Category Archives: Alberta

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‘Green light’ for St Patrick’s celebrations around the world!

16 March 2017:  Over 250 iconic landmarks and sites around the world will be illuminated green over the coming days – as part of Tourism Ireland’s 2017 Global Greening initiative to celebrate the island of Ireland and St Patrick.

The annual initiative, now in its eighth year, which sees a host of major landmarks around the world turn green for St Patrick’s Day, has grown from strength to strength, with many new landmarks signing up to take part this year.

Stadiums, statues, castles and towers will go green to celebrate our national day (17 March) with exciting additions for 2017 including the One World Trade Center in New York – the main building of the re-built World Trade Center in New York and the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.

Canadian landmarks going green this year include the Toronto Sign, Casa Loma, Whistler Ski Resort, Calgary Tower, Cabot Tower, The Big Fiddle, the Museum of Nature, the Big Nickel, the Distillery District, the Sails of Lights, the Futalognkosaurus (dinosaur) in the Royal Ontario Museum, Montreal City Hall, Complexe Desjardins, and La Tour McGill.
Click Tourism Ireland’s Global Greenings for footage of the world turning green.

Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: “This is the eighth year of Tourism Ireland’s Global Greening initiative and each year I am delighted to see even more well-known attractions and landmark sites wishing to get involved. The eagerness of cities and countries everywhere to take part underlines the strength of the deep connection that people all over the world feel to Ireland. More than 70 million people around the world claim links to the island of Ireland and St Patrick’s Day is a truly unique opportunity to reconnect them with their heritage.”

Of course, the ‘greenings’ are just one part of the St Patrick’s Day celebrations. The place to be on 17th March is Ireland where there are two festivals which shouldn’t be missed.

In Dublin, Ireland’s capital city, the ‘St Patrick’s Festival’ will last for four great days, taking in the weekend and running from 16-19 March.  The city will be alive with music, film, arts, dance, culture, fun and even international rugby.

Each year the festival has a different theme with this year’s ‘Ireland We Are’ giving the city a chance to showcase all that Ireland stands for today.  Festival favourites include the world’s largest outdoor céilí, world-class museums hosting free workshops and guided historic walks including famous sites such as the Guinness Storehouse. The main event, the St Patrick’s Festival parade, is held on Friday 17 March in Dublin’s city centre.

In Northern Ireland, the newly curated ‘Home of St Patrick Festival’ celebrates St Patrick, the man and the saint, as one of the world’s most inspiring and loved saints of all time. Taking place in the beautiful landscape of Counties Armagh and Down, which was once Patrick’s home, the festival will culminate on Sunday 19 March with ‘The Voice of the Irish’ closing concert in spectacular Newry Cathedral.

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Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Launches Transformational Travel Series

FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAKE LOUISE

 

FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAKE LOUISE LAUNCHES POWERFUL TRANSFORMATIVE WELLNESS PROGRAM

– Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise adds holistic wellness experiences
to the magical setting of the hotel –

LAKE LOUISE, March, 2017

Guests come to Lake Louise to enjoy endless outdoor activities, including world-class skiing, snowshoeing, ice-skating, guided hikes, horseback riding and canoeing. There is also a luxurious day spa, exceptional dining experiences and upscale accommodations with gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Louise.
A few years ago, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise began offering wellness retreats throughout the year that complemented the guests’ stay in a truly breathtaking and spectacular setting. The wellness retreats struck a chord with the hotel’s international guest base, which, like more and more people around the globe, are looking for transformative travel experiences that leave them inspired, invigorated and renewed physically, mentally and spiritually.
In Spring 2017, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise will launch an extended wellness program with a new series of centering, holistic wellness experiences that will bring a deepened sense of Zen and mindfulness to the magical setting of the hotel.
The transformative wellness retreats are based on the pillars of mindfulness, meditation, creativity, authentic happiness, resilience and optimum wellbeing, that help guests find their true center and live in a more balanced and authentic way.
The retreats will be presented by renowned health and wellness experts including:

  • Tracy Delfs, passionate yoga & mindfulness instructor and long-time student of world-renowned Zen and mindfulness master Thich Nhat Hanh
  • Dr. Eva Selhub, internationally known medical doctor, author, stress management and resiliency coach
  • Shannon Kaiser, author and life coach, named “Top 100 Women to Watch in Wellness” and “Top 25 most influential wellness writers” by MindBodyGreen
  • Sean Murphy, author, Zen meditation teacher, creative writing coach
  • Kim Roberts, yoga instructor, psychotherapist and author
  • Cynthia Morris, acclaimed creativity coach, writer and artist

Wellness retreats are all-inclusive, two to four night packages with deluxe accommodation, healthy, delicious cuisine, daily yoga sessions, morning and afternoon wellness programs and plenty of time in between for guests to explore Lake Louise at their own pace.
To view the full wellness retreat calendar visit: fairmont.com/wellness
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Spring: The Season for Mountain Adventure in Jasper

Spring: The Season for Mountain Adventure in Jasper

Marmot Basin and Jasper Skytram welcoming all explorers

Jasper, AB (April 2, 2015) –

Jasper, the destination for adventurers only, is in the midst of a stunning spring season. The month of April is the ideal time to ascend new heights in the Rocky Mountains with Marmot Basin and Jasper Skytram.

Marmot Basin has had some of the best snow conditions in the country this winter, and is heading into April armed and ready for a fantastic season finale. This all begins Easter Long Weekend, and continues on to May with well-loved annual events. Marmot Basin is not the only option for Jasper visitors looking to get into the mountains; the Jasper Skytram is opening its trams earlier than ever this year, which means it’s the perfect opportunity to “do two peaks”! See below for full dates and details:

EASTER LONG WEEKEND – MARMOT BASIN and JASPER SKYTRAM

Get in on all the family fun at Marmot Basin during Easter long weekend celebrations from

Friday, April 3 to Monday, April 6. Games, egg hunt, and surprise guest appearances all happening on the ski hill.

Kick the Easter long weekend into high gear with a trip to the clouds via the Jasper Skytram. Take advantage of the early open dates starting

Friday, April 3.

ALOHA CUP – MARMOT BASIN

On

Saturday, April 18, Hawaiian culture meets Canadian Rockies spirit as participants race down a course that includes banked turns, rollers, and small jumps. Prizes for fastest run, best costume and more will be up for grabs.

KOKANEE FREERIDE – MARMOT BASIN

Snow enthusiasts seeking a party can enjoy live music and DJs, a BBQ, and rail jamming on

Saturday, April 25 during the Kokanee Freeride Mountain Tour.

RETRO WEEKEND – MARMOT BASIN

Saturday, May 2

and Sunday, May 3 will mark the closing weekend on the hill. Join the celebration with live music, a BBQ, ski and snowboard demos, games, and a dual slalom/fat bike relay. Not to be forgotten is the closing ‘retro’ day tradition, which encourages all skiers and snowboarders to dress up in their best 60’s, 70’s, 80’s or 90’s outfits for chances to win great prizes.

For information, packages, and event details, please visit

www.skimarmot.com and www.jasperskytram.com.

About Tourism Jasper

Follow us on social via @TourismJasper and use the hashtag #MyJasper.

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Canada Day celebration with Parks Canada

Free admission to Parks Canada sites to celebrate Canada Day

OTTAWA, June 13, 2013 /CNW/ – Parks Canada reminds that admission will be free in all 44 national parks, 167 national historic sites, and four national marine conservation areas on Canada Day.

To celebrate Canada Day, Canadians are invited to participate in an array of activities offered across the country.

For details on celebrations across the country including activities involving Parks Canada in Canada’s Capital, please visit: www.pc.gc.ca/eng/voyage-travel/celebrations2013.aspx#Canada.

You can also follow us on these social media networks:
www.facebook.com/ParksCanada
www.twitter.com/ParksCanada

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Hollywood comes to Banff. January 2013 news!

HOLLYWOOD COMES TO BANFF

More celebrities announced for The Fairmont Banff Springs Sports Invitational

BANFF, Alberta (January 24, 2013) – In one week Hollywood stars will descend on Banff for The Fairmont Banff Springs Sports Invitational, set to kick off January 31 – February 3. New names of celebrities expected to be in attendance include Alicia Silverstone, Matthew Gray Gubler, Lorenzo Lamas, Cheech Marin, Mimi Rogers, Melissa Rivers, Cheryl Hines, James Edward Olmos, Jimmy Rankin, Melissa Gilbert, AJ Cook, Minnie Driver, Rob Morrow and Tim Busfield. These stars will join host Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Susan Sarandon, Alan Thicke, Fran Drescher, Camryn Manheim and Lyle Lovett and his Large Band

Guests can take part in the glitz and glamour at the Saturday evening Gala. Individual Gala tickets are $500 CAD per person plus applicable taxes. The evening includes a gourmet dinner, live and silent auction and an exclusive concert by Lyle Lovett and his Large Band, fresh off their acclaimed US tour. Tickets are available through The Fairmont Banff Springs by calling (403) 762-1710, or emailing casie.vitt@fairmont.com.

The stars will gather in Banff, Alberta to raise money and awareness for the protection of North American waterways together with Waterkeeper Alliance. By day, stars will take in the spectacular Canadian Rocky Mountains on the slopes of Sunshine Village Ski and Snowboard Resort and by night, relax amid the luxurious hospitality of the majestic Fairmont Banff Springs. This event, which has raised millions of dollars for environmental protection in recent years, has in the past drawn such Hollywood A-list stars as Glenn Close, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Meg Ryan, Dan Aykroyd, Jason Priestley and Martin Sheen.

Waterkeeper Alliance is the fastest-growing environmental movement in the world uniting Waterkeepers who patrol and protect rivers, bays, lakes and streams on six continents—more than 1.5 million square miles of waterways—in boats ranging in size from kayaks to research vessels. They are the leading voice for the world’s waters with roots dating back to 1966, when a concerned group of commercial and recreation fishermen mobilized to reclaim the Hudson River from polluters. Their tough, hands on, community oriented brand of environmental activism and miraculous recovery of the Hudson inspired 200 other individuals and organizations to launch Waterkeepers from the Mississippi to the Amazon to the Tigris to the Ganges and across the globe to fight in their communities for the right to have swimmable, drinkable and fishable water. The stars will spend two action-packed days skiing and competing in fun events at the world renowned Sunshine Village Ski and Snowboard Resort. Activities including toboggan/snowshoe races, and dual giant slalom races are well within public view to lift and gondola ticket purchasers.Supporting Waterkeeper Alliance’s work in protecting waterways strongly aligns with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Environmental Stewardship and Corporate Social Responsibility goals. Additionally, The Fairmont Banff Springs Sports Invitational not only provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the hotel but the opportunity to showcase what Banff National Park has to offer visitors looking for an authentic winter vacation experience.

“As the number one rated resort in the Canadian Rockies, Sunshine is excited to again help raise awareness and funds to preserve clean waterways in North America,” said Ralph Scurfield, President and principal owner of Sunshine Village Ski and Snowboard Resort. “Hollywood loves Sunshine and we are pleased to host this fun-filled event in support of the Waterkeepers Alliance.”

“Once again, WestJet is delighted to be a part of the Fairmont Banff Springs Sports Invitational” said Gregg Saretsky, WestJet President and CEO. “WestJet has invested billions of dollars in fleet renewal and is one of the most fuel efficient airlines operating today. The opportunity to participate in a wonderful event which raises awareness for the need to safeguard our waterways and our environment in general is in keeping with our ongoing efforts to promote sustainability.”

ABOUT FAIRMONT HOTELS & RESORTS

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is a celebrated collection of more than 60 luxury properties around the globe, including Shanghai’s Fairmont Peace Hotel, The Plaza in New York, and Makkah Clock Royal Tower in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The luxury brand’s distinctive hotels offer a sense of heritage and sophistication, warm, engaging service and culturally rich experiences. A community and environmental leader, Fairmont is also recognized internationally for its responsible tourism practices and award-winning Green Partnership program. Fairmont is owned by FRHI Holdings Limited, a leading global hotel company with over 100 hotels under the Fairmont, Raffles, and Swissôtel brands. The company also manages Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel branded luxury private residences club, whole-ownership residences and serviced residences properties. For more information or reservations, please call 1-800-441-1414 or visit fairmont.com. Become a fan of Fairmont. Join our online communities at everyonesanoriginal.com, facebook.com/fairmonthotels, and twitter.com/fairmonthotels. For career opportunities, visit facebook.com/fairmontcareers.

ABOUT WESTJET

WestJet is Canada’s most preferred airline, offering scheduled service to 81 destinations in North America, Central America and the Caribbean. Powered by an award-winning culture of care, WestJet has pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. Recognized nationally as a top employer, WestJet now has more than 9,000 WestJetters across Canada. Operating a fleet of 100 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft with future confirmed deliveries for an additional 35 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft through 2018 and plans to launch a low-cost regional airline in 2013, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.

ABOUT SUNSHINE VILLAGE SKI AND SNOWBOARD RESORT

Sunshine Village, close to the town of Banff, provides skiers and boarders with 12-lifts including seven modern high speed quad chairs, the most in the Canadian Rockies, and one of the world’s fastest eight passenger gondolas. Stay slopeside in the Rockies only “ski-in ski-out” hotel and ski or ride 3,300 acres and three mountains in the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia along the Continental Divide, during Canada’s longest season from November to late May. For more information visit www.skibanff.com.

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The Fairmont Banff Springs Celebrates 125 years!

BSH-125-W.jpg

Celebrating 125 Years

‘Artist in Residence’ Program in partnership with

Mountain Galleries launches at The Fairmont Banff Springs

BANFF, Alberta (January 22, 2013) This year The Fairmont Banff Springs celebrates 125 years of hospitality and service in Banff National Park. Celebrations kick off this month with the launch of an ‘Artist in Residence’ program in partnership with Mountain Galleries. This program follows in the footsteps of the Canadian Pacific Railway’s vision in the early 1900’s that saw the railway use artwork to tell the story of the hotel and its’ destination to potential travelers around the globe. For the 125th celebration, artists will be asked to create work that is either inspired by or tells the story of The Fairmont Banff Springs.

Each month the artist chosen by Mountain Galleries will live and paint in the hotel for one week. They will work in designated spots throughout the hotel giving guests the opportunity to watch the art come to life from the first stroke of the brush. The ‘Artist in Residence’ program will give hotel guests the chance to become inspired artists themselves with the ‘Artist in Residence Package’. The package will be available the third week of every month and includes two nights luxury accommodation, welcome reception and an artist led seminar.

February’s artist will be Linda Wilder. Ms Wilder is an accomplished award winning landscape painter whose dramatic work can be seen in Mountain Galleries. According to Mountain Galleries owner Wendy Wacko, “Linda Wilder is one of Western Canada’s new leading artists – she has developed her own unique spontaneous style and is extremely talented. Sensitive and intense, her paintings of the Canadian Rockies are powerful. Linda is looking forward to being the first Artist in Residence and sharing her thoughts and process with guests.” Interviews with artists in residence throughout 2013 can be arranged through The Fairmont Banff Springs Public Relations office.

Other significant events that set to unfold throughout 2013 will include:

§ 125 Castle Celebration Package with rates starting from $359 per night with a $125 daily resort credit.

§ Community engagement activities and open house celebration in June.

§ A Walk Back in Time’ nature walk every Saturday – an indoor and outdoor interpretive journey of the past 125 years

§ Then and Now Photography exhibit in spring 2013.

§ Willow Stream Spa will feature specials including a ‘Diamond Facial’ starting mid February.

§ Food and beverage highlights include a 125th specialty cocktail and a $125 Banffshire Club Tasting Menu.

§ Alumni Reunion in May.

§ Charity Gala in June.

To keep up to date on all special events and offers for The Fairmont Banff Springs 125 celebrations click here

Nestled in Canada’s first national park The Fairmont Banff Springs was built in 1888 as a Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) hotel. Sir William Cornelius Van Horne, appointed General Manager of the CPR was one of the first to realize the connection between rail travel and tourism and stated. Since we can’t export the scenery, we’ll have to import the tourists.” In the past 124 years, The Fairmont Banff Springs has hosted numerous royals, heads of state, celebrities and stands as a world renowned symbol of Canadian hospitality. A breathtaking one-hour drive from Calgary will bring you to the “Castle in The Rockies”. Other activities to enjoy while staying at the castle include the Willow Stream Spa, games and bowling centre, a dedicated Kids Club, eighteen shops and boutiques, tennis courts, and horseback riding. The hotel is in close proximity to three world-class ski areas and the charming town of Banff.

ABOUT FAIRMONT HOTELS & RESORTS

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is a celebrated collection of more than 60 luxury properties around the globe, including Shanghai’s Fairmont Peace Hotel, The Plaza in New York, and Makkah Clock Royal Tower in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The luxury brand’s distinctive hotels offer a sense of heritage and sophistication, warm, engaging service and culturally rich experiences. A community and environmental leader, Fairmont is also recognized internationally for its responsible tourism practices and award-winning Green Partnership program. Fairmont is owned by FRHI Holdings Limited, a leading global hotel company with over 100 hotels under the Fairmont, Raffles, and Swissôtel brands. The company also manages Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel branded luxury private residences club, whole-ownership residences and serviced residences properties. For more information or reservations, please call 1-800-441-1414 or visit fairmont.com.

Become a fan of Fairmont. Join our online communities at everyonesanoriginal.com, facebook.com/fairmonthotels, twitter.com/fairmonthotels, and pinterest.com/fairmonthotels/. For career opportunities, visit facebook.com/fairmontcareers.

ABOUT MOUNTAIN GALLERIES

Established in 1992 in Jasper, Alberta by artist/filmmaker Wendy Wacko, Mountain Galleries is one of the largest commercial galleries in Western Canada with locations in Fairmont hotels in Banff, Jasper & Whistle The collection represents major and mid-career artists.

The mission of the gallery is to support and promote Canadian Artists. Ms. Wacko brings 35 years of working experience in the arts to this collection and has assembled a staff of well educated young professionals who understand and respect the mission of the gallery. Understanding our clients’ needs and providing the best possible customer service is our top priority.

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Travelling with Wild Women Expeditions

Canada’s leading outdoor adventure company for women celebrates 22nd anniversary
Wild Women Expeditions unveils 2012 schedule of wilderness adventures, getaways and retreats

12 October, 2011 (Woody Point, Newfoundland) — Wild Women Expeditions (WWE), Canada’s largest all-women adventure travel company, enters its 22nd season with fun and unique adventures in every region of Canada. Wild Women Expeditions specializes in outdoor adventure travel exclusively within Canada.

In 1991, the company started as an all-women canoe tripping company and over the last 20 years, Wild Women has expanded across Canada and is now offering kayak, flatwater and whitewater canoe, hiking, cycling, surfing and yoga adventures in eight provinces and territories. Yoga and art retreats compliment multi-sport adventures in a variety of outstanding wilderness destinations, including Vancouver Island’s Pacific Rim, the Rockies, Charlevoix Quebec, Northern Ontario, New Brunswick’s Bay of Fundy and Newfoundland’s Gros Morne National Park.

In 2011, WWE broke new ground with the wildly popular “Wild Yoga Retreats” in Gros Morne, Newfoundland and Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, combining a wellness-based program with outdoor adventure activities. WWE Director Jennifer Haddow said, “Women are looking to experience the wild in a holistic way, with other women who share their values and interests. Women’s-only travel resonates with more and more women who want more than a typical getaway vacation. They want to be part of a meaningful wilderness experience and they talk about the connections with other woman on our adventures as being as valuable as the experience of the destinations themselves”.

From the beginning of June through to September 2012, many traditional favorites and some brand new expeditions are available. A greater number and range of trips have recently been added to meet the growing demand of women wanting to explore and experience the natural beauty of Canada’s wilderness.

Recognized nationally and internationally for excellence in all-women wilderness trips, Wild Women Expeditions accommodates both the absolute beginner and the well-seasoned tripper.

“WWE has had a steady climb, increasing our activities and business by almost 20 per cent in the last year, and is poised to grow even more in 2012.” said Haddow. “We are increasing our specialized trips, such as trips exclusively for lesbian and bisexual women, as well as building on trips for mothers and daughters and meeting more specific needs of the women’s travel community”.

The complete 2012 schedule is available at www.wildwomenexp.com, or for more information               1-888-WWE-1222       .

In 2011, WWE also launched a unique new blog ‘Women Going Wild’ (www.womengoingwild.ca) as a forum to share the stories of women about their empowerment and experience in Canada’s wilderness.