Blog 6 Banff - Lake Louise - Jasper

O’ Canada

Almost three weeks into our trip and we’ve crossed the Canadian border. We had heard they might confiscate our meat, alcohol and even our newly acquired bear spray (it was uneventful). We soon adjusted to the metric system as well as the higher gas prices.

Our first night in Canada we camped at Banff National Park which offers some of the most beautiful alpine scenery in the world (this is the countries first national park). The park showcases the Canadian Rockies which seem to go on forever with their majestic peaks covered in snow.  We had heard the wildlife would be abundant and in no time saw a mamma bear with cubs, elk and a wolf, (all at a safe distance of course)

We spent a nice evening visiting the town of Banff and actually ran into a couple we all know from Florence.   
The following day we drove to Lake Louise.  Here we found a pristine lake mostly covered in ice.  While viewing the lodge we noticed a car rally showing up in front, about a dozen Morgans were making a “pit stop” on their tour of the rockies.

With coffee in hand we walked along the shore and enjoyed the beauty of the lake and the mountain fresh air.

We ate a picnic lunch at Morraine Lake, another gem tucked within the Rockies.

 Arriving back at camp we were pleased to find that Phil and Linda had returned safely from their visit to Calgary.During the evening campfire  we enjoyed catching up while swatting mosquitos! (small we hear compared to the Alaskan variety)

Driving to Jasper was one of the few days we have encountered rain during our trip, reminding us of Seattle.  Jasper is the largest of Canada’s seven national parks in the Rocky Mountains. While driving the Icefields Parkway we enjoyed glacial valleys, snow capped peaks, waterfalls and several blue/green lakes.

 Due to the weather we will save our gondola ride for next time.  However all parties were greeted near the entrance of our campground by a rather large grizzly and Phil reports a huge wolf sighting! This and the Rangers warning of aggressive elk reminds us we are headed into the Canadian wilderness.