables & Trading Co.
4.Spirit of Christmas

Art Galleries

1.Walter Phillips Gallery at the Banff Centre

2.Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies Gift Store
on Banff Avenue

3. Sedna Gallery on Wolf Street

4. Inukshuk of Very Canada on Banff Avenue

5.Canada House Gallery on Bear Street

Hot Springs
In 1882, Canadian Pacific Railway workers found the Cave and Basin Hot Springs at the foot of Sulphur Mountain. This discovery captures the attention of the nation and led to the creation of Banff Canada's first national park. Two years later, Europeans visit the Upper Hot Springs for the first time. In 1996, restoration of the upper hot springs to its 1930's appearance was completed.

For more information: Banff Upper Hot Springs

Gondolas

One way to appreciate the breathtaking scenery of Banff is by sightseeing gondolas (open year round and situated a short distance from the townsite) and Lake Louise (summer only) where you can enjoy panoramic views, short hiking trails, interpretive exhibits and restaurants to relax in.

For more information: Webcam (live) - Sulphur Mountain Gondola

Hiking

Banff National Park has over 1,600 kilometres (1,000 miles) of defined trails, ranging from the short self-guiding interpretive variety to the long and winding strenuous type. If you have never hiked in bear country before, stop at a visitor centre and talk to the staff. Giardia or beaver fever is present in Banff's streams and lakes, so use iodine tablets, water filters, or boil drinking water. Don't attempt a hike without taking storm clothing and proper footwear. Hiking boots and a good rain jacket are a necessity, even if the trail looks flat and the weather excellent -- conditions can change quickly in the mountains.

For more information: Self-Guided Trail Descriptions

Golf

Teeing-off amongst the backdrop of dramatic mountain ranges with local wildlife as your gallery, is an unequalled golfing experience.

For more information: Golf Canada's West

Skiing/Snowboarding

Spring skiing in the Rockies is an experience second to none. Banff Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise provide more than 7,558 acres and 200 plus trails offering skiers and snowboarders of any ability countless challenges. Visitors enjoy unspoiled scenery, short lift lines, and guaranteed friendly hospitality.

For more information: Ski Banff/Lake Louise

Museums

Banff Park Museum - National Historic Site of Canada

The 1903 museum building is the largest and most elaborate example of the early phase of park design utilizing decorative cross-log construction. Norman Bethune Sanson the museum curator from 1896 to 1932, actively collected, and what is displayed today is largely a representation of the 1914 era.

Location: 91 Banff Avenue, next to the Bow River Bridge & Central Park
Hours: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies
On September 3, 1958, the Wa-Che-Yo-Cha-Pa Foundation, the earliest name for the present Peter and Catharine Whyte Foundation, wished "to encourage the development of the arts and culture in Banff and its vicinity". Peter Whyte was a member of one of Banff's pioneer families which already had an extensive collection of artifacts and historical materials. 

Location: 111 Bear Ave, Banff
Hours: 10 a.m to 5 p.m.

Activities