The Banff area is so spectacular and so photogenic, that this is going to be an extremely abbreviated post! Many stunning photos will be left out. In particular, we’ve seen multiple lakes which would each have been the most beautiful we’d ever seen before.
We were welcomed to Banff by the brightest rainbow either of us has ever seen. Indeed stunning rainbows would be a feature of the trip.The next morning we took the shuttle to Moraine Lake. We knew that we had limited sunny days, and that this was a lake worth prioritizing. And boy did it pay off!Canoeing on the lake is really popular, but the line was super long. So we went for a hike along the shoreline instead – amazing all the way.As we came back we noticed, incredibly, that there was no line for canoes. So we jumped on the opportunity and it was absolutely amazing. Chatting with the Irish fella resulted in some good tips on where to prioritize and off we went.That evening we drove around looking for wildlife and the best sunset. Ultimately we ended up at Vermillion Lakes where the view was beautiful.Next morning was scheduled to be sunny again so I hopped on another shuttle and headed to Lake Louise for some intense hiking.I did a longer route (22.3km; 1,100m) that is absolutely amazing because it is packed with different sights and views.Part of the hike included climbing the very steep “Devil’s Thumb” which offered amazing views – including a birds eye showing both Lake Agnes and Lake Louise.The last part of the hike was out of the tree line and up to a spot known as Plain of Six Glaciers.The next morning we headed off to Marble Canyon in Kootenay National Park which was spectacular. A spot where the river carves it’s way through the rock in beautiful fashion.Then we headed up the famous Icefields Parkway to check out the views and walk along Bow Lake. We had a fantastic hike along the shoreline, which was surprisingly quiet. We carried on up the road to Peyto Lake – yet another stunner!I had loved my Lake Louise hiking so much that I insisted that Jules come back with me and tackle an abbreviated route while we still had some sun. As part of this hike we ended up at a tea house alongside a lake up in the mountains. We of course stopped for tea, samies, and treats.Suitably refueled we headed onwards to more viewpoints. I also stopped and had a swim in Lake Agnes – less cold than I expected!Afterwards we hit the hotel bar for a couple of espresso martinis. We had just a few sips before a storm hit so we scurried inside to wait out the downpour.The next morning we met up with some family for a mountain e-biking adventure through the forests. It was super fun, but we were left with pretty store bums!Before and after dinner we enjoyed the views along the road. First some wildlife, and then a train lighting its way alongside the Bow River.We then had a very slow, rainy day but the sunset was amazing. As we like to do, we drove out to a beautiful viewpoint to watch.The following morning was supposed to be good weather so I dashed out to do a well known hike above Moraine Lake. But the weather was off by a few hours and it was actually really stormy! I almost turned back, but ultimately the added adventure was very fun.Moraine Lake looking incredible from above.In the afternoon we drove up the famous parkway to Jasper National Park. Along the way we hiked to a beautiful lake.And hiked to the foot of a glacier. They have signs showing how it has been receding over time.On the way back we came across a bear chowing down on berries alongside the road.Time for yet another lake world class – Emerald Lake. Another one that deserves its reputation for being stunning.We had a fabulous sighting of a family of loons that we could follow along the shoreline as they fished.We also spotted some mountain goats alongside the river.Before heading out of the area I jumped onto the trails again. And guess what I saw along the way!That evening we hit a local waterfall, even though it was drizzling on us.Along the way we saw this crazy road with two hairpin bends. There were huge buses which confused us. We later learned that they do this by reversing back along the middle section. Drive forwards in. Then reverse down the next section. And then forwards out!
