Canadian Rockies & Downtown Banff! Pt 3
After seeing the highlights of Lake Louise & Moraine Lake we hopped into downtown Banff for a few more adventures. It seemed hard to top the views we had just scene but decided to try our luck by taking the Banff Gondola to the top of the Rockies.
Ticket prices range from $50-70 depending on the day you visit, and make sure you go on a clear day! We got really lucky with the weather and had some breathtaking panoramic views. We even got lucky enough to see some Big Horned Sheep at the top. It's only about an 8 minute ride up there and once you arrive there's an observation deck, interactive exhibits, a theater, a gift shop, restaurants, and several hiking trails all around.
Not far from the parking for the gondola is another crowd-pleaser, the Banff Upper Hot Springs. This is more of an over-sized hot tub/pool that is filled with the hot natural spring water. it costs about $9 to enter and it is usually very popular during peak season so expect a crowd. If you forget a bathing suit they do have some there for rent, they may look like they are from the 1920's though so I'll leave that decision up to you...
Our last hike of the trip took us through Johnston Canyon Waterfalls. This is a very wooded trail that goes through various elevations and passes by dozens of waterfalls. Not for the faint of heart as there are some parts of the trail that may be a non-starter for those afraid of heights!
Once we finished our adventures for the trip we decided to kick back in downtown Banff. This is one of the coolest towns I've ever been to; we loved everything about it. The streets are lined up with the mountains so the view from downtown is spectacular. There are tons of really cute restaurants and bars- Banff Ave Brewing Co for a beer, High Rollers for pizza and bowling, Elk & Oarsman for a fun rooftop sports bar, to name a few.
Our final destination was to the hotel for the wedding, The Fairmont Banff Springs. This hotel has so much to offer from a 5 star golf course and spa, beautiful hotel rooms, croquet, fire pits to lounge around, multiple bars and restaurants, and spectacular mountain/lake views. The group split up and did some activities while we enjoyed our stay here. While some hit the golf course and others elected the horseback riding, I decided to treat myself to a spa day. Everyone raved about their experiences here so I would recommend doing anything and everything!
As we approached our main event, Tadd & Adrienne's Wedding, we headed to the rehearsal dinner which was at The Juniper Bistro. The view's were incredible and so was the food and drink. The wedding was held the following day back at the Fairmont Banff Springs where they had a beautiful intimate ceremony followed by dinner, drinks and dancing in the atrium room! Cheers to the happy couple!
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