h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I case anyone is still lurking here (and I'm sure you do), I thought I would ask for your advice.

In June this year, Mr Vip and I are coming for a holiday to Canada (YAY! *ahem* ). We are staying in Banff for seven nights, and wondered if anyone had any advice, recommendations or tips for us as tourists.
We're hoping to do some walking and sightseeing of the local area, possibly doing a couple of guided trips as well as picking a trail or two (with a map, of course) and doing it ourselves.

I only have one specific question, and that's about wildlife. Coming from the UK, where the worst we get is a bull that can be easily avoided or a few wasps, is there anything we should be prepared for?

Any advice gratefully received!

Thanks,

Vip

Hi Vip!

yes, some of us lurk here.

I have a feeling that I might have some answers for you about Banff as I've been spending time there every year for decades.

About your specific question concerning wildlife:


You probably won't see any bears and if you do, it'll most likely be a black bear rather than a Grizzly. You'll very likely see squirrels, crows and ravens. There's a good chance of bighorn sheep, Elk (more commonly now known as Wapiti), mule deer, and maybe a moose. You are very unlikely to see a cougar -- they attack from behind.

Don't Feed Any of Them!!!! (particularly the cougars.)

Don't get out of your vehicle or approach anything bigger than a raven!

If you bring a dog, keep it leashed and hold tight. If it's a small dog, watch the sky: eagles will quite happily make a meal of a pet.

Here's a wildlife link from Parks Canada: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/banff/natcul/natcul5.aspx

and here's Parks Canada repeating what I've said: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/visit14.aspx


Did I mention? Don't Feed Any of Them!!!!


Over the course of my visits I've encountered everything I've mentioned except a grizzly, but I've also had visits were I don't see anything but squirrels, ravens and crows. I spent a month or so hiking in the back country one time and again never saw anything bigger than that raven. The critters are watching carefully for you so that they can run away before you notice them.


I've written an entry on a part of the Park that you might be interested in reading: A3176129

I've also been planning for years to write an entry on the Park specifically, but I've just not found the time.

I don't know what else is on your itinerary, but one of my favourite places in a little (quite a little) to the south of Banff: A2654697

I should mention as well that Banff is covered by Google Streetview and is covered in high resolution of Google Maps. Here's about the most photographed view in the world: http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=banff+alberta&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hl=en&hq=&hnear=Banff,+Division+No.+15,+Alberta&ll=51.177352,-115.568748&spn=0.019667,0.043731&t=h&z=15&layer=c&cbll=51.174521,-115.571076&panoid=JA5hgZV1_X9HHNKEZoBRIg&cbp=12,8.13,,0,2.09

See? http://images.google.ca/images?hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&um=1&sa=1&q=cascade+mountain+banff+ave&btnG=Search&aq=f&oq=&start=0





And, don't forget:


Don't feed the animals!!

I hope you enjoy your visit. If you have any more questions, I'll be happy to help.

So, in sumarry, DON'T FEED THE AMIMALS! Okay, I'll make sure we don't do that. I guess that'll just attract them and you don't really want their attention. Not that I'd consider sharing my precious food with them anyway...

I'll have a look through you Entry too, and we had a quick look on Street View and found our B&B! Very excited now.

Now we've just got to wait...

Thanks!

actually, the don't feed the animals bit is mainly for the safety of the animals. If they get used to handouts, they don't bother looking for food the old fashioned way and hang around roads and . . .


I should give you this one as well: http://www.pc.gc.ca/docs/v-g/guidem-mguide/sec3/gm-mg3_e.asp


but, seriously, don't worry. You'll encounter far more very friendly people than wild animals.



Another thought I've just had:if you have a vehicle, you'd likely enjoy a drive up the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1a) to Lake Louise. Near Castle Junction you'll see the monument commemorating the incarceration of Ukrainian-Canadians as 'enemies' during WW1http://www.flickr.com/photos/crobledo/3888095793/ A good, inexpensive place to eat in Lake Louise Village is at the Hostel http://www.hostels.com/hostels/canada/hi-lake-louise/2141?source=hostelscomhostelnames8&gclid=CKLL1b7r5Z8CFQsMDQodViP-HA and a trip up to Moraine Lake from there is well worth the drive.

I just saw on the news that Google as upgraded streetview coverage in Canada. I'm happy to see that they've added the Minnewanka Loop which goes past the remains of Bankhead. Here's the cenotaph I mention in the entry: http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=banff+alberta&sll=53.434192,-113.192848&sspn=0.075166,0.174923&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Banff,+Division+No.+15,+Alberta&ll=51.231774,-115.525274&spn=0.039502,0.087461&t=h&z=14&layer=c&cbll=51.231905,-115.525157&panoid=f91VpDgsYoYugQlPqm9_sA&cbp=12,294.36,,0,8.92

They don't have the Bow Valley Trail done, but here's the Hostel in Lake Louise: http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=banff+alberta&sll=53.434192,-113.192848&sspn=0.075166,0.174923&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Banff,+Division+No.+15,+Alberta&ll=51.428006,-116.181965&spn=0.078667,0.174923&t=h&z=13&layer=c&cbll=51.428047,-116.182174&panoid=Wnjdz097c1GP4ByQ-92_zw&cbp=12,228.26,,0,9.77



Heck, now that streetview is here you don't have to make the trip!