We had high expectations off Banff - everyone seems to like the place and we were looking forward to somewhere outside the city. However it wasn't as good as we thought on first impressions but we think that is due to our hostel - if you're 18 and want to drink with loud music it would be awesome, but after a few days we are warming to it.

We only have three nights but as usual have packed loads in! First evening we just had an explore around the quaint town and heard more English accents than we have heard in the last 3 months but that’s not surprising as it is the base for three ski mountains and was built purposely as a resort. As we are heading to Lake Louise in a few days and Norquay apparently isn’t the best mountain we headed to Sunshine Village to ski which was amazing, the gondola to get up there took 15 minutes but lead to the largest ski resort either of us have ever seen, the open space and amount of trails was immense! A really good day and both our skiing is improving a lot! Last day we decided not to ski and take a break instead taking a scenic walk around Banff and across to the hot springs. An outside pool (normally fed but the natural springs but because it is winter the water has to be topped up) which the water temperature is a constant 39 degrees. It was a nice break to bathe with snow covered mountains behind.
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