21st June 2012-Banff and Lake Louise Day Trip
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We used Golden as our base for our foray into Banff and L. Louise. With good intentions, we left at 7.30am only to be turned back at Hwy 1 - road closed due to landslip. We had to take an alternate route through Radium, which added another 1 1/2 hours to the trip.
Architecturally, Banff village could almost be a town in Switzerland.
There are lots of gift shops and restaurants.
There are many activities one can do in Banff and the surrounding areas. There are lots of trails for hiking,horse rides,museum, hot springs,gondola ride.
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We found this Saloon to have lunch-it was quite reasonably priced.
View of Banff Village from the Wild Bill Saloon where we had lunch. One could easily spend a whole week in Banff and enjoy it at a leisurely pace.
Tom waiting anxiously for his lunch...he was very tempted by the ribs.
The Banff Gondola operates from 8.30am to 9pm in summer. Cost: $34.90 pp plus 5% tax. It was worth the money...you will see why.
Tom getting rather nervous.....are we there yet????
At the summit, there is a 360 viewing station with boardwalks that take you right out. There is no time limit on how long you spend at the viewing station...as long as you are out by 9pm!
The majestic Canadian Rockies...they just take your breath away! At 10,950ft Mt Alysma is the highest in this photo.
You can make out boardwalks in the distance - you will have to be quite fit to do the walk out.
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The downward trip...just don't look down.
The Rockies from a different viewpoint.
These mountain sheep were on the rocky terrain...haven't a clue what they were doing. Maybe they are glue sniffers! They seem to be licking the walls either for moisture or salt??
This little sweet thing was just chilling out whilst its mother was at the wall.
This is what you take to go to the Glaciers....wouldn't that be such a thrill!
Its tires were taller than me!There are 23 of these Snow Buses-22 of them are in Canada and the US Army has one in Antartica.
From Banff, it was only about an hour to Lake Louise.
The Bow River winding its way towards Lake Louise.
Lake Louise..they tell you to go before 11am or after 5pm.
We found out why...truck loads of tourists.
Gorgeous Lake Louise with the famous Chateau Lake Louise on the lakeshore.
We had to walk about 2kms around the lake to get this shot!...so worth it!
The Foyer/Reception of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Tom on his way to the Deli at the Chateau.
Thank goodness we managed to see a live Elk.
This lovely harpist was entertaining at the main dining room of the Chateau.
Just a few minutes away from Lake Louise is Moraine Lake.
It sits in what is known as the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
From the main road, it is approx. a 3 km drive to Moraine Lake.
In winter, the road to Moraine Lake is closed to traffic and becomes a cross country ski trail.
Lake Louise Village.....much smaller than Banff.
Lake Louise is a majestic place that deserves time to fully appreciate. This full day trip to Lake Louise will allow you to spend over 5 hours at this world heritage site to enjoy the area on your own.
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