Christmas in Banff December 26, 2025

I woke this morning to see even more snow on my vehicle than there was yesterday morning!  I originally thought I would cross country ski today but changed my mind. I prefer being able to see groomed tracks to ski in.  What I did instead was a ten k swish around Banff starting from the train station parking lot where it is free to park.

the pathway leading from the train station parking lot to the…..

…..Banff sign! 

From here on in, the walkways were not clear of snow 

so there was much swishing to do to my delight! 

 view of Cascade Mountain framed by the snow laden trees

Yesterday I hiked up Tunnel Mountain which is in the middle above the trees.

an American Dipper

dip dip dipping in the snow

This is the section of the Bow River Trail that leads to Bow Falls.  There was a warning sign that it is not maintained in winter.  More swishing was required along with some slow sliding when descending.  

 view of the Bow River

made it down to the flat section

frozen and snow covered Bow Falls

 note to self:  create a watercolour painting 

Now came time to climb back up from the river.  

The trails here were cleared as they are on the Banff Springs Hotel property.

This is in the courtyard on the backside of the archway.

the front of the Banff Springs Hotel with Mount Rundle as the backdrop

   crossing the bridge leading to downtown 

I made it back to the train station parking lot but had to take a detour and round about way to get back to my home away from home.  My planned route was closed due to an accident.  The detour was along unplowed side streets where my vehicle did lots of swishing.  I breathed a sigh of relief as I pulled into the parking spot. 

snacks & wine

the Mouse Angel singing Oh Christmas Tree….. 

…..while I sat by the fire!