The Canadian Rockies Blog

Calgary Stampede 2009 - FREE ENTRY

2009-07-03T09:20:00.006-07:00

Free admission to Stampede Park and a free breakfast are available on "value days" when you get to Stampede Park before 9 a.m. Check out Petro-Canada Family Day, Western Heritage Day, and BMO Kids’ Day to take advantage of this great offer. Plus, there are even more great activities on Value Days:

PETRO-CANADA FAMILY DAY

Sunday, July 5
9 a.m. to midnight
Free admission: 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Midway and facilities open at 9 a.m.

Petro-Canada Family Day Breakfast

Free admission to the Park from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Free Petro-Canada Family Day pancake breakfast for the first 20,000 guests. Breakfast tickets distributed at Park entrances. Breakfast served from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in the Grandstand Courtyard.
Free show on the Grandstand Stage at 7:30 a.m. featuring Beverley Mahood, The Higgins, Vos Family Singers...and more!
Doodlebops on the Coca-Cola Stage at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
Participate in the Petro-Canada Family Day Passport program from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Passport booklets distributed at Guest Services booths, the Petro-Canada Family Day breakfast and passport locations around the Park. Drop your completed passport off at the Petro-Canada booth in BMO Centre and we'll give you a free Olympic glass (limit one per family), with the option to buy more. Only completed passports will be eligible to win the grand prize of $2,500 worth of Petro-Canada gasoline and WestJet air travel for four & more!
Petro-Canada Family Day cowboy hats & lollipops distributed at the breakfast and available at Guest Services booths, while quantities last.

WESTERN HERITAGE DAY

Tuesday, July 7
8 a.m. to midnight

From 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. seniors (65 years and over) will enjoy:

Free coffee, juice and donuts in the Stampede Corral (while supplies last)
Pins (handed out at the breakfast, courtesy of Loram 99)
Displays, exhibitors and entertainment held in the Corral from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Free stage show in the Corral from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
George Fox at 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. in Nashville North
Superdog Show in the Corral at 10 a.m.
Guests may enter to win a trip for two to Victoria, B.C., courtesy of Retirement Residences Group and WestJet airlines

Seniors will also enjoy:

Free Park admission all day
NEW in 2009! Free Copper Section Rodeo and Evening Show tickets (while supplies last). Tickets must be picked up at the Grandstand Ticket Office. Grandstand Ticket Office opens at 10 a.m.
Free Standing Room tickets to the Rodeo and Evening Show (while supplies last). Tickets must be picked up at the Grandstand Ticket Office. Grandstand Ticket Office opens at 10 a.m.
Free WestJet Skyrides all day
One free North American Midway Entertainment Bingo play at the top of each hour
Twenty per cent discount on merchandise at the Stampede Store
Check out Showbands Live! in the Pengrowth Saddledome from Noon to 8 p.m.

BMO KIDS’ DAY

Wednesday, July 8
9 a.m. to midnight
Free admission: 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. for children 12 and under and accompanying adults
Free breakfast from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in the Grandstand Courtyard while quantities last
Midway opens at 9 a.m. and BMO Centre opens at 10 a.m.

Free show on the Grandstand Stage from 8:15 a.m. to 10 a.m.
BMO thunder sticks distributed at the breakfast (while quantities last)
BMO Kids’ Day cowboy hats distributed at the breakfast and available at all Guest Services booths (while quantities last)
BMO Kids' Day midway coupons available 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 30 coupons for $20 (price includes GST). Valid July 8 only.

Saddledome Lane, BMO Kids' Zone

Kids' Tractor Pull	11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 6:30 p.m.
Kids' Team Penning	2:30 p.m., 3:45 p.m., 4:30 p.m.
RCMP Family Fitness	11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Director's Cut: Comic Relief?	9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Coca-Cola Stage

Disney's High School Musical: Summer Celebration

11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Saddledome Plaza Stage

Splash'N Boots

11:30 a.m.

Stampede Corral

Superdogs

10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Buckaroos Stage: Big Four building, Lower level

DooDoo the Clown	Noon and 3 p.m.
Bobs & Lolo	11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m.
Loose Moose Theatre for Kids	10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m.

Indian Village

Youth Parade Pre Pow Wow	Noon
Pow Wow Competition (Dancers 17 years and under)	3 p.m.

Ski Holidays Canada twitter

2009-06-26T16:31:00.003-07:00

Our U.K. ski site, SkiHolidaysCanada.co.uk is now twittering (or tweeting!). Stay up-to-date with us at http://twitter.com/holidayscanada !

Long-Term Whistler Rental

2009-06-24T10:32:00.002-07:00

We have a long-term lease available for a one-bedroom unit in Whistler starting November 1 2009. It is located in the Marquise building with ski-in/ski-out close by.

If you are interested, please contact rocky-peak Ski Holidays.

WestJet is Canada's preferred airline

2009-06-18T09:44:00.004-07:00

Study conducted by Leger Marketing indicates WestJet is tops

CALGARY - WestJet [recently] announced the results of a study conducted by Leger Marketing indicating that WestJet is Canada's preferred airline.

The study, conducted quarterly on behalf of WestJet by Leger Marketing, one of Canada's most well-known and reputable research firms, shows that 49 per cent of Canadians chose WestJet as their preferred airline in Canada. Air Canada was preferred by 35 per cent.

"We are thrilled by this news," said WestJet President and Chief Executive Officer Sean Durfy. "Clearly, this demonstrates that our culture and our people are making a difference in the lives of Canadians. I congratulate the more than 7,500 WestJetters who have earned these results and who work very hard to provide a caring guest experience.

"Becoming Canada's preferred airline is a significant milestone as we continue to deliver on our objectives and move towards our vision of becoming a top five international airline by 2016," continued Sean Durfy. "Our brand and financial strengths are big contributors to these results as the travelling public recognizes that our business model is sustainable and that our guests can book with confidence."

Dave Scholz, Leger Marketing Vice-President, Toronto Office said, "WestJet has consistently performed well when we have asked Canadians which airline they prefer. WestJet provides its customers with the travel experience that people are looking for these days and the survey shows that this is appreciated."

In addition, WestJet ranked 21st in Leger/Marketing Magazine's annual Corporate Reputation Survey and was the only airline to be ranked in the top 100.

Bob Cummings, WestJet's Executive Vice-President, Guest Experience and Marketing added, "We are truly humbled to be number 21 in this study ahead of
such great brands as Fed Ex, IBM, Apple, Microsoft, Pepsi, Coke, Starbucks and McDonald's. These results demonstrate the current and future potential of the WestJet brand. We are one of the leading service industry brands in Canada - period. In particular, WestJet is poised to leverage its position to further
grow in the business and vacations markets. Our brand will continue to flourish as we introduce new products, deliver on our Care-antee and increase the strength of our company culture."

About WestJet
WestJet is Canada's preferred airline, providing high-value low-cost service throughout its 55-city North American and Caribbean network. Named one of Canada's most admired corporate cultures in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. WestJet offers increased legroom, leather seats and live seatback television provided by Bell TV on its modern fleet of 79 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 42 aircraft, bringing its fleet to 121 by 2013, WestJet strives to be the number one choice for travellers.

Source: CNW Group, & Travel Alberta's Web Editors

Make WestJet part of your Rocky Mountain Holiday package!

Canmore to Lake Louise Trail Approved

2009-05-26T15:07:00.003-07:00

Exciting news for locals and visitors!!

Outdoor enthusiasts will soon have a stunning nature trail to explore in Alberta that runs from Canmore to Lake Louise.

The federal government announced Tuesday [May 19] that $6.75 million will be spent on building a new paved path through Banff National Park for hikers, cyclists and in-line skaters.

The Legacy Trail will run 26 kilometres from Canmore to the Bow Valley Parkway just west of the Banff town site, along the Trans-Canada Highway between the road and wildlife fence. The path will then join up with Highway 1A to Lake Louise.

Federal Environment Minister Jim Prentice, who was at the Banff announcement, called the trail an environmentally friendly way to link the mountain towns.

The trail still needs to pass an environmental assessment, but work could begin this summer and finish in time for Banff's125th anniversary in the fall of 2010.

People who live in area say they're pleased the project that's been in works for years is going ahead. Local groups hope it will bring more tourists to the region.

Source: cbc.ca

Canada jumps in world tourism rankings

2009-03-23T10:40:00.001-07:00

Canada overtook the US to move from ninth to fifth place

Canada overtook the US to move from ninth to fifth place in The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2009 released this month by the World Economic Forum. Canada’s high ranking is the result of “excellent” natural and cultural resources, the world’s top-ranked air infrastructure system and the business community’s consensus that the Canadian government is making a concerted effort to promote tourism overseas, according to the report.

“The report reflects the positive impact of the government’s increased support for tourism,” says Greg Klassen, Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) vice president of Marketing. “It’s also significant for the investment community that Canada is recognized as a great place to develop tourism infrastructure.”

Switzerland, Austria and Germany topped the list again, while France jumped from 10th place to fourth in the new ranking. The United States dropped from seventh to eighth.

The World Economic Forum interviewed 13,000 executives around the world, including 79 Canadians. The organization weighed a variety of factors making countries attractive for tourism developers, including transport and tourism infrastructure, regulations, access to labour, safety and security, government tourism policy and natural and cultural resources.

Canada was particularly recognized for its resources—both natural and cultural. Canada has a reputation of offering access to spectacular natural beauty and also has nine natural sites recognized by the United Nations as World Heritage Sites.

Source: CTC news staff (18/03/09) & the Travel Alberta web editors

Kicking Horse, Canada

2009-03-21T13:58:00.004-07:00

Here is some information about a resort which receives plenty of publicity regarding the incredible ski terrain offered, but little about what the summer months offer: Kicking Horse, Canada.

Kicking Horse Mountain Ski Resort offers some of the best ski vertical in the winter time with is famed "champagne powder" which is light fluffy snow (the stuff making snowballs out of is difficult). I have been up to my waste in this stuff, and you can still move easily! In the winter time, many use the Kicking Horse Powder Express to experience this ski resort from Banff and Lake Louise or you can stay right on the mountain.

Lets look at what the summer offers as we are finding more and more guests are now including Kicking Horse in their Rocky Mountain summer holiday itinerary.

✩ The Kicking Horse Summer Gondola. Another gondola?! This one is worth it too as there is an almost 100% you will see a grizzly bear at the top! Boo, the resident grizzly bear, lives in the largest grizzly bear reserve IN THE WORLD. There are day tours from Banff to Kicking Horse which actually guarantee the Grizzly sighting or you get to go on the tour again for FREE!

✩ Hiking and Mountain Biking. There are trails from the top of the gondola to make things easier for you - downhill all the way!

✩ Rafting. There are several White-Water Rafting trips available on the Kicking Horse River. Most tours include a mouth-watering BBQ lunch on the riverside.

✩ Jet Boating. Jet boating on the Kicking Horse Lower Canyon and Columbia River can also be easily integrated into any Rocky Mountain summer holiday package. This tour is usually combined with a rafting trip for additional package savings.

✩ Wolf Centre. See these beautiful animals up close and learn about their struggles against humans.

✩ Golfing. There is plenty of golfing to be had and the rates are fraction of comparable other resort golf courses. Tee times are easy to secure and can be included into a discounted Rocky Mountain Holiday package.

✩ Fishing. Nearby lakes located out of National or Provincial Park boundaries can be visited in a day. Permits are still required.

✩ Accommodation. Kicking Horse accommodation in the summer is very reasonably priced. There is on-mountain accommodation which certainly will not disappoint.

To ask how to incorporate Kicking Horse, Canada into your Rocky Mountain Holiday, just contact a Rocky Mountain Holiday specialist who can create your customised itinerary.

Any questions or suggestions about Kicking Horse, Canada? Visit KickingHorseCanada.com or post your comments on this Canadian Rockies Blog.

Information provided by: RockyMountainHolidays.com

Grizzly Bear Future

2009-02-20T13:29:00.003-07:00

Photo Credit: rocky-peak Holidays Ltd.

Grizzly expert to speak at Canmore High School Feb. 26

By Rob Alexander Source: Rocky Mountain Outlook

Bow Valley residents will have the opportunity to learn about the fate and future of grizzly bears in Alberta from one of Canada's top grizzly bear researchers.

Gordon Stenhouse, program lead of the Foothills Model Forest Grizzly Bear Research Program, will present Grizzly Bear Research and Science in Alberta at the Canmore Collegiate High School Theatre, Thursday (Feb. 26) at 7 p.m.

Bow Valley WildSmart education program director Kim Titchener said Stenhouse plans to discuss the results of the decade-long research grizzly bear research program and how those results apply to grizzly bear conservation throughout Alberta.

"This one is so pertinent, it's one of the main reasons why people even visit the valley and that's one of the unique reasons about living here. It's one of the few communities that coexist with wildlife and grizzly bears," Titchener said Tuesday.

The Foothills Model Forest Grizzly Bear Research Program was initiated in 1999. It grew to become one of the largest and most comprehensive bear research programs in North America.

Stenhouse, who has researched polar bears, caribou, musk oxen, moose, Dall sheep, peregrine falcons, wolves and Arctic-nesting geese, has been with the Foothills Research Institute since 1998. He is on secondment from Sustainable Resource Development Fish and Wildlife and is an adjunct professor at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. Stenhouse is also the past chairman of the Alberta Grizzly Bear Recovery Team.

The current population estimate of grizzlies in Alberta, based on Stenhouse's DNA work, suggests the province is home to less than 500 grizzly bears, which were listed as a threatened species in 2002. At that time, the population was believed to include 1,000 individuals.

"The committee on endangered wildlife is saying the grizzly bear is a threatened species and that is a hard thing to swallow as an Albertan, to think that we might not have grizzlies living here in the future," Titchener said.

The Province last year extended a moratorium on the grizzly bear hunt to this year, pending the results of a population survey. Before the moratorium, hunters killed an average of 14 bears a year.

Grizzly bear conservation is a political issue, Titchener said, with hunters disputing Stenhouse's DNA population estimate.

"Everyone doesn't necessarily agree with the management tactics or what the future management of bears are, but we all agree that we want bears on the landscape." She said it is a starting point to finding a way for all of the different voices to work together to keep grizzly bears from disappearing from Alberta.

Stenhouse will also be able to answers questions on what the Province is planning to do next to further grizzly bear conservation.

Ski Panorama - 49 Hour SALE!

2009-02-06T14:24:00.004-07:00

Panorama Mountain Resort is having a REALLY LARGE sale and we don't want you to miss out as it is for just a short time!

From 8 pm February 8 to 9 pm February 10 2009, Panorama will present their first ever 49 Hour Sale! Please note these times are Mountain Standard time (GMT-7 hours)

Any condo, any day $49 per person per night!*
These are the best prices Panorama has ever offered, and you can only get them for 49 short hours. They have even included family day!

Contact rocky-peak Ski Holidays to book!

Here is the small print:

*Price includes lodging only. $49 per person, per night based on two (2) adults sharing a Studio or 1-bedroom condo, or four (4) adults sharing a 2-bedroom or 3-bedroom condo. Available for new bookings made between 8pm Mountain Standard Time on February 8, 2009 and 9pm Mountain Standard Time on February 10, 2009. A two (2) night minimum stay applies. Subject to availability. Conditions may apply to all packages and programs. Rates subject to change or cancellation without notice. All facilities and programs subject to seasonality and change without notice.

Rocky Mountain Holidays

2009-01-30T19:20:00.004-07:00

We are pleased to introduce our updated RockyMountainHolidays.com website. We have made the site simpler to navigate through to help you plan your Rocky Mountain Holiday with us.

This website provides detailed information on the following Canadian locations:

Banff Information

Canmore Information

Lake Louise Information

Jasper Information

Kicking Horse Information

Fernie Information

Kimberley Information

Whistler Information

Vancouver Information

Calgary Information

In addition, we also provide summarised details on the services we offer:

Ski Holidays Canada - Our discounted packages include: ski accommodation, lift passes, lessons, transfers, ski rentals and tours.

Summer Holidays Canada - Let us plan your Rocky Mountain Holiday itinerary for you. We are a one-stop shop and will save you time and money.

Train Holidays Canada - Travel across Canada on one of our train holidays with VIA rail.

Rocky Mountaineer Holidays - This day-time only train will maximise your viewing experience.

Motorcoach Holidays Canada - Relax and let someone else do the driving. Enjoy the views out of the big picture windows.

Private SUV Holidays - Let our certified guide take you on a private tour.

Self-Drive Holidays Canada - We do all the planning, you do the driving. Experience the freedom of driving yourself!

Tours Canada - There are many day tours to add to your Rocky Mountain Holiday package, check out the selection!

Cruise Holidays Alaska - A cruise of just 7-days out of Vancouver allows you to cruise up to Alaska through the inside passage.

We hope you enjoy our new website and please do not hesitate to contact us through Rocky Mountain Holidays to help plan your holiday in Canada, anytime of the year!

Any feedback on our site you may have can be posted here. Thanks for reading!

Koalas at Calgary Zoo

2009-01-26T22:00:00.003-07:00

The Koalas are coming to the Calgary Zoo!

The Calgary Zoo is getting closer to the Koala visit which is due to open to the public February 6, 2009.

Two males Bundaru and Mundooie are there until mid-September 2009 on loan from the San Diego Zoo. The Calgary Zoo is contributing to conservation work in Australia as part of the San Diego Zoo Koala Education and Conservation Loan Program. Overall, koalas are a protected species, but the eucalyptus trees they need for food are not. The biggest threat to koalas is loss of habitat.

Planned Zoo Programs include breakfast with the Koalas and Elite Eat – Koalas!

For more information visit Calgary Zoo's website.

Airport Transfers to Banff and Whistler

2008-11-27T14:22:00.011-07:00

Airport transfers are our recommended mode of transport especially in the winter season when the roads can be dangerous.

The prices for our scheduled services are very competitive and ski resorts are set up to cater for guests without cars. In fact, Banff was recently rated in the Top 10 'No Car Needed' Resorts by OnTheSnow.com. For those of you who have visited other Canada ski resorts, you will know that you can get by without a car. Whistler Blackcomb has a free village shuttle which operates in the early morning through to the early hours!

If the above doesn't convince you to catch our transfer services, direct from Calgary International Airport YYC and Vancouver International Airport YVR, then consider the following:

It's safer. Most of you will have travelled on a flight for many hours to get here.
It's faster. Let an experienced driver who knows the roads get you to your hotel. No need for directions and maps!
It's cleaner. By taking the airport transfer with other guests, there is less pollution which means better for the environment!
It's cheaper. No parking, gas (petrol) or insurance to pay for. Note that stone chips to a rental car are not always covered.
It's more enjoyable. You spent the money to get here, enjoy the scenery out of the windows while the driver concentrates on the road.
It's direct. Most airport shuttles are direct or have minimal stops. The ski shuttles get you to the ski hill sooner as they drop you off right at the base.
It's easy. Jet lagged? No problem, our friendly drivers know where to take you!
It's peace of mind. One less thing to worry about on your Canada ski holiday.

We also organise private transfers and charter services. For more information on our winter services, view the Calgary to Banff Transfer Schedule and the Vancouver to Whistler Transfer Schedule.

Contact rocky-peak Ski Holidays to book!

Whistler Blackcomb OPEN 2008

2008-11-26T19:41:00.003-07:00

WHISTLER MOUNTAIN TO OPEN WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26
Blackcomb Mountain Will Follow Thursday, November 27

WHISTLER, BC, November 24, 2008 – Whistler Blackcomb officials have announced that Whistler Mountain will open early on Wednesday, November 26. Whistler Mountain will open for daily operations with access to Emerald Express, Big Red Express and Franz’s Chair via the Whistler Village Gondola. On Thursday, the Creekside Gondola will open for the American Thanksgiving weekend, providing access to Whistler Mountain from the Creekside Base through to Sunday, November 23.

Blackcomb Mountain will join Whistler Mountain on the official opening day Thursday, November 27, with access to Solar Coaster Express, Jersey Cream Express and Catskinner Express. The Wizard Chair, Excalibur Gondola and Excelerator Chair will operate through the weekend for uploading.

“We’ve been blasting every snow gun on the two mountains to add to what Mother Nature has deposited in the past few weeks,” says Jodie McCutcheon, Whistler Blackcomb snowmaking manager. “Grooming staff have been working to manicure the snow to make for some great corduroy skiing and riding on opening weekend.”

Guest Relations in Whistler Village is currently open from 10am to 6pm. On Wednesday the village ticket windows and Village Guest Relations will be open from 8am to 7pm to assist guests. On Thursday, November 27, Creekside Guest Relations and Blackcomb Daylodge Guest Relations will open from 8am. Lift ticket pricing will be $55 on opening day.

“The 2008/2009 season is finally upon is, and we’re gearing up for Whistler Blackcomb’s most exciting season yet,” says Stuart Rempel, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Whistler Blackcomb. “With the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola grand opening set for December 12, and the one year countdown to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games taking place in February, we’re thrilled to kick this season off and start skiing!”

Guests should be aware that early season conditions apply and caution should be exercised. Terrain is recommended for intermediate and advanced skiers and riders and guests should stay within the ski area boundary, ski and ride with care and obey all mountain signage.

Whistler Blackcomb Snowphone will be updated five times daily. Reach the Snowphone by calling 604.932.4211 in Whistler, 604.687.7507 in Vancouver or toll-free at 1.800.766.0449.

Whistler Local Artist

2008-11-14T13:38:00.003-07:00

When visiting Whistler on business, I came across a fantastic local artist: Ruth Johnson. Her artwork was displayed in the Blenz Coffee shop in Whistler (July and August 2008).

The artwork is different in that Ruth Johnson creates most of it by ironing molten wax onto a canvas, which creates textures in the colours resulting in a rewarding piece of art.

If you are thinking of some Christmas ideas, then artwork from this local artist might just be what you are looking for. Visit Ruth Johnson's website to view her artwork and check out the other services she offers such as graphic design and more!

Heli-Hiking Canada

2008-10-22T11:43:00.003-07:00

Heli-Hiking in the Canadian Rockies is a great way to see some backcountry under careful supervision of a qualified guide. I have written a bit about my recent Heli-Hike experience and included some photos for you to enjoy.

I went out last Tuesday, October 14, which is getting quite late for Heli-Hiking. As you can see by the pictures, there was already some snow. Once the snow really accumulates, you can take advantage of a Heli-Snowshoe tours which can also be booked through rocky-peak Ski Holidays.

The drive to the Helicopter start point is spectacular in itself as you have to drive along the magnificent Icefields Parkway from either Jasper, Banff or Lake Louise. The location makes this tour a great addition to many itineraries in Western Canada as it is right en-route and so minimises travel time.

Once you arrive at the Icefields Heliport, just outside of Banff National Park, you will be safety briefed, geared up, and then you board the helicopter.

The helicopter takes you into the backcountry where you can start your hike with the certified guide. Martha, the guide, was very knowledgeable and has the qualifications to back this up!

The walk in itself was easy, however, if you are a stronger hiker, slightly more challenging heli-hikes can be arranged. The home-made gourmet lunch was delicious and really satisfying. After a couple of hours of hiking, the guide will radio the helicopter pilot and you will be picked up. It really is that easy!

I hope you enjoy the photos and if you have any questions, please feel free to post here and I will do my best to answer them, or you can contact rocky-peak Holidays direct.

Do you like Yoga? Why not try a Heli-Yoga tour?!

Memorable hiking in the Canadian Rockies.

There are many photo opportunities!

The only things left behind: your footprints.

Nature surrounds you. Opportunites to see wildlife.

The guide knows the area better than anyone!

Scenic mountain streams.

Abraham Lake greets you on your return flight.

CPR Empress 2816 Steam Locomotive

2008-10-08T12:54:00.003-07:00

Below are pictures of the CP (Canadian Pacific) 2816 Empress steam locomotive. This resurrected locomotive 2816 re-entered active service in 2001 as a roving ambassador for Canadian Pacific.

We took the photos below on Sunday 28 September 2008. The 2816 Empress was on its way to Lake Louise. As it is such an expensive train to operate, opportunities to see this train in its full glory are rare.

Enjoy!

Banff Ice Hockey Tours

2008-09-18T10:38:00.006-07:00

You don't have to be a sports fan to enjoy a NHL Ice hockey game! The Calgary Flames never disappoint! Support the Flames in the Calgary Saddledome and enjoy every action-packed moment!

Transport and ticket packages are available throughout the winter ski season from Lake Louise, Banff and Canmore from just CDN$100 per person.

A great night out for friends and family, be sure to take the Banff Ice Hockey Tour!

2008-2009
Calgary Flames NHL Hockey Schedule

Date	Opponent	Departs Banff	Game Time
OCT 11	Canucks	5.15 pm	8.00 PM
OCT 14	Avalanche	4.45 pm	7:30 PM
OCT 17	Oilers	4.15 pm	7.00 PM
OCT 21	Capitals	4.45 pm	7:30 PM
OCT 28	Avalanche	4.45 pm	7.30 PM
OCT 30	Bruins	4.15 pm	7.00 PM
NOV 4	Coyotes	5.15 pm	8.00 PM
NOV 6	Predators	4.45 pm	7.30 PM
NOV 11	Maple Leafs	4.45 pm	7:30 PM
NOV 18	Avalanche	4.45 pm	7.30 PM
NOV 22	Red Wings	5.15 pm	8.00 PM
NOV 25	Kings	4.45 pm	7.30 PM
NOV 29	Canucks	5.15 pm	8.00 PM
DEC 2	Stars	4.45 pm	7.30 PM
DEC 12	Panthers	4.15 pm	7.00 PM
DEC 19	Blackhawks	4.15 pm	7.00 PM
DEC 23	Ducks	4.15 pm	7.00 PM
DEC 27	Senators	5.15 pm	8.00 PM
DEC 29	Wild	4.15 pm	7.00 PM
DEC 31	Oilers	5.15 pm	8.00 PM
JAN 6	Sharks	5.15 pm	8.00 PM
JAN 8	Islanders	4.15 pm	7.00 PM
JAN 13	Blues	4.45 pm	7.30 PM
JAN 17	Coyotes	5.15 pm	8.00 PM
JAN 21	Blue Jackets	5.15 pm	8.00 PM
JAN 28	Sabres	3.15 pm	6.00 PM
JAN 30	Predators	4.15 pm	7.00 PM
FEB 5	Blackhawks	4.45 pm	7.30 PM
FEB 7	Ducks	10.15 am	1.00 PM
FEB 9	Canadiens	4.15 pm	7.00 PM
FEB 17	Canucks	4.45 pm	7.30 PM
FEB 24	Blue Jackets	4.15 pm	7.00 PM
FEB 27	Wild	4.15 pm	7.00 PM
MAR 1	Lightning	3.15 pm	6.00 PM
MAR 18	Stars	4.15 pm	7.00 PM
MAR 20	Blues	4.15 pm	7.00 PM
MAR 23	Red Wings	4.45 pm	7.30 PM
MAR 28	Wild	5.15 pm	8.00 PM
MAR 30	Sharks	4:45 pm	7.30 PM
APR 6	Kings	4.45 pm	7.30 PM
APR 11	Oilers	5:15 pm	8.00 PM

To book this tour, or for more information on Banff Ice Hockey Tours, contact rocky-peak Ski Holidays.

Zoom Airlines - OUT OF BUSINESS

2008-08-28T16:44:00.003-07:00

Zoom Airlines has suspended operations with effect from 19:00 hours (GMT) on Thursday 28 August 2008. Both Zoom Airlines Inc and Zoom Airlines Ltd, the Canadian and UK airlines, have started administration proceedings in their home countries.

All Zoom flights have been cancelled and aircraft grounded.

For customers who have future travel plans involving a Zoom flight for which reservations and payment have been made, you should refer to your credit or debit card company to apply for a refund.

Unprecedented increase in the price of aviation fuel and the economic climate were the reasons for this sudden closure.

Banff Snowmobile Tours

2008-08-18T12:21:00.005-07:00

You may think it is too early for us to post information about 2008-2009 Banff snowmobile tours while we are still experiencing temperatures in the mid-30s (in the 90s in Fahrenheit!), but we just wanted to let you know about our snowmobile tours out of Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise for this upcoming 2008-2009 winter season.

Banff snowmobile tours are a great way to experience the great Canadian Outdoors in the winter time!

This year, there are even more snowmobile tours for you to choose from, from full day family tours to high powered adrenaline tours, you will not be disappointed! There is no wonder that snowmobile tours in the winter months are one of our top most popular tours booked.

In addition to the regular day snowmobile tours, there are also overnight ski and snowmobile packages as well as two-day snowmobile accommodation packages.

Snowmobiling does book up especially over the holiday periods, so pre-booking is definately recommended to avoid disappointment.

Combine any snowmobile tour with a ski package put together by us and receive 10% OFF when pre-booked before November 15 2008. This offer CAN be combined with any of the many ski specials we currently have!

KIDS SKI AND FLY FREE - EXTENDED TO AUGUST 31

2008-08-03T17:26:00.003-07:00

The Zoom Airline's "KIDS FLY FREE" promotion has been extended to August 31 2008. Details on this promotion had been posted earlier on this blog.

Just enter "Children2008" under the promotions tab to receive this saving. If you have any problems with this promotion, please post here!

Highway 99 | Sea-to-Sky| OPEN

2008-08-03T17:07:00.004-07:00

For those of you wishing to travel to Whistler from Vancouver on the Sea-to-Sky, there is finally good news about the rock slide which has blocked the road for some days.

The Sea-to Sky, Highway 99, re-opened at 11 pm last night, Saturday August 2nd 2008. Please expect delays due to extremely high traffic volumes and continued clearing efforts.

More detailed information on this event can be found at cbc.ca

Black Bear, Brown Cub Photo

2008-07-18T20:21:00.004-07:00

This photo was taken a few days ago on the Bow Valley Parkway 1A just outside of Banff. It is a black bear, and the cub is also a black bear, just with a brown coloration. Black bears can be brown and brown bears are also called Grizzly Bears. Confused?

Let us organise your Banff wildlife safari and all this will be explained!

KIDS SKI AND FLY FREE*

2008-07-17T08:50:00.005-07:00

Pay Only the Fees and Taxes for Children Under 18 on all Zoom Routes!

BOOK BY July 31st 2008 and Save!

Visit www.flyzoom.com and enter the promotion code: Children2008

*Terms & Conditions: Children ski free at select ski resorts - conditions apply. Please visit ski specials for details. Specials and promotions subject to change at anytime. Flight Terms and Conditions: Limited availability. Taxes, fees & charges apply. Valid on all routes when booked before 31 July 2008. Must be a round trip flight. Minimum of 2 Adults paying full fare per booking. Maximum of 2 children per discount per booking. Child is subject to the discount in the seating class selected by the accompanying adults. Child must be 17 years old or younger as of return flight date.

Reference Page - Travel Resources

2008-06-26T09:57:00.004-07:00

The tour operator rocky-peak Ski Holidays has a travel resource reference page which has numerous external travel resources and directories to help you plan your getaway. Some of these links include official government sites for unbiased descriptions and reviews.

If you require more information, or you would like to recommend a travel resource to be listed, please contact rocky-peak Ski Holidays.

Fernie Alpine Resort - Summer 2008

2008-06-25T17:01:00.003-07:00

Fernie Alpine Resort opens for Summer June 28th 2008!!

What are you doing this summer? Time to head to Fernie Alpine Resort for your next mountain bike adventure!

Contact rocky-peak Ski Holidays for booking and details.