Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Lake Louise

Lake Louise, Banff National Park

We said we wanted to be out the door by 7 am, well, we were in the car by 6:30.  I knew that Lake Louise is a very popular spot, and the more people there, the worse your picture opportunities are.  We had very little problems as there were only 20 people around when we arrived, about 30 as we left. 

Lake Louise, Banff National Park

In this reflection you can see the greenness in the water, which is increased by the reflection of the green trees.

Lake Louise, Banff National Park

This straight shot shows the Victoria Glacier that helps to feed the lake.  Glacial sediment is what gives the glacier lakes their different colors.

Lake Louise, Banff National Park

Here is the right side of the lake, and again you can see the greenish color of the lake.

Lake Louise, Banff National Park

The lake feeds Louise Creek, which runs down to the Bow River.  This area of the lake is very accessible with fine paved walkways, areas to sit, and numerous locations to take pictures from.

Marcia taking pictures at Lake Louise, Banff National Park

Here you can see Marcia in her scooter.  Other than temperatures of 38 degrees, she got around fine on her own, taking pictures, some of which are used above.  She does have a blanket over her legs to help keep warm.  The dogs stayed in the car.






Lake Louise, Banff National Park

This shows the handful of the people around the lake.  The folks on the left were taking lots and lots of pictures, each one with one or more of them in the pictures.  They did not seem to mind that others might not want them in their pictures…but I was just happy that it was one small group doing this and not a huge crowd.


Lake Louise, Banff National Park

I was also glad that the canoes were all locked up for future use during the day.  I have seen many pictures of Lake Louise with many of these canoes out on the water.  I am sure glad we beat the crowds, it made the morning very special.





Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise butts right up to the lake.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Look at all these rooms which look out onto the lake!  The cost is around $900 (Canadian) per night during September…not sure you could even book a room right now looking over the lake.  After we left we headed to the small town of Lake Louise to get a coffee.  As we were there, we saw no fewer than six tour buses pull in, and we saw many more headed that way when we traveled back to Banff later. 

Between Banff and Lake Louise     Between Banff and Lake Louise 

Between Banff and Lake Louise

The trip up to Lake Louise was full of many mountains, and the early morning sun made for some very interesting images.  Beyond Lake Louise it just seemed to get better.  We only traveled a short distance up the Icefields Parkway, perhaps 30 miles or so.  Fatigue was starting to set in on both of us, and I wanted to take the Bow Valley Parkway back from Lake Louise to Banff, which would take much longer than Canada Highway 1 took coming up to Lake Louise.  Below are some of the pictures we took north of Lake Louise.

Icefields Parkway     Icefields Parkway

Icefields Parkway
    

Icefields Parkway     Icefields Parkway

Icefields Parkway

Lake Hector, Icefields Parkway     Lake Hector, Icefields Parkway

I think one could spend years up here taking pictures…there is so much beauty everywhere you look.  How lucky we are to be able to enjoy even a few days of our lives here.   Later in the early evening we went for a drive around the outskirts of Banff, which perhaps I will post pictures of another day.

8 comments:

  1. It's just the most beautiful country ever .... a tad on the chilly side however.

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    Replies
    1. Yes it is. Although the mornings are cool, the rest of the day is very nice.

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  2. Wow, beautiful pictures, for sure.

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    Replies
    1. I don't know if you can take a bad picture. It is so pretty.

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  3. Great timing! Sure is beautiful, isn't it! Lots of long driving days to see everything unless you move and camp along the way. We chose to drive staying 10 days at Banff NP and 10 days at Jasper NP. Of course, we also threw in long hikes at each area. Made for very long days but so worth it:)

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    Replies
    1. Knowing Pam, I mean you two, there were LOTS and LOTS of hikes!

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  4. Beautiful pictures, what a great view! Thanks for the share!
    Jessica

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    Replies
    1. You are welcome, it was our pleasure to do so, a REAL PLEASURE! wow!!!

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