We grabbed some breakfast in the hostel/lodge - it was huge!!

We then headed into town to hire some bikes for the day! Was very cheap - only about 15pounds each for the day! Our aim was to reach Lake Minnewanka. On the map it looked like a fairly simple route - 8km! Was wierd at first getting used to riding on the right hand side of the road - had to remind ourselves each time we had stopped! The road was a main one so it was an okish ride - apart from the hills! And the views?! Were out of this world!!! The amount of times that I nearly fell off because I was too busy nosing at the views were endless!

It was about a 1hour ride from Banff to the Lake. When we arrived we couldn't believe our eyes! The views of the lake and with the mountains surrounding it were incredible! So much more than we imagined - The pictures describe it better - but again don't do it justice!

We spent some time mooching around the lake and paddling in the water! When sitting at the edge of the water it was silent apart from the sound of the water lapping up against the rocks - was so natural and peaceful! The water was very clear and inviting - yet so cold when you dipped your tootsies in!

We were following a trail loop on the bikes which was a 24km ride in total! We had barely beft the lake when we had to stop to allow a herd of goats to casually cross the road! They had the cheek to look at us as if we were the odd ones!!

The trail led us along the rivers and the lakes so we were stopping every few minutes to take pics! We reached another lake called Two Jacks Lake and further along, Johnson Lake. We headed back to Banff taking a shortcut on the highway! Scary stuff but you get your own cycle lane! Considering it was so hot (28'c) the ride wasn't too bad and defo worth it for the views!

We're decided to stay an extra night in Banff town as there is so much we want to do! Staying until sat am when we head to Lake Louise! Our hostel/lodge gets better - we even get clean towels each day - ooooo er!!! Also managed to get a proper wash done - the machines were mahusive so everything went in!! :)

The whole time we were out Mark was concerned about seeing a bear! Especially when we were on our own on the mountain roads and after reading that cyclists are more likely to encounter them because of their speed and silence! They have bear proof bins everywhere - even in the town!! We have yet to see one though...

Whilst in town we bumped into the 2 Austrian guys from Calgary! How odd! They are staying at the same hostel as us as well!