Day 18 - Jasper to Banff

On the road again for the final time 😔. The road between Jasper and Banff is the Icefields Parkway and it is stunning the entire way (288km). I'd done my research last night and written down places to stop off on the way so we had several breaks, all of which were fab. There are also loads of viewing points along the route so my camera was constantly on. I can't stop myself taking pics - even leaning out of the car window every few minutes 🤣.

First stop was Athabasca Falls, which were amazing. Not so much high but the power of the water was unbelievable, and so clear. We then drove on and stopped off at the roadside viewpoint for Waterfowl Lakes - can't believe how blue/green the glacial lakes are, and all surrounded by stunning mountains.
Peyto Lake was our next stop, which was a short uphill walk from the carpark and then suddenly the most fantastic view. Truly breathtaking! A coachload of orientals beat us to the viewpoint and completely monopolised the area for ages - no spacial awareness whatsoever!! Mark was not impressed 😡🤣 - but we eventually got to take some photos.

We had planned to do the Icefields Skywalk, a suspended platform with a glass bottomed section. It looks amazing on the internet but luckily we drove past it and it was decidedly underwhelming from what we could see. It was just suddenly there at the roadside. Glad we didn't spend the money, think we've seen far better views for free.

Arrived in Banff about 4.30pm and found our hotel (Moose Hotel and Suites). It's really nice, two queen beds again! There are two rooftop hot pools with fabulous views of the mountains surrounding the town so I think we'll be using those in the next few days. There's also a seating area with a firepit 🔥. Living the life!!! Went to the hotel's Italian restaurant and sat at the bar with a lovely glass of wine and chatted to the Scottish barman, then had a meal.

Great day.....again!!!Read more