It is 3.15 in the afternoon; meanwhile Ms. Lanka pulls in her Mercedes Van towards the porch of the fabled Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel. After you board the van, Lanka drives you on a 58 Km drive towards Banff via scenic route along the Bow Valley Parkway. Banff incidentally is the resort town in the Rockies, also considered as the “Mountain Playground of the World”.
Cave & Basin Hot Springs
Soon, in about 30 minutes, Lanka halts at one of the National Historic site, “Cave & Basin Hot Springs”. Situated close to the Sulphur Mountains this natural thermal spring was discovered in the year 1883, So then, crossing the narrow unlit ancient grotto/tunnel, you reach at the end a bubbling mineral water pool. After watching this phenomenon for few minutes, you decide to leave.
Later, passing swathes of wilderness adjoining the wild life protected fencing, you are delighted watching Male and Female Mule Deer. As they keep grazing nonchalantly, you request Lanka to stop for a moment to help capture their images. After taking a few pictures, you continue with your journey.
Vermilion Lakes
On reaching the outskirts of Banff you see a series of delightful water bodies named ‘Vermilion Lakes’. In their background stands the iconic Mount Rundle. Interestingly, the golden-rays of the setting-sun has dramatically illuminated the steep aspects of this Mount. In short, the reflection of the mount now falling over the Lake’s rippling surface further adds to the scenic beauty.
Banff Town
Finally, at 5 pm you reach your pre-booked “Rimrock Resort Hotel”. This impressive hotel is situated just above Banff Town and at a stone-throw away distance from the famous Banff’s Gondola.
As soon as you check-in, a complimentary ‘Roam Transit Pass’ is handed over to you. This pass enables you to now avail free services of Banff Public transport. In essence, you can visit downtown anytime and as many times during each day of your stay.
Later, strolling on the Banff Avenue at the center of downtown Banff, you enjoy an invigorating experience. The long tidy road here has copious shops and restaurants lined up on its either side. During here you learn, with serendipity, the local administration’s decision to exempt 5% VAT on purchases. Thereby, encouraging you to reach to your pockets without much ado.
Despite tiny population of around 8000, liquor shops at Banff welcome customers till well past 2 am. So then with a bottle of red wine in your hand, you get back straight to your room.
Soon, with a glass of red wine in your hand you stand beside the huge glass window of your room. Below you watch the stunning Bow River Valley and above are ‘Gondola ropes’, a testimony of man’s engineering marvel. Together with them, in front nature’s incredible miracle is manifesting as clouds attempt to play with mountain peaks.
Banff Gondola
View from Hotel
Day 2
Generally speaking, Canadians seemingly have an amazingly sense of punctuality. For instance, it is 8.15 am and dot on time ‘Discover Banff Tour Bus’ moves in at the Hotel’s porch. No sooner you board this bus, you are off for a three hour sightseeing tour of Banff’s historic landmarks.
So then with ‘Bob” on the wheels and 15 other Guests along, ‘Banff Springs Hotel‘’ also known as “Castle on the Valley” is the first place to begin with. Interestingly, the quaint ‘Banff Springs Hotel’ now owned by ‘Fairmount Group of Hotels’ was once the property of ‘Canadian Pacific Railways’.
For the most part, to enable you to enjoy the scene outside, Bob decides to drive slow. Therefore he never speeds over 20 km/h. Significantly, Banff National Park is not only World’s 3rd largest National Park but also UNESCO declared World Heritage Site. Quite often, through inbuilt sound system, Bob educates you of the importance of each passing area.
Bow Falls
Then within next 30 minutes you arrive at the picturesque location known as “Bow Falls”. After alighting from the bus you walk towards the Bow river from where the falls are not too far. Incidentally, the height from which the water cascades down is not over 10 meters. However with high Mountain Ranges in the Background, the scenery looks stunning. Noteworthy, the water fed to Bow River originates not only from the Bow glacier but also from other nearby melting Glaciers.
Shortly after leaving Bow Falls you reach the sprawling 18 hole Golf Course situated relatively close to the falls. In general, the panoramic beauty that winds through the valleys, forests and mountain sides here is enthralling. In optimism and possibility of locating Wild Life around, you remain alert and glued to the window. Unfortunately, there were none.
Lake Minnewanka
Finally you reach the 21 Kms long glacial Lake – “Minnewanka”.
As soon as Bob is set to park his bus, a Big Horn Sheep with her two Calves’ are seen around. After a while all three seem to prepare themselves to cross the road and move towards the lake. Ensuing excitement therefore is unsurprising. Soon all tourists get occupied taking their pictures. Incidentally, though named ‘Big Horn’, the horns on the female species are absent.
Soon after, as you walk close to the lake, you see a few colorful Boats anchored on its shore and some sailing in its waters. A soothing scenario indeed.
Johnson Lake
Further, there is also another impressive lake named – Johnson Lake….
Two Jack Lake
And then there is still another. This is ‘Two Jack Lake’.
Banff Gondola
By the time you return, it’s 12 noon. After Bob drops you at the Gondola Station, you go inside to board your sortie up the Sulphur Mountain that is scheduled at 12.20.
While crossing the bustling reception area you stop briefly to buy a cup of coffee and move. With the cup in your hand, you reach the base station and board one of the glass enclosed Gondola Car.
During the next eight minutes, as the Car glides up over the pristine alpine, you are mesmerized watching the stunning 360 degree vista of the world around.
On Top
Subsequently as you alight the car, you have climbed-up over 695 meters from the base station. Over here a Jaw dropping view of six stunning mountains ranges standing right across welcomes you. The Bow Valley beneath too is stunning. Similarly the town of Banff, although little away, is also within sight. As a result, these vistas capture your imagination and get embedded into your memory.
To begin with, a impressive Visitor’s center comprising of four levels is here. On the first level is the Gondola Station. Then on the next is the exhibition gallery where pictures of iconic landmarks of Banff and Banff National Park are placed. Above all, mini-theater here continuously projects film related to Banff.
By the way, on the floor above is a cozy restaurant – ‘Sky Bistro”. Even so as you order your food, you can look out through its glass facade and assimilate the beauty outside.
Finally. on the fourth floor you come across the open observation deck. From here a comprehensive view of all directions is possible. However there is a caveat. You got to be real brave-heart to brave this otherwise unbearable chill.
Furthermore, you can opt to visit the adjoining Sanson’s Peak by undertaking a kilometre long self-guided interpretative walk through the broad-walk.
Upper Hot Springs
Outside of Gondola, a few meters away is a commercially developed Hot spring. Clearly, this seems to be a place sought by visitors all year around. Perhaps, a dip in this 40 degree hot water spring, full of Sulphur aroma, is advisable for therapeutic treatment. Also plausibly advantageous to those desiring deep relaxation.
No doubt, a Glass of Dark Rum, Chicken Curry and Tandoori Roti at “Masala”, an Indian Restaurant situated in Downtown Banff serves as a perfect place for Dinner on the culmination evening at the legendary Rockies.
To Niagara
In conclusion, the following morning, bundled with ever-lasting memories, you bid a final good-bye to the Rockies. After check-out you leave by bus at 9.15 AM to reach Calgary Airport via the town of ‘Canmore’.
The flight is on schedule and your next destination is now the legendary ‘Niagara Falls in Ontario via Toronto’.
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Anonymous
Excellent naration Buppi.
Krishna Deshpande
Excellent narration of the tour Buppi.
Krishna Deshpande
Good presentation Buppi
Anonymous
Superb Sir
Rajesh AJMERA
Beautiful pictures terrific lakes,pristine condition
Its all beauty,beauty and the beauty,most alluring destination CANADA
Anonymous
Quite interesting to know about these places. Excellent photos. God bless you dear Bhubender Sir. Fr. Francis Mulackal
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4.5
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Narinder Singh
Viewers envy, traveler pride! Unbelievably beautiful Canada!
Anonymous
Sir your camra makes it more beautiful. Beauty lies in the eyes of viewer and you catched all. Above all Beauty if nature preserved by.nature loving people. Great
Anonymous
Amazing pictures Boss👌This is beauty.Please inform me of your next trip.