Locals' Appreciation Day at Banff Gondola

Banff Gondola had a Locals' Appreciation Day on Sunday, November 26. On this day, locals got to enjoy free admission with donations instead of paying 50% off the regular ticket price. So, as a cheapskate, I thought this was the perfect time for me to ride the Banff Gondola for the umpteenth time! So, instead of going to sleep right after work as I usually do, I pushed my bedtime for about 8 hours just so that I could ride the gondola. Totally screwed off my biological clock but I guess it was worth it as I wanted to see any view but Banff Avenue. lol!

Surprisingly, there were not as many people as I had expected. Or maybe I was just too early? Anyway, there have been quite a lot of changes since my last visit here. The construction is now all done. They now have a rooftop observation deck, new restaurants and an interpretive centre in one building. And as Christmas approached, the building was decorated with Christmas decorations. They also had several fun activities related to Christmas and a Santa Claus. I wish I had pictures to show what was happening, but I was too lazy to take pictures. After all, I decided to go for the mountain range view, not for the fun Christmas activities.

It was not the best day to be up there at the Sulphur Mountain because it was very cloudy. All of my pictures were grayish and dull in colour. However, the view was still breathtaking like the first time. Though the view was still breathtaking, I was actually not as excited as I thought I would be. Maybe because I was a bit sleepy. Or, maybe because I have been here a few times. As I was not as excited as I thought I would be, I took fewer pictures and decided to enjoy the view with my own eyes. It was really calming to take my time and see those views that I wish I could spend more time up there.

On my way up, I actually bumped into my Jasper's Filipino family. I was so happy to meet them by chance because obviously, I have been feeling lonely like I mentioned in my previous post. Meeting them was really pleasant as I was not expecting that I could meet anyone that I knew up at the mountain. I think I spent about half an hour together with them. Truly grateful for the short and sweet encounter.

All in all, it was a good day for me, mainly because of the view and my encounter with my Filipino family. It was also a good deal to ride the Banff Gondola during the Locals' Appreciation Day. I don't think I want to ride the Banff Gondola again but I think I'm going to ride it at least one more time as I have a free ticket. Guess I'll ride it again next summer when my senior comes to visit me :)