2009 Banff National Park Dragon Boat Festival Preview

Title:
2009 Banff National Park Dragon Boat Festival Preview

Description:
A look ahead to the upcoming 2009 Banff National Park Dragon Boat Festival on Lake Minnewanka in Banff, Alberta, Canada. Banff National Park is a vast untamed territory that begs to be explored. Wild animals roam the valleys, eagles soar over the Canadian Rocky Mountains, and pure water streams into rivers from 1,000 glaciers. Hundreds of years ago aboriginal natives first discovered its beauty, quickly followed by explorers, map makers, and mountain climbers. Even the odd celebrity or royal type have popped by. And now you. Climb the same mountains, paddle the rivers, and inhale the air. Thats pure alpine. The sheer number of adventures, both indoors and out, is as hard to count as the peaks stretching into the distance. Ski, shop or spa, learn local history at museums and art galleries or wander down a hiking trail or two. In Banff and Lake Louise the possibilities are limitless. Summer Adventures Adventures in Banff National Park bring you face to face with nature; jagged mountain peaks rippling into the distance and thickly forested alpine valleys. Here, youll share the excitement with wild animals, wild spaces and the soothing rustle of wind through the trees. Activities in Banff and Lake Louise come at all levels. Take a casual stroll through wildflowers in an alpine meadow or test your extreme limits climbing to the roof of the Rocky Mountains. Backpack across rock ridges formed by undersea oceans over 45 million years ago, or tee-off at a five-star golf course. Throw a fish hook in the water, walk on a glacier, or canoe on Lake Louises turquoise water. Take a guided trip outside the park for heli-hiking, whitewater rafting, and ATV fun, where the adventure begins on the shuttle bus. Cherished by Canadians, Banff National Park is renowned around the world as a protected paradise with 6641 square km of mountains, forests, and lakes to explore. But in the middle of this vast wilderness you will also discover Banff and Lake Louise, two small communities that literally open their doors to the world. It was the first in Canada and third in the world when it was created in 1885 after a natural hot springs was discovered. Banff National Park soon became a tourism icon around the world, as well-known as our Mounties in red serge jackets and felt hats. Maps were charted, luxury hotels were built, mountains were climbed and tourists arrived with the train, then cars and air travel. Banff - named for Banffshire, Scotland - and Lake Louise are located within the park which forms part of the UNESCO Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. Two communities, smack dab in the centre of one of the most beautiful and pristine national parks in the world. Whats not to love? Those of us lucky enough to work and play in Banff National Park respect and honour its continued ecological health, but we do still avoid the elk walking down the street. All residents must have a need to reside which helps to preserve the family roots of the two communities. Summer is considered the busy season - its quieter in the fall and spring, and the skiers and snowboarders arrive in winter. Banff is the busier of the two, known for its shopping, variety of restaurants and abundant accommodation choices. A charming hamlet, Lake Louise is so quiet you can hear the avalanches on the Victoria Glacier echo through the valley on a sunny day. You hope to see at least one wild animal, cant miss a photograph on the shores of Lake Louise and are wondering what to pack. A visit to the unspoiled surroundings of Banff National Park takes just a little forethought but its essentially a breeze. The paved roads are well-maintained and extremely simple to navigate, or you can hop on a bus and take a guided sightseeing tour. Money is easy to exchange and Canadian currency is multi-coloured, which helps you keep it all straight. Theres always something exciting going on, so consult the events calendar or check out the Information Centres in Banff and Lake Louise once you arrive. Make the most of easy-to-access information and plan your itinerary with ease, follow a few travel tips, grab a map and you're off. Your adventure is just beginning.

Author:
banfflakelouise2

Tags:
banfflakelouise, banff, lake, louise, dragon, boat, national, park, alberta, canada, canoe, kayak, rowing, competition, race, racing, festival,