Today we decided to do a little sightseeing around the Banff area, about 20 minutes from where we are staying.
History of Banff:
Banff (pronounced "Bamph") is located in the center of Banff National Park, surrounded on all sides by Alberta's Rocky Mountains. At 4540 feet (1384 m) above sea level, Banff is "Canada's Highest Town". Banff is 90 miles (144 km) from Calgary and just a short trip to the mountain areas of Lake Louise, Kananaskis Country and Canmore.
1883 was the year that the transcontinental railway reached the formidable Rocky Mountains. One day while three railway workers were hiking, they came upon some simmering natural hot springs bubbling from the base of Sulphur Mountain.
The area was protected by the government and two years later became Canada's first national park, Rocky Mountain Park. Banff, town and park, are named for Banffshire, Scotland – the birthplace of two of the original Canadian Pacific Railway directors.
We started our day off at the visitor’s center to pick up the “official” map of town, its sites, and walking tour routes. We then headed off on foot through town and ended up on the Bow River Fall’s trail. The river was beautiful with mountain vistas in the background and the Falls at the end of the trail.
Along the way we were able to see the historic Banff Spring Hotel from the trail. This hotel is among the largest and most renowned of the fashionable resort hotels established along railway and steamship routes in Canada during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Constructed by the Canadian Pacific Railway Co. in stages between 1911 &1928, the hotel developed an international reputation for excellence as a vacation retreat and became a symbol of the significance of tourism in the Canadian Rockies. Its striking natural setting, Chateau style design and plush interior décor appealed to a wealthy clientele.
We then headed back to town and did the rest of the tour by car via Tunnel Mountain Rd. Most of the road was winding and through the woods. We ran into a herd of Elk crossing the road, we couldn’t believe the size of the rack on the male. It was awesome seeing the Elk and thrilled that I was able to get a few photos of them.
We then headed further East up to the “Hoodoos”. It’s a strange word for strangely shaped rock pillars.
Another great day!
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