Canadian Rockies: Lake Louise
On the way down from Jasper to Lake Louise, we stopped off to hike the Parker’s Ridge trail which overlooks the Saskatchewan Glacier. The weather seems to have deserted us here, but I don’t remember that. It all looks very dramatic in the cloud.
By the time we got to Lake Louise, all was sunny again. On arrival, we climbed to a lookout over the Lake and the fabulous Chateau Lake Louise – and we had to do it twice!
On the map, it looked as though you could do a circular walk by taking a steep rocky path down from the Lookout to the Lake and following it round the water’s edge to the original starting point. However, when we got to the Lake it seemed that any previous path was long submerged. We paddled for a bit, but when it became wading we had to turn round. I got back up that steep rocky path PDQ and was glad that a) this was near the end of the holiday and I was much fitter than when we set out and b) we had a table booked for dinner which we would miss if we didn’t hurry. This was a huge incentive as you can imagine!
The next day, we hiked the Plain of the Six Glaciers and Lake Agnes trails. My main memories are that, despite my smile, I was very unhappy on the scree sections and (better) that there were two tea-houses on these trails. Unaccountably, we have no pictures of them, but I’ve checked the guidebook and my memory is correct. Scotland’s mountains need more tea-houses! 😉
On our final day, we ventured first to Moraine Lake:
Then we crossed the border into British Columbia. Many years before, we had a holiday in BC and the furthest east we ventured was Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park. So this time we ventured west to revisit them and our two holidays “met up”.
The following day, we drove back to Calgary for our flight home. I’ve really enjoyed writing this series – I remembered the Rockies being beautiful but they are even better in retrospect. I want to go again! If you read earlier posts, you might remember that this was my 50th birthday trip in 2007. You don’t have to be a mathematical genius to work out that I have another big birthday coming up soon, so maybe I should celebrate in the same place? Especially as Canada also has a big birthday in 2017 (150th) and I’ve recently read that all National Parks will be free next year to celebrate. Watch this space….
In the meantime, our next Canadian trip will be to Toronto. Hints and tips from local bloggers welcome! And finally, this post is linked to Jo’s wonderful Monday Walks series. She has a lovely spring-time Algarve walk this week, which should cheer you up whatever your own weather is doing. Enjoy!
The Glasgow Gallivanter 
Beautiful photographs! They make me nostalgic about when I went hiking last 😛 you have an amazing post here 🙂 – Michelle
LikeLike
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Anabel, I’d say, just go! The place is so beautiful!
My sister wanted to visit Canada years ago. Unfortunally, it didn’t happen.But maybe one day… I may go with her 😉
LikeLike
You should! It’s gorgeous – as you can see.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What amazing photos Anabel – the scenery is stunning! Many years ago my in laws did a driving holiday round parts of Canada and they sent us a postcard from Lake Louise – it looked just like your photos! I have relatives in Toronto but have never been there myself – one day!
LikeLike
It’s so beautiful – I can’t wait to go back.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Breathtaking views!
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such an amazing part of the world…
I hadn’t heard about the Canadian National Parks being free in 2017. I am hoping to get Paul out to this part of Canada (he’s never even been to the country, which I still find hard to believe, as I don’t remember a time when I hadn’t been there!), and getting into the parks for free would be just an added incentive.
LikeLike
Wow, I’ve been to Canada 4 times and had to cross the Atlantic! Mind you, I’ve probably been to more states than the average American too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wouldn’t be surprised if you have – I am shocked at how little traveling most people do, as I love to travel so much. I’m trying to get Paul to many new places, and I think he enjoys it (if nothing else, he keeps going places, so I’ll take that as enjoyment!).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Anabel – looks amazing despite the not so brilliant weather – but free parks in 2017 – sounds a great opportunity .. and it’s fun writing up trips isn’t it .. cheers Hilary
LikeLike
It certainly is fun reliving such great memories!
LikeLike
You know I want to meet up with you too right? We could go to Kensington market, China town, Little Italy. I could get passes from the library for a tourist attraction. Email me: myspanglishfamilia@gmail.com
LikeLike
Thank you! It would be lovely to meet. I will email you when I know more exactly what we are doing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds good 🙂
LikeLike
I really hope I’m going to have the chance to visit there when I’m back in N. America! I want to take the Canadian railroad from one end to the other. 😀
LikeLike
Yes, that would be something I’d like to do too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just love that shot of Moraine Lake. Thanks (as always) for taking me along on this journey.
LikeLike
It’s amazing, isn’t it? Yet I don’t remember much about it, beyond that image. Or maybe we did just stand and stare!
LikeLiked by 1 person