Our adventure started with a few days in Lake Louise. Situated about a half-hour north of Banff, Lake Louise is world-renowned for its glacially-fed turquoise color – of course, attracting the crowds.
It was our first exposure to the area, so all was new. We stayed at a hostel in Lake Louise – the Hostel’s International High Alpine center – an experience similar to some of the mountain houses in Europe and even the front-country Highland Center of the Appalachian Mountain Club in the Northeast.
Getting to Lake Louise itself is challenging – parking is VERY limited AND it’s a very popular attraction. During the high season, there’s shuttle buses running from Lake Louise village (and the hostel) to Lake Louise – definitely worth it – especially seeing the crowds, RVs, and tour buses at and around the Fairmont.
Today, we were headed to the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House – yes, literally a tea house, serving tea, chips, and a few baked goods. Seemed like a worthwhile destination.
The weather was iffy – in and out of the clouds – but generally a good day for a hike. Around the lake itself – the trail was easy, flat, gravel, good footing. And, of course, that enabled many to be on the trail. Yea, outdoors!
As we left the lake behind us, we also gained elevation and that thinned the people on the trail. Very reminiscent of some of the other glacial lakes which we’ve seen – Lago de Braies in the Dolomites, and Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina
After the hike, we headed back to the Hostel and enjoyed a wonderful meal at the Bill Peyote cafe in the building.
Overnight, we got our first taste of winder with a small snowfall! In August!
Our cousin had joined us at the hostel, and he needed to return to Prince George. Our plan was for two cars to head north, on the Icefields Parkway, take in a hike along the way, then say our goodbyes.
Recalling the impact of the Jasper wildfires – parking/pull-offs on the parkway were closed north of the Columbia Icefields visitor Center. Parker Ridge trail, just south of the visitor center, seemed a perfect fit, giving us a chance to travel the Icefields parkway (amazing scenery!) and get in a hike.
