Day 8 - Changed plans. Calgary to Banff via the Hoodoo's

19 December 2025 

Steve has just realised that there were a host of comments that he had not yet accepted and published. Thanks for those that have taken the time to write. We completely appreciate if you don't want to login or add your personal details when you comment, but if you could add your initials to the comment it would be awesome, as otherwise we don't know who you are. 

Our initial plan for Calgary was to spend the first day being entertained in the City, head out to Drumheller on the second day to see the Dinosaur museum, and then drive to Banff via the he Hoodoos in the Badlands. There was still a Yellow Alert in place for this region with a high chance of high wind gusts resulting in blowing snow and zero visibility. This was supposed to ease by late morning, but there was predicted poor weather for subsequent days. Obviously our proposed day 1 was dead in the water as a result of travel alterations. We didn't want to be risk being stuck in Drumheller because of weather and we weren't overly thrilled by the idea of staying in Calgary another night. Based on advise from one of Steve's plane companions (a recently retired pilot - yes, Steve can still talk to anyone anywhere), we decided to take a day trip to the Hoodoos and check in a day early to Banff. Turns out this wasn't a bad plan - we hear that there are 100's of flight cancellations across Canada as a result of the weather. 

Importantly, before we trekked off, I managed to convince Steve that finding a Starbucks was no longer a requirement. While in Canada, do as the Canadians do and drink real coffee (they also don't eat any of that  $&!##* american cheese - as described by Joshua to a Canadian waitress). A beautiful latte quickly obtained from across the road at a locally owned espresso bar. Thankyou Canada. 

It didn't take long to hit the Prairies. At this time of year, it looked like a desert ice-land. There was very little traffic around adding to the sense of isolation. Although the sun was out, it remained a frosty -17C with a bit of a wind chill. While the sun was mostly shining, we did experience some mild wind gusts along the drive with wind blowing across the road, almost giving the appearance of dry ice fog floating across the road in parts. The road was mostly dry and clear of snow and ice so the drive was pretty easy. 

I am always amused to see the traditional red painted wooded barns. On some properties, there were multiple. One in particular had about five barns placed next to each other, in sequential sizes. It is almost like they were intended to be stacked together like Russian nesting dolls. 

The final drive down into one of the Canyons near the Hoodoo's.

Although Joshua had been providing updates on the temperature, he had been a staunch denier that it was really as cold as we were suggesting. He was adamant that his ski jacket, scarves, and gloves would not be required. He objected to wearing the thermals, but fortunately I won this battle. By the time we reached the Hoodoos, it was -18C, but feels like -39C. Not that cold right? Steve, who spends most of Perth winter in shorts and t 'shirt was very quick to confirm that it did indeed feel like -39C. Even with all of my layers, I still felt the cold through some of the layers. 

The Hoodoo's was completely isolated with the exception of us and the foot steps of an earlier visitor. I think we were a tad too cold to really appreciate these stone formations. Unfortunately a lot of the path was covered in snow or ice and we had difficulty trying to navigate the full way around the trail (posted as an 1-2hr trek). From the trail that we could find, it took us about 15 minutes. 

Joshua compared this trip to our detour from Vegas in 2023,to see painted rocks. 

I did go back to check out some of the tourist information and can see that the actual size of the Hoodoos has been a bit diminished by snow that is hiding a lot of the base. It was not a complete loss. We were all impressed by the curation of time and weather to leave this unique mark on nature, even in the canyon walls behind. I was actually quite chuffed with how the showed up in the photos. It is easy to see why this region is used for movie sets. 

Drumheller was only a short 16min drive away so we headed there for a quick lunch. We abandoned the idea of going to the museum, heading out to Horsethief Canyon for a scenic view. Reportedly, this canyon was used over a century ago for theft and movement of cattle. Hence the name. This area was particularly cold with a very sharp wind. I can say it was a very brisk walk to the canyon edge to snap some photos and head back to the protection of the car. I think I may have had my face burnt by the cold wind. Joshua was quite impressed by this view, although I will note, didn't quite make it as far to the edge as I did before needing to head back to the car. 

Horsethief Canyon

The drive to Banff was slightly different that the drive from Calgary, although no less baren.

We arrived in Banff around 5pm settling quickly in the familiar Moose Suites. After a quick shop in the IGA for breakfasts and stock up of first aid medicines we headed into town for dinner at the Banff Distillery. The Bison burger remains amazing. I also sampled the distillery produce. There have been a couple of new additions to my old favourite Gin. The Maple Rye may be my new go to.