Epic Alaska Adventure - Spring 2024

Leg 6 - 5/29/2024 - Saskatoon, SK (CYXE) to Calgary/Banff, AB (CYBW)

Leg Stats

• Time Enroute: 2.4 hrs
• Distance (direct): 294nm
• Distance (actual): 310nm
• Fuel Used: 29.4 gal

I had decided previously that our next stop would be Banff, meaning we would fly into Springbank (CYBW) near Calgary. The weather looked ok, with a chance of some showers enroute.

Despite the mostly decent enroute weather, the winds in Springbank could be a considerable problem. The TAFs were calling for winds of up to 25kts at times, unfortunately directly crosswind to the only available runway. (The east-west runway being closed due to construction in the afternoons) I decided that we would try anyway, with the divert option being the main Calgary airport if necessary due to wind. I also called and had a rental car arranged for our arrival in Springbank, since Banff is about an hour driving time from the airport. To get in before the rental car agency closed, we took a half day from work and got ready to depart.

The actual flight began easily enough, with just a bit of showery weather west of Saskatoon and a few afternoon showers enroute.

I was a bit concerned about the afternoon showers near Calgary turning into thunderstorms, so I fired up the Iridium GO for the first time on the trip.

I was able to get a good in-flight weather download and it confirmed the showers weren't anything serious.

Nonetheless we did a little dodging anyway...

Due to the windy conditions, Springbank airport wasn't terribly busy, but when in range, the winds, as forecast, were around 25kts directly crosswind to the north-south runway. That is right around the limit of my comfort zone in the Mooney, but doable. I got a long straight in and fortunately the wind wasn't too gusty.

I didn't run out of rudder so I continued the approach and made a pretty decent touchdown on centerline, however the rollout was a little exciting as we slowed and a few gusts cropped up. It was perfectly safe but not something I would like to repeat often. We taxied in and got our rental, which turned out to be a pretty big pickup truck (the only option).

I booked a hotel directly in Banff on Tunnel Mountain and we made the very beautiful one hour drive into Banff, awestruck by the scenery. Banff is truly a special place in the Canadian rockies. We stopped before checkin to take in the fantastic sights.

We would be working the next 2 days, but as we were now on Mountain time, this meant early mornings but plenty of free time in the afternoons to explore. We left Magic at the hotel and took a shuttle bus into Banff town for dinner, which was great. The next day after work we took the rental on a 2 hour drive up the Icefields Parkway and back.

We drove only as far as Peyto Lake, It was snowing and quite icy up in that area, and we carefully walked up the short hike to the overview with Magic, who did not particularly appreciate the 6 inch deep snow that covered the path.

Peyto Lake was worth the short hike though!

On the drive back, we stopped at another scenic lake, which was still (it appeared) frozen quite solid.

By Thursday evening, I was of course thinking about the road ahead, with a decision to make as to whether we would extend our stay in Banff, or head onward (and to where?).

Leg Photos

Trip Leg Navigation