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Banff125
Banff’s 125th Anniversary Begins Here
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Come celebrate the 125th anniversary of Canada’s first national park, Banff National Park, a part of the Rocky Mountain UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Banff National Park is one of 42 national parks in Canada, an exceptional and protected network of treasured natural and historic places. It’s also the birthplace of the world’s first national park service.
From May to November 2010, special programs and events will celebrate this significant 125th anniversary. Discover unforgettable experiences to add to your history.
Enjoy hikes, family camping, horseback rides, climbs, cultural excursions, festivals, a national historic site visit, or strolls within the unique mountain communities of Banff and Lake Louise.
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Parks Day – On Saturday, July 17, all across the country, guests can
visit their national parks, national historic sites and national
marine areas for FREE. -
Canada Day – On Thursday, July 1, visit your national parks, national
historic sites and national marine areas for FREE. -
Fee Freeze – For the second year in a row, Parks Canada is freezing
its visitor entry and camping fees for all Parks Canada owned and
operated sites, camping at national parks and other national fees for
basic services.
About Banff National Park
Established 125 years ago, Canada’s first national park is toasting what we have all inherited as Canadians – 6,641 km2 of spectacular scenery, historic sites. and cultural treasures. What began with a bubbling hot spring has grown to protect 277,000 km2 of Canada in a national system of parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas. We are the beneficiaries of these significant preservation and conservation efforts.
“This is landscape full of possibilities. It’s as full of possibilities now as it was back in the late 1880’s. For today, Parks Canada is reaching more people, setting the stage for more memorable experiences, and becoming more relevant to Canadians as we continue to protect our heritage, celebrate our history, and inspire greater exploration, renewal, and imagination,” said Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Jim Prentice.
Come celebrate the 125th anniversary of Canada’s first national park, Banff National Park, a part of the Rocky Mountain UNESCO World Heritage Site. Banff National Park is one of 42 national parks in Canada, an exceptional and protected network of treasured natural and historic places. It’s also the birthplace of the world’s first national park service.
Until November 2010, special programs and events will celebrate this significant 125th anniversary. Discover unforgettable experiences to add to your history.
Enjoy hikes, family camping, horseback rides, climbs, cultural excursions, festivals, a national historic site visit, or strolls within the unique mountain communities of Banff and Lake Louise.
RE-OCCURING EVENTS
FRIDAYS THROUGH AUGUST
Mountain WIT poolside , 3pm to 5pm at the Banff Upper Hot Springs. You can soak in the scenery and enjoy some lively scenes about the natural and cultural history of Banff National Park. (Short vignettes every 20 minutes, FREE with your pool admission)
The Mountain WIT Variety Show! 7:30pm. Fridays at Banff Avenue Square. Bring your own marshmallows for this fireside program in the heart of downtown. All ages will enjoy the songs, stories and sketches about our World Heritage Site. A different show every week! (60 minutes, FREE)
SUN & TUES UNTIL AUGUST 31
8:00 pm Banff 125 Dream Big Interpretive Show Experience one of Parks Canada's award-winning live interpretive shows celebrating 125 years of National Parks. Location: Lake Louise Campground.
SELF-GUIDED
125 Hiking Challenge. For the 125 years of Banff National Park, the Grand Nature Club invites you to join the 125 hiking challenge. Hike 125 km of trails in any National Parks this summer with the Grand Nature Club and earn one of our prize packages and a certificate of completion. Go to www.grandnatureclub.com for more information.
JUNE
THURSDAY, JUNE 17 – SUNDAY, JUNE 20
Banff National Park Bike Fest features five challenging road races and two family-friendly events taking place throughout Banff and Lake Louise. Join us as over 400 road race participants compete in one of the most exciting and spectacular cycling events in Alberta.
SATURDAY, JUNE 19
4:30 – 5:00 pm Banff125 Cruiser Crit - Join us for a fun locals parade of bikes in celebration of Banff National Park’s 125 birthday! Wear a heritage costume or wear a hat and come out for this fun and entertaining event. Tandem bikes, low riders and unicycles are all welcome! You must be 16 years and older to participate.
5:00 – 5:30 pm Banff125 Birthday Cake - Come celebrate 125 years of national parks in Canada. Whether you are a local, or a visitor, connect with the history, nature, and culture of these special places. Join us for cake in Banff Avenue Square.
SUNDAY, JUNE 20
41st Annual Back to Banff Day and Grizzly! Opening Reception
Whyte Museum, Main Gallery, June 20, noon to 4 PM, FREE
Join us in celebration of this annual tradition. Catch up with old friends over tea and light refreshments. Enjoy heritage games, activities and the opening of the Grizzly! exhibition and the Bears, Bears, Bears art show and sale in the museum galleries and throughout the grounds. We've added a unique opportunity to view and purchase affordable original artworks – the Art on the Line Show and Sale – on the riverside lawn. This outdoor event features a variety of mediums including unframed paintings, drawings, small scale sculpture, and many other art forms by a variety of artists.
JULY
THURSDAY, JULY 1
Free admission to Banff National Park and all Parks Canada venues.
CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS IN LAKE LOUISE
Set against the glaciers of Banff National Park, Lake Louise is a spectacular place to be for Canada’s birthday.
Community Events
All day- Free pony rides at Timberline Tours
8:00 am - 10:00 am - Pancake Breakfast at the fire department
11:00 am - 11:00 pm - BBQ at the Rec Centre (all day)
11:00 am - 4:00 pm Kids carnival and artisan show at the Rec Centre
11:30 - Canada Day parade from Moraine Circle to the Rec Centre
Lunch - Canadiana-themed lunch at the Deer Lodge
12:00 - 4:00 pm - Interpretive Rove by Parks Canada
1:00 - 2:00 - Mountain WIT performances: Imagin-A-Nation at the Rec Centre
5:00 - Beer Gardens open at the Rec Centre
9:00 - Evening concert featuring Cronic
Canada Day at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
A flag raising ceremony by Parks Canada wardens will run from 9 am to 10 am on the shores of Lake Louise followed by canoe races at 9:15 am and a pancake breakfast at 10:00 am. All ages are welcome to participate in the races. For the first time this year, two 12 seat Voyageur canoes will also participate. To register as an individual or team please call (403) 522-1601. A portion of the registration fee will go to FCLL Grizzly Bear protection/research signature project.
Cost: $25.00 for canoe race and pancake breakfast.
11:30 am - noon - Annual Polar Bear Dip in Lake Louise
12:30 – BBQ garden
1:00 – Children’s play zone
1:00 – Band Performances
2:00 – Carriage rides
4:00 – Cake Cutting Ceremony
Celebrate BNP's 125th with TEA and a CHAT, 1 – 5 pm
Go back in time: come and have tea with a 'Local'; learn about Lake Louise's past and what to do while you're there from someone who actually lives in the hamlet. Price $10.00 Adults $5.00 Children for outside tea/cake on Canada Day July 1st only. Call 403.522.3791 for reservations or email teacottage@lakelouiseinn.com. Location: Lake Louise Inn 210 Village Road Lake Louise.
CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS IN BANFF
The Town of Banff in the middle of the majestic Canadian Rockies is the perfect place to celebrate Canada's birthday.
9 am – 10:30 am Hosted by Parks Canada as part of Banff National Park’s 125th birthday, staff and volunteers offer a pancake breakfast . After the breakfast, Canada Day festivities continue at Central Park downtown, starting at noon and ending with a fireworks finale at 11 pm. Location: Parks Administration Building, 101 Mountain Avenue.
11 am – 11 pm Entertainment starts back downtown at Central Park at the Louis Trono Gazebo and Stampede stages.
2 - 4 pm Spirit of the Land and People Opening Reception at the Whyte Museum. In the early 1980s, Parks Canada undertook a three-year program of archaeological research and mitigation in response to the twinning development of the Trans-Canada Highway. One of several prehistoric sites that were examined was the Vermilion Lake Site. Radiocarbon dating indicated that there has been human habitation in this area for over 10,000 years. Parks Canada’s role in this very important discovery will be featured in the exhibition, Spirit of the Land and People. In addition, the exhibition will honour Peter and Catharine Whyte’s relationship with First Nations people throughout their lives here. The museum’s collection will highlight the life of their close friend Chief Walking Buffalo, who through his work as a peace activist, created important bridges between cultures. From July 1 – October 10, 2010.
5 pm Canada Day Parade , Banff Avenue. Whether you are in the parade, watching from the sidelines, or helping as a volunteer, everyone has a great time.
FRIDAY TO SATURDAY, JULY 2 – JULY 3
July 2 CPR Heritage Train & Museum Car, 2 – 6 pm
Canadian Pacific brings the 2816 Empress Steam Train to Banff to celebrate the 125th birthday of Banff National Park and of the driving of the Last Spike. Explore our history with a tour of a vintage rail baggage car that has been transformed into a rolling museum. Bring your kids to enjoy rides on the Puffer Belly Express miniature steam engine. Location: Banff Train Station.
July 3 History Stinks at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, 9 – 6 pm
Discover the birthplace of Canada’s national parks at the sensational sensory setting of the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. Enjoy performances by Parks Canada’s award winning Mountain WIT theatre troop, take in a site tour with Parks Canada interpreters, or explore on your own.
Performance in the Park - Street Theatre, 12 noon - 6 pm
Banff will come alive with the theatrics and high energy antics of nine world-class street performers, face painters and balloon twisters who will be entertaining for free throughout the town. This is sure to be a crowd pleaser for the entire family! Performances approx. 45 minutes at each location.
Locations:
Banff Avenue Square
Bison Courtyard
Central Park
Banff Park Museum NHS Square (Banff Ave & Buffalo Street)
Masonic Hall Cascade #5 (grassed area Bear & Lynx Streets)
Performance in the Park – The Banff Music Festival, 4:30 – 9:30 pm
Cascade Gardens, located on the Parks Canada Administration Building grounds, will provide the ultimate outdoor backdrop to an all star line-up of Canadian artists from across the country including Matthew Barber, Hawksley Workman, and Spirit of the West. Presented in partnership with Parks Canada, Banff Lake Louise Tourism, and The Banff Centre.
CPR Heritage Train & Museum Car, 11 am – 3 pm
Canadian Pacific brings the 2816 Empress Steam Train to Banff to celebrate the 125th birthday of Parks and of the driving of the Last Spike. Explore our history with a tour of a vintage rail baggage car that has been transformed into a rolling museum. Bring your kids to enjoy rides on the Puffer Belly Express miniature steam engine. Location: Banff Train Station.
SUNDAY, JULY 4
History Stinks at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, 9 – 6 pm
Discover the Birthplace of Canada’s national parks at the sensational sensory setting of the Cave and Basin NHS. Enjoy performances by parks Canada’s award winning Mountain WIT theatre troop, take in a site tour with Parks Canada interpreters, or explore on your own.
SATURDAY, JULY 17
Free admission to Banff National Park and all Parks Canada venues.
PARKS DAY IN BANFF, 9:30 am – 9 pm
First celebrated in 1990, Canada’s Parks Day is an opportunity for Canadians to participate in one of hundreds of unique and fun events taking place in our national parks and historic sites from coast to coast to coast.
Visit Banff National Park in 2010 and get swept up in its birthday celebrations. Established 125 years ago, Canada’s first National park is toasting what we have all inherited as Canadians – 6,641 km2 of spectacular scenery, national historic sites and other cultural treasures. Together we as Canadians own this land and invite you to visit Banff National Park, introduce a young person or a new Canadian to Canada’s national parks to reveal a world of wilderness, conservation ideals and unique adventures.
All Day Volunteer Park ambassadors and citizen scientists will be out and about in the park, be sure to stop and chat with them and learn more about the flora, fauna and fun here in the park!
9:30 am – 12 noon Sulphur Mountain Stroll with Sanson: A hike up Sulphur Mountain with a Parks Canada guide. Sign up at the Information Centre to participate. Meet at the trailhead at the Upper Hot Springs Parking Lot at the top of Mountain Avenue, Banff, Alberta. Free.
10 am - 3 pm CPAWS Park Passport Super Challenge : Come and join the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society and celebrate Park’s Day in Banff National Park Saturday, July 17! CPAWS will host the Park Passport Super Challenge. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the park and have chances to win great prizes. Come by the CPAWS booth, get your park passport and have fun celebrating parks and wilderness. Participants will navigate their way to various stations in Banff and will complete activities and challenges in order to have their passport stamped. Take the challenge and celebrate Park’s Day with CPAWS! Banff Park Museum National Historic Site – corner of Buffalo Street and Banff Avenue.
11 am - 12:00 pm Explorer Program: Bring your family and explore the 125 things to do on Parks Day in Banff! Sign up at the Information Centre, Tunnel Mountain Campground or Banff Park Museum National Historic Site to participate. Banff Park Museum National Historic Site – corner of Buffalo Street and Banff Avenue, Banff, Alberta. Free.
11:30 am – 12 noon Who Wants to Discover Parks Canada? This is a trivia game were participants will have the opportunity to test their knowledge about national parks, national historic sites, national marine conservation areas, as well as careers with the Parks Canada Agency. The game is similar to the popular TV show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire . Friends, family, the audience and Parks Canada employees are lifelines in this version of the game. Banff Park Museum National Historic Site – corner of Buffalo Street and Banff Avenue, Banff, Alberta.
12:00 noon -1 pm Vermilion Lakes Walk: Stroll with the Friends of Banff, a non-profit organization, to the Vermilion Lakes -- Banff National Park's local oasis for birds and other animals. Meet in front of the Park Museum. Free.
12 noon – 1 pm Stoney Nakoda Nation Performance: Dance and sing along with performers from the Stoney Nakoda Nation. Location: Banff Avenue and Buffalo Street.
1 - 2 pm & 3 – 4 pm Mountain WIT: Family fun as you enjoy the antics of the Parks Canada theatre troop. On the Banff Park Museum National Historic Site grounds at the corner of Buffalo Street and Banff Avenue, Banff, Alberta. Free.
2 - 3 pm Explorer Program: Bring your family and explore the 125 things to do on Parks Day in Banff! Sign up at the Information Centre, Tunnel Mountain Campground or Banff Park Museum to participate. Corner of Buffalo Street and Banff Avenue. Free.
4 pm Two Jack Wish by Hear Here Productions: A multi-media and family friendly free outdoor event with music, dance, theatre and visual art. Carpooling recommended.
8 - 9 pm Campground Theatre Programs: Park interpreters will share stories about Canada’s first and most visited national Park. Location: Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court Indoor Theatre and Tent Village 1 Outdoor Theatre, Banff, Alberta. Free.
MONDAY, JULY 26
RCMP Musical Ride, 1 pm and 6 pm
One of Canada's most recognized icons, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Musical Ride, will be performing in Banff. The Musical Ride represents a colourful Canadian tradition. The troop of 32 horses and riders will perform a variety of cavalry drills choreographed to music. Working through a unique medium, they support the RCMP community policing efforts throughout Canada. Tickets ($15.00) are available at the Banff Centre box office, Ticketmaster or 403-762-6301. Location: Banff High School Grounds, 330 Banff Avenue.
AUGUST
FRIDAY TO SUNDAY, AUGUST 6-8
Banff Culture Weekend
After more than a century, Banff National Park continues to be a place of inspiration for artists, painters, photographers and sculptors. Our long-standing connection with arts and culture is highlighted at the fourth annual Banff Culture Weekend. The event provides locals and visitors with the opportunity to visit the area's most interesting historic and cultural attractions. In celebration of Banff125, Parks Canada will be opening its doors to the Banff Administration Building with a guided tour through this historic building.
Friday, at dusk Cinema Unders the Stars. Celebrate the popularity of Canada’s Rocky Mountains as a destination for film making. As for the movie being shown? That is a surprise- but we promise that it has lots of action and adventure, and was filmed in and around the Bow Valley. Bring your blanket and lawn chair to Central Park and enjoy the spectacular outdoor venue.
Saturday, all day Banff Culture Walk. Explore the cultural side of Banff as 16 art galleries, museums and historic sites come alive with events celebrating Banff's culture and heritage. The menu of activities includes live entertainment, artists’ demonstrations, book signings, and interpretive tours.
Saturday, 10 am to noon Nakoda Family Camp Youth Event . Featuring traditional foot races, three legged race. Location: Banff Avenue east across from The Banff Rocky Mountain Resort.
Saturday, 1 – 2 pm Nakoda Family Camp White Grass Race. Traditional First Nations’ games and activities for all ages, anyone can win! Location: Banff Avenue east across from The Banff Rocky Mountain Resort.
Saturday, 7 pm Nancy Townshend’s 125 Years of Art.
Join art historian Nancy Townshend for a free public presentation on "125 Years of Art in and just outside of Banff National Park" from David Thompson, CPR artists, Alberta's A.C. Leighton, Walter Phillips, Jimmy Simpson, Byron Harmon, Peter and Catharine Whyte to Lawren Harris, J.E.H. MacDonald, contemporary artists Jin-me Yoon, Dulcie Foo Fat,Craig Richards, Michael Cameron, and Jan Kabatoff.
Location: Banff Park Museum National Historic Site of Canada - Discovery Room. Free.
Saturday, 7:30 pm Nakoda Family Camp Mini Pow Wow And Elder Storytelling Banff Avenue east across from The Banff Rocky Mountain Resort.
Sunday, 1 – 4 pm Doors Open Banff. Join in this year’s celebration of some of Banff’s most architecturally, historically, socially, culturally, and environmentally significant buildings.
For more information, visit www.banffculturewalk.com.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 12
CPR Heritage Train & Museum Car, Lake Louise Train Station, 12 – 5 pm
Canadian Pacific brings the 2816 Empress Steam Train to Lake Louise to celebrate the 125th birthday of Parks and of the driving of the Last Spike. Explore our history with a tour of a vintage rail baggage car that has been transformed into a rolling museum. Location: Lake Louise Train Station on Sentinel Road.
MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 4:30 pm
Quartet in the Community: The Calliope Quartet
The Calliope Quartet is on a mission to take chamber music out of the concert hall and introduce it to new audiences in unexpected locations. Enjoy this one hour performance featuring the young talent of Julia Sophia Bellingrath, Timothy Kantor, Cynthia Black and Schuyler Slack. In celebration of Banff’s 125th birthday, the quartet will be set against the historic Parks Administration Building.
FRIDAY to SUNDAY, AUGUST 27 - 29
Great Canadian Campout
We encourage all families and friends to visit any one of the 1,500 campsites located in Banff and Lake Louise. Look for live interpretative programs and fireside chats throughout the campgrounds and join an award-winning science journalist Peter McMahon at Tunnel Mountain Campground for two riveting sessions on wilderness astronomy. These evening sessions will focus on Canada’s all-star stories – from superasteroids to where our solar system will be a century from now. A chance to use his high-powered scopes and uber-cool gadgets are part of this free tour of the night sky – for campers and non-campers.
Saturday, August 28, Wilderness Astronomy, 9:30pm
Sunday, August 29, My Space Tourism for Kids 9-99, 8:30pm
Each talk is approximately 30-40 minutes with a questions & answer period and stargazing demo.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 1:00 pm
Quartet in the Community: The Calliope Quartet
The Calliope Quartet is on a mission to take chamber music out of the concert hall and introduce it to new audiences in unexpected locations. Enjoy this one hour performance featuring the young talent of Julia Sophia Bellingrath, Timothy Kantor, Cynthia Black and Schuyler Slack. In celebration of Banff’s 125th birthday, the quartet will be set against the historic Banff Park Museum.
SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER 3 – 30
Lake Louise Fall Festival
This new festival premiers during Banff’s 125th anniversary celebration. Unique to its natural environment, the Lake Louise Fall Festival highlights its outdoor heritage. The line-up includes:
Come celebrate the 125th anniversary of Canada’s first national park as we highlight five of our best Fall hikes for visitors. For your Parks Canada self-guided map and Banff125 Top Trails Guide visit the Parks Canada Information Centre.
Participate in Guided hikes from 1 hour to a full day that are available at several locations around Lake Louise from Sept 1 - 30. If you would rather just discover on your own on a self guided hike might be the answer. Whether you are looking for the elevation advantage of a gondola or a small personalized experience, hiking is the original way to immerse yourself in autumn.
Parks Canada is offering entertaining interpretive programs by specialists with a variety of topics such as wildlife management, grizzly bears, and 125 years of National Parks. Visit the Parks Canada Visitor Information Centre for more information.
After its grand opening reception on Sept 3, the Swiss Guides - Shaping Mountain Culture in Western Canada - will captivate and enthrall visitors to Lake Louise from Sept 4 - 26.
Climb aboard a trusty steed and Trail Ride amongst the larches. From Sept 1 – 30 select a short foray or a full day trip and experience authentic mountain travel with a Fall twist.
Find new ways to discover the mountains at this special time of year with cultural events featuring the unique art, literature and photography of the Lake Louise area.
Indulge in a variety of Chef prepared, fresh, local Fall seasonal fare presented to reward the insatiable appetite generated by the mountain air of Lake Louise. Selected dining experiences available from Sept 1 – 30 at several fine locations.
From Sept 1- 30 enjoy the serenity of self guided hiking with a special Fall reward of visiting two high elevation Tea Houses and experience a bygone age of alpine refinement.
Find new ways to step into the golden mountain landscape by propelling a canoe across a pristine lake or joining a guided bike ride along the Great Divide.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
Retro Swim Event Banff Upper Hot Springs, 10 am to 4 pm
Dress up in a vintage swim suit or retro swim cap and pose for the camera for a souvenir photo of the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Our on-site photographer will capture a great image of you and your clan. Historic rental swim suits (circa 1920s) and funny retro swim caps (free) available on site.
SEPTEMBER 17 – 19, 8:00am - 11:00pm
Mountain Galleries Presents: Embracing the Park
“Embracing the Park”, and exhibition that spans eight decades of Canadian Landscape painters will include work by- Bill Duma, Mel Heath, Jerry Heine, Brent Laycock, Rod Prouse, Tim Schumm, Gail Johnson and Jim Vest. The work featured will celebrate the grandeur and beauty of Banff National Park. Location: The Fairmont Banff Springs – 405 Spray Avenue.
OCTOBER
OCTOBER 30 – NOVEMBER 7
Banff Mountain Festival
The Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival feature the world's best mountain films, books, and speakers. You can experience the adventure of climbing, mountain expeditions, remote cultures, and the world's last great wild places. This year, in celebration of Banff National Park's 125th birthday, we will also screen videos produced by young Canadians
from across the country about the wonder and beauty of Canada's 42 national parks.
NOVEMBER
Banff 125 Closing Ceremonies
Celebrate the closing of the Banff 125 birthday events and the kick off for the 2011 celebration of the 100th birthday of the creation of the first national park service in the world. Date: TBA
PARKS CANADA NATIONAL PROGRAMS
Canada’s Greatest Summer Job – A team of college and university student
videographers were selected to work in Parks Canada’s 32 field units. These student employees are shooting videos as only they see Parks Canada. Orientation sessions, workshops, travelling opportunities and awards are part of this unique opportunity.
“My Parks Pass” Program - A partnering initiative with Nature Canada and The Historica-Dominion Institute, that will allow over 400,000 Grade eight students to enter Parks Canada administered national parks and national historic sites for free for 12 months.
