Banff Things to Do Tips by balhannah

HOODOO VIEWPOINT TUNNEL MOUNTAIN ROAD Mountains/Lakes / Falls Review

I didn't expect to find Hoodoo's in Banff!

We were travelling along Tunnel Mountain Road, when we came across the Hoodoo Viewpoint. We parked the car and went for look, saw a beautiful view of the Hoodoo's and the Columbia River. These vertical standing pillars of deposits had stood the test of time.

Continuing on Tunnel Mountain Drive, we came across a sharp curve, here the name changed to Buffalo St. This was named Surprise Corner, and what a surprise, a beautiful view of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel set in the midst of a sea of green fir trees.
I could hear water, and wondered where was it coming from, a look below, and there were the Bow Falls.

FOR ALL YOU MOVIE BUFFS.......
At the Bow Falls, Marilyn Monroe frantically tried to regain control of her river raft in the movie "River of No Return" with Robert Mitchum.

I couldn't get a photo of them, was a bit hard.

Address: Banff National Park Alberta Canada

Directions: Tunnel mountain Drive which will lead you to the backside of The Banff Centre

CASCADE GARDENS The Cascade Gardens Review

I was told the Cascade Gardens are beautiful, and that I must see them as I enjoy gardening and flowers.
I think I must have been here at the wrong time, as there were hardly any flowers in bloom, I was disappointed. The lawns were nice, as was the setting, and I loved the stone building which is the headquarter's of Parks Canada.

I have seen photo's of these landscaped gardens, filled with seasonal plants, ponds, bridges, walkways and mature trees, they really do look beautiful and worth seeing if you are here at the right time of the year.
In summer they are filled with more than 50,000 flowers.

OPEN DAILY.... June to September.
ADMISSION FREE

Address: Parks Canada box 900 Banff Alberta Canada T1L1K2

Directions: The Gardens are located on the grounds of the Administration Office of Banff National Park ,on the South End of Banff Avenue.

Phone: 403-762-1550.

Website: http://www.parkscanada.gc.ca

CASCADE PONDS & TWO JACK LAKE Mountains/Lakes / Falls Review

Both of the Lakes are located on the Lake Minnewanka Loop drive that begins from Banff township.

Both of these lakes were very pretty. It was early morning, and a slight breeze was blowing, so I missed out on the excellent reflections you would see of the surrounding Mountains when the Lakes are calm. Never mind, it still was lovely, and worth the visit.

Two Jack Lake has two campgrounds (a main site and a lakeside site), picnicking, and canoeing, plus we saw Deer and more Bighorn Sheep. You may see elk, bears, cougars, wolves and more.

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Address: Banff National Park Alberta Canada

Directions: Lake Minnewanka Loop Road in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

LAKE MINNEWANKA Mountains/Lakes / Falls Review

This is a small round trip we did from Banff.
Lake Minnewanka has had quite a few names. The Stoney people called it “Minn-waki” or “Lake of the Spirits" and were fearful of this lake for its resident spirits, and the early settler's called it Devil's Lake.

We were here early morning, and all was quiet. No other Tourist's, and too early to do the Lake Minnewanka Boat Cruise. This costs $44 [2010]for an hour's cruise. More info on the website.

They also hold a Dragon Boat festival in the middle of August each year, see the website.......
http://www.banfflakelouise.com/events-and-festivals/festivals/dragon-boat-festival

Right beside and on the road beside the Lake, were quite a few Bighorn sheep. They looked quite peaceful lying down, enjoying the early morning sunshine.
You may also see bald eagles, ospreys, elk, and deer

Tip here.........IF YOU WANT TO SEE THESE SHEEP, THEN COME HERE. They are here most of the time.

Address: Banff National Park Alberta Canada

Directions: Lake Minnewanka is just a 15 minute drive from the town site of Banff along the Minnewanka Loop Drive

Website: http://www.explorerockies.com/sightseeing-tours/Lake-Minnewanka--Boat-Cruise-Only--1-Hour-10935-N.aspx

MOUNT NORQAUY Mountains/Lakes / Falls Review

Mount Norquay is only 6kms from Banff.
It was Summer when we were on the Mountain, and there was no snow, but instead, Bighorn Sheep.
If you are here in Winter, it must be pretty good for skiing, as quite a few important events have been held here.
The resort has hosted many international ski-jumping competitions.

We just enjoyed the fantastic views from the lookout.
The Mountains, and zillions of Fir trees, and Banff in the middle of it all, it was beautiful!

Address: http://www.banffnorquay.com/

Directions: Mt. Norquay is the closest ski resort to the townsites of Banff and Canmore. Come off the second exit to Banff coming from Calgary heading west on the TransCanada highway.

JOHNSTON CANYON Mountains/Lakes / Falls Review

Wow!! A MUST DO AND SEE is JOHNSTON CANYON.

We made an early start to the day for our drive up the Bow Valley. I am so glad we did, as there was so much to see and do on the way. This gave us a little more time.

We parked our car in the lot at Johnston Canyon, and headed towards the lodge where small Chalet's and Toilets were located, this is where our walk began.

The path was in good condition, and there is railing alongside the pretty blue water creek.
Aspen trees and Douglas Fir Trees lined the track and the Mountains. We did see marks on them where something had been clawing, would it be a Bear? Well, we didn't meet "Mr. Bear!"

10 minutes later, and we were in a small canyon, formed less than ten thousand years ago when the glaciers began to retreat from the park. It was spectacular, the pathway as well, as the path was hanging over the edge, and we went through tunnels, quite exciting!
The rushing, roaring water of the creek was right beside me.

There are 7 Waterfalls, the 1st ones, "the Lower Falls", were just 20mins walk from the start, and very easy to reach [1km] These are a spectacular 20 metre high cascade, with the viewing platform nearly underneath the falls on the other side of a natural tunnel, carved into the hillside by the rushing waters.
The trail follows the canyon’s edge for another kilometre, passing by five smaller waterfalls and pools.

Near the final descent to the Upper Falls, watch the white limestone cliffs across the canyon for bighorn sheep and mountain goats, they are often here in Spring & Autumn.

At 2.7 kms, I reached the 40metre Upper Falls, where a viewing platform has been built out over the creek so you can get a good look at them. In Winter, these Falls freeze, I would love to see that!
You can continue onto the Inkpots, I didn't.

If you can, walk to the Upper Falls, you will find it is well worth the effort.
Allow about 2 hours for a return journey.

Address: Banff National Park Alberta Canada

Directions: On Bow Valley Parkway, one half-hour west of Banff and one half-hour east of Lake Louise.

WEEPING WALL Mountains/Lakes / Falls Review

We came across the Weeping Wall on our drive along the Icefield's Parkway.
Small streams of water were tumbling and spraying down the vertical walls of Cirrus Mountain from snowfields above. The streams are very small, even so, it is still an impressive site to see water pouring over cliffs this tall.
I wonder if they ever have a lot more water running over the sides, I have only seen photo's like what I have taken.

You can't miss them, as once again, they are close to the road.

Address: Banff National Park Alberta Canada

Directions: Located near the Big Bend on the Icefields Parkway. Drive south of the Icefields Center for about 18.5 km to the marked pullout and viewpoint for the Weeping Wall

Website: http://www.icefieldsparkway.ca

BOW LAKE/ CROWFOOT GLACIER/ NUM-TI-JAH LODGE Mountains/Lakes / Falls Review

A stop on the Icefield's Parkway to view Bow Lake and Crowfoot Glacier is a must.
We turned into the driveway of Num-Ti-Jah Lodge, and from here, we had wonderful views of the Glacier.
It is one of the few places where there is accommodation available enroute to Jasper.
We were able to buy some lunch here, and sat at the picnic table enjoying the most wonderful views.
A cheeky "Clark's Nutcracker" bird, came to share our meal!

Address: Banff National Park Alberta Canada

Directions: 40 kilometres north of Lake Louise on the Icefield's Parkway

Website: http://www.icefieldsparkway.ca

Lake Louise Gondola

The Gondola is not at the Lake, but nearby at the Lake Louise Lodge & Interpretation centre. You will finds signposts to it.

The ride takes fourteen minutes, either in an open chair or a fully enclosed gondola. This came in quite handy, as on the way up it was fine, so we used the open chair, and the way back it was starting to rain, so we used the enclosed Gondola.
The sights are beautiful coming back down, you see across to Lake Louise, and if lucky, Grizzly Bears feeding underneath the Gondola.

At the top, at 2088m, you can explore the spectacular scenery by doing small to large treks, we did small, and we did see some wildlife. The views are fantastic, would be much better on a sunny, clear day!

At the top of the lift and gondola, Interpretive Programs are available daily, including indoor presentations and themed guided walks.

We booked the Ride & eat ticket, which included the Gondola ride and our buffet lunch, all was good, and very good value!

OPEN.....
May 15th - June 12th: 9:00am to 4:30pm
June 13th - Sept 7th: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Sept 8th - 30th: 9:00am to 4:30pm

ADMISSION IN 2009.....Adult $25.95
Child (6-15) $12.95 ........5 and under FREE

Ride 'n Dine

Breakfast Lunch ....Adult $28.60 $32.25
Child(6-15) $15.95 $18.50 ........5 and under $3.95 $3.95

Website: http://www.lakelouisegondola.com/