West we went, on our own.

 Just impressive, that's all we have to say. Just posting a lot of pictures here of our way up to Banff.

Ghost Lake Reservoir, formed along the Bow River, complete with marina, mooring balls and boats sailing against the back drop of the mountains.

On we went. Stopped and went off the beaten track just before Banff, and took the scenic route to Two Jack Lake.

Saw this beauty just happily grazing with no care in the world.

Then it was off to our hotel in Banff. The highway and train tracks were one block away. Sigh. More noise, but we came to accept that highways  and tracks were developed side by side. 

We tried to go to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, but no such luck. Canadians were visiting Canada this year,  and the parking lots were full. Couldn't even get close.  Choice was to take a shuttle bus, but considering that  the delta variant is in full force and nobody masks up in Alberta, we chose not to. Stella wouldn't have been allowed on it either, so the decision making was easy. We went off the beaten track and took some great (we think) shots of the mountains. 

Castle mountain, and some other good views

After that, since we were so close, we went to Kicking Horse Pass. Never gave the continental divide much thought until I was there.

And then we stumbled across Takakkaw Falls

The sound of these falls was something else. As if a jet was taking off. Also a lot of  cold spray water, which was welcome with temperatures in the mid thirties. The water ends up in the Yoho river

The lodge we stayed at that night was at along the highway, just where it the goes downhill. Yet another night with not much sleep because of the trucks using their jake brakes to slow down. Food was good though. We had our first bison steak ever and can highly recommend it.

Time to head back home to the island where we are used to quiet nights.

Cypress Hills

Lofquist Lake

Nipigon bridge

Lake Superior