Cityscape to 'bubble' lake
From exploring Calgary’s urban playground to skiing, snowshoeing and even fl ying across mountains to explore frozen ‘bubble’ lakes, Alberta certainly proved an adventure for intrepid agents who joined a recent winter fam trip hosted by Travel Alberta.
Starting in Calgary, the agents enjoyed a walking tour where they learned all about the ways of Calgarians and the city's rich tradition of art and architecture.
The group then climbed one of its most iconic landmarks the Calgary Tower. The more adventurous had the chance to ‘step out into space’ by trying out the glass fl oor observation deck, which is 36 feet long and more than four feet wide apparently it can hold the weight of three hippos though!
Their feet fi rmly back on land, the group visited Calgary Zoo, one of the top zoos in the world for conservation research and the best way to learn about Canada’s bears and cougars without a face to face encounter.
Leaving the city behind, the group transferred to the snowy town of Banff , where they picked up SkiBig3 passes to use across three resorts Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt. Norquay.
The spectacular views of mountains, glaciers, lakes and forests made partaking in winter sports a must even for novices. The agents enjoyed more than 3,300 acres of skiable terrain, ranging from gentle beginner runs to extreme mountain piste at Sunshine 4,200 acres spread across four mountain faces at Lake Louise, one of the largest ski resorts in North America and learned that Mt. Norquay off ers the only night skiing in Banff , including a fully lit terrain park for boarders.
They also tested their skills in Jasper's Marmot Basin, which off ers 45cm of natural snow from November through to May.
Away from the slopes the agents were treated to the ultimate high in the form of a Rockies Heli Canada Bubbles Tour. They fl ew to a snowshoeing location in the Rockies and then experienced the Abraham Lake ice bubbles a natural phenomenon which sees methane gas bubbles freeze under the lake surface to stunning eff ect.
Also for non skiiers, a Johnston Canyon ice walk presented a great opportunity to get close up to a natural wonder. The agents walked among the gigantic pillars of ice with views into the gorge below before arriving at Upper Falls a glittering tower of ice that rises 30 metres above human heads!
Following what was quite the active itinerary, there was just enough time to relax, unwind and refl ect at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa, complete with a relaxation lodge, fi ve outdoor pools, fi ve steam and sauna cabins, and massage therapists. The perfect way to ease away those boot aches.
“Alberta in the winter is truly spectacular and dare I say it's even more beautiful than summer,” said Laura Kirton of First Class Holidays. “A personal highlight of mine was taking a helicopter over the top of Rockies to get that amazing birds eye view it was simply breathtaking.”