Trip chapter 07
Calgary to Canmore
A friendly deer in Cochrane, Tilly's first steps into Lake Minnewanka and a dog-friendly afternoon in Banff and Canmore.
We left Calgary for Canmore with enough time to turn a short drive into a full day of exploring. Cochrane, Lake Minnewanka and downtown Banff all fit before our accommodation was ready.
Historic Cochrane Ranche
Our first stop was Historic Cochrane Ranche. We walked the grounds with Tilly, visited the large horse-and-rider statue and met what felt like the world's friendliest deer.
The deer was unusually curious, but it was still wildlife. We kept Tilly controlled and treated the encounter as something to observe rather than encourage.
Historic Cochrane Ranche
Historic outdoor grounds with walking space, ranching landmarks and wildlife close to town.
Read our Historic Cochrane Ranche notes →Lake Minnewanka before check-in
We were still too early to check in, so we pushed farther west to Lake Minnewanka. Tilly wasted no time getting her feet into the clear mountain water.
Lake Minnewanka
A striking mountain lake with a rocky shoreline where Tilly could put her feet into the clear water.
Read our Lake Minnewanka notes →A walk through downtown Banff
From the lake we drove into downtown Banff for a walk. The town felt particularly welcoming to dogs: many stores had water bowls outside, and several displayed signs saying dogs could come inside.
Individual store policies can change, but the visible bowls and signs made it much easier to know where Tilly was welcome during our visit.
Downtown Banff
A highly walkable mountain-town centre where many stores visibly welcomed dogs during our visit.
Read our downtown Banff notes →An evening in Canmore
Canmore was a cute place to finish the day. We stopped at Canmore Brewing Company for a couple of drinks before eating at the Rose & Crown, where Tilly was allowed on the mountain-view patio.
Canmore Brewing Company
A relaxed local brewery stop for a couple of drinks after our day in Cochrane and Banff.
Read our Canmore Brewing notes → Rose & Crown Pub
A Canmore pub where Tilly was allowed on the outdoor deck beneath a dramatic mountain view.
Read our Rose & Crown patio notes →A worrying pet deposit
We stayed at the Drake Inn. It was a little pricey, and its pet policy made the stay more stressful: we were asked for a $100 deposit and warned that evidence of hair or any mess could result in a charge.
We covered surfaces with our own blankets and were not charged in the end, but waiting to find out was uncomfortable. After the driving, walking and hiking, Tilly passed out for the evening while we rested for Lake Louise the next day.
Drake Inn
A convenient but pricey Canmore stay with a pet deposit and a worrying warning about hair or mess.
Read our Drake Inn notes →