4 JULY 2014
Today we drove to Lake Louise via the Bow Valley Parkway 1A just north of Banff. This is a leisurely scenic drive with promises of wildlife. Well, the only wildlife was an elk. There are many hiking trails and spectacular views of Castle Mountain. We stopped at Baker Creek Mountain Resort for lunch. Met up with couple we talked with at a previous stop on Parkway, Darcy and Terri. After lunch we continued on to Lake Louise, one of our favorite stops in the Canadian Rockies. Darcy is from Maple Creek SK and Terri from Iowa. Darcy gave us names of guides when we visit Fort Walsh in Maple Creek.
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| Bow Valley Pkwy Welcome Sign |
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| Trails and Stops Along Pkwy |
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| Handsome Elk Enjoying Lunch |
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| Bow River |
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| Meadow and Mountain |
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| In Front of Storm Mountain Lookout |
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| Baker Creek Resort |
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| Office and Checkin for Lodge |
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| Had Delicious Lunch with Friends |
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| My, You are Big |
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| Cub up a Tree by Restaurant |
Castle Mountain was once named for Eisenhower from 1946 to 1979. Public opinion caused the original name to be restored. Another stop was Castle Camp memorial to persons deemed enemy aliens and suspected sympathizers who were interned here during WWI. A total of 660 enemy aliens were interned here. The vast majority were of Ukrainian origin and were used as forced labor to improve the park system.
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| Castle Mountain |
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| Castle Camp Internment Memorial |
Lake Louise is the most famous glacial lake in the Canadian Rockies named for Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, daughter of Queen Victoria and sits 5600 ft above sea level. The Chateau Lake Louise sits at the opposite end of the lake from Mt Victoria and Victoria Glacier. Canoe rentals are available. Also, take advantage of the many hiking trails around the lake. When we were here in 1998, we stayed within walking distance at the Deer Lodge. Could sit all day and take in the beauty of the area. So peaceful.
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| Welcome to Lake Louise |
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| Chateau Lake Louise |
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| Lake Louise & Victoria Glacier |
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| Closer View of Glacier |
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| Canoes on Lake |
We then drove to Moraine Lake 10 miles away. The lake is surrounded by Ten Peaks and Mt Temple. There is a restaurant and lodging available. Got a picture of some very adventurous climbers. When we were here in 1998, we walked around the lake, but 16 years later we are not in as good of shape and the 6500 ft elevation is greatly felt.
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| Drive to Moraine Lake |
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| Moraine Lake & Ten Peaks |
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| Climbers |
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| Moraine Mountain View |
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| Granite Peak Moraine Lake |
We decided to ride the Lake Louise Gondola again with the promise of seeing some grizzlies..We did see one. It is a 14 minute ride in either an open chair or enclosed car to the top at an elevation of 6800 ft. The views from top were somewhat hazy, but still worth the ride. There is a restaurant and wildlife display at top. This is also a very popular ski area.
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| Lake Louise Gondola |
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| Ride up to top |
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| Grizzly Enjoying Lunch |
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| View From Top |
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| View of Lake Louise & Glacier |
It was a good day.
www.banfflakelouise.com for more info and things to do.
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