Banff: Home Amongst Friends

Driving the Americas – Montana country!

Denver was to be our last real American destination, as we spent the next 3 days hightailing it north to Canada, and more importantly Banff. The drive, although long, is rather pleasant, with the Wyoming and Montana countryside beautiful without being breathtaking. Rolling hills of that golden colour of wheat meet the eye everywhere on the horizon. Small, old school cottages dot the landscape and make for a very homely feeling.

And then you hit Canada!

Welcome to Canada!

For the first part, all we saw was about 50m ahead of us, but then we get your first glimpse of the Canadian Rockies. I previously wrote how striking and beautiful the American Rockies were. Well Canada is certainly the bigger brother in this instance. We would get to enjoy these mountains a whole lot more over the next week, but to say they are impressive just wouldn’t be doing them justice.

The ragged cliff faces give them a menacing feeling, but the snow-capped peaks invites you to daydream of exploring their hidden secrets. In all, they amaze us!

Entering Banff N.P.

We had a few reasons in dropping in on Banff. Firstly, we had a number of friends there, some of whom are moving on to bigger and better things, and others (Josh & Katie) who generously put us up on quite possibly the comfiest couch-bed we have slept on.

And secondly, who wouldn’t want to spend their first North American Halloween surrounded by friends?

Unlike Couch Surfing, where you don’t know the person who will put up with you for the weekend, Josh is a good friend of my brother’s, and it was great to see a familiar face. And although we hadn’t met Katie before, she had no hesitation in making us part of her Banff family! And as usual with family- like catch ups, we shared a few froths over the week we were in town.

Halloween was no exception. I am actually surprised a few of us made it out, and even more surprised that all of us made it home. A few of the local crew came over for pre-drinks, and like all Halloween parties should be, everyone made the effort in the way of costumes, and the festive atmosphere was there from the get-go.

Halloween Crew

Katie revealed her hidden talent as a make-up artist, and Josh creeped most of us out for the entire night without too much fuss. A few lads made last minute alterations to their attires, be it planned or forced, and before long there wasn’t too many beers left in the fridge. So the executive decision was made to head out.

The majority of the night was a blur but we did manage to lose Josh and Katie, catch up with some old friends Matt and Hailey, and even make it past the bouncer to get into the second club. Some of the costumes getting around were ‘next level’. The pick of the bunch was a paramedic who had hand crafted his own zombie outfit, complete with exposed rib cage and heart – some people just love Halloween.

Just your standard Friday night get-up

Not a whole heap was achieved on the Saturday, but we did manage to leave the house for a few more froths at one of the local establishments, and then come home to some slow cooked ribs Katie had slaved over for hours with the slow cooker. Cheers Walmart!

Sunday Josh graciously took the day off work so we could take advantage of the sunshine and he and Katie took us on the Banff Highlights Tour. With Banff being the central hub for the surrounding ski mountains, the area is filled with must-see attractions.

To appease the Bazil’s son in me, Josh took us to Banff Springs Golf Course, one of Canada’s signature courses on offer. And to make the whole experience fully Canadian, there in lieu of the kangaroos of Melville Glades was a bull elk, just chewing his cud and soaking up the…shade.

Banff Springs Golf Course

To capture the quintessential ‘Banff’ photo, the tour would not have been complete without a stop at Vermilion Lakes. But like all clichéd things, they usually deliver. With the sun out, and wisps of cloud above Mt. Rundle, even Josh got out his camera, usually only reserved for more professional shoots.

Vermilion Lakes with Mt. Rundle in the background

The best view of Banff itself (accessible by car as I’m sure hiking some of the nearby mountains give far better ones) was from the Norquay patch, a spot I’m told was covered in snow for some early riding back in September!

Banff and the Bow River nestled in between Mt. Rundle & Mt. Sulphur

The tour was rounded out with stops at Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka, both spots where it is very hard to take a shite photo. Hopefully I didn’t fall into that category.

Two Jack Lake & Mt. Rundle

We were lucky to get such a good day, and even luckier that our hosts woke up a little dusty and decided to ditch work and study for the day! It always is better seeing the area with a local’s insight.

That night we managed to catch up with Matt and Hailey in a little more sober conditions. Like all friends you meet travelling, you usually forget how much you get along until you hang out again. Even though you often meet folks for only small amounts of time, it always seems like the clock stops in between your catch ups and you take up where you left off! We wish you both all the best on your future travels – don’t work too hard and no doubt we will catch up again somewhere along the way!

Banff was like a home away from home. Mainly for the company and hospitality we had, but it’s hard not to smile when you are surrounded by such natural beauty!

Lake Minnewanka & Mt. Girouard