Activities
While visiting Tunnel Mountain Resort stop in at the office and talk to our
staff to arrange any of these following activities:
All Terrain Vehicles (ATV'S), Back Country Wilderness Adventures, Boat
Rentals, Canoeing, Kayaking, Rafting, Carriage and Hay Wagon Rides, Dogsled
Tours*, Fly Fishing, Private Guided Boat Fishing, Gondolas, Golf, Helicopter
Tours, Heli-skiing*, Horseback Riding, Hot Springs, Lake Cruises, River
Float, Sightseeing Walks, Skiing and Snowboarding*, Snowmobiling*, Spa and
Massage, Tennis, White Water Rafting.
*Activities available only in winter.
GST Visitor Rebate Program - If you are a visitor to Canada, be sure to take
advantage of this refund of the 7 percent GST (Goods and Service Tax). The
refund can be processed at several agencies in Banff and surrounding area,
or filled out and mailed in once you get home. To qualify, each receipt must
total at least $50 before taxes. Non eligible items include meals,
entertainment, alcohol, vehicle rentals, gas and any good consumed or left
in Canada. Forms are available at most hotel and many stores, restaurants
and attractions.
Park Pass - If you are driving into Banff Park, you will be required to stop
and buy a park permit. The price ranges from $5 per day for a single adult
to a $70 annual pass.
Photo Opportunities - Have a camera at all times! You never know when you
will cross paths with a herd of elk, a deer and her fawn or a family of
mountain goats. Please use extreme caution and keep at least 50 feet from
these wild animals.
Canada is Metric! - With the exception of grocery stores, which often list
prices per pound, or ounce, all measurements in Canada are metric.
Some common conversions include:
- 1 mile = 1.6 kilometre so 100 kilometres per hour = 62.5 miles per hour
- 1 U.S. gallon = 3.8 litres
- Canadian gas prices range from $0.60 to $0.80 per litre
- 32 degrees Fahrenheit = 0 degrees Celsius
- 50 degrees Fahrenheit = 10 degrees Celsius
- 80 degrees Fahrenheit = 30 degrees Celsius
National Park Regulations - It is against the law to collect natural objects
including flowers, rocks, and artifacts. It is also illegal (and dangerous)
to feed the wildlife. People planning to fish must have a national parks
fishing license. Hunting is strictly prohibited.
Entry Regulations For Visitors - U.S. citizens may enter Canada without a
passport. However, for proof of citizenship a birth certificate should be
carried along with proof of permanent residence, such as a voter's
registration card.
Visitors from outside of North America are required to have a valid passport
and may also require visas or alien cards. Check with the nearest Canadian
Consulate before leaving for Canada.
Customs and Duty Fees - Visitors over the age of 18 may import, duty free, up
to 40 ounces (1.1 liters) of liquor or 24 twelve ounce cans of beer or ale
into Canada.
Up to 50 cigars and 400 grams of tobacco may be imported duty free.
What will the weather be like? - Summertime in the Rockies can be quite
pleasant with highs of up to 32 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit) in
the months of July and August. However when the sun goes down the
temperature drops rapidly. Be prepared by packing sweaters or sweatshirts
and at least a light jacket for the evening.
The Banff / Jasper area is rather dry (average humidity) but we typically
have very little wind and lots of blue skies.
What kind of vehicle will we need? - The roads from Calgary to Banff, Jasper
and surrounding towns are in excellent condition, paved and well maintained.
A regular car is adequate.
Is there any sales tax? - Although there is no provincial sales tax,
accommodation in Alberta is subject to a 5% Room Tax. There is also a 7%
Federal Goods and Services
Tax (GST), which applies to most items. Visitors to Canada are eligible for
a rebate of the GST.
What about currency exchange? - You can get money exchanged at local banks
(open Monday through Friday) or various currency exchanges in the town of
Banff and Jasper.
Will we see any animals? - Part of the wonder of Banff National Park and its
surrounding area is the presence of animals all throughout the park. Some of
the common animals are: Elk, Deer, Beavers, Bighorn Sheep, Pika, Marmots,
Martens and Bear.
Please remember that it is unlawful to feed the wildlife.
What is the elevation in Banff? - The town sits 1384 metres (4593 feet)
above sea level.
What time zone will we be in? - The entire province of Alberta is in the
Mountain Time Zone. Daylight savings time is in effect from the first Sunday
in April until the last Sunday in October.
