Banff

We initially picked up the Trans-Canada highway to head for Banff itself, but jumped across to the Bow Valley Parkway for a more scenic drive. And what a joy that we did, as part way along we were treated to the fantastic site of a bear right by the roadside breaking apart a sodden log!

The route to the campsite took us past Lake Minnewanka (hilarious name, obviously) which was as impressive as Lake Louise. There were plenty of deer in the nearby forests which were fabulous to watch. Our accommodation for the night is a 6-man tent, provided by Canadian National Parks, along with a stove, lamp, gas and 6 thermarests (which we stacked up for comfort!). Once checked in, we headed out to Banff town for tea (a slap up meal at McDonalds) and a drive along side of the Vermilion Lakes to wildlife spot some more, sadly to no avail. With breakfast bought - and kept in the car boot so as not to attract bears - we headed for bed.

Number plate update: New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Idaho, Arizona, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Montana, Minnesota, Nebraska (19/50)Read more