Subaru Banff International Triathlon – Sept 10 2011

Against the spectacular back drop of the Canadian Rockies, athletes from across North America will be competing in the second annual Subaru Banff International Triathlon on Saturday September 10 2011. The setting for the race could not be more scenic, with the swim taking place in Two Jack Lake, the bike race around the stunning Minnewanka Loop and then into the town of Banff, followed by the run along the banks of the Bow River, with the finish on Banff Avenue in the heart of downtown Banff.
The race will include three distances, with the Olympic distance starting with a 1.5km swim, followed by a 38km bike ride and finishing with a 10km run, and the shorter Sprint distance including a 500m swim, 25km bike ride and 5km run. New for 2011 there will be a Super Sprint distance which includes a 300m swim, 12km bike ride and 5km run. There will also be relay teams in all distances.
Our interactive Banff Triathlon Map shows an overview of the full course, as well as all start and transition zones and allows you to zoom in to view detailed close ups of any section of the course. To view the Banff triathlon course map, click here.
For further information about the race, visit the official race website.

Dragon Boat Festival August 13-14 2011

Now in its 4th year, the annual Banff Dragon Boat Festival is set to take place on the weekend of August 13 to 14 2011.
Dragon Boat races take place each day from 9am to 3pm on Lake Minnewanka, a pristine alpine lake surrounded by majestic mountain peaks, approximately 10km from downtown Banff. Originating in China more than 2000 years ago, the 40ft long boats have a dragon’s head and tail and are decorated in vibrant colours, with a team of 20 paddlers and a drummer beating the rhythm, which can be heard from the shore, adding to the spectators’ excitement.
The event is lots of fun for participants and spectators alike, and while you are waiting between races there is of course the beauty of the Lake Minnewanka area to discover with its scenic beaches, hiking trails and picnic tables. As parking at Lake Minnewanka is limited, spectators are encouraged to take the free Dragon Express Shuttle which runs every 30 minutes from 8am to 4.30pm, with departures from the Brewster Bus Depot, Mount Royal Hotel and Banff Ave/Fox St in downtown Banff. There is also a shuttle every 15 minutes from the Overflow Camping parking lot on the Lake Minnewanka Loop Road.
As part of the Dragon Boast Festival celebrations there will also be cultural performances from 3pm to 6pm august 13 in Banff Avenue Square.
For further information, as well as some stunning photos from last year’s event, visit BanffLakeLouise.com.