Canadian Rockies - Day 10 (Victoria; Butchart Gardens)

Time to embark on the solo leg of my trip and it started off with an early morning flight from Calgary to Victoria. Air travel within the US and Canada often gives us the opportunity to fly by smaller aircrafts. My Calgary - Victoria flight was on a Bombardier aircraft; a single aisle with 2x2 seating aircraft. We flew over many ice fields before we landed at Victoria. a good 45-minute to an hour ride to downtown Victoria landed me at my hotel. But since I was about four hours early, I left my baggage, freshened up and left for the Butchart gardens. That's the first thing we tourists do when we are in Victoria.

The ice fields we see from air between Calgary and Victoria

Victoria, at first impression, looks for most parts a large bunch of villages that have come together to form the city. The so-called glitz of a typical Canadian / American city is reserved for its downtown area. Rest of Victoria is very green and it looks like a hilly region, though not mountainous. There are cute cottages and homes spread across the length and breadth of Victoria, especially as I see them as drive down in my double decker bus to the Butchart gardens.

Great Eggfly butterfly

White Tree Nymph

There was a small stop to be made, en route. But the Butterfly gardens turned out to be more than just a small pitstop; it's a beautiful place to learn about- and see so many- butterflies. It's a large greenhouse that they've made it into a forest with dozens of butterfly species such as Lacewing Butterfly, Blue Morpho, Green Moss Peacock, Giant Owl Butterfly and the Giant Atlas Moth, which is so large it is seen to be believed. We saw birds like Blue & Gold Macaw (a type of a parrot, but very colourful as the name suggests) flamingo in its specially created stream, in addition to the Green Iguana, Red Footed Tortoise and Poison Dart Frogs. Several different types of insects such as Leaf Cutter ants, Malaysian Dead Leaf Mantis and spiders like the Burgundy Goliath Bird Eater were also there.

Monarch butterfly

The Butterfly garden is just 2 kms short of the Butchart gardens. Typically, take a joint ticket that enables you to get off at the Butterfly garden enroute to the Butchart gardens. Then, once you're done with the Butterfly garden, you can get out and take the same bus company's hop-on-hop-off bus to proceed towards the Butchart Gardens. Bear in mind that you must get off first at the Butterfly gardens first and then do Butchart Gardens. Do not do it the other way around because on return, the bus doesn't stop to pick up people from the Butterfly gardens.

Butchart gardens area where the original limestone quarry once stood

The Butchart gardens are beautiful. The gardens were once upon a time, a quarry that belonged to Robert Him Butchart who came here for this region's rich lime deposits , to feed the cement industry. Once the lime deposits got exhausted, Robert's wife, Jennie started to grow gardens in different corners around the home (which I believe now is the central gift shop, gallery and coffee shop) and its grounds. Eventually,

Butchart gardens

Amongst the many mini-gardens here, there's a Rose garden, Japanese garden and an Italian garden. The coffee shop is good and I had a sandwich and a delicious chocolate ice-cream. By 3 pm I am dine and I glad to catch the bus back to Victoria and relax in my lovely hotel room, overlooking the clock tower.

Butchart gardens

Butchart gardens 

Butchart gardens

Butchart gardens

--------------------------- xxx ---------------------------

Canadian Rockies: Days 11-13 (Vancouver)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-11-13-vancouver.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 11 (Victoria whale watching)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-11-victoria-whale.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 10 (Victoria)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-10-victoria.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 9 (Jasper)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-9-jasper-and.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 8 (Jasper)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-8-jasper-national.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 7 (Lake Loiuse) 

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-7-lake-louise-and.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 6 (Banff national park)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-6-banff-gondola.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 5 (Banff)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-5.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 4 (Glacier National Park)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-4.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 3 (Waterton)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-3.html

Canadian Rockies: Days 1 and 2 (Calgary)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-days-1-and-2.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 7 (Lake Louise and Jasper)

Time to leave Banff and within minutes of leaving the hotel, we were zipping on the highway, past the Vermillion lakes and beautiful memories of the previous evening's biking session I had, on the way to Lake Loiuse. Our first stop was at Moraine lake. Although its to choose a favourite lake in Canadian Rockies among more than three dozen lakes in the region, Moraine lake was my favourite. The road leading up to was wet- it had just rained early morning before we reached- and it was cold and gloomy. And the turn just before we reach the lake, we were told, was open only to few vehicles at a time and I think we were lucky to reach there just in time because just before we took the final curve, I could see the authorities preparing to shut the road. Once we alighted the bus, we had to do a mini hike to get up to a vantage point to get a good view of the lake. And it was memorising.

Moraine lake

Clear water with an unmistakable greenish hue, Moraine lake was a beauty. In my opinion, only Pangong Lake in Ladakh region in India, would more than match Moraine's beauty. We met a photographer who said he was there for five hours that day just to get the sun- which was behind us at that time- to get to the right position so he could get a clear picture of the lake. I could relate to that passion, as I'd spent hours in Ladakh, at different places, to get that picture perfect sunset.

Lake Loiuse

Next stop was Lake Louise. Another beautiful lake with a vast pathway along its shores. There was a newly wed couple there getting their pictures taken. I think they may have just got married there before we reached because I heard the Scottish piper play his pipes. My friend noticed that he had an American flag on the pipes. It's quite usual to see newly weds going to iconic places to get their pictures taken, dressed in their wedding attire. I am told the trend is slowly coming to India; newly weds have been spotted by people getting their pictures on the steps of the Asiatic library in Fort, Mumbai.

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel on the banks of Lake Loiuse

The Fairmont Lake Louise hotel is very imposing in the background and I was tempted to go inside and check it out. We were told to marvel at its gardens but frankly, I didn't find them too impressive, given the kind and quantum of resources we were told the hotel has, just for its garden. The hotel was majestic, obviously. The river cafe- a lovely cafe with gigantic windows that give you a view of Lake Louise right in front- was shut, presumably for the couple that got married at Lake Louise. The centre  chandelier in the lobby was very impressive with figurines holding forth.

The lobby of The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel

Lunch was at this grocery shops' corner where I had my first ice-cream sandwich of the trip. And by the taste of it, it certainly wasn't going to be my last. We chose a bench behind the stores, next to a stream and a railway track. The honk of an engine coming up from behind the tall trees was most thrilling as it pulled up a freight train. The only missing, I thought, was a comfy cottage that I dreamt I could build there and live forever, watching trains go by. By the way, we saw some really long freight trains that just didn't seem to have any last coach!

From here, the ride to Jasper town was very scenic. We reached the Sawridge Inn hotel and it was a very classy hotel. Dinner was at the hotel that night.

The Sawridge Inn at Jasper where we had stayed (below)

--------------------------- xxx ---------------------------

Canadian Rockies: Days 11-13 (Vancouver)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-11-13-vancouver.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 11 (Victoria whale watching)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-11-victoria-whale.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 10 (Victoria)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-10-victoria.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 9 (Jasper)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-9-jasper-and.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 8 (Jasper)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-8-jasper-national.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 7 (Lake Loiuse) 

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-7-lake-louise-and.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 6 (Banff national park)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-6-banff-gondola.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 5 (Banff)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-5.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 4 (Glacier National Park)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-4.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 3 (Waterton)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-3.html

Canadian Rockies: Days 1 and 2 (Calgary)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-days-1-and-2.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 6 (Banff, gondola ride)

Canadian rockies reminds you a lot of Switzerland and no town reminds you more of the Swiss alps than Banff. Coupled with a gondola (or ropeway, in Indian terminology) that takes you on top of a mountain from where you get panoramic vistas of snow-capped mountains, forest cover at the bottom and a town (Banff) far away, it reminded me of Lucerne.

View of Banff town from Sulphur mountain

is a beautiful town if you are to explore. A typical summer resort in an otherwise cold region, Banff is a very residential town once you go past the Banff avenue; the town's main road filled with souvenir shops and restaurants. Once you cross the bride over Bow river and turn left in front of the Cascade gardens and drive up the hill, you go past by cosy homes and sub divisions. People are seen tiding up their garages, watering their plants, getting their cars ready to go on hiking trips, neighbours chatting and catching up. We drove past the majestic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. It looks like an English castle from a distance. This hotel was started by the Canadian Pacific railway ages ago to bring tourists to the Rockies. Eventually, Fairmont group of hotels, a Canadian luxury hotel chain, took over. Barely 15 minutes later, we were inside the gondola, going up to the Sulphur mountain. Once up, we walked to the old observatory and the cosmic ray station, which was a good 15-minutes climb up many flights of stairs.

Last winter, a bear came near this public telephone booth, searching for food. It ripped apart the telephone and took it away and left its powerful paws' impression

There's always a rush to move on when you are in a group tour as they normally pack in so many things. So after a quick cup of chocolate milk and a hurried stroll through the gift shop, we were down and out of the gondola and back in Banff town for lunch. Then, the float ride over the Bow river followed. It was quite slow, at a glacial pace, but allowed to soak in the beauty of the countryside. The river is popularly used for kayaking and on many days during summer, we see groups of men and women kayaking along the river. We saw three Elks in the river curiously looking at us till we were out of sight. I think we interrupted their drinking. On one edge of the river, there were hoodoos; rock formations that look like interesting patterns. I think it took us more than an hour to reach the destination. we bid adios to the boatmen and went back to Banff town.

The Elks in Bow river 

The hoodoos on the Bow river (below)

For dinner, my friend and I decided to try Chinese since I was in the mood for Chinese food. The table was at the balcony right above Banff avenue, so that was good. But the food was quite ordinary. Give me Indian Chinese food any day.

--------------------------- xxx ---------------------------

Canadian Rockies: Days 11-13 (Vancouver)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-11-13-vancouver.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 11 (Victoria whale watching)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-11-victoria-whale.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 10 (Victoria)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-10-victoria.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 9 (Jasper)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-9-jasper-and.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 8 (Jasper)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-8-jasper-national.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 7 (Lake Loiuse) 

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-7-lake-louise-and.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 6 (Banff national park)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-6-banff-gondola.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 5 (Banff)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-5.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 4 (Glacier National Park)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-4.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 3 (Waterton)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-3.html

Canadian Rockies: Days 1 and 2 (Calgary)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-days-1-and-2.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 5 (Banff)

Canadian Rockies is known for its lakes, amongst other nature beauties. But the most eye-catching of all lakes are the glacial lakes where water comes from the glaciers. These lakes reflect either dark greenish or blueish hues. Our first lake stop today, after we had lunch at a pitstop, was the Two Jack lake.

Two Jack lake

Since we reached there around 3ish in the afternoon, we didn't see the bright colours that this lake is supposed to reflect. But it was still beautiful. Then, we went past Lake Minnewanka, which I thought was prettier than the Two Jack lake, but that's debatable. On a side note, towards the end of our trip, Robyn our tour guide, took a poll on people's favourite lakes. And the verdict was quite split up. 

a food truck (more like a bus than a truck) in Canmore

Lunch stop was at Canmore; another beautiful town in the area. Canmore is just a few miles before Banff. Just the sort of weather where you'd like to outside in one of the many Al Fresco restaurants with some lunch or snacks or even a cup of tea. We reached Banff; our destination for the day and where we'll spend two nights. Banff is a pretty town, quite touristy at first. The main street of Banff (Banff avenue; our hotel was right on it) reminded me of the Fisherman's Wharf; filled largely with souvenir shops and restaurants and lots of people, shopping and eating. But it is a much, much sober version of the Fisherman's Wharf. After checking in, freshening up and nice hot cup of tea in the room, my friend and I head out to explore Banff. There are several walking trails and we chose to walk on the one that took us at the edge of Banff avenue, over the bridge across the Bow river to Cascade gardens, then through the forest trails meandering in a forest cover, bordering the river, right up to the Bow falls. The spot of Bow Falls was like a mini beach that served as a good picnic spot for many. 

Banff avenue, as seen from Cascade gardens

For dinner, we chose a nice Greek restaurant on Banff avenue. The place seemed to be popular because there was a waiting list and we had to wait for about 15 mins for our table. It was Greek night; the patron told us. We bet they would be saying this to all their guests, everyday. But it was quite fun. There was a belly dancer who danced away to glory, entertaining all of us with her moves and music, and nudged all of us to join the frivolity. The host, then, came in and asked if any of us are celebrating anything that night. Somebody was celebrating his birthday with his family and the birthday boy got to dance with the bellydancer. Soon, he asked for volunteers to learn the greek dance and many volunteers came forth and they all danced all around the restaurants. We were taught greek dance in seven easy steps. The grand finale: well, ofcourse, to break plates. In perfect greek tradition. This got all the kids in the restaurant excited; all of them came on the floor and got to break plates to glory. Fun night it was. And the food was good. My first-ever Greek cuisine.

A unique pedestrian crossing where all traffic lights in all directions- stop at the same time. And people can cross straight and diagonal directions

Cascade gardens

--------------------------- xxx ---------------------------

Canadian Rockies: Days 11-13 (Vancouver)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-11-13-vancouver.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 11 (Victoria whale watching)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-11-victoria-whale.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 10 (Victoria)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-10-victoria.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 9 (Jasper)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-9-jasper-and.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 8 (Jasper)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-8-jasper-national.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 7 (Lake Loiuse) 

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-7-lake-louise-and.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 6 (Banff national park)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-6-banff-gondola.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 5 (Banff)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-5.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 4 (Glacier National Park)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-4.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 3 (Waterton)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-3.html

Canadian Rockies: Days 1 and 2 (Calgary)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-days-1-and-2.html

Canadian Rockies Day 4 (Glacier National Park)

The Waterton Lakes Lodge resort looks like a lodge. Small cottages with a few rooms each and spread over a large acre of land, the rooms give a woody and mountainous feeling rather than the glossy feeling that city hotels give us. The morning was very crisp and light layering was required. The sunrise cast its golden colours on the mountains behind the resort very different from the pinkish hue of sunsets. Stray deers- whole families- can be seen all over Waterton and I saw a whole pack pass through, just outside our cottage corridor. People had got up early either to watch the sunrise or to simply take cup of coffee and go out on a morning leisurely stroll.

Columbian ground squirrel at Logan pass in Glacier National Park

After a decent breakfast, we head off to the Glacier National Park. The Glacier National Park in northwestern Montana, where the American and Canadian Rockies meet. In 1932, the U.S. and Canada joined these two national parks as a symbol of their longtime peace and friendship. In recognition of this historic agreement, the parks were officially designated as the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

We had to cross over the US border. Here's where Gate1 Travels, my tour group, erred, but luckily it didn't hurt us. Since we cross over to the US territory, we need valid US visas. Fortunately, all us Indians who were on board the bus, had one. But it could have boomeranged us, if we hadst;t had US visas. We would have had to sit in completely wilderness, as the border check-post was right in the middle of a forest area. The immigration told us to get off, took our fingerprints, checked our passports, travel history and issued a temporary entrance. He was intrigued that my friend had visited Iran. When she explained to him about Zoroastrianism, he said he knew Zoroastrians. That intrigued us more than anything. It's always a pleasant and most welcome surprise when the otherwise stiff Visa officials are well-read and aware of the world and understand and appreciate free movement of people for valid reasons. 

The lake on which the Many Glacier Hotel stands

Our first stop was at the majestic, Many Glacier Hotel on crystal-clear Swiftcurrent Lake. It's in the middle of nowhere, so any dreams of coming here sometime in future get dashed unless you are ready to drive in foreign land. After a hurried, but very awesome hot chocolate (it was the right amount of cold here), we watched the solar eclipse. The total solar eclipse was seen in many places in the USA that day; where we saw it was 90%. Not quite the same as 100%, but very exciting nevertheless. Next time, i think i will be better prepared. The two Indian couple from New Jersey, USA had got special Eclipse glasses and we all took full benefit of them.

We then proceeded to a place were we boarded an open-top red bus (bus no. 84) to go to the Logan pass, which is at a height. We passed by yet another lake whose name I don't remember, but since there was some smog due to the forest fires in the region, I wasn't much enchanted. A small island, called the Wild Goose Island, though in the lake looked pretty. We also saw a herd of Big Horn sheep rushing down the hill and then crossing the road. Some confidently crossed, others hesitated. They were the cynosure of everyone's eyes and complete traffic stoppers too. We had a lovely group dinner at the hotel.

Logan Pass

--------------------------- xxx ---------------------------

Canadian Rockies: Days 11-13 (Vancouver)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-11-13-vancouver.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 11 (Victoria whale watching)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-11-victoria-whale.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 10 (Victoria)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-10-victoria.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 9 (Jasper)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-9-jasper-and.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 8 (Jasper)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-8-jasper-national.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 7 (Lake Loiuse) 

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-7-lake-louise-and.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 6 (Banff national park)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-6-banff-gondola.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 5 (Banff)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-5.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 4 (Glacier National Park)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-4.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 3 (Waterton)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-3.html

Canadian Rockies: Days 1 and 2 (Calgary)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-days-1-and-2.html

Canadian Rockies - Day 3 (Waterton)

Time to leave Calgary. After a hearty breakfast, we set off in our bus. Our first stop was at Claresholm. It's an old village which has now progressed, but the local authorities have made a museum of the old way of village living. We saw old vehicles like a Ford Model T (a rare green coloured one, as opposed to the black models that Ford eventually had always sold), old sewing machines, a hospital room with all the apparatus just the way it used to be in olden times and so on. The local ladies at the museum were kind enough to make tea and coffee for us and served us cakes. This museum was an old railway station. That rail line is shut now and trains no longer come here.

Then, we proceeded to Watertown, our first overnight stop, where we stayed for two nights. Before we headed to the town, we had a brief stop at the Luxurious Prince of Wales hotel, which is perched atop a mountain and offers panoramic vistas of the town and the Waterton lake. The lake wasn't impressive when we reached there because the sun was right on top of us, but later when the sun goes down or in early mornings, it's a very beautiful sight. The fires in the forests also sent a lot of smog our way that day which sort of hampered the lake's beauty.

Prince of Wales hotel

Waterton is quite secluded and it faces bitter winter every year. The town is open only for around five months a year, during summer / tourist season. For the rest of the year, citizens shut their shops, establishments, homes and hibernate elsewhere. Only about 30-40 residents remains here during winters. But Waterton is so pretty, I fell in love with. It's a small town on the lakeside, there's only one road that runs through it, pretty restaurants with al-fresco outdoor dining, and roadside littered with beautiful and very homely cottages. Just the kind of town I'd like to live in and go to after a hard days work!

We took a boat ride on Waterton lake where we crossed over the US side of the park but after alighting there, didn't much venture beyond as one needs a US visa for trekking there. But we saw a bear; our first wildlife sighting. Yay!

In the night, after dinner, we took a walk up the hills of Waterton, up to Prince of Wales hotel, to enjoy sunset vistas of Lake Waterton.

--------------------------- xxx ---------------------------

Canadian Rockies: Days 11-13 (Vancouver)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-11-13-vancouver.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 11 (Victoria whale watching)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-11-victoria-whale.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 10 (Victoria)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-10-victoria.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 9 (Jasper)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-9-jasper-and.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 8 (Jasper)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-8-jasper-national.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 7 (Lake Loiuse) 

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-7-lake-louise-and.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 6 (Banff national park)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-6-banff-gondola.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 5 (Banff)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-5.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 4 (Glacier National Park)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-4.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 3 (Waterton)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-3.html

Canadian Rockies: Days 1 and 2 (Calgary)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-days-1-and-2.html

Canadian Rockies - Days 1 and 2 (Calgary)

The start of a memorable trip can begin with a tiring journey. Often, to reach the most divine places, you have to, as the phrase goes, "climb a mountain". And enduring a 25-hour journey (that includes a halt of five hours, approximately) sure feels like one.

I flew Lufthansa Mumbai - Frankfurt - Mumbai and Air Canada on Frankfurt - Canada - Frankfurt. Air Canada was decent. I did not like Lufthansa. My ticket was a code share ticket, so Lufthansa appears to treat its code-share flights like second class citizens. It does not allow us to select seats or do a web check-in. I faced the danger of being assigned a middle seat. I threw a fit at the Mumbai airport and then they offered me an upgrade (paid, not free) to premier economy. I took it and the seat was comfortable but I almost froze to death. It was the coldest cabin I have ever travelled in. My first- but very anticipated- experience with Lufthansa was unimpressive. 

Centre Street Bridge, Calgary

Anyways, Calgary was warm and welcoming. The airport is minimalistic, but clean. Immigration queues are short as the airport is small and the staff is friendly. I got into an interesting discussion with my immigration officer about India and Pakistan celebrating 71 years of independence. Calgary, as a town, looks very vast area wise but spread out and sparely populated. 

Buffalo cafe, founded in 1886, at Eau Claire market, Calgary downtown

Buffalo Cafe

My hotel was in downtown, so getting around on my own for the first two days was easy. The riverfront offers nice vistas and an awesome place to walk and bike. After a scrumptious and early morning breakfast at the Buffalo Cafe (this one's got to be one of Calgary's best breakfast places) in the Eau Claire market area , I did biking. It is always a pleasure to cycle in foreign countries, where road manners are there, people have the courtesy to halt at traffic signals and allow others to go first. 

Rented a bike, drove along the riverside up to Bow Valley collage, crossed over to the other side of Bow river, then drove back to the direction of Eau Claire market, on the Memorial Drive, past Prince's Island Park, Peace Bridge, up to 14th Street Bridge, crossed over it and back to Eau Claire Market. A short stroll inside Prince Island's park followed. There was an Italian festival, so part of the park was shut. 

Later in the evening, we had a get-together with our tour group (Gate1 travels) and then went out again with a stroll with my friend, went up to the Calgary tower to enjoy sunset vistas of the town from up above.

That's my bike

Canadian Rockies: Days 11-13 (Vancouver)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-11-13-vancouver.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 11 (Victoria whale watching)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-11-victoria-whale.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 10 (Victoria)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-10-victoria.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 9 (Jasper)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-9-jasper-and.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 8 (Jasper)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-8-jasper-national.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 7 (Lake Loiuse)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-7-lake-louise-and.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 6 (Banff national park)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-6-banff-gondola.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 5 (Banff)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-5.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 4 (Glacier National Park)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-4.html

Canadian Rockies: Day 3 (Waterton)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-day-3.html

Canadian Rockies: Days 1 and 2 (Calgary)

http://kayezad.blogspot.in/2017/09/canadian-rockies-days-1-and-2.html