This was an unexpected detour that we took on our trip to Vancouver and Edmonton this summer. I could not believe that this out of the world place was 2 and half hours flying distance from SFO. We can actually go back for a weekend trip. woah...
When you are in the lap of nature, you forget your fears, worries and get a new perspective on how you look at life. This was such a place....it comes alive only for few months a year and is essentially covered with snow rest of the time. And when it is alive....you can see how so many elements work together to make it the place it is.
The sides of the freeways were covered with white Daisies, the waterfalls flowing down from up above the mountains. And those mountain lakes..........were serene !!!!!!!!! Each lake has its very own shade of blue tint to it. Every turn on the road is picture perfect....
One of the many things that my grandpa taught us was, it is important to learn the history of a place. It gives a lot of information and helps to relate the present and past. The present is the result of past. So every time I go to a new place, I explore the local history, its geography, and the culture. This was my first time to a Glacier Ecosystem. The magnificent glacier (Columbia Icefield) sitting on top of these Canadian rockers, is the one that is supporting the ecosystem. The glacier retreating every summer and growing back every winter is the source of these beautifully hidden Glacial lakes. The water flowing down from the glaciers carries the 'Rock flour' into these lakes and that what gives the water the unique color ,unlike anywhere else. (Read about it more here)
So, let me not make this a long post and let me get right into my simple guide to this place.
The only thing we did in this national park was to go on a scenic drive 'The Icefields Parkway. This is rated one of the 10 most scenic routes in the world. And covers most of the falls and the lakes.
More than a drive, the Icefield Parkway is a journey through natural history and captivating landscapes
This route runs from Banff National part to Jasper. We took the drive from Jasper to Banff but I would highly suggest doing it another way around. All the lakes are close to the Banff.
For best hikes check here. We had a toddler with us and limited time so just did the drive and stopped at almost every Point of interests on our way( trust me there are many, Trip advisor has 21 POIs). These are not too far from the road and most of them are 5 min hike. Be prepared to have snacks and water. They have food courts here and there and few small lakeside cafes but very limited options. These get very busy as well.
Pack a lunch, Take a blanket. Have an impromptu picnic beside waterfalls or on the shores of the Glacial lakes.
You can always get more information and maps from this here and even this is an amazing blog.
Here is my take on must do things and Tips based on my experience.
Lake Louise
Lake Louise - Boathouse. After hours when the tourist hustle is over.
View from Fairmont. Picture from here
Bow Lake : Right on the highway. Has a view of Crow Foot Glacier. Also, an Inn on the shore and a cafe. Has coffee too !!!
Peyto Lake & Bow Summit: Peyto lake is 5 min hike from the parking lot. You can also see the water flowing from the mountains and how it brings the rock flour into the lake.
Weeping Wall : It's right on the road.
Big Hill & Big Bend : Again on the highway. Make sure to stop and enjoy the view. You will be surrounded by the mountains.
Parker Ridge: Has a view of Saskatchewan Glacier
Columbia Icefield: As the name implies, this is the field of Glaciers. Must to do. There is an amazing view from the Columbia Icefield Centre. The center has a food court with many options. During summer, do take the snow coach tours from here.They drive up onto the glacier. This was not very expensive tour and we took our toddler with us. Remember to take jackets even if it is sunny.
Glacier SkyWalk : This tour was included in the snow coach tour. Can't go there on your own. No parking. No restrooms. This gives BIG picture of the local ecosystems. You look a the numerous number of waterfalls. How the snow melts and forms a stream and flows into the river below. Can be skipped if time is a constraint.
Sunwapta Falls : Roadside waterfall. Quick stop. Not a long hike
Athabasca Falls: Roaring roadside waterfalls.Very short hike, you can get a very close look at the waterfalls.
Finally, remember to take it slow, Enjoy the views. Please don't do this as to-do items on your list.
Moraine Lake
Peyto Lake from Bow Summit
In this picture, you can see the snow melting and the water flowing down the stream into the lake, while dumping the rock flour at the foot of the hills.
View from Columbia Icefield Center - Just a toe of the enormous glacier
On the glacier - The snow coaches that took us there.
View from glacier walkway. You can see multiple waterfalls.
Please do leave comments, I would appreciate your valuable opinions.
Until next time...
Love...S
