Latest news with #CanadianRockies
Forbes
16-07-2025
- Forbes
A Taste Of Banff: The Best Places To Eat, Play And Stay In Canada's Mountain Gem
Aerial View of Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise With its snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and a charming downtown, it's no wonder Banff continues to top the list of Canada's most beloved travel destinations. Located in the picturesque Canadian Rockies in Alberta province, it's not just the scenery that makes Banff unforgettable. It's the whole experience: endless outdoor adventure, outstanding food, and luxurious places to rest your head. Whether you're visiting in the summer or winter, Banff is a magical place any time of year. Here's a curated guide to on where to eat, sleep, and play to help you make the most of your visit. Where to Eat in Banff Banff's food scene is impressive for a small town, offering a range of options from fine dining to casual spots. Many restaurants feature stunning mountain views as well as Alberta's seven signature ingredients: beef, bison, canola, honey, red fife wheat, root vegetables, and Saskatoon berries. Stephane Prevost, a Montreal native and owner of Block Kitchen and Bar, has watched Banff's culinary scene evolve steadily during the past two decades. 'We've seen a real shift,' he says. 'There's more diversity now, and the town is aligning itself with top foodie destinations.' He predicts that trend will continue, with fresh food concepts emerging and chefs placing a stronger emphasis on culinary tourism that showcases the region's identity through locally sourced ingredients. Block Kitchen and Bar, which opened in 2014, is a reflection of that evolution. The cozy, casual restaurant serves global cuisine with Asian influences, featuring dishes such as Korean fried chicken and smoked bison flatbread. Prevost also opened a sister restaurant, Shoku, in 2021, reflecting his love for Japan, where he lived for five years. The restaurant's smoked bison flatbread dish Local favorite Bluebird is one of the top brunch spots in Banff, and it's easy to see why. The brunch menu is stacked with decadent options, from a creative lineup of toasts–including French, prime rib, avocado, and smoked salmon–to soufflé pancakes and mimosa flights. Bluebird also has a selection of wood-fired grilled dishes, fondue, shareable plates, and craft cocktails. Bluebird is one of Banff's top brunch spots. Just a short stroll away, Lupo Italian Ristorante evokes the spirit of an Italian street market with its chic interiors and mosaic tiles. The colorful trattoria puts a modern spin on Italian classics with house-made pastas like rigatoni alla vodka and pesto campanelle, wood-fired pizzas, and a curated wine list. Lupo Italian Ristorante's interiors nod to traditional Italian street markets. The Fat Ox serves rustic Italian classics that blend handmade pastas with mountain flavors. Dishes include osso bucco with Alberta lamb, saffron risotto, Sicilian gremolata, and mint and wild boar chop with cippolini onions. For panoramic mountain views, visit Juniper Hotel Bistro, known for dishes like wild mushroom risotto and elk hash. At Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar, the first distillery in a Canadian national park, you can enjoy rotisserie chicken or bison burgers with house spirits or a tasting flight of their gin or vodka. You can also head down to the cellar for a guided spirit tasting. Spirit tasting at Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar For a lighter sip, visit Jolene's Tea House, tucked inside the historic Old Crag Cabin. The shop sells tea-inspired products and a wide selection of wildcrafted organic teas like Spirit Lake mint and milk oolong. Owner Jolene Brewster says, 'Ever since I was five years old, the simple ritual of tea has held a special place in my heart. It fills in all the corners of my life.' Her fondness of tea deepened as she began studying the healing power of plants, and she quickly fell in love with the idea of 'turning to nature for answers.' That passion led her to open her own tea shop in 2021. Things to Do in Banff Banff Avenue is the city's main street and center of activity. When visiting Banff, you'll likely end up strolling Banff Avenue, the city's main street. Lined with boutique shops, cozy cafés, art galleries, and outdoor gear stores, it's the perfect spot to grab a coffee, pick up some local artisan goods, or dive into the area's history at the Banff Park Museum. One of the best ways to take in Banff's beauty is on two wheels. Rent an e-bike or take a guided tour from Radventures and ride along scenic paths like the Legacy Trail or Vermilion Lakes Road. It's an easy, fun, and eco-friendly way to explore the area at your own pace. For those who want to learn the stories behind the scenery, Discover Banff Tours offers guided experiences ranging from wildlife spotting to exploring hidden waterfalls. Their small-group tours are great for all ages. No trip to Banff is complete without visiting the stunning Lake Louise. While the lake itself is solely worth the trip, don't miss the chance to lace up your boots and hike one of the many surrounding trails. The Lake Agnes Tea House hike is a fan favorite, combining a moderate trek with a sweet reward: tea and homemade goodies at a mountainside cabin. It's worth noting that hiking is only available during warmer months. Where to Stay in Banff A delightful afternoon tea overlooking Lake Louise Banff offers an array of accommodation options, from grand castle-like hotels to boutique properties. Inside the new Otter Hotel, you'll find a contemporary lodge with minimalist rooms, rooftop hot tubs, and the Good Folk Restaurant, which offers craft beers and creative dishes like Johnny cakes with haskap jam and Alberta bison tartare. Just outside downtown, the historic Fairmont Banff Springs, or 'Castle in the Rockies,' rises above Bow River with grand architecture and a top spa. Its elegant brasserie, the Vermillion Room, serves French dishes with mountain views and an indulgent brunch featuring DIY mimosas, pastries, and the signature eggs benedict.. If you really want to lean into that fairy-tale vibe, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is the place. Perched right on the shores of Lake Louise, the Chateau provides unmatched access to trails, paddling, and views of Victoria Glacier. Don't miss the afternoon tea at Fairview Restaurant, with a classic spread of scones, clotted cream, delicate sandwiches, premium loose-leaf teas, and panoramic lake views.
Daily Mail
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Evangelical HGTV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines spark outrage after casting gay couple on new reality show
Evangelical HGTV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines are facing backlash from conservative Christians after casting a gay couple on their new reality show. The couple are executive producers of a new Magnolia Network series called Back to the Frontier, which drops three families near the Canadian Rockies and forces them to live like it is the 1880s for eight weeks. The families have no access to modern technology, no electricity or running water, and must harvest all their own food and tend to livestock. While the show sounds like must-see TV for Chip and Joanna's target audience, some viewers have expressed outrage over the inclusion of a gay couple on the cast. Texas-based couple Jason and Joe Hanna-Riggs are married with two twin boys, who they welcomed via a surrogate in 2014. In an interview with Queerty, the pair said that they signed up to do the show to 'normalize same-sex families,' but not all viewers are on board with their inclusion. Franklin Graham, who is the son of an evangelical pastor once praised by President Donald Trump, was among viewers weighing in on the series. 'I hope this isn't true, but I read today that Chip and Joanna Gaines are featuring a gay couple in their new series,' he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). 'If It is true, it is very disappointing. While we are to love people, we should love them enough to tell them the truth of God's Word. His Word is absolute truth. God loves us, and His design for marriage is between one man and one woman. Promoting something that God defines as sin is in itself sin.' Ed Vitagliano, who is VP of the American Family Association, insisted that the Magnolia Network should be 'expected to uphold' biblical values because the Gaines had been open about their faith in the past. 'This is sad and disappointing, because Chip and Joanna Gaines have been very influential in the evangelical community,' Vitagliano posted online. 'We aren't sure why the Gaines have reversed course, but we are sure of this: Back to the Frontier promotes an unbiblical view of human sexuality, marriage, and family – a view no Christian should embrace.' Other viewers also turned their ire directly towards Chip and Joanna, slamming the pair for including a gay couple on the show. 'I've never been a fan of the Gaines, but their normalization of so-called same-sex marriage and redefinition of family is a sinful capitulation to the god of this age. Sad but unsurprising,' wrote one. 'I hope the money from HBO was worth it to turn your long-time, loyal fan base against you by compromising your Christian values on family and sexuality. I hope you'll reconsider the things that led you to do this,' raged another. 'This is the closest I've come to seeing someone *literally* shoot themselves in the foot. You *have* to know that a large part of your base is professing Christians... whom you've now blown a Judas kiss.' Chip broke his silence following the backlash by slamming 'modern American Christians' in a post on X (formerly Twitter) 'Please stop pretending you're Christians. You're dragging the name of Christ through the mud,' wrote another. Chip has since responded to the controversy, posting on X, 'Talk, ask questions, listen... maybe even learn.' He continued, 'Too much to ask of modern American Christian culture. Judge first, understand later/never. It's a sad Sunday when "non believers" have never been confronted with hate or vitriol until they are introduced to a modern American Christian.' Chip, 50, added, 'On our way to church... Y'all enjoy this beautiful Sunday!' Speaking to Queerty about their experience on the show, Joe and Jason said that they learned throughout the process that LGBTQ homsteaders did in fact exist in the 1880s. 'Well, from the homestead perspective, it was fascinating to learn that queer homesteaders existed — like, that's how a lot of folks kind of escaped, I guess, really being ostracized in cities,' Joe said. 'They would go to the frontier as a couple. So it was a common thing back then, and it's kind of the resilience of LGBTQ+ folks then, as well as it continues to be into into modern times.' The couple also discussed what it was like having to take on more traditional and defined gender roles on the series, with Jason taking on the female role. 'Taking on the female gender role, I learned that the homestead really revolved around women — they were the ones that were really making the homestead work,' he said. 'Because, while the man went out and did the physical labor, the women had to stay home and take care of the children, the garden, the laundry, the dishes and everything else, and then we were still expected to have food on the table when the husband came home from from the field,' he continued. 'So, without the women in the backbone of the homestead, homesteading would not have been successful, in my opinion.' has contacted Chip and Joanna for further comment. Back to the Frontier is currently streaming on HBO Max and The Magnolia Network. The show's official synopsis reads, 'Three American families leave the 21st century behind and attempt to survive as 1880s homesteaders – without running water or electricity. 'They tackle historical challenges and learn the skills that frontier families needed to survive a long winter.'
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Accor's Emblems Collection to add Rimrock Resort Hotel Banff in Canada
Hospitality group Accor has announced the addition of the Rimrock Resort Hotel Banff in Canada to its Emblems Collection, marking the brand's debut in North America. Owned by Oxford Properties Group and a capital partner, the resort is set for an extensive renovation starting in October 2025, with a reopening scheduled for the summer of 2026. Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, Rimrock Banff offers a blend of seclusion and accessibility, situated just a short distance from downtown Banff. The resort has been a venue for visitors since the 1880s and opened in its current form in 1993. The property will be enhanced while maintaining its historic experience. Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems CEO Maud Bailly said: "As the first Emblems property in North America, it represents our vision for the brand: distinctive, intimate, and deeply connected to its surroundings. 'We are proud to bring this vision to life in collaboration with Oxford Properties Group, a trusted partner whose deep expertise and commitment to excellence are instrumental in shaping this next chapter for luxury hospitality in Canada." Led by Studio Collective, the renovation will introduce a host of new amenities to the property, including a mountainside infinity pool with panoramic views, vitality pools, ice immersion baths, saunas, meditation rooms, and movement studios. An expedition centre will also be created, providing guests with insights into the numerous adventures that the Canadian Rockies have to offer. Oxford Properties Group Hotels head and senior vice president Tyler MacDonald said: 'Alongside our longtime partners at Accor, we're proud to be reinvesting in this landmark destination and reimagining it as a new expression of quiet mountain luxury as the first ever Emblems Collection property in North America. 'Through this visionary redevelopment, Oxford will build on Rimrock's storied legacy by delivering a timeless and elevated hospitality experience that helps drive tourism to the Canadian Rockies while maintaining its historic identity. It is a unique and exciting opportunity that perfectly encapsulates our long-term conviction in the future of Canadian hospitality and deep commitment to investing in Canada, where we have announced over $2bn of investment activity in the past month.' This transformation at Rimrock Banff is a significant move in Emblems Collection's strategy to expand globally. The brand has several projects underway, including the Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa in the UK, the Elatos Resort in Greece, and the Hotel Bellevue Cortina d'Ampezzo in Italy. Emblems Collection is on course to have 15 properties signed by 2025 and is anticipating the opening of its first European property by the end of this year. Earlier in the month, Accor revealed plans for the Emblems Collection brand to make its UK debut with the addition of Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa. "Accor's Emblems Collection to add Rimrock Resort Hotel Banff in Canada" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
News.com.au
21-06-2025
- Politics
- News.com.au
Tiny detail that shows Trump's wild security
In front of me was a winding path, a plethora of pine trees and an invisible line. The only clue this line even existed was the presence, just beyond it, of a single security guard. She was not to be trifled with. asked the guard if a journalist could get shot if they crossed this imperceptible barrier. 'Not shot,' she said. 'But I'd have to tackle you to the ground. 'I'd prefer not to though because I've had a lot of waffles for breakfast'. Donald Trump would be safe even without this most Canadian of security guards. Because at last week's G7 meeting of world leaders, if you'd got this close to the summit venue you'd been checked so many times already that you felt like you been stripped of even a harmful retort let alone a harmful firearm. Tiny detail on valley floor Incongruous sights abounded in and around the luxury Kananaskis Mountain Lodge resort, in the Canadian Rockies where the G7 was being held. They were both concerning and reassuring. On a valley floor, hundreds of metres from the resort down an almost sheer cliff that would challenge even the most ardent anti-Trump protester, spied something sticking out among the forest trees. Something that showed just how serious was the effort to keep Donald Trump alive. And Emmanuel Macron. And Keir Starmer. And Volodymyr Zelensky, Narendra Modi and our own Anthony Albanese. A tiny detail from this far up, temporary fencing jutted out from the scraggly bush and darted towards the Kananaskis River. At its apex was a mobile security tower brimming with lights and cameras. Nothing was getting up this cliff face. But it wasn't just protesters, the Royal Mounted Canadian Police – the Mounties – who spearheaded security at the event were concerned about. It was also wildlife: specifically bears. In March, the Mounties estimated that G7 security would cost it alone at least $53 million. But that's likely a huge underestimation of the actual cost. Canada's last G7, held in 2018, cost $433 million all up, more than half of that on policing and security. Costs have shot up since a 1999 World Trade Organisation meeting in Seattle CBD which descended into chaos as protesters fought police. It's now known as the 'Battle of Seattle'. Since then, the G7 summits have mostly been held in more rural locales such as Kananaskis, around 90 minutes west of Calgary. Safe, secure, but costly. 'One way in, one way out' 'One way in, one way out,' security specialist Alan Bell told The Guardian during the 2018 G7 which was held in a rustic area of Quebec. 'If you go back to some G7 meetings, the downtown core always gets trashed. 'What they want to do is zero in on the protesters. If they want to come, they basically have to walk in.' A 'controlled access zone' was set up around the Kananaskis lodge for miles around, brimming with police and cameras. But the security began way before these more physical elements. To even get near Kananaskis, or one of the secondary venues in Calgary and Banff, you had to be security vetted and accredited. Anthony Albanese's base hotel in Calgary's city centre was also home to various countries and bodies that orbited – but were not part of – the core Group of Seven nations. Delegations lingered in the lobby, parting like Moses at the Red Sea as leaders came and went, such as Canada's PM Mark Carney. At one point NATO secretary-general and former Dutch PM Mark Rutte strolled breezily through not looking a bit like a man who has the weight of the defence of Europe on his shoulders. Barricades surrounded the hotel. Like fancy nightclubs and their notorious lists, if you didn't have the right lanyard you weren't getting in. Sirens wailing, lights flashing and engines roaring signalled a motorcade was about to depart. And this was 100km east of Kananaskis. Getting to the actual lodge would test Mission Impossible's Ethan Hunt. Six checkpoints, maybe more On Tuesday, Mr Albanese headed for Kananaskis itself to meet the G7 leaders in person – well G6 since Donald Trump left a day early. As such, the travelling Australian media – including – were invited too. First stop, Calgary airport and a draughty hanger where a screening station had been set up. Sniffer dogs complimented X-ray machines and pat downs as every item – from pads to cameras – was scrutinised. The whole process could have been quite stressful were it not for the bottomless well of cheeriness even the most formidable looking Canadian seems to possess. Next stop was special G7 buses with police officers on board for the long drive from the flat prairies to the Rocky Mountains, snow-capped even in summer. The coach was now a secure environment. If just one of us hopped off to snap a picture of the icy blue - almost milky looking - waters of mountain fed lakes, we'd all have to head back to the airport and have our bags sniffed once more. Then the checkpoints began. Plural. They started off simple: a couple of guys ensuring the coach was expected. But each time, it got more serious. At one check point accreditation was counted and examined; at another high fences began to slice through the forest. No bears These fences were a minimum of eight feet high. That's not just to make it hard for humans to scale but to 'limit wildlife access' stated organisers. Mountain goats, moose, and wolves roam these parts. But it's mostly overly inquisitive bears that were a worry. There are around 70 grizzlies in the area. Bears care little for controlled access zones, closed hiking routes or polite Canadians urging them to respect the cordon, so fences were the last defence. Giant helicopters could be spied through the trees in temporary heliports, military Chinooks whirred overhead with VIPs, the guns got bigger with each passing checkpoint. A no fly-zone was also in place. But a flight tracking app revealed a US air force Stratotanker was ceaselessly circling, peering down on events below. After around six separate checkpoints, the immaculate resort grounds appeared. The media could freely roam a compound of large tents that had been erected on two tennis courts to file stories. Generally, that was it. So close, yet so many police ready to wrestle you to the ground if you dared venture further. But when Mr Albanese was meeting world leaders there was an opportunity to go into the lodge itself – to the belly of the diplomatic beast. The building itself looked rustic, warming and rich. However, the police escorting you were not in the habit of letting you hang around and appreciate the amenities. There was a charming restaurant that we would not be allowed to dine in, but I liked to think France's Macron had dipped in for a cheeky croque monsieur earlier. And a souvenir shop we would not be allowed to shop at, but perhaps Germany's new Chancellor Friedrich Merz had ducked in for a G7 souvenir mug and hoodie. When Mr Albanese's hand shaking was done and his press conference was completed it was time for the Australian media to go too. But it took an hour to leave Kananaskis due to all the motorcades. These are not everyday traffic issues. Yet high up in the mountains, in the surprisingly warm air, with views that made you wonder if they should have filmed Lord of the Rings here rather than New Zealand, it wasn't the most awful place be forced to dawdle in. Not a single arrest For Canada, it was half a billion dollars well spent: not a single arrest was made at the G7. The biggest issue, Alberta Forestry and Parks Superintendent Brian Sundberg told Canada's Global News, was indeed the wildlife. 'About half of the reports were for grizzly bear and black bears,' he told local media. Bear spray, 'bear bangers,' and dogs were used to ensure they didn't even get as far as the fence. 'I'm very happy to say that all of those are minor in nature and as a result we were able to take minimal action to move the risk away'. It will be a relief to Canada's Mr Carney that no world leaders, or bears, were harmed during the G7.
The Sun
20-06-2025
- The Sun
At least 1 hiker killed & 3 injured in horror rock slide at Banff National Park in Canada
FALLING rocks struck people on a hiking trail in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies, killing one and injuring three others. Rescuers had rushed to the park in the afternoon after receiving reports that a group of hikers had been struck by the rockslide. 2 2 The Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Parks Canada later confirmed one died and three were injured near Bow Glacier Falls. .
