We started out in more of the flat to rolling farm and ranch lands, but we could see the rise of the majestic, snow-covered Canadian Rockies in front of us - and they kept getting closer and closer and even more majestic as we neared them. Basically Hwy 1 follows the Bow River Valley along the valley floor all the way into Banff and right in among the mountains - I mean right into the middle of them.
We arrived and checked into our campground around 11:30. The scenery is awesome. Right out our door and through the windows we have a fantastic view of the river valley with the tall snow-covered mountains all around. God did some of his best work here.
We went into downtown Banff to check it out. It’s really a trendy tourist town with all kinds of lodging, shopping, eating, etc. Reminded us of an upscale Gatlinburg, TN. I guess the snow-covered mountains all around here are a little more eye-catching than the Smokies around Gatlinburg.
Thursday we went birding and looking at all the scenic places around Banff. We drove out to Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake. Here’s a couple of pictures:
Then we drove 10 or 12 miles on Hwy 1A (Bow River Parkway) toward Lake Louise that is a scenic 2-lane road that parallels Trans Canada Hwy 1 (the 4-lane). Along Hwy 1A there are lots of pullouts for scenic views. In addition to all the scenery, we also saw lots of birds, a moose, an elk, a coyote, and several Mule Deer.
Here’s another picture on Hwy 1 coming back into Banff from the north side.
Today was another day of birding and sightseeing and tomorrow it’s on to Lake Louise.
1 comment:
I am enjoying reading your blog!
Great photo! We have only been in the Banff/Lake Louise area during winter, and it is also breathtaking, but I heard that in the summer months is equally beautiful.
I will keep reading, thanks for sharing.
~ar
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