• Attention, all you explorers! We have just received a new book for those who plan to explore BC this summer. Kootenay the Rockies B.C.Backroad Mapbook has just arrived.

This complements the other Backroad Mapbooks that will help you explore past the main roads in B.C. and Alberta.

Looking for something to do during the holiday season? Banff is always a great place to spend some time. Whether you are going just for a day or have longer to spend, there is always lots to see and do. My kids used to love stopping to see the hoodoos, riding up the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain and, of course, spending time on Banff Avenue visiting the candy store.

We all think of Banff for downhill skiing, but do we also think of dog-sledding and horse-drawn sleigh rides? The Hot Springs are open year round as is the Sulphur Mountain Gondola. Just imagine the snowy vistas you can see from the top of the mountain!!

If you prefer indoor activities, you can visit some of the museums such as the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum or the Banff Park Museum National Historic Site of Canada.

There are lots of activities both indoor and outdoor that are free of charge. Think of ice skating outdoors in the middle of the mountains, tobogganing and sledding or cross-country skiing. One of my favorite activities is a stroll through the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.

You can make the most of your visit by checking out some of these great books at Calgary Public Libray before you go. Find some hidden corners that you haven't discovered before.

My Favourite Restaurants: Calgary, Banff and Beyond (2009) by John Gilchrist. Calgary’s very own John Gilchrist has again shared his opinions on the best places to dine.

The Town of Banff has a comprehensive website with information on things to see and do.

As well, Banff National Park has a website with information on activities, natural wonders and public safety.

There is also a Banff Lake Louise website with more information on things to see and do.

Happy Holidays!!

Looking for some locally made Christmas gifts, something a little different? Perhaps you would like to get out of the city for the day and miss the craziness at the malls. Calgary has several great places located north of the city which feature lovely woolen products. Travel north towards Carstairs and follow the signs.

The Rockies from Carstairs

PaSu Farm ia a working sheep farm and has a great boutique and restaurant. Shop in their boutique which sells a range of moccasins, fine wool fashions, sheepskin coats, hides, blankets and other products, made locally and from around the world. You can then enjoy a meal in their restaurant, with a view of the Rockies on a sunny day. The farm is located north of Calgary a short distance west of Queen Elizabeth Highway, off Secondary Highway 580, with lots of signs to lead you there.

As Joyce Donaldson-Yarmey suggests in her book, Back Roads of Southern Alberta, think about alternatives to Highway #2 and take Highway 2A or some of the other back routes. This is a great way to see more interesting countryside. Check out titles such as these at Calgary Public Library to find out about the roads less travelled in southern Alberta:

Day Trips From Calgary by Bill Corbett

Country Roads of Alberta by Liz Bryan

Of course, you can also borrow maps from the library as well, such as the Calgary and Southern Alberta Street Guide (2009).

Custom Woolen Mills is another great place to visit and shop. They produce woolen and exotic fiber products, such as carded wools, rovings, spinning balls, batts, wool yarns, knitting kits, socks, comforters, mattress pads and hand-woven blankets. Not only are the products produced on-site, but this is a working museum, using industrial revolution machinery. Take time to do the self-guided tour. According to their web site, they are only open 9:00 - 3:00, Monday to Friday. Go north on Highway 2, turn east at Highway 582 and follow the signs.