Up Up And Away
The day after our fun trip to Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and the big bear sighting, we drove to downtown Banff for our next exploration. This time I packed a lunch of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. A girl scout is prepared.
We met the tour bus in front of the train station. If you want free parking in Banff, the train station is the place to go. Yesterday we had a small group tour in a van. Today we are on a bus. It isn’t full so there’s plenty of room to spread out and we have great seats up front. Our first stop was the famous Banff Gondola Ride.
Ready to go up? Let’s do it.
I hope the ride is smoothe.
Not afraid of heights are you cause we are still going higher.
That’s the Bow River that you can see below. You’ll see that river up close and personal a little later. But first, let’s get to the top.
Not Yet. We’ll see you at the top.
We made it. Pam couldn’t wait to take out her binoculars to see if she could see our camper from there.
I don’t think she saw our camper but you can easily see 6 mountain ranges on beautiful day like this. We were so lucky.
What is that in the sky?
At the top there was a helicopter hovering over the mountain. Most of the time when you see a helicopter flying around a mountaintop they are either search and rescue or fighting a fire. Not this time. There was some construction being done at the highest point where the climbers like to go. A helicopter was the only way they could bring up construction supplies and take out waste. Sounds like an expensive project to me. But it was a neat thing to watch.
I loved being up on top of Sulphur Mountain. Many people got off the Gondola and hiked up the steps to where the construction was being done. That’s the highest point. Pam and I wanted to get away from the crowds so we went in the opposite direction. It was so nice.
Emotions run deep when you’re this close to heaven.
That’s the town of Banff in the valley below us.
Why not sit back, enjoy the cool weather and the warm fire? Almost time to go. It’s an 8 minute trip down.
Beautiful Gardens, Beautiful Banff
Our next stop was the Cascades in Time Gardens. Every city we visit has their gardens and Banff was no different. I just wonder what happens to the gorgeous flowers in the winter.
Charlotte Ann you get outta those daisies!!
Pam and I walked around the garden and took a few pictures but it appeared all the tourists had arrived at the same time. We took a few photos and then retired to the bus and away from the crowds.
What Do Bows And Arrows And A River Have In Common?
The bus left the gardens and motored to Bow River and Bow Falls.
You saw Bow River from the top of Sulphur Mountain and now you can see how magnificent it looks up close. I bet the rafting is outstanding…next time.
The river flow creates the waterfall and the waterfall flows into Bow lake. So what does that have to do with bows and arrows? Did you happen to notice the trees surrounding the river in the photos above? The indigenous people who lived in the area hundreds of years ago made theirs bows and arrows from those trees and named the waters Bow Lake, River and Falls.
We were all pretty hungry after all that traveling. We arrived at a wonderful farm to table restaurant called Farm & Fire. The buffet was outstanding and that comes from someone who does not like buffets.
Minnewanka and the Chocolate Factory
After lunch we were transported to our last portion of the tour. Sorry, no chocolate factory but we did take a delightful cruise on Lake Minnewanka.
What a gorgeous spot to wait for the cruise to begin.
This lake has a surprising history. In 1941 “someone” I won’t say the government decided to raise the level of the lake. A dam was erected but instead of raising the lake several feet, the water rose 100 feet and flooded the town. Now it’s a haven for scuba divers. There is some fishing in this lake which is unusual. Most glacial lakes do not have fish.
After the cruise, we boarded the bus and headed back to town. You have probably witnessed that the Bow River is significant in Banff. We passed the Fairmont Banff Springs which is picturesque on the side of the Bow River. I hear they have a fabulous restaurant too…Next time.
So that was our day of touring. Pam and I were both exhausted and poor Lucca was in the camper alone all day. Time to get back but before you go remember to come along next time when Pam and I take an ebike around Banff. See you then.
So glad you are taking us along! Gorgeous pictures. It must be spectacular in person.
What a beautiful place, def putting on the list.
Indeed. Wait til you see Jasper.