Banff

We headed south after 3 glorious days at Lake Louise and arrived in Banff under still gray skies.  We scored a lake front campsite at Two Jacks Campground at Lake Minnewanka.  Banff is a bustling city within the National Park--I was surprised at the complete range of services and year round community found within a National Park.  I guess it goes back to the original and founding purpose of the area:  a train runs through it -- all times day and night!

We hiked near Lake Minnewanka and explored the town of Banff; found the hot springs but opted to defer the healing waters.

Lake Front campsite

Largest Lake in Banff National Park:  Minnewanka

Hiking along a river

Big Horn Sheep watching over his world

Our second day was fabulous:  we rode bikes along the 1A, a 2 lane alternative to the busy highway that runs from Jasper to Banff.  There were occasional cars but plenty of quiet time just riding along.  And the sun was out (mostly) so we had fabulous views of mountains, snowy peaks, and green forests.  A few animals but no moose, not even at moose meadows.

Riding along the A1 

Sunny Lunch Spot

WOW -- there are mountains out there!

Where are those Moose?  Not at Moose Meadows!

We wandered through Banff and treated ourselves to a great dinner at Nourish, a vegetarian cafe.

Stanley Hotel in Banff

A River Running through Town

Sunny View

Vegetarian Nachos with 27 ingredients -- including strawberries and pickles.  Delicious!

It began raining before dawn and we made a mad dash to pack up our tents and head to Canmore for breakfast.  Then it was on to Calgary before turning south to Fort McLeod.  Calgary was in the throes of Stampede Fever -- we visited the downtown mall area and the Glenbow Museum for the all too familiar tale of white man versus indian.  We found a dumpy hotel in Fort McLeod -- it had a kitchenette which was good since DQ was about the only food option.  Anyway it was time for laundry, a thunderstorm, internet, and a bed!

Pedestrian Mall in Calgary.

Stampede Fever!

Our impressions of Canada were 100% positive.  Everyone was helpful; chatty.   People went out of their way to help us.  Clerks in grocery stores and at the museum found coupons and membership cards for us to enjoy cheaper prices.  The scenery was incredible; the animals plentiful.  The tourist information services were everywhere and uniformly gave helpful advice.  Bicycle friendly everywhere.  We will certainly go back.