The Real Banff Blog

I was lucky this week, in that I got a behind the scenes look at the dance residence program at The Banff Centre. The dancers I spoke with came from all over North America for 5 weeks to study and come together as a company in what they call "a unique place to study". They are dancing in a few different productions during the Banff Summer Arts Festival and each dancer had nothing but praise for the experience they've had so far. When asked what they would recommend people do while in Banff National Park... 'visit the lakes' was what they said.

Summer is half over & I feel like I haven't taken full advantage of it yet. I've definitely had more then my fair share of picnics, but the real summer adventures will have to start now if I want to fit everything in!

The Banff Lake Louise Tourism dragon boat team is in full training for the Banff National Park Dragon Boat Festival on August 15-16. We were out on the water last night, working on our paddling techniques & race starts, trying desperately to intimidate the other team out practicing with our finesse and power. Currently there are 21 teams entered into the festival... 11 of which are local teams, & if last year was anything of an indicator for what we have to look forward to, this year will host some intense local team rivalries!

If you are interested in coming out for any of the events taking place during the rest of the summer in Banff National Park, don't forget to visit our Special Offers page.

I was hanging out Saturday afternoon thinking about getting ready for the outdoor concert I was going to check out as part of the Banff Summer Arts Festival, when the sound of a didgeridoo started floating across the valley. The show I was going to see was Xavier Rudd & all of a sudden I couldn't sit still any longer... I had to get ready and get up to the Banff Centre NOW!

Sitting on the grass with the mountains as a backdrop to the stage made me giddy. The Banff Centre brings in music, shows & art that should be seen in the Rockies, that belong here, that encompass the feelings inspired by the mountains. Even the night's performer felt this while he was singing "Do you feel it on the mountains... Do you feel it in Banff Alberta"

Banff National Park has it all... a world class cultural venue in a small town setting surrounded by large national park wilderness... no wonder they call us The World's Finest National Park! So if you're looking for adventure, culture, relaxation, a mouth watering meal or a shopping spree with friends then stop on by... we've got something for everyone... including special offers.

While taking in the awe of the valley's and mountains in the Lake Louise area from top of the Lake Louise Gondola I met this wonderful couple from Arizona... they are professional RV'ers. By that I mean they told me they've been RV travelling for 10 years now, and Banff National Park just took 1st place for their all time favourite RV trip!

Speaking with them made feel so incredibly lucky to call Banff National Park home.

This weekend I'll be up at the Banff Centre taking in some of the Banff Summer Arts Festival ... this is written on the Festivals front page thru the link provided... I think it's so wonderful I'm putting it here:

"Picture this. You are driving west. The sky is blue and the mountains are in front of you. The city is far behind. Exit where the green sign says Banff. Roll down the window. A blast of mountain air says — this is going to be fun. You are driving along Banff Avenue. The leaves sparkle in the sun. You turn left at the high school field and head for The Banff Centre. Oh, by the way — in this small town, the parking is still free."

Enjoy the video, hopefully this couple inspires you to visit The World's Finest National Park!

I am really excited for November!

Why? Well for starters the Banff Mountain Film & Book festivals are in town showcasing "The World's Best Mountain Films & Stories" from November 1-9.

The 33rd annual film fest hosts feature length films (which in the past have been March of the Penguins, Into the Wild and Being Caribou), short film screenings and a group of films titled Radical Reels which is everything faster, steeper, higher and deeper! Sunday November 9 the festivities are concluded with the awarding of the Summit of Excellence award and the Best of the Festival winner.

The 15th annual book fest brings in authors of mountain and adventure travel stories with Sid Marty opening the festival and over 10 adventurous authors reading from their works of mountaineering, climbing, Ethiopia, Everest, and ecological issues.

Along with both festivals there is a wide array of other activities such as an art & craft sale, book fair, workshops on photography, writing and film making, be sure to also stop by the trade show which will help you in planning for your own mountain adventures!

Can't make it to Banff... let the festival come to you... check out the World Tour schedule!

For a full schedule of events, info about volunteering & workshops visit Banff Mountain Festivals

Also, I'd like to add a friendly reminder that our ski resorts are scheduled to open on the final weekend of the Festival. A perfect chance to experience a little adventure for yourself while enjoying the Festivals.

In 1933 The Banff Centre began as the "Banff School of Drama". During the dirty 30's a.k.a. the Great Depression, they still had 190 students enrolled in the 2 week drama course and ever since then the Banff Centre hasn't looked back.

A whole array of artists and activists have passed through the doors of the Banff Centre... including Devin and Nate Sturdy's father who was in the photography program during the 70's. Oscar Peterson & Phil Nimmons set up the Jazz program, Agness DeMille and Aaron Copland took part in the Banff Festival of the Arts, W.O. Mitchell received the first annual Banff Centre School of Fine Arts Award in 1980, David Suzuki visited for a resource conference and Sir Edmund Hillary launched the Banff Mountain Summit... just to name a few!

Throughout this year the Banff Centre will celebrate its 75th anniversary with creative performances and programs, and launch new initiatives and partnerships, such as commission a new Canadian play.

The Banff Centre showcases the Canadian Rockies to the world, while bringing world cultures to Banff... join them for a show this year, sign up for a program, or simply enjoy the view and a meal at the new restaurant.