HERE, THERE & EVERYWHERE – FROM GRANUM, AB TO BANNF NATIONAL PARK - Thursday, April 27, 2023

We left Granum, AB this morning at 8:30 a.m. with a sunny, breezy temperature of 40 degrees, which would reach a high of 58 degrees during the day. It seemed here, there and everywhere we went had magnificent views of glistening white snow-clad mountains and rolling golden fields of wheat. We drove by Calgary stopping briefly to get gas. We continued on our way passing Canmore and Bannf.

Enjoy some of our pictures below from our drive from Calgary, AB to Bannf:

When we got to Bannf, we stopped at the Bannf National Park and bought the Annual Parks Canada Discovery Pass for $145.25 CA. This pass is similar to the National Parks Pass in the United States (and this pass is good through the end of April 2024). Throughout the day we drove a total of 295 miles in just over 10 hours including stops.

As we traveled within Bannf National Park on the Trans-Canada Highway, we saw several grey concrete tunnels or bridges that looked quite odd. The two tunnels on either side of the highway arc in semi-circles that end bluntly on the pavement below. But on top, away from our view lies a grassy oasis for wildlife to cross over. Against all odds, pine trees and wildflowers have also taken root here, giving the overpass a fringe of green eye appeal. Of course, the edges are wire fenced to provide safe passage for the roaming animals.

Continuing down the highway, with mountains everywhere, we soon came to our turnoff for Lake Louise Campground. Arriving at Lake Louise Campground around 1 p.m., we then stopped at the un-manned station and took a payment envelope with us and proceeded into the campground to find just the perfect spot. 

And that we did – site 76 with a wide-open graveled spot for us to back into. Around us on all three sites of this camping spot were piles of snow, but awesome views from all sides of our campsite – with gorgeous snow-covered mountains. This campground sits at an elevation of 5,000 feet. What a beautiful site!

After getting set up, we decided to go drive along the Bow Valley Parkway. This smaller roadway (Highway 1A) parallels the Trans-Canada (Highway 1) taking you alongside the crystal waters of the Bow River. It is only two lanes wide, and the slower moving pace allows for better opportunities to view wildlife and take in the views. We had to cross over the bridge and wait for the Canadian Pacific train to pass. I would say that the highlight of our day was seeing 24 bighorn sheep on the side of a mountain as we drove along the Bow Valley Parkway.

The Bow Valley Parkway took us into the picturesque alpine town of Bannf where we drove around town and eventually ended up driving past the enormous landmark and world-class resort, Fairmont Bannf Springs Hotel, located at 405 Spray Avenue. The hotel was opened in 1888 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, as one of Canada’s earliest grand railway hotels. Views from this iconic castle of Canada’s world famous Rocky Mountains (Mount Rundle in particular) are simply breathtaking at an altitude of 4,639 feet. However, everything looks a lot different in April with lots and lots more snow than what it looked like several years ago when we were here in July.

From the hotel, we continued on to the Bow Falls viewpoint, and these falls did not disappoint. With a height of 30 feet and a width of 100 feet, they are simply jaw-dropping, calm, serene and exuberantly colorful all at one time. They truly are a must see when visiting Bannf.

Next we drove along Tunnel Mountain Road until we came to the Hoodoos Viewpoint. Hoodoo is a strange word for a strangely shaped rock pillar. Over thousands of years, rain, snowmelt and wind have scoured the glacial material that makes up the ridge creating deep and narrow gullies. These hoodoos were once partially protected from erosion by caps of sod or harder rock materials that acted like umbrellas for the pillars. These unique pillars just make you smile!

After that we drove into the town of Bannf and found a spot to park in the public parking area, and then walked to the Bannf Avenue Brewing Company where Mel had a 32 ounce glass of beer – called Thursday Wit.

After that we decided to drive along the Vermilion Lakes Drive. This is truly a nature lover’s paradise with the three stunning ice-covered lakes surrounded by the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. The still and calm waters of the lakes often reflect the iconic Mount Rundle on their surface.

Our five hours of sightseeing for today has come to an end as we head back to Lake Louise Campground arriving at 7 p.m. We fixed dinner (salmon and fried potatoes) and ate around 8:15 p.m. and then went to bed by 10 p.m.

It was a busy day, going here, there and everywhere and enjoying every moment!

Shirley & Mel