Trip Date: August 9-17, 2014
In 2014, we were still living in Columbus, Indiana, in the US. I was researching options for a week-long trip, and Icefields Parkway came up. National Geographic had listed the Icefields Parkway as one of the world’s most stunning roadways. We planned a 9-day road trip in August to experience the majestic landscape of the Canadian Rockies.
Canadian Rockies – Trip Planning
We would fly in and out of Calgary and rent a car from the airport. The plan was to stay a night in Calgary, three nights each in Lake Louise and Jasper and back for a night in Calgary on our flight out.
The Canadian Rockies is 1460 km long and includes four National Parks. We would be mainly driving in the bottom third of this mountain range on our trip, exploring Banff, Jasper and Yoho National Parks.
I was first looking at camping options along the Icefields Parkway. But, the nighttime temperatures in August were too low to go camping with a one-year-old. We ended up booking bed and breakfast in Calgary, an HI hostel in Lake Louise and another bed and breakfast in Jasper.
Minnewanka Lake
After spending a night in Calgary, we made our way to Banff. We had a late start, so by the time we reached Banff, it was lunchtime. After lunch, our first stop was Lake Minnewanka. It is a glacial lake that is 21 km long and 142 m deep.
It was a beautiful sunny day to be at the lake. The skies had a unique cloud formation, which, combined with the mountains and lake, made for a stunning view.
Later in the afternoon, we checked into the HI Hostel at Lake Louise. We had a private room with a bunk bed. I believe this was Kavya’s first experience with a bunk bed, and she was thrilled. The hostel had a good common kitchen, and over the next few days, we cooked at least one meal in this kitchen. It was fun to connect with people from all over the world and chat about their travel experience.
Lake Louise
Lake Louise is probably the most well-known of all places in the Canadian Rockies. Turquoise coloured lake surrounded by mountains and a landmark hotel on its eastern shore.
We ended up going here twice, once late in the evening and another time in the morning.
There are several hikes around Lake Louise. We did the short 1 km walk to Fairview Lookout.
From the viewpoint, you get a unique view of the lake and the Fairmont Chateau.
Emerald Lake
One of the days, we drove to Yoho National Park. As per Wiki, Yoho is a Cree expression of amazement or awe. Our first stop was at Emerald Lake. We did the 5 km Emerald Lake loop trail. Kavya would hike for a while, and then Kasturi would carry her in the baby carrier.
The hike offers fantastic views of the lake as well as the mountains around it. Here is a panoramic view from a viewpoint –
Takakkaw Falls
Next, we went to Takakkaw (meaning “wonderful” in Cree) Falls. After an easy walk of around 1.3 km, we got to this beautiful waterfall.
At 373 m, it is the second tallest waterfall in Canada. Standing in front of this giant roaring waterfall was quite an experience. Even from a distance, we could feel the mist.
Moraine Lake
On our way back to the hostel, we stopped by Moraine Lake. It is set in the Valley of Ten Peaks and is another iconic lake. The parking was busy, but luckily we found a spot.
While Kavya and Kasturi enjoyed the shore view, I hiked up the short Rockpile trail. The short hike was worth it as the view from the top was fantastic.
Johnston Canyon
On our last day in Banff National Park, we went to Johnston Canyon. We hiked to Lower Falls and Upper Falls of the canyon.
The catwalks along the limestone cliffs make it an easy hike and offer breathtaking views of the canyon, waterfalls and beautiful pools.
Kavya was tired after some time and slept in the baby carrier.
My favourite part of the hike was the upper fall viewed from a platform across the bottom of the fall.
After three days in Banff National Park, we made our way to Jasper. Finding bed and breakfast place for our three-day stay in Jasper took some effort. Finally, we found a place and were quite happy with it.
Athabasca Falls
Our first stop in Jasper was Athabasca falls. A relatively small waterfall, but as the river converges and falls into the gorge, you can feel the force from the platform.
We enjoyed the short hike that offers different views of the waterfall and the canyon.
Spirit Island
The next day, we took a cruise on Maligne Lake to visit Spirit Island. It is said to be a must-see destination for people coming to Jasper. The island’s location, the surrounding mountains, the water’s colour, and the remote access make it unique in the Canadian Rockies.
Whistler’s Summit
Later in the day, we took the Jasper Skytram to get to the top of Whistler mountain. From there, we took the Whistlers Summit trail.
It took us about 40 minutes to get to the summit. There were several Inuksuk’s/cairns at the summit.
Late in the evening, we made our way back down, and as we drove back, we were delighted to see some wildlife.
Icefields Parkway
On our drive back from Jasper to Calgary, we made a couple of stops along the way. The views of mountains, glaciers, rivers and lakes were breathtaking. To date, it is indeed one of the most beautiful drives of my life.
We stopped by Peyto Lake and did the short hike to the viewpoint.
It is another glacier-fed lake with turquoise coloured water. A sign on the Peyto Lake trail does a good job of explaining the science behind the beautiful colour –
Our next stop was at Bow Lake. Another impressive lake with mountains and glaciers in the background.
We arrived in Calgary late in the evening and took a flight back to Indianapolis the next day. It has been six years since this trip, and now since I am in Canada, I hope I get to go back again and spend more time in the Canadian Rockies.
Resources:
National Parks Link: Banff | Yoho | Jasper
Trip Planning – Banff | Jasper | Travel Alberta
Disclosure: I am not affiliated with any of the above organizations.
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Chennagide Raja
Falls and lakes olledu unto.
Thank you!
khoop chan.
Tuze niyojan nehamich koutuk karanyasarakhe asate.
Thank you!