The America's: Beautiful Banff

After purchasing our new ride (Ford F-150) we got organised to make the mission to see the much anticipated Banff. Making plans to live there for the winter, we were more than eager to explore Banff and the surrounds and find out whether we wanted to call the place home for a few short months. On our arrival (slightly delayed after I forgot to tell James to make the turnoff!) we were greeted by breathtaking mountain ranges which encapsulated the small and quaint town.


Our arrival into Banff

Once arrived we organised accommodation at the Banff HI Alpine Centre. Not too bad perhaps on the slightly expensive side for a hostel but after what I've been told about Banff that didn't actually surprise me too much! We set out to explore the shops and the sights and ended up in a beautiful rooftop pub the 'Elk and Oarsman' for dinner (recommended by one of the locals) which much to our pleasant surprise only set us back about $30 for dinner and drinks.

My view from the dinner table....what a lucky lady I am :)

The next morning we set out to explore Johnston Canyon, just a short drive from Banff. Over the years rushing water has carved a path through the limestone and potholes have been formed by the ever present waterfalls. It was such a beautiful walk, we managed to get out there quite early so we didn't have to contend with the overwhelming crowds of tourists (pretty much unavoidable around Banff, but if you can get up early then you will be rewarded!) The walk was incredible and as always there were our ever present friends the squirrels and chipmunks - love them! Here are some the pictures we captured during our walk.