Sunday, June 16, 2024

Exploring Banff

Well it wasn’t the best night’s sleep but we slept in,
so we were happy.

Twin beds, a small space but a fridge so all good. Banff seems usually busy, the streets are full as are the cafes. So Yellow Bunny picked our breakfast stop. 🙄

Why so busy? We quickly found out! 

Runners from over 25 countries took part! 
A kind runner let me take a picture of his medal.

But it was pouring. Not the best weather for a run.

Well done!!

Our next stop was the Cave and Basin trail that leads to the Cave and Basin Historic Site. 

The rain stopped for a bit as we followed the trail.

For over 10,000 years the Indigenous Peoples have used the caves and basin as a special place. In 1883 three railway workers happened upon the thermal springs, that led to the creation of the first national park in Canada. 

This is the skylight entrance where the First Nation people would lower rawhide ropes get to the hot water in the basin.

Looking from outside you can see the hole used.

A tour group getting to feel the hot springs from their guide.

We also toured the First World War Internment Exhibit next to the Cave and Basin. It told about the unfortunate history of Canada during the First World War when the government interned those thought to be “enemy aliens”, mainly Germans and Ukrainians.
Many of these camps used the prisoners to build roads, bridges, cutting trails for the parks.

Leaving the historical site we saw an elk and even got closer (not too close) to take a photo. Much easier than on a train

Heading back to wards Banff Avenue we came upon the horse trail rides offered here. Not on our list of things to do.



And of course always mountains. We had thought of going to Sulfur Mountain this morning but you’ll see the fresh snow. 

Everywhere you look are magnificent mountains 

And different angles 

If you haven’t heard of magnet fishing, it is a poplar “sport”. This gentleman brought up some nails as we watched him “fish” off the bridge on the Bow River.
He said he has found horse shoes, pocket knives, an Apple Watch and more. 

Norm and the “Sleeping Buffalo”

Now time for another coffee and treat. 

And the rain is back. Our dinner tonight is from Nesters where Norm found a Saturday Globe! And we relax in our room with the CBC National news.















1 comment:

  1. Ed and I went to Banff on our honeymoon 44 years ago. It was the beginning of June and I remember that it was not very warm, although I did go for a swim in the hot springs. Thanks for sharing your journey and bringing back fond memories.

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