Vancouver to Banff
We took the Hop-on-off bus tour around the city. When in a new city we usually like to go around a full circuit and get a feel for the place first. Being perfectly honest, it was not the best tour we’ve been on. In the future I’d suggest clients to use public transport to get around. We jumped off to see and have a selfie with the clock in Gas town and the statues in the park made to make everyone smile. Our highlight of the stay was a trip to Granville Island where we did a foodie tour around the market. Both of us being encouraged to try food we’d not usually go for and meet other holiday makers from around the Globe. Our final evening was spent down by the harbour enjoying a meal and drink in the sunset.
We then boarded the train to Jasper. It was a long journey. Trains in Canada have to give-way to freight trains and we were stationery sometimes for 1hr at a time. You still couldn’t be impressed by the vistas that surrounded you and it’s a very stress-free way to travel. Food on board was not the best I must say so I’d recommend if you were to consider this – to plan and take your own!
Wow Is the only way to describe the surroundings in Jasper – what a beautiful little town. Despite being quite small there’s an array of bars and restaurants to choose from, and the odd Gift shop to boot!!
We had one full day in Jasper. We joined a tour over to Lake Maligne where we had a boat tour over to Spirit Island and Mount Samson. Then onto Maligne Canyon full of beautiful waterfalls. Whilst on your travel’s eyes are peeled for wildlife. We had an Elk casually stroll out in front of the bus. Someone commented they are rarely out alone, and low and behold minutes later out popped her mate! Then shortly down the road someone shouted “Bear”! The coach driver pulled over when he could and sure enough not 1 but 4 bears. It was hilarious mum bear and three cubs, with the last one running at the back trying to keep up. Sadly, no photos of this as not quick enough. One guide did say to us on these travels – forget your phones/cameras and live in the moment. The memories will stay with you for ever – and they sure will.
Up early the next morning (this holiday is not for lazy mornings!!) for our transfer to Banff. This is no average coach transfer I can tell you. You go via the Columbia Icefield. Once there you’re transferred into an all-terrain vehicle to go up to the Glacier. We dressed in summer clothes as it was sunny and warm, yet when you get out the vehicle it’s Icy so need an extra layer to pop on. Quite an experience and privilege once again to witness this spectacle. We were then taken to a restaurant for lunch – which was an amazing buffet, before going to the SKYWALK. If you dare you can walk out over the canyon. I did it … legs were shaking but was something I had to do! The driver treated us to another site on the way to Banff – a stop off at Bow Lake – the colour of the water is amazing! Our last day of the wonderful trip did not disappoint. A trip to the Infamous Lake Louise and probably one of the most pictured hotels in the world -
We have taken in so much in these 2 weeks, we feel truly blessed. From Waterfalls to Wildlife, Glaciers to Great lakes, Sunsets to Seas we have loved every minute. Our memories we will treasure forever and surely remember how we celebrated our silver wedding!