Calgary/Banff
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TwigtheWonderkid

Original Poster:

47,029 posts

168 months

Tuesday 14th October
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I unexpectedly find myself with 2 days to fill in Calgary this weekend. Going to go to the ice hockey Saturday night. Any other recommendations? No car, public transport only.

Thinking about a day trip to Banff on Sunday, having spent the day in Calgary on Saturday. I've seen a few tours that leave early and return end of the day.

I'll also have Friday late afternoon and evening and Monday morning.

Thoughts and prior knowledge, anyone? Or is it a case of just getting AI to sort me out an itinerary.

Edited by TwigtheWonderkid on Tuesday 14th October 10:37

Freakuk

4,160 posts

169 months

Tuesday 14th October
quotequote all
I've been to Banff several times snowboarding so I can only comment on what the town is like at that time of year.

It's a nice place to stay if you are snowboarding etc, you can see the mountains in the distance etc. The town itself is just a long street with a few side streets, it's mainly gift shops, cafe's, restaurants and outdoors sports shops that I guess will be transitioning from summer to winter sports right now.

I'd say it's only a few hours max to walk around in all honesty, but if that is your thing then why not. Lake Louise isn't far from Banff so that may be an option also but no idea on public transport etc.

HTH

Gnits

998 posts

219 months

Tuesday 14th October
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Was in Calgary and Banff about 4 weeks ago, haven't been for about 15 years.
Calgary has really grown in size!
You will probably need to hire a car, Banff is about an hour and a half away if the traffic is good but the journey is dull as it is across plains until you hit the Rockies. It is still quite small but was absolutely rammed with people, I thought there was some festival on, the majority were overwhelmingly from India, apparently because students are now going to Calgary instead of USA (that was what I was told) and presumably it makes a nice day trip at the weekend.
Banff is however quite a pretty little place with great mountain views and quite a few hotels so you could probably stay overnight and go back the next day.
I tried to get into Lake Louise but the car park was full and was charging to park too so I left the queue and carried on my way.

ExBoringVolvoDriver

10,664 posts

61 months

Tuesday 14th October
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Given the distance then I would be inclined to hire a car and stay overnight in Banff. To my mind it is more scenic than Calgary with more options, especially with a car.

Chance to drive halfway up the Icefield Parkway which has some stunning views.

Maybe Lake Louise although it does get busy. We arrived at 8am and it was starting to fill up.

My experience of Calgary was tainted by the fact that it was cold and dark. Cloud so low that you couldn't see the top of the tower!

AngryYorkshireman

132 posts

63 months

Tuesday 14th October
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As a completely left-field suggestion, I think you can do a bus tour to Drumheller from Calgary - interesting geology and world famous Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology.

TwigtheWonderkid

Original Poster:

47,029 posts

168 months

Tuesday 14th October
quotequote all
I'm a medical courier, and the rules mean I'm prohibited from driving myself whilst on a job, So no hire car for me. Also, whilst I can travel around during the day, I have to be back at my hotel in Calgary each night, so no overnight stay in Banff.

There's a few all day bus tours I've found from Calgary to various must sees in and around Banff, and back to Calgary in the evening. Might do one of those.

ExBoringVolvoDriver

10,664 posts

61 months

Tuesday 14th October
quotequote all
TwigtheWonderkid said:
I'm a medical courier, and the rules mean I'm prohibited from driving myself whilst on a job, So no hire car for me. Also, whilst I can travel around during the day, I have to be back at my hotel in Calgary each night, so no overnight stay in Banff.

There's a few all day bus tours I've found from Calgary to various must sees in and around Banff, and back to Calgary in the evening. Might do one of those.
Sorry, missed the no car bit. Medical courier sounds interesting, guess that means you haven’t had to pay to get there.

As mentioned, whilst Banff is lovely, the time spent getting there will make it a long day. The weather wasn’t right for us although some friends said that walking along the river and Princes Island was pleasant.

TwigtheWonderkid

Original Poster:

47,029 posts

168 months

Tuesday 14th October
quotequote all
ExBoringVolvoDriver said:
Medical courier sounds interesting, guess that means you haven t had to pay to get there.
Flights, hotel, food (so long as you don't go mad) and drink (no alcohol) paid for. I only have to pay to entertain myself.