Today is day 2 at Banff, also the group has the freedom to do what they want. Early in the morning, we went out for the wild life watching. It was still dark, and we are hoping to spot animals, elk, deer, and bear. I saw a couple of elks and deers, but did not see the bear, indeed we saw “false bear”.
Then we went Lake Minnewanka, but because of heavy fog we did not have a good view of it.
This hotel is the icon of Banff. The architecture is impressive and hotel price was very expensive.
The first thing I did after breakfast is to go hiking Tunnel Mountain, which is 2.3 km one-way. It said the easiest hike near Banff downtown. Fortunately, there are three more companies that I can go with. It was easy as described, but it was very slippery because the snow early morning. Some sections are little icy and it makes more difficult to get down.
After lunch, I planned to go Cave and Basin historic site, but it was closed during this time of the year. And, I was looking some alternatives, but I couldn’t think of anything except hiking. Sulphur mountain is where Banff gondola is heading to. So, I decided to hiking there, and it was one of difficult hiking trail. Also, it is snowing and already a lot of snow is on the trail. I don’t have any hiking shoes, poles, and chains that goes under shoes. It was very slippery on way up and way down. Finally, I was able to make the summit, and the observatory. Actually, the observatory is the highest point. I had the temptation to get down with gondola, but I just came down with my leg. It takes about 2 hour 20minutes round trip, and I stayed about 10 minutes at the gondola station at the top.
