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Sunday, May 30, 2010

RCMP Musical Ride, Did You Know...

The early years
The Musical Ride was developed from a desire by early members of the North-West Mounted Police to display their riding ability and entertain both themselves and the local community. Considering that the original Mounted Police members had a British military background, it was inevitable that the series of figures they performed were traditional cavalry drill movements. These movements formed the basis of the Musical Ride. Although legend has it that the first Musical Ride was performed as early as 1876, the first officially recorded Musical Ride was performed in Regina under Inspector William George Matthews in 1887. The Musical Ride, consisting of twenty men, was put on public display for the first time in 1901. Over the years the popularity of the Ride has grown and it has become a familiar sight throughout most of the world.

Today's Musical Ride
Members of the Musical Ride are first and foremost police officers who, after at least two years of active police work, volunteer for duty with the Musical Ride. Most members are non-riders prior to their equestrian training with the RCMP; however, once they complete the courses of instruction, they not only become riders but ambassadors of goodwill. Working through a unique medium, they promote the RCMP's image throughout Canada and the world. RCMP members only remain with the Musical Ride for three years which ensures an annual rotation of approximately one third (33%) of the riders.

Today, in keeping with tradition, the Musical Ride is performed by a full troop of thirty-two riders and horses, plus the member in charge. The Musical Ride consists of the execution of a variety of intricate figures and cavalry drill choreographed to music. Demanding utmost control, timing and coordination, these movements are formed by individual horses and riders, in two's, four's and eight's at the trot and at the canter. Months of training, practice and many kilometres/miles around the riding school make horse and rider one. The horses must not only appear in the Musical Ride, but on Parliament Hill, in parades, special events and have the ability to travel and adapt to different environments, not to mention, hours of petting and photo-taking that the horses must patiently endure.

One of the more familiar Musical Ride formations is the "Dome," once featured on the back of the Canadian fifty-dollar bill. The highlight of the Musical Ride is, without a doubt, the CHARGE when lances, with their red and white pennons, are lowered and the riders and their mounts launch into the gallop. The conclusion of the performance is the March Past performed to the strains of the RCMP's Regimental March where the Musical Ride traditionally salutes the guest of honour.

The RCMP Musical Ride tours throughout Canada, as well as international venues, performing at approximately forty to fifty locations a year between the months of May and October. Thirty-six riders, thirty-six horses, a farrier, a technical production manager and three NCOs travel with the Musical Ride.

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RCMP Musical Ride Package

RCMP Musical Ride Package
$140 per person per night plus applicable taxes.

One of Canada's most recoginzed icons, the Royal Canadian Mounted Polic (RCMP) Musical Ridge, will be performing in Banff, Alberta on Monday, July 26, 2010 with two shows.
The Musical Ride represents a colourful Canadian tradition where 32 horses & riders will perform a variety of cavalry drills choreographed to music.

Stay with us in a Superior room & enjoy this truly Canadian tradition along with admission to the Banff Gondola for only $140 per person per night plus applicable taxes.
Musical Ride Showtimes are at 1 pm & 6 pm only.

Details of the Package:

* The package price is $ 140 per person per day based on double occupancy in a Superior Room with either 2 queen beds or 1 king bed. Ask about available upgrades starting from just $30 per person per night
* Extra adult, add $35 per night. Children (6-15 years) add $15 per child per night
* Applicable taxes are extra
* Advance booking of 1 week prior to arrival date is required & only a limited number of rooms are available for this package, so book early to avoid disappointment
* Minimum 2 night stay required
* Package is valid from July 24 - 27, 2010
* Book online or call us at 1-800-661-9266 or 1-403-762-4433

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Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Let the Summer Fun in the Canadian Rockies Begin


Today was opening date for Lake Minnewanka Boat Tours, a true sign that summer is on the way.

Be sure to add a one hour boat cruise to your plans for this May long-weekend.

"Lake Minnewanka is the largest lake in Banff National Park on this magnificent one hour interpretive cruise that introduces the rugged paradise richly steeped in history, native folklore and geology. Travel on a modern Lake Cruiser, as an experienced captain and entertaining guide explore the ‘water of the spirits’ and share tales of First Nations people and early explorers that first discovered the area. Learn about the tremendous forces that created the surrounding mountains and stay on the lookout for wildlife that frequent the lake. Lake Cruisers depart hourly on the hour between 10am and 6pm (last departure - evening wildlife cruise)".

For more information, visit http://www.explorerockies.com/minnewanka/

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Thursday, May 13, 2010

Banff is One of the Best

Banff National Park has been ranked as the top Outdoor & Adventure Destination in Canada by TripAdvisor. The annual TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Best Destination Awards also have Banff National Park in fourth place in the Top 10 Outdoor & Adventure Destinations in the World.

Winners were determined by a combination of TripAdvisor's Popularity Index and through the unbiased opinions of millions of traveller ratings. The Popularity Index is a well-defined decision matrix that determines traveller satisfaction based on hotel reviews, travel articles and opinions found throughout the web.

"We are thrilled to be recognized twice in the TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Desintations Awards as the top destination in Canada for outdoor and adventure and fourth overall in the world," said Julie Canning, President and CEO of the Banff Lake Louise Tourism. "These awards celebrate the world's top destinations and it is an accomplishment to be ranked first and fourth in two different categories by the world's largest travel community."

The results of the TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Destinations reconfirms Banff National Park as one of the finest places on Eart, a dynamic destination with rate outdoor adventures, breathtaking mountain scenery, and authentic historical depth.

Submitted by the Banff Lake Louise Tourism Bureau

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Tuesday, May 4, 2010

RCMP Musical Ride



Mark July 26, 2010 on your calender! The RCMP Muscial Ride is coming to Banff.

The last time the RCMP Musical Ride was in Banff was in 2003 & we now have the opportunity welcome them back. It is fantastic show with over 30 horses and riders performing drills choreographed to music.

There will be two shows taking place, 1:00 pm & 6:00 pm at the Banff High School Recreation Field.

Tickets will go on sale as of May 11th through the Banff Centre Box Office by calling 1-403-762-6301 or through Ticketmaster. Adults are $15.00 and children 2 years of age and under are admitted free.

See you in the Rockies soon!

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