Day 4: Golden to Banff then Lake Louise

Banff:

Banff is a renowned tourist destination located in the Canadian Rockies within Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. It is a small town known for its breathtaking natural beauty, majestic mountains, turquoise lakes, and abundant wildlife. Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The town of Banff serves as the gateway to the national park and offers a range of amenities and attractions for visitors. Banff Avenue, the main street in town, is lined with shops, restaurants, and accommodations, creating a bustling and lively atmosphere.

One of the iconic attractions in Banff is Lake Louise, a stunning turquoise-colored lake surrounded by mountains. It is known for its postcard-worthy scenery and offers opportunities for hiking, canoeing, and wildlife spotting.

Moraine Lake is another picturesque lake in the area, famous for its vibrant blue color and stunning mountain backdrop. The Valley of the Ten Peaks, visible from Moraine Lake, is a sight that leaves visitors in awe.

Banff National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering an extensive network of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging mountain treks. The park also provides opportunities for camping, wildlife viewing (including bears, elk, and bighorn sheep), skiing, snowboarding, and soaking in natural hot springs.

In addition to its natural beauty, Banff features cultural attractions such as the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, which hosts art exhibitions, performances, and festivals throughout the year. The town also offers a range of guided tours, including wildlife tours, glacier tours, and historical tours.

Banff’s scenic landscapes, outdoor activities, and welcoming atmosphere make it a popular destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking to experience the beauty of the Canadian Rockies.

1st fog, fog lifted then smoke, covers 100’s of Km2. Interesting morning sun…

Museum fascinating, very well done, and this all happened not so long ago

Pedestrian bridge, almost looks like it could be in Japan

falls

Bow falls, at the base of the rather posh Fairmont hotel

Still freezing from my ride, puffer jacket underneath..

And there she is……very posh.

I then headed off to Lake Louise some 50km up the road the Trans Canadian Highway 1

Lake Louise is a stunning and iconic turquoise-colored lake located in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. It is one of the most famous and picturesque lakes in the Canadian Rockies and draws visitors from around the world.

The lake’s mesmerizing turquoise color comes from the fine rock particles, known as “rock flour,” that are suspended in the glacial meltwater. The vibrant color, combined with the surrounding majestic mountains and glaciers, creates a truly breathtaking sight.

Lake Louise offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors. Hiking is a popular pursuit, with several trails available for all skill levels. The Lake Agnes Tea House hike is a favorite, leading to a charming tea house overlooking the lake. Additionally, the Plain of Six Glaciers hike offers incredible views of surrounding glaciers.

During the winter season, Lake Louise transforms into a winter wonderland. The lake freezes over, providing a stunning ice-skating rink. The surrounding area becomes a hub for winter sports enthusiasts, with opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, a luxurious hotel located on the eastern shore of the lake, adds to the allure. The grand hotel offers breathtaking views and serves as a base for visitors to explore the area.

Lake Louise is not only a destination for outdoor activities but also a place of serenity and natural beauty. Many visitors simply come to admire the lake’s magnificence, take photographs, or enjoy a picnic along the shoreline.

It is worth noting that due to its popularity, Lake Louise can get crowded during peak tourist seasons. To fully appreciate its splendor, it’s recommended to visit early in the morning or later in the day when fewer people are around.

Lake Louise is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking to immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes of the Canadian Rockies. Its combination of striking colors, towering peaks, and serene ambiance creates an unforgettable experience.

In my Fathers foot steps, now it’s real……

My dad Gerry Loxton on the right and his best his whole life Brian Mitchell 1952
And me in 2023, 71 years later, same look out point

Lake Louise is such a beautiful colour, there was still smoke in the air so distance photos lacked resolution.

Oh know another Fairmont Hotel, summer or winter basic room incl breakfast R15 000 ZAR per night. Wine prices…shoo

x 14 to make you suddenly on an alcohol free diet……

Over flow from Lake Louise, glacier blue. They say the glacier is retreating 2.5m a year and by 2031 it will no longer exist. Scientists are very concerned about the warming of the area and run away forest fires are on a serious increase where the smoke is very detectable as far Boston and New York. When you see the magnitude of the natural forests when you drive around here, you get to understand how serious these big fires are….

Dinner at the Lake louise railway station. Beautiful wooden building built in 1910 and is the only functioning totally wooden station and restaraunt in Canada..

What a day….tomorrow off to Jasper in the North

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