Jasper
Banff
Arrive in Calgary
Begin your tour in Alberta's capital, one of Canada's greater arts & culture centres. Home of the famed Calgary Stampede, celebrate over 100 years of western heritage at the worlds largest rodeo and take in the Western Art Show. Also visit the Museun of contemporary Art Calgary (MOCA), features a permenant collecion of works as well as exhibits such as Oscar Cahen: Ilistrated Works 1931-1956. To find art in one condensed area visitors can stop by Art Central, a visutal arts centre featuring 50 artists' studios, galleries, and restaurants. The complex hosts First Thursday art walks. Festivals are another of the city's attractions with Nuit Blanche, EnBridge playRites, Wordfest, Hispanic Arts Society and Calgary Folk Music Festival, International Blues Festival and many more.
Stay in Canmore
From humble beginnings as a coal mining town, Canmore is now a popular year-round vacation travel and resort destination. .Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, Canmore, by virtue of its inspirational setting and diversity of its residents, is a community rich with culture. Home to many artists, musicians, bands and performers. The new ArtsPlace will be Canmore's community arts centre – gathering visitors and artists together to discover, explore and celebrate the adventure of art. Be sure to visit Thursday Mountain Market, Art in the Park, there are lots of mountain adventures, hiking, caving tours, great restaurants, excellent art galleries, locally owned and operated shopping to die for....and of course, the genuine small town feel that is only Canmore!
Visit Banff National Park
Banff National Park – Canada’s first national park, is only a 1/2 hrs drive from Canmore. Banff National Park consists of 6,641 square kilometres of unparalleled mountain scenery nestled in the heart of the magnificent Canadian Rockies. Each year, millions of visitors come to Banff to marvel at the emerald waters of Lake Louise, walk amongst the flower-filled heavens at Sunshine Meadows, and drive beneath the towering jagged peaks lining the Icefields Parkway. Snow-capped peaks, glistening glaciers and sweeping vistas are just one part of the allure of Banff National Park. Be sure to visit the Banff Centre, Canada's creative leader in arts and culture. Offering public events, and exhibitions throughout the year, culminating in the annual Banff Summer Arts Festival
Drive Banff Jasper Parkway
This is the road trip of a lifetime, a world renowned route with easy access to a vast wilderness of pristine mountain lakes, ancient glaciers and broad sweeping valleys. This is a journey to captivate the soul, inspiring movies, novels, iconic photos and artists like the group of seven. This special travel route winds its way through two national parks, The highway parallels the Main Ranges of the Canadian Rockies within Banff and Jasper national parks. Offering many opportunities to see diverse wildlife, stop at majestic viewpoints and interpretive centres along the way. Experience the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains, arrange a helicopter tour and take in the full vastness and splendor of the many glaciers that make up the Columbia Icefields. They are one of the only Icefields in the world accessible by road. From there it's not far to Jasper.
Stay in Jasper National Park
The largest national park in the Canadian Rockies with 10,878 square kilometres of mountain wilderness. World-famous Spirit Island, on Maligne Lake, has become an iconic jewel of Canada. Take a scenic interpretive boat tour declared "The Best Boat Cruise In Canada" by Readers' Digest. Jasper is home to a thriving arts community; there is always something to see or do. Jasper's Habitat for the Arts provides a place for artists and art organizations for teaching, presenting and creating. The Jasper Artists Guild exhibits art with its own gallery, as well as in local cafes, restaurants and businesses. Celebrate Arts & Culture Days.with annual festival featuring music, thearter, storytelling and art exhibits. The Jasper Short Film and Media Arts Festival features filmmakers and media artists from around the world.
Spend time in the Robson Valley
Mount Robson is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, towering over the lesser surrounding peaks, it is one of the finest views in Canada. Designated as a part of the Canadian Rocky Mountains World Heritage Site by UNESCO. While visiting you can connect with the passionate people and colourful history of the north central region of British Columbia. Artists have long been drawn to the Robson Valley for its unlimited inspiration – here’s where you can find your own artistic inspiration. The valley is home to over 70 photographers, videographers, painters, woodworkers and artists. Visit local studios, take lessons, sign up for art retreat or residency. Enjoy local thearter events including the Robson valley music festival. Discover visit art galleries, museums and heritage sites, or take part in an authentic celebration of Aboriginal culture.
The Art of Travel
The Rocky Mountain Art Tour is a true Canadian cultural experience second to none. This historic mountain passage has inspired artists from around the world to great heights, from legends of old to today in film, stage, photography, music, print and art. From legends of old to today, you'll learn how nature has inspired so many. Create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime, becoome part of an artistic journey that is Canada.