Sulphur Mountain

Today we hiked the mountain that put this park on the map, Sulphur Mountain. In less than two hours we turned the corners of no less than 50 switchbacks and ascended 655 meters (2150 feet). The 5.5 km trail held itself at a constant 12% incline. UGH! At the top we were met by all those visitors who opted for the much easier eight minute Gondola instead. Another 0.4 km brought us to the summit of Samson Peak where an old stone meteorological observatory stands, built in 1903.

We played tourists after lunch and took the 8 minute option down. We spent the rest of the day visiting the lush Banff Springs Resort and Hotel and roaming the downtown streets.