Day Thirteen. Banff to Dry Gulch Provincial Park

We left the Rockies behind us and the most talkative Swedish roomies the world has seen – we exchanged a ‘hello’ at midnight, all went to sleep, woke up again the next day and left them snoring… there you go – the ‘hostel’ experience at its finest.

Before we left Banff we went on a wee visit to the Fairmount Banff Springs hotel – this one was far nicer than the Lake Louise version and was gorgeous inside. We were convinced they’d throw us out any moment, but the steward on the door (hi Tony!) was fantastic and even laughed at Jethro’s quip about there being no Tim Hortons. Tony was trying to convince us that we could afford to stay the night there. The most expensive package they do is $1227 PER NIGHT. (yes, you read that right. Per night.) But they have a far more affordable option in December (including a ski pass and breakfast) which costs $479 per night. That's per room, so it would be feasible to stay there - for one night only - if we came back in the winter at some stage.


The Fairmount Banff Springs hotel






A typical view from one of the rooms

We left Banff and made our way to Golden, stopping at Spiral Tunnel on the way – interesting if you’re a train nerd. A good leg stretch if not. On the way we drove through Yoho national park, which is like the poor relation to the other parks but just as pretty.


Leaving the Rockies behind.


Bridge building, Canadian style!

Golden was a real surprise for me - it was a great little town that would be beautiful if not for the fifteen train tracks that run right through the middle! We had a quick lunch in the local bakery (hanging with the local pensioners!) before heading up to take a look at Kicking Horse resort. There were LOTS of expensive-looking houses up at the ski hill and even more being built while we had a nose around.


Jethro spent a day at Kicking Horse in the winter, so he was interested to see the changes over the summer

Driving away from Golden along Highway 95 meant that we passed through Columbia valley – a gorgeous area with a river that runs all along the route meaning that the surroundings are always lush and green. It was such a contrast to the brown-ish prairie grass of the previous week.


Wonderful scenery in Columbia Valley


The creek that runs the length of the valley

We stayed at Dry Gulch provincial park,a teeny little campground with dry toilets and fire pits, so we could use the rest of our wood that Jethro spent ages chopping (so he was happy) and it was another freebie night as there were no wardens in sight! Result.


Last night of camping!