Road Trip: Banff, Alberta, Canada - September 2023




We have completed the nautical portion of our summer of '23 in British Columbia.  Amy Marie has been hauled and it getting a well deserved "spa" treatment in Olympia Washington.  When we return, she will be sporting new bottom paint and be shining from a good washing and waxing.

In the meantime, we are off on a road trip to the Canadian Rockies.  How could we be this close and not make the effort to see this fabulous area.  Our first impression is that the BIG up here puts Texas big to shame.  The vistas in every direction are breathtaking.  It is amazing that the earth's crust can be twisted and thrust at such harsh angles towards the sky.  The striations in the rock provide emphasis to the forces which displaced them.  
 


Unlike many mountain towns that were initially were mining settlements, Banff got its start in the 1880's as a tourist destination.  During the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, in 1883, the stunning beauty of the area was protected by the Canadian Government by the formation of their first National Park,  A town site was laid out, a hotel was built and it became a destination for those seeking to enjoy its natural beauty as well as the local hot spas.



The town is laid out in a thoughtful manner so that the natural beauty is emphasized.  Open spaces allow the vistas to dominate.  The Bow River, which bisects the town, is banded by open spaces and trails follow its course on both sides providing a pleasant area in which to walk and enjoy nature.



The height of buildings is controlled as are the architectural styles.  It projects the feel of an alpine village.


We found walking to be the best way to tour the town.  There is also an excellent bus system which can be used to reach the campgrounds which are 2-3 miles outside of town.  We stayed at a lovely BNB in the heart of town.



I found an excellent bakery for my morning ham and cheese croissant.  The birds especially liked that the croissants were light and flakey and generated lots of crumbs for immediate consumption.





We enjoyed a walk to and beyond Bow Falls.  Here the Waldhaus restaurant is perched overlooking the river.  As it was lunch time, the sunny patio was the perfect spot for nourishment.



It proved to be the perfect spot for a cold beer and cheese board.



The hillside above Bow Falls is dominated by the Fairmont Banff Hotel.




The hotel was constructed in the early 1900's



To extend our range, we rented e-bikes.  For the month of September, the section of the Bow Valley Parkway from Banff to Johnston Canyon is closed to car traffic.  As a result, the 30 mile ride, with it's stunning scenery, can be enjoyed at your own pace, without fear of fast moving traffic.



The e-bikes definitely made cruising the rolling terrain much more enjoyable.



We did carry bear spray as the area was home to bears, moose, elk, wolves, coyotes and cougars.  Yes, you are just part of the food chain in this neck of the woods.



We were a couple of weeks early for the fall colors, but we could tell they were on their way.



A stand of aspen trees.



We paused frequently to enjoy the scenery.



Clouds added to the dramatic views 



The Bow River and the Canadian Pacific Railroad were never far from our route.


This vista, near Banff, reminded me of the Flat Irons outside Boulder Colorado.


Suprise Point to HooDoos Trail




We also hiked from Banff, south along the Bow River so we could see some HooDoo formations.



HooDoos are spires of rock that have resisted erosion and now stand tall from the surrounding landscape.



Beth enjoys the view over the Bow River Valley.




On our return to town, we visited the gardens at the Park Administrative Building at the end of Banff Avenue.  


 We thoroughly enjoyed our five days in Banff.  It is wonderful that the Canadian Government protected and developed this area for the enjoyment of all.  Jasper is our next destination.  From there we will start the return trip home.  We are looking forward to continuing our exploration of the Canadian Rockies during our remaining time.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Where we stayed:



Where we rented e-bikes


Surprise Corner to HooDoos Trail



Location: Banff, AB, Canada

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