This is the last full rally day and it was a full day going to Lake Louise and Banff. We boarded the bus at 8 am and were off along Canadian Highway 1. West of Calgary this highway runs through four of Canada’s National Parks on the way to Vancouver, British Columbia. The Banff National Park was the world’s second national park following only a park in Australia. It was established in 1885 and covers 2,564 square miles. Our first stop was at Lake Louise, a high mountain lake which is at 5,680 ft above sea level. The warmest temperature for the lake is 50 degrees and it freezes in the winter. At the west end of the lake is Victoria Glacier. The main hotel at Lake Louise is Chateau Lake Louise which was built in 1890 by the Canadian Pacific Railway to entice visitors to western Canada and provide extra income for the new railway company. In fact, the railway built much of the infrastructure of the area just to get tourist to visit (and spend money). The locals say that Banff is an acronym the stands for “Be Aware Nothing For Free”. While we were there we listened to a ranger give a talk about the lake and the national park. We then headed for Banff for power shopping and a quick lunch. The only industry in Banff is tourism and there were plenty of tourists. After the lunch break we stopped at the Cave & Basin which is a natural hot springs that is the birthplace of Canada’s national park system. Then we drove by the Banff Springs Hotel that was built in the 1890s also by the Canadian Pacific Railway. At one time it was the world’s largest hotel. We did not stop as the guests do not like to have tourists wandering around. The price? If you have to ask you cannot afford it. Next we stopped at the Bow River Falls that are below Banff. There was a Kodak moment here for some when a young elk appeared. Then on to the Hoodoos. What is a hoodoo? It is a geological formation of limestone capped by a harder material. The limestone dissolves over time leaving pillars. By this time everyone was just about toured out and we headed home. Tomorrow a quick getaway breakfast and on the road to Montana.
