- Short morning hike on the unforgettable Moraine Lake
- Drive to Banff on the Bow Valley Parkway including sighting of two more black bears
- With the Banff Gondola on the Sulfur Mountain
Today is our last day together in the wilderness. We stock up on provisions and drive to Moraine Lake. The mountain lake not far from Lake Louise is another, if not the jewel of the Rockies mountain lakes. Simply fantastic how the mountain range is reflected in the crystal clear and turquoise waters of the lake. Unfortunately, we cannot do the planned hike, as you are only allowed to go in groups of at least 4 people in this area. This is because the path leads through areas with great grizzly activity. So we hike a little disappointed along the lake and enjoy the morning quiet and the great atmosphere at the lake. Finally, we climb the small viewpoint at the end of the lake. It is teeming with Asian tourists early in the morning. A real spectacle how everyone, even the smallest tots, pose for a souvenir photo.
Then we drive towards Banff, but this time not on the Trans-Canada Highway, but on the old and quieter Bow Valley Road. We get to see two black bears again. After securing the last spot on the Two Jack Lakeside Campground, we take a tour of the touristy downtown Banff. We eat a delicious salad at an Irish pub. Then we drive to the Banff Gondola. Finally, we treat ourselves to the not exactly cheap ride for the 35$. The Swiss gondola takes us almost 700m above Banff to the local Sulfur Mountain. From up here we have a wonderful view over Banff and the surrounding national park. We march along the Panorama Höhenweg. However, you can't do too much up here. Soon afterwards we have to stand in line again to start our return journey. We briefly visit the glamorous Hotel Fairmont Banff Springs.
Then we drive back to the campground near Lake Minnawanka. We shower and set up our night camp. At the end of our outdoor cooking skills, there are delicious homemade hamburgers again.
