Banff Lake Louise News

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.