Calgary Banff

We just got back from Calgary/Banff - it's strange going back to a city you grew up in as a child. Everything seems so much bigger in a child's memory.
Ate/drank at Briggs then we went to the hockey game - in the same Saddledome that was there 25+ years ago. I liked the feel. And first time on the glass...i liked it, and didn't. Couldn't see anything going on, on the other side of the rink.

Off to Banff the next day - we paid for the shuttle to pick us up - i think if we were ever to do it again we'd either rent a car, or just uber to the airport and take that bus direct. No uber but Taxi's were readily available (and reasonable).
We loved the Juniper hotel - a little bit outside of city center was perfect - i think Banff town itself is just on that verge of being a little too touristy.

First day we got dressed and just went to the Fairmont (the castle) yes touristy but gorgeous views - their waldhaus pub was a gem and the dinner at Vermillion was wonderful. Sit at the bar for the view. Went up the 8th floor - rumors that the Shining was inspired by that ghost story. Didn't see a ghost bride. 

2nd day - Breakfast at Juniper yum (and lovely) Greg A. from tours by locals was great - picked us up at 8:30...Lake Louise is super tourist spot, maybe because it was iced over there was nothing that really stood out...several other spots in/around Banff felt better. Minnewanka...ate lunch at the art centre, great view otherwise meh.
Dinner at Bison was pretty good. And we decided to rent a car instead of taking the 6:45 shuttle back. Best decision we made AND the shuttle graciously refunded us back 100%.
Back to Calgary - Viv and Mark picked us up - curling, sitting at the bar upstairs, dinner downtown - we tried to go to a speakeasy Betty Lou's but it was a no go.
We had a great time - will we go back? Probably not... but so glad we went.