This is a Virtual cache, what does that mean? It means there isn't a container to find, so don't tear up any landscaping looking for something that isn't there. What it does mean is that you have a few tasks to perform in order to get credit for finding this Virtual cache.
Synopsis
To get credit for finding this Virtual cache you need to take a walking tour around Banff that will guide you past a total of 47 waypoints. At 22 of them you need to collect a specific letter on the Heritage Plaque, you also walk past 19 optional waypoints that also feature a Heritage Plaque about that site that you can stop and read if you feel like it, plus we guide you past 6 public art work sites of Banff. This tour can be done if you keep it to the bare minimum in 1 1/2 hours and involves a distance of 4.2 km forming a loop;
from there you could easily spend the whole day or more if you have the time, as there is a lot to stop, see and/or do along the whole route in between the stops, so plan accordingly and within your time constraints. View and/or download a PDF map of the entire tour here.
Logging Requirements
In order to be able to log this Virtual cache online you need to visit the 22 must-do waypoints. At each stop you must find the required letter, which is always the FIRST or LAST letter of a specific row (see sample below) on the Heritage Plaque at that location.
We recommend to collect first all 22 letters and write them down to each waypoint stop number on the PDF Solver Matrix sheet.
Now have a rest anywhere and solve the matrix by transferring each letter to the appropriate roman numeral, sequenced I to XXII as stated in the Matrix solver sheet, to get the missing part in order to complete the email address.
- Send an email to: I to XXII@gmail.com
Important! Put your geocaching name in the subject line.
- If you have found the correct answer you'll get an autoreply with log permission.
Check your Spam folder, just in case your reply landed there.
If you don't get the autoreply, check the hint for further details.
- Don't forget to upload your picture(s) to your log!
Any online logs for which we do not receive the required email will be deleted.
Instructions
This tour is best done by walking, but you could also use any 2-wheeled self-propelled vehicle i.e. bicycle, scooter or even skateboard; you just have to walk or carry them at certain locations i.e. when you walk through a building. You can start the tour at any waypoint as it is a loop, we decided to use the Bow River Bridge as starting point as it is also the point where we would like you to take a picture of yourself with any kind of sign showing your geocaching name (face does not have to be shown) with either Cascade Mountain (looking north)
or the Banff Park Administration Building (looking south)
in the background and post it with your log.
This virtual is based upon the “Walking through Banff’s History” tours by The Banff Heritage Corporation, who gladly provided us permission and all the information used therein. The physical brochure
is available upon request at the Visitor Information Centre (Waypoint 12) This geocache page is programmed in a way that works with the official Geocaching App. This means it all fits within the width of your Smartphone screen without having to scroll sideways. If you want to see any of the pictures in a bigger version tap/click on them and they open in a separate browser window. All of the map snippets are also links and can be loaded into your browser the same way; that way you can easily navigate between browser and app without having to scroll up/down or worse sideways like crazy.
For better reference/navigation we color coded all waypoints; MUST-DO waypoints have a red background, all optional waypoints have a green background, the artworks have a yellow background and the picture taking waypoint has a blue background.
Alert: You are able to download PDF files, specifically marked as such, that contain details in bigger format, needed to help you solve this Virtual Geocache. As the geocache owner, I ensure that these files are safe to download. They have not been checked by Geocaching HQ or by the reviewer for possible malicious content. Download these file at your own risk.
Before you head out onto the tour it is recommended to have the following items along:
- SmartPhone with internet access (could be done offline with proper pre-planning)
- Pen and Paper
- Print-out of the PDF Solver Matrix
- Print-out of the PDF Whole Route Map
- Minimum of 1 1/2 hours time up to the whole day
Parking Options
This Virtual Cache is located in Banff National Park, which requires an Entry Fee and permission has been obtained and granted from the Park Authorities.
The Town of Banff has on-street parking and off-street lots with one-hour to 12-hour limits. Time limits exist on all parking spaces and there are also seasonal restrictions in certain areas. Restrictions are enforced, so please check the signs when you park. In residential areas, vehicles must be moved within 72 hours. Click here for a PDF parking map of the Town of Banff.
Banff is a walkable community, and most things are within a 10-minute walk.
- Use Banffparking.ca, a mobile site designed for use on smartphones, to help you find parking for your car, RV or bike.
- The Traffic Dashboard shows parking availability, traffic cameras, and travel times in the Town of Banff.
Theme
Learn about Banff’s history and heritage buildings by taking this Virtual cache tour. Many of the buildings on the tour are private residences and may only be viewed from the sidewalk or street, their owners thank you for your respect.
Banff's History
Banff was planned as a resort town from its inception. In 1883, as the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) made its way westward through the Rockies, railway workers came upon the natural hot springs now known as the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. The turmoil of conflicting claims that resulted from the discovery, coupled with recommendations of the Canadian Pacific Railway, led the Federal Government to establish the Hot Springs Reserve in 1885.
During the national debate on the Rocky Mountains Park Act in 1887, Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald predicted that Banff would become “a great watering place”, or health spa. Lured by the CPR’s extravagant advertising campaign, visitors to Canada’s first national park were the wealthy and well-travelled class of the Victorian era. The first Park Superintendent, George A. Stewart, was sent to the new Reserve in 1886 to establish a townsite worthy of attracting well-to-do travellers. Two thousand miles from Ottawa, Stewart had almost unlimited authority during the early years of this tenure. He was, in effect, the park administrator, townsite surveyor and town planner. Stewart produced two distinct plans for the town. South of the river, large “villa lots” were laid out for the wealthy, as well as for hotels, sanatoria, and hospitals. The north side of Banff was quite different. More typical of western prairie towns, it was based on a grid of small lots and rudimentary zoning.
The distinctions of class and a vision of Banff as a tourism-based town were already evident. Guides and outfitters such as Tom Wilson, who had worked for the CPR during the survey and construction of the railway through the Rockies, stayed on in Banff. These men and other locals began small guiding operations that took rail visitors, adventurers, artists and hunters from the town by horseback to the backcountry of the national park and beyond. In partnership with the CPR, these local personalities provided the basis for a strong tourist centre in Banff.
In response to local concerns over the impact of the automobile, the Federal Government banned automobiles from entering the Park in 1905. This led to years of wrangling over permission to bring motorcars into Banff. In 1909, the “Banff Coach Road” from Calgary reached the eastern boundary of what had become Rocky Mountain Park. Shortly after, in 1911, a motorcade of Calgary Auto Club members invaded Banff in defiance of the government regulations. In 1912, the Crag & Canyon newspaper proclaimed that, “New buildings, new sign boards and a most remarkable increase in tourists and visitors have convinced even the most hard-shelled moss-back in Banff that a new era has arrived.” That same year, the Minister of the Interior lifted the ban. Local guiding operations such as the Brewster Brothers motorized their equipment and expanded into the mass tourism and transport business. This marked the transition from the original vision of Banff, as an exclusive spa and resort for elite travellers, to a year-round tourism destination accessible to the masses.
Rocky Mountain Architectural Style
At the start of the 20th century a tradition of “rustic” architecture was born in the national parks. This Rocky Mountain style relied on exposed natural materials as a way of connecting buildings to their environment. This design approach was intended to give the impression of an indigenous architecture hand-built by local craftsmen. This rustic approach resembled other architectural styles of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In particular, the original Cave and Basin Bathhouse (now a replica) and the Banff Park Museum show influences of the Stick and Shingle Style that involved the ornamentation of buildings with logs and shingles.
As a part of their tourism campaigns, the Federal Government and the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) promoted the romantic lifestyle associated with mountain living. This was achieved by designing buildings that reinforced a picturesque, rustic style that was successful in attracting the discerning traveller to the Rocky Mountains.
Banff's Architectural Character
While Banff’s dominant architectural styles have been diverse in underlying principles and in appearance, there are certain common themes that tie them together, and that combined contribute to Banff’s unique character. Banff’s historic structures are built at a village scale, are simple in their approach to ornamentation, and they have each been influenced by an enduring Rustic tradition, using woods and stone to convey structural expression. While the Rustic tradition was central to certain styles even outside the national park, the use of natural materials can be found throughout Banff’s Folk, Ranch and International buildings, in ways that were much less common elsewhere. The architectural styles of Banff’s many historic buildings span the Early Modern Era (1887-1945) and the Modern Era 1945-1990.
The Early Modern Area: 1887-1945
In the early 1900s, as early modern architecture began to take hold across North America, Banff entered an era of development characterized by Prairie and Craftsman styles. Both were western interpretations of the Arts and Crafts movement, rooted in simplicity, craftsmanship and Rustic influences. As the Dominion Parks Branch began to assert increased design authority in the 1920s, plans were standardized for public buildings across the growing national parks program. Although they were influenced by the American Rustic tradition, they incorporated an English revivalist approach, fostering a unique style known as Tudor Rustic.
Associated Architectural Styles
- Folk Front Gable 1890-1914
- Tall Pyramidal 1900-1914
- Hall And Parlour 1905-1925
- Wide Pyramidal 1905-1930
- American Foursquare 1905-1914
- Craftsman 1905-1930
- Tudor Revival 1925-1945
- Minimal Traditional 1935-1950
The Modern Era: 1945-1990
The early modern era had set the stage for new architectural philosophies in the 20th century, largely based in simplicity and a new focus on interior spaces. In the post-WWII period, new building technology facilitated a massive shift in architectural style. Buildings could now be constructed of lightweight metal skeletons, and could be used more flexibly, allowing for innovations such as long ribbon windows and cantilevered projections.
Associated Architectural Styles
- Ranch 1940-1975
- The International Style 1945-1980
- Contemporary 1945-1990
- Shed 1970-1985
Where applicable we have highlighted or named the corresponding architectural style of the building in the waypoint description.
If you are interested into more details of each individual architectural style view and/or download this PDF file that provides a lot more information.
Bow River Bridge
This is where you make your picture for the log. See Instructions.
The view north from where the bridge will be constructed later on.
The Bow River bridge was constructed in 1923 and restored in 1987. It features magnificent views, decorative stone masonry, and six bas-relief concrete heads, created by Calgary artist James L. Thomson.
Banff Park Museum National Historic Site (no sign)
Built in 1903 in the cross log motif rustic building tradition, the Banff Park Museum is the oldest natural history museum in Western Canada. The large central lantern is a distinctive feature of the building. During the early Edwardian era the museum was affectionately known as the “University of the Hills”. The museum today displays natural history specimens (more than 5’000). From 1904 to 1937 a park zoo and aviary operated adjacent to the site in today’s Central Park.
Opening Hours: May 15 - October 15: daily 10 am - 6 pm / October 16 - May 14: Saturdays and Sundays 11 am - 5 pm
1 - Rundle Memorial Church
Find the LAST letter of row 2 and put it into the solver matrix. Also equals XVIII.
The Gothic Revival church, built in 1927, features modified Tudor half-timbering and a locally-quarried stone base.The stained glass windows depict the founding denominations, biblical scenes, and the diversity of Canada.
The Paris Restaurant
George and Ida Paris opened the Paris Tea Room in 1903 as a summer tea house and ice cream parlour. The Paris family was active in the early development of Banff’s skiing industry, and several of their children worked at Skoki Lodge and Sunshine as ski guides during the early 1930’s.
2 - Cascade Dance Hall
Find the first letter of row 2 and put it into the solver matrix. Also equals XI.
The Dance Hall was built in 1921, and features Dutch Colonial details such as a bell-shaped roofline, arched openings and a decorative parapet.
3 - Harmony Lane
Find the LAST letter in row 2 and put it into the solver matrix. Also equals XIV.
After a devastating 1917 fire, noted Banff photographer Byron Harmon reconstructed this building around the surviving river stone entry pillars. In 2001 the front facade was extensively restored and the building became Banff's first commercial building to be designated as a Municipal Historic Resource. Architectural Style: National Park Rustic / Tudor
Notice the extensive selection of his photographs inside the building as you walk through it.
Dave White Block
In 1908, Dave White’s wooden “Park Store” was replaced by the existing brick building. The Edwardian Commercial facade was added during a 1913 expansion. Renovated in 1996, the Dave White Block is the oldest remaining commercial building on Banff Avenue.
Banff Public Art Work #1
Love Is Touching Souls - Roselina Hung (2013)
Located behind Banff Town Hall in the back alley, up on the wall to your left as you exit Harmony Lane Mall.
Banff Public Art Work #2
Mistahiya - Stewart Steinhauser (2000)
Steinhauer's works speak to both Banff's cultural history and our relationship with the environment.
Whyte Museum of The Canadian Rockies
Discover the rich history of the Canadian Rockies at the Whyte Museum, and explore the archives for more information on Banff's heritage.
The museum is open year-round 10 am to 5 pm and offers guided tours.
Banff Public Art Work #3
Thunderbird - Stewart Steinhauser (2000)
Steinhauer's works speak to both Banff's cultural history and our relationship with the environment.
4 - The Moore Residence
Find the FIRST letter in row 11 and put it into the solver matrix. Also equals XXII.
Built in 1907 in the Rocky Mountain style, the Moore family's log home was the first building in Banff to incorporate wiring, central heating and indoor plumbing. In 1971, the building was relocated from its original site at the corner of Banff Avenue and Fox Street.
5 - Whyte Residence
Find the FIRST letter in row 9 and put it into the solver matrix. Also equals VI.
Peter Whyte designed and built this studio-house for himself and his wife Catharine in 1931. They first used it as a summer base camp while spending their days painting in the surrounding mountains, and later renovated it for a permanent residence. Architectural Style: National Park Rustic
6 - Crosby Residence
Find the FIRST letter in row 3 and put it into the solver matrix. Also equals XXI.
The Crosby home, built around 1913, incorporates an eclectic mix of Craftsman and Mission architectural styles. In the tradition of naming homes, the Crosby's called their house "Abegweit" after the native Miq'maq name of Prince Edward Island.
Sibbald Residence
This rustic cottage was once home to Howard Sibbald, the first Chief Warden of Banff National Park. Built in 1915, it is typical of the CPR’s early worker housing and features a gable hip roof, half-timbering, exposed rafters, and shingled exterior.
7 - Cascade Lodge No. 5
Find the FIRST letter in row 8 and put it into the solver matrix. Also equals I.
The Masons have operated in Banff since 1888, although the Lodge was not constructed until 1924. Along with serving as a meeting place, the Lodge hosted many community events.
8 - The Homestead Restaurant
Find the LAST letter in row 3 and put it into the solver matrix. Also equals XIX.
John Locke constructed the original Homestead Hotel around 1910. The hotel's rustic log interior dining room (now Melissa's Missteak) is the remaining portion of the early hotel. Architectural Style: Tudor Revival with rustic influence
9 - Old Crag Cabin
Find the last letter in row 9 and put it into the solver matrix. Also equals IX.
Built between 1888 and 1890, the Old Crag Cabin is one of Banff's oldest buildings. It was restored in 1999 and now has a permanent home in the Bison Courtyard on Bear Street. Architectural Style: National Park Rustic
Banff Public Art Work #4
When I Close My Eyes - Shelia Kernan
Located on south facing wall next to Bear Street parking lot.
10 - Dominion Cafe
Find the FIRST letter in row 18 and put it into the solver matrix. Also equals XV.
This building was the former home of the Dominion Cafe, which operated between 1921 and 1967. In 1949, the Cafe was renovated to create a central door, two large windows, and the stone facade that remains today. Architectural Style: Modern Era with rustic influence
11 - The Rocky Mountain Tours and Transport Building
Find the FIRST letter in row 11 and put it into the solver matrix. Also equals VII.
In 1946 this site served as the office and garage for Rocky Mountain Tours. The building's original garage entrance remains visible behind the canopy of the Grizzly House restaurant. Architectural Style: Modern Era with rustic influence
12 - Banff School Auditorium (Banff Visitor Centre)
Find the FIRST letter in row 2 and put it into the solver matrix. Also equals XVI.
Built in 1939, the Auditorium (now the Parks Canada Information Centre) references the architectural style used in the construction of the Banff National Park entrance gates and the Park Administration Building with Tudor Revival detailing, a steeply pitched roof, half-timbering and a stone base.
Opening Hours: May 17 - October 8: 8 am - 8 pm / October 9 - May 19: 9 am - 5 pm
St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church
This Victorian Gothic Revival church was built in 1930 using local stone. A large stained glass image of Mount Rundle is located above the front door. Architectural Style: National Park Rustic with Tudor details
Banff Public Art Work #5
Four Ravens - Eric Robertson (2005)
Four Ravens watch passers-by from their elevated perches in Banff World Heritage Square. The sculptures of these creative and intelligent birds symbolize the connection between Banff's urban landscape and the natural landscape of the national park in which Banff resides.
Brewster Transportation Co. Building
This building’s sleek Art Moderne style is unique in Banff. The streamlined appearance represents a deliberate backslash against the ornate Victorian style.
13 - Fire Hall
Find the FIRST letter in row 13 and put it into the solver matrix. Also equals IV.
Originally built in 1935 as part of the federal government's work relief program, the building's rustic appearance is typical of many of the buildings designed by the Parks Service Architectural Division during the 1930s.
14 - Luxton Residence
Find the FIRST letter in row 18 and put it into the solver matrix. Also equals II.
Built in 1905, this was the home of Norman and Georgina Luxton. Known as "Mr. Banff," Norman Luxton acquired Banff's Crag & Canyon newspaper in 1903, and also operated the King Edward Hotel, Sign of the Goat Curio Shop and the Luxton Museum of the Plains Indian. Georgina Luxton is said to have been the fist non-native child born in what is now Alberta. Architectural Style: Tall Pyramidal
15 - Tanglewood
Find the FIRST letter in row 3 and put it into the solver matrix. Also equals XX.
Tanglewood is Banff's oldest surviving building. It is believed to have been built around 1887 as a National Park Post Office, known as Siding 29, and was relocated to its current site around 1898 where it was used as a residence. Architectural Style: National Park Rustic
Beaver Lodge
Built in 1914, this eight-bedroom log structure is typical of early Banff rooming houses, and features a log exterior and varnished wood interior. Guests have included famous painters, literary figures and musicians. Architectural Style: National Park Rustic
16 - The Holmes Residence
Find the FIRST letter in row 6 and put it into the solver matrix. Also equals XVII.
Reggie Holmes, a member of the Alpine Club of Canada and one of Banff's early pioneers, built this log cabin in 1905. The shingles were added in 1925. Architectural Style: National Park Rustic
17 - James Thompson House and Cabins
Find the FIRST letter in row 11 and put it into the solver matrix. Also equals X.
During the 1920s and 1930s rush to provide tourist accommodation many homeowners, such as James Thompson, built cabins and tent houses behind their homes. These cabins are one of the few remaining examples of this "backyard" development. Architectural Style: Folk House - Side Gable
Kidney Residence
The Kidney Residence, built around 1910, was once located in the nearby coal mining town of Bankhead, and is typical of many company-built- manager’s homes. After the mine’s closure in 1922, houses were sold for $50 a room and moved to Banff, Canmore and Calgary. Architectural Style: Folk House - Front Gable
Bayne Residence
This home was built in 1913 for Banff’s Notary Public, D.C. Bayne, and features red brick and a unique cobblestone foundation. The large covered porch and refined interior layout indicate Bayne’s prominence among Banff’s early high society. Architectural Style: Craftsman with Tudor and Rustic influence
Gair Lodge
Cottage style architecture was a favoured design for early, pre-Second World War park residences and Gair Lodge, built in 1919 by C.F. McGuffin, is one of the finest examples in Banff. Influenced by the “Arts and Crafts Movement”, the building shows simple structural elements such as rafters and roof brackets, and an honest use of natural materials, including wooden shingles and river stone.
Mountain School Annex and Greenham Residence
The Greenhams established Mountain School, Banff’s first private school, in 1922. During the Second World War many British parents, including the actress Vivien Leigh, enrolled their children here. Margaret Greenham was a strong promoter of the dramatic arts in Banff, and organized the Banff Literary Dramatic Society and the first children’s theatre group in Alberta. The Greenham’s cultural activities contributed to the establishment of the Banff School of Fine Arts, now the Banff Centre, which includes a theatre named in Margaret’s honor.
18 - The Harmon Residence
Find the LAST letter in row 2 and put it into the solver matrix. Also equals XIII.
This stage is currently inaccessible due to longer construction. The letter for this stage is R. Will update as it progresses.
Byron Harmon, the Alpine Club of Canada's first official photographer and founder of the Banff Board of Trade, built his home here in 1932. The scale of this home is representative of an emerging high society in Banff. Architectural Style: Tudor Revival with rustic design influences
Notice the very new Contemporary House to the left of it.
Tarry-a-while / Mary Schaeffer Warren Residence
This home was built in 1913 for Mary Schaeffer Warren, one of Banff’s first female mountain explorers, by her future husband mountaineer William “Billy” Warren. The shingle exterior is typical of this era. Architectural Style: Wide Pyramidal with rustic influences
19 - Old Banff Cemetery
Find the LAST letter in row 7 and put it into he solver matrix. Also equals VIII.
The Cemetery, which dates back to 1888, is the final resting place of many notable Banff residents. Most tombstones are built from local stone, and several feature scenes such as local mountains, golfers, horses, and cross-country ski tracks.
20 - Transformer Substation Building
Find the FIRST letter in row 10 and put it into the solver matrix. Also equals III.
The substation building, built in 1905 when electricity first came to Banff, is one of Banff's finest examples of industrial architecture. It features Italianate details such as the raised pilasters and curved door and window surrounds.
Crandell / Peck Cabin
This modest one-and-a-half storey cabin was built 1907 as a summer residence and rental property for business man Edward Henry Crandell. The vertical corner posts of the cabin and exposed exterior logs are characteristic of the Rocky Mountain architectural style.
Orr Residence
Architect J.G. Johnson designed this home in 1928 for Lorne Orr, who managed Banff’s King Edward Hotel for 25 years. It is architecturally unique to Banff, with its stucco finish and red tiled roof.
Grant-Hemming Residence
This residence was built in 1921. The three arched front bays and tapered columns suggest Prairie style influences, although local materials are featured in the river stone chimney and stone steps.
Norman Sanson Residence
Turn right at the corner on Muskrat Street, then a few metres on your right you'll find the sign.
Known as “Nature’s Gentleman,” Norman Sanson was a naturalist, meteorologist, and curator for the Banff Park Museum from 1896 – 1932. He lived in this home between 1910 and 1939. Architectural Style: Craftsman
Senator Forget Residence
In the corner entering the pathway to the Bow River Pedestrian bridge.
Senator Forget, a Saskatchewan senator, had this home transported by rail from Winnipeg and assembled for summer use in 1910. It is the only example of a pre-fabricated house from this era remaining in Banff. Architectural Style: American Foursquare
Banff Public Art Work #6
River Ribbon - Alexander Caldwell (2017)
The undulating shape evokes the movements of nature and can be read as a metaphor for wind vortices and river eddies. The hard stainless steel is given a soft brushed finish to emulate the reflective quality of the environment in which it is situated.
21 - Old Mineral Springs Hospital Buildings
Find the FIRST letter in row 11 and put it into the solver matrix. Also equals V.
The Sisters of Saint Martha operated the original 1911 Mineral Springs Hospital. Today, this site houses several buildings with unique and different construction styles.
Administration Building & Cascades of Time Gardens
Harold Beckett designed this building and its gardens as part of the 1930s federal work relief program. The Administration Building, completed in 1936, was constructed on the site of the former Brett Sanatorium (a spa-hospital), which was destroyed by fire in 1933. The building is characteristic of the domestic Tudor Revival architectural style and features Tudor Gothic elements. The original garden plan included a series of waterfalls that cascaded through rock-lined pools, with each pool reflecting a stage in the geological history of the Rockies, but this feature was never constructed. However; the rest of the gardens were successfully completed and remain as they were originally planned.
22 - Sign of the Goat Curio Shop
Find the first letter in row 6 and put it into the solver matrix. Also equals XII.
In 1904, businessman Norman Luxton moved his Curio Shop from Banff Avenue to its current location. The shop is typical of the rustic Rocky Mountain architectural style, and features a Pagoda roof, exposed log cross-bracing, and roof brackets.
Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum (no sign)
In 1952 Norman Luxton, a prominent Banff businessman, established the Luxton Museum of the Plains Indian. It is now operated by the Buffalo Nations Cultural Society as the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum.
Opening Hours: May - September 10 am - 7 pm / October - April 11 am - 5 pm
Why Banff?
It all started in 1990 when “Mami” Star, then “Papa” Star’s girlfriend decided she wanted to go to Canada and see if she likes it better than Switzerland, where both were residing at the time. “Mami” Star is a dual citizen (Switzerland and Canada), so only “Papa” Star needed a work visa, which was not to difficult to get, for a job as a Sous Chef at the famous Le Beaujolais Restaurant in Banff, which got sold 2 years ago and is now Chuck’s Steakhouse. We arrived in May 1991 and “Mami” Star worked at the Banff Springs Hotel. During that one year the Rocky Mountains captured our hearts. We then moved back to Switzerland to attend post-secondary education, just to end up in Ontario in 1995 and then in Calgary on Christmas 1996. We never left this great city, even though it changed a lot over the years.
Living close to the Rocky Mountains we spent many weekends out there over the years. Then in 2009 Little Star Sascha was born and “Papa” Star went weekly to Banff for deliveries with his job since then, until recently when a more senior employee snatched that run from him.
2010 marked the beginning of our Geocaching Era as Three Stars, consisting of Chris “Papa” Star, Yvonne “Mami” Star and Little Star Sascha. We were looking for something we could do as a family together. We heard about Geocaching some years ago but having to buy a handheld GPS’r for a few hundred dollars to get into it was a barrier. That year we bought hybrid GPS’r which was a Garmin car navigation system with Geocaching abilities at a reasonable price and our first few hundred geocaches were found with it, until we got a dedicated handheld GPS’r and later the iPhone with Geocaching apps. Our first geocache actually was a DNF because we searched for almost one hour at the posted coordinates of a geocache that had a question mark in it. When we got home and did some research we realized, why we were not able to find anything, oops….
Fast forward to 2017 with 5000 finds and about 50 hides we established ourselves in the CAC (Calgary Area Cachers) community as quality hiders, that many finders appreciate, as the favorite points started to accumulate. We were on a Geocaching vacation in Washington State in August 2017 to log Find 5000 “Mission 9: Tunnel of Light” (GC1169) at the Going APE Mega Event, when the announcement was made that 4000 virtual caches were being given away to specially selected geocachers. Imagine our surprise when the next day we found a message in our geocaching email saying: “You are the recipient of 1 of the 4000 virtual caches.” We felt honored to be selected and had a hard time deciding on a location and theme, but ultimately choose Banff, because this is where it all started.
The year 2018 coincides with “Papa” Star’s 50th birthday. So the hidden date celebrates the start of his Second Fifties as it was mostly his work of passion. He probably spent around 50 hours to get all of it together and published.
We sincerely hope you enjoyed your outing in Banff, and we look forward to read your logs about the experience.
Virtual Reward - 2017/2018
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between August 24, 2017 and August 24, 2018. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards on the Geocaching Blog.
