The town of Banff is nestled in the Bow River Valley.  Summer tourists and winter skiers keep the little town bustling year round.
 

Even in mid-August snow covers the mountaintops near Banff.

Cascade Mountain.

Rain-filled clouds begin to cover the blue skies over the Banff area.  

The Bow River runs alongside Highway 1 and the Bow River Parkway.  The crystal clear water has an aquamarine hue due to suspended minerals carried from the mountaintops.

The Bow River Parkway parallels Highway 1 from Banff to Lake Louise.  The two-lane tree-lined winding road is a great route for wildlife sightings.  A large bull elk with a huge antler rack grazes contentedly.