The Rockies
We've done so much since the last post, this will be a big one, you might want to make a brew!
We arrived at our accommodation at 0130 and had been travelling in the dark (and through thick fog) for hours. When we woke in the morning the first thing we did was open the blinds to check the view, we were not disappointed!
First up was a visit to the local grocery store to gather supplies, we found a sub that could have fed us for the week
After shopping we headed over to Banff to explore the town a little, the weather really turned against us so we did some soggy sightseeing of Bow Falls and a wet walk around Fenlands during which we saw a beaver (and didn't get eaten by bears!)
The next day we had a lot planned, we started with a visit to Cave and Basin which was the starting point of National Parks Canada when a natural hot water spring was discovered and became a huge attraction, the government stepped in to help protect and preserve the area.
We explored some of the wildlife conservation area (the rest was closed due to a Grizzly bear in the area!) where we saw some rare wildlife including a Garter Snake which lived in this little log
After a break for lunch we headed for Tunnel Mountain Road which we were told had great views of the Bow Valley.
Whilst walking around the Hoodoos viewpoint we saw a Prairie Dog
Next up was Lake Minnewanka (teehee!) We arrived at the same time as someone else who had brought their guitar, they settled down and started playing near us as we took in the wonderful scenery, the music adding something special to the moment.
As we sat by the shore of the lake admiring the clear waters we could hear the ice sheets moving, creaking and squealing as they rubbed past each other in the heat of the sun.
Further round the valley we stopped at Two Jack Lake (which we nicknamed 3 Twats Lake after 3 guys sped up to the lakeside in their huge truck and left all windows open whilst blaring crappy rap music)
Before we were graced with their presence we watched a kayaker launch from the shore and glide across the lake, it was a great day to be on the water.
Another day down!
Next day a lie in before we headed out for a hike up to Grassi Lakes after arming ourselves with some bear spray, it was a Saturday so the place was a hive of activity, cyclists, walkers, canoes, kayaks and paddleboards on the canal.
The lakes at the top of the walk were stunning, the waters crystal clear.
Next up, Lake Louise!
There was still a lot of snow around Lake Louise and the lake itself was still 90% frozen. Amy tested the temperature by going for a quick paddle, 2 numb feet later and we had confirmed it was indeed VERY cold!
We walked the length of the lake which took us closer to the glacier further up the valley, unfortunately we were unable to go any further as the conditions required full winter hiking gear (crampons, axe etc).
Another quick lunch and we then headed back towards Banff via a few stops, the first was Marble Canyon which took us over the Continental Divide, this is the line which marks the division between waters flowing towards the Pacific Ocean and those flowing towards Hudson Bay.
Marble Canyon is a slot canyon caused by erosion and the retreat of a waterfall through the rock.
A wildfire had ravaged this valley back in 2003, started by a lightening strike. The valley still bore the scars of this fire with thousands of dead trees still standing above the new growth
It was on this walk we saw another cheeky little Chipmunk, this one was very friendly and was clearly used to being fed by people, although we did leave him disappointed.
The next stop on our way back to Banff was another canyon, Johnston Canyon. We arrived here in the early evening which was great as the crowds and cleared, we celebrated with an ice cream and headed up the valley passing the 7 sets of falls as we went.
Our final stop of the day was Vermillion Lakes just outside of Banff, we arrived late evening and ate our dinner overlooking the lakes.
This drew to a close our stay in Canmore, early the next day we set off back to Jasper along the famous Icefields Parkway.
We set off in plenty of time as we had done most of this drive in the dark on the way to Canmore, we knew we'd be stopping lots to admire the stunning views, we weren't wrong!
As we got close to Jasper we passed a bear at the roadside, this bear was very relaxed with the cars pulled over to take a closer look, it came as close as 3m from the car as he carried on doing his bear things.
Once back in Jasper we checked into our Airbnb and then set out for some food. On the train into Jasper we had been given a tip by one of the train staff about a great pizza place, as we were hungry and we arrived at dinner time it was a foregone conclusion. Unfortunately we either got the wrong place or this person had differing views on what made a good pizza! Now we were back in Jasper we had made it our mission to find some great pizza, after a little research online we found the place and were very happy to bring full closure to the episode.
After food there was still a little of the evening light left so we took a trip up to Patricia and Pyramid Lakes.
Mike did consider an evening swim but after standing in the water's edge for 30 seconds and losing all feeling in his feet he did decide that maybe this wasn't his best idea ever and chickened out.
At Pyramid Lake we talked to some other visitors who had arrived at the same time as us, they had just passed a Grizzly bear and 3 tiny cubs on the road to the lake, we must have missed them whilst at Patricia Lake!
This was due to be our final full day in Jasper, our train for Vancouver was due at 1400 the next day. In the morning we dropped off our hire car and headed to the train station to check the status of the train, the news wasn't good and we were informed that the train is now due at 0100 the next morning, great!
We spent the day in the town, doing some shopping (new trail shoes and trousers for Mike) and suncream for us both as we'd been caught out during the past few days and both left with hilarious tan lines.
Back to the station early evening after and ice cream in the park (Mike - Walnut Maple & Triple Choc Brownie / Amy - Coffee Crisp & Buttered Pecan for those interested), again the news was bad and the train was now due at 0330! We headed out for dinner and chose Earl's which was fantastic food.
We had resigned ourselves to spending most of the night in the train station, not an exciting prospect as the chairs were uncomfortable and there was nowhere to lie down other than the floor. As the night went on the news kept getting worse, the train was delayed until 0530, then 0600, then 0730, then 0830 and it eventually pulled into the station at 0920. We boarded at 1000 and as the train pulled out of Jasper towards Vancouver we both tried our best to enjoy the view but the lack of sleep got the better of us.
To VIA Rail's credit they did provide free lunches and dinner for us as a goodwill gesture due to the delays. We spent the afternoon and evening watching the beautiful British Colombia scenery pass us by and did get chatting with a couple from Dunedin, NZ who very kindly offered us a place to stay if we pass by their neck of the woods.
We arrived in Vancouver at 6am and made our way across the city (another kind bus driver who let us ride for free as we had no change) to our Airbnb where we've been catching up on lost sleep.
We have a couple of days to explore Vancouver before we pick up the camper on 21st when the real adventure begins! :)
We arrived at our accommodation at 0130 and had been travelling in the dark (and through thick fog) for hours. When we woke in the morning the first thing we did was open the blinds to check the view, we were not disappointed!
First up was a visit to the local grocery store to gather supplies, we found a sub that could have fed us for the week
After shopping we headed over to Banff to explore the town a little, the weather really turned against us so we did some soggy sightseeing of Bow Falls and a wet walk around Fenlands during which we saw a beaver (and didn't get eaten by bears!)
 |
| Bow Falls in the rain |
 |
| Bow Falls |
 |
| Fenlands in the rain |
The next day we had a lot planned, we started with a visit to Cave and Basin which was the starting point of National Parks Canada when a natural hot water spring was discovered and became a huge attraction, the government stepped in to help protect and preserve the area.
 |
| The Basin spring |
 |
| The Cave spring |
We explored some of the wildlife conservation area (the rest was closed due to a Grizzly bear in the area!) where we saw some rare wildlife including a Garter Snake which lived in this little log
 |
| Snapper spotting wildlife |
After a break for lunch we headed for Tunnel Mountain Road which we were told had great views of the Bow Valley.
 |
| Bow River with the Hoodoos (sandstone stacks) in the foreground |
 |
| Bow Valley and river |
Whilst walking around the Hoodoos viewpoint we saw a Prairie Dog
Next up was Lake Minnewanka (teehee!) We arrived at the same time as someone else who had brought their guitar, they settled down and started playing near us as we took in the wonderful scenery, the music adding something special to the moment.
As we sat by the shore of the lake admiring the clear waters we could hear the ice sheets moving, creaking and squealing as they rubbed past each other in the heat of the sun.
Further round the valley we stopped at Two Jack Lake (which we nicknamed 3 Twats Lake after 3 guys sped up to the lakeside in their huge truck and left all windows open whilst blaring crappy rap music)
Before we were graced with their presence we watched a kayaker launch from the shore and glide across the lake, it was a great day to be on the water.
Another day down!
Next day a lie in before we headed out for a hike up to Grassi Lakes after arming ourselves with some bear spray, it was a Saturday so the place was a hive of activity, cyclists, walkers, canoes, kayaks and paddleboards on the canal.
The lakes at the top of the walk were stunning, the waters crystal clear.
Next up, Lake Louise!
There was still a lot of snow around Lake Louise and the lake itself was still 90% frozen. Amy tested the temperature by going for a quick paddle, 2 numb feet later and we had confirmed it was indeed VERY cold!
We walked the length of the lake which took us closer to the glacier further up the valley, unfortunately we were unable to go any further as the conditions required full winter hiking gear (crampons, axe etc).
Another quick lunch and we then headed back towards Banff via a few stops, the first was Marble Canyon which took us over the Continental Divide, this is the line which marks the division between waters flowing towards the Pacific Ocean and those flowing towards Hudson Bay.
Marble Canyon is a slot canyon caused by erosion and the retreat of a waterfall through the rock.
A wildfire had ravaged this valley back in 2003, started by a lightening strike. The valley still bore the scars of this fire with thousands of dead trees still standing above the new growth
It was on this walk we saw another cheeky little Chipmunk, this one was very friendly and was clearly used to being fed by people, although we did leave him disappointed.
 |
| The main falls at Marble Canyon |
The next stop on our way back to Banff was another canyon, Johnston Canyon. We arrived here in the early evening which was great as the crowds and cleared, we celebrated with an ice cream and headed up the valley passing the 7 sets of falls as we went.
Our final stop of the day was Vermillion Lakes just outside of Banff, we arrived late evening and ate our dinner overlooking the lakes.
This drew to a close our stay in Canmore, early the next day we set off back to Jasper along the famous Icefields Parkway.
We set off in plenty of time as we had done most of this drive in the dark on the way to Canmore, we knew we'd be stopping lots to admire the stunning views, we weren't wrong!
As we got close to Jasper we passed a bear at the roadside, this bear was very relaxed with the cars pulled over to take a closer look, it came as close as 3m from the car as he carried on doing his bear things.
Once back in Jasper we checked into our Airbnb and then set out for some food. On the train into Jasper we had been given a tip by one of the train staff about a great pizza place, as we were hungry and we arrived at dinner time it was a foregone conclusion. Unfortunately we either got the wrong place or this person had differing views on what made a good pizza! Now we were back in Jasper we had made it our mission to find some great pizza, after a little research online we found the place and were very happy to bring full closure to the episode.
After food there was still a little of the evening light left so we took a trip up to Patricia and Pyramid Lakes.
Mike did consider an evening swim but after standing in the water's edge for 30 seconds and losing all feeling in his feet he did decide that maybe this wasn't his best idea ever and chickened out.
At Pyramid Lake we talked to some other visitors who had arrived at the same time as us, they had just passed a Grizzly bear and 3 tiny cubs on the road to the lake, we must have missed them whilst at Patricia Lake!
This was due to be our final full day in Jasper, our train for Vancouver was due at 1400 the next day. In the morning we dropped off our hire car and headed to the train station to check the status of the train, the news wasn't good and we were informed that the train is now due at 0100 the next morning, great!
We spent the day in the town, doing some shopping (new trail shoes and trousers for Mike) and suncream for us both as we'd been caught out during the past few days and both left with hilarious tan lines.
Back to the station early evening after and ice cream in the park (Mike - Walnut Maple & Triple Choc Brownie / Amy - Coffee Crisp & Buttered Pecan for those interested), again the news was bad and the train was now due at 0330! We headed out for dinner and chose Earl's which was fantastic food.
We had resigned ourselves to spending most of the night in the train station, not an exciting prospect as the chairs were uncomfortable and there was nowhere to lie down other than the floor. As the night went on the news kept getting worse, the train was delayed until 0530, then 0600, then 0730, then 0830 and it eventually pulled into the station at 0920. We boarded at 1000 and as the train pulled out of Jasper towards Vancouver we both tried our best to enjoy the view but the lack of sleep got the better of us.
To VIA Rail's credit they did provide free lunches and dinner for us as a goodwill gesture due to the delays. We spent the afternoon and evening watching the beautiful British Colombia scenery pass us by and did get chatting with a couple from Dunedin, NZ who very kindly offered us a place to stay if we pass by their neck of the woods.
We arrived in Vancouver at 6am and made our way across the city (another kind bus driver who let us ride for free as we had no change) to our Airbnb where we've been catching up on lost sleep.
We have a couple of days to explore Vancouver before we pick up the camper on 21st when the real adventure begins! :)
Just Wow!
ReplyDeleteWorth waiting for, loving it all.
Go Snapper!
Love from green and peaceful Wiltshire..