As the snow melts and the temperatures start to rise here in Western Canada, it is time to start planning your spring, summer and fall vacations to beautiful Banff National Park. With so much information on the internet with varying degrees of accuracy, depending on the website owner’s intentions, where do you start?

Firstly, don’t just submit your information to every website you come across. It is always best to call for information as most reputable companies are able to provide detailed Banff National Park information over the phone. If you are satisfied with the knowledge of the agent you spoke to about Banff National Park, and require more information, then submit your information through their website. Whenever you see the offer of things that are “FREE” without you having to book anything or part with any money, you have to ask yourself if this is really the case? Why would a company, out of their own pocket, send you something for “free”? This is one technique some website owners may use to harvest your personal information.

This brings me onto my next recommendation when looking up information on Banff National Park. The following three (3) OFFICIAL websites relating to Banff National Park offer up-to-date and accurate information. These websites should provide all the information you need to plan a successful stay in beautiful Banff National Park.

• www.pc.gc.ca – This is the OFFICIAL website for all National Parks in Canada including Banff National Park. It is the official Banff National Park website and contains up-to-date information including trail updates. There is also an information centre located right in the centre of Banff at 224 Banff Avenue.
• www.banff.ca - This is the OFFICIAL website of the Town of Banff. The information on this website is true and factual and includes information such as the Banff Roam transit schedule.
• www.banfflakelouise.com – This is the OFFICIAL website for Banff and Lake Louise tourism in Banff National Park. This is an excellent website for viewing up-to-date information such as events in Banff and Lake Louise in Banff National Park.

These three websites should be your “go-to” sites to start your Banff vacation planning.

I hope you find this information useful and for many of you, clarified which sites are, in fact, “official” for Banff National Park. Feel free to contact us or post comments below if you require any further clarification or assistance. I have been helping guests with their Banff vacations for well over 10 years.

Canada Day is Canada’s birthday! Canada was established as a self governing country in 1867 making Canada 143 years old next week on July 1st 2010.

There will be lots going on across the country – here is what will be happening in Banff (hosted by Parks Canada):

- 9:00am – 10:30am. Pancake breakfast at the Parks Administration Building, 101 Mountain Avenue.

- 12:00 – 5:00pm. The celebrations including live entertainment will continue at Central Park.

- 5:00pm Canada Day Parade

- 6:30pm – 11:00pm. More live entertainment and fun to be had at Central Park. Fireworks finale at 11:00pm.

With Banff National Park also celebrating it’s 125th anniversary, this Canada Day in Banff is set to be a really awesome day for all.

- Entry into Banff National Park is free on July 1st!

- Banff weather forecast is predicting sunny skies and temperatures close to 30°C (86°F).

- More information can be found on Parks Canada’s website: www.parkscanada.gc.ca

9 – 11 a.m.
Parks Canada Pancake Breakfast
Parks Canada Admin Grounds
$3 per person

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sidewalk Art
Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Community Art Committee Sidewalk Art
Banff Town Hall

Noon
Central Park Activities Commence

5 – 6:15 p.m.
Banff Canada Day Parade
Banff Avenue

6:30 – 11 p.m.
Central Park Entertainment

11 p.m.
Banff Canada Day Fireworks
View from Central Park or Bow Avenue

Central Park Activities

• 12 noon Opening Ceremonies
• 12:30 p.m. The Hunt Family – Stoney First Nations Dance
• 1 p.m. Mountain Raks Belly Dancers
• 1:30 p.m. Alberta Zirka Ukrainian Performers
• 2 p.m. Steve Harmer’s Motivational Magic
• 2:30 p.m. Banff’s Stupid Pet Tricks
• 3 p.m. Parks Canada Mountain Wit Theatre
• 3:30 p.m. Banff Springs Hotel Filipino Dancers

• 6:30 p.m. Calgary Fiddlers
• 7:15 p.m. Keith Hitchner & Highwood – Country
• 8 p.m. Suds – Country/Rock
• 9 p.m. Suzie Q – High Energy Hits
• 10 p.m. Boneyard – Banff’s Local Rockers
• 11 p.m. Fireworks Finale

What to Bring:

• lawn chair(s) or blanket(s)
• sunscreen and hat
• an umbrella! – this event is “rain or shine”
• cash – no debit or credit cards will be accepted on site
• Share the spirit! Bring flags or wear shirts or hats sporting the maple leaf!

Please see the new RCR Rail Park webpages below, which include a Q & A section on the changes, as well as a list of planned features for each of their parks.

Lake Louise: http://skilouise.com/the-mountain/rcr-park.aspx

Fernie: http://skifernie.com/the-mountain/rcr-park.aspx

Nakiska: http://skinakiska.com/the-mountain/rcr-park.aspx

Kimberley: http://skikimberley.com/the-mountain/rcr-park.aspx