We had a very brief, but relaxing stopover in Calgary flying there from Vancouver on Sunday. We picked up the hire car, a black Qashqai, similar in size to Adrian's Subaru XV. Adrian again capably managed driving on the "wrong side" of the road despite the early challenges Fran set him by directing him to an Exit sign from a carpark, completely missing the bold EXIT sign in large letters for rental cars! Well we were both just getting settled in - driver and navigator.
According to the Calgary city map, our bed and breakfast appeared to be smack bang in the middle of the Calgary Stampede grounds. Fortunately it is yet to start. If we were to stay, we would also be within spitting distance of the Cowboys Casino and the Calgary Rednecks. Shops nearby certainly catered to every cowboy's clothing requirements including these fetching undies. Fran offered to buy Adrian a pair, but surprisingly he wasn't that keen.
The Novel Bed and Breakfast was delightful. Run by a young couple with their two year old, they were charming hosts and we would highly recommend it to anyone venturing to Calgary. There was coffee, tea and chocolates available in their cosy lounge in which we spent a few restful hour. We ventured out on foot to 9th avenue for some window shopping and a Vietnamese meal, something we don't get to enjoy at home.
Stunning scenery en route to Banff from Calgary and the trip was easy up until the last 2 km coming into town. Bumper to bumper traffic which we had predicted as were arriving on Canada Day, just as the street parade was finishing. We counted our very slow progress in measures of 100 metres. It was disappointing to miss the parade which featured the Mounties (The Royal Canadian Mounted Police). We did however watch some native dancing and the costumes were so colourful. 
On our first full day in Banff we caught the Roam public transit bus to the Upper Hot Springs and took the waters like many before us. Temperature was a very warm 40 degrees celsius... and sitting on Adironack chairs by the side of the Springs, taking a break from the hot water, we weren't cold despite the snow capped mountains looming over us. Then a bus downtown where we discovered The Bear St Tavern sharing the best GF pizza we've ever had....and it wasn't just Fran saying that. Adrian agreed. They provided us with a bottle of honey and rosemary infused chilli oil to garnish the pizza - delicious. We'll be back there!!
That evening we took the Gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mtn and enjoyed a delicious meal at Sky Bistro. The open air observation deck was not as cold as we thought it would be but these Queenslanders had dressed appropriately. What an amazing vista...our photos just cannot do justice to the scenery. After dinner we went back to the observation deck and with blankets and heaters to keep us warm we listened to some live music by a singer/guitarist.
The next day we planned a trip to Lake Louise....the next blog entry.
This featured blog entry was written by Wilson53 from the blog Wilsons on the move.
Read comments or Subscribe
