Day 5 We spent the day exploring the town and the nearby area. After a good breakfast at Bruno's Bar in the centre of the town, we were ready for our walk to the top of Tunnel Mountain that was situated just to the east of Banff.
The route from the town car-park was initially via a residential area which then gave way to a steep path through thick woodland. During the 1.5 hour walk, the mountain offered beautiful views of Banff, Mount Rundle and the Bow Valley. We were occasionally rewarded with the odd sighting of woodland creatures as can be seen in the photo gallery.
Although visibility was not at its best on that day, from the mountain peek you could still appreciate the beauty and tranquility of Banff, which is listed in tourist books as being Canada's Highest town at 1,372 m (4,530 ft) above see level.
After returning to Bruno's Bar for much needed refreshment, we headed over to Banff Hot Springs for a semi-relaxing dip (too many people in the pools that afternoon) and to take a look round the majestic looking Banff Springs Hotel which was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1888.
Prior to leaving Banff on Day 6, we spent some time walking along Bow River. It was surprising that such a peaceful setting as can be seen in two of the photographs was within a short walking distance of the town.
There is clearly much more to see of this lovely area and a further visit is required, in particular, a trip on the Banff Gondola to the 7,495 ft summit of Sulpha Mountain and a look round the historic weather observatory and Cosmic Ray Station.
|