Canmore and the Canadian Rockies

CANMORE and the Canadian Rockies More than you realize!

• Spectacular Drives: Kananaskis Country & The Bow Valley Parkway • Hiking, Mountain Biking and Other Experiences You’ll Never Forget• Upcoming Events• Mountain Dog Max Recommends•Activities for Kids

Three Sisters MountainsCanmore, Alberta

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Springtime in the Rockies .............................................................. 3Canmore Townsite .......................................................................... 6 Banff Townsite ................................................................................. 8Coming and Going ........................................................................ 11Experiences You’ll Never Forget Hiking .................................................................................... 16 Mountain Biking .................................................................. 18 Caving .................................................................................... 20 Fly Fishing ............................................................................. 22 Golfing ................................................................................... 24 Helicopter Sightseeing ......................................................... 26 Horseback Riding ................................................................. 28 Whitewater Rafting .............................................................. 30Events .............................................................................................. 32Arts & Culture ............................................................................... 40Spectacular Drives Kananaskis Country ............................................................ 43 Bow Valley Parkway ............................................................ 48Wildlife of the Rockies ................................................................. 50Kid Friendly Ideas ........................................................................ 56Value Plus ...................................................................................... 58Free or Close to Free .................................................................... 60Mountain Dog Max Recommends ............................................ 62

SPRINGTIME IN THE ROCKIES

Springtime in the Canadian Rockies, a spectacular period of change and regeneration, as flora and fauna shake off winter’s mantle. The energy of renewal is palpable and very much visible; all of our wildlife species seem to emerge as if from nowhere with their newborn in tow.

In many of our town sites, elk, mule deer, and white tail deer are seen on a daily basis with their young of the year. Seemingly these ungulates find security in our midst from their natural predators, who also are introducing their offspring to these spectacular Canadian Rocky Mountains and a new year.

Almost any road trip within the mountain parks including Canmore andKananaskis Country, will yield spectacular opportunities to view wildlife.

Generally, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, or black and grizzly bears can be seen proximal to roadways as all species with their newborns gravitate to the first vegetation and foliage to emerge. Forest cover is sparse as most of the coniferous trees and vegetation have yet to bud and go to full leaf, allowing us unfettered views much deeper into the forest than we will have again until the very late fall. For this reason, it’s a favourite time of year for many who come here often and will become one for those who have never been.

Crisp cold mornings yield quickly to powerful warming spring sun-shine, more often than not with temperatures rising quickly to high teens and even mid to high twenties Celsius (Fahrenheit temperatures in the range of mid to high 60s and often higher), combined with spectacular blue sky days. This yields incredible photo opportunities as the magnificent peaks of the Canadian Rockies seem to emerge from their blankets of snow, with remnant collars of stark white creating spectacular contrasts to the powerful depths of the dark blued hues of these ancient rocks.

The transition of spring into summer is subtle and often seemingly invisible, yet it is real. If pressed to define this change I would suggest that the completion of the period of budding and pollen production among the coniferous trees, the full bloom of wildflowers and the emergence of wild berries, the settling of our rivers and streams into crystal clear stable flows, are all markers which one

might use to define the change of spring to summer and all are visible to those who stop to look .

We invite you to stay with us through the forthcoming months as we change seasons and move on to summer. We will refresh the list of things to see and do, as we continue to resource and share with you a collective knowledge of these great Canadian Rocky Mountains, with insights and stories of discovery and adventure told and retold by many, some who were born here and many who journeyed here and stayed. We assure you that all share one common thread regardless of where in the Rockies these story tellers call home or what it is they do, they all have a deep seated passionate commitment to this incredible environment.

We will bring you stories old and new and will welcome your stories for we are sure that once you have visited us here in Canmore and the Canadian Rockies, you will become a great story teller with incredible tales of your own to share.

Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk

Picking a destination for a holiday is, for many, a daunting task; after all, nowhere is the perfect place for everybody, although some do come a lot closer to being that than others.

Canmore is a place of infinite balance. Proximal location to a major international airport (Calgary) and a modern city with tons of cool attractions and events just one hour away. Canmore's roots are humble evolving from a coal mining town which started in the late 1800's through to mid 1979 when the mines closed Be sure to visit the Canmore Museum & GeoScience Centre for more information about Canmore’s history.

Today, in 2012, you will be hard pressed to find many destinations which will have as profoundly positive an effect on your spirit as Canmore.

The primary catalyst for change in Canmore was the 1988 Winter Olympic Games. Canmore was host to nordic (cross country) skiing events and biathlon. Following this event, the world discovered this diamond in the rough and the rest is history.

Canmore evolved slightly differently than so many similar towns with spectacular mountain settings (prime mountain real estate). Canmore's deeply rooted sense of place and significant frontier spirit has indomitably resisted capitulation to wanton disregard for the core values of its long time citizens and the social fabric that today is the magic that makes so many who visit here, feel the overpowering urge to return again and again with so many deciding to call it home.

Canmore is well known nationally and internationally among those who truly embrace mountain living and lifestyle. The community is arguably one of the fittest in North America and possibly the world. It is mecca for mountain bikers, hikers, climbers, cross country skiers, paddlers, writers, photographers, anglers, birders, as well as parents who recognize the magic of this very spiritual place and what it can offer their progeny and certainly not least of all those who seem to genuinely enjoy the company of others and life. I often think of Canmore as “the balance” to the Moody Blues’ “Question”; there is something disarming, rejuvenating and well...right about Canmore.

The population base is distinctly multinational and can be credited in part for the amazingly eclectic collection of outstanding dining experiences, which one can enjoy in casual fashion or dressed to the nines, for that is the Canmore way. If you crave or require fine dining experiences you will find them here, if you seek great food experiences these too you will find here as well as an array of casual pub locations offering excellent fare to complement their relaxed and incredibly welcoming atmosphere, which is so much a part of the Canmore way.

A casual stroll downtown will quickly captivate you. You will likely notice quickly the large number of art galleries, fitness and fitness related stores, day spas, yoga studios, cool clothing stores, as well as galle-ria type stores offering a wide range of collectibles. The Canmore shopping experience is down to earth, unique and very pleasant. Most noticeable is the lack of urgency conveyed in the overall atmosphere of the place.

CANMORE TOWNSITE

836 Main Street, Canmore, AB403-678-4999

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Canmore Wine Merchants - We search the wine world for the best values possible. Whether you’re on a

budget or looking for the perfect bottle for that special meal, we have the wine

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ensure you get exactly what you need. We also offer an excellent selection of

spirits and beer!

1 Silvertip Trail Canmore Alberta T1W 2Z71 888 609.4422 • www.hicanmore.com

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Canmore is a walking town with very navigable multi-use pathways connecting all corners of the town. The community boasts well over 100 km of in town trails and walkways, with much of that being wheelchair and stroller navigable. There is no need to leave town to enjoy the majesty of the Rockies as the community is quite literally surrounded on all sides by amazing scenery with the glacial waters of the Upper Bow River carving its way through the valley floor and the town.

Canmore is very much a place where families travelling with little folk will feel comfortable and welcome, a quick stroll around the town’s pathways reveals a disproportionally large collection of playgrounds at various points along the trails and all seemingly at just about the right distance to keep little folk enjoying their walks.

Canmore, after dark, offers two primary locations which reliably hosts live music Thursday to Saturday

with many additional nights of surprise performances by musicians travelling across Canada, who have made the choice to get a night in Canmore because it is somewhere they just want to play. The Drake and the Canmore Hotel are locations where you might as easily find an old school big band playing the blues one night followed by some serious funk, rock, soul or metal on another night. The Communitea also hosts weekly live music leaning consistently to folk type music.

You can always research what type of music will be happening on your dates of travel by checking back to our blog site www.canmoreandthecanadianrockies.com. For that matter we encourage you to visit the blog for other information which is likely to change frequently such as trail information, forest conditions, water and fishing conditions, etc.

BANFF TOWNSITEA short 5 minute drive west on Highway 1 from Canmore will bring you to the entry gates for Banff National Park. Travelling another 15 minutes will put you at the east entrance of the Banff Townsite.

Canada’s oldest national park (Banff National Park) once encompassed all the lands that are now Canmore and east to Seebe. Banff National Park is Canada’s first UNESCO world heritage site and, as a result, Banff is likely Canada’s busiest national park with visitors from all over the world including this spectacular location in their holiday plans. The Town was first settled in 1883 after the railway was built through the Bow Valley, and was built as a service centre for the railway traffic. The Town of Banff is the first municipality to incorporate within a national park.

Today, the town attracts tourists from all over the world to visit its attractions and natural scenery. When visiting Banff, be sure to make time for the following attractions.

Banff Hot Springs - Relax in the comfort of soothing natural hot springs where travellers have come to “take the waters” for more than a century. The water is kept between 37 and 40 Celsius (98 - 104 Fahrenheit). The waters are said to have healing properties.Tip - Head here earlier in the day for your soak. The Hot Springs tend to busiest in the evenings.

Banff Avenue

Banff Hot Springs

Banff Lake Cruise at Lake Minnewanka - In Nakota, the Stoney Indian language, Minnewanka means “water of the spirits”. According to tools discovered by archaeologists, Aboriginal people inhabitied the areas around Lake Minnewanka as early as 10 000 years ago.

Today, you can join knowledgeable guides on a one hour boat tour of the lake. Interpretive guides will highlight history, native folklore and geology. You’ll also learn about the wildlife and vegetation that inhibit the mountains, the early explorers that named them and the forces that created them. A highlight of the tour is the Devil’s Gap - a glacial path carved through the foothills of the Rockies. The cruise departs several times daily.

Sulphur Mountain - Be whisked to the top of Sulphur Mountain in just eight minutes via a fully enclosed four passenger gondola cabin- or challenge yourself on the 5.5 km hike with 655 m of elevation gain (one way). Whichever you choose, the views are spectacular from the summit.

From the summit, hike an additional 1 km along a self-guided interpretive walkway leading to the historic Sanson’s Peak Meteorological Station. The weather station was built in 1903 at Norman Sanson’s, Banff National Park’s first meteorologist, suggestion. Sanson’s first of more than 1000 trips to the summit (before the gondola was built!) was on snowshoes in 1896. His last trip up the mountain was in 1945 - at the age of 84 years old.

View from Sulphur Mountain

COMING AND GOING

Never been here? Allow us to tell you a little about coming and going.

Undeniably, Canmore enjoys key geographical placement in Alberta’s west; within one and a half hours of the Calgary International Airport and only one hour from the western edge of Calgary. If you are arriving by aircraft to begin your discovery of the Canmore the Canadian Rockies and Alberta, we assure you there are few international airports that are as pleasurable to navigate through as the Calgary International. Couple that with the absolutely painless route from the airport to the mountains and Canmore and it really is a welcoming start to any trip.

COMING HERE There are a limited number of roads leading to Canmore, with the TransCanada Highway (Highway #1) being the primary artery with approaches to Canmore coming out of Calgary from the south east or approaching from the north west from Brit-ish Columbia through Banff Na-tional Park, Lake Louise and past the town of Banff. Highway 1 is your primary route into Canmore whether your point of origin is Edmonton, Jasper, points east, south or west.

GOING PLACES. The options for day trips out of Canmore are amaz-ing. Ultimately what you choose to do will likely be a function of your available time and just how creative an itinerary you elect to build for yourself. We have chosen a few trip options to highlight in this issue, but really want to impress on you just how much there really is to see in this spectacular province.

CALGARY. Home to the Calgary Stampede for two weeks every July, Calgary is an easy one hour drive from Canmore.

From July 6 - 15, Calgary celebrates 100 years of the Stampede - rodeo, chuckwagon races, grandstand show, animals and agriculture and more!

Outside of the Stampede, check out the city’s premier attraction group inclusive of Canada Olympic Park, The Calgary Tower, The Calgary Zoo, The Glenbow Museum, Heritage Park and more at calgaryattractions.com.

Going: Travel east on the Trans Canada Highway 1 hour from Canmore and you are there. For detailed visitor information services, contact www.calgary.ca

About Calgary

KANANASKIS COUNTRY AND THE PROVINCIAL PARKS. These lie immediately south and east of Canmore. Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Spray Valley Pro-vincial Park and the Canmore Nor-dic Centre Provincial Park together comprise most of the wildlands that make up Kananaskis Country

(known locally as “K country”). This area provides likely the widest variety of accessible trailheads in close proximity to each other, offering a wide variety of walks and hikes within the Rockies. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound from the roadways of K Country.

Going: Leave downtown Canmore and follow signs to the Canmore Nordic Centre and you will be immediately placed on the way into the Spray Lakes area - the route is known by various names: Highway 742, the Spray Lakes Trail, Spray Road or the Smith Dorrien Trail. The road is gravel and within a few kilometers of the Nordic Centre, the elevation gain from the valley floor through the mountain pass overlooking the Town of Canmore is significant. This short section of road can be extremely rough and rutted; however, it is driveable in a regular car. At the end of this gravel road, you will connect with Highway 40 taking you to Highway 1.

About Kananaskis Country

Calgary Stampede

WATERTON NATIONAL PARK AND WATERTON TOWNSITE. Longer than a day trip, but well worth the time. Waterton Lakes National Park borders Glacier National Park in Montana to the south. Together they make up the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. Waterton Lakes is well suited for those adventurers in search of the path perhaps a little less travelled. Stunning mountain scapes frame the azure waters of Waterton Lake. Take the boat cruise and leave from Canadian Shores and cruise into waters of the United States and back all in a two hour cruise. Amazing hikes and photo opportunities await.

Don’t miss - Red Rock Parkway, Akamina Parkway, Bison Paddock where bison live and graze in their natural habitat, Prince of Wales Hotel which offers a classic view of Upper Waterton Lake

Going: The direct route - East on the TransCanada Highway to Calgary, then take Highway 2 south from Calgary to Highway 5 which will lead you in to Waterton Park. KOOTENAY NATIONAL PARK. Kootenay does not have a townsite and so for many Kootenay is affectionately referred to as an “animal” park. Kootenay’s history, as is true of most of these mountain parklands, is interesting to say the least and the topography is well suited to those among us in each generation who are explorers.

Don’t miss - Radium Hot Springs, Continental Divide at Vermilion Pass where you can stand on the dividing line between the Pacific and Atlantic watersheds, Paint Pots - a First Nations cultural site where you can walk alongside cold, iron-rich mineral springs that colour the earth red

Going: Travel west on the Trans-Canada Highway from Canmore for approximately 30 minutes to junction with Highway 93 South. Within a few minutes of travelling south on 93 you will enter Koote-nay National Park and the province of British Columbia.

About Kootenay

YOHO NATIONAL PARK. Yoho - a place of wonder. Located in British Columbia, Yoho National Park is home to the small town of Field and is the western gateway into Alberta. Yoho offers numerous geological and topographical features which make it an absolute must for a visit while based in Canmore.

Don’t miss - The Spiral Tunnels where tunnels reduce the rail grade and make rail travel safe, Burgess Shale fossil beds, Emerald Lake - one of the nicest lakes for canoeing,

WWW.EXPERIENCEWATERTON.COM

An insider’s look at the best that Waterton has to offer featuring:Informative articles & links for planning your visit

A live webcamA blog written by the locals

Everything you need to know about where to stay and where to go in Waterton Lakes National ParkTrail information & tips for hikers

And much more!

Peyto Lake Viewpoint on the Icefields Parkway

Natural Bridge where water has created a bridge under the rock

Going: Travel west on the Trans-Canada Highway past Lake Louise and the junction with Highway 93 north to the Alberta and British Columbia border. Allow yourself one hour and fifteen minutes travel time.

About Yoho

JASPER NATIONAL PARK AND JASPER TOWNSITE. Lying at the northern end of the parks of the Rockies, Jasper National Park is home to the famous Columbia Icefields and more. The park and the town of Jasper are a must see for most visitors to our Canadian Rockies region. We often hear our visitors refer to the town of Jasper as a blend of Canmore and Banff; it

is of course an opinion and certainly not the only one. Jasper, like all of this spectacular mountain country, is rich in human and natural history.

Although completely possible to visit Jasper as a day trip from Canmore, we certainly recommend planning to include Jasper as a multi day visit from Canmore or at the very least a one night stay over allowing you some time to explore and discover.

Don’t miss - Canoeing on Pyramid and Patricia Lake, boat tour on Ma-ligne Lake, Maligne Canyon Miette Hot Springs

On the way - Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Columbia Icefields

Going: Travel west on the Trans-

Canada Highway past Lake Louise to the junction with Highway 93 north - the “Icefields Parkway”. Your journey north to Jasper is approximately four hours of travel time from Canmore; however, we can assure you it will take longer as this is one of the Rockies most scenic drives with many locations of interest along the way. Plan on a five hour day or more one way.

About Jasper

Follow the links to gain more in-sight and detailed information on the locations named previously. We have also dedicated a segment of this planner to spectacular drives and are confident you will find this particularly enjoyable and helpful as you explore and discover Canmore and our magnificent Canadian Rockies.

Bow Lake on theIcefields Parkway

EXPERIENCES... YOU’LL NEVER FORGETSpring brings warm temperatures, melting snow and thoughts of hiking to the valley. With such nice weather in town, it’s hard to believe that just a bit of el-evation gain can lead you to snow and ice. When ven-turing out on a hike, make sure to bring extra clothes, plenty of water and be prepared to turn back if you encounter deep snow. Expect snow at higher elevation trails, even in mid-July!

GRASSI LAKES - At just under 4 km round trip and with 250 m of elevation gain, this hike is accessible to most. The Grassi Lakes have been designated as one of Alberta’s Special Places 2000, and they truly are. If you’re only able to do one hike while you’re in town, make it this one!

Once you start the trail, it very quickly offers you two options; the “easy” trail - a wide fireroad accessible for Chariots - and the “more difficult” one - a more tradi-tional hiking trail with some rock and route obstacles, well suited to those with some flexibility as there is a staircase near the end. The trails are actually labelled “easy” and “more difficult” making route finding easy. Many hikers choose to take the “more difficult” way up as it offers open views of the valley below and a great view of a waterfall (Sprig is when it’s at its fullest), and turn it in to a loop by taking the “easy” way down.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at the lakes, and spend some time watching rock climbers on the limestone cliffs.

How to get there : Follow Spray Lakes Road 1 km past the Nordic Centre. Turn left just before the pavement transitions to gravel to reach the parking lot.Allow: 1.5 - 2 hours of hiking time Classification: Easy

LADY MACDONALD - On the sunny side of the valley, this is one of the earliest accessible peaks sometimes clear by late spring. Check on trail conditions before heading out, and make sure to check yourself for ticks after you’ve returned.

With 850 m of elevation gain over 4 km (one way), this is a great way to jump head first in to the hiking season! Expect some moderately steep grades as you hike this marked trail. There are some areas where you’ll be walking on scree, or over rocks where a bit of route finding is required.

Many hikers stop at the abandoned tea house and enjoy unobstructed views of the Three Sisters Mountains. To reach the summit ridge, contiue 0.6 km on a scree trail. Only do this if you’re very comfortable with exposed trails and scree.

How to get there: Follow Benchlands Trail to the Cougar Creek parking lot. Begin following the trail on the parking lot side. Watch for the signposted junction directing you to turn off the creekside trail.Allow: 4.5 - 7 hours of hiking time. Classification: Strenuous RAVEN’S END ON MT. YAMNUSKA - This 7 km round trip trail is a great trail if you want to say you’ve been on a “real” hike as opposed to more of a walk, but aren’t looking for anything too strenuous. There are a few steep sections on the trail, and its got a fairly steady uphill slope to it (520 m over 3.5 km, one way).

You’ve reached Raven’s End when you reach the rock wall of the mountain. Going further will expose you to an easy scremble involving some use of your hands and a bolted on cable to traverse a short ledge. Stop here for some lunch and return the way you came.

How to get there: Follow Bow Valley Trail out of town as it becomes Highway 1A. Just after the junction with Highway 1X, follow the sign directing you to make a left hand turn into the road leading to the parking lot. Approximately 25 minutes from Canmore.Allow: 3.5 - 4.5 hours of hiking timeClassification: Moderate

CHESTER LAKE - At 10.2 km round trip, and with 310 km of elevation gain, this trail is a great half day hike.

This moderate trail takes you through forest and meadows to Chester Lake, an alpine lake surrounded by larches. Follow the west shore of the lake to reach a junction taking you to the Elephant Rocks. This 1 km round trip extension takes you to some huge rocks. If you’re with kids, they will love climbing on the rocks and burn a bit of extra energy! Well worth the extra time. Seasonal closure: May 1 - June 29

How to get there: Follow Spray Lakes Road past the Nordic Centre for approximately 50 minutes. Chester Lake has its own signed parking lot.Allow: 2.5 - 3.5 hours of hiking timeClassification: Moderate

BEFORE YOU GO: Check Kananaskis trail conditions online at http://tpr.alberta.ca/parks/kananaskis/trailre-port.aspx or call the Barrier Lake information center at 403-673-3985.

Don’t forget bear spray. This can be used as a last resort in a wildlife encounter. See page 48 for more informamation about wildlife safety.

HIKING

MOUNTAIN BIKINGCanmore and the Bow Valley are renowned for mountain biking of all levels.

WEST SIDE OF THE BOW VALLEYThe Canmore Nordic Centre (CNC) hosts over 65 km of single and double track trails for all ability levels. A few suggestions for loops are below; but, of course, you’re free to join the trails together as you’d like.

Green loop - This 2 km loop is a great warm up for a longer loop, or for someone just learning to ride singletrack. There are some rocks and roots on the trail, but nothing that you can’t go around. Minimal elevation gain makes this loop quick and fun!

Orange loop - The EKG trail makes up the majority of this 7 km loop. A steady climb starts the trail, a fun section through the meadow part way through, fol-lowed by some technical downhill sections.

Black loop - The 16 km black loop closely follows the 24 Hours of Adrenalin race course. This challenging route contains some uphill climbing, rolling single-track and some quick downhills.

Bikers on the Goat Creek Trail

From downtown Canmore: From Main St, turn left on 8th Avenue, then stay right to Spray Lakes Road. The CNC will be on your right hand side. 7 minutes drive from town.

Highline Trail - A steep technical climb followed by challenging singletrack ending with a fun downhill “roller coaster”. From Quarry Lake to Stewart Creek Golf Course, this trail is 8 km one way. Beginning from the Quarry Lake West Connector trail, a 205 m elevation gain starts the trail. From there, challenging singletrack takes you along the slopes of the Ehagay Nakoda Range until you reach the “roller coaster” descent.

From downtown Canmore: From Main St, turn left on 8th Avenue, then stay right to Spray Lakes Road. Park at the parking lot for Quarry Lake (first parking lot on the left hand side once you’re on Spray Lakes Road). 5 minutes drive from town.

Three Sisters Parkway - Scenic route on paved and hard packed gravel trails shared with walkers, runners and other cyclists following the Bow River. Minimal elevation gain makes this a great outing for the whole family. 7 km one way.

From downtown Canmore: Begin biking this trail right from downtown. From Main St, turn left on 8th Ave-nue. There is a parking lot at the boat launch on the left hand side immediately after crossing the river.

EAST SIDE OF THE BOW VALLEYMontane Traverse - Rolling singletrack trail with some banked turns, after an initial climb. This be-ginner/intermediate trail begins on the west side of Cougar Creek. Bike along the creek bed (usually, it’s a dry creek bed) until you come to a fork in the trail. The beginning of this trail is signed and there are marked junctions along the trail. Trail distance is variable ranging from 2 - 10 km depending on which trails you follow.

From downtown Canmore: From Main St, turn right on to Railway Avenue. Go through the Bow Valley Trail intersection and the name of the road will change to Benchlands Trail. Parking is on the left hand side as you reach the top of the hill (look for the eagle statue). 7 minutes drive from town.

Alpine Club trails - A network of beginner/intermedi-ate singletrack trails. The trail on the east side of Cou-gar Creek is a popular spot for entering this network of trails; use the Alpine Club of Canada clubhouse as an alternate starting point.

From downtown Canmore: Shared parking lot with Montane Traverse. See directions above.

CONNECTING CANMORE AND BANFF (all trails are approximately 20 km one way)

Goat Creek - An easy fire road, mainly downhill with a few uphill sections. Overall elevation loss is 325 m. Best done from Canmore to Banff to enjoy the elevation loss.

From downtown Canmore: From Main St, turn left on 8th Avenue, then stay right to Spray Lakes Road. Keep driving past the CNC on your right hand side and continue up the hill as the road turns to gravel. Keep driving as the gravel road levels out, and turn right in to the Goat Creek parking lot. 15 minutes drive from town.

Rundle Riverside - Challenging, technical, rocky and rooty singletrack with minimal elevation gain. Best done in either direction.

From downtown Canmore: Park in the Canmore Nor-dic Centre parking lot. Within the CNC, begin following the Banff Trail (paved). The trail becomes Rundle Riverside as you enter into Banff National Park, and this challenging singletrack begins.

Legacy Trail - Paved trail that parallels the Trans Canada Highway. Popular with road bikers, and often used as a quick return route to Canmore from either the Goat Creek or Rundle Riverside trails. Best done as a return to Canmore from Banff (after doing either Goat Creek or Rundle Riverside).

From downtown Canmore: If doing this ride from Canmore, it’s best to find parking downtown and then bike out of town due to the lack of an “official” trailhead parking lot. Bike along Main Street, turning left on Railway Avenue followed by another left on Bow Valley Trail. Follow the path that parallels the highway to Harvie Heights. Use caution as you venture on the overpass (as it’s a one way road and traffic is coming from the other direction). The Legacy Trail starts at the bottom of the overpass.

Viewpoint on the Legacy Trail

CAVING

Under Grotto Mountain lies a 4 kilometer network of passages that forms Rat’s Nest Cave. Carved from melt water of ancient glaciers in to the limestone rock, the water has receded and left behind glacial deposits, fossil animal bones, pools of sparkling clear water and glistening calcite formations.

Access to the cave is on guided tour only; you’ll learn how caves form, how animals and humans use caves, examine stalactites and stalagmites, see animal bones and fossils, and learn about the geol-ogy of the picturesque Bow Valley.

A highlight of the Rat’s Nest Cave trip is an 18 foot rappel and the Laundry Chute, a long squeeze where a bit of manoeuvring is required to get you through.

Caving is an activity that doesn’t require any previous experience. Any one in moderately good physical condition will enjoy caving.

FLY FISHINGStraight up - Fished on her terms the Upper Bow will yield wild brown trout in good numbers and size; fished on your terms, you might well leave thinking “that river has no fish”.

Technically demanding, this river fishes best in low light, so overcast days are spectacular and sundown on any day is a must and more often than not bright sunny blue sky days on the Upper Bow are just great days to be outside.

A genuine glacial river, the Upper Bow pushes large volumes of water, has huge meanders which create serious undercut banks (wicked habitat for bruisers) and monster log jams, widow-makers and sweepers. Hatches tend to be prolific given colder water tempera-tures and the river is definitely a good dry fly river.

Beyond the Bow, the Canadian Rockies offers amazing variety in fishing environments ranging from small stocked catch and keep ponds, gin clear headwater streams, beaver dams, big lakes created by hydroelectric dams to the pristine high mountain lakes of the alpine regions. Visit themountainflyfisher.com.

FISHING ADVENTURES ON LAKE CHIEF HECTOR

403-609-7967unlimitedcanmoreadventures.com

GOLFINGIf golf is your passion, separate from being on a dedi-cated golf holiday (which definitely works at this desti-nation), Canmore and the Bow Valley could well prove to be your best choice to get a little golf in during a non golfing holiday.

Six 18 hole courses all within 45 minutes of downtown Canmore; three of those are actually located within the town of Canmore (longest travel time end to end within Canmore is 15 minutes or less).

Whether your golf experience in the Canadian Rock-ies occurs while in Canmore, Banff, Waterton or Jasper you can absolutely bet on playing on a course with what is likely the most magnificent views of stunning mountain scenery.

Imagine seeing the mountain peaks from an eagle’s eye view. Seize the opportunity on a clear day and see the grandeur of the Rockies stretch out before you.

Pick out the lakes and streams that you’ve seen from the ground, and get a different perspective on them. If you’re lucky, you may even see some wildlife!

To extend the adventure, add on a hike. Your pilot will stop in a meadow, and guide you on a walk. Head on out for a special occasion and enjoy a one hour “sparkling wine” stop.

HELICOPTER SIGHTSEEING

HORSEBACK RIDINGGiddy up and discover the adventure of a Rocky Mountain tradition.

Choose your own adventure - 1 hour, 2 hour, full day or a week long packtrip are just some of the available options.

Once you arrive at the ranch, you’ll be matched with a suitable horse (like people, each horse has its own personality) and will be given the laws of the land.

Pony rides are available for the younger kids. You’ll lead the horse around, while they enjoy the scenery perched on their horse.

Don’t forget to enjoy some cowboy cuisine after the ride! Pair the ride with a delicious BBQd steak lunch with baked potato, baked beans, caesar salad and homemade apple dessert. One of the best ways to experience Kananaskis Country.

WHITE WATER RAFTING

Experience LIFEYour ONE STOP shopfor ADVENTURE

Rafting Caving Helicopter Tours Rock Climbing ATV Tours ATV Tours Icewalks Horseback Riding Zipline Kayaking Hiking

...and MUCH MORE!

Raft down the class 2 and 3 rapids of the Kananaskis River, or the class 3 and 4 rapids of the Bow River’s Horseshoe Canyon. A rush of adrenaline will hit you each time you conquer a rapid. Each river has its own personality, own rhythm and own rewards!

Bow River Nature Flost - Your experienced river guide will share info on the Bow Valley’s natural and local history. Twilight tours offer great alpine lighting and increased beaver activity.

Kananaskis Family Whitewater - This half day trip is very popular with those looking for an introductory whitewater or river experience. It offers wonderful mountain scenery, excitement and natural history.

Horseshoe Canyon - This half day trip offers a sense of remoteness complete with shale canyons and excellent opportunities to view large birds of prey. There is an optional cliff jump along the way. A great tour for a quick whitewater fix and mountain thrills.

No experience is needed - just bring your sense of adventure!

WHAT’S COMING UP

CANMORE FOLK FESTIVAL August 4 - 6, 2012The festival features 18 individual acts or performers, an alcohol-free, family-friendly site, a free children’s concert, a free downtown street dance and a kids’ area jammed with crafts, puppets, the-atre, bouncy castle and climbing wall.canmorefolkfestival.com

CANMORE HIGHLAND GAMESSeptember 2, 2012The Highland Games includes a highland dance competition, piping and drumming competition, heavy sports contest, sheep dog demonstrations, massed bands, clan tents, Celtic wares and traditional food and beverages.

Join us for a a pancake breakfast or traditional food and beverages in our heated festival tent, complete with a beer garden and continuous entertain-ment morning to night, including an Evening Ceilidh (Big Scottish Party!).

canmorehighlandgames.com

ONGOING EVENTS

Every weekend during the summer, artists and artistans showcase their art outdoors at the Northwest Mounted Police Barracks on Main Street. New for this summer is Street Sherpa - an MP3 tour of Canmore highlighting historic areas and local businesses.

Art in the Park is open for the 2012 summer season from 10 am - 5 pm on weekends and holiday Mondays.

Beginning every summer in early June, the Mountain Market is a Thursday must-visit. The market has been a summer tradition for over 20 years.

Rain or shine, the market showcases a variety of locally and regionally produced items. Fruit trucks with organic produce, a curry stand, fresh baked bread, baked goods, elk meat and hand carved walking sticks are some of the favourite stands that attract visitors and locals each week. Not just a place to pick up your groceries though, the market is also a place to soak in Canmore’s character and charm.

The 2012 season runs from June 7 - October 4 (inclusive) from 10 am - 7 pm.

THE THURSDAY MARKET

ARTS & CULTURECanmore has a strong arts & culture scene with many artists and artisans finding inspiration in the mountains. Several groups have aligned with each other to celebrate the arts, whether it be through a common medium or location.

Artists of Elk Run - Commonly known as an industrial compound, the Elk Run area of town is now gaining notoreity as being home to the “Artists of Elk Run”, a collective of professional artists working in the area. The collective includes potters, painters, jewellery makers and glass blowers. (artistsofelkrun.com)

artsPeak Arts Festival - Taking place annually in mid-June, this festival is a celebration of the art and the artists we have in the Bow Valley and gives artists a stage beyond their own space.

This year will see four focus tents on Saturday, June 16 for artSee (visual artists such as painters, sculptors and potters), artLens (media artists such as photographers and filmmakers), artWord (literary artists such as poets, children’s authors) and artStage (performing artists such as singers, songwriters and actors).

Sunday’s artLearn features workshops from each of the four focus tents. For example, Going Beyond the Photograph represents artLens and includes a demonstration of how to improve your photos and use techniques that give dramatic, unusual photos. (artspeakcanmore.com)

Canmore Artists and Artisans Guild - CAAG - This group’s mandate is to stimulate activities in creative visual arts and provide a vehicle to make artists visible in the community. They encourage and promote professional exhibition, amateur shows and create workshops to heighten the awareness of the creative visual arts. They run regular exhibits out of the art gallery adjacent to the library. (caag.ca)

live on 7th - Working closely with the Canadian Mountain Arts Foundation, this group produces, promotes and presents live music. For over 10 years, they’re presented a wide variety of musical concerts and family entertainment and the Union Hall and St. Michael’s Church. (liveon7th.com)

Pine Tree Players - This group of theatre enthusiasts puts on two yearly shows, a spring and a fall production. Productions take place at the Canmore Miners’ Union Hall.

Ken Ludwig’s “Lend me a Tenor” is the play that has been chosen for November 2012. It’s a classic farce tradition of mistaken identities, numerous exits and entrances, and doors that open and close at totally inappropriate moments. (pinetreeplayers.ca)

artsPeak 2011

ofcabbagesandkings.ca129 Bow Meadows Crescent, Canmore

403-678-1922

We are a professional pottery studio where two generations of Canmore potters produce a full range of functionsl stoneware pottery. Visitors will be able to watch a potter working with clay and learn how those mugs are made! A complete selection of the

finished wares are on display for purchase. The pottery is all high-fired glazed ware that is

completely foodsafe.

The making of a travel mug

“Throw” the mug. The term throwing comes from taking a ball of clay (in this case, 800 grams) and literally throwing it on the potter’s wheel. The clay is then repeatedly worked up and down to soften it, and eventually shpaed into the desired form (cup part of the mug, no handle).

After the initial creation of the mug, the mugs are set out to dry for 1 - 2 hours, then covered with plastic until they are dry enough to be handled without changing the clay’s shape. This is when the hole is cut for the cork, handles are attached and the drinking holes are put in. Mugs are then dried for at least two days.

Once dry, the bottoms are sanded flat and extra bits of clay are removed. Mugs are put in the kiln for bisque firing (7 hours at 1789 degrees Fahrenheit).

Next, the glaze is sprayed on. One of the main ingredients is usually silica. There is also usually some form of clay in the glaze, and elements and oxides work together in a chemical reaction to melt and give you the desired colour and finish.

If you’ve walked through the downtown area, you may have seen several people drinking their coffee or tea from pottery mugs, and wondered where they came from and how they were made. of Cabbages and Kings’ John and Katie Borrowman developed the original travel mug design in 2007 in response to requests for beautiful and functional handmade travel mugs. Their mugs have been spotted as far away as Australia and New Zealand and recently they were used on the setof LIVE! with Kelly.

After the glaze is applied, the mugs go back in the kiln for a glaze firing at 2300 degrees Fahrenheit. This is an approximately 40 hour process - 18 hours for the kiln to fire to temperature, and 20 hours for it to cool enough to take the mugs out.

SPECTACULAR DRIVES

KANANASKIS COUNTRY

Clear mountain lakes, spectacular mountain views, and an abundance of wildlife are just a few of the reasons the drive through Kananaskis Country has been ranked by many visitors and locals as one of their favourites. It’s what you think about when you imagine the Canadian Rockies.

Have you seen any of these movies: The Assassination of Jesse James, Brokeback Mountain, The Edge, River of No Return, Legends of the Fall? Is so, you may find some of the landscape you’ll be driving through familiar. Having been captured by the incredible scenery of the Kananaskis region, Hollywood has filmed all those movies here!

Pack some snacks and water, fill the car with gas, and get ready to enjoy a half day of exploration.

The drive is filled with enough scenic viewpoints that if you stopped frequently to take photos, it could fill up a full day. The drive itself takes approximately 3 hours with no stops, but you’d regret if it this is all you allowed.

From downtown Canmore, follow signs to the Canmore Nordic Centre (CNC). This is where Kananaskis Country officially starts. Built for the 1988 Winter Olympics, the CNC still hosts many world class cross country ski and biathlon events, and is the site for one of the largest mountain bike races in Alberta - 24 Hours of Adrenalin.

After circling the Rundle Forebay (look for a reflection of Ha Ling Peak if the water is calm), the road will quickly turn to gravel. The road

In October 1896, a Chinese Cook working in Canmore, won a bet that he could climb the distinctive peak in under 10 hours. He surprised everyone by climbing the peak in 5.5 hours and is believed to have won $50. Ha Ling Peak (pictured here) recognizes the role Chinese miners, railway workers and business owners played in the history and development of the Bow Valley. Until 1997, the peak was known as Chinaman’s Peak, but was officially changed at the request of the Chinese community.

are wild animals and you need to stay in your car and keep a respectful distance away. Spring is a great time for wildlife viewing, as you have the chance to see newborn babies.

Spray Lakes is a popular spot to get out and stretch your legs. You’ll reach it approximately 45 minutes after leaving Canmore. Park in a designated area and make your way to the shores of the lake. While it’s generally to chilly to swim in, fishing and hiking are great activities to pass a few hours.

Mount Engadine Lodge is a must see along the route. Whether you just take a look in the meadow below their deck for moose, enjoy afternoon tea or dinner (must book in advance), the atmosphere is incredible. If you’re lucky, it may even be a “Music in the Meadow” night. A few times a year, the lodge welcomes musical talent and dinner guests are treated to an intimate

is maintained, meaning most rental cars are allowed [contracts often state rentals are not allowed on unmaintained roads].

The road is referred to by three names - Smith Dorrien Trail, High-way 742 or the Spray Lakes Road. Along the steep, gravel section, you may see some mountain bikers biking up the hill and getting ready for the season. This is a popular, although gruelling, climb with athletes in training. The road ends its ascent near White Man’s Gap. This area is also the trailhead for Ha Ling Peak and Goat Creek (mountain bike trail to Banff).

As you leave the parking lot area, you are truly entering the wildlands of Kananaskis Country. Mountain peaks are visible all around and you may see some wildlife. Bears (black and grizzly), big horn sheep, coyotes and moose all call this area home. You’ll be lucky to see some wildlife, but please remember they

concert in their dining room.

Reaching the end of the gravel road, you’ll find yourself in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. Follow Kananaskis Lakes Trail to the Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes, both of which are incredible fishing, hiking and rest stops. Head back the way you came and continue to Highway 40.

From here, head south to reach the Highwood Pass, the highest paved pass in the Canadian Rockies. This area is a well used wildlife corridor, so the section of road is closed from December 1 - June 15 inclusive. If you’re travelling after June 15, adding on an extra hour to your trip is well worth it.

Follow Highway 40 to the junction with Highway 1. Highway 40 hosts several points of interest to break up the driving time.

basecamprockies.com 403.881.2830

20 minutes east of canmoreonly casino in The rockies ∞ best Hotel rates ∞ restaurantadventure packages ∞ Golf simulator ∞ Loungebanquet Facilities ∞ party room ∞ shuttle service

Picnic at the Upper Kananaskis Lake

• Boundary Ranch - enjoy a 1 or 2 hour horseback ride. For longer trips, ask about their overnight pack trips.

• Kananaskis Village - play a round of golf, rent a mountain bike or grab a bite to eat.

•Nakiska Ski Hill - site of the alpine (downhill) skiing events in the 1988 Winter Olympics

• Junction of Highway 1 and 40 - try your luck at the casino’s slots, or take a helicopter tour of the mountains.

From here, there are two options to return to Canmore - Highway 1 or Highway 1A. Take Highway 1 for a quick 20 minute drive back to Canmore, or Highway 1A (via the 1X connector) if you’re looking to explore a bit longer. Visit Rafter Six Ranch for a trail ride or to visit the Passing of the Legends Museum.

Stop in at Bow Valley Provincial Park on the 1X connector for some light walking. The interpretive trails with minimal elevation gain offer a nice way to end the day and relax with a short stroll.

Along the 1A, head a few minutes away from Canmore to Nakoda on the Lake. This lodge is accessible from the road, and hosts many activities. Their Sunday brunches are renowned locally and in Cal-gary as the best in the area. Onsite activities include guided fly fish-ing lessons, paintball, and a ropes course. Heading back to Canmore will take approximately 30 minutes - or stay the night!

Do the drive in the other direction and be amazed at how the views change!

Mountain sunset - heading to Canmore along Highway 1

OH CANADA EH? DINNER SHOWDon’t miss this experience in Canadian musical comedy! Our venue is comprised of 6000sq ft of raw Manitoba barn board and Alberta pine making this location an intimate setting, perfect for showcasing our Canadian talent. Dinner is served homestyle (shared at your table) and features food from all the provinces. Using over 70 Canadian songs our professional performers bring to you the highlights of Canadian music, culture and cuisine. This is not just a dinner show, but an experience in Canadiana! The 2012 season runs until October 20.

125 Kananaskis Way, Canmore, AB403-609-0004

www.atthecorner.ca

Nakoda on the Lake Your Tranquility base in the Canadian Rockies

Trophy Rainbow Trout fishing, Resident Fly-fishing guide & instructor, Rod Rentals & accessories

Sunday Brunches weekly. Join us for a truly memorable dining experience.............Make a day of it!

With 44 beautiful guest rooms and food services we are well suited to host your next Conference, wedding, family reunion, or other group

gathering.

We offer the perfect location for an authentic mountain get-away. On-site activities include Ropes course, Fly-fishing, Spa and Paintball.

[email protected] Reservations 877.881.3949

BOW VALLEY PARKWAY - HIGHWAY 1APrior to the construction of the TransCanada Highway, the Bow Valley Parkway was the road that connected the valley. It’s now used as an alternate route to the Trans-Canada between Banff and Lake Louise. The stretch of road takes approximately 1 hour to drive- allow extra time for stops including the following viewpoints.

A reduced speed limit of 60 km/h (37 mps) makes it a popular route for those who are looking for a slower drive. Roadside interpretive signage and several picnic areas dot the route.

A voluntary closure from March 1 to June 25 exists between 6 pm and 9 pm to give wildlife its space.

MUST SEESJohnston’s Canyon (25 km west of Banff)- A constructed walkway with rails and bridges leads past a series of waterfalls. A 1.1 km hike takes you to the lower falls, and an additional 1.6 km leads to the upper falls. Further along, the trail turns more rugged and you’ll reach the ink pots - 6 blue/green spring fed pools.

Tip - do this hike earlier or later in the day. Between 10 am and 4 pm, the trail is heavily travelled and it’s not uncommon for groups of 40 to begin the trail at the same time.

Castle Mountain Viewpoint (at Castle Mountain Junction) - Named by James Hector, a geologist, naturalist and doctor who accompanied the Palliser Expedition, the purpose of which was to explore possible routes for the Canadian Pacific Railway from 1857 - 1860. The mountain is so named because it looks like a castle.

Morant’s Curve (4 km east of Lake Louise) - Canadian Pacific (CP) staff photographer Nicholas Morant made this view popular in the middle of the 20th century with numerous photographs. The S curve in the track offers great mountain and river scenery.

Johnston’s CanyonInk Pots

Castle Mountain Viewpoint

Morant’s Curve

WILDLIFE OF THE ROCKIESAWARENESS IS LIKELY YOUR FIRST STEP FOR PLAYING IT SAFE IN THE ROCKIES.

Living in Canmore and the Canadi-an Rockies is in many ways similar to living in the Serengetti. We are surrounded by one of the planet’s most spectacular landscapes, and one of the highest densities of wild mammals.

Unlike the Serengetti, our wild mammal population does not include nearly as many large preda-tor species as one might find in Africa; however, we do have a few. The wolf, cougar (mountain lion), and lynx are in this group but re-ally much smaller are the coyote, bobcat, wolverine, and pine marten to name most.

You may find it remarkable that neither the grizzly nor the black bear were not named as predators. By definition, they are not predator species - they are however among the large mammals of the Rockies, which also includes the moose, elk, mule deer, white tail deer, big horn sheep and mountain goats.

Close interaction, and or contact, with any of the large mammals of the Rockies is dangerous. Not because they are intent on causing us harm or because they view us as prey, rather the danger lies more in the fact that we (humans) are generally frail by comparison to any of the large mammals. W85e are also predisposed to assuming that the ungulates (deer, elk, etc.) are cuddly or otherwise harmless. They are not.

Let us talk about comfortably enjoying these great Canadian Rocky Mountains. Perhaps a good place to start is where to check for updated trail information. There are a number of excellent sources for reliable up to date wildlife alerts relative to trails. We recommend www.wildsmart.ca.

Do remember that these reports are logging information received from users like yourself. The information process is based on information received – so if you see bears and or cougars be sure to report it by phoning 403-591-7755. The process is truly collective and your input is

critical. Knowing this, remember that a trail report without any wildlife alerts does not mean there is no wildlife present, just no sightings reported.

It is, I think, really important at this time to address the reality of walking and hiking in the Canadian Rockies. Yes, we do have wildlife; are you in danger? Relatively speak-ing, getting here by airplane and or automobile is considerably more dangerous than walking and hik-ing in these Canadian Rockies. The truth is a little information goes a long way, and being informed you will travel our pathways and moun-tain trails with a much higher level of comfort and safety.

THINGS TO KNOW

Bear Spray - Absolutely carry it! A highly concentrated pepper spray, bear spray is an effective deterrent.

The product is defensive in nature, and is available locally for purchase with prices averaging $50.00 or less. It is also available on

Coyote

TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE

• Avoid running, hiking, biking or strolling alone whenever possible. Avoid dusk and dawn as much as possible - these times are typically when wildlife is active.

• Walk your dog on a leash.

• Use your voice and vocalize fully when in areas of dense cover and or flowing water. It is important that you give fair warning of your approach. Generally, wildlife will make themselves scarce when given due notice of your approach.

• Look for signs of animals including digging or scat (poo) on the trail and leave the area if you see any

• Check trail reports prior to your departure. This needs to be a critical element of your planning process for any hikes you plan on doing. Choose a different hike if the trail is closed.

a rental basis from the downtown visitor information centre in Can-more and this may be your best option if travelling by aircraft, as transporting bear spray in your lug-gage (including checked baggage) is prohibited. Don’t be macho - get it, learn how to use it and carry it.

Compressed air horns - Highly reccommended! The air horn is definitely an effective tool for announcing your presence. This is great to have when hiking in dense bush or near a rushing stream or river. These little air units take the pressure off your voice throughout the course of a long walk.

Bear bangers - Not recommended! The bear banger is an incendi-ary device, and without adequate experience in correct deployment procedure, it is likely to create more problems than it will solve. You could end up overshooting or, worse, starting a bush fire.

Wind - friend or foe? Animals’ lives revolve around a closely woven relationship with wind, whether predator or prey species. The wind is often the deciding factor in deter-mining feast or famine for preda-tors and survival for prey species.

With the wind at our backs ruffling the nape of our necks, it is unlikely we will see much in the way of wildlife as we wander these spec-tacular mountain trails. Our scent is repulsive to wildlife in general and given the advance notice of our windborne scents, as well as our voices, the odds are not in our favor for us to see any wildlife in our strolls as they have been fully alerted to our arrival. The con-verse is also true. The wind in your face is an absolute warning that you must become more robust in

projecting your presence through the use of your voice and clapping your hands. You should also slow your pace of travel and become considerably more aware of your environment. Animals will neither smell you in the wind nor will they hear you. The end result is they will be surprised by you and in their simple minds there may be a need to defend themselves from “you the predator”, (you may have seen reports of this sort of encounter, often referred to as a bear or moose attack).

Coyote

Black bear

What should I do if -I see a bear? Determine if the attack is defensive or non-defensive.

1. Defensive -The bear is protecting a carcass, protecting its young and/or is surprised by your presence. It attacks because you are perceived as a threat. Remember bears will often bluff charge.Be non-threatening – don’t run or yell. Stay calm and back away slowly. Use your bear spray.

If the bear makes contact with you: PLAY DEAD!Drop to the ground face down, interlace your fingers over the back of your neck and spread your legs to make it more difficult for the bear to turn you over. By playing dead the bear will likely lose interest in you and leave. Defensive attacks are generally less than two minutes in duration. If the attack continues, it may mean the attack has shifted from defensive to non-defensive (i.e. predatory) - in this case, fight back!

2. Non- defensive - the bear is aware of your presence, has time to leave but continues closing distance on you – even after you have tried to retreat.

Fight back and use your bear spray. Do not play dead

Intimidate the bear: shout; hit it with a branch or rock, do whatever it takes to let the bear know you are not easy prey. I see a cougar? Secure small children and pets, tighten your group configuration and maintain face on counter-ing posture with the animal. Assure the animal has an escape route, ready your bear spray and, if at all possible, members of your party should pick-up large sticks or rocks to be used if pressured. If the cougar presses the issue, become aggressive using your voice, bear spray, stones and sticks, and fight back.

3 sisters phhograph couuesy Cszmurlo via wikipedia.orgThe Three Sisters :: Canmore, AB

The Georgetown Inn Chalets & Hot Pools Mystic Srpings Silver Creek Lodge

www.georgetowninn.ca www.mysticsprings.cawww.silvercreekcanmore.ca

BE SURE TO REPORT ALL BEAR, COUGAR AND AGGRESSIVE ELK AND COYOTE SIGHTINGS

403-591-7755 IF SEEN IN CANMORE./KANANASKIS

403-762-1550 IF SEEN IN BANFF NATIONAL PARK

For more information, please visit Bow Valley WildSmart at wildsmart.ca

DO YOU KNOW WHO’S WHO?Black bear or grizzly bear? Many people find it hard to distinguish between these two types of bears. A common misconception is that the colour and size are the deciding features. Black bear - Colours include black, brown and cinnamon. Average weight is 100 - 300 pounds with males usu-ally larger than females. Males may weigh up to 400 or more pounds. Height is 2.5 - 3 feet at the shoulder when standing on all fours and 5 feet standing upright. Face profile is straight; muzzle is long. Ears may be long and prominent. Front claws are less than 2 inches long; claw marks do not always show in tracks.

Grizzly bear - Color varies from blond to black. Average weight is 500 pounds for males and 350 for females. Males may weigh up to 800 pounds. Height is 3.5 - 4 feet at the shoulder when on all fours, and 6 - 7 feet when standing upright. Their distinctive shoulder hump is actually muscle mass that enables powerful digging. Ears are round and proportionately small. Front claws are 2 - 4 inches long.

Did You Know...?

• Bears are attracted to ripened berries because of their sweet taste and high caloric value.

• 90% of a bear’s diet is vegetation - primarily buffaloberries in July, August and September. Full grown, healthy bears can eat 20 000 berries a day

• Bear cubs are born during the winter during the hibernation period and emerge from the den with their mothers.

• Cubs generally stay with their mothers for 1.5 years

• Bird feeders, outdoor compost and pet food left outdoors are all bear attractants

Grizzly bear

Black bear

Bighorn sheep or mountain goat?Mountain goat - Both male and female mountain goats have beards, short tails and black horns (15 - 28 cm in length) which contain yearly growth rings. Mountain goats typically weigh between 100 and 300 pounds with females usually lighter than males. Mountain goats usually live 12 - 15 years in the wild.

Bighorn sheep - The identifying characteristic of male bighorn sheep (ram) is their large, curved horns. Sheep range in colour from light brown to grayish. Males typically weigh 125 - 315 pounds and are 36 - 41 inches tall at the shoulder. 75

Moose or elk?Moose are larger and darker than elk. Elk gather in herds, whereas moose are solitary. Both bull (male) moose and bull elk have antlers that they shed in the winter and begin to regrow in the spring. Moose antlers are palmate, meaning they break in to separate points near the end. Elk antlers have pronounced separate points.

Moose stand 5 - 6.5 feet tall at the shoulder and can weigh over 1300 pounds. Their antlers can account for 90 pounds.

Elk cows (females) average 500 pounds, stand 4.3 feet at the shoulder and are 2 metres from nose to tail. On average, bulls are 40% larger than cows at maturity.

Mountain goat

Bighorn sheep

Moose

Elk

Mountain goat

FRENCH QUARTER CAFE1005 Cougar Creek Drive, Canmore, AB • 403-678-3612 • www.frenchquartercafe.ca

Walking in to the French Quarter Cafe, you could as easily be stepping off Bourbon Street as the parking lot. Cheerfully decorated with red and yellow accents, prints of smiling jazz musicians,

three-sided fireplace and the open-to-view kitchen provide an effect Chef Michael Raso calls New Orleans “eclectic”. Chef Raso’s love affair with Cajun and Creole Cusine began 17 years ago with his first trip to Louisiana and he’s been back every year since to pick up new ideas. Join us every second Tuesday

for our cooking classes, and our live jazz evenings. Call for schedule and reservations. MENU HIGHLIGHTS• “Eggs Bourbon Street” on crab cakes with shrimp Creole sauce and Cajun spiced potatoes• Crawfish Etoufee: onions, peppers, celery, tomatoes• Cajun Jambalaya: rice with spicy sausage, smoked ham, chicken and seafood; garnished with Louisiana shrimp creole• Louisiana Bread Pudding with whiskey sauce• Lunch Po’Boys: favourite New Orleans sandwiches

KID FRIENDLY IDEAS

712B Main Street Canmore

403 678 2068 [email protected] www.hijinx.ca

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Enter a world of fun, excitement and adventure!

Hi Jinx is full to the brim of toys, games, kits and puzzles! Eco-friendly, safe, educational

toys for babies and children. Come on in! Explore, play, enjoy!

Visit the working dogs by taking a tour of the sled dogs’ kennel area. Learn how the dogs are trained in summer to keep them in tip-top winter condition.

Fishing - The Canmore area offers many stocked ponds with one of the more popular locations being Grotto Pond in Grotto Day Use Area. This day use area is equipped with picnic benches. These “put and take” (you can keep your catch) fisheries are heavily stocked as-suring little anglers good odds of a catch. A fishing license is not required for children under 16; however, accompanying adult must have a valid license.

Take a hike - kid friendly trails include Grassi Lakes, Grotto Canyon, and the Bow River Trail. The riverside trail can accommodate Chariots and other strollers. There are plenty of benches along the way for a rest break, and also many spots for photo opportunities.

Popular with kids of all ages, this school bus won’t be taking you to school. It’s parked on Main Street and is full of ice cream! This novel idea has been a popular stop on downtown walks for three summers. Not too far across the street is Hi Jinx Toy Store, another must visit!

VALUE PLUS

CANMORE WINE MERCHANTS FREE WINE TASTING - SATURDAYS FROM 2 - 6 PMCome join us every Saturday. We’ll have an importer, wine maker or vineyard owner on hand presenting their wines. Spend 20 minutes or so with us in a casual, fun and informative atmosphere and expand your wine horizons.

836 Main St, Canmore • canmorewine.com • 403-678-4999No cash value. Not valid with any other promotion. Valid until September 30, 2012

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FRENCH QUARTER CAFE15% OFF YOUR MEALA jazzy little bistro inspired by the New Orleans ambiance, music and of course, the cuisine! Come taste a little of the Deep South in Canmore.

100, 1005 Cougar Creek Dr, Canmore •frenchquartercafe.ca • 403-678-3612Present this coupon at time of booking/arrival. No cash value. Not valid with any other promotion. Not valid for liquor purchases. Valid until September 30, 2012

MOUNTAIN PAINTBALL20% OFF YOUR EXPERIENCEWe offer high adrenaline soft adventure for those 12 years and older. Paintball with us is likely described as “speed bushball”.

unlimitedcanmoreadventures.com • 403-675-0973Mention this coupon at time of booking. No cash value. Not valid with any other

promotion. Valid until September 30, 2012

MOUNTAIN FLY FISHING20% OFF YOUR EXPERIENCEProviding excellence in guiding and instruction on the waters of the Canadian Rockies since 1985

unlimitedcanmoreadventures.com • 403-609-7967Mention this coupon at time of booking. No cash value. Not valid with any other

promotion. Valid until September 30, 2012

PAINTBALLPrivate bookings only - perfect for stags, birthday parties, team building activities and more! Reservations required.

403-675-0973 unlimitedcanmoreadventures.com

Canmore Museum & GeoScience Centre - The musuem houses displays of photographs and artifacts depicting the human heritage and geology of Canmore. Permanent exhibits include a display of Canmore’s Olympic heri-tage including mascots Hidy and Howdy, and Early Canmore: Boxcars and Coal Diggers and Dangerous Work.Summer hours: Monday & Tuesday, Noon - 5 pm; Wednesday - Sunday, 11 am - 5 pm; $5/adult, children, stu-dents and seniors $3; cmags.org

Frisbee golf - There are two 18 hole frisbee golf courses in Canmore, both of which are free - one at the Nordic Centre and one in Three Sisters. Trade in your clubs for a frisbee and the hole for a metal chained basket, and you’ve got frisbee golf. Frisbee rentals are available for $5 at Trail Sports (9am - 6 pm), onsite at the Nordic Cen-tre. Pick up a score card at the day lodge before heading out. Open daily during daylight hours. No charge for the course.

Tour the Ammonite Factory - Ammolite is one of the world’s rarest gems. It comes in the full spectrum of co-lours - red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Each ammolite gem is unique in brilliance, colours and pattern. Millions of years of tectonic pressure created this beautiful gem from the fossilized remains of the am-monite shell. Tours take place Monday - Saturday at 10 am, 11 am and noon. $5/person. ammonite-factory.com

Swim at the Canmore Recreation Centre - The pool offers many different programs such as • Splash & Swim: For Parents and Preschoolers (5 years and under)• Public Swim: All children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult• Family Swim: All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult• Toonie: Everyone pays a toonieVisit canmore.ca for pool schedule

Mountain Bike Skills Park - Canmore has 3 skills parks all offering free access. •Millennium Park Sports field (5th Avenue and 1st Street)- Park designer Jay Hoots says “Millennium Skills Park is the ‘flowdown’ of bike parks featuring a state of the art ‘super’ pump track that offers lines for every level of rider from beginner to expert and more lines than you can shake a broken chain at! Take a breather and

FREE OR CLOSE TO FREE

Mountain Bike Skills Park

hit the trees for some North Shore bro down and super skinnys that will get you prepped for Shore styles riding.”

• Benchlands Trail - Jay says “Benchlands Skills Park rocks serious fun jump lines for ‘ALL levels’ of riders in-cluding transfer options and full flow from jumps to pumps. North Shore inspired logs and ladders flow around the site offering skills progression and option lines to challenge yourself comfortably.”

• Canmore Nordic Centre - the most challenging of the skills parks offers table tops of varying heights, dirt jumps and technical trail features, including bridges, drops, skinnies and a wall ride.

Orienteering at the Canmore Nordic Centre - Three courses are available featuring combination electronic/manual controls. Course maps, compasses and timing sticks are available for $5 at Trail Sports located on site. Courses can be done on foot or by bike. Trail Sports summer hours: 9 am - 6 pm

Skateboard Park - Designed for boarders for all abilities, the park focusses on young boarders developing skills while having a good time. Located behind the Canmore Recreation Centre. Open spring, summer and fall during daylight hours. No charge.

Visit Quarry Lake - A warm day in Canmore usually sees people flock to Quarry Lake for a swim. Although the water can be chilly, it’s a great place to picnic for the afternoon or to enjoy an evening dip.No charge - please note: this is an unsupervised day use area. There are no lifeguards on site.

Interpretive Shows - Come see Broadway in the Bushes. These 50 minute high-energy, educational and entertain-ing musical theatre presentations are fun for the whole family! These programs feature original music, exciting characters, and audience participation. The 2012 summer series features titles such as Justin Beaver: The Kanan-askis Experience, Kananaskis Idol, A Tale of Two Grizzlies and It’s an ANTastic Life! Take a look at the “upcoming events” section on albertaparks.ca for description of shows and times. Shows are free; donations to WildSmart are appreciated

Visit the Olympic torch - The torch from the 1988 Winter Olympics remains onsite at the Nordic Centre. Park in the lot in front of the day lodge, and the torch is beside Trail Sports.

Quarry Lake

ABOUT ME - I’m an almost two year old Shepherd Husky cross. I love living in the mountains! It seems like I’m always being invited out for adventures, whether it’s hiking or snowshoeing with my companion person (is that what I should call her, I know I’ver been referred to as a companion dog), going for a long walk on the town trails, playing at the dog park and meeting new friends, or just going for an evening stroll around the neighbourhood. I’m one of the most clever puppies I know; I’ve graduated three times from training classes. I’ve learned to use a computer and the internet, and even have my own twitter account! You can follow me there - @mountaindogmax. The companies and locations on the next page have my “paw print of approval”.

MOUNTAIN DOG MAXRECOMMENDS

Beamer’s Coffee Bar - They always have a fresh bowl of water outside waiting for me as I pass by. I’ve heard it’s one of the first things the staff do when opening! My companion person enjoys their gluten free chocolate cake and pumpkin muffins.

Bow River Veterinary Center - I went to puppy class here and absolutely loved it! Everyone remem-bers how little and cute I used to be (and still am) and how I fell asleep during my first class. I always get lots of treats especially when they’re looking at my ears, and sometimes I stay overnight when my companion person is away.

Bow River trails - There are always fresh smells on this network of trails. There are so many options, we hardly do the same route two days in a row, and if we do it always smells different. I can tell which of my friends were here earlier, and sometimes munch on some elk poo. For my safety, wildlife’s safety and to follow the town by-law, I always stay on leash. Don’t tell anyone, but I actually like being this close to someone all the time.

Mystic Springs - These two bedrooms chalets are pet friendly and I absolutely love taking a walk around the courtyard. Sometimes my cousins stay here for a weekend when they visit from Calgary; it’s great their “parents” don’t have to leave them at home. The people in the outdoor heated pool always look like they’re having a great time and I would love to get in there with them and splash around with the pool noodles.

Elk Run dog park - One of Canmore’s three dog parks, and the only one that is completely fenced in. I’ve heard many people say this is the most scenic dog park they’ve been to - apparently it has a great view of the famous Three Sisters mountains. I’m sure the views are great, but what I come here for is to play in the treed area. Usually I’ll meet up with a friend and we’ll take off running and playing until it’s time for one of us to go home. Every once in a while I’ll find part of a tennis ball that another dog left behind. I guess it’s true, “one dog’s trash is another dog’s treasure”.

Even on an overcast day, Kananaskis scenery is stunning!