It’s been years since I’ve been to Banff, and though Mack was there last summer, as it was for business and not pleasure, we seized my work conference in Calgary as an opportunity to escape.

Banff

As late October is considered the calm between the storms, we had no trouble finding accommodation at reasonable rates, but as we soon found out, there were downsides to visiting during low season as well.

Much has probably changed in Banff since I last visited (my only really clear memory is of the Hudson’s Bay Company), but I somehow expected it to be more commercial than it actually was. Perhaps the lack of tourists contributed to this, but walking the few main streets they had, I enjoyed the relative tranquility of being amidst the mountains.

On a bridge

Mack

Banff at nightfall

We embraced the tourist-y attractions, including visiting the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. One day, we’ll just bite the overpriced bullet and book a room there.

Approaching the hotel

Looking off one of the balconies

Me and Mack

We also probably should have done more walking, but being the unprepared travellers that we are (and still in denial that winter is rapidly approaching), we had neither proper footwear or jackets to set off on a hike. Still, we did enjoy what time we did spend outside.

Mountains

Mack at the Bow Falls

I love little streams

As I alluded to above, there are downsides to visiting during low season – such as the closure of major attractions for repairs.

The closest I would get to the Upper Hot Springs

We headed to the Banff Gondola with the hopes of appeasing some of our disappointment. After the sticker shock of nearly $60 for our round trip up Sulphur Mountain, I was able to enjoy the eight minute ride.

Maybe I was wrong about the commercialization part…

I’m not afraid!

Up they go!

We had to marvel at the efficiency of the one employee at the bottom of the gondola attraction – he alone was responsible for both loading and unloading the cars. He definitely earned his salary.

At the top

The view of the town below was spectacular

More than anything, it was a treat to be able to get away from the city for a few days to relax. Thanks Mack for a lovely weekend!