From Kootenay in British Colombia, we traveled to Banff National Park in Alberta Canada. It’s one of the most visited National Parks in North American with over three million tourists annually.
Banff
The city had plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants to entertain when not participating in outdoor activities or taking in the scenery. We were able to forward our mail to the post office.
Surrounding the city there were stunning mountain views, historic resorts and the Bow river.
We had lunch at Nourish Bistro, a vegan restaurant in downtown Banff. The atmosphere is bohemian and the wild mushroom ravioli was delicious.
Bow Falls
The falls were near the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel with a nice trail along the river. The color of the water is amazing.
Banff Gondola
A scenic but short gondola ride to the top of Sulfur Mountain.
At the top there are numerous hiking trails, an educational center and restaurants. Lunch at the Sky Bistro was very good while we enjoyed the stunning views and watched Bighorn Sheep graze.
Bow Valley Scenic Parkway
It’s a 31 mile drive from Banff to Lake Louise. Along the way there are numerous hiking trails and opportunities to see animals. We came across a black bear feasting along the roadside. Banff National Park was established in 1885 and is Canada’s oldest national park.
Johnston Canyon
This is a must do hike. It’s very popular, so the parking fills up quickly. We went late in the day when the crowds had lessened.
There are numerous small waterfalls along the Johnston Creek. Jake loved chasing the chipmunks along the trail.
Tunnel Mountain Campground
The sites booked up over 6 months in advance. We changed locations 3 times in a week because that was all that was left when we booked 7 months ago. They only had 30 amp service, water, sewer, no cable or internet, but we were able to get a satellite signal. Verizon only allows 1/2 GB of data a day while in Canada, just enough for maps, weather and to check mail.
There were hiking trails everywhere. We frequently saw deer in the campground.
Hoodoos
A very short walk from the campground to a trail overlooking the hoodoos. Pales in comparison to Utah hoodoos, but scenic nonetheless.
Lake Minnewanka
Minnewanka is a glacier lake near Tunnel Mountain.
We came across a herd of female Bighorn Sheep with their kids.
Lake Louise
The emerald lake is named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria.
There is an easy hiking trail that goes along the lake then into the backcountry.
The lake is emerald colored because of glacier rock flour washed down from the melting glaciers. Lake Louise is a very popular destination. The parking lot filled up by 8:00 am.
Chateau Lake Louise is a luxury resort at the eastern end of the lake. It was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway, who were instrumental in establishing Banff in it’s early years. We had lunch on their patio and enjoyed the scenery.
