BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Icefields Parkway is another route that offers breathtaking scenic beauty. It stretches from Lake Louise to the Columbia Icefield Center and Jasper National Park.
There are many picturesque spots in Banff that are best seen from the many walking trails. From Lake Louise, a 6.4 kilometer trail leads hikers to the Plain of Six Glaciers. This trail runs above the gravel fields to one of two teahouses that were built by the Canadian Pacific Railway. These quaint teahouses are a great place to take a pleasant break before continuing up the ridge of moraine to enjoy the splendor of the mountains.
From Moraine Road, take the trail to Larch Valley where a beautiful subalpine meadow overlooks the green-blue waters of Lake Moraine. This trek is especially spectacular in Autumn when the larch trees turn color.
From here, I recommend you climb to the top of Sentinel Pass which is one of the highest peaks in Banff. Be sure to wear a good pair of hiking boots for his leg of the climb.
Another great hiking excursion starts at Paradise Creek parking lot. This is also on the Moraine Road. This trail follows a loop through Paradise Valley to Giant Steps Cascade.
Lakes in the Rocky Mountains of Canada are well known for their milky emerald color. This is caused by “rock flour” that is suspended in the water. Lake Louise is one of the most beautiful. People flock to this ice-scooped basin to experience the awesome view. Mountains surround Lake Louise and her waters reflect their majestic splendor.
Lake Agnes is suspended in a hanging valley between Little and Big Beehive, two rugged mountains. If an eight-kilometer hike is no problem, be certain to climb this trail. The view is spectacular and it leads past Bridal Veil Falls. From here, you climb a manmade stairway to a teahouse at the top of the mountain ridge. The scenery from the teahouse is indescribable.
You can access Banff National Park from the Bow Valley Parkway, the Trans Canada Highway or Highway 93. Lake Louise and Banff both have visitor centers where you can get information on what sites would best suit your particular tastes.
There are fourteen campsites within Banff’s boundaries. Two of them are open year round. The remainder are open during regular tourist season which usually runs from May to September. They are available on a first come, first serve basis but if full, the park
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