Enjoy a bag of Roasted chestnuts in Banff Avenue Square for $5 per bag

Cave and Basin Discovery Camp: Get a taste of what camp life was like for the crew that built the Canadian Pacific Railway through the bow valley in 1883, roast bannock over the fire and take pictures with dressed up interpreters. (Free) 12-4pm Banff Park Museum

Downtown Ice Climbing wall:  Banff Ave square, Activity is free 12 P.M – 6 P.M.

Lake Louise walking tour:  Learn the History of the Fairmont, Deer Lodge and lake Louise for free! 12:30- 1:15pm

Culture Crawl: Experience Banff’s rich art Culture and History with warm beverages, hors D’oeuvres , while marveling fine art work at a series of galleries. Canada House gallery, Willock & Sax Gallery, Whyte museum, and Mountain Galleries at the Fairmont. Activity is Free. From 5 P.M. to 7 P.M.

Cross Country Skiing:

 Spray River Loop: 12.5 km loop, 200m elevation gain, Moderate trail.

Cascade Valley: Groomed trail, 14km one way, Easy trail.

Sundance: 3.7 km one way, elevation gain 30m, Easy trail.

For more trails please see link below.

http://www.banfflakelouise.com/Cross-Country-Ski/

Ski Hills:

Mnt. Norquay: 5 lifts open and 38 runs open

Sunshine Village:12 lifts open and 109 runs open

Lake Louise: 10 lifts open and 138 runs open

Let’s face it. It’s Christmas time!

What better way to kick off this holiday season than with Christmas in the Rockies hosted  in Banff.  On Saturday December 1, enjoy a variety of events catered to the young and young at heart.

Start your celebrations in the Cascade Plaza at Festive Fun with Santa –  a kid-friendly array of fun-filled activities, such as Christmas craft making, face painting and photos with Santa. Also enjoy the sweet songs of the Castle Carollers and wagon rides along Banff Avenue.

Watch as an ice sculptor turns blocks of ice into winter artwork. Try and take a guess of out which furry friends will be carved out of ice this year, and if you’re feeling inspired, check out the “little chippers” ice carving stations. Create your own ice sculpture to take home for the holidays or leave one behind at the courtyard for others to enjoy!

For those who are looking to exercise their way into the holiday spirit, warm up with “Elfercise”, led by Santas very own dancing elf. Or find warm drinks, a delicious meal, and unique gifts in one of the great establishments in the courtyard!

Topping the festivities off,  watch the magic and glow of the Santa Claus Parade of Lights amidst the excited spectators on Banff Avenue or over a glass of hot chocolate from the comfort of a street-front restaurant.

Relax after a long day of events in front of a fire and remember that “T’is the season to drink and be merry.”  Hot chocolate of course!

Be sure to visit www.banfflakelouise.com to learn more about all the exciting events happening this year!