Banff Santa Claus Parade Photos

The start of the 2009 Banff Santa Claus Parade of lights in Banff, Canada.

Nothing like a giant inflatable Santa Claus to get the crowds excited!

Santa in the Lake Louise gondola on his way to the North Pole.

The Banff Lake Louise Tourism Float and the Crasher Squirrel - that little guy gets his face in all the pics!

You wouldn't want to get in the way of the Brewster snowcoach. These snowcoaches are used to transport tourists onto the Athabasca glacier in the summer.

Henry's electric (local electrician) made us laugh with their float.

A family favourite - the fire truck decked out with Christmas lights!

Canada Day 2008 in Banff

Celebrate Canada on July 1 in our spectacular mountain setting!

Banff's ever-popular Canada Day Parade returns to the newly refreshed downtown area in 2008. It's a highlight of a grand day of celebrations that includes an all-day festival and party in Central Park, and a thrilling fireworks display.

Canada Day in Banff begins at 9 a.m. with the annual Parks Canada Pancake Breakfast, in the tranquil surroundings of the Parks Administration grounds and gardens. At noon, the scene shifts to Central Park, where there will be live entertainment all day long: from Siksika First Nations Dance, to Parks Canada Mountain Wit Theatre, to the sounds of local legends performing on the Louis Trono Gazebo and Stampede stages.

And of course there will be food, t-shirts, sidewalk art, fun and games for the kids.

At 5 p.m., the Canada Day Parade takes over Banff Avenue, with colourful floats, marching bands, baton corps, and equestrian riders, winding up once again at Central Park. The party comes to a close at 11 p.m. with the traditional fireworks show.

It's a great day for a visit to Banff. And remember: entry into Banff National Park is free on Canada Day... no admission fee at the Park gates!

Source: Town of Banff