My Incredible Journey – Part Four

My Incredible Journey – Part Four

We waived goodbye to the wonderful Rocky Mountaineer at Lake Louise and boarded a coach to take us to Banff, probably better known a ski resort, which was our next stopping point on our journey across Canada.

We were now really entering bear country and we were all eagerly looking out if the windows as we travelled along. No bears in site but we did see a lovely large Elk by the side of the road!

The hotel for our two night stay in Banff was the Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa, a nice hotel situated just on the main road as we entered town. Not that I am a skier but it is exactly what I would imagine  ski resort hotel to be. Lots of pine, cosy bedrooms with views over the snow capped mountains, a  large log fire in the reception area and a busy bar!

The weather was absolutely glorious, warm sunshine but you could still see the snow not too far up on the mountains. Banff is a lovely resort, surrounded by the Rockies there are plenty of good walks in the countryside, you can wander down to the famous Banff Springs themselves and then visit the fabulous Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel for afternoon tea , a Rocky Mountaineer Gold Leaf hotel which certainly lives up to it reputation and the food is to die for! There are also some nice shops for retail therapy and some lively bars and restaurants.

The Banff Gondola will take you up Sulphur mountain for spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and more wildlife. I spotted a cheeky Marmot and some cheeky Ground Squirrels.

Leaving Banff behind we headed on through the countryside towards our final destination of Calgary. There was, however, one slight detour to the Banff and Canmore Kananaskis Helicopter base for a flight over the mountains. I`ve done a helicopter flight over Las Vegas at night but during the day, especially a lovely sunny day, it is a great way to have uninterrupted views of the scenery. A bit scary in a small chopper but well worth it.

So onto Calgary. Now I`ve heard many people say there is nothing there but that`s not my opinion and in the final part of my Journey Tales I`ll tell you about the Calgary I experienced.