Day 10 – Banff, Alberta

Our first night in Banff was considerably colder than we expected. While the temperature was very warm when we arrived last night, even after 9:00pm, we were quickly reminded that this is the mountains, and we’re at an elevation of over 5300’. According to our handy travel clock, which includes a thermometer and reminds me of something my parents would have, the temperature dropped over 20 degrees to near single digits last night. So following breakfast, we made a trip into the village of Banff to explore and see if we could find a blanket at a reasonable price.

Banff the village was quite surprising – much bigger and also more gentrified than I expected. There were a smattering of local stores, but the main street was predominantly lined with the Gap, HMV, Lululemon, The Bay, McDonalds, SportChek, Tony Roma’s, the Old Spaghetti Factory, and many others you’d expect to see on Yonge Street. I’m sure there are those who would complain that Banff has lost it’s soul to corporations, but I think it still retains a unique small-town feel.

With a new polar-fleece blanket from The Bay, we returned to the camp site for lunch and then headed over to nearby Johnson lake for a hike.

The lake itself was beautiful with brilliant turquoise water that was crystal clear at the shore. It was surrounded by very dense forest, and we hiked a trail that took us around the entire lake.

While the day was very hot, the temperatures were quite pleasant in the shade of the forest. This was a good first hike, not too long, and reasonably flat with only a few strenuous climbs.

The forest and lake views were impressive, though the only wildlife we saw were a couple of geese, and somr local teens enjoying beer in the hot sun on the shore.

Unlike the first night, this site has a fire pit, and the park actually supplies the wood for free. There’s a HUGE pile of cut wood near the entrance that’s there for the taking. It was very cozy sitting beside a roaring fire, sipping wine and beer, and playing Racko.

Another beautiful clear night, we enjoyed staring at the stars though the view is somewhat blocked by the dense trees all around (damn trees, always getting in the way). While there wasn’t a cloud in sight, the western sky was constantly lit up with lightning just out of view behind the mountains. It was a spectacular light show to watch and we were very glad it didn’t come our way.