The town of Banff is rather touristy, and spendy.  We didn't spend much time there, eating at McDonald's.  We went there for the English garden at the Banff Park Headquarters Building.  We were there about 30 years ago.  The garden is gorgeous and a must see for a plant nut.  There is a 4 lane highway from Banff to Lake Louise.  We stayed in Invermere and took the road up through the Koutenay National Park to Banff.  It is a premium ride with wide sweeping curves.  I was concerned about speeding.  The maximum in BC is 100 K/H which is 62 mph.  Everyone passed me and was doing 70-75 and up.  They also pass when they feel like it...including on double yellow lines.  I asked locals about this and was told: "Its only a fine, eh?"  As long as you pay the money, nothing happens to your license.  Well if you were going 100 mph, or killed someone, it might be different.  If you don't pay the fine, the state owned insurance company won't renew your insurance, but your driver's license is okay.

Highway signs we saw are sparse, and are right before whatever they are identifying.  You don't get a 1/2 mile or more warning like you do in the states.  Some of those high speed negative camber corners came up really fast!

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Crossing the Border.

"Got anything bad with you?" Nah. "Well, have a nice trip." Love those Canadians.

Banff Park Headquarters.

See the beautiful English style garden at the administration building.

Town of Banff.

In the opening is the main street of the town of Banff in the distance. The park building sits at the end of it on a hill.

Grounds.

Looking from the garden back to the headquarters.

Garden.

The paths wind through water features and beds.

Garden.

I saw 3 full time staff working. There was not one weed, and the ground was perfectly mulched.

Garden.

They claim they only have 120 days of growing season.

Garden.

Cool, damp, but intense high altitude sun, plus long days make for a gorgeous sight.

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