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Located in Banff National Park, the town
of Banff sits along the raging Bow River in the heart of the
Canadian Rockies. A comfortable gondola ride up the side of the
mountain puts nature and snow enthusiasts in clear and safe
view of the grizzly bears, elk and bighorn sheep that make their
home in the spectacular alpine forests.
Golf
Renowned for its panoramic beauty, The Fairmont Banff Springs Golf
Course is a captivating and challenging layout set in the heart of
Canada's Rocky Mountains.
The course offers just two simple
things. First, a breathtaking view in every direction and second, a
magnificent layout that thrills every golfer fortunate enough to
spend a day here. Amateurs and professionals alike are constantly
amazed by its panoramic challenge. From the actual hole design to
the optical illusions created by the surrounding mountains, this
course will delight and tempt you.
Stanley Thompson, Canada's master
golf course architect, used his expert talent when he designed the
original 18 holes in 1928. The course winds along the Bow River
under the snow-capped peaks of Sulphur Mountain and Mount Rundle. In
1989, 9 holes were added, resulting in 27 holes of championship
layout.
A golf academy and practice
facility will assist you in sharpening your game before your day on
the links. Club and shoe rentals are also available.
Tennis
Discover the perfect match to your game. Five supreme turf courts
are available at The Fairmont Banff Springs or learn the game from
the tennis pro. Equipment is available for use. Reservations can be
made on the hour, throughout the day. The tennis courts are open
from mid-May until early October. Tennis apparel is preferred along
with light-colored soled tennis shoes.
Ski
Few
hotels in the world can rival the majesty, hospitality and scenery
of The Fairmont Banff Springs ski resort. And few locales can match
the unparalleled skiing offered by our three extraordinary ski
areas.
Whether you
want to build your confidence on the slopes or hone your skills, the
Fairmont Snow School offers the intelligent, exclusive way to take
your skiing safely and swiftly to a higher level. Tailored
instruction from some of Canada's best qualified ski professionals
ensures fast, enjoyable results on the hill. Best of all, you
improve at your own pace in a positive learning environment, while
enjoying world-class skiing at three different Canadian Rockies
resorts.
www.banffspringsski.com
Bowling
Whether you're a seasoned bowler or you are looking for a
different way to have some fun, we offer everything you need to have
a great time on-site:
- Canadian 5 Pin Bowling
- Four lanes
- Neon Blacklight Bowling
- ProScore Plus automatic
computer scoring
- Group functions
- Christmas and Birthday parties
- Fun Bowls (fun competitions)
- Youth bowling programs (ages 3
to 18)
- Adult league bowling
- Meeting area
- Licensed lounge
- Music and light snacks
- Darts and games room
Pool Area
Fun for all ages! Children
under 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult, age 18 or
older. Please note: This facility is unsupervised. There is no
charge for hotel guests. Hours are 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. daily.
Swimwear is available for purchase at the Banff Springs Ski &
Mountain Sports store, located in the Conference Centre.
Mountain
Biking
If you fancy mountain biking, Banff has many exciting
trails to keep your wheels spinning. The Banff Springs Ski and
Mountain Sports at the Conference Center offers mountain bike
rentals and provide the necessary safety gear. Route recommendations
for Banff National Park and other areas are also available at the
rental shop and the Concierge Desk.
Water Sports
Canoeing/Kayaking
Paddle along the Bow River, Forty Mile Creek or Vermilion
Lakes and discover the peace and beauty of Banff National Park. The
canoe/kayak rental office is located in the town of Banff, at the
corner of Wolf Street and Bow Avenue. Rentals are available on a
first-come, first-serve basis. Canoeing/Kayaking is available from
mid-May until the end of September. A windbreaker is recommended due
to weather changes.
Canoeing at Lake Louise
Paddle on the emerald waters of Lake Louise and enjoy the
spectacular view of Victoria Glacier. Canoe rentals are available on
a first-come, first-serve basis and the canoe dock is open from
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. Lake Louise is located 45 minutes
west of Banff. In case of a weather change, a windbreaker is
recommended.
Lake Minnewanka Boat Cruise to Devil's Gap
The Devil's Gap Cruise originates from the Lake Minnewanka boat
dock, a scenic 15 minute drive from the hotel. This interpretive
cruise departs several times daily and travels beneath Mt. Aylmer
and Mt. Ingilsmaldie to Devil's Gap. All boats are glass enclosed
and heated in inclement weather. Washroom facilities and a food
concession are available on-shore. The cruise is approximately one
hour and 30 minutes in length and available on a first-come,
first-serve basis. Contact the Concierge for a schedule of cruise
times.
Lake Minnewanka Boat Rentals
Spend an afternoon relaxing and having fun on Lake Minnewanka. These
small 16-ft. aluminum boats-to-hire are self-driven and come
complete with the necessary safety equipment. Boat rentals are on a
first-come, first-serve basis. A windbreaker is recommended along
with long pants. During the months of May, June and September,
gloves are recommended for morning and evening sailing. Children
must be accompanied by an adult.
Lake Minnewanka Guided Charter Fishing Trips
Enjoy a relaxing time fishing for trout at Lake Minnewanka. Guided
fishing trips on the 22-ft. cabin cruiser are three hours and 30
minutes in duration and include all necessary equipment and licensed
guides. A choice of sailing times is available at 9:00 a.m., 1:00
p.m. and 5:00 p.m. A National Parks fishing permit is required and
can be purchased for a nominal fee from the Lake Minnewanka Office
on the boat dock. Contact the Concierge for reservations. A
windbreaker and long pants are recommended. During the months of
May, June and September, gloves are recommended for morning and
evening trips
River Float Trips
The 45-minute River float trip travels on gentle class-2 rapids down
Banff's Bow River. Life jackets are provided and swimming experience
is not necessary. You are also welcome to bring along a camera and
binoculars. Several departures are available throughout the day.
Contact the Concierge for same-day sign-up. A windbreaker and an
older pair of sneakers are recommended.
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Whitewater Rafting
The ultimate whitewater experience starts with transportation from
The Fairmont Banff Springs and a two hour drive through the Rocky
Mountains to the Kicking Horse River in British Columbia. Enjoy the
scenery as you float leisurely down the river, then stop for a
barbecue lunch. Afterwards, the excitement level is raised - you're
in for an invigorating and exhilarating ride. Wet suits, boots and
life jackets are provided. Reservations are required, please book
through the Concierge. This excursion lasts approximately 8.5 hours.
Children must be a minimum of 90 lb. (41 kg) in order to
participate. Available end of May until mid-September. Bring running
shoes (which will get wet), a bathing suit to wear under your wet
suit and a towel.
Winter Activities
Canyon Ice Walks
Join a Fairmont interpretative guide to get up close and personal
with this mysterious frozen world. This excursion proceeds along the
bottom of the canyon, past the Lower Falls and over suspended
catwalks to the Twin Pools and Upper Falls. Contact the Concierge
for reservations. Transportation and ice cleats are included. Winter
attire including warm coat, boots, gloves and hat are necessary.
Dogsledding
A team of huskies leads a picturesque trip on traditional dogsleds,
a once-in-a-lifetime event not to be missed. Dogsledding companies
are available in the area, and offer a variety of excursions
including half-hour, half-day, full day, moonlight and even
overnight. Blankets and transportation to and from the trailhead are
provided.
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is offered December through April and is located on the
beautiful Spray Lakes. Relax in heated huts on the ice, fish for
lake trout and white fish, then cook your catch on-site. Fishing
licenses are required and can be purchased through your guides and
Banff Fishing Unlimited. Transportation is provided from the hotel.
Contact the Concierge for reservations. Bring winter attire
including a warm coat, boots, gloves and a hat.
Learn to Ski/Snowboard
Mount Norquay's certified instructors create a safe, fun and
unforgettable learning experience for all levels of ability. Your
day includes a Cascade lift-ticket, a two hour lesson and equipment
rentals. Contact the Concierge for reservations. Bring winter attire
including a warm coat, boots, gloves and a hat.
Skating
An outdoor skating experience is available on the hotel's Terrace
rink. Available from early December until the end of March. Skate
rentals are available from Banff Springs Ski & Mountain Sports at
the Conference Center on a first-come, first-serve basis. Winter
attire including a warm coat, boots, gloves and a hat are
recommended.
Sleigh Rides
Dash through the snow in a horse-drawn carriage - a winter
wonderland must! Enjoy a sleigh ride through fluffy, snow-packed
pastures along the Bow River. Rides, departing from Martin Stables
(a short walk from the hotel), operate daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00
p.m. and last approximately 45 minutes. Contact the Concierge for
reservations. Bring winter attire including a warm coat, boots,
gloves and a hat.
Snowmobiling
Race along Rocky Mountain trails in Golden, British Columbia,
located 1.5 hour from The Fairmont Banff Springs. A three-hour tour
includes lunch, and pickup and return to the hotel. Contact the
Concierge desk for reservations. Must be age 16 or over with a
driver's license to drive a snowmobile. Winter attire is necessary,
snowsuit recommended.
Snowshoeing
Interpretive guides lead you through the Rockies in Canadian
back-country fashion - on snowshoes. Discover how to follow the
tracks of wolves and wolverines or learn how owls hunt and how
wildlife adapts to the cold. Snowshoes are available for use on your
own as well at The Fairmont Banff Springs. Contact the Concierge for
reservations. Winter attire is necessary including a warm coat,
boots, gloves and a hat.
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding in Banff
Enjoy western-style trail rides departing from The Fairmont Banff
Springs Corral with the choice of a one-hour or a three-hour ride.
The one-hour ride departs on the hour from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
daily and travels along the Bow River, passing by the Bow Falls.
Three hour rides depart at 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and follow the
trail along the Spray Valley with spectacular views of Mount Rundle
and the Spray River. Reservations are recommended. Available from
mid-April until the end of October. Long pants are recommended,
particularly for the three hour ride. Please bring a jacket in case
of weather changes.
Horseback Riding at Lake Louise
Memories of the incredible views will not soon be forgotten on this
western-style horseback ride. Trail rides depart from Brewster
Stables at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, located 45 minutes west
of The Fairmont Banff Springs. A variety of rides from one hour to
eight hours are available and times of departure also vary. Choices
of destinations include a jaunt to the end of the lake and back, the
Lake Agnes Tea House, the Plain of Six Glaciers, the Highline Trail
and Giant Steps. Reservations are required. Available mid-May until
the end of September. Please be prepared for weather changes. Long
pants are recommended.
Hiking
Sunshine Meadows Shuttle and Nature Walk
Get back to nature! A shuttle transfer departs at 8:45 a.m. from The
Fairmont Banff Springs with a choice of two return times: 3:00 p.m.
or 5:00 p.m. Transportation awaits at the Sunshine Village parking
lot to take you up the ski access road to Sunshine Meadows. Once
there you'll enjoy an interpretive hike on an extensive and gorgeous
trail system. (You may also drive your own vehicle to the Sunshine
Village parking area, 20 minutes west of Banff.) Contact the
Concierge for reservations. Proper hiking footwear is recommended.
Please bring a jacket in case of weather changes
Lake Louise Panorama Gondola
Approximately one hour west of Banff you'll find spectacular views
of the Bow Valley from atop Lake Louise ski hill. Take breaks during
the scenic drive to stroll through Johnston Canyon and enjoy
magnificent views of Castle Mountain. Once at Lake Louise, a gondola
ride will take you to Whitehorn Lodge, where you'll be treated to a
view of the stunning mountains and vistas. There is also excellent
accessibility to numerous hiking trails from the Lodge. Please wear
comfortable shoes and bring warm clothing in case of weather
changes. Long pants are recommended for hiking.
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