Author: mazda

  • Home
  • Author: mazda
  • Page 2

Banff Gondola, Banff National Park

An Unparalleled Mountaintop Destination!

Soar to the top of Sulphur Mountain to experience a stunning bird’s-eye view of six incredible mountain ranges. With breath-taking vistas in every direction, you’ll understand why this is a Canadian Rockies must-see destination.
Your adventure begins with an eight-minute journey to the summit of Sulphur Mountain in a modern, fully enclosed four-passenger gondola cabin. Glide up over the treetops to the crest of a steep-sided Rocky Mountain peak and step out into a jaw-dropping mountaintop experience at an elevation of 2,281metres. Stroll along the ridgetop boardwalk where the views get better with every step. Then warm up in the newly transformed, state-of-the-art summit facility. With new restaurants, interactive interpretive exhibits, a multi-sensory theatre and a breathtaking 360-degree rooftop observation deck, the new Banff Gondola summit heightens every sense.

SULPHUR MOUNTAIN BOARDWALK
Several scenic hiking trails lead away from the summit complex. One of the most popular is the self-guided interpretive Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak on which you can follow in the footsteps of Norman Sanson, who walked to the top of the mountain about every week for 30 years to check the weather. At the peak, step back in time and experience the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station – a National Historic Site of Canada. More adventurous hikers will want to try the South East Ridge Trail – a hiking trail that runs along the ridge of the mountain to the south, taking you to Sulphur Mountain’s true summit.

JUNIOR EXPLORER PROGRAM
The Junior Explorer Program at the Banff Gondola invites parents and children to dig deeper into the world around us with self-guided activities and adventures.

ABOVE BANFF INTERPRETIVE CENTRE
The new, state-of-the-art Above Banff interpretive centre takes the unbelievable range of adventures in Banff National Park to a higher level. The centre offers everything from observation to hands-on interactive displays that make for a fun, family-friendly experience.

ABOVE BANFF THEATRE
Included in your gondola ticket is admission to the new multi-sensory Above Banff Theatre. Soar over the Canadian Rockies from the perspective of a fierce bird of prey: the bald eagle. Experience the true power of Mother Nature as you witness some of Banff’s ever-changing weather systems.

WILDLIFE
You can encounter the local wildlife including Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, Golden-mantled ground squirrels, Hoary marmots, Clark’s nutcracker and the Canada (Gray) jay. But please remember that although these animals are for the most part friendly, they are wild and can be dangerous. Please do not feed or approach the wildlife; admire them from a safe distance and help us keep them safe and wild.

BANFF GONDOLA ACCESSIBILITY
The Banff Gondola is fully accessible to people with limited mobility. The main entrance is equipped with automatic doors with interior and exterior sensors. Each of the gondola cars is capable of taking a wheelchair and passenger to the summit.

Niagara Falls Helicopter Ride

Fly for the ride of a lifetime!

Experience Niagara’s Premier Year-Round Aerial Attraction
From the sensation of lift-off, to the excitement of soaring above the turbulent rapids and cascading waterfalls, your Niagara Helicopters ride is a unique and spectacular experience. Your all-scenic flight gives you a thrilling view of Niagara’s natural and man-made wonders.
The air circulated, customized and meticulously maintained helicopters feature individual headsets with taped commentary. Landscaped grounds include picnic facilities, snack bar, and gift shop for film and quality souvenirs. Your photos will bring back wonderful memories so be sure to bring your camera. Flights depart daily, 9 am until sunset, weather permitting.

For the thrill of a lifetime!
The helicopter sightseeing tour flies over Niagara Falls for individuals and groups. An exciting combination of terrific scenery and the thrill of a helicopter ride. Certificate of Flight is provided for all passengers. Duration of ride: 12 minutes (including boarding & picture-taking).

Hours of Operation
Open daily year-round 9 am until sunset, weather permitting.

Onsite Facilities

  • Free parking with plenty of room.
  • Lovely Gift Shop featuring exclusive Niagara Helicopters collectables.
  • Café/Bar for hot and cold beverages and snacks.
  • Photography Lab providing personalized, high-quality photos of you and your loved ones.
  • Picnic and observation area is open to the public.

Specialty Charter Service

  • For a truly unique experience, Niagara Helicopters offers a variety of specialty flights and Niagara and Toronto charter services.
  • You can be whisked away for a romantic private tour, say “I do” over the Falls for a unique wedding, take a half or full day “Man-cation” for a heli-fishing adventure or arrive in style at your favorite golf courses. The exclusive Niagara tours will leave lasting impressions on your family, friends and clients.
  • Now they offer executive pick-up and drop-off services at Toronto Island Airport and Toronto Polson Pier Airport in downtown Toronto, as well as Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Experience the “De-Vine”!
The age-old beauty and majesty of Niagara Falls and state-of-the-art technology converge with a Niagara Helicopters Limited flightseeing tour. As the helicopter lifts off from the helipad, the view of the Niagara River and parklands is nothing short of amazing. In the distance, a thin swirling mist rises above your ultimate destination – The Canadian Horseshoe Falls. The view is not available anywhere else on Earth! But it isn’t over yet!! Enjoy the sights of the Niagara Region en-route to one of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s stunning wineries.

Once you arrive, enjoy a private Tour and Tasting! You will be taken on a private tour of the winery followed by an educational tasting presentation.
Your vineyard table awaits!

Banff Upper Hot Springs

World famous Banff Upper Hot Springs

It’s magical to sit in the pools in the wintertime, watching snow fall on the surrounding peaks. Sunrise and sunset at any time of the year is also a wonderful time to visit, as the mountain air cools down during these times of day. The springs are open until late in the evening year-round.

The Natural History Of The Banff Upper Hot Springs

The water in the Banff Upper Hot Springs is heated geothermally, bubbling up to the surface from three kilometres into the earth’s crust. The water that reaches the surface has not seen daylight for hundreds of years. It began as precipitation (rain and snow) which very slowly seeped through the sedimentary rock layers, getting hotter and absorbing dissolved minerals as it descended. The water then flows up to the surface along the Sulphur Mountain Thrust Fault, a large fracture in the mountain where rock layers have slid on top of each other. The natural temperature of the water that emerges at the Upper Hot Springs outlet varies depending on the season. During the winter, the temperature is as hot as 47°C (116°F). In the spring, the flow increases and the temperature cools off, to a minimum of 27°C (81°F). Heated municipal water is used to top up the pool during winter when the spring’s natural volume is lower.

The facilities at the Banff Hot Springs are universally accessible and includes a large pool and café. Swimsuits, towels, and lockers are available to rent.

Whistler Helicopter Excursions

  • Fly deep into the pristine and rugged landscape of the Coast Mountains.
  • Fly over knife-sharp peaks, ancient glaciers, hidden lakes and valleys and stunning ice formations.
  • Choose from short scenic flights to more adventurous journeys like Heli-snowmobiling or Ice-cave Explorations.
  • Helicopter tours run year-round and are weather dependent.

Whistler PEAK 2 PEAK 360 Experience

  • Stunning 360-degree views of Whistler Village, mountain peaks, lakes, glaciers and forests.
  • Watch the machinery in action and learn about the record-breaking lift in the PEAK 2 PEAK Viewing Gallery.
  • Dine on the rooftop of the world with views of the ski slopes and towering peaks.
  • Ride the special glass-bottom gondola for a bird’s-eye view of the forest.

Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola

The Best Grizzly Bear Viewing and Scenery in the Canadian Rockies!

Located in Banff National Park, the Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola & Wildlife Interpretive Centre offers a unique opportunity to dine on delicious mountain inspired dishes, ascend to an awe-inspiring viewpoint, and to learn why we are the home of the grizzly bear. Whatever your fitness level, Lake Louise will quickly capture your heart so be sure to bring your camera to save your own special memories of soaring peaks, stunning glaciers, lush carpets of alpine wildflowers fed by clear bubbling springs, and-often-delightful glimpses of wildlife surrounded by the unspoiled beauty of summer.

From 2088m, the spectacular scenery is yours to explore at will. There are interpretive guided walks for the adventurous, or equally lovely short leisurely walks for those with more modest exercise goals.

Dining
Your great day on the mountain includes hearty and healthy meals right here at the resort. Choose from full-service dining to sun-drenched decks, breakfast and lunch menus, and grab-and-go items amongst unparalleled views of the Canadian Rockies.

Wildlife Interpretive Centre
The end of the lift and gondola ride is only the start of the adventure. All lift and gondola visits begin with a pre-ride visitor welcome. This brief presentation will ensure a safe and enjoyable visit while enlightening visitors about our unique surroundings.

Horseback Riding in Banff & Lake Louise

Exploring the high country by Horseback!

There is something very special about waking up in the morning, saddling your horse, and exploring the wilderness of Banff National Park from atop of your long-legged steed. By horseback, you travel at a steady rhythm, without being confined to roads or disturbing the tranquility around you. Following trails through vibrant alpine pastures, traversing mountain passes, or fording rushing rivers, horseback riding in Banff and Lake Louise is a strikingly memorable experience.

DAY TOURS
Explore the mountains and Alberta’s outfitting history with a half- or full-day tour offered by one of the horse ranches around Banff and Lake Louise. Seize the opportunity to experience the stunning scenery from the unique perspective on horseback. Take an introductory tour to become more comfortable on horses and experience what the original outfitters might have felt, or join a longer tour as you are led into the wilds around Banff and Lake Louise. Longer tours may give you the opportunity to circumnavigate a mountain, explore the high country, or ride from Lake Louise to a historic tea house.

BACKCOUNTRY TRIPS
If a day of exploring on horseback isn’t enough, take an overnight or multi-day tour. Ride through jaw-dropping scenery during the day, and by night, stay in a backcountry cabin or rustic tent camps like the original cowboys did. Tell stories while sitting around the campfire exchanging adventures with other guests and fall asleep admiring the starry skies. The next morning, after a cup of freshly brewed “cowboy coffee,” you’ll be on your way exploring more spectacular scenery.

West Edmonton Mall

“We’ve Got it (M)all”

West Edmonton Mall has evolved in to something truly unique. While it does hold the title of North America’s largest shopping mall, spanning 48 city blocks, it’s obvious to everyone that what makes it special isn’t its size. The real magic lies in what happens inside.

WORLD CLASS SHOPPING
With over 800 tenants offering every type of service and shopping experience conceivable, anything you need can be found under one roof. With many exclusive retailers such as Kate Spade New York, Tiffany & Co., Marc Cain, Michael Kors Mens, Harry Rosen, Rudsak and Stuart Weitzman just to name a few.

UNLEASH YOUR INNER KID
An indoor triple-loop rollercoaster and a 12-million litre wave pool in the same building? These record-holding attractions can be found inside WEM’s two larger attractions, World Waterpark and Galaxyland. World Waterpark is an 8-acre tropical oasis with over 21 waterslides and attractions, and Galaxyland is North America’s largest indoor amusement park, featuring 24 different rides. Both are sure to bring out the kid in all of us.
In addition to the two larger parks, West Edmonton Mall is home to eight additional attractions, including: a 28-lane bowling alley, an aquarium with over 100 species of marine life, a mirror maze, a life-size replica of Christopher Colombus’ ship, two mini-golf courses, and a brand-new escape room opening this winter. With so much to explore, there’s always something new to discover.

RELAX & RECUPERATE
With over a dozen diverse restaurants, BRBN st. is a great place to catch the game with friends or sit down for dinner with family. After dinner, you can head to RAIN Salon and Spa for a rejuvenating pedicure, or try Cloud 9 Aqua Massage for a new experience.
Fantasyland Hotel is located inside West Edmonton Mall, which means not having to brave the cold to get where you want to be. There are 14 different styles of theme rooms to choose from, including the two newest offerings: Princess Room and Space Room.

ALWAYS NEW. ALWAYS CHANGING.
What West Edmonton Mall truly excels at is finding ways to innovate where others have stagnated. Whether it’s testing new concept stores, hosting new and exciting events, or adding new attractions, there’s no doubt it has surpassed the conventional definition of a mall. There is truly something fresh to experience for everyone, from day-one fans to first time visitors. So whether it’s to visit a new store or to see if you can still handle the Mindbender like you used to, you owe it to yourself to come in and see what West Edmonton Mall has been up to.

Ice Magic Festival, Banff National Park

Date: January 16-27, 2019

Set in the spectacular surroundings of Lake Louise, the Ice Magic Festival is a world-class ice carving event. Watch as talented ice artists from around the world skillfully combine gruelling physicality with precision artistry in an ice carving competition.

*Event dates and details are subject to change.

Winter in Canada is something to celebrate! Watch the alpine town of Lake Louise come alive during the 12-day Ice Magic Festival. Walk through a winter wonderland and explore ice castles, ice bars, and ice carvings at the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. From the International Ice Carving Competition, to the One Hour, One Carver, One Block speed event, there’s lots to see and do in Lake Louise this January.

01 2019 THEME: CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF ICE MAGIC

The world’s best ice carvers have been visiting Lake Louise for 25 years to create inspiring ice sculptures that get bigger and better each year. Discover this year’s theme and explore past ice carvings.  

02 FESTIVAL TIPS

Ice Magic only comes around once a year, and with such an exclusive event you’ll want to make sure you know all the insider tips to make your visit as memorable as possible.

  • Book an overnight accommodation in Lake Louise and visit the Competition Carving Site as often as you like.
  • Visit the finished sculptures mid-week and create fond memories of Lake Louise with no crowds, ample parking, and better photo opportunities. Plus, if you come Thursday or Friday during the competition, when admission is free, the ice carvers have more time to answer all your burning questions.
  • Catch a glimpse of the sculptures under the light of the night sky. The best photos are taken at night when the sculptures are lit up and the mountain peaks create faint silhouettes in the background.
  • Lake Louise is a winter wonderland so be prepared to navigate it comfortably in winter attire. Winter boots, hats, gloves, and layers are all essentials.
  • If you’re visiting Lake Louise for Ice Magic Festival, make sure you explore the rest of Banff National Park which comes alive with the SnowDays Winter festival.
  • The Tribute To Craft Spirits Festival held as part of SnowDays in Banff National Park will extend to Lake Louise with a special cocktail menu available at the ice bar during the Ice Magic Festival. The special cocktails can also be sampled at Alpine Social inside the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

03 FREE SHUTTLES

  • With limited parking available near the Competition Carving Site, visitors are encouraged to take the free shuttle buses.
  • If you’re staying in Banff, the easiest way to get to Lake Louise is to take transit. A new local route will operate between Banff and Lake Louise this winter.

04 TICKET AND HOTEL INFORMATION

Tickets are required to visit the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise lakeside Competition Carving Site during peak periods. Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. are considered peak visitation periods. At all other times, the carving site is free for all visitors to enter and enjoy.

05 THE PERFECT DAY AT ICE MAGIC

Ice Magic is an amazing time to embrace the wonders of winter. See what a perfect day exploring the spectacular setting of Lake Louise looks like.

  • Visit Ice Magic early in the morning before the crowds show up, then use the rest of the day to play in the outdoors.
  • Pick up a lift ticket from the Lake Louise Ski Resort and hit the slopes or simply view the breath-taking landscape from the top of the Gondola.
  • Explore the Lake Louise area on a guided snowshoe tour with Great Divide Nature Interpretation, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, or the Lake Louise Ski Resort.
  • Enjoy the groomed cross-country ski trails near Baker Creek Mountain Resort.
  • Or race your friends down the tubing runs at the Lake Louise Ski Resort Sunny Tube Park.

Whale Watching Tour, Orca Spirit Adventures – Victoria

An exhilarating coastal excursion!

Orca Spirit Adventures is Victoria’s premier whale watching company offering carbon neutral tours led by certified marine naturalists whose knowledge and passion for Vancouver Island’s marine wildlife is unequaled in the industry. Come aboard to experience the wild!

Orca Spirit is Gold certified with Green Tourism Canada and continually look for new ways to reduce their carbon footprint and increase green initiatives.

Three hours in length, April through October are the ideal whale watching months. In this peak season, we boast a greater than 95% success rate of spotting whales, including both transient & resident orcas, humpback, minke, & gray whales! Other wildlife you may encounter include Dall’s and harbour porpoises, harbour and elephant seals, otters & marine birds such as cormorants and bald eagles.

Unlucky tour? Join us again using our WHALE GUARANTEE for a complimentary whale watching tour to bring your dreams of seeing these magnificent animals to life.

1
2
3
…
6