Banff part 3

The 3rd day of the tour was really a day to see Banff. I still pondered whether to try out the hot spring until Brad said it's the "tourist soup" in a swimming pool. Haha, am I part of the soup? Oh, I don't want to be a part of it and besides, why do they build the hot spring with some thoughts? Not just simply a swimming pool. Look at the hot springs in Japan and China. They've got smarter architecture, so I skipped being a soup but still looked for good soup.

The sightseeing day started with a gondola ride in Sulphur Mountain next to the hot spring. I rode the way up the Mountain with the Chinese family. They're like a Cordahi family, free of them, a daugher who is in early 20s and a couple. I never recalled myself travelling with my parents after I studied in the university so I was always surprised how kids are so close to their parents. Maybe we, the Chinese, are more subtle in our emotion and never showed we care for our parents.

After the ride, keep walking up to the higher point of the mountain that gives you a better view. Then I found the coach driver was walking up the mountain as well. I guess coach drivers receive better deal and treatment in countries in Canada. I never see the drivers joining the tour to sightsee in other Asian countries. But the sunny weather really encouraged everyone to enjoy the sun more.

I spent hours to stroll around the Banff town. It's much bigger than the one in Jasper and there are more food choices. I ended up in a Thai restaurant trying out Pad Thai. I then realised that the waiters were Chinese and the restaurants were not authentic at all.

I didn't have good impression on food in this Canada trip so far and decided not to invest more in such aspect. Pants at the right length are always a better investment in Canada.

We stopped at Two Jack Lakes and hiked at Johnston Canyon later. The weather was changing. By the time we arrived Johnston Canyon, we saw no sun and it's a bit cold. At the end of one hour's trail, you can find the waterfall. Get behind a cave where you can see the back of the fall. Such concept is similar to what you've seen in Niagara Fall but it's even closer and you can't leave without being wet. But the driver really encouraged everyone to get inside to look at the fall behind the cave.

Oh, I had been waiting for long to see Lake Louise. And the last stop was exactly there - Lake Louise and the Chateau Lake Louise. It's frozen but the most spectacular lake I've ever seen.

The driver Spence gave me a personal tour of Lake Louise and the Chateau. I realised why the tour used the Grayline bus 'coz it rent one. Spence was supposed a driver and a guide of Graylne tour in Victoria. Since it's chartered tour, it gave him a better chance to enjoy sightseeing in Banff just like we do.

We walked around the lake and I learnt that he's a sailor in sightseeing boat before this job. Wow... now I know who cooks and who operates the boat if the captain or the cook is seasick. Most of the bears in Canada are quite friendly but the gizzy bears might be the opposite. His stupid friend encountered one and that bear was taller than him and he's just lucky. I think I will think twice before going to those national parks.

The most interesting story was probably about people going beyond the mountain at the back of the Lake Louise. A tea house was built there and open in summer. Hikers felt proud to enjoy a cup of tea there and bought the unique shirt that the tea house was selling. Well, Spence claimed he went to that tea house and was one of the champions but I might be too timid to challenge him. All I could see is still snow in spring.

The Chateau Lake Louise was amazing. It's got a specutacular view of the frozen lake. Some of us were busy lining up for the tea house. Spence and I found a reading corner which is as good as the tea house. Just need to have some imagination to enjoy the breathtaking view. We then checked out the banquet room where the chef was preparing for the breakfast next day. The dining room was amazing and exquisitely decorated. Window seats will be perfect for a perfect dinner.

I was told that the steamship company bought all Chateau hotels in Canada and doubled their price. That probably includes this hotel, Chateau Fairmont in Banff and many more.

The hotel is huge and it allows visitors to walk all around quite a large area. It's good to have the driver showing me around and telling me stories. He might not be as good looking as the guide but he's definitely more entertainng and has more sense of humour. You know what, Lisa, the English gal once called Brad, "Yes dad". Maybe he's just trying too hard to worry about us. "Yes, I found my way to dinner... no worry... haha" - I really want to ask him to leave me alone sometimes.

So, that's Lake Louise.