Squirrels keep guard over Sulphur Mountain

Overlooking Banff, Sulphur Mountain, was very popular for its sulphur springs. We took a gondola ride up to the top of the mountain. There we found the usual coffee and souvenir shops, but also a boardwalk to the top of the mountain, where the Cosmic Ray Station had been re-created.
The Cosmic Ray Station was established in 1956 by the National Research Station, Sulphur Mountain was chosen for the site because of its high elevation and was the most important station in Canada during the International Geophysical Year 1957-1958.
In 1903 Norman Sanson, established a weather observatory. Ottawa sent him enough weather recording blanks to last him 33 years. However, not only did he use them up, he continued to climb the mountain for another ten years to record his observations.
The view from the top of the mountain was spectacular and being above the tree-line, its was rugged and barren, but that didn't stop the Golden Squirrels from being inquisitive and letting us all get some great photos. Including one who perched himself on a rock above the pavement and kept guard over who was entering his territory.

Bow River Valley and Banff

Canoeing Emerald Lake, Yoho National Park

Canoeing on Emerald Lake, the scenery was stunning. A backdrop of mountain peaks with the last vestiges of ice clinging to the valleys. In the foreground a stand of Douglas Fir trees and a meadow of green grass.  The gentle splash of the oars as the trio of Japanese tourists glide past us in their canoe. Stunning

Canoeing Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake - so beautiful and would be peaceful if I could send all the other tourists home

Kicking Horse River

Natural Bridge on Kicking Horse River. Originally a water fall, the force of the water over time has cut through the rock and is now only flowing over the top of the bridge when the water level is quite high

 Golden Squirrel - a cheeky little fellow. As soon as he realised we didn't have any food, he was off to find another source.