In this episode, we spend four days in the Canadian Rockies in our conversion van, exploring Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, and Waterton Lakes national parks spanning the Continental Divide that separates Alberta and British Columbia provinces. The Canadian national park system is very organized with extensive guide pamphlets and maps. However, it is also very crowded. You will find hordes of people at every popular lake and trail. We begin our journey in Banff national park, about two hours drive west of Calgary. Here, ee explore the town, including phenomenal views of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and the Bow River from Surprise corner, a hike to the hoodoos on Tunnel Mountain Drive, a view of Bow Falls, and then reflections of the mountains in the splendid Vermilion Lakes. Leaving town, we next explore the Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka areas, where we encounter bighorn sheep and mountain goats. Then we drive the Bow Valley parkway past Johnston Canyon and its waterfalls and Castle Mountain to the Lake Louise ski resort. Here, you can board a shuttle bus to Lake Louise and hike to the Lake Agnes teahouse or continue on to the impressive Moraine Lake with its crystal blue waters and jagged mountainous backdrop. Continuing west from Lake Louise over the Continental Divide into Yoho national park, we stop at the very tall Takkakaw Falls, Spiral Tunnel railroad overlook, Natural Bridge, and beautiful Emerald Lake. Then we make a quick detour into Kootenay national park, where wildlife abounds and you can take a dip int he Radium Hot Springs. Back into Banff national park, we continue north on the incredible Icefields Parkway to Hector Lake, Peyto Lake, Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, Waterfowl Lake, Saskatchewan Crossing, and the Columbia Icefield, where you can walk on the glaciers. Then we cross into Jasper national park and stop at Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls, hike Mt Edith Cavell, explore the historic town of Jasper, and head out to Maligne Canyon and Lake. The scenery here is absolutely stunning. Finally, we conclude our trip heading back toward the States at Waterton Lakes national park, which borders Glacier national park in Montana. Here the highlights include the Prince of Wales Hotel and Cameron Falls.
21 авг 2024
