Relaxing

Hiking | Fly Fishing | Charter Fishing | Fairmont Banff Springs Golf | Bowling | Tennis

Hiking

Hiking is one of the most popular activities for people visiting the National Parks and a great way to enjoy the spectacular scenery and fresh mountain air. There are many trails suitable for all levels of fitness and ages.

So with so many options available we suggest two ways of finding out more information.

Read up before you arrive by purchasing any number of great books or guides - some that we could suggest are "Walks and Easy Hikes in the Canadian Rockies" and "Classic Hikes in the Canadian Rockies", both by Graeme Pole and "Don't waste your time in the Canadian Rockies: An opinionated hiking guide to help you get the most from this magnificent wilderness", by Kathy Copeland. You can order these through, The Friends of Banff National Park which is a non-profit organization, committed to increasing awareness and appreciation of the natural and cultural heritage of Banff National Park. They also run a great store that has every park map and guide book imaginable.

We would also highly recommend a visit to the Parks Canada Info Centres in Banff, Lake Louise, once your arrive. Parks Canada staff can help match your required length of walk, elevation gain, scenery and accessibility as well as provide you with latest conditions, animal sightings and any closures.

Sunshine Vistas

One spectacular area, that you shouldn't miss is Sunshine Meadows. It's a stunning alpine meadow filled with unobstructed views of lakes, brilliant summer flowers, autumn larches and wildlife.

As the number of daily visitors to Sunshine Meadows is limited by the number of passengers allowed on the shuttle via a private access road, you do need to make reservations.

Walk the flower filled trails of the Sunshine Meadows as they wind their way past waterfalls and lakes. With a professional interpretive guide you'll learn all about this fascinating world above treeline!

Departs Banff Daily: 9.00am

Distance: 12 km.
Difficulty: Easy

Suitable for: Everyone - especially families wanting to experience the high alpine without exhausting elevated hiking to get there.

4-6 Hours Guided Hikes

Join Discover Banff hiking guides on a full day tour that includes 4-6 hours of hiking time. Share the passion for the mountains with local guides on the classic hikes of the Banff and Lake Louise area. Guests must have sturdy footwear and dress in layers in case of weather changes.

Includes:
- Certified Hiking Guide
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Use of hiking poles
- Use of binoculars
- Deluxe packed lunch

Departs Banff Daily: 9:00am
Duration: 7 Hrs +/-

Fly Fishing

Big Jim Dykstra is committed to custom angling excellence by guiding high end walk and wade fly fishing and lure fishing adventures on the Bow River.

Everything is included to make your getaway as peaceful and relaxing as possible. Transportation, fine food and drink, top notch fishing gear, Alberta fishing licenses, hip waders and a wise guide are all included.

Catch and release stretch of the Bow River features world class angling for rainbows, rockies, speckled, cutthroat, and brown trout.

Big Jim is the chief guide, fly maker and rod builder - has many years of continuous guiding experience with a passion for dry fly fishing. From parachutes to stoneflies to clausers and rapalas, the pesonally caddied arsenal of twelve Loomis fly rods are sure to make your day of fishing a memorable event.

The company's "no skunk policy" guarantees that clients hook fish or they just don't pay.

Flexible morning pick up time, returning to your hotel when you're done fishing.

Charter Fishing

Many people visit Canada's National Parks from around the world. When they see the clean clear emerald blue waters of our mountain parks they just have to try their hand at fishing.

Lake Minnewanka is the most popular fishing spot in Banff National Park and is virtually a fisherman's paradise. Lake Minnewanka Boat Tours operate four 22 foot cabin cruisers that are fully equipped with everything you require, including: rods, reels, tackle and the most modern electronic and sonar equipment to help locate fish.

Boats are also complete with safety equipment, plus two-way radio contact with the dock office for your comfort while on your expedition. The boats can be completely enclosed and are heated for your complete comfort - never worry about the weather. Trips are based on three and a half hours and all include a fully qualified and licensed guide.

Fairmont Banff Springs Golf

With so many distractions, you may find it difficult to keep your head down...

The ball sits gingerly on the tee, you waggle the club head as you prepare for your back swing. You raise your head and take a final glance at the target. But instead of eyeing a landing spot mid-fairway, you gaze upon a mountain that seems to rise right out of the distant green. Alas, it's just one of the many hazards, other than sand and water, of playing a round on one of the magnificent golf courses of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.

Renowned for reflecting the natural grandeur of their locales, our courses have been designed specifically with nature in mind. Whether a hole hugs a shoreline creating a tricky approach shot, or climbs the side of a mountain to a daring green, you will discover layouts that intrigue your senses and challenge your game. Indeed you may also discover some shots that you didn't know were in your repertoire.

Whether firing off the tee in Acapulco or lining up a putt on a green built upon an ancient shell midden on Passamaquoddy Bay, our courses will instill golf memories that will stay with you long after you've checked out. It is a collection of golf courses unlike any other in the hemisphere and we're proud they are part of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.

Bowling

Whether you're a seasoned bowler or you are looking for a different way to have some fun, we offer everything you need to have a great time on-site:

• Canadian 5 Pin Bowling
• Four lanes
• Neon Blacklight Bowling
• ProScore Plus automatic computer scoring
• Group functions
• Fun Bowls (fun competitions)
• Youth bowling programs (ages 3 years to 18 years)
• Adult league bowling
• Meeting area
• Licensed lounge
• Music and light snacks
• Darts and games room

Tennis

Discover the perfect match to your game. Five supreme turf courts are available at The Fairmont Banff Springs or learn the game from the tennis pro. Equipment is available for use. Reservations can be made on the hour, throughout the day. The tennis courts are open from mid-May until early October. Tennis apparel is preferred along with light-colored soled tennis shoes.