The Rockies Tours & Transportation

06/09/2024

Today at Bow Falls and the next 10 day Forecast for Banff, Alberta!

We hope you enjoy your beautiful vacation!

Currently 26 Celsius @ 2 pm

03/09/2024

Travel Insurance!!!

Many of you want to save money by not purchasing travel insurance!!! I am going to tell you with the utmost conviction and emphasis that the Airlines in Canada are not reliable nor dependable on refunds or cancellations.

So BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE, while nothing may happen on your trip, is it worth losing your hard earned money that you work hard to earn for your vacation all year?

Spend the extra dollars on Travel Insurance so that you are not out thousands of hard earned dollars! Check your credit cards full travel insurance coverage!

For example: Clients of ours had their portion of the Rocky Mountaineer for their trip interrupted by the rail strike. The company was going to send them on a $120 bus ride to their final destination vs the $4-5000 per person they spent on the train, and also the Rocky Mountaineer was refusing to refund them any of the money they paid, because of the terms and conditions in the contract of which a union strike was one of them for no refund. They had to call us to drive them back from Banff, so they could fly to Vancouver instead of taking the train.

22/08/2024

Admins please delete if this is not permitted, but I am asking all Canadian Residents in BC and Alberta to sign this petition to the Canadian Government regarding HWY 1 twinning of the remaining 40 km for safety of our people and the tourists visiting our beautiful parks.

Petition to the House of Commons

Whereas:

The Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) in Yoho National Park is under federal jurisdiction for maintenance, upgrades, and safety;
Average daily traffic volume in Yoho National Park reaches at least 7,500 vehicles per day; and
The Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) through Yoho National Park is one of the most dangerous sections of highway in Canada for humans (nine people killed in motor vehicle incidents in 2022) and wildlife.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:

1) Provide the funding to "twin" Highway 1 through Yoho National Park, upgrading it from a two-lane highway to a four-lane highway, in order to increase safety for the growing number of vehicles that use this highway for travel and commerce; and

2) Provide funding to create wildlife overpasses/underpasses and fencing along Highway 1 through Yoho National Park while "twinning" construction of Highway 1 occurs to ensure the safety of wildlife and people along the highway.

19/08/2024

Jasper National Park remains closed indefinitely as re-entry limited to residents, business owners

RCMP continue to patrol the townsite, outsiders will be turned away

13/08/2024

Please use safe practices when hiking!! Try to hike with a partner if you are able, and if you are hiking alone, make sure someone knows where you are and are going?

“Hiker reported missing in Kananaskis Country found dead

RCMP told Global News the initial investigation suggests the Calgary man died as a result of a fall from height.”

13/08/2024

Nice and clear today in Lake Louise at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise!

02/08/2024

On my way to pick of clients this morning, I spotted this magnificent and beautiful sight in the town of Banff in someone yard eating breakfast!!! ❤️

02/08/2024

Tourism officials in Banff and Lake Louise, Alta., are reminding visitors that those mountain towns are open for business as Jasper National Park remains closed due to wildfires.

25/07/2024

If you are visiting Alberta, Canada, DO NOT start any Campfires! We are under a PROVINCE WIDE FIRE BAN! Do not ruin our beautiful country with your ignorance.

Obey our laws please!

If you can’t obey our laws, you are impacting others enjoyment of the beautiful Rocky Mountains, our livelihoods, and homes.

We welcome you to visit if you can obey our laws! ❤️

On Sunday, July 21 around 9am, Parks Canada fire crews responded to a report of a small wildfire in Banff National Park, near the Johnson Lake Day-Use Area. This fire is believed to have been caused by an illegal campfire started along Johnson Lake Trail. Luckily, the fire was reported early in the morning and our fire crew members were able to action quickly and extinguish the fire before it spread out of control.

❗️ This is a very serious reminder to locals and visitors that having a fire during a fire ban is not only illegal (you will face a fine of up to $25,000) but you are putting people and the national park at risk.

Remember: Friends don’t let friends start illegal campfires. 🔥 Human-caused wildfires are 100% avoidable. You don’t want to be the reason a serious wildfire is started; respect the current fire ban and keep our first responders and communities safe. If you see someone having a campfire anywhere in Banff National Park during a fire ban, report it immediately to Banff Dispatch (403) 762-1470.

☀️ Sunny weather and dry temperatures are expected to keep the fire danger rating extreme through the week. Wildfires can start easily under these conditions, and we all have a role to play to avoid human-caused wildfires. For more information: https://ow.ly/lXvw50SHHN5

24/07/2024

You can view air quality, wildfire status, and road conditions at the links below.

You can monitor for air quality here: https://www.iqair.com/ca/canada/alberta/banff

You can monitor for wildfires here: https://www.alberta.ca/wildfire-status

You can monitor for road conditions here: https://roadreports.ama.ab.ca

Just be flexible with your plans, I’ve posted alternatives:

Hello Everyone,

Thank you for choosing our beautiful Province for your travel plans and including it in your bucket lists♥️ We have a beautiful province filled with prairies 🌾, mountains 🏔️, lakes/rivers 💦, forests 🌲, wildlife 🦬, parks 🍁, and even dinosaurs (well what’s left of ‘em 😀)🦕.

Progressively we are experiencing more and more fire activity due to severe weather conditions and sadly this is impacting our most precious spaces. Keep in mind Alberta is a vastly HUGE land mass and so if an impacted area is no longer an option, we have many more offerings.

Right now Jasper is off the table but our mountain areas of Banff, Canmore, Kananaskis and Rocky Mountain House are open.

Other areas in southern Alberta (close to Calgary) you can explore include (but not limited to):

Waterton Park (including your Banff Park pass) https://mywaterton.ca
Drumheller https://traveldrumheller.com
The Foothills https://www.travelalberta.com/places-to-go/albertas-regions/foothills
Heads Smashed In Buffalo Jump 🦬
https://headsmashedin.ca

Of course the City of Calgary is filled with adventures https://www.visitcalgary.com/things-to-do/stories-from-calgary/calgary-attractions?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=TCAL+-+TTD+-+Regional+-+Generic+-+Google+-+Search&utm_term=calgary%20attractions&utm_content=Calgary+Attractions-Exact&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADzEIXlnkvf_xQpa5SCfGxDCFFi2B&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkIbrosm9hwMVxh6tBh23nge1EAAYAiAAEgK-GvD_BwE and don’t forget to stop in my personal favourite spot Edworthy Park along the Bow River with a stop in https://angelscafe.ca

If you expand your itinerary and venture north you can also visit Elk Island and take in the Bison 🦬, hike and explore the lakes https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/elkisland. Or visit Métis Crossing and experience our Indigenous roots https://metiscrossing.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=gmb

If you come during August 17/18 be sure to put Open Farm Days on your list where you can explore farms around every area in Alberta https://albertaopenfarmdays.ca/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=ofd-2024&utm_content=brand&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAoxaRjPFb1EbcrfYY--FuQcO0yHDe&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIx_Xhnsi9hwMVtBqtBh0_6QQiEAAYASAAEgL29vD_BwE Alberta is after all, farm country and our prairies are so peaceful and mesmerizing 🌾

Thank you, you are all amazing and I love seeing your posts of pictures and experiences, keep them coming! ♥️

Meet your rural neighbours in this province-wide open house. Visit farms, try unique culinary experiences, share stories & see demonstrations.

24/07/2024

Regarding the impact of forest fires, air quality, and evacuations of Jasper.

It is a stressful time for everyone.

We will do our best accommodate and adjust our clients bookings and rebooking to the best of our ability within our schedule.

We also will be flexible in our cancellation and refund policies for our clients who are impacted by the evacuation and forest fires.

Please also be patient with us as we try to fit yours and others rebooking’s into our schedule.

Best Regards,
The Rockies Tours and Transportation Inc.

23/07/2024

**** Public Emergency *****

An evacuation order has been issued for the town of Jasper and anyone within Jasper National Park as a result of a wildfire burning south of the town.
The order was issued at 9:59 p.m. on Monday.

At 10:18 p.m., the province said the fire was expected to reach the townsite within five hours, but an hour later walked back that statement.
At 11:09 p.m. the province posted the following update:

Severe thunderstorms prompt new wildfire starts across the Peace Region
Residents flee growing northern Alberta wildfire as crews work to protect First Nation

"The fire is NOT expected to reach the community in five hours. The town should be evacuated in five hours."
Sign up for breaking news alerts from CTV News Edmonton, right at your fingertips(opens in a new tab)
Residents should bring identification, important documents, medication, pets and your emergency kit, the Alberta emergency alert website says.

Evacuees have been ordered to use Highway 16 to travel towards B.C.

"To ensure efficient and safe travel, reduce speed and use headlights. Smoke and ash may reduce visibility. Follow directions from local authorities," Jasper National Park said in a social media post.
About an hour before the alert was issued, RCMP issued a notice that Highway 16 was closed for westbound travel at the Jasper National Park gates on the east side.
Eastbound access to the town is also closed.

20/07/2024

Hoping to see Lake Louise or Moraine Lake via Parks Canada Shuttle this weekend?

🚍🔴 As of 08:10 AM today, all seats for this Saturday (July 20th) are now sold out. To visit either lake this Saturday, find more available options through Banff & Lake Louise Tourism or Roam Public Transit: https://explorethepark.ca

📆🟢 Although all Parks Canada shuttles for Saturday are now sold out, reservations for this Sunday (July 21st) will be available tomorrow at 08:00 AM (0800h) MDT.
❗ Seats sell out quickly... don’t miss your chance. Find out more: https://parkscanada.gc.ca/banff-transit

16/07/2024

The estimated temperatures in celsius for next 10 days in Banff!

08/07/2024

You must self-certify, fines can be up to $25,000 for violations. We care about our national parks and ask that you do too. Help us keep our parks beautiful for all our visitors from around the world!

Planning to get your feet wet in Banff National Park? 🛶

Before paddling your non-motorized watercraft, you MUST complete an AIS Prevention Permit. They are mandatory for all watercraft and gear entering a new body of water in Banff National Park.

💡𝗧𝗶𝗽: complete your mandatory Self-Certification Permit online, before you go: https://ow.ly/R8w150Sr5XX

Cellphone reception is unreliable in Banff National Park, so it is important to remember to do this before heading out on your adventure. 📵

💙Learn more about aquatic invasive species (AIS) and why this certification is important: https://ow.ly/GVIx50Sr5XY

08/07/2024

Be prepared and carry plenty of water on this week, hydration is key to prevent heat stroke and not ruin your vacation!

“Environment Canada says the two Prairie provinces will experience temperatures of at least 30 C, with some parts of Alberta forecast to reach about 35 C by Wednesday.”

23/06/2024

Please note this post by Parks Canada!

Why should you ride the bus? 🚌

This past weekend, over 7,940 visitors rode the shuttle to see Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. 🤳

📆 Parking is extremely limited at Lake Louise and personal vehicles are not permitted to Moraine Lake. Taking the shuttle guarantees your opportunity to see these two iconic destinations in Banff National Park in the same day.

🌞 Summer is Banff National Park’s most popular season – be prepared to share this place with others.

Plan your trip on transit at explorethepark.ca 🚍

🚌 Information on Parks Canada Shuttles:
https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/parkbus/louise

Banff & Lake Louise Tourism

15/06/2024

Respect our wildlife!!

What’s wrong with this photo???

👉This image is an example of what NOT to do! Leaving our food unattended, even for a moment, is like giving wildlife an all-you-can eat buffet. 🚫 To protect this special place, we pack up and securely store our food before we play. We never feed wildlife, big or small.

Also a clean campsite and picnic site in Banff National Park means more than just keeping things tidy. 🧼It also means nothing is left unattended that will attract wildlife (food, garbage, food-related or scented items). 🐻 This includes dirty dishes, dish water, and tied up garbage bags.

⚠️Remember to store all scented items in a hard-sided vehicle / trailer / motor home or in the campground food storage lockers (NOT in a tent, tent-trailer or oTENTik).

Your actions matter⛰️✨Learn more about the ➡️ http://ow.ly/PdnS50ERGlB

07/06/2024

*** Critical Water advisory for Calgary and surrounding areas! ***

https://www.alberta.ca/emergencyalert

07/06/2024

*** Please plan for possible delays starting today at Canada Customs and Border Services ****

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) workers will take job action if a deal isn't reached by a deadline set for 4 p.m. ET on Friday. (2 pm MT in Alberta)

03/06/2024

This early morning In Banff, the animals get up before the tourists! 😉

03/06/2024

Plan your travels accordingly!

Okay, it’s happening. Everybody stay calm! Construction on Lake Louise Drive has started and will last until fall 2024.

Here is what you need to know:
📅 Work will occur Monday to Saturday during daylight hours (7:30 am to 8 or 9 pm, depending on the month).
Work will not happen on long weekends. Some night work will occur.
🚧 Single-lane alternating traffic and delays of up to 30 minutes should be expected on Lake Louise Drive throughout the summer. Longer delays are possible during peak periods of high visitation, which are typical during summer months and when the weather is nice.

✨Construction will contribute to delays in the busy Lake Louise area—but will have long-term benefits for both visitors and wildlife. Road work requires stable warm and dry conditions, which is a very short season in Lake Louise. This timeframe overlaps with the busiest time for visitation, but these improvements and repairs are critical to support the increase in visitation over the past ten years. We thank you for your patience while these improvements are completed.

Planning to visit Lake Louise or Moraine Lake this summer?
☑️Expect significant delays. Be patient, give yourself lots of time, be flexible, and have a back up plan.
☑️Arrive with a plan. Securing a reservation on a Parks Canada shuttle, Roam Public Transit or with a private commercial transportation provider will help ensure you reach Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
☀️Summer is busy in Lake Louise❗ Avoid disappointment by planning ahead and securing reservations in advance.

➡️More details about the project can be found on our website: parks.canada.ca/LLDrive

03/06/2024

Urgent: Read for your safety! Respect Wildlife!

⚠️ BEAR WARNING - All areas on Bow Valley Parkway between the Legacy Trail east entrance and Johnston Canyon. Including Johnston Canyon Campground and parking lot 1 and 2 (see map).

Black bears and grizzly bears are frequenting the area. Safe practices are recommended when traveling in this area.

Safe practices include:
• Make noise when hiking and cycling.
• Keep pets on leash and a close eye on children.
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
• If viewing wildlife always maintain a safe distance and do not approach or startle them. Minimum distances are 100 metres for bears, wolves, cougars, and coyotes and 30 metres for deer, elk, sheep, and moose.
• If passing wildlife, give as much space as possible.
• If choosing to photograph, do not surround, crowd, or follow an animal. Use a telephoto lens or zoom.
• Do not leave food, garbage, and other wildlife attractions unattended.
• All food and garbage must be disposed of in a proper receptacle.

Report all bear sightings immediately to the Visitor Centre, Johnston Canyon Campground kiosk, or Banff Dispatch at 403-762-1470.

02/06/2024

Be Prepared for Border Delays

“A CBSA strike could soon cause major delays at the border. What to know”

Starting Thursday!

* Due to Facebook restrictions in Canada we are not able to post the link to the storey. Please search in the web if needed.

10/05/2024

Enjoy a romantic sunset in Banff with one of these seats!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/jS6QpCdnRJ86PUQ3/?mibextid=WC7FNe

We saved you a seat!

Parks Canada has placed over 200 red Adirondack chairs in peaceful and scenic locations throughout many of the country’s most unique and treasured places, including the 11 sets found here at Banff National Park!

! Learn more about the red chair locations within Banff National Park here: https://ow.ly/zAHc50RyUb2

03/05/2024

Welcome Newcomers!

The Canoo mobile app provides new Canadian citizens with complimentary admission to almost one thousand cultural and heritage attractions during their first year of citizenship

02/05/2024

Fun Fact

Why is a US gallon different to a UK gallon?

In 1824 the British adapted the Imperial measure in which the gallon is based on 10 pounds or 277.42 cubic inches of water. The Americans had adopted a system where a gallon was comprised of 231 cubic inches of water

* Canada adopted the metric system back when the US was planning on switching to the metric system, but the Americans fooled us and said gotcha, and kept their imperial measurements! 😇🤣😇

02/05/2024

The 10 day weather for Banff as of May 2, 2024