There’s more to Banff than just ski slopesthere are a whole host of activities a seasoned renter can enjoy.
One of the best ways to really appreciate the Canadian Rockies is with a bird’s (or helicopter’s) eye-view. Pictures of Lake Louise and snow-covered mountains are just incredible when taken from a chopperRockies Heli Canada Tours offers excursions that last between 20 and 55 minutes and even give you the option of wilderness-landing stops with a chance to enjoy a champagne-and-truffles picnic.
If you’re traveling with the kids or have just always dreamed of saying, Mush, Snowy Owl Tours gives you the chance to drive your own dog sled (with the help of an expert instructor) or sit back and let the professionals do the work. With 2, 4 or 8 hour trips, not to mention overnight tours that include an authentic camp-out experience, you can hand-craft your once-in-a-lifetime experience.
If snowmobiling is on your mind, check out Banff Adventures, offering a range of half-and-full day guided tours that explore a wide range of territory and build you up from follow-the-leader style travel to cutting-loose all on your own. In spring and summer, Banff Adventures also offers an exhilarating 70 mph zipline ride over the Kicking Horse River, but you have to travel outside of Banff to Golden in order to partake in these activities.
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Skating, toboganning and snowshoeing are great family-friendly activities that can be done in a lot of different places; you can pick up snowshoes at Chateau Mountain Sports in the Banff Springs hotel (so convenient, this place has everything). Toboggans can be procured at the Fairmont as well, right by the Waldhaus restaurant. There are some incredible rinks in Banff (the Banff Springs hotel’s even has a heated shelter with a fire!) If the rink you choose doesn’t offer rentals, you can find skates in Banff at Ultimate Sports, Explore Rockies Café or Banff Adventures. For on-site use only, the Fenlands Rec Center also has rentals.
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When you’re sick of snow and cold, the Bowling & Entertainment Center in the Banff Springs hotel is fabulous. Make a reservation and enjoy Canadian 5 pin games with an option for neon black light bowling on Friday night or Saturday. Indoor golf is also a great way to escape the coldthe Fairmont’s HD simulator offers hourly rentals that let you brush up on your skills on one of 20 championship course simulators. Private or group lessons are also available.
For the independent adventurer, download the GyPSy guide app before you hit the roadit gives you several day-long driving tours to choose from that let you explore, Banff, Lake Louise, Yoho, Jasper and the Icefields Parkway.