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Best of Banff: Our Mountain Heritage |
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Program Number: |
13178RJ |
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| Start
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| Duration: |
5 nights |
| Location: |
Banff, Alberta
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| Price starting at: |
$1,349.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city |
| Program Type:
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National Parks
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| Meals: |
11;
5 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners |
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Explore Canada’s oldest national park, Banff and Lake Louise, and hear about the incredible pioneers who tamed Canada’s Wild West. Learn how the Canadian Pacific railway was instrumental in turning Banff into a Victorian luxury paradise. Explore rocky peaks, vast forests and experience expert-led walks to the waters Bow Falls, Moraine Lake and Lake Louise to see how this natural paradise inspired voyagers, artists and outdoorsmen alike. Discover the incredible geological history and rich ecology at the Cave and Basin Historic Site and leave mesmerized by the ubiquitous beauty of the land.
Highlights
• Celebrate the environmental efforts that led to the establishment of Canada’s first national park and the unique geothermal hot springs.
• Witness Victorian splendor at the Chateau Lake Louise, Banff Springs Hotel and the art of the Whyte Museum.
• Explore the geological history of the Canadian Rockies on an indepth field trip with a well-known expert.
Activity Particulars
Walks up to two miles, some standing.
Date Specific Information
7-21-2013, 8-11-2013, 9-8-2013
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.
Itinerary Summary
Arrival Calgary, 1 night; coach to Banff, 4 nights; departure.
Coordinated by Routes to Learning Canada.
Banff
A storied gateway to Banff National Park — with more than 25 mountain peaks towering over 8,000 feet — Banff welcomes adventurers and nature-lovers to take in the alpine wonders and colorful history of the Canadian Rockies.
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Accommodations
Banff: Family-owned mountain inn with breathtaking views of Canadian Rockies and easy walking to downtown. Calgary: Modern hotel at foot of beautiful Deerfoot Meadows.
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| Road Scholar Instructors | | These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur. | Ben Gadd
| | Ben Gadd is one of Canada’s better-known naturalists and Rockies writers. Author of the ground-breaking “Handbook of the Canadian Rockies,” Ben has written eight other books and contributed to several more. His novel, “Raven’s End,” has become a prize-winning Canadian best-seller. Ben has received three Banff Mountain Book Festival awards for his work. Educated as a geologist, Ben has pursued a career mainly in natural history, including a stint as a Parks Canada naturalist. He has also taught writing at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and Grant MacEwan College. For nearly 30 years, he has worked in the summer as a freelance interpretive guide — he is one of only six master guides in Canada’s professional Interpretive Guides Association — and in the winter as a writer and sought-after lecturer on Rockies topics. Heard frequently on CBC radio, Ben has also appeared in many television items and several documentaries on the Rockies. | | | |
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Meals and Lodgings |
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Best Western Plus Port O'Call Calgary Airport Hotel |
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Calgary, Alberta |
1 night
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Irwin's Mountain Inn |
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Banff, AB |
4 nights
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| Best Western Plus Port O'Call Calgary Airport Hotel |
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Type: |
Full Service Hotel |
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Description: |
BEST WESTERN PLUS Port O' Call Calgary Airport Hotel is conveniently located only 3.72 miles (6 kms) from the Calgary International and also provides easy access to downtown Calgary, a number of Calgary attractions and Banff National Park. In addition, the hotel also features complimentary wireless Internet, an indoor pool, New Water Park featuring two slides, extensive fitness room, and several onsite restaurants for your convenience. |
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Contact
info: |
1935 McKnight Blvd N.E.
Calgary, AB T2E 6V4 Canada
phone: 403-291-4600
web: www.bwportocallhotel.com/
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Room amenities: |
All hotel rooms have cable television with in-room movies, voicemail, irons, coffee makers and hair dryers. High speed Internet is available upon request. |
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Facility amenities: |
• Complimentary shuttle to/from Calgary Airport
• Indoor pool
• Hot tub - Whirlpool
• Exercise facility
• Squash courts
• Barber/beauty shop
• Gift Shop
• Dry cleaning
• Guest laundry
• High-speed Internet access
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Smoking allowed: |
No |
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Elevators available: |
Yes |
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Additional nights prior: |
Call for availability & rates. Contact hotel directly. |
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Check in time: |
3:00 PM |
| Irwin's Mountain Inn |
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Type: |
Inn |
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Description: |
Family owned and operated for over thirty years, Irwin's Mountain Inn was completely reconstructed by the fall of 1995 making the property one of Banff's newer accommodations. Originally built in 1967 by Paul and Elizabeth Irwin with their two sons, Arlen and Larry, Irwin's Motor Inn was recognized as one of the best values in Banff. With farming as their previous livelihood, the Irwin's extended the same hospitality to their guests at the motel as was characteristic of the way they greeted and treated visitors and friends to their farm. A tradition of hospitality and friendliness was established in those early years and the Management to this day still endeavors to live up to Paul and Elizabeth's example in the service and quality of comfort they provide guests to Irwin's Mountain Inn. The name has changed and three times the motel has undergone major rebuilding phases, but the standard of excellence in hospitality that Paul and Elizabeth Irwin exemplified over thirty years ago still serves as the benchmark for the next generation of Irwins that share in the ownership and management of the Irwin's Mountain Inn. |
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Contact
info: |
429 Banff Avenue
Banff, AB T1L 1B2 Canada
phone: 403-762-4566
web: www.irwinsmountaininn.com
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Room amenities: |
Satellite TV and movie channel; rooms are fully air conditioned, hair dryers, in-room coffee maker, irons and ironing boards available on request from front desk. |
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Facility amenities: |
Fitness Centre, coin laundry, small gift shop, free wireless Internet, Internet Kiosk, 10 person jetted tub, 4 person Sauna, games room, massage therapy. Located within walking distance of downtown Banff. On-site dining at the El Toro restaurant, located on the street level of the inn, it has a reputation as one of the best restaurants in Banff, El Toro specializes in steak, seafood and Greek dishes.
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Smoking allowed: |
No |
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Elevators available: |
Yes |
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Additional nights after: |
Call for availability & rates Please contact the hotel directly on your own OR if you require personal assistance contact Maritime Travel toll free at 1-888-905-5959. A service fee MAY apply. |
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The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.
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Day 2: |
Glenbow Museum/Grassi Lake Geological Safari with Ben Gadd
(Monday, July 22)
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| Breakfast: | Breakfast at the hotel. | | Morning: | FIELD TRIP: Glenbow Museum/Geological Safari. Enjoy a curator led exploration of the Glenbow Museum. Discover the colorful western history and heritage of the Canadian west at the Glenbow Museum, western Canada's largest. Hear tales of the RCMP, the Blackfoot people, early European pioneers, whiskey traders, and ground-breaking entrepreneurs. | | Lunch: | Box picnic lunch. | | Afternoon: | FIELD TRIP: Grassi Lake Geological Safari. Explore the natural history and geological story of the Canadian Rockies with Ben Gadd. Ben is an acknowledged authority on the region and the author of nine books on the area. His best-selling Handbook of the Canadian Rockies, recently updated, is an award-winning guide to everything from geology, botany and bears to human history and backpacking trips. | | Dinner: | Dinner in Banff. | | Evening: | Free time to head off on your own to discover one of the many activities Banff has to offer.
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Day 4: |
Johnston Canyon/Bow Valley and Moraine Lake/Lake Louise/Women of the Rockies
(Wednesday, July 24)
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| Breakfast: | Breakfast at the hotel. | | Morning: | FIELD TRIP: Moraine Lake and the Bow Valley. Travel along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway to Moraine Lake. The Bow Valley is considered an internationally significant wildlife migration corridor providing quality habitat to grizzly bear, elk, lynx, bighorn sheep and mountain goats. Learn about the importance of wildlife corridors and the efforts being made to preserve and restore key regions | | Morning: | FIELD TRIP: Johnston Canyon. Explore the Canyon with our expert naturalists. Scenic canyon trail is approximately 1.5 mi to the waterfall and back. Learn about the geological timeline of the Canadian Rockies and the concept of differential erosion, as Johnston Creek has carved down into the limestone on the valley bottom, creating a spectacular and deep canyon in a short period of time. | | Lunch: | Lunch will be High Tea at the Chateau Lake Louise while enjoying the beautiful scenic views. Afternoon Tea at the Chateau offers our finest loose leaf teas that are accompanied by delectable pastries and finger sandwiches for the time honoured traditionalist.
| | Afternoon: | FIELD TRIP: Chateau Lake Louise / Depart Banff for Lake Louise. Visit the "Diamond in the Wilderness", the famous Chateau Lake Louise Hotel for a guided exploration. Stroll along the shores of Lake Louise with discussions on subalpine plants and wildlife and the incredible Victoria Glacier. | | Dinner: | Dinner on your own to enjoy local fare or join the Group Leader (at a local restaurant). | | Evening: | PRESENTATION: Women of the Rockies. An expert Whyte Museum staff will present "Women of the Rockies". This presentation will introduce you to historical and current figures that have shaped our mountain culture landscape. Discover the women whose lives are a part of a legacy of backcountry travel, ranching, climbing, scientific research, writing, drama and art. | |
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Free Time Opportunities |
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| Banff, AB |
Art Galleries
Galleries in downtown Banff highlight the works of accomplished Canadian, and often local, artists, with an emphasis on mountain themes. Galleries offer varied styles of painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry, printmaking, and other art forms For additional information, visit www.banff.ca/activities-events/arts-entertainment/art-galleries.htm
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Banff Centre
The Banff Centre is a globally respected arts and culture centre, and conference facility. Throughout the year, The Banff Centre offers live performances and events featuring dance, music, theatre, opera, films, new media, and literary readings. For additional information, visit www.banffcentre.ca/
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Banff Gondola
Ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain in Banff, Canada to experience a bird's eye view of six mountain ranges. At the Banff Gondola, you'll see more mountains in a moment than most see in a lifetime. This exhilarating activity is open year-round. Contact the Banff Gondola to find out details about costs at 1-800-760-6934. For additional information, visit www.explorerockies.com/banff-gondola/
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Banff Upper Hot Springs
Whether you are travelling to Banff for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, or sightseeing, Banff Upper Hot Springs is the thing to do in Banff, so come relax and ease your sore muscles in the natural hot springs water. For additional information, visit www.hotsprings.ca/
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| Calgary, Alberta |
Calgary Zoo
From the splendour of the Rocky Mountains to the heart of Destination Africa, The Calgary Zoo takes you to see over 1,000 animals from around the world. Trek through the gorilla’s rainforest, safari over the Savannah to watch the hippos swim, or climb the Canadian Wilds for a grizzly bear encounter! Finish your world tour with a trip back in time in the Prehistoric Park or soothe your senses in nearly 6 acres of our Botanical Gardens. Relax in the new ENMAX Conservatory and enjoy the butterflies and seasonal displays. For additional information, visit www.calgaryzoo.com/
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Canada Olympic Park/Sports Hall of Fame
No visit to the Calgary is complete without a visit to WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park, the most visible legacy from the 1988 Games. WinSport has taken the Olympic legacy to new heights with the goal of becoming a world-class Winter Sport Institute and helping Canadian athletes reach the podium at World Cup events and the Olympic Games.
In the summer, a visit to Canada Olympic Park is the perfect tonic for adrenaline junkies! Rush down North America’s fastest zipline, reaching speeds of up to 140 km/h from the top of the 90m Ski Jump Tower, or rumble down the sliding track at 100 km/h in a four-man summer bobsleigh. (Advance booking required, please call 403.247.5452).
Guests can also ride more than 25 km of mountain bike trails, enjoy a scenic round of 18 hole mini-golf, or strap on the skates at Calgary’s newest Ice Complex and home of Hockey Canada.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed visit at the Park, take a tour of the iconic 90 meter Ski Jump Tower, which has graced the Calgary skyline for 25 years. Or celebrate Canadian sports history with a visit to Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, which features 520 inducted sports legends and more than 1,000 artifacts from a vast array of sports.
Canada Olympic Park has something for everyone, and with more than a dozen sports organizations making their home at WinSport Canada, you just never know when you’ll run into a past, present or future Olympian. For additional information, visit www.winsportcanada.ca/facilities/cop.cfm
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Fort Calgary
The heart of Calgary is red ...the scarlet red of the North West Mounted Police tunic. When the NWMP built their fort at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers in 1875, they laid the foundations for the city we enjoy today. They came to bring law and order to the west, to stamp out the whiskey trade, and to befriend the First Nations peoples in preparation for the treaties that would open the land for settlement. The hopes, dreams and values of that time are still evident in the city we enjoy today. Fort Calgary is located just east of downtown Calgary on a 40-acre site.
For additional information, visit www.fortcalgary.com/
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Heritage Park
Step back in time and experience hands-on history, visit with the friendly costumed townsfolk, tour 180 historical exhibits and relive the past through a huge collection of working antiques and artifacts. Explore the far corners of the Park and:
-Tour the Railway Car Shop- packed full of Canada’s rail treasures,
-Explore a replica of an 1860s Hudson’s Bay Company Fur Trading Fort,
-Make bannock in the Aboriginal Encampment,
-Visit the original home of Sam Livingston in the 1880s rustic pre-railway settlement,
-Churn old-fashioned ice cream on the porch of the Burnside Ranch House,
-Shop, eat and play in the bustling 1910 prairie railroad town.
-Ride an authentic steam train, cruise on Calgary’s only paddlewheeler and tour the Park on a horse-drawn wagon. For additional information, visit www.heritagepark.ca/index.php
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Suggested Reading List
Handbook of the Canadian Rockies
Author: Ben Gadd
Description: Geology, plants, animals, history and recreation from Waterton/Glacier to the Yukon.
Canadian Rockies: An Altitude Super Guide
Author: Graeme Pole
Description: The Canadian Rockies SuperGuide has detailed information on Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, Yoho, and Waterton National Parks. Included are maps, historical tidbits, info on flora and fauna, and plenty of spectacular full-colour photographs. Informative and visually exciting, this is the new, revised edition of the world's best-selling guide to the Canadian Rockies.
The Canadian Rockies
Author: Douglas Leighton
Description: PAPER, 112 PAGES
A beautiful photographic portrait of Banff, Jasper and other parks from a naturalist who grew up in the region. Published in Canada, it has been a bestseller on the Canadian Rockies for years.
Switchbacks, True Stories from the Canadian Rockies
Author: Sid Marty
Description: PAPER, 328 PAGES,
Marty recalls the colorful tales of his friends, colleagues and his own youth in this collection of tales.
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