<div column 65% #intro>
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===== Calgary 2025 ABS Conference & Alberta Exploration =====

The [[https://www.bahaistudies.ca/event/2025|2025 ABS Conference]] is being held in Calgary, Alberta from Friday Aug 1 -> Sunday Aug 3, 2025 at the [[https://calgary-convention.com/|Calgary Convention Center]].

Why not add a few extra days of exploration?  Looking at [[https://austinadventures.com/|Austin Adventure]]'s tours starting in Calgary I found inspiration in their [[ https://austinadventures.com/destinations/north-america/trips/banff-and-jasper-adventure/|Banff Adventure]], which guides small groups through a week of moderate hiking and rafting around Banff, just west of Calgary.   Elham and I have used them once before, in our [[trip:start|National Park Trip]], and their level of effort and curating of adventures was just at our level.


There's no need to duplicate their itinerary, but why not cherry pick a few recommended day trips?  The following is a list of some hikes and places to stay, assuming we can arrive late Sunday, July 27 and finish Friday morning - giving us four good days for hiking?  Without rafting...  Or perhaps a few days after the conference?  Simple trip planning without any tightening of the screws of reservations and dates.
 
Hiking disclaimer: 60 year old knees will not like 3,000' of climbing four days straight.  So, let's not.

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<div column 40% #overview>
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===== Maps =====

Each location is labeled A -> Z.
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Where to stay?  One location, or move hotels to minimize driving?


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<div column 55%>
{{overall.png?500|overall}}
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Overall map
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<div column 50% #intro>
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===== ABS Conference 2025 =====

The conference details are not yet available, other than:

<blockquote>
The 49th annual conference will take place on August 1-3, 2025 at the Telus Convention Center in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
<cite> 
https://www.bahaistudies.ca/event/2025
</cite>
</blockquote>

The [[https://calgary-convention.com/|Telus Convention Center]] is on the same block as the [[https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/calrc-hyatt-regency-calgary/rooms|Hyatt Regency]], so it's a likely bet that this will be the preferred hotel.  The [[https://www.bahaistudies.ca/|Association of Baha'i Studies]] will likely give us a decent rate so it might be better to wait on hotel reservations.

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<div column 45%>
{{abs.png?400|ABS}} 
</div>


<div column 50% #h>
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===== Hotels =====


Just some ideas from Austin Adventures, ABS location or places closer to likely hiking spots.  It's better to stay two nights in a location.  Rates are for simple king room for August.  Some places are on the pricey side - and cheaper options are definitely available!
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Most prices are likely $CAN.  CAN$100 == US$70 == £55.
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<div column 45%>
{{Banff_Spring_Hotel_Alberta-3.jpg?400|Banff Springs}}
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Banff Springs room
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<div column 50% #h1>
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===== A: Calgary Hyatt =====

A is actually the airport...

Likely preferred hotel for the ABS conference, mentioned above.  Might want to wait for ABS recommendations.

  * Website: [[https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/calrc-hyatt-regency-calgary/rooms|Hyatt Regency]].
  * Rate: about $176/night (member rate)
  * Address: [[https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hyatt+Regency+Calgary/@51.0460723,-114.0626399,1358m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m9!3m8!1s0x53716ffdd9788e1d:0x9491bdd8e0eab91b!5m2!4m1!1i2!8m2!3d51.0460723!4d-114.0626399!16s%2Fg%2F1txfntxp?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIxMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D|700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada]]

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<div column 45%>
{{Hyatt-Regency-Calgary-P002-Exterior.4x3.jpg?400|Hyatt}}
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Calgary Hyatt
</div>

<div column 50% #h2>
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===== B: Kananaskis Mountain Lodge =====

Nicely located near many hikes, about 100km from Calgary.  A full featured resort with features we'll not likely use, such a golf, swimming, etc.


  * Website: [[https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/yyckk-kananaskis-mountain-lodge-autograph-collection/overview/|Marriott]]
  * Rate: about $460
  * Address: [[https://www.google.com/maps/place/Kananaskis+Mountain+Lodge,+Autograph+Collection/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x8daf32360bd6168f?sa=X&ved=1t:2428&ictx=111|1 Centennial Dr, Kananaskis Village, AB T0L 2H0, Canada]]

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<div column 45%>
{{Kananaskis-Mountain-Lodge.jpg?400|Marriott}}
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Kananaskis Mountain Lodge
</div>


<div column 50% #h3>
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===== E: Royal Canadian Lodge =====

Another Austin Adventures location, right in [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banff,_Alberta|Banff]].  Seems pricey for what you get.

  * Website: [[https://www.royalcanadianlodge.com/]]
  * Rate: about $440
  * Address: [[https://www.google.com/maps/place/Royal+Canadian+Lodge/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xca544f0d0b5ab97b?sa=X&ved=1t:2428&ictx=111|459 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1C9, Canada]]

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<div column 45%>
{{royal.jpg?400|Royal Canadian Lodge}}
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Royal Canadian Lodge
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<div column 50% #h4>
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===== Near E: Banff Springs Hotel =====

An iconic, historical, huge and pricey hotel.  Not likely, but I've always wanted to see it.


[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banff_Springs_Hotel]]


  * Website: [[ https://www.fairmont.com/banff-springs/]]
  * Rate: 700+
  * Address: [[https://www.google.com/maps/place/Fairmont+Banff+Springs/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x99e9a92cf4f6ce?sa=X&ved=1t:2428&ictx=111| 405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J4, Canada]]

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<div column 45%>
{{Banff_Spring_Hotel_Alberta.jpg?400|Banff Springs Hotel}}
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Banff Springs Hotel
</div>


<div column 50% #hikes>
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===== Hikes =====

All hikes are currently from the [[https://austinadventures.com/|Austin Adventure]] trip.  It's worth looking at more.

</div>

<div column 45%>
{{Sentinel-Pass-30-scaled.jpeg?400|Sentinel Pass}}
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Minnestimma Lake, Sentinel Pass
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<div column 50% #hike1>
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===== Next to B: Troll Falls =====

Three waterfalls, 2 miles from KML.

Permit needed: [[https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/evan-thomas-pra/]]

  * stats: 2.9 miles/744'/1:37
  * map: [[https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/troll-falls]]

</div>

<div column 45%>
{{troll.jpg?400|Troll Falls}}
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Troll Falls
</div>

<div column 50% #hike2>
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===== C: 1982 Canadian Mount Everest Expedition Trail =====

Lake & mountain views, 26 miles S of KML.  Named after the 1st Canadians to summit Mt. Everest: [[https://medium.com/globetrotters/canadians-climbed-mount-everest-for-the-first-time-40-years-ago-741823ed81b0|medium]].  Not indicative of hike difficulty.

Permit needed: [[https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/evan-thomas-pra/]]

  * stats: 1.2 miles/360'/0:43
  * map: [[https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/1982-canadian-mount-everest-expedition-interpretive]]


</div>

<div column 45%>
{{mt.everest.jpg?400|1982 Canadian Mount Everest Expedition Trail}}
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1982 Canadian Mount Everest Expedition Trail
</div>


<div column 50% #hike3>
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===== F: Sunshine Meadows =====

Gondola ride to near top (8000') with alpine meadows & lakes.

See also: [[https://www.banffsunshinemeadows.com/hiking]]

  * stats: 6.6 miles/1450'/3:24
  * map: [[https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/sunshine-meadows--3]]


</div>

<div column 45%>
{{sunshine-meadows.jpg?400|Sunshine Meadows}}
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Sunshine Meadows
</div>


<div column 50% #hike4>
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===== I: Sentinel Pass =====
  
  
One of the top hikes near Banff.  Simple out and back from [[https://morainelake.com/|Moraine Lake Lodge]], elevation 5,876'.

Uses shuttle bus from https://www.google.com/maps/dir//Lake%20Louise%20Park%20and%20Ride Lake Louis Ski Resort, reservations required.

See also: [[https://thebanffblog.com/larch-valley-sentinel-pass/]]
  
  
  * stats: 6.9 miles/2,457'/5:00?
  * map: [[https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/sentinel-pass--3]]


</div>

<div column 45%>
{{Sentinel-Pass-13-scaled.jpg?400|Sentinel Pass}}
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Sentinel Pass
</div>


<div column 50% #hike5>
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===== H: Athabasca Glacier =====

Guided hike, where they provide crampons, hiking sticks and lunch.  Two options available, 1/2 day and full.  The location is remote and and leaving early will likely be needed to get there by the 9:30am departure.

<blockquote>
The Athabasca is the most-visited glacier on the North American continent. Situated across from the Icefield Centre, its ice is in continuous motion, creeping forward at the rate of several centimeters per day. Spilling from the Columbia Icefield over three giant bedrock steps, the glacier flows down the valley like a frozen, slow-moving river.
<cite>
[[https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/8ebc8d55e54944f7b4871325b9768a8c|storymaps]]
</cite>
</blockquote>

Likely guides: 
  * [[https://www.icewalks.com/]]
  * [[https://rockaboo.ca/summer-activities/experience-athabasca-glacier/]]
  * [[https://icefieldsparkway.com/tours-experiences/icewalk-guided-tour]]
  * [[https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/attractions/columbia-icefield/]]
  * [[https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g154917-d669313-Reviews-Ice_Walk-Jasper_National_Park_Alberta.html]]


We can also take a [[https://www.authentikcanada.com/us-en/activities/excursion-glacier-athabasca-jasper|snow coach]] across the [[https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g154917-d184914-Reviews-Columbia_Icefield_Discovery_Centre-Jasper_National_Park_Alberta.html|Columbia Ice Field]].


See also:
  * [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athabasca_Glacier]]
  * [[https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/attractions/columbia-icefield/]]

  * stats: 3 miles/650'/3 hours **(1/2 day)**
  * stats: 5 miles/1000'/6 hours **(full day)**


</div>

<div column 45%>
{{athabasca-glacier.jpeg?400|Athabasca Glacier}}
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Athabasca Glacier
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{{Athabasca-Glacier-Full-Day-Glacier-Hike.jpg?300|Athabasca Glacier}}
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Ice Walks full day pic
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<div column 50% #hike6>
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===== Near E: Johnson Lake =====

Simple loop around a pretty lake.  All around 4500'.

See also: [[https://www.banfflakelouise.com/experiences/hike-johnson-lake-loop]]

  * stats: 1.8 miles/226'/0:45
  * map: [[https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/johnson-lake]]

</div>

<div column 45%>
{{johnson.jpg?400|Johnson Lake}}
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Johnson Lake
</div>


<div column 50% #hike7>
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===== D: Horseback Ride at Rafter Six Ranch =====

Various ride lengths through meadows, streams & forests.

  * 2 hour ride: $159.  Leaves at 10am & 2pm
  * 1/2 day is 3 1/2 hours: $235, includes snacks, water, helmet.
   * Leavs at 9am & 1pm.

See: [[https://www.raftersix.com/index.html]]

See also: [[https://www.banfflakelouise.com/experiences/hike-johnson-lake-loop]]


</div>

<div column 45%>
{{rafter6.jpg?400|Rafter Six}}
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Rafter Six
</div>


<div column 50% #hike8>
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===== G: Marble Canyon =====

Quick out and back to see when going to Lake Louise.  "Highlights include stunning canyon views, waterfalls, and crystal-clear water."

  * stats: 1 miles/160'/0:25
  * map: [[https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/marble-canyon]]

See also: [[https://www.awalkandalark.com/marble-canyon-kootenay-national-park/]]


</div>

<div column 45%>
{{marble.jpg?400|Marble Canyon}}
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Marble Canyon
</div>


<div column 50% #hike9>
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===== Starts near E: Lake Louise Indigenous E-bike Tour =====

Lake Louise is a must see and the Austin Adventure plan for families is to do a bike ride around the lake.  The following possibility popped up in Google:

<blockquote>
Embark on an Indigenous e-biking and e-fat biking tour through the stunning landscapes of Banff National Park, where adventure meets cultural insight. Thanks to an exciting collaboration between Bikescape and Buffalo Stone Woman, you’ll explore beautiful bike trails while discovering the deep connection between the land and Indigenous traditions.
<cite>
[[https://www.banfflakelouise.com/experiences/indigenous-e-bike-tour]]
</cite>
</blockquote>

See also:
  * [[https://bikescape.ca/en/indigescape-summer-ebike-experience/]]
  * [[https://www.banfflakelouise.com/]]

  * stats: 6-10 miles/na/1-3 hours, $160
  * map: [[https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/marble-canyon]]


To bring: rain jacket, gloves, glasses, backpack.
They provide: helmets, snacks, water, indigenous teachings.


</div>

<div column 45%>
{{louise.jpg?400|Lake Louise }}
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Lake Louise
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{{stone.jpg?200|Buffalo Stone Women}}
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Buffalo Stone Women guides.

</div>