Banff is one of the best destinations where in summers or winters you get the best value for money. This is not about comparisons because there's nothing that stands as universal as Banff.
Having been to Banff in two different seasons, I feel that I can start living there! Lake Louise is enchanting. In fact, I have a dream to settle down to be able to visit Lake Louise every day that I can.
Beauty of nature at its best, not yet adulterated by human expansion, settings in the day and night that you find it hard to compare, it is truly a dream and wonderful destination, full of fun.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Hiking In Banff National Park
There are plenty of hiking trails in Banff National Park. For the sake of real experience I have chosen what can be day-long events and excel in the grandeur spectacle presented by Banff.
C Level Cirque: Beyond the old Bankhead awaits a panoramic view of Lake Minnewanka. This leads into a pocket surrounded by the high ridges of Cascade Mountain, on each of the sides, with view of Mount Rundle and the Three Sisters. This is a breath taking trail and would call you to visit as many times as you can. This trail goes beyond a one time mine at the Bankhead site, which operated from 1903 to 1922. In good old days, as many as 2,200 people lived or worked in Bankhead. You can still spot the ventilation shafts ( fenced ) and a few remains. Following the trail you would climb the western view passing a mixed forest of lodgepole pine, spruce and at times, aspen. Beyond Lake Minnewanka, you would head into the subalpine forest before ending in a small cirque (it is like a circular ridge surrounding it making it a bowl shape). This is almost the highest portion of the valley providing a view that you would like to capture on your digital camera. You can look for calypso orchids. You will get the full view of the Bow Valley, upto Canmore and of course, the Three Sisters Mountain. You would gain an elevation of 1493 feet to make it 6298 feet. The one way distance would be about 2.5 miles. You can expect to see marmots and pika.
Tunnel Mountain: This, indeed, is a short and easy trail and offers very nice view of the town and its surroundings. This is the oldest trail in the park. You would go up the western side of Tunnel Mountain from a parking lot above The Banff Centre. The whole track transverses through lodgepole pine forest . You get pleasant glimpses of the town and the Vermillion Lakes. Your trail will pass through Douglas fir forest and would lead on to a ridge below the summit. You will get some excellent view of the Spray River Valley, the tabletop ridge of Mount Rundle, and the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Since this summit is partially treed, so chance of getting a panoramic view is remote. You may stroll on either way of the summit for better view. To the west, the Town of Banff spreads out beneath you. You get an elevation of about 856 feet to reach 5500 feet. It is about 2.5 miles, one way. This is one of the easier hiking trails.
Other trails which can be a little more challenging and strenuous are:
The Cory Pass
The Sulphur Mountain
The Cascade AmphitheaterC Level Cirque: Beyond the old Bankhead awaits a panoramic view of Lake Minnewanka. This leads into a pocket surrounded by the high ridges of Cascade Mountain, on each of the sides, with view of Mount Rundle and the Three Sisters. This is a breath taking trail and would call you to visit as many times as you can. This trail goes beyond a one time mine at the Bankhead site, which operated from 1903 to 1922. In good old days, as many as 2,200 people lived or worked in Bankhead. You can still spot the ventilation shafts ( fenced ) and a few remains. Following the trail you would climb the western view passing a mixed forest of lodgepole pine, spruce and at times, aspen. Beyond Lake Minnewanka, you would head into the subalpine forest before ending in a small cirque (it is like a circular ridge surrounding it making it a bowl shape). This is almost the highest portion of the valley providing a view that you would like to capture on your digital camera. You can look for calypso orchids. You will get the full view of the Bow Valley, upto Canmore and of course, the Three Sisters Mountain. You would gain an elevation of 1493 feet to make it 6298 feet. The one way distance would be about 2.5 miles. You can expect to see marmots and pika.
Tunnel Mountain: This, indeed, is a short and easy trail and offers very nice view of the town and its surroundings. This is the oldest trail in the park. You would go up the western side of Tunnel Mountain from a parking lot above The Banff Centre. The whole track transverses through lodgepole pine forest . You get pleasant glimpses of the town and the Vermillion Lakes. Your trail will pass through Douglas fir forest and would lead on to a ridge below the summit. You will get some excellent view of the Spray River Valley, the tabletop ridge of Mount Rundle, and the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Since this summit is partially treed, so chance of getting a panoramic view is remote. You may stroll on either way of the summit for better view. To the west, the Town of Banff spreads out beneath you. You get an elevation of about 856 feet to reach 5500 feet. It is about 2.5 miles, one way. This is one of the easier hiking trails.
Other trails which can be a little more challenging and strenuous are:
The Cory Pass
The Sulphur Mountain
For a hiker this place can present unforgetable natural beauty.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Shopping in Banff
Jump to: Scenic Pictures of Banff
Shopping in Banff
Ammolite is a rare irridescent gemstone found in the neibhoring mountains around Banff. It is related to pearls and amber and is formed by fossilized shells. There are plenty of jewellery shops offering excellent creations with ammolite.
You can find some of the most exquisite products at:
Jacques Cartier 131 A Banff Ave Banff ... Northen Leathers
Phillipe of Banff 130 Banff Ave Banff ... Arctic Diamonds
Snowflake Sundance Mall 215 Banff Ave Banff ... Canadian furs
Canada House Gallery 201 Bear St Banff ... Sculptures and paintings
Editions Gallery Cascade Plaza 317 Banff Ave Banff ... Sculptures and paintings
Indoor shopping can be done at Cascade Plaza 317 Banff Ave Banff
to be continued ...
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Wild Life in Banff Area
Banff is a town located about 127 kilometers from Calgary in Alberta, Canada. The town has been named after the birthplace (Banffshire, Scottland) of Donald Smith and George Stephen, two of the founders of Canadian Pacific Railway. Jump to scenic picutres...
Banff is part of a National Park which is home to elk, black bear (which can be cream or brown, as well), mule deer can be seen on Mount Norquay or along the Bow Valley, bighorn sheep can be spotted near Lake Minnewanka or Banff Gandola on Sulphur Mountain. Cougars and Lynx live in the Park but rare to see. Coyote can be seen near Lake Vermillion.
Here are pictures of some of the wild life captured on camera. Jump to outdoor activities...
Wild Goats
Bear Family
Banff is part of a National Park which is home to elk, black bear (which can be cream or brown, as well), mule deer can be seen on Mount Norquay or along the Bow Valley, bighorn sheep can be spotted near Lake Minnewanka or Banff Gandola on Sulphur Mountain. Cougars and Lynx live in the Park but rare to see. Coyote can be seen near Lake Vermillion.
Here are pictures of some of the wild life captured on camera. Jump to outdoor activities...
Wild Goats
Bear Family
Monday, July 10, 2006
Beauty of Banff
There's abundant beauty to admire and opportunities galore for the seekers.
White water rafting is a big activity. We went to Kananaskis from Canmore and there were scores of teams. The rapids are ideal for rafting. The Kananaskis river offers more excitement for relatively new. Kootenay river is good for groups and families. Kicking Horse river is a true whitewater adventure which you can compare to the best.
Here are pictures of some enthusiastic people in Kananaskis river.
Banff has wild flowers to match the imagination. Alberta is the "wild rose" province.
Here are some pictures:
White water rafting is a big activity. We went to Kananaskis from Canmore and there were scores of teams. The rapids are ideal for rafting. The Kananaskis river offers more excitement for relatively new. Kootenay river is good for groups and families. Kicking Horse river is a true whitewater adventure which you can compare to the best.
Here are pictures of some enthusiastic people in Kananaskis river.
Banff has wild flowers to match the imagination. Alberta is the "wild rose" province.
Here are some pictures:
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Pictorial Trip of Banff and Jasper
Here's the trip which lasted 6+ days and about 1100 kms, locally. It is one of the most beautiful places when compared to natural landscape. Canada has used the resources to develop this region. You can see wild life like the black bears. For the out door activity you can spend days hiking, rafting, fishing, horse riding, golf.
As you drive through Calgary, you start seeing some of setting nature presents you. Here's view from moving car.
I am not the first one to say it but having visited Swizterland and Banff. I would say that Banff is many times better than Switzerland sans chocolates, confectionary, and fresh bakery.
Lake Louise is the finest place to spend time ... I could retire there!!
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