Our day on the road to Jasper was a grand day (as they all are)! But today was grander than most. We left Banff and stopped at the world renowned Lake Louise which definitely lives up to its reputation. It was stunning as were the other lakes and scenery along the Icefields Highway. Crystal clear turquoise blue lakes, soaring mountain ranges, beautiful wildflowers and just general gobsmackingly gorgeous scenery all the way. Today's highlight (and there were man...

Banff is stunning! The Cascade Mountain dominates the townscape but there are mountains surrounding the town making for a beautiful setting. Apparently it thrives all year round, with ski and snow sports in Winter, conventions and conferences in Spring and Autumn, and many tourists in Summer. There are fabulous walking trails, a very interesting ranch experience, a gondola ride to the top of the mountain providing gorgeous photo opportunities and the world famous...

Calgary is the launch point for the second formal part of our APT tour. Following an almost 5 hr flight from Montreal (Canada's a big country too), we joined our fellow (much larger group of) travellers who are mostly Brits........ did some very quick sight seeing and set off the next morning in the coach for Banff only 120kms or so away. Calgary, population about 1.2 million and home to the world famous (apparently, although Kim has actually heard of it) Calgary...