Leaving Calgary we got our first glimpse of the Rockies Wow and double Wow we have travelled through the Alps and Pyrenees live next to Eryri and yet nothing compares, stretching as far as the eye can see they are majestic.

Breaking the journey we had a lunch stopover in Banff a tourist heaven restaurants, bars, coffee houses, gift and outdoor pursuit shops, not for us moving on we were pleased to find our accommodation was in the more modest resort town of Revelstoke with its Art Deco style buildings and relaxed atmosphere. Though not as obvious as Banff it is popular for rafting, mountain biking and cross country skiing and is aiming to become the largest ski resort this side of the Alps.

Continuing through the mountains we discovered the area known as Peachland where vineyards and fruit crops were abundant. Stopping for brunch in a small lakeside town.

Leaving we found ourselves traversing one of the three highest passes within the Rockies. Where it plateaued out we found ourselves looking at what appeared to be marble type rock void of vegetation which eventually hollowed out like a huge scar that went for miles and miles later we discovered it was a huge copper mine. Dropping down the air became dry and dusty and we found ourselves in what appeared to be a small empty town reminiscent of the old spaghetti westerns. Speaking to one of the locals we asked why the air was so dusty to be told “you are in a desert” what in the middle of the mountains?

Moving on we went from desert to huge grasslands and cattle ranches where cowboys still existed and stampedes and rodeos are held annually where they can show their prowess as riders.

From cowboys to trappers and traders we ended up at the Hudson Bay trading company’s first post at Fort St James where the original buildings still stood. Its location was strategically placed next to the Stuart river as goods were first transported by boat before the introduction of the packhorse.