On Saturday, September 3 at about noon we arrived at Banff, Alberta, Canada. Th
e scenery along the way was fantastic. Everywhere y
ou look
are beautiful mountains with glaciers. The town of Banff is located in the southern part of Banff National Park.Banff was Canada's first national park, and the third on the planet (after Royal in Australia and Yellowstone in the US). The park originated not from a lofty idea, but from a dispute over the hot springs at what is now known as the Cave and Basin. With its own agenda to capitalize on the scenery adjacent to the new railway (Canadian Pacific Railway), and a huge financial deficit to recover, the Canadian government stepped in and, on November 28, 1885 set aside the springs and a surrounding area of 26 square km (10 square miles) as a federal reserve - the forerunner of Banff National Park.
In 1886, George Stewart recommended that additional area be added. His comments were quickly heeded, and in June 1887, the Canadian government established Rocky Mountain Park. Upon the enactment of the National Parks Act in 1930, the park was renamed Banff.
As it was a holiday weekend in Canada, the town was full and very busy. After we set up camp at Tunnell Mountain campground, we headed downtown to the information center. The people that we spoke to there were most helpful! As it was a holiday, we were told that the best thing to do the rest of the day was to see the sighs around town and then head out very early the next day to see other sights.
On our way into town we had seen Mount Rundle (photo after town photo). Mt. Rundle, named for Robert Rundle, the missionary who passed through the region in the 1840's, rises ti 2,949 meters (9,700 feet). It is one of Banff's signature sights and is often seen on postcards or paintings with the Banff town site nestled just below it.
We came out of the information center and turned left and headed toward the Bow River that flows through town. The walk along the riverbank to Bow Falls offers escape from the busy streets nearby, and features fine views of the river.
The Bow River is the longest river in Banff National Park. From its headwaters at Bow Lake, 90 km (55 mi)
to the north, it drains an area of 2210 sq. km (853 sq. mi.). After flowing through Banff and out of the mountains, the Bow eventually combines with the Oldman River in southern Alberta to form the South Saskatchewan River. The Bow River's name probably comes from the Cree words "manachaban sipi" - "the place from which bows are taken." First Peoples made hunting bows from Douglas-fir saplings found on its banks.
Slightly downstream from the falls, the Spray River enters the Bow River at the site of the Banff Springs Hotel ( on the bank above).
People originally came to Banff for the healing waters of the hot springs located here. Dr. R.G. Brett set up a sanitarium. He knew a good thing when he saw one. For the privilege of using the water, Brett paid the government $15.00 per tub, per year. For the benefit of taking a dip, clients paid substantially more - $2.00 a day. The federal government took over Brett's lease in 1932 and built the forerunner of the hot springs facility that is in Banff today.
We walked back into town and found the Olde Irish Pub and stopped in for a pint. What a glorious day.
More later, we have seen and done so much it is difficult to
keep up.
More later, Candy and Johnny
