Calgary to Banff

So our first proper day in Canada. Although we started in Calgary, we didn't actually see any of it, other than in the distance. We headed out of our airport hotel and hit the road to Banff. Essentially therefore we just picked up the hire car (were persuaded to go for a SUV, probably an unnecessary upgrade) and hit a motorway north. But rather scenic, so here are a selection of photos out the front windscreen.

I did persuade Thibault to make a stop by a lake for a couple of photos. One could with a bit of skill get a good shot like this one...

..but I think Thibault was more taken by a bit of industrial activity, which probably explained why coach parties don't stop here....

 ...but back to the scenic shots

A little further on we reached the entrance to Banff National Park. Here we got a bonus which we were not expecting. Because it is Canada's 150th anniversary, all National Parks were free. Thank you Canada.

Now it so happens that just outside Banff there is a scenic road loop. The Minnewanka Loop. Stop sniggering. Well we couldn't stop it for a while, the advantage of being two blokes on holiday together. We don't need to pretend we haven't got a puerile sense of humour. Minnewanka. It needed a photo.

 Actually hard to beat it for scenic quality. Sadly a bit too cloudy.

 After a good hike, time for some lunch

 A very fine plate of charcuterie to share.

And then out for some more hiking in Banff. I think this was the Bow Falls trail, to which one can walk from the centre of town.

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I had hoped my first encounter with Canadian wildlife would be  bear or Moose, but...something smaller

An American Robin, much bigger than our version. Like the humans I guess.

By this time we (me?) were a bit knackered and I was tempted by Thibault into a drink at the town's most prominent hotel (see photos above) which has this little Alpine Tavern, sat overlooking the golf course. So time for some well-earned German beer while watching ageing golfers teeing off below..

 Then back to our hotel, the Fox Inn.

Our rooms were up here. The circular enclosure hosts hot springs underneath. We had a go in the evening, but Thibault lost a bit of interest because of the lack of nubile female bathers (or anyone else actually.)

It really wasn't a bad motel actually.

Banff itself is a nice enough small town to wander around, and the weather had improved into the evening such that it all looked rather beautiful with blue skies overhead..

We had dinner at the Bison Restaurant, and yes it had bison on the menu (as well as  the decent bottle of Merlot which Thibault is polishing off below.

The seared scallops were lovely

As was the elk. Yes honestly. Good elk steak.