After 17 days of thrilling athletic competition Canada says good bye to the 2010 Olympic Games. During the 17 days, people from all walks of life were clinging to a TV watching with anticipation as Canada swept the podium. The media would call it the most successful games ever for Canada with their "Own the Podium" program for training high performance athletes and the program being credited for Canada’s record gold medal haul in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games.

This was Canada's best-ever performance at any Olympic Games and as a result of this program Canada takes home 2 Olympic records. One for the most gold medals every won by a host country and the other for most gold medals ever won at a Winter Olympics. Our Olympic Athletes walked away with a record 14 Gold, 7 Silver, and 5 bronze for a total of 26 medals and coming in third overall for country medal standings.  We wanted to say a huge CONGRATULATIONS to all of Canada’s Olympic Athletes you have made us all very proud to be Canadian.  At the closing ceremonies the games were handed over to Russia for the 2014 games with a fantastic final show and VANOC’s CEO John Furlong said it best “Now you know us, eh!"

The world's best cross-country skiers returned to Canmore this past weekend for the Viessman World Cup FIS Cross-Country event, held at the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park and featured the final international races prior to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver. During the weekend races there were 200+ athletes from over 25 nations, showcasing their abilities at the Canmore Nordic Centre.      

Opening ceremonies were held Friday February 5th and shortly after the races began with Ladies 10 km Free race, followed by the Men's 15 km Free race and Sprints held on Saturday February 6th.  Not only did they have events all weekend at the Canmore Nordic Centre the streets of downtown Canmore were filled with snow for the Rotary Nordic Games, Kid n'Mutt Races, as well as an Ice Carving Competition. Hundreds came to cheer on these athletes from all over the world, and local athletes shone in what would be their last race on the way to Vancouver!  

Recently Oscar our Spanish Specialist went on the Canyons of Ice Nature Tour to Johnston Canyon and "immediately our local historian and tour guide, Ward Cameron greeted us and began his commentary with passion and personal touch. He showed us his extensive knowledge of the area through his years of living in Banff National Park, guiding experience, exposure to wildlife, and his academic studies which were all reflected in his commentary, adding to the experience a valuable imaginative entertainment."

"Upon arrival and after receiving some safety instructions we headed into the canyon. Through the course, Ward explained how the survival of wildlife, the formation and erosion of the canyon all interact to give place in this wonder of nature. The Johnston Canyon Ice Walk experience may also be appreciated by photographers as the guide tells you exactly where and when the best spots are to take photographs. Once at our destination in the canyon a quick stop to observe the area while enjoying some hot chocolate. It is hard to believe how three hours had gone so fast since our departure that morning."

Looking for more winter activities in Banff National Park? Check out the Explore Rockies store located downtown Banff for even more winter activity ideas!      

There was an air of anticipation as the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay made its way through Canada’s first National Park on Jan. 20th, 2010. In Banff, thousands of people filled the streets to watch the relay make its way to central park. The last hand off was made to Karen Percy Lowe and as she lit the cauldron; central park filled with cheers. During the 2 hour event, the Canadian Tenors headlined and Bomba was also on stage to keep the crowd going. The following day Banff National Park said good bye to the Torch on its way home to Vancouver, the Olympic Games begin in 21 days!

The Olympic torch started the journey across Canada in Victoria on October 30th, and will be welcomed into more than a thousand communities across Canada. The Torch will travel for a total of 106 days, over 45,000 km, & 12,000 Torchbearers participating from all walks of life.  The Olympic Games will take place over 17 days beginning Feb. 12th with 15 events happening all over the Vancouver area.  The Olympic Cauldron will be lit in Vancouver on Feb 12th, follow the journey of the Olympic Torch Relay into Vancouver!

Click here to see more pictures of the Olympic torch in Banff National Park 

Ever wonder what it would be like to work in Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies? We received an email from Ralph, who used to work at Lake Minnewanka as a boat captain over 20 years ago. Here’s his story that he shared with us.

"Ultimately, my years as a Minnewanka guide helped me to achieve my dream job - as a submariner in the Canadian Navy."

"It's been over twenty years since I was a guide at Lake Minnewanka, and the memories of cruising the lake in the Canoe Coves and the fishing boats are still fresh in my mind...Working at Minnewanka was indeed a good life training experience. It led me to complete a diploma in the Parks and Recreation management field, whereupon I worked for Alberta Fish & Wildlife as well as Red Deer's Waskasoo Park and Tourism Red Deer." 

"I'm currently a Master Seaman aboard HMCS Corner Brook, one of the Canadian Navy's four diesel-electric submarines. I've also sailed all over the world aboard several of the Navy's frigates. It took eight years of intensive naval training to get where I am, but it was my years at Minnewanka that laid the foundation for me to become a submariner. And for that I would like to say thank-you. Thanks for the memories!"

Click here for a list of current career opportunities in the Canadian Rockies.

Parks Canada and the Banff Gondola proudly announce the opening of a NEW Winter Wonderland Playground in Banff National Park, something for all ages! Visitors and locals alike can enjoy outdoor ice skating in Banff National Park.

An ice rink will be located at the base of the Banff Gondola just in time for the holiday season. The starting date is Friday January 8th, 2010, at 2:00pm. The complimentary ice skating rink in Banff will be open daily from 10am-4pm with evening skating till 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Skate rentals are available on-site and Starbucks has warm beverages to keep you toasty. Come celebrate the season with friends and family enjoy a skate, warm up by the fire pits, or just sit back and relax with a warm drink surrounded by spectacular views of the Canadian Rockies!

Click here to read more on this new winter wonderland playground and ice skating in Banff National Park.

Looking for something new to do on Saturday nights? Why not try Banff's Ultimate Mountaintop Evening Experience and enjoy dining on top of a mountain. Starting this Saturday Dec. 19, the Banff Gondola is proud to welcome back Banff Alpine Lights! Travel to the top of the Canadian Rockies at night and surround yourself with six different mountain ranges from 2,281m (7,849 ft) above sea level. Relax up at the top of Sulphur Mountain with some spectacular views and a fantastic Alberta prime rib dinner.