Banff, Canada, Challenge Complete!

It was my last day in Banff National Park, and I started it with a hike on the Sulphur Mountain Trail. It was made up of continuous switchbacks on a narrow dirt trail. The day was early, and the sun had yet to warm up the air. The dappled rays of sunlight filtered through the coniferous trees, creating a play of light and shadow on the ground and the surrounding foliage.

I caught a glimpse of the gondola – cable car as others may refer to it – through the trees ferrying people up and down the mountainside. I imagine the views from within the cabin over the forested valley would be stunning. Although, one would need a measure of comfort with heights when sitting in a cabin so far up off the ground.

A lovely historical feature on this trail was the Cosmic Ray Station on the summit. It was one of nine locations built in Canada for the 1957-58 International Geophysical Year when 66 countries across 99 worldwide sites undertook the task of studying cosmic rays. This one on Sulphur Mountain was built in 1956 and was particularly important due to its higher elevation. After 20 years, operations ceased, and the main building was dismantled, leaving only the weather station. Interpretive boards mark the location of the building, and the area is designated a National Historic Site of Canada.

As I descended into town, I stopped by the equally iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1888 alongside the railway line, it marked the first luxury hotel to grace the untamed Canadian Rockies. Resembling a grand castle, the hotel seamlessly blends into its surroundings with dark brown bricks, cream accents, and a green roof. Overlooking the Bow River, it stands nestled between Tunnel Mountain and Mt. Rundle. A quirky fact about Tunnel Mountain: its name originated from a planned tunnel that was never constructed; instead, the railway wound around it. For 81 years, the hotel operated exclusively during the summer months due to the difficult winter conditions. This changed in 1969 when it began offering year-round accommodation, providing easy access to the Mt. Norquay and Sunshine Village ski resorts.

Continuing around the edges of town via other trails, I eventually circled back into Banff. This purpose-built mountain resort was carefully designed to ensure that structures and roads coexist with the natural landscape, avoiding any obstructions of important sightlines. One of these cherished perspectives includes the unique view of Cascade Mountain, as seen from Cascade Garden, located on the south side of the Bow River Bridge. Towering at 9,836 feet (2,998 meters), Cascade Mountain is remarkable, forming a fantastic backdrop for a picture-perfect moment. The town's architecture showcases rustic mountain lodges constructed from wood and stone, boasting steeply pitched roofs and earthy tones.

Having reached the end of my journey, I am heading back to Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel for a little luxury and a dip in its outdoor pool. See you later.