Need advice on Banff and Calgary area?

Question

Will be visiting Banff in a few weeks. I already have a place to stay but I need recommendations on tourist attractions and absolute "must see" spots.

Answer 1

A drive up Tunnel Mountain is excellent for site seeing and wild life.
I would say that an absolute must is taking the gondolas up Sulphur Mountain and to Sunshine Village. There are two gondolas each providing an amazing view from the top of the mountains and a view of the Great Divide. There is also a museum and park at the very end of the main street which is a nice place to spend a bit of time. The hot springs at the Fairmont Springs Hotel is also a must see. Banff also has an abundance of really cool little shops and touristy things downtown like the town crier. Gorgeous little town. Make sure to take a heavy sweater or jacket though because it gets really cool in the evening. Watch for bears as grizzlies often show up right downtown.
http://www.discoverbanff.com/WheretoStay/HotelsMotels/index.htm

Answer 2

Lake Louise is good, but a bit overated. Its very busy!

Moraine Lake (~14kms from Lake Louise) is probably the most beautiful lake in the Canadian Rockies. Definite must see.

The Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain in the Banff townsite is pretty neat, especially if you've never done anything like that before.

Another great short hike is Johnston Canyon. Make sure you go at least to the Upper Falls.

Enjoy!

Answer 3

Lake Louise!! Don't miss it (it's near Banff)
The Columbia Ice Fields (between Banff and Jasper)

Answer 4

Banff is a gorgeous place for a vacation. Check the website out for suggestions. Great place to hike.

Answer 5

im going out to Banff next month n im stayin at The Fairmont..everyone says its really nice

Answer 6

WELL I'VE LIVED HERE FOR 24 YRS AND WOULD REALLY LIKE TO KNOW WHAT KINDS OF THINGS/ MUSIC CROWDS YOU LIKE? YOU CAN E-MAIL ME AND LET ME KNOW AND I'D BE MORETHAT HAPPY TO TELL YOU BOUT CALGARY A LITTLE BOUT BANFF ALSO. R U COMING ALONE ? BUDDIES? G/F?

Answer 7

Canmore and Kananaksi country beautiful also as being a former Calgarian may I suggest






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Aero Space Museum of Calgary
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.asmac.ab.ca
Email: [e-mail]
Aircraft and aviation exhibits on Western Canada's aviation and space contributions. Educational tours by appointment. Gift shop.


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Banff Adventures Unlimited/Hydra River Guides
Phone: [phone]
Toll Free: 800-644-8888
Web Site:www.banffadventures.com
Email: [e-mail]
White water rafting on the Kicking Horse River. Calgary Flames hockey tours. Bus charters, information and reservations for activities in Banff, Calgary and area.


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Banff Gondola
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.banffgondola.com
Email: [e-mail]
Glass-enclosed gondola ride to Sulphur Mountain summit. Observation terraces. Promenade walkway. Seasonal restaurants for family/group dining. Minutes from downtown Banff. Live webcam.


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Banff Lake Louise Tourism
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.banfflakelouise.com
Email: [e-mail]
Information site for the communities of Banff and Lake Louise in Banff National Park, Canada's first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


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Bar U Ranch National Historic Site of Canada
Phone: [phone]
Toll Free: 800-568-4996
Web Site:www.pc.gc.ca
Email: [e-mail]
Interpretive centre. Commemoration of ranching contribution to Canada's development. Site tours. Demonstrations. Exhibits. Theatre. Wagon rides. Food service. Gift shop. One hour southwest of Calgary.


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Big Rock Brewery
Phone: [phone]
Toll Free: 800-242-3107
Web Site:www.bigrockbeer.com
Email: [e-mail]
Tour North America's third largest and most-modern craft-brewing facility. World-renowned producers of premium, batch-brewed ales. Big Rock Grill reservations: 403-236-1606. Continental cuisine.


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Blast Adventures Ltd.
Phone: [phone]
Toll Free: 888-80BLAST
Web Site:www.blastadventures.com
Email: [e-mail]
Inflatable kayak half-day trips. White water on Kananaskis River, Monday to Friday. Calm water on Bow River, Saturday and Sunday. Maximum of 13 people per trip. No experience necessary. Banff/Canmore shuttle.


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Bragg Creek and Area Chamber of Commerce
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.braggcreekchamber.ca
Email: [e-mail]
Rural hamlet in Canadian Rockies foothills. Gateway to Kananaskis. Antiques. Galleries. Restaurants. Outdoor recreational and leisure activities. Thirty minutes from Calgary.


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Brewster Guided Excursions
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.brewster.ca
Email: [e-mail]
Full- and half-day guided excursions. Wildlife viewing. Photo spots. Driver guides. Natural and human history of Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper regions.


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Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Cultural Festival - Alberta Dragon Boat Race Foundation
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.calgarydragonboat.com
Email: [e-mail]
15th annual. Calgary's largest outdoor water sport event. Celebrating a 2,000 year-old tradition with 50,000 spectators and 3,000 participants.


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Calgary Police Service Interpretive Centre
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.youthlinkcalgary.com
Email: [e-mail]
Interactive facility (6,000 sq .ft.). Educational hands-on exhibits on criminal issues with focus on youth. Computer/video games. Educational films. Gift shop. Self-guided tours. Downtown location.


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Calgary Stampede
Phone: [phone]
Toll Free: 800-661-1260
Web Site:www.calgarystampede.com
North America's premier rodeo, western festival and attraction. Ten-day show. Year round, multi-purpose facility for agricultural, trade, entertainment, sports, meeting, banquet and special events.


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Calgary Tower
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.calgarytower.com
Year round, panoramic view of Calgary and the Canadian Rockies. Revolving restaurant. Tops Grill. Gift shop. Observation Terrace. Spousal programs.


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Calgary Zoo, Botanical Garden & Prehistoric Park
Phone: [phone]
Toll Free: 800-588-9993
Web Site:www.calgaryzoo.com
World-renowned zoological institution. Over 1,000 animals. Rare/endangered species. Botanical garden. Prehistoric Park. New Destination Africa and Canadian Wilds exhibits. Electric scooters. Gift shops. Special events. Downtown/LRT nearby.


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Canada Olympic Park
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.canadaolympicpark.ca
Email: [e-mail]
XV Olympic Winter Games site. Tours. Olympic Hall of Fame and Museum. Summer chairlift. Public luge/bobsleigh/zipline rides. Mountain biking. Ski/snowboard. Mini-golf. Sunday brunch. Catering/meeting facilities. Food services. Gift shop.


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Canadian Rockies Hot Springs
Phone: [phone]
Toll Free: 800-767-1611
Web Site:www.hotsprings.ca
Email: [e-mail]
Banff Upper, Radium and Miette Hot Springs outdoor mineral pools. Gift shops. Food services. Interpretive displays/programs. Day spa services at Banff and Radium.


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Canadian Rockies Rafting Company
Phone: [phone]
Toll Free: 877-226-7625
Web Site:www.rafting.ca
Email: [e-mail]
Nature float trips, Bow River. White water rafting: Bow, Horseshoe Canyon, Kicking Horse, Kananaskis Rivers. Family rafting, Kananaskis River. White water river boarding. Transportation from Banff/ Canmore. Team building. Tour groups.


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Cardinal Travel Tours Inc.
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.cardinaltraveltours.com
Email: [e-mail]



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Chinook Rafting
Phone: [phone]
Toll Free: 866-330-7238
Web Site:www.chinookraft.com
Email: [e-mail]
Competitive rates for individuals, families, youth and corporate groups. Raft adventures just 45 minutes west of Calgary plus Red Deer and Kicking Horse Rivers. Established 1983.


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City of Airdrie
Phone: [phone]
Toll Free: 888-AIRDRIE
Web Site:www.airdrie.ca
Professional rodeo. Canada Day parade/celebration. Eighteen-hole golf course. Recreation/Wellness Centre. Twin Arenas. Moonlight Madness, Festival Light-up, Festival of Lights and Santa Claus Parade. Fifteen minutes north of Calgary on Hwy. 2.


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City of Calgary
Phone: (403) 268-CITY
Web Site:www.calgary.ca
Calgary eMaps. Calgary Online Store.


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Columbia Icefield Glacier Experience
Phone: (877) ICE-RIDE
Toll Free: 877-ICE-RIDE
Web Site:www.icefieldsparkway.ca
Email: [e-mail]
Ice Explorer tour on the Athabasca Glacier in the Canadian Rockies. Fully-guided, one-and-a-half hour interpretive tour. Glacier experience. Parks Canada interpretive centre and gallery. Chalet. Shop.


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Cowboy Trail Tourism Association
Phone: [phone]
Toll Free: 866-627-3051
Web Site:www.thecowboytrail.com
Email: [e-mail]
Travel route along Hwys. 22, 5, 6, from Cardston - Waterton - Calgary - Mayerthorpe. More than 140 cowboy tourism suppliers among 14 communities in Alberta's Rocky Mountain foothills.


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Discover Banff Tours
Phone: [phone]
Toll Free: 877-565-9372
Web Site:www.banfftours.com
Email: [e-mail]
Canadian Rockies sightseeing tours and outdoor activities. Specializing in small, personal tours for individuals and groups.


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Firefighters Museum
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.firefightersmuseum.org
Email: [e-mail]
Fire apparatus from 1890s to 1973. Photographs of Calgary's growth and fires. Firefighting equipment/memorabilia displays. Gift shop. Guided tours. Group tours by appointment.


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Fort Calgary
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.fortcalgary.com
Email: [e-mail]
Interactive interpretive centre. Hands-on activities. 1875 Fort. 1888 Barracks. Deane House Historic Site/Restaurant. Riverside park. Catering. Child Friendly. Tour discounts. Facility rentals.


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Glenbow Museum
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.glenbow.org
Email: [e-mail]
'Where the World Meets the West.' First Nations Gallery. Settlement and development of the West. Mineralogy exhibits. International collections. Canada's largest non-governmental archives.


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Go 4 Adventure
Phone: [phone]
Toll Free: 800-567-8713
Web Site:www.go4adventure.com
Email: [e-mail]
Adventure programs in Canadian Rockies foothills. Half-day/weekend programs. White water rafting. ATV tours. Horseback riding. Accommodations. Outdoor/indoor paintball/laser tag arenas. Transportation. Custom packages. Group rates.


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GPS Tour Guide Inc.
Phone: [phone]
Toll Free: 866-477-4171
Web Site:www.gpstourscanada.com
Email: [e-mail]
Explore Calgary, Canadian Rockies and beyond by renting the GPS Tour Guide for your vehicle or RV. The guide triggers commentary to play according to your location.


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Grain Academy/Museum
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Grain industry education and interpretive centre. Model train and elevator displays. Grain varieties. Educational films. Artifacts. Group bookings. Second level, Roundup Centre, Stampede Park.


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Hammerhead Scenic Tours
Phone: [phone]
Toll Free: 888-590-6930
Web Site:www.hammerheadtours.com
Email: [e-mail]



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Heritage Park Historical Village
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.heritagepark.ca
Canada's largest living historical village, pre 1914. Sixty-six acre park. S.S. Moyie sternwheeler. Antique midway. Steam train ride. Free breakfast before 10 a.m. with paid admission. Open year round for banquets/seminar business.


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Home On The Range Adventure Tours Ltd.
Phone: [phone]
Toll Free: 866-760-8334
Web Site:www.homeontherange.ca
Email: [e-mail]
Escorted and self-drive western experiences: natural/historic sites, guest ranches, B&Bs, rodeos, powwows, Canadian Rockies. Calgary departure. Pack trips. Working ranches. Cattle drives. Weddings. Incentive tours/team building.


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Honens
Phone: [phone]
Toll Free: 800-249-7574
Web Site:www.honens.com
Email: [e-mail]
Presenters of one of the world's finest international piano competitions and 50+ concert, education and outreach events annually. Fifth Honens International Piano Competition, Oct. 19 to Nov. 3, 2006.


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HSBC Calgary Marathon
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.calgarymarathon.com
Email: [e-mail]
Canada's longest running marathon, 42nd Annual HSBC Calgary Marathon, July 9, 2006. Five events: marathon, half marathon, 10 km, 4 x 10 corporate challenge, kids marathon.


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Inside Out Experience Inc.
Phone: [phone]
Toll Free: 877-999-7238
Web Site:www.insideoutexperience.com
Email: [e-mail]
Custom combination packages/tours. White water rafting. Hiking. Mountain biking. Horseback riding. Snowshoeing. Cross country skiing. Accommodation, meals and transport. Team building. Incentive/reward programs.


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Inside Out Experience Inc.
Phone: [phone]
Toll Free: 877-999-7238
Web Site:www.insideoutexperience.com
Email: [e-mail]



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Kananaskis Valley of Adventure
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.kananaskisvalley.com
Email: [e-mail]
Destination marketing organization for Kananaskis country. Sightseeing and adventure products. Hiking. Biking. Fishing. Horseback riding. Golf. Rafting. Kayaking. Canoeing. Rock climbing. Skiing. Snowshoeing. Camping. Accommodations. Teepee village.


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Kaos Blues presents: The Beltline Blues Festival
Web Site:www.kaosblues.com
Email: [e-mail]
'The Biggest Outdoor Kitchen Party in Canada!' Three-day festival at Victoria Riverside Park. Non-stop music. Late-night dance. Over 20 bands. Beer garden. Food. Crafts. Concession. Merchandise. Group rates, over 50 people.


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Lake Minnewanka Boat Tours
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.minnewankaboattours.com
Email: [e-mail]
Scenic cruises, 15 minutes from Banff. Several departures daily. Fishing guide boats. Charter fishing, three and one-half hours. Equipment rental and licenses at marina. Group reservations required. Snack bar.


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Legendary Tours
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.legendarytravels.net
Email: [e-mail]
Calgary-based tour company operating year-round. Specializing in full day Canadian Rocky Mountain sightseeing tours and multi-day custom group tours of Western Canada. Sightseeing tours depart from downtown Calgary daily.


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Lougheed House
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.lougheedhouse.com
Email: [e-mail]
1891 sandstone mansion with 2.8-acres of gardens open year round. Public viewing. Programs. Special events. National Historic Site. Isabella's Café (lunch, afternoon tea). Treasures Giftshop. Private/corporate rentals and weddings.


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Lougheed House
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.lougheedhouse.com
Email: [e-mail]



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Military Museums
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.museumoftheregiments.ca
Email: [e-mail]
One of North America's largest military museums. High-tech displays. Galleries. Special exhibits. Vintage tanks/carriers. Tour groups. Transit access. Group tours by arrangement. Information line: 403-974-2850.


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Mountain Carriage Tour Co.
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.calgarycarriagetour.com
Email: [e-mail]



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Naval Museum
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.navalmuseum.ab.ca
Email: [e-mail]
Over 1,000 km from salt water, Canada's largest naval museum portrays the history of the Royal Canadian Navy and its men and women who have served during peace and war.


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New Ming Tours
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.newmingtours.com
Email: [e-mail]
English language historical and cultural tours. Calgary Chinatown walking tour featuring Chinese Cultural Centre/ Museum, tea tasting and buffet meal. Heritage Park and Drumheller Valley custom guided tours.


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Palliser Tours
Phone: [phone]
Toll Free: 877-625-4737
Web Site:www.pallisertours.com
Email: [e-mail]
Guided tours of Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Drumheller/Badlands, Southern Alberta and Saskatchewan for groups of seven or less. Tailored tours to suit group's interest and itinerary.


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Pioneer Acres of Alberta Museum
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.pioneeracres.ab.ca
Email: [e-mail]
Stationary engines. Tractors. Farm equipment. Antique trucks, historic house, school, steam building, blacksmith shop. Tool and domestic display.


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Rainbow Riders Adventure Tours Inc.
Phone: [phone]
Toll Free: 877-717-7238
Web Site:www.rainbowriders.com
Email: [e-mail]
Mild to wild white water rafting in the Canadian Rockies on the Kananaskis and Bow Rivers. Families. Groups. Individuals. Team building and adventure-training programs. Forty-five minutes west of Calgary in Kananaskis Country. New for 2005 - river boarding.


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Rothney Astrophysical Observatory - Dept. of Physics & Astronomy, U of C
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.ism.ucalgary.ca/top/rao
Email: [e-mail]
Astronomic Observatory tour. Visitor Centre. Educational displays. One of Canada’s largest telescopes. Only telescope in Canada patrolling for killer asteroids. Classroom/conference meeting facilities for up to 100 people. Outdoor amphitheatre. Open House evenings.


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Spruce Meadows
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.sprucemeadows.com
Email: [e-mail]
World-famous show jumping facility. Annual tournaments: National (Canadian Championships), June 7 - 11, 2006; Continental, June 14 - 18, 2006; Canada One, June 28 - July 2, 2006; North American, July 5 - 9, 2006; Masters, Sept. 6 - 10, 2006.


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TELUS World of Science Calgary
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.calgaryscience.ca
Email: [e-mail]
Family attraction. Educational audio visuals. Hands-on exhibits. Demonstrations. Live science theatre. Multi-media productions. Giant screen films.


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Toby Creek Adventures Ltd.
Phone: [phone]
Toll Free: 888-357-4449
Web Site:www.tobycreekadventures.com
Email: [e-mail]
Guided daily and multi-day snowmobile and ATV tours for the beginner to the experienced adventurer in the mountains of BC, 3 hrs. west of Calgary. Daily transportation from Banff hotels. Rentals and private tours available.


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Tourism Canmore
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.tourismcanmore.com
Email: [e-mail]
Destination marketing organization for Canmore and area. Accommodations. Dining. Retail. Transportation. Tour and activity providers. Business services. Local information.


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Tours by Design
Phone: [phone]
Toll Free: 888-355-4437
Web Site:www.toursbydesign.ca
Email: [e-mail]
Specializing in custom, guided-sightseeing tours throughout Western Canada. Individuals. Groups. Customer-service oriented driver guides. Packages. Charters available.


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Town of Chestermere, The
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.chestermere.com
Email: [e-mail]
Recreational community on Chestermere Lake. Boating. Water sports. Ice fishing. Annual water/winter festival. Five kilometres from Calgary.


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Town of Cochrane
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.cochrane.ca
Email: [e-mail]
Western heritage and cowboy tradition. Shopping. Dining. Golf. Accommodation. Outdoor adventure. Situated along the Bow River. Calgary and the Canadian Rockies nearby.


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Town of High River
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Economic development. Tourism. Events and promotions.


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True North Tours Ltd.
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.truenorthtours.com
Email: [e-mail]
Multi-day adventure tours, from May to October, of Banff, Jasper and Waterton Lakes National Parks. Calgary and Banff departures.


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University of Calgary Outdoor Centre
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.calgaryoutdoorcentre.ca
Email: [e-mail]
Outdoor programs, rentals, indoor rock climbing wall, guided tours and destination trips. Hiking, camping, skiing, snowshoeing, paragliding, cycling, climbing, rafting, canoeing, kayaking and more. Custom trips and tours are available.


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Urban Safari Tours - Calgary's Premier Restaurant Guide Service
Phone: [phone]
Web Site:www.urbansafaritours.com
Email: [e-mail]
Experience multi-culinary tasting at five dining establishments along a two-hour guided walking tour exploring the history of Stephen Avenue or Eau Claire. Fine dining, family adventure, private or custom tours from $55 to $80 per person.


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White Mountain Adventures
Phone: [phone]
Toll Free: 800-408-0005
Web Site:www.whitemountainadventures.com
Email: [e-mail]
Specializing in year-round activities and events focusing on nature, the outdoors and learning. Servicing Calgary and the Canadian Rockies.



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