Day 55- Banff

 August 5

Before we began this trip Summer had said one of the things she was looking forward to was waterfalls.  We have seen many, stopped for photo's by some, but they were always at a distance.  Takakkaw Falls is one of Canada largest falls so it only made sense to go.

It was about an hour and a half drive to get there.  I mentioned yesterday and how trailers and large vehicles are not allowed due to tight switch backs and the lack of signage on the highway.  Turns out they have a campground and a large vehicle parking at the base.  

The drive up was nice.  Tree lined on each side, many times following the river from the falls.  There was one switch back that the truck was even to long to get around without backing up.  Although Ford Super Duty's have some of the worst turning radius's for trucks I've ever driven.

The parking lot was small but we managed to get a spot just outside and walk up.  Along the river were several picnic tables.  Summer remarked that we would have had a nice riverside lunch in stead of eating in the truck on the way there.  One person had a portable cooking burner and another had an instapot.  Several people were also sitting on rocks at the rivers edge enjoying their sandwiches.  

There is a paved trail up to the base of the falls.  It was a quick walk.  We went as far as the pavement went.  We were close enough that we got wet from the spray.  There were unofficial paths to get closer to the base with some people climbing up higher.  As we walked back I stopped at several places for pictures while the girls kept going back to the truck.

After the falls we headed to the Banff Gondala.  It takes you to the top of the Sulfur Mountain with views of six mountain ranges as well as the town of Banff.  Because parking was full at the Gondola lot we had to take a free shuttle.  As we drove in there were three deer standing in the middle of the round about munching on the shrubs.  

Once there we got in line.  They are pretty efficient at getting you off and on the cars so we were not waiting ling.  The ride is roughly 8 minutes to the top.  For the adventurous there is a path that you can hike to the top.  It takes roughly two hours at an easy pace.  I was surprised at the number of people that decided to hike.  We did see one couple while we were on the way up where the woman was obviously evaluating her life choices that day.

At the top was a large building with three levels with an outside patio.  Unfortunately the cloud cover did not give the best views.  It was still impressive though.  There was a stairway to an observation deck on a seperate peak.  I wanted to walk up it but the girls were starving as it was about 5:30 at this point.  

They had several food options.  A coffee shop, a formal sit down restaurant and a buffet.  We checked them out and everyone agreed that the buffet would be best.  It was a touch expensive at $44 for adults and half that for kids.  But your also at the top of a mountain and we were seated at a floor to ceiling window overlooking a mountain range.  

The food was pretty good.  The kids ate well so I didn't feel like the money was a waste.  It started to sprinkle off an on as we ate.  We talked about finally walking to the other peak.  Summer didn't want to go and I was feeling way to full to walk the steps up so I said I'd stay with here.  Davan and Libby took off while Summer and I sat at the table for a while longer and then checked out the displays and gift shop.  While we were still at the table we could see the girls near the top of the other point when it started to rain.   Once they got back to us they were pretty wet.  Luckily they wore a sweatshirt with hoods to keep them relatively dry.

We decided to go back down.   Since it was raining and you go outside to get in line everyone was just standing around.  I figured we would be able to get right on.  Unfortunately there was a line and it extended outside so we were standing in the rain.  At this point it was not to bad.  I brought a coat with a hood and the girls had their hoodies.  It wasn't long before they stopped though, presumably due to the lightning.  I sent the girls inside to keep from getting totally drenched and I kept our spot in line.  After a 10-15 minute wait it started back up again.  It ran another 15 minutes before they had to stop again.  Luckily we were inside the building as it was windy and the rain was going sideways.  It was closed a lot longer this time.  Maybe 30-45 minutes?  The storm finally blew through and we were at the bottom in no time.  

We were back to the truck about 9 and had the hour drive back to the camper.  

I was in Banff when I was 15, so about 30 years ago.  It is nothing like it was back then.  I remember a sleepy mountain town.  Today it is a zoo.  Bumper to bumper traffic, sidewalks as full as in New York.  I was glad we were forced to park on the opposite side of the town and have to take the shuttle.  

While we hung out at the camper I tried to plan out next day.  I had hoped to canoe at one of the lakes but you need at least one person 16 or older and they wouldn't allow the 4 of us in one canoe.  The weather is also supposed to be questionable so anything sonic might be ruined anyways.  Might have to go into Calgary and find something to do.  We are museum'ed out so that's not going to be an option.