After a fairly lazy April filled with lots of TV watching (Spartacus!- an amazing show…) and a relaxing trip home, I decided enough was enough. True, things have been a bit up in the air lately and the down time was much needed. But a month is all I can do. It’s time to kick it into gear. I’m slowly going to get into the swing of things again and keep myself busy, active and social. To start, I decided to take a day trip out to Banff yesterday for some fresh air and inspiration from the mountains. It definitely did some good.
I decided on the Hoodoo Trail, which starts at the Surprise Corner parking lot on Buffalo Street. After admiring the view of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, I made my way to the trailhead. I’ve done many hikes, and though this trail was beautiful, I wouldn’t place it at the top of my list of must-do hikes. But walking along the river, past Tunnel Mountain, and through some meadows and forest was very nice.
I didn’t realize you could drive right to the hoodoos, so it was a bit shocking to end the hike beside a road and parking lot :o|. Nevertheless, the hoodoos themselves were impressive. The Hoodoo Trail took about 2.5 hours (4.2 km each way) at a pretty leisurely pace. It wasn’t too strenuous, having only 60 metres of elevation gain, but it made for a refreshing excursion.
Then it was off to see Lake Minnewanka. After 4 years in Calgary, I finally went to the lake :). Similar to many lakes in the Rockies, the scenery is gorgeous. I intended to make my way to Steward Canyon, but alas, I had to jet back to the city. There’s always next time!
Seems like a nice hike, I want to stand among the hoodoos with you! :)