Arriving in Banff to more bear warning signs than I've seen yet on this trip and knowing that we were looking to do at least three big hikes in the area I decided to bite the bullet and buy a can of bear spray. My justification was basically that in a worse case situation of having a bear attack I'd have at least one additional chance to get out of the conflict unschathed (my only other plan was to poke the bears eyes out didn't seem like to certain a deal). Anyway carrying my can made me feel better about the bear and a lot less of a potential bear victim.

Bear spray is a super strength version of pepper spray which according to the pressure-can can take out a bear from 10 meters away. Buying it over the counter was an experience in its self as the clerk first had to give me a lecture on its correct use, ironically best used at 2-5meters as at the 10 meter range advertised on the can it would be less concentrated and only aggravate the bear. He also gave the very valuable advice of not spraying it into the wind (I just hope if I get attacked that the bear comes from the downwind!). I suppose I could always spray myself thus take my mind off the bear attack.........Anyway I then had to produce ID and sign a number of disclaimers and have the serial number of my can recorded, I guess for if I try to rob a bank with my bear spray. Anyway armed and happier for that fact I set off to hike, hike, hike!

While staying at Banff we did three unforgettable hikes (and experienced some amazing nightlife). Any we had amazing weather with temperatures in the mid twenties and blue skies The three hikes were;

1. Out pass Moraine lake and up to Eiffel Lake (10km)

2. Around the Yoho Valley (in Yoho NP) including the Iceline and Mt Whaleback (30km)

3. From Lake Louise (shame about the hotel) up to the Valley of six glaciers (via both tea houses) around 16km.
   

Since photos didn't do these locations justice I posted videos of the highlights of hike 1 & 3 on facebook.