Rocky Mountains Part 3 - Banff

The next part of our journey took us along the Icefields Parkway to Banff. As we set off along the road back into Jasper before getting onto the highway we spotted an elk by the side of the road. We have seen so many animals just by the side of the road but sometimes it is difficult to stop and take a photo but not today. We pulled to the side of the road and got out our cameras hoping to get the perfect shot of the elk, not with it's head down eating or it's backside. I think the boys might have got a better one than me but who cares I got one at least. It is very exciting to be able to see animals in their natural habitat.

As we made our way along the road we had partially travelled a few days ago it wasn't hard to understand why this is called one of the most scenic drives in the world. There is so much to see.

A little further along the road there were some cars pulled over and that is a sure sign that there is an animal to see. Sure enough there was one and it was a black bear!! This was the first time we had seen one even though we had heard many tales about them just ambling along by the side of the road. Again it was difficult to get a good shot but very exciting to see one in the wild. He disappeared into the bushes without a care in the world.

As we drove on the scenery was amazing. I know I keep saying that but it is just stunning and lots of it is right by the highway and is so close. The waterways, the snow capped mountains and waterfalls along the way. I took some photos out of the car window and they didn't turn out too bad but there also isn't many places to stop.We did manage to stop a couple of times but we were eager to get to Banff.

Once checked in went for a walk around and to the Information centre where we looked at a couple of things to do while we were there. We booked a Night Time Animal Adventure and our tickets to the Lake Louise Gondola.

Banff was very crowded and it was a hot day by their standards 34 degrees. It was interesting as there was no air conditioning in the rooms and as we found out later it isn't standard because they only really have a week or two of hot weather in summer and the rest of the time it is quite pleasant. All over this part of Canada the locals have been saying that it is the hottest summer they have had in quite a few years.

A quick look around and then unpacking and dinner which we had in the hotel restaurant.