Tags
Banff, Banff National Park, Banff Springs, Canada, Canadian rockies, Lake Louise, Photography, Rockie Mountains, Sulphur Mountain, travel
For many more years than I can remember I have dreamed about visiting Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper, which was my main reason for my trip to the Rockies. I was surely not disappointed; with Banff being by far my favourite.
Nestled high in Alberta in the Canadian Rockies, the town of Banff is located within the Banff National Park. Banff is a spirited place, alive with adventure and wonder. In all directions I was surrounded by strikingly beautiful and rugged mountains. The streets of downtown are lined with top-class restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as a vibrant range of art galleries and museums.
We only had a night and day in Banff but I was able to see lots as it is only a small town. We arrived late in the afternoon, checked in to our hotel and then headed directly up to the gondola. We took the four person enclosed car up to the top of Sulphur Mountain in less than 10 minutes. Named for the thermal springs that emanate from its base, this peak is a perfect viewing point
The views from the top are incredible. I could see the town of Banff, the Banff Springs chateau/hotel, part of Lake Minnewanka, the Bow river and a lot more. Even though you have to choose a time for the downward journey, no one monitors how much time you spend on top and can take any gondola down that is after the time on your ticket.
Once at the top, there are a series of wooden ‘decks’ that you can walk on and climb . There were musicians, fire pits and sitting areas. We stopped for a cocktail while taking in the breathtaking views.
It was then time to take the gondola car back down to the bottom.
I was up very early the next morning and explored this delightful town before most folks were up. I loved Banff’s cosmopolitan edge knowing that at any part of the town I was only minutes away from the national park and its wildlife. A resort town with boutique shops, nightclubs, museums and fancy restaurants. But Banff is no ordinary town, it is the service town for the park that surrounds it. Banff is one of Canada’s most popular tourist destinations attracting thousands of tourists every year.
Loved it all a long while ago now. So Beautiful. Daphne
It was your love of Banff that had me yearning to see it. Thank you for planting the idea in my mind. Love Lyn x
I enjoyed Banff too – it’s as beautiful as you described.
Thanks Linda. I was very happy there. I enjoyed a lovely hot tub on the roof of my hotel after dinner one night
Looks and sounds so beautiful!
Breathtakingly so. Thanks Lyn
Fabulous photos, looks a lovely spot.
Thanks Sheree. Very special
That is an incredible view Lyn, take your breath away, literally 😀
A wonderful place. Thank you for sharing this, it is magical 😀
Thanks Mark. The whole area is wonderful with so much beauty. Lyn
Lyn as usual your photos are fantastic. What an incredible, beautiful place to visit. It’s now on my bucket list. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks Lyn. I know that you guys would love everything about the Rockies.
Thanks Lyn. I know that you guys will love everything about the Rockies.
Hi. That’s a part of Canada that I’d love to visit. There is a lot to see in Canada. It’s enormous!
Neil S.
It is a very big beautiful country. I had a couple of weeks just in Vancouver and only scratched the surface. It was a simply fabulous time for me. Thanks Neil, Lyn
It’s a favourite of many Canadians too. :)
And that is why it is so over crowded but I had several hours exploring the beautiful village before most people were up. Simply heaven. Thanks Lynette, Lyn
Glad you enjoyed the Rockies. I was in Banff recently for the first time in about 10 years. I stayed away from the downtown as I find it too busy and frustrating. Banff is kind of a victim of its own success with mountain traffic jams and lineups for most everything in the summer. I prefer Jasper, but I did enjoy getting out into the back country near Banff for my 3 day hike. Cheers Lyn. Allan
Thanks Allan, now days I try to avoid big cities and crowded tourist areas but sometimes I cannot miss out. I was out and about for several hours before most of Banff was up so I go to explore and love it without people around. Stopped for a coffee, wandered up and down both sides of the streets leisurely, it was bliss. Thanks, Lyn
Thank you Lyn, I too visited Banff along time ago, it was great to revisit it’s beauty through your eyes xx
It was probably just as beautiful back then and not so crowded. Thanks Di, me xx
Wow, how stunning! I can see how you would not be disappointed.Lovely photos Lyn
Hey Mary, yes it was fabulous. Beautiful little village. thanks, Lyn
Lovely pictures – takes me back to some very happy memories and plenty of times where I had an awestruck look on my face. I was in Banff and Lake Louise at the end of May, and it is breathtaking!
Lyn you are right those views are breathtaking.
Thanks Sue, the Rockies are spectacular wherever you look. Lyn
A very special place. Love it.
Wow looks absolutely magnificent. Thank you for the amazing photos. 💜💜
Thanks Leah. It surely was magnificent. 💕🍁
Just stunning – as always your photos are marvellous !
Thanks Kay. Stunning views make stunning photographs. Lyn
The scenery here is spectacular!
Yes, it sure is, thanks Lyn
Beautiful pictures! I took a road trip from Arizona to Banff National Park and it was amazing. Definitely a place you can’t just visit once.
Thanks Amanda, Banff was on my dream list for many years, it did not disappoint, I loved it. Lyn