VACATION DETAILS

Situated in the heart of Banff National Park in Alberta's Rocky Mountains, Banff is a 1.5-hour drive from Calgary and just a short trip from mountain towns of Lake Louise, Kananaskis Country and Canmore. It's a unique place to visit. A train whistle blows in the distance as a reminder of the area's railway roots while designer shops dot the streetscapes. From a sleepy summer resort town with closed doors in winter months, Banff has grown into a year-round attraction. Lured by wilderness and the variety of outdoor activities, people from all over the world are drawn to Banff National Park each year. They venture into the area looking for their slice of the Banff experience, whether it's in restaurants, shops, museums, cultural activities, or adventures in the wilderness. On Banff's bustling main avenue, virtually every language from German and Japanese to French and Spanish can be heard. Yet only minutes away from all the action, a quiet walk along the banks of the Bow River is a reminder the town is located inside Canada's premier national park and a United Nations World Heritage Site!

Waterton Lakes National Park is a unique tableau of nature. Here, at the southwestern point in Alberta, along the United States border, craggy mountains meet true prairie grassland. Buffalo roamed this land as much as 10,000 years ago. Here you'll find some of the oldest rock in Canada's Rocky Mountains and Upper Waterton Lake, the deepest lake in the Canadian Rockies. Across the border from Waterton Lakes, these majestic peaks define Glacier National Park in Montana. In this pristine place, two nations co-operate to let Nature come first.

Located in the heart of Jasper National Park in Alberta's Rocky Mountains, Jasper's friendly alpine hospitality and the promise of adventure will make your visit unforgettable. It is easy to get to Jasper by car from a number of nearby visitor destinations including Edmonton, Hinton and Banff.

Whitefish is one of the most scenic, breathtaking areas in America and is surrounded on three sides by picturesque mountain peaks. This alpine village offers summer activities including the most scenic gondola ride in the Northwest. Whitefish still retains the warm, friendly charm of its bygone railroading days. Great Northern Railroad Depot, along with western-style covered walkways, is the focal point of downtown. This small, friendly town offers the best recreation. Whitefish’s Great Northern Brewing Company boasts its own microbrewery. Housed in historic Great Northern Railroad Depot, Stumptown Museum includes many railroad artifacts and community memorabilia and photographs. Enjoy Montana’s only 36-hole golf course, Whitefish Lake Golf Course, with spectacular views of mountains and lakes. Whitefish Lake City Beach offers a sandy swimming beach and beautifully landscaped park. A superb cross-country skiing facility, Glacier Nordic Center, features impeccably-groomed trails partially lit for night skiing.

This modern cosmopolitan city of Calgary was once home to Blackfoot Indians for at least hundreds of years. Fort Calgary came into existence as a Northwest Mounted Police settlement in 1875, and Canadian Pacific Railway arrived in 1883. With the close railway, Calgary became a transportation and meatpacking hub. The world-renowned Calgary Exhibition and Stampede has been held since 1912. A museum worth a visit is Glenbow Museum and Art Gallery. The Calgary Tower offers a first class view of Calgary area. It is a landmark symbol that became well known during the 1988 Winter Olympics - when a flame burned from the top. Besides an observation gallery, there is a revolving restaurant and cocktail lounge. Canada Olympic Park houses many facilities used for the 1988 Winter Olympics. The Olympic Hall of Fame is a museum paying tribute to the Olympics and its athletes. Heritage Park Historical Village authentically portrays life in a typical town of Canadian west prior to 1914. Calgary Zoo is one of the best in North America.