Watch the sunset at the Alpenglow Experience
When: January 22 to March 13
Enjoy the evening mountain views at the Alpenglow Experience at the Banff Gondola summit. During the event, which runs on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., guests can take in the spectacular sunset while sitting around outdoor firepits and sipping on cocktails from the pop-up bar. There will also be ice sculptures, s’mores and even a professional telescope to analyze the night sky. You can read up on the gondola’s safety measures during the pandemic here.
1 Mountain Ave., 403-762-2523, banffjaspercollection.com
Skate at an outdoor rink
Swap your hiking spikes for sharpened skates and head out to one of the many lakes that have turned into outdoor rinks for a day of skating. Throughout Banff National Park, you can find natural lakes of various sizes like Johnson Lake, Lake Minnewanka or Cascade Pond that are all popular spots for skating sessions out of the city. Whichever one you choose, try to visit during off-peak times to avoid crowds and remember to keep at least two metres away from those outside your household. Be sure to check road and weather conditions before heading out, as well as ice conditions on the lake. Visit Parks Canada’s website for more information on ice safety and risks.
Make mountain art with the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies
When: February 3 to March 10
Join contemporary painter Barb Fyvie in a six-week art workshop focused on mindfulness, self-discovery and creating joy through art, hosted by the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies. Every Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m, Fyvie will lead a JoyMakers class on Zoom creating watercolour paintings with an emphasis on shapes and patterns. The workshop is open to all levels and no art experience is required.
Ski midweek at Castle Mountain Resort
Castle Mountain Resort is offering 20 per cent off limited amounts of lift tickets for midweek ski sessions. Since there tend to be more visitors on holidays and weekends, it’s a great opportunity if you’re looking for a (potentially) more physically distanced slope. If you’re looking for different scenery, check out other midweek ski offers for Marmot Basin, Mount Norquay, Nakiska Ski Resort, Banff Sunshine Village and more.
skicastle.ca; skimarmot.com; banffnorquay.com; skinakiska.com; skibanff.com
Enjoy a staycation at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is offering a great staycation deal right now: if you spend one night at the hotel, you can add a second night to your stay for free until April 30, 2021. Enjoy the familiar sight of Rundle Mountain and the peace and quiet of a night in a castle while enjoying spa services and in-room dining from a gourmet menu. Services and activities have been modified for pandemic and physical distancing restrictions, so be sure to keep up to date with the latest changes online.
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, 405 Spray Ave., 403-762-2211, banff-springs-hotel.com