SNO-man says
Lake Louise's facilities away from skiing and 'boarding are limited to those in the hotels and what can be done outdoors on the abundant snow and ice. In the latter category, as soon as the ice permits, Lake Louise, Vermilion Lakes, and the Bow River are open to skaters. Sleigh rides are also popular and an approximately 45 to 60 minute excursion to the end of majestic Lake Louise is the most popular route in traditionally styled six-seater sleighs complete with blankets and warm upholstered seats . Snowmobiling and dog sledding are also available.
Of course if you venture in to Banff you'll find a huge choice of activities apart from skiing during the winter. You can enjoy heli-sightseeing, bowling, canyon ice walks, hot springs, carriage rides, ice fishing, curling and ice hockey, mountaineering, fitness facilities, snowshoeing and tobogganing. There are several museums, galleries and similar facilities in Banff. An interesting way to discover these buildings is by taking the self-guiding "Banff Historical Walking Tour", which takes you to some of those silent witnesses of the past.
The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies houses four art galleries, exhibiting works of contemporary and historic art, often incorporating a mountain theme, a heritage collection of artifacts, archives, a museum shop and six heritage homes in its grounds. Secondly, The Walter Phillips Gallery presents the latest in
contemporary art, with exhibitions by national and international artists investigating the issues and ideas of our time. The gallery maintains a permanent collection and organises nine shows of art, video screenings, lectures and performances every year.
Banff Park Museum National Historic Site is Western Canada's oldest natural history museum, circa 1903, housing wildlife specimens dating back to the 1860's. Learn how animals were studied in the Victorian Era at this, the "University of the Hills", and find out how the animals are now studied in National Parks. The Natural History Museum traces the geological evolution of the Rockies. There are displays of rocks and minerals, fossils and dinosaur bones, flowers and plants, a film on the eruption of Mt. St Helens, and a life sized model of "Big Foot," the legendary giant ape said to live in remote mountain regions.
For those interested in Banff before skiing, trains or Europeans at all, the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum offers an experience of the rich culture of the Natives of the Northern Plains and Canadian Rockies. Life sized scenes featuring ornamental costumes, teepees, travois and other artifacts depict Native arts and daily life.
A visit at the Upper Hot Springs is a must at the end of your day. Bathe in the "sacred waters of the mountains" and discover a power over mind and body that is centuries old. Unwind in a spectacular mountain setting and soak in waters that have travelled deep into the earth returning to the surface hot and loaded with natural minerals. Indulge yourself with a massage, or let the cleansing power of aromatherapy or the
deep penetrating heat of a mineral plunge bath restore body and soul.