What's in a picture? Well, they say a picture is worth a thousand words. You be the judge. Am I having a whale of a good time? Big smiles all 'round in Banff because the fresh air brings on the giggles. At least for me.
Did you know the Banff Gondola is open year round? Yup, sure is. The town of Banff's local bus will take you in just five minutes to the site of the Gondola. Think there isn't anything to do when you get to the top of the Canadian Rockies? Yup, there sure is lots to do at the top. Once you get to the top in the Banff Gondola there's a restaurant, observation tower with amazing 360 views, gift shop, special postal station to mail a card or letter, and an easy hike up modern, wooden stairs to an even higher elevation to view a historic weather station where pioneers in the field recorded history as it applies to Canadian Rockies weather. Bring your spy glasses because you just might spot bighorn sheep looking back at you from another mountain while you're hiking to the weather station or riding in the Banff Gondola. You have the opportunity to have your picture taken in the gondola at the end of the trip. Smiles are free. So indulge.
May
Toronto, Canada
This crazy little squirrel is popping up everywhere! But what’s really on his mind?
Banff Squirrel Caption Contest - and the WINNERS are:
1st place: Sharon Swofford
Quote: "What do you mean I was adopted?"
Prize: Private Wine & Cheese Lake Cruise for you and 20 friends on Lake Minnewanka, home of the Banff Crasher squirrel plus ExploreRockies.com prize packages for all guests.
2nd place: Laurie Graham
Quote: "Darn it Rose, you got people in the picture again!"
Prize: A romantic night for two at the Mount Royal Hotel in Banff National Park – includes one night in the Pinnacle Suite, bottle of wine and chocolate covered strawberries.
3rd place: Heather Clitheroe (Calgary, AB)
Quote: "Quick! Get a picture of me with the tourists!"
Prize:A family pass with access for two adults and two children at the Banff Gondola, Minnewanka Lake Cruise and Columbia Icefield Glacier Experience.
Photo provided with permission from National Geographic Society on behalf of photographer Melissa Brandts.
A small ground squirrel has become an international internet celebrity after Banff National Park visitor Melissa Brandts submitted her vacation photo to National Geographic. Her and her husband set up the camera to take a self-portrait at Lake Minnewanka in Banff - but just as the photo snapped, the squirrel popped it's head up in front of the camera.
Click play to watch the Banff Crasher Squirrel Movie!
The little guy is receiving a lot of attention now in newspapers, traditional and social media all over the world. Definitely a one in a million shot!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PHOTO.