June 14, 2025
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It was sunny and 57 degrees today as we began our drive to Banff NP… 268 km. We could see clouds in the distance and were hoping not to encounter any rain. We were looking forward to the beautiful Rocky Mountain scenery today!
We drove through the towns of Fairmont and Radium Hot Springs. We drove through the scenic Sinclair Pass, alongside the Kootenay River and entered the Kootenay National Park. Kootenay National Park is situated on the western slope of the Candian Rocky Mountain Range. From Kootenay we continued into Banff National Park. Banff sprawls across the jagged backs of the Rocky Mountain Range.
Ken and I do not like to make reservations in advance for campsites. However, this year, we made a few reservations for our first week on the road. We were aware that we could have a problem finding an RV spot in Banff. The Lake Louise Campgrounds were full weeks before we began our travels. We knew from our prior trips that there was overflow camping near Lake Louise and the space was first come first served. We planned our day to arrive early enough to get an overflow space. Our plan worked! Upon arrival, we could pick any spot we wanted. There were only four RVs in the lot. Where was everyone?
Note: Lake Louise overflow camping lot is is a gravel lot with no hook-ups. The price was right…$12 CA, less with a US credit card. The beauty of having your home with you at all times is to be able to stop wherever and have all the comforts of home!
Note: when we arrived at the overflow lot there were four RVs. As I am writing this entry, I count forty RVs and three cars. Lots of late arrivals!
In the afternoon, we drove to Lake Louise but on arrival the parking signs stated that all Lake Louise Parking lots were full. Ken had faith that we would fina a parking space…I was not so optimistic. As we reached the top of the drive, we were directed back down the mountain. No spaces available! We decided to pass on Lake Louise today instead of taking a shuttle bus. We’ve seen the lake several times and maybe we can try again on our way home.
Next we drove to the town of Banff. It was very busy today and the traffic was very slow as we drove through the town. We made our way to the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel area. The hotel is a castle-like stone and concrete building built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1888 to attract wealthy tourists to the area. I love the hotel and its setting. It is the one of the most beautiful hotels I have seen!
Nearby the hotel is the Bow River Falls. Bow Falls is a scenic waterfall located below the Banff Springs Hotel The scenic waterfall drops a short 9 meters but its breadth spans across the Bow River. It is one of the most popular things to do in Banff. We walked alongside the river among many tourists taking photos of the falls, themselves, and both. We were no exception!
On our drive back to the RV, we were able to get another look at the spectacular landscape of Banff.
Tomorrow…Ice Field Centre
