Tag: roam-transit

  • Banff- The Great Outdoors

    Banff- The Great Outdoors

    As keen paddleboarders and kayakers, it only seemed right that we enjoy our favourite pastime while in the Canadian Rockies. The Bow River was easily accessible, just a short walk from the centre of Banff to the Banff Canoe Club.

    It was a sunny September day, reasonably warm but with a strong breeze. We hired a tandem canoe and quickly realised it was windier than we had expected. Our plan had been to paddle upstream along the Bow River, but it soon became clear we needed to rethink. Instead, we turned up Echo Creek, which offered far more shelter than the open river, and, as it turned out, so much more.

    As we paddled, we were surrounded by peaceful tranquillity, just us and nature. We kept a lookout for some of Canada’s resident wildlife. Near the point where the creek branches off toward Vermilion Lakes, we came across a beaver dam, which was an incredible sight, though not a beaver around. We continued as far as we could, navigating around fallen trees, before turning back. We captured some fabulous, iconic photos of this wonderful experience, and I can’t recommend enough to set aside an hour or two to enjoy this outdoor adventure.

    That afternoon we took the short Roam Transit Route 6 bus ride to Lake Minnewanka. The route also stops at Two Jack Lake and Johnson Lake, so it’s easy to explore all three. Lake Minnewanka, a glacier-fed lake, is the largest of the three and the biggest in Banff National Park. In summer, you can take the popular Lake Minnewanka Cruise, which lasts about an hour. We hadn’t booked it, though it’s easy to arrange through GetYourGuide, a brilliant online marketplace we use for travel planning. Instead, we were happy to stroll along the lakeshore and simply soak up the stunning scenery. 

    The Canadian Rockies truly are the gift that keeps on giving. I could never tire of the jaw droppingly beautiful landscapes, the fresh mountain air, and the wonderful Canadian hospitality. After a perfect afternoon, we returned to our hotel, The Buffalo Mountain Lodge, which we were thoroughly enjoying. That evening, after a delicious pizza at Farm & Fire restaurant, we called it a night after an energetic and unforgettable day.

    Tips

    • I highly recommend Banff Canoe Club to hire a canoe. Its certainly good value and if you intend to go several times, it would be worth joining to get the discount.
    • Lake Minnewanka should not be missed. It’s only a short bus ride from Banff.
    • Try the Lake Minnewanka cruise. I’m told it’s a lovely way to spend an hour or so.
    • Consider what to wear if out on the river- You might get wet!
    • Farm and Fire restaurant in Banff is excellent for pizza.

  • Banff: Mountain Views

    Banff- Mountain Views

    There’s something magical about waking up, pulling back the curtains, and finding yourself surrounded by the Rocky Mountains in every direction. Having already travelled through and around these peaks on our journey from Vancouver to Banff, we decided it was time to stand on top of one. In Banff, the easiest way to do that, is to take the cable car up Sulphur Mountain.

    We often use Get Your Guide (GYG) when planning trips — creating a wish list, refining our ideas, and booking the experiences we settle on. It’s a fantastic tool, in my opinion. Knowing how busy the Banff Gondola can get, we booked well in advance, aiming for a mid-morning ascent so we could enjoy lunch at the top before heading back down.

    After breakfast, we caught the Roam Transit bus (Route 1) to the base of Sulphur Mountain — about a 15-minute ride from our hotel. The station was already bustling with visitors, confirming we’d chosen a popular time slot. Boarding ran exactly on schedule, and soon we were gliding smoothly up the mountain. The ride takes around eight minutes, delivering ever-expanding views until you step out into a full 360-degree panorama over Banff, Mount Rundle, and the surrounding wilderness.

    I spotted a few hardy hikers making the climb on foot. I’m not sure exactly how long it takes- probably dependent on fitness and determination, but for me, I suspect it would be a multi-hour affair with plenty of ‘photo stops’.

    At the summit, wooden boardwalks lead you along to Sanson’s Peak, the highest point. It’s an easy walk with jaw-dropping views in every direction. On this September morning, the weather was bright but dotted with patches of cloud, allowing us to see mile upon mile of the Canadian Rockies. It was one of those moments we’d dreamed of, so we lingered, soaking it all in. The air was noticeably cooler, and we were glad to have brought our lightweight down jackets and woolly hats- a reminder that mountain weather calls for layers, even on clear days.

    The summit complex has plenty to explore — an interactive theatre, a gift shop, a coffee bar, and a choice of dining options. We’d pre-booked a table at Sky Bistro, and it was worth it. Sitting by the window at 2,200 metres elevation, with the Rockies sprawling out before us, made for a truly memorable lunch.

    Eventually, we had to head down, as it was time to change hotels. We said a fond farewell to Hotel Canoe & Suites and moved to Buffalo Mountain Lodge on Tunnel Mountain Road. Nestled among the trees, it offered a peaceful retreat just a short Roam Transit ride (Route 2, about six minutes) from downtown Banff. Our timber lodge-style room, complete with a balcony overlooking the forest, was quiet and well-equipped — so quiet, in fact, we never heard another guest during our stay. The lodge restaurant served hearty breakfasts with generous portions, and as always in Canada, the welcome was warm and genuine.

    That evening, we returned to town for dinner at Melissa’s MisSteak on Banff Avenue, a spot recommended to us on social media. It lived up to the praise, and after a satisfying meal, we turned in early — the next day promised another highlight of our trip: the iconic Icefields Parkway drive to Jasper.

    Tips:

    • Purchase a Roam Transit local bus pass- Its well worth it.
    • Pre-book the Gondola, as it’s popular and gets busy.
    • Lunch at the Sky Bistro is a must, and try and reserve a window table.
    • Ensure you have sufficient clothing. The temperature is a few degrees cooler on the summit and can change quickly.
    • Get Your Guide in my opinion is an excellent app for planning and booking experiences.