Anticipated Adventures

Dog Sledding

How often is it that you get to explore the wilderness escorted on a dog pulled sled? We have chosen Snowy Owl Tours because of their high ratings and their commitment to humane and exceptional treatment of their four legged employees. When we arrive we will take an informational class so that we know how to drive the sleds and get a safety rundown. Not only will we get to see some of the most scenic views, we will stop and have a snack with the dogs before making our way back down the mountain. We cannot wait to meet our new furry friends!

Ice Climbing

Why would you not want to try something that you could not try anywhere else? That includes climbing up frozen waterfalls! On Tuesday, some of us will be testing our ability to not fall off ice, fun right?! We chose to go through Yamnuska Mountain Adventures due to their proximity to Banff and their abundant climbing routes for all different skill levels. The adventure will start at 7:30 AM and will involve a quick hike to some prime ice climbing territory. We will get a taste for this extreme sport that many have described as their highlight of visiting Banff National Park. Everyone get excited for a day of crampons, ice picks, and a once in a lifetime experience!

Ice Skating on Lake Louise

Located at the stunning Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is the World’s Best Skating Rink -- according to Huffington Post and CNN, anyways! Surrounded by the massive Victoria Glacier and snow covered Rocky Mountains, frozen Lake Louise is the perfect ice skating setting. Make sure to take a second and look up, if we’re there after the sun sets, you’ll be able to see an awe-inspiring star-filled sky. If the night air is a bit much, there is always a campfire by the Guide’s Cabin. Be sure to check out this video to see some ice skaters in action! https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qtjorh1a6eE

Caving

The Canmore Cave Explorer Tour, which some of us will be taking on Tuesday, consists of a 30-40 minute hike and 2.5 hours underground in Rat’s Nest Cave. We’ll get to see prehistoric bones, ancient cave formations, and possibly the Bushy-tailed Wood Rat (much cuter than they sound!) that the cave is named after. Although there are some squeezes, they are optional! The company will provide all necessary equipment, a backpack, and even a snack and reuseable water bottle for you to keep. The only items you should provide are good footwear, warm clothing, and a camera! For this tour, hiking boots, sturdy running shoes, or winter boots will work perfectly. The caves themselves are about 5 degrees celsius so be sure to layer up. Please do not bring a personal bag as they are not allowed in the cave. It should make for an exciting excursion!  

Snowmobile Excursion

As if dog sledding wasn’t enough adventure for us, we will also be taking an all day snowmobiling excursion with Toby Creek Adventures. Zooming through the Canadian Rockies, we will get a truly once in a experience. With a BBQ lunch and snacks along the way, Toby Creek Adventures will make sure our day is unforgettable.

Snowshoeing

What better way to explore the beautiful Banff, Canada then by snowshoeing! Take a break from those dangerous, silly skinny skis on a steep mountain, and relax by hiking through dreadfully flat but similarly beautiful scenery. Truly enjoy the quiet bliss of snowfall of the outdoors by exploring via snowshoe. The air is fresh and crisp and the snow-blanketed landscape is so beautiful and quiet. Snowshoeing is the perfect winter activity because it’s easy to learn, inexpensive, and can be enjoyed by people of all ages, fitness levels, and experience.