One of the benefits of arriving in early May, we had some extra time to travel to Banff, Alberta. Leaving our rig at the "Museum at the Brig" in Farragut State Park, we traveled into Canada east over the Continental Divide to Canmore, Alberta, a small town 20 miles south of Banff. We reserved a time share condo for a week starting Saturday, May 12.
Elkhorn at Falcon Crest, Canmore, Alberta
We had a Studio with a full kitchen and a deck equipped with a gas grill.
Two hot tubs were located around the complex.
This one had a beautiful view of the Canadian Rockies.
On Sunday we found Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church,
located just two miles from our Condo.
Since it was Mother's Day, we thought a little trip north to
Lake Louise would be special.
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Lodge
Delicious Mother's Day Lunch at the
Fairview Dining Room in the Chateau
overlooking Lake Louise.
After our lunch we took a one and half mile hike to Silverton Falls.
The trail head was at Castle Junction along the Bow Valley Parkway.
Silverton Falls
Mount Rundle and the Vermilion Lakes just
outside of the town of Banff
Monday we drove north on the Icefields Parkway which
begins in Lake Louise ending in the town of Jasper.
This is about a 300 mile very scenic
round trip excursion with frequent pull-outs
and short hikes along the way.
Hector Lake
The Icefields Parkway follows along
the North Saskatchewan River
Climbing the switchbacks toward the Columbia Icefield
The Columbia Icefield extended over
the road in the last century.
The Columbia Icefield Visitor Center is just across the street.
After taking the two mile hike to Sunwapta Falls,
we decided to turn around and drive back to our Canmore Condo.
View of Sunwapta River heading south.
Tangle Falls easily viewed from the Icefields Parkway.
On Tuesday we drove to Lake Minnewanka outside
of the town of Banff.
The Red Chairs are often placed at
scenic overlooks in Canadian National Parks.
This one is overlooking Lake Minnewanka along the Stewart Canyon Hike.
Stewart Canyon Hike
Going Up
The Gondola took us up over 2,000 feet
to an elevation of 6700 feet.
The stunning view from the top.
Lake Minniwanka and the town of Banff below
A beautiful scene with the Red Chairs
A mountain boardwalk takes us to Sanson Peak, the highest
point on Sulphur Mountain.
This weather observatory was operated from
1903 until the mid-1930's.
Six mountain ranges are visible from this
state of the art Interpretive Centre which has
two restaurants a movie theater and exhibits.
Going Down
Big Horn Sheep
Wednesday we decided to take the four mile Johnston Canyon Hike
to see both the lower and the upper falls.
Johnston Lower Falls are
running strong with all the snow melt.
Much of the hike is on catwalks that
are bolted to the canyon walls.
Johnston Upper Falls
Lower Lookout
Johnston Upper Falls
Upper Lookout
Its a long way down!
Enjoying a glass of Guinness draught in
the St. James Irish Pub in Banff.
Friday we drove to Calgary, about 65 miles southeast, for the day.
Our visit to the Lougheed House gave us some of the history
of the area. Built by one of Calgary's most influential families in 1891.
Many hand painted stained glass windows were
commission by the Lougheeds.
Driving home from Calgary, we saw a large herd of
big horn sheep as we entered Banff National Park.
We don't golf anymore, but they
sure have some beautiful courses.
We had a lovely trip to the Canadian Rockies. The weather
was beautiful and there were very few tourists in mid-May.
