Banff was our first night's stop after Calgary. This was our introduction to the Canadian Rockies and we were instantly in love with them. They seem wilder and more magnificent than their American cousins. Banff is in the Bow Valley and the area is absolutely beautiful.
The top image is from the observation deck, up on Sulphur Mountain, overlooking the entire valley. Banff Springs Hotel is just discernible in the lower right. In the center is Buffalo Mountain which resembles a buffalo laying down. In the background is Cascade Mountain which dominates the town. This image and the one below it come from the Banff Cam, which is almost a daily "stop" for me.
After we checked into our room at The Banff Springs Hotel, we took a hike down along the Spray River. We pretty much had the trail to ourselves the whole time and it was lovely. Click on the link to see some pictures.