Just west of Calgary, Alberta sits the rolling foothills and crags and canyons of the front ranges of the Rocky Mountains in Kananaskis Country. The area is a rural municipal district that encompasses a total area of 4,211 sq km (1,625.9 sq mi). It was set aside in the 1970s by the premier of the province Peter Lougheed as an outdoor destination Canadians could enjoy for generations. It attracts thousands of visitors per year who are mainly drawn to the area's countless outdoor exploits offered by diverse and wildly rugged terrain. (continue...)
Resting high in the Rockies and surrounded by natural hot springs, snowcapped peaks and evergreen glades is the beautiful town of Banff, Alberta located 135 km (85 mi) west of Calgary in the Banff National Park. Just off the Trans-Canada Highway along the Bow River, Banff has a total area of only 4.5 square km (1.7 square mi). For those considering a stay in Banff, there are countless accommodation options. Banff offers scores of hotels, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds and hostels. Making sense of all these options can be somewhat overwhelming. (continue...)
A lush picturesque landscape, rolling foothills, the mighty snow-capped peaks of the Rockies and a diverse wildlife population are just a few of the reasons why people flock to the Radium area. The main attraction, however, is the naturally occurring hot springs in the area. The hot springs complex itself has two main pools, one of them sitting at a refreshing 29° C (103° F) and the other more suitable for soaking at 39° C (114° F). Sinclair Canyon marks the entrance to the area and welcomes visitors when they pass through the narrows of its faults and crags. Radium also offers multiple world-class golf courses and close access to Lake Windermere. (continue...)
One of the most important parts to planning a successful trip to the Alberta Rockies is finding the right place to stay. With so many places in the area to choose from, it's not an easy thing to do. Also, depending on the time of year you plan to visit the area, many places may be completely booked upon arrival, leaving you with limited options if any at all.In the information below, The WorldWeb Travel Guide™ offers tips and detailed information on a large and varied selection of places to stay in the Rocky Mountains including the areas of Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore and Kananaskis Country. (continue...)
Jasper, and the national park of the same name, is a mountain paradise in the Alberta Rockies. It is quieter and has a lower profile than Banff - its neighbour
to the south, but it is equally spectacular. Jasper appeals to those who like a totally natural experience and enjoy getting away from the crowds of larger resorts. That is not to say that Jasper is lacking in facilities. Jasper has many good restaurants and a lively, albeit informal entertainment scene. The
accommodations in this area include luxury world class resorts, back country
lodges, fine hotels, reasonably-priced motels of a high standard, and an outstanding
selection of bed and breakfast accommodations. (continue...)
Originally drawing settlers in with the lure of mountains rich in galena, zinc, silver and other minerals, Kimberley took its name in hopes that the area's natural deposits would be as rewarding as the diamond mines of South Africa's Kimberly. However, in 1972, this newer, less profitable Kimberley recognized that these recourses would one day be depleted (continue...)
As well as being noted for its world-class resort hotels, the Canadian Rockies
(covering part of Alberta and British Columbia also
is famous for another type of accommodation - the backcountry lodge. For many
people their image of the ideal Canadian Rockies vacation includes rustic lodges
with accommodations in log-constructed cabins. Indeed the Canadian Rockies does
have a great range of cabin style accommodations. These range from very basic
to very elaborate - and everything in between. However the real qualification
for a backcountry adventure lodge is a remote location amongst awesome scenery,
the close proximity and availability of some type of wilderness adventure experience,
and, no matter how luxurious, a casual ambience. (continue...)
Some of Canada's most unique features are the majestic hotels that were built across the country from the late 1800s well into the 20th Century. The two main railways, the Canadian Pacific and the Canadian National (and its predecessors) built many of these. For their time they were miracles of construction and engineering, and attracted worldwide attention and admiration. They have become something that is associated with Canada and are a part of the national heritage and identity. Hotels of similar design were built in other places, and many of these are also among the world's 'Grand Hotels.' (continue...)
Canmore is a small town completely surrounded by mountains. Located just west of Calgary and east of Banff National Park, Canmore is situated in Alberta's Bow Valley in the northwest corner of Kananaskis Country. The town is all about location. It is the optimum base camp for those looking to (continue...)
Ideally situated at the crossroads of six national parks, Golden is a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast. Located just off the Trans-Canada Highway, this easily accessible town is a resting place for tourists wanting to explore any or all of these protected lands including (continue...)
Once small, rural communities, Invermere and Windermere are now known as lakeside resort towns that are quickly becoming top, year-round destinations. While still small towns, the Invermere-Windermere area offers all the amenities found in many big cities without compromising that unique community feel. Friendly and welcoming, visitors to the area will discover (continue...)
Lake Louise is among the top destination choices for tourists in Alberta. With clean fresh air, boundless acres of glorious mountain scenery and nature's most breathtaking terrain readily available, it's easy to see why. In addition to what Mother Nature has to offer, Lake Louise also boasts some of the trendiest cafes, spas and shopping villas around. Guests will find both repose and recreation in the legendary hills of Lake Louise, exploring the rich culture and experiencing first hand what it feels like to be surrounded by true beauty. (continue...)
Immersed in sunshine and covered with lakes, the Shuswap region is a water lover's paradise and a popular year-round destination. Referring to the area surrounding Shuswap Lake, located north of British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, the Shuswap region boasts over 1,000 km (621 mi) of coastline and 324 sq. km (125 sq. mi) of water to explore. (continue...)
For decades Fernie languished contentedly in the shadow of more glamorous mountain towns such as Banff and Lake Louise. Those days are now gone. The town and surrounding area have emerged as a world class destination in its own right, with accommodation to match. (continue...)
The little village of Valemount is a community steeped in fur-trader and railway history. Dating back to the arrival of European traders in 1805, this community has experienced the arrival of the Overlanders, a group of adventurers who were seeking the fortune of gold, two great railroads and the creation of a Canadian Pacific Railway station in 1914. Since those railway days, Valemount has (continue...)
A trip to Waterton
Lakes National Park can be many things. Some may be looking for an upscale
retreat at a classy hotel in the heart of the Village and a chance to partake
in fine dining at cultured restaurants,
to relax with an aromatic coffee at an intimate cafe
and to browse leisurely through elegant boutiques and quaint shops,
all the while taking in the pristine surroundings. A diverse ecology not found
anywhere else in Canada, the park encompasses the warmest area of Alberta, and
protects a rare chain of clear lakes created by melting glaciers from high atop
the Rocky Mountains. (continue...)
