Saturday 20th September 2008 -

A 9 hour flight and we have landed in Calgary. We drove straight to our hotel for the night, the Delta Bow Valley, a very comfortable hotel which offers great views of the Calgary tower, or the Bow River. That evening we were wined and dined at the BLVD, a edgy yet sophisticated restaurant offering Old World 1930’s cocktails, and tapas, which we enjoyed very much.

Sunday 21st September -

This morning we waved fair-well to Calgary checking out of the Delta Bow Valley, we drove for an hour and 50 minutes to arrive at the Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump museum, where we learnt more about North American Indians culture. We left after lunch and then drove for 45 minutes visiting the Remington Carriage Museum in Cardston, we had a guided tour of the museum and viewed some very expensive carriages! After our tour we drove for an half and a half, and arrived at Waterton Lakes National Park, our home for the next two nights.  

Monday 22nd September -

10 am we departed on the Waterton Lake Shoreline Cruise, where we cruised the lake for two hours, crossing into America. Waving goodbye to Canada briefly and hello to America we saw this moose:

That afternoon we explored a small portion of Waterton Lakes National Park, and saw the small herd of buffalo that the Park has kept for memory-sake.

That evening we drove to hear Elk’s in the wilderness which was fantastic.

Tuesday 23rd September -

We drove to Kananaskis today, and spent two hours white water rafting on the Kananaskis river,  Class I to III rapids, so it was the ideal place for me to white water raft for the first time.

After a much needed warm up with our hot chocolates, it was time to say goodbye to the team at Inside Out Experience, and drive to the Delta Kananaskis for a well deserved rest.

Wednesday 24th September -

Arriving at Lake Minnewanka an hour and a half from leaving Kananaskis. The lake is on the outskirts of Banff. We cruised the lake for just over an hour, and learnt about the lake’s history and many myths.

We checked into the Banff Caribou Lodge, and spent sometime exploring Banff’s high street shops.

 Thursday 25th September -

The Discover Banff Tour bus pulled up outside the Caribou Lodge, and we travelled around Banff taking in Banff hot springs, Fairmont Banff Springs hotel, and out to Lake Minnewanka.

After our morning of exploring Banff we took the Banff Gondola up to Sulphur mountain, which gave truly amazing 360 degree views.

That evening we visited the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel, had a very delicious evening meal, but sadly we didn’t stay there.

Friday 26th September -

An early start for us as we checked out of Caribou Lodge, leaving Banff and driving an hour to arrive at Lake Louise, where we had breakfast at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, followed by a four hour trek to Lake Agnes Tea House, this was my favourite part of the trip, just look at this photo:

After our hike up to Lake Agnes, we got back on the coach and drove to Rafter 6 Ranch Resort, where we went horse riding in the Rockies! Luckily our horses all behaved themselves, we spent our last evening together playing pool and talking with the locals, was a fantastic evening.

Saturday 27th September -

We left the countryside and drove back to Calgary ready for our flight back to the UK, stopping at the Calgary Olympic Park, and saw athletes training in the indoor ice centre. After our guided tour of the park we drove to Heritage Park - an attraction park based from 1910, complete with a locomotive, a great place for children and adults to re-live the past. We enjoyed lunch in the Park before heading to Calgary Tower where we faced our fears of heights and stepped onto the glass floor!! It was now time for us to head back to Calgary airport a sad time to say goodbye to our driver and guide.