Day 8 - Banff - the Actual Day

Lake Louise

We started the day out at Lake Louise. We went to the Visitors Centre to find out where the Cave and Basin was located, as this was how Kasey had learned Banff got started and also to buy a park pass for $19.60 - you must have one if you want to stop anywhere in Banff. I also remember seeing the Natural History museum (the first in Canada) when I was here as a child - we asked directions for that also. The lady was very helpful even telling us where the RV parking was where we could park all day. Armed with our pass and helpful directions off we went to Banff itself.

After missing the turn for the parking I had no other choice but to drive all the way around the town centre which only Vancouverite's would understand was worse than the west end on a fireworks night. We got back to the 15-20 spaces largely signed "RV's ONLY June 1 to Sept. 30" parking lot which was full including 6 or 7 CARS!!!!  Where is traffic enforcement when you need them? After driving 
around AGAIN we found street parking with 1/2 dozen probably equally choked RV's for two hours only - I might add here - it was nose in on a one way street - yes when we left we had to tour downtown again as well as having to back out into traffic! Did I mention to you all that I'm driving a 24ft. RV?
We now proceeded to walk the 3-4 blocks to the museum - not easily done as I had twisted my ankle Saturday on the uneven concrete at the pool in Kelowna and had been babying it for the last few days. We arrived at the museum to find it was CLOSED on Mondays & Tuesdays until July 1 - September 30! We sauntered back to the RV getting slightly damp as there was a short light sprinkle of rain and with my ankle now swelling we couldn't hurry.  Oh well - let's go to the Cave and Basin - it seemed much more fun and interesting than a bunch of stuffed animals anyhow.
I backed out with the help of a German tourist in a rental RV parked beside us feeling a little guilty that I now couldn't help him to back out. On to the Cave and Basin we went and guess what? It's CLOSED Monday and Tuesday! This is where I'd like to THANK  the helpful Parks Canada lady at the tourist info who sold me the $20 one day pass and assured me we could see both attractions in the one day because they were very close together! 
We left Banff about 2:00 pm - a little heavy hearted about not seeing the Caves but happy to be on the road once again. Had a little rest on the way as I had been up with Henry since 3:30. I'm very PROUD to tell you all that I manoeuvred us through Calgary's RUSH HOUR traffic that differs not in volume of vehicles than Los Angeles only in speed - Albertans drive FAST where as LA's are more or less parked during rush hour! We found a spot on the roadside to stay for the night and looked forward to seeing  Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump - let's hope it's not closed Monday and Tuesday!