Tuesday, May 20th
We got to the airport and parked in the ramp (prebooked) and then got into security line at our designated time (also prebooked) and then flew right through and the went off to the lounge. We had some pretty decent food in there actually. Our flight was delayed a few times so we didn’t get into Calgary until after dark. When we got out of the city it started to rain and we could barely see the roads. We got to our place pretty late but it was good to make it to Canmore. We dropped everything and hit the hay pretty much immediately.
Wednesday, May 21st
We woke up feeling ready to adventure even though we didn’t get in until late. First order of business was to stop at Timmy Horts and get some coffee and a bagel egg, bacon and cheese sandwich. We were pleasantly surprised. It was better than McDonalds and probably a little cheaper too. Katie got a specialty coffee and so did I. However mine was basically a cookies and cream milkshake with a tiny bit of coffee mixed in. It was DELICIOUS. We headed north to Icefields Parkway. Almost immediately we saw a porcupine right on the edge of the road. It was a great start for our scenic drive! We also saw numerous deer. We stopped at Waterfowl Lake because we had read it was a pretty decent spot to see moose. We stopped and were the only ones there. It was calm and looked like glass which was amazing because there was a snow capped mountain sitting right behind it and was reflecting in the water beautifully. We made another stop to look for moose at Rampart Creek. Didn’t see any there either but still a gorgeous spot to stop. After entering Jasper National Park we climbed up a pass that wasn’t too intense and didn’t have too creepy of drop offs. However we kept climbing and got into a snowy avalanche zone which was a little spooky as most avalanches happen in the spring thaw. Welp we made it through that and got to Athabasca Glacier and Visitors Center. We just took it in for a little bit and then went through the visitor center. We could see 4 other glaciers from here. There was huge snowcat/custom huge buses with oversized tires with ice spikes threw them. We zoomed in and could see them way up on the glaciers. Pretty wild and cool to see. We were about 2.5 hours north of Canmore so we decided to start slowly heading back. On the way we stopped at Weeping Wall and Mt. Patterson Glacier. The drive is so amazingly beautiful but we don’t typically like to do too many hours in the car these days so this was a big day. We stopped at Peyto Lake and the trails had a snow base but because people have been walking on it so much it was like a big icy slide going up to the overlook. After slowly making our way we got to the overlook and it was pretty but not the classic blue that you see in the summer. There was still some ice around the edges. We left Peyto and kept on our way south. We stopped after a while for a bathroom break. As soon as we jumped back in the car and took off Katie saw a black bear not 15 ft from where we stopped! I tried to back up but spooked it with the wheels hitting the grit on the side of the road. Oopsies. We then made it to Banff and parked at the train station. On our way into town there was a buck in someone’s yard and we stopped to watch and Katie had stopped several feet behind me and was taking pictures and then another buck started chasing a doe towards us, They were going right for Katie so I yelled watch out Katie and she just froze and luckily the deer veered off and she ran over to me.. Close call! We had a late lunch at the Elk and Oarsman which was pretty good but over priced like many things around here. We were getting a little tired at this point so we finished up our driving with some errands to the grocery store and an adventure store to rent some bear spray. We love getting Alberta beef and those only in Canada flavored chips. We’ve done it before here and they still had my account from last time so easy peasy. We went back to our place, Stoneridge Mountain Resort and put everything away. It has a kitchen, living room, bathroom and bedroom. It was very nice and upscale. There was secure parking, a pool, hot tub and sauna. Overall this place is amazing and we’d say here again.
Thursday, May 22nd
We were up and on the road a little before sunrise as we like to do when we’re on adventures. We started at Timmy Horts for some coffee and bagel sandwiches and then hopped on the Bow Valley Parkway to look for wildlife. We saw some elk grazing as we left Canmore and them some more deer on the highway. We then stopped at Morant’s Curve. It’s a popular picture stop for photographers and instagramers. It was pretty with the river and railroad tracks and road going through the valley. Next stop was Yoho National Park. The road to Takakkaw Falls was closed still for the season so we went to the next stop of Natural Bridge. This was a waterfall that flows under a naturally formed rock bridge. Then we went to Emerald Lake. This was a highlight and a heavily photographed and visited place. You can stay on the little peninsula in cute and old waterfront cabins but it’s an average of $500 per night. It might be worth it for a night or two some time (Katie says next time we ARE staying here). You can also rent canoes for the lake. We got there when there was only a few other people before the crowds and buses. We walked around the little peninsula and it was very quiet and cute. We stopped at the Visitors Center on the way out and then headed for the Lake Louise Visitor Center in Banff. We were originally going to go to Lake Louise but had heard it was still frozen so decided against it. We did however pop into the Lodge to grab a beverage and enjoy the view. We went back to Canmore and went to Bear Paws Brewery and shared a pitcher of mediocre beer on their patio. We then went back to our place and spent some time in the sun around the pool. We went in the pool, hot tub and sauna. Then I grilled some Berta Beef steaks on the grill and we settled in for the night! It was delicious and a great day!
Friday, May 23rd
Today we woke up and wanted a little bit of an easier day with less driving. We decided to stay somewhat close to Canmore/Banff. We did however start the day before the sun was up and headed for Timmy Horts once again and then went to Vermillion Lakes to look for moose. We didn’t see any but it was a very pretty area. Next we went over to Cascade Ponds for a little walk around the park. We’ve been here multiple times in the last decade and every time we do we’re the only ones here and it always seems like something or someone is watching us as we walk around the paths. It could be as it’s dawn and quiet who knows. We really enjoy this park though. It has cool wooden bridges, good walking paths, picnic areas, bathrooms and the ponds reflect the Cascade Mountain. From here we did the scenic drive around Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake. Two jack lake is always a good stop as it is another good reflection lake with Mount Rundle in the background. After that drive we headed for Banff and Katie finally got a picture of the Banff sign with no one in it! Then we went to Surprise Corner and looked at the Banff Springs Hotel. It is a castle like structure in the middle of the woods with towering mountains around it. Really cool and pretty to see and wonder how they did that back in the day. We then went over to Bow Falls and to look at the waterfall. On the road after that we went over to the Botanical Gardens. There was nothing blooming or planted yet except for some Yellow Poppies. We went back to our apartment after that and had some coffee and enjoyed the sunshine on our balcony. In the early mornings it’s been in the low 30’s so some sunshine and hot coffee was just what the doctor ordered. Katie really wanted to hike Grassi Lakes on our last trip to Canada but we didn’t get to do it because it was closed for maintenance. She was pretty nervous to do it still this time but it’s only 2 miles round trip but it is pretty much uphill the entire way up. This trail is known for having grizzly bears on it and around the area so that was making both of us nervous however it was getting busier and busier and I made the decision that we would glob onto another couple and walk up in a group of 4 at least. That helped her I think and we were off. It was worth the hike and tough slog up the mountain but we were greeted with crystal clear bluish green water that was perfect and reflecting the nearby mountains all around. It was worth it and we didn’t see any bears. I was proud of Katie for conquering her fear and getting it done. We went back to our place and parked the car and walked into Canmore on this trail following Policeman’s Creek. We stopped at a patio for a celebratory beverage and just enjoy the sun and scenery. We walked through downtown Canmore in more detail this time as we didn’t get to last time we were here. It was pretty and a nice little town that is developing rapidly. We also got to finally try a Beavertail! We got the cookies and cream one and it is basically a fried dough with toppings and ice cream on it. We then had a couple more beverages around town and ended at a delicious Thai Restaurant and had some awesome food for dinner. It was spicy! We then hit the hay as it was a big day for what was supposed to be a small day.
Saturday, May 24th
Today was our last full day of the trip and we decided to make the most of it. We hit up Timmy Horts as usual and then proceeded to the Bow Valley Parkway again in search of more animals. We saw a decent heard of Elk closer to the road just sitting there unbothered by us eating some grass. A little further down the road Katie saw a black bear and this time instead of reversing we just stopped and got out and looked. it was 100+ yards away so we felt safe enough to get out and watch him walk in the opposite direction we were travelling. After watching him for about 5 minutes he disappeared over the ridge and we were still shocked for the next whole day we finally saw a bear in the wild. Next we went over to Kootney National Park which was our 4th National park of the trip. It starts right at the British Columbia boarder and continential divide. We stopped at Numa falls and walked over the bridge. Then we went to Marble Canyon and were going to walk to the end of the trail but then saw signs for undetonated explosives in the area and just explored around the parking lot. On the way back to Canmore we stopped at Vista Lake overlook and took some great photos of the mountain range. We got back to our apartment and packed up all of our stuff. We checked out but parked on the street so we could put our stuff in there and keep our spot for the rest of the morning/early afternoon. We then walked to Subway and then to Engine Bridge along the Bow River. We left Canmore and decided to take the “scenic route” A1 back to Calgary but this was a mistake. It was full of construction and if not that then nothingness. We checked into the hotel by the airport and returned the rental car. When we got back to the hotel we walked over to Railyard Brewing for a few beers, hot hawaiian pizza and poutine. Nothing really outstanding there but decent enough and the only place in walking distance.
Sunday, May 25th
We woke up and took the hotel shuttle to the air port, breezed through security and onto the plane. We got first class and we agreed that this was the smoothest quickest flight we’ve had in in recent memory! Customs at MSP was a also a breeze and we got to our vehicle. We picked up the dogs and hung around the house and got ready for the week ahead.
