Here is a great way to summit a peak in Banff National Park.  The Sulpher Scramble has been a mainstay of Banff hiking trails for over 100 years.

Trailhead: Cross the Bow River bridge, turn left, then right at the first intersection. Drive 4 km on Mountain Avenue to the Upper Hot Springs parking lot. If walking from town, take the Upper Hot Springs trail. The trail leaves from the corner of the Upper Hot Springs parking lot closest to the pool.  2 to 3 hours of slogging gets you amazing 360 degree views of the Rocky Mountains and the Town of Banff.  It also warms you up for a huge dinner at The Balkan Restaurant.

Side trip: 1 km one way, 60 m elevation gain, 1 hour round trip. Boardwalk trail departs from Observation Deck on the summit.

Take the gondola down as an added bonus.

Parks Canada Trail Map can be found here.

New nightclub set to become local legend

Dancing Sasquatch to offer totally unique and Banff flavoured entertainment experience 

Banff, AB --This weekend a completely unique entertainment experience will open its doors on main level Banff Avenue. The Dancing Sasquatch, a nightclub like none other, will offer guests a whole new outdoor mountain experience, indoors.

“People come to Banff because they want to experience the Park, so we brought it inside,” says Jordan Mendelman, Operating Partner of the Dancing Sasquatch.

Everything about this Canadian cabin club gives a nod to the heritage of Banff and its surrounding area.

Clientele walk through a dark and moody mineshaft and upstairs into a virtual forest.  Once on the main level of the nightclub it actually feels like you’re out in the woods of Banff National Park.  Tables are built around real aspen trees, the walls are dressed in high definition and constantly changing projection imagery of the surrounding park, and you walk up to cabin windows to be served by bartenders dressed like campers and lumberjacks – or you can sit and be served by waitresses in hiking attire – with a sexy twist.  A campfire style seating area and a sauna style lounge round out the Canadian cabin party experience. The aesthetic is warm and welcoming and the vibe is fun.

 “We wanted to create an iconic destination on main street Banff,” says Yannis Karlos, a local restaurateur who is also part of the club’s ownership group.   We are aiming for the Dancing Sasquatch to become that must-see, all-out-fun, entertainment venue in Banff.”

The owners thought long and hard about the name too. After uncovering tales of Sasquatch sightings in the Lake Minnewanka area (http://www.hancockhouse.com/article.php/20060326135529147), they decided to go with the Dancing Sasquatch.  They’ve been having some fun with the idea on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/sasquatchsimon).

The local Banff ownership group has over 60 years experience in nightclub and hospitality management and it shows from the moment you walk into the Dancing Sasquatch which was designed by Calgary’s well known CeDeCe.

The nightclub itself offers state-of-the-art  lighting and audio including a versa tube system, projection systems and a custom sound system by PK Sound from Calgary (of Shambhala fame).  Dancing Sasquatch will feature the best local, regional and international talent as a live DJ venue seven days a week.

Sitting in prime real estate, located at 120 Banff Avenue, Dancing Sasquatch is sure to become a local legend. To learn more visit www.banffsasquatch.com

Banff National Park

125 Years of National Parks in Canada - Come Celebrate!

Banff National Park is the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a global treasure of natural beauty, wildness, and diversity of life. Banff National Park provides a beautiful and unique destination for the Subaru Banff Triathlon. The event has a strong connection with the natural character of the park through its pursuits of healthy, outdoor lifestyles. The Subaru Banff Triathlon is honoured to host the inaugural race in the same year that Parks Canada celebrates the 125th birthday of the 1885 founding of Banff National Park.

Check out this fun video about Canada's National Parks and the 125 Anniversary of Banff National Park:

English

The Subaru Western Triathlon Series is proud to announce its newest race in Banff that is scheduled for September 11, 2010.  Imagine doing a triathlon in such a beautiful spot. This promises to be one of the most picturesque races in the world.  Swim in the pristine waters of Two Jack Lake and bike around the picturesque Minnewanka Loop Road and then into the town of Banff finishing the run on Banff Avenue and Central Park.

Canoeing & Kayaking

Blue Canoe on the Bow River, Banff Photo by Victoria Mitchell

Banff National Park offers a variety of canoeing and kayaking opportunities for paddlers of all levels.

Canoeing

In the Town of Banff, canoes can be rented at Blue Canoe, at the north end of Bow Avenue (also accessible from Wolf Street). From the canoe docks, paddlers who put in directly may choose to explore up a gentle leg of the Bow River or have the option to follow 40 Mile Creek into the Vermilion Lakes. Both routes offer splendid wildlife viewing.

Experienced canoeists may wish to paddle any of three different legs of the Bow River:

• Lake Louise to Castle Junction
• Castle Junction to Banff
• Bow Falls to Canmore

Kayaking

The lakes surrounding the Town of Banff are inviting to kayakers because of their serene settings and use by wildlife. The best kayaking spots include:

• Lake Minnewanka
• Vermilion Lakes
• Johnson Lake
• Two Jack Lake
• The Bow River between Castle Junction and the Banff townsite

For experienced whitewater kayakers, some local routes include:

• Bow River (Banff Springs Golf Course to Canmore) - Class I-II
• Upper Bow River - Class III-V
• Pipestone (at Lake Louise) - Class IV
• Red Earth Creek - Class V+

Banff Adventures Unlimited offers half-day guided tours in inflatable kayaks, including a scenic "calm water" trip down the Bow River, with instruction in basic kayaking techniques and safety.

Check out Discover Banff Tours and Adventures Unlimited for more information

We had an opportunity to spend a day with Simon to learn what his passion for Sasquatch finding is all about. What we didn't know is how deep it all went with conspiracies and government scandal. Please watch and find out how you can help the elusive Sasquatch receive the recognition and protection it deserves.

View the link of Simon ranting about Sasquatches in Banff National Park

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Db3xB-8pE6w&feature=player_embedded

We also believe that The Balkan may be Simon's favorite restaurant in Banff.