Banff, Canada

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

In this episode, the FAQ is: If I am a Step 2 traveler, how do I reach Step 3?

Today’s Destination is: Banff, Canada

Today’s Mistake- I rented a hotel room in Alaska without A/C

Travel Advice: Stoke your wanderlust

FAQ: If I am a Step 2 traveler, how do I reach Step 3?

Step 2 is for traveling in your same country and in a comfort zone that is familiar. Getting over that level takes some adventure. Ask yourself if you’re ready to see more diverse experiences now. Are you ready to make a move to a distant land, such as Hawaii, Alaska, or the Bahamas?

Get a travel guidebook and start researching the area for clues on how to get there, what to do and how to prepare. Then talk to people you know who have been there. Ask them questions about what they liked. Be curious. Eventually, you will have the courage and the savings to make the trip and enjoy the higher step to a more difficult and rewarding adventure.

Today’s destination: Banff, Canada

Banff was on my bucket list for a long time. It may be on yours, too.

You can get here by train, plane or automobile.

You’ll see the pure beauty of Canada’s outdoors, even if it’s rainy for part of the day. It’s scenic and green because it rains a lot here. The drive from Calgary to Banff is beautiful and it’s about 90 miles.

https://www.banfflakelouise.com/

https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/attractions/banff-gondola/

https://destinationlesstravel.com/calgary-to-banff/

Dr. Travelbest: I drove to Banff, Canada from Waterton, Canada after eating at the Prince of Wales Restaurant near the US/Canada border.

I had been in Glacier National Park and on the Canadian side to explore further into Canada. I liked the feel of the town of Banff immediately. It’s a European-like city. I took a strenuous hike to the top of the Sulfur Mountain Trail. 5.5 km, 655 m elevation gain (2.5-3 hours), and saw stunning views of the Bow (rhymes with throw) Valley. Follow a short trail up to the historic Cosmic Ray Station. There is also a 4-person gondola which in 8 minutes soars to the top of Sulphur Mountain for a bird's-eye view of six incredible mountain ranges.

Whether you walk or take the gondola, stroll along the ridgetop boardwalk where the views get better with every step. Outside is a 360-degree rooftop observation deck and inside a multi-sensory theatre with interactive exhibits, plus restaurants.

That Jacuzzi at the bottom of the mountain felt great after my hike. Banff is known for its hot springs. Take one or more.

Banff Springs Hotel (Fairmont) had a convention center and the best tea/coffee ever. Then I drove to Lake Louise Chateau (Fairmount) and had one of the best buffet breakfasts ever. Five-star quality and a high price to match, but I ate for the day here.

The weather was pouring rain, then sunny skies all within an hour, and the beauty was seen in the reflective turquoise water. Nearby is the grand Ice Fields Highway. 3-5 hours to a full-day drive, depending on how often you stop. There are tours you can hire, in the event you don’t have a car. You’ll see Bow (throw) Falls and Morraine Lake. I kept driving up to Jasper, so that may be on your list as well.

Do see the Ice Fields Highway.

Don’t get close to a moose.

Lesson learned- I rented a hotel room in Alaska without A/C

Most days in Alaska are cold. I’ve visited twice, and both times were in July. If you are going to Alaska in the summer, check to see if they have air conditioning.

I timed it to the hot days and there was no A/C to cool off. You may find a fan as I eventually did. You should expect extreme temperatures when in Alaska. Learn that lesson here.

Today’s Travel Advice-Stoke your wanderlust

If you are thinking of a trip you want to take, start a list of things you know about that country. Do you know anyone who’s been there? Do you know anyone else who may know about the region? Visit your local library, bookstore, and online search engine to find out more and satisfy your curiosity. Keep that list growing. It will soon become your bucket list for travel.

I want to bring meaning to your travels. Send a question or travel tip to [e-mail]. We can connect on my website, Facebook page, group, or Instagram. Subscribe to YouTube, Twitter, or other social channels. Find 5 Steps to Solo Travel series on Amazon. The show notes have more details for you to connect.

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