Canada - Day 19 - 9th July

Today started with a whimper, as we had a later night than was expected sue to the poor service in the restaurant!!

We were supposed to be on the early boat to see the Whales, however, we phoned the office, arranged to go on the thee thirty boat and went back to sleep.

Breakfast was a bit of a disaster, due to our new server having a poor memory. we had asked for Tea and coffee on two occasions, by the time we had finished our breakfast, neither had arrived. So, we gave up and went into town for some beverage.

The sun was up and getting hot. We found a map in a local cafe that had some little known routs up into the forest. We eventually found the route which was also no the way to the local refuse dump. Nice!!

However, this turned out to be a blessing, as it had the effect of putting people off. we had a fantastic walk in the forest and saw, amongst others, a group of bald eagles (Bald in this context means white), a snake, a Golden Eagle, frogs, huge slugs (about 6 inches long) and a group of people camping deep in the forest. we also saw a lot of bear poop. They only have black bears in this area, which are quite nervous of humans and not known to attack.





After a couple of hours the temperature was high, so we turned back a retraced our steps back to the car. On the was back, we stopped at one of the local beaches for a quick photo. We came back to the car to find a permit fine. John tried to barter with the attendant who was not interested. The fine was $40, so John managed to track down the main office (15 minutes drive away) and told the lady in charge what had happened. she apologised and cancelled the fine. RESULT!!

We then rushed back to town for our Whale watching trip. We arrived at Jamie's Whale station and began the arduous task of "kitting up". This entailed getting into a huge red buoyancy and protection suit, followed by a protective poncho. After a few minutes, we both became very hot.






After a quick safety check, we headed down to the dock and loaded ourselves onto the Zodiac boat, securing the front seat which the captain warned us was more bumpy but less wet.

He wasn't wrong, as we sped out of the harbour the waves quickly grew until they were huge. we flew over them, slapping the waves in front each time. After 45 minutes of theme park ride (very enjoyable), we arrived at the Whale site.

Yes, there was a Grey Whale, spouting water into the air. Most of the time the Whale stayed well under the water, only it's spray showing above. Still, it came up a few times and we managed to get some video and a few distant photo's which we were happy about. The boats stayed at a respectful distance, which was good.





By the time we headed back the waves had become even bigger. The ride back was pure action film stuff. At one time, the captain had to stop the boat and turn to face the waves as their sheer size had become, well, a problem!!

Half was back we suddenly turned into a bay, and there on rocks in front of us were a family of local seals. They were chilling out on the rocks. Apparently, these seals are the biggest in the world. Just after, when flying home, some small sea birds flew right in front of the boat with beaks full of fish. They were flying just above the sea and were much faster than us.





We raced back to the dock, where the captain completed a couple of very tight circles which was great fun.

We docked back by 6 and then raced back to the hotel to shower and change in time for our 7 PM reservation at the Shelter restaurant, which has quickly become our favourite. The meal was very enjoyable, we shared a crispy squid tempura then Fiona had local Chicken and John a Thai Seafood Curry which was half the price of the previous evening and ten times as enjoyable.






If you are reading this and fancy a great meal, take a look at the following link, which can take some time to load, but it's worth it!! http://www.shelterrestaurant.com/welcome.htm

Tomorrow we are off to our next destination, Campbell River, take a look at:
http://www.campbellriver.travel

Canada - Day 18 - 8th July

Today began foggy, which is a first on this trip. The weather here is very changeable and quite cool first and last thing. The wind is definitely a plus here as it keeps the fog at bay when high pressure dominates.

After a continental breakfast, we headed off to the light house point at Ucluelet. Take a look at this link for more info: http://www.ucluelet.com/

We took the marked trail which takes you through a variety of rain forest terrain. There were aerie sections of forest with moss laden trees,



sections of plants with bright yellow raspberries,



haunting views of the foggy coast (with the fog horn blowing in the background) and endless stretches of coast with hundreds of washed up trees.



Whilst walking towards the end of a path we heard screeching. Suddenly there were two large bald eagles flying above the trees. We darted into the open and there, sitting in a tree, was a huge bald eagle.






He was quite happy to sit in his tree and watch us, whilst we snapped away.



The trail continued until we hit a circular board walk section. We then began the walk back and, low and behold, we came across a second Bald Eagle (or was the same one in a different place).

On the way back towards Tofino, we stopped off at the Wickaninnish Interpreter Centre, where they have some small hikes, a great beach and an large nature information centre. We will pop back and see this place tomorrow, when we have more time.

The afternoon had already been arranged by our travel company, FreshTracks. This company have dome a very good job in arranging our Canada trip. If anyone is looking for such a service please click on this link: http://www.freshtracks.ca/canada/index.php

By now the sun had burnt off the low cloud and flog, so we met our fellow guests at Jamie's. There was a large German lady and two young girls from the Tour office.





We almost flew to our first location as the driver of the boat, a young lad, was out to give us all a thrill. He went like a bat out of hell, turning the boat on a sixpence. During one part of the trip, we hit very large waves. He slowed a tad, but not much!!



We eventually hit dry land, where we paid our three dollars entrance and began the long board walk through the forest. This was, without doubt, the best forest walk to far. The trees etc. were just amazing, some so large you could fit inside the trunks with room to spare. We both let our selves go and hugged a few trees.



The forest life was simply amazing and we couldn't stop taking photo's.



After an hour and a half we emerged by the coast and could smell the sulphurous water of the hot pools. There were quite a few people already soaking up the minerals. We changed and made our way into the sulphur water fall. Wow, we it hot!! After a while we acclimatised and started to work our way down the pool system. The closer you got to the sea the cooler they were.




After half an hour, we returned to our dry clothes and then sat on the rocks watching the sea and taking some photo's for the large German.

The walk back through the forest was equally amazing as we experienced a whole new set of views.

We arrived back at the jetty for 6.30pm. The float plan, so called as it floats on the water with two large air tanks, arrived a little after seven. The pilot was very young and very quiet. John managed to get into co pilots seat, Fiona in the middle section but by the window. The entire plane only took six people.

We took off at full speed and enjoyed a very scenic flight back to Tofino. The sun was out and the air was not too turbulent. The landing was immaculate. We didn't see any Whales, but we are off on a Whale watching trip tomorrow, so fingers crossed.



We went to the poshest restaurant in town tonight. Not impressed!! Poor service, tasteless starters and an overcharged bill!! Dont' go here: http://www.wickinn.com/restaurant.html

Canada - Day 17 - 7th July

Our first full day in Tofino started with sparkling blue skies. However, the coast is chilly first thing in the morning and the waves were still very large. We went for a stroll along the beach before heading inland to the Botanical gardens - they were not quiet Kew Gardens standard but were worth a look and had a nice cafe to sit outside in the sun. For more info on Tofino see: http://www.my-tofino.com

In the afternoon we went for our organised kayak and hike adventure - there were 5 of us 2 other americans and a girl from Quebec who spoke mainly French. Our guide was yet again a brit who has put his roots down in Canada - we were in double kayaks, which we had never experienced before. The trip was organised by Jamies Whaling Station: http://www.jamies.com/

Our instructor did not seem at all bothered that we were novices, so we got in, pushed off, and paddled around the small dock area. Everything seemed fine and we managed to paddle in unison very well.




Once everyone was in, we paddled out into the sea channel (Calyoquot sound) where there were some quite strong currents. We paddled and paddled (for about an hour and a half) until we reached a small pebble beach, where we tied up the kayak's and made our way onto the island for our hike.

The hike turned out to be very tame, lasting about an hour. However, we walked over a maze of board walks, passing some of the largest Cedar's we havce ever seem. It would have taked five or six people to reach round one. Some were hollow but still alive and others had huge trees growing on them. The french girl was in love with the trees and wanted a photo taken of her and the trees at evey opportunity - nice girl but completly bonkers.

We then got back in the kayaks - by this time we had been paddling for about 3 hours and we were all really tired - the guide asked if we wanted to carry on until 19:00 - we had started at 14:30 - we politely said no thanks so we headed back to the harbour - it took us an hour and again we battled through some strong currents and had to avoid speed boats and float planes landing - all good fun. We saw a seal in the water which was great and also some really cute sand piper birds.

We went to a local restaurant in Tofino recommended to us - the food was very good. Tomorrow we are off to the hot springs.

Canada - Day 16 - 6th July

Today began cloudy again, but dry. After looking at the Wimbledon Men's Final and supping a quick beverage, we checked out and headed to Budget Rentals to pick up our next car.

The car turned out to be a bit of a duffer, very small but adequate.

We drove out of town and down to the port where we boarded the ferry to Vancouver Island. The trip over took about one and a half hours which flew by as they had an on board Marine Biologist who explained about all the sea life in the area.

By the time we had landed the sun had peeped through.

The drive to Tofino was via the high inland mountains, where the weather closed in again. However, by the time we reached our next hotel, the sun had it's hat on again!!

The resort is very nice, right on the beach!! http://www.longbeachlodgeresort.com/

We visited the local tourist offices where we chatted to a chap from Glasgow who has lived here for 18 years.

We visited a local hotel where we plan to eat on Tuesday night. http://www.wickinn.com/

A very good travelling day with plenty on the cards for tomorrow.

We had a great meal in the Hotel and the views out to sea as the Sun set were amazing as the photo below shows.

Canada - Day 15 - 5th July

Today began, as expected, with dark cloudy skies and drizzle.

We popped out to Starbucks for breakfast, which was not good! John's coffee had hardly any coffee in it. So, we left there and went to a proper Italian restaurant/coffee shop where the coffee was fab!!

After much walking we visited the Tourist Info office where we obtained a map.

We decided to walk around the whole of Vancouver, which circles the park. The park has a much advertised aquarium, so that was the plan, walk round the city limits on the sea front and then pop into the aquarium. About two hours into the walk, we came across some Australian people we had met on a nature trip in Jasper!! We caught up with each others travel news and exchanged emails.

Just after this, the rain began to get heavier and heavier until we were forced to put our uncool waterproof ponchoes on. These are very good at keeping water out but look quite stupid!!

We walked to the aquarium, but the queues to get in were huge. We had a panini in the rain and then decided to walk back towards the hotel.

Once back in the hotel we check a few things out, phoned our rental car company and decided to visit China town and some chinese gardens.

The gardens were quite quaint but not really worth the walk or the $20. We walked back to the hotel via the docks so we coukld see the huge cruise ships taking punters to Alaska.

We tried to get into a seafood restaurant called Blue Sea but they are full for we are off to another called "C" tonight.

The rain eventually stopped at about five PM.

Canada - Day 14 - 4th July

Well, it was a poor night's sleep due to early 4th of July celebrations!!

Today started cool, cloudy and windy. What a change in the weather. It has been so hot and sunny (up to 35 degrees Celsius) that this is quit a shock to the system.

We had planned to take the gondola to the very top, but the mountain was in very thick cloud and the wind gusting even in town!!

We watched Wimbledon Tennis, men's semi, on TV and then packed, as we need to check out by 11.30 in readiness for our trip down to Vancouver later in the day by train.

After our very healthy breakfast, we ventured out to Blackcoumb mountain, which is only ten minutes walk away from Whistler mountain. There are numerous trails on this mountain, many used my mountain cyclists. This place is all about mountain bikes and other outdoor activities in the summer, including every type of water sport you can imagine, horse riding, eveing summer skiing!

We found a couple of great nature hikes. Fiona happened upon a snake, again, and leaped into the air as is her usual response to such things. There were also black bears in the area as we found some fresh bear poop!!

After the three hour hike, we returned to town, for a cookie and water, checked out the Blackcoumb ski base area and then went back to our hotel.

We were picked up at the hotel by the Whistler Mountaineer coach at two thirty. By just after three the train was leaving Whistler for our three hour trip to Vancouver. The weather was a little cloudy but the scenery was, as always, ever changing and spectacular.

We arrived at our hotel, the Metropolitan Vancouver, for seven thirty, showered and popped out for some dinner. We went to "The Keg". we had visited one of these restaurants in Calgary. They were unable to delivery hot food to John, so we ended up woth a totally free meal. However, in Vancouver, the food was piping hot!!

Vancouver looks like any other busy business orientated town, it also has a great vibe about it.

Canada - Day 13 - 3rd July

Today started with heavy rain! What a surprise.

We were supposed to go canoeing early today but the rain looked wet and cold. So, we phoned up the tour company and managed to move the event to the afternoon.

We both felt tired and a little giddy from the train journey. This giddy effect is not unusual for people who have taken the two day train across the rockies.

After a lazy start, we put some washing on (our room has washing and drying facilities). We then walked around Whistler to check out the potential skiing facilities etc. It’s a very classy place with lots of restaurants and two large skiing mountains.

We visited the visitor centre, taking away a few maps of local trails. We found a good trail close to town and had a very relaxing walk. We arrived back at the hotel in time to change and meet our tour guide in the lobby.

We drove in an old school bus to the lake where we met our fellow canoeing buddies and went through the basics. Fiona and l decided to take a proper two person, Canadian canoe, everyone else had kayaks. We went across the lake and then into a fast flowing river.

The whole event was just wonderful, with the sun coming out half way through the trip. One of our team, Nancy, managed to get caught up in a tree. It took her ages to extricate herself from the situation. Before this both Nancy and a another chap manage to capsize their crafts, ending up in very cold water. They were both OK.

After the canoe adventure, we headed back to our hotel, showered and changed and then popped out to town. we had a wee drinkie in am Irish pub where the staff wore Scottish kilts (obviously a little confused) and then found an out of the way Indian where we had very good Chicken Tikka Masala.

Unfortunately, the Americans were out in force celerating the arrival of July the 4th until 3 AM, so sleeping was a challenge!!

Canada - Day 12 - 2nd July

We got back on the Rocky Mountaineer at 07:00 – again the sun was shinning and we have been told they are expecting record temperatures today. We are on our way to Whistler. I can’t think of a better way to spend a wedding anniversary – we had breakfast on the train with our friends Holde and George (he is 86 and looking pretty good on it).

The train follows the Fraser river to Whistler – there are some very spectacular gorges to see – we have just crossed the highest rail bridge on the trip – got some good photo’s and video of

this.

The landscape today is much more spectacular than yesterday – we went through flat meadow and marshland type land in the morning and saw several bald eagles and ospreys – we also saw a black bear. After a nice lunch, we got a free glass of bubbly as it was our anniversary and also a book of the history of the Rocky Mountaineer route. George & Holde also received some bubbly as it had recently been Holde’s birthday.

We then wound our way down the Fraser gorge which was truly stunning – we got hundreds of photo’s – it was not unlike the Grand Canyon – we then followed along the edge of the longest lake I have ever seen, again the scenery was amazing.

Not long after this our camera ran out of juice. We had met another couple called Jean & Brian, who were keen photographers and were enjoying retired life. Brian was kind enough to give us some batteries!!

We arrived in Whistler at about 19:00 and were taken to our Hotel, the Delta Suites. The room is fab – huge, woth washing machine and dryer which we are putting to good use.

We went for a meal in a restaurant near by which was also very good.

Whistler is a really nice looking town with loads of very nice and expensive houses – they are hosting the winter Olympics in 2010. This is definitely some where we would love to revisit for a longer stay, both in the winter and summer, as we only have a day and a half this trip.

Tomorrow we are going on an organised canoe trip down the main river in Whistler.

Canada - Day 11 - !st July

Today began with an early start, as we needed to get the car back to Budget before checking in for our Rocky Mountaineer train trip across the Rockies to Quesnel.

We checked in for seven AM. They took our suit cases from us and we received our Gold Leaf pins. Due to an earlier derailment, we had a small delay. Once on the train, we were shown to our fantastic seats in the glass domed viewing carriage. These carriages are huge and offer a magnificent view of the passing countryside.



We began with a bucks fizz, to celebrate Canada day (the day they threw out us Brits). We then met our immediate neighbors, Holge and Grorge. Holge originates from East Germany and George from Vienna.

Breakfast was very nice, we sat with an Australian couple. We are definitely at the younger end of the age spectrum on this trip, but everyone is great fun and up for a good time!

We had a few drinks and then it was time for lunch. The views are constantly changing and the train crew are great, looking after our needs and making sure we are comfortable.



The train has an outdoor viewing platform at the back of our glass domed coach.

As the day progressed the temperature increased. We are experiencing very hot weather at the moment. We have had fantastic viewing weather and we were able to get some good photo’s of the highest mountain in BC, Mount Robson.



We eventually arrived at Quesnel for about six thirty PM. This very small town has an enourmous logging and timber facility. The sheer number of logs, built into large stacks is mind blowing!!

Our hotel in Quesnel was OK, large rooms with two huge beds. The food was not so good, but we have been spoilt by the service on the Rocky Mountaineer!!
This mode of transport is both relaxing and exhilarating.



We can’t stop snapping photo’s and shooting video!! Another great day in Canada!!

Canada - Day 10 - 30th June

We were booked on an organised trip today – we were picked up at 08:15 – there was already an Australian couple on the bus who were good fun and easy company.

After we had picked up about 18 people we headed up slowly to Maligne Lake where we were going to do a cruise down the lake. Our guide and driver for the day was Joe and was both very informative and also highly amusing had us laughing most of the day and also crying at the bear attack stories he told (good news is only 2 people in 20 years have actually been killed by Bears).

After about 10 mins we saw loads of Elk on a sand bank in the middle of the main river – there were loads of baby Elks which were really cute and later in the day we saw them swimming back across to the main bank of the river. Then 10 mins later we spotted a Black bear in the forest close to the road – John got some good video but he was to hidden by the trees to get a good photo.

It was at this point Joe started to tell the bear attack stories – as soon as a bear is seen all the cars behind stop and amazingly people actually get out their cars to photograph them – bears can actually run faster than a race horse so this is not a great move and I think the guides are kind of waiting for a tourist to be killed at some point even though there are notices everywhere saying BEARS ARE DANGEROUS stay in your cars. They are also worried that the Bears are getting too used to human contact which they are trying to stop as once this happens the Bears will start to attack more people.

We then got to Maligne lake and took a 1 ½ hour trip along it stopping at an island at the other end for 10 mins called Spirit Island. The trip was very pleasant as the weather is again very sunny and very very hot.



In the afternoon we made our way to Maligne Canyon which is an amazing deep gorge with a waterfall which is truly stunning – there are several pot holes in the gorge where the water just goes round and round like a vortex. Just before we arrived there we saw another black bear this time with 2 cubs – so cute – they look so cuddly which is why I am sure so many people think it is OK to get out their cars, but after another Joe story on bears attacks ensures we’d never get out the car.

After the Canyon trip we headed back to Jasper and saw the same black bear we had seen that morning – yet again loads of people were out their cars and one mad woman even followed the bear into the forest for that perfect picture – lets hope it didn’t cost her more than she bargained for.

We are now off up the Jasper Tramway to the top of one of the ski slopes in Winter for another spectacular view and then into town for a meal. Tomorrow we are up very early to catch the Train to Whistler then Vancouver.

Canada - Day 9 - 29th June

The day started quite early as we have our drive up to Jasper ahead of us. The weather was again, blue sky and sunshine. We drove through amazing scenery. Everything is BIG here including the mountains and the rivers and the glaciers.

We stopped off on highway 11 at a helicopter tour company and took a 20 minute flight op over the local lake, up the river bed and on up and up and up into the mountains and above some of the frozen lakes and amazing glaciers.

There were just three of us in the helicopter, me, Fiona and a Chap from Scotland who had married a Calgary gal and now lives in Calgary. His wife was not happy to fly in the helicopter.

Due to the hot weather, air was rising out of the valleys and causing us to move both up and down and from side to side. The pilot, a very young lady, assured us this was quite normal!!

We came back in over the lake and landed with out and mishaps. An amazing experience, which showed off the vastness of this part of Canada.

After the flight, we continued the breath taking drive to Jasper, passing the famous Columbia ice fields. We were going to stop but it looked busy.

We eventually arrived in Jasper at about three PM. We were too early to book in, so we went down town and found a nice bar with air conditioning as the temperature was up in the high twenties. We had a cold drink and a good chat to a couple of Canadians from Toronto.

We came back to our room later and settled in. This place is not bad at all with another great lake view.

We went down to town for a nice meal and then came back and chilled out on the sunny veranda. We got chatting to the Americans on the level below us. They were having a BBQ, playing a mouth organ and singing!!!

Canada - Day 8 - 28th June

The sun was up early today, thanks to the endless blue sky. We had a good nights sleep in the massive bed.

After breakfast we decided to take a hike to Hamilton Lake, high up above Emerald Lake. The couple from Texas had already told us this was a tough, challenging track, so we just had to do it.
The route up was very steep in places, with many fallen trees across the path. After about two hours hiking, we hit some snow fields. John had his Merrell walking sandals on which did not protect against the cold of the deep snow.

After half an hours of walking in and out of snow fields, we reached the lake. Wow!! Two thirds of the lake was still frozen. We were the only people there and the silence was simply wonderful.

We sat on a large flat rock and had lunch. We saw some Marmot’s on the other side of the stream as well as numerous red squirrels.

After lunch we began our decent back through the snow fields and down to Emerald Lake. In all the hike took just over five hours and was well worth the effort.

After a quick shower, we took a canoe out on the Emerald Lake. The lake is so named due to it’s amazing colour, caused by the microscopic rock dust the is constantly washed down from the rockies. The water was calm and the breeze helped to take the edge off the high temperature.

After the canoe trip, we still had itchy feet, so decided to walk around the lake. This took just over and hour and took us through all types of terrain.
Emerald lake is fabulous, amazing scenery, good food and very peaceful. We are leaving tomorrow for our next destination, Jasper.

Canada - Day 7 - 27th June

Today started with sparkling blue sky and sunshine. We had an early breakfast, packed the car, checked out of Buffalo Lodge and popped down to Banff town to get a few photo’s in the sun.

We said goodbye to Banff and began our journey to Emerald Lake, not too far away from Lake Louise. The trip was problem free and within an hour and a half we arrived at Emerald Lake Lodge.

We tried to check in, but we were too early, having arrived at 10.30 AM. So, we left some bags at check in and drove to Takawka Falls. These are the second largest water fall in Canada and was very spectacular. The melting snow helped to put on a good show.

Lake Louise was next on our list, as we had planned to check this place out as a potential ski venue for next year. When we arrived the temperature had gone through the roof. We took a look around and decided to walk the 6 Glacier trail. The route goes down the right hand side of the Lake and then high up to the end of the valley, where there is a tea house.

The walking was quite challenging with some wonderful waterfalls and a few, small snow fields. The rock faces were vertical along the side of the lake and several climbers were doing their stuff. After two and a half hours of solid up hill walking we came to the tea house. This small chalet served very nice, cold lemonade!!

We discovered you could take an additional 1.6 km track to the very base of the glaciers and we could not resist. The views of the glaciers and of Chateau Lake Louise on the Lake were wonderful and well worth the extra hiking.

It took another few hours to get back down to the car park. We arrived back at Emerald Lake Lodge tired but exhilarated. The lodge itself is wonderful. We have a lake side room with amazing views. This place is quiet, stunning and just about perfect.

We had a very good meal in the main restaurant preceded by a drinkie in the sun on the lakeside.

After dinner, we sat in the outdoor fire pad, where we got chatting to some Americans who were toasting marsh mellows on the open fire. They were a nice couple from Texas, who loved Paris!!

Canada - Day 6 - 26th June - Organised Trail Walk

We were booked on a organised trail walk in Banff National Park today.

We were picked up at 08:45 - there were already 2 people on board - two women (in their 50's) from the Midlands - thay were doing Canada some what chepaer than us - they were staying in youth hostils - sounded really awfull - 30 women per dormatary.

We were 11 people in all - we picked up 6 people from the Fairmont banff spings which is a really posh looking Hotel - they all worked for Oracle and were on a sales reward jolly. We walked up to a Stanley glacier - the walk was about 1 1/2 hours - not the most exciting we have done - all the trees had been burned in a recent fire and no wild life - the weather was OK but really cold and windy - it reached a peak when we stopped for lunch.

After about 15 mins everyone was so cold we headed back down to the bus. We got chatting to a an australian girl who was really nice and lived in Camberra - she told us about all the snakes ans spiders ehy get - so we are not going there in a hurry.

When we got back to the bus the hike leader decided to take us to another walk up to a waterfall - it took us about 30 mins - the water fall was very impressive. On he way back to banff we saw 2 deers and a cayote.

We got back at about 16:30.

We walked into Banff for a drink - we went to an Irish pub which had lots of atmospher and had dinner at Tony Ramanos (John's choice of more ribs) - they were very nice. John tried an Oyster as they were offering them free at the pub. General impression? Not Impressed!!

Tomorrow we are off the Emerald Lake which looks great - the weather also looks to be improving over the next few days.

Canada - Day 5 - 25th June

Today started quite cloudy. After a healthy breakfast, we drove to the bottom of Sulphur Mountain, so named due to the numerous natural sulphur hot water springs on the mountain. These springs were the very reason that the Banff National Park was established in the first place.

We decided not to take the gondola up to the top, but to walk the trail instead. It was a great walk, not too steep, and with some great views and wild life to see. We came across some chip monks and ground squirrels, very cute.

Once at the top, the temperature dropped to just five degrees. We walk to the weather station at the very top where the views were spectacular. We also came across some mountain goats and very tame chip monks.

We then walked back down to the base, the walk took four hours in total and definitely burned a few calories off.

We had a very tasty elk burger for lunch in a restaurant in town, recommended to us by one of the waitresses in our lodge.

By now the clouds were evaporating and the sun getting nice and hot. So, we decided to go back to our lodge and take advantage of the sun loungers and enormous hot tub. We chilled for a couple of hours before getting ready for our organised evening nature tour with a company called Discover Banff Tours.

The bus trip took us a little further into the national park and we saw some bird life, ground squirrels, chip monks, elk, mountain sheep, coyote (Wild dog) and a golden eagle. We were just beginning to travel back to town when a chappie stopped his van next to us and told our English tour guide that a large grizzly bear was just down the road. Within a few minutes, there he was!! He was huge and was initially very nervous of us. However, once we had been there a few minutes he settled back into munching flowers.

We were so lucky to see him. There are only 60 in the entire park, which is huge. Our tour guide had been doing this job for over two years and this was the first time he had seen one this close.

We went back down to town for a healthy dinner of Sushi. A great day!!