Today's destination: Banff, Canada
Banff was on my bucket list for a long time. It may be on yours, too.
You can get here by train, plane, or automobile.
You'll see the pure beauty of Canada's outdoors, even if it's rainy for part of the day. It's scenic and green because it rains a lot here. The drive from Calgary to Banff is beautiful and it's about 90 miles.
https://www.banfflakelouise.com/
https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/attractions/banff-gondola/
https://destinationlesstravel.com/calgary-to-banff/
Dr Travelbest: I drove to Banff, Canada, from Waterton, Canada, after eating at the Prince of Wales Restaurant near the US/Canada border.
I had been in Glacier National Park and went to the Canadian side to explore further. I liked the feel of the town of Banff immediately. It's a European-like city. I took a strenuous hike to the top of the Sulfur Mountain Trail. 5.5 km, 655 m elevation gain (2.5-3 hours), and saw stunning views of the Bow (rhymes with throw) Valley. Follow a short trail up to the historic Cosmic Ray Station. A 4-person gondola also takes you to the top of Sulfur Mountain in 8 minutes for a bird's-eye view of six incredible mountain ranges.
Whether you walk or take the gondola, stroll along the ridgetop boardwalk where the views get better with every step. Outside is a 360-degree rooftop observation deck and inside a multi-sensory theatre with interactive exhibits, plus restaurants.
That Jacuzzi at the bottom of the mountain felt great after my hike. Banff is known for its hot springs. Take one or more.
Banff Springs Hotel (Fairmont) had a convention center and the best tea/coffee ever. Then I drove to Lake Louise Chateau (Fairmont) and had one of the best buffet breakfasts ever. Five-star quality and a high price to match, but I ate there for the day.
The weather was pouring rain, then sunny skies within an hour, and the beauty showed in the reflective turquoise water. Nearby is the grand Ice Fields Highway. 3-5 hours to a full-day drive, depending on how often you stop. If you don't have a car, you can book tours. You'll see Bow (Throw) Falls and Moraine Lake. I kept driving up to Jasper, so that may be on your list as well.
Do see the Icefields Parkway.
Don't get close to a moose.
Lesson learned- I rented a hotel room in Alaska without A/C
Most days in Alaska are cold. I've visited twice, and both times were in July. If you are going to Alaska in the summer, check whether they have air conditioning.
I timed it to the hot days and there was no A/C to cool off. You may find a fan as I eventually did. Expect extreme temperatures in Alaska. Learn that lesson here.
Today's Travel Advice-Stoke your wanderlust
If you are thinking of a trip you want to take, start a list of things you know about that country. Do you know anyone who's been there? Do you know anyone else who may know about the region? Visit your local library, bookstore, and online search engine to find out more and satisfy your curiosity. Keep that list growing. It will soon become your travel bucket list.
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