Too Little Time — Banff, Alberta

Story and Photos by John Gasawski

Let me begin by saying I didn’t spend enough time on this trip! Living in Colorado for five years didn’t prepare me for the beauty of the Banff, Alberta area. Surrounded by the Canadian Rockies, this area offers a tremendously wide variety of mountain recreation opportunities. Taken in conjunction with Jasper and the adjacent British Columbia parks of Yoho and Kootenay, the size is overwhelming. Banff and Jasper combined covers over 6700 square miles or in excess of 17,500 km. Is it any wonder I didn’t spend enough time on this trip?

This area is often referred to as “Canada’s Rocky Mountain Playground." After my first visit I can understand why. You can hike, bike, raft, golf, or go horse packing, take a scenic drive(s), watch wildlife, visit museums, fish, or just relax and enjoy the dining and long summer nights.

Since my schedule was limited I decided to focus on several short hikes in search of waterfalls. I also planned on driving at least a portion of the 170 mile Icefields Parkway. I made the hikes but my drive was preempted by a gondola ride to the summit of 7,486 foot Sulphur Mountain and a relaxing cruise on Lake Minnewanka.

With hundreds of trails to choose from, making a selection was challenging. After talking with a Park Ranger, I settled on several short waterfall hikes. The most interesting was the hike on the Johnston Canyon Trail. This trail is less than a mile to the Lower Falls area and about 2 miles to the Upper Falls area. The trail is paved and follows and climbs along an exciting cat-walk supported by the canyon walls. Some moderate climbing is involved and camera’s are a “must take along”. This is a popular walk for families and the less fit.

There are many other popular short hikes available, including hikes in and around the Banff/Canmore city limits. I suggest you research the area well in advance of your visit in order to maximize your time. Several web sites are available to get your planning started:

The Banff Lake Louise Tourism Bureau at www.banfflakelouise.com or telephone them at (403) 762-0276; you should also visit www.travelalberta.com or telephone them at (800) 661-8888; also www.canadianrockies.net/banff. There are many more sites available but these three are a good place to begin your planning activities.

I elected to spend my evenings in the small hamlet of Canmore. Canmore sits about 2 miles outside of the Banff Park boundary and is about 10 miles from the city of Banff. It is a quieter version of Banff but is experiencing tremendous growth. Part of this growth includes the Mystic Springs Chalets. After a full day of physical activity, my Chalet evenings began with a visit to the hot tub, followed by selecting one of the many complimentary DVD’s to watch while enjoying a bottle of fine wine. Mystic Springs is only about 18 months new and has fast developed into one of the more popular lodging selections in Canmore. After experiencing the professionalism of the staff and the luxurious tastefully furnished rooms, I understand why. If you want to enjoy and relax at this boutique resort, start by visiting the web site at www.mysticsprings.ca.

If, like me, you are making your first visit to the Banff area, do your pre-trip planning and spend enough time there. I plan on going back now that I am more familiar with the area. There is a life-time of things to see and do.