BANFF NATIONAL PARK - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 84

It's respectable early in the evening but becomes one obnoxiously loud, overpriced, smoky
pickup joint after midnight. In the vicinity, Sasquatch (120 Banff Ave., 403/762-4002) is
a more intimate space, but equally loud, especially when a celebrity DJ is in town spinning
disks. The other option is Hoo Doos (at 137 Banff Ave., but enter from Caribou St., 403/
762-8434), a stylish setup with similar citylike surroundings.
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
Spring
Most of the major spring events take place at local winter resorts, including a variety of
snowboard competitions that make for great spectator viewing. At Lake Louise, a half-
pipe and jump are constructed right in front of the day lodge for this specific purpose.
One long-running spring event is the Slush Cup, which takes place at Sunshine Village
( www.skibanff.com ) in late May. Events include kamikaze skiers and boarders who at-
tempt to skim across an almost-frozen pit of water. While winter enthusiasts are at higher
elevations, swooshing down the slopes of some of North America's latest-closing resorts,
early May sees the Banff Springs Golf Course open for the season.
During the second week of June, the Banff World Media Festival (403/678-1216,
www.banfftvfest.com ) attracts the world's best television directors, producers, writers, and
even actors for meetings, workshops, and awards, with many select screenings open to the
public. For many delegates, pitching their ideas is what draws them to this event. The main
venue is the Fairmont Banff Springs.
Summer
Summer is a time of hiking and camping, so festivals are few and far between. The
main event is the Banff Summer Arts Festival (403/762-6301 or 800/413-8368,
www.banffcentre.ca ), a three-week (mid-July-early Aug.) extravaganza presented by pro-
fessional artists studying at the Banff Centre. They perform dance, drama, opera, and jazz
for the public at locations around town. Look for details in the Crag and Canyon.
On July 1, Banff kicks off Canada Day with a pancake breakfast on the grounds of the
Park Administration Building. Then there's a full day of fun and frivolity in both Central
and Banff Avenue Parks that includes events such as a stupid pet tricks competition. An
impressive parade begins at 5pm, followed by a concert in Central Park and fireworks.
Each summer the national park staff presents an extensive Park Interpretive Program
at locations in town and throughout the park, including downstairs in the visitors center at
8:30pm daily. All programs are free and include guided hikes, nature tours, slide shows,