A Lake Louise white Xmas and a SYD NYE

[phily]

I've travelled extensively in the region in summer but this will be the first for winter. Ordered a Jeep Cherokee or equivalent.

The Canadian Rockies are a wonderful place, and I've been there several times during summer. My favourite places there are Lake O'Hara with its wonderful lodge and walking trails, the remote tea-houses at Lake Louise, the colour of the water at Peyto Lake, and Emerald Lake. I'd love to go there in winter.

 

[Bundy Bear]

Looking forward to the trip report and photos, certainly a contrast to Perth weather.

.

 

[phily]

The weather forecasts for Lake Louise are now considerably colder than what you posted a few days ago. Whilst your forecast had minimums in the minus mid-teens, they're now forecasting mins in the minus mid-twenties. Either you're well prepared with extreme clothing, or will only venture out very briefly.

I recall on one of my summer trips there renting a full-size car from Calgary and was allocated a Volvo with heated seats. Even in summer they were used at the start of our daily trips. We recently bought a Volvo here and heated seats was one of the options that my wife insisted on.

 

[JohnM]

On the road between Vancouver and Kamloops (tonight's layover) before more snow hit and we ran out of daylight.

Driving in the dark while it was snowing was interesting.



Original plan to go via Whistler was foiled about 30 km before Whistler by a bus/car crash blocking the road for five hours. Had to turn around back to Vancouver and use the alternate route.

 

[jandj]

Reading/seeing this report has inspired me to look for my super 8 movie of my visit in 1971. Wonder if it has changed much ?

 

[JohnM]

Heading towards Lake Louise on Highway 1.



View from our room at the Fairmont.



Outside. A mild -10C...

 

[Bindibuys]

Photo of you skating please....

 

[PLANT]

Go for a walk up to the hut.... That's when it gets bloody cold...and I did it in summer!!!

 

[phily]

Go for a walk up to the hut.... That's when it gets bloody cold...and I did it in summer!!!

Are you referring to the Lake Agnes Tea House? It's only open June-October, but a charming walk up a hill to a remote tea house where there is no power and limited facilities. Highly recommended in Summer.
Lake Agnes - Index

There's also the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House, but it's a longer walk in Summer, and can be found at the other end of Lake Louise and up a steep hill.

 

[PLANT]

Yep the long walk!

 

[JohnM]

Photo of you skating please....

I couldn't stay upright long enough to get photographed .

 

[JohnM]

Pre-dinner drinks Xmas eve.



Very good Okanagan Bordeaux blend with dinner.




Carol singing.

 

[JohnM]

View from our room 10am Xmas day.



Xmas day brunch.




View from the lake.

 

[JohnM]

Sleigh ride Xmas afternoon. Temp about -16 deg but feels like -25







Insane people climbing frozen waterfall.

 

[JohnM]

Correction to temperature. It was -25, feeling like -29. Far colder than anything I experienced in Antarctica. Tomorrow looking much the same.

 

[love_the_life]

It might be cold JohnM but your photos make the place look stunning.

 

[Steady]

Happy Christmas JohnM, enjoying your TR

 

[RooFlyer]

Just catching up JohnM . Looks like you and PartnerJohnM are having a great Christmas !

 

[JohnM]

Just catching up JohnM . Looks like you and PartnerJohnM are having a great Christmas !

We are, RF - despite the cold!

Took a drive over to Banff today and found Wild Flour Cafe for a lunch snack and coffee . Also stocked up on half a dozen good Okanagan reds at Banff Liquor Depot .

Some pics around Banff to follow.

 

[JohnM]

Near Banff.

Really struggling to upload pics. Seems to get in a loop. Will try again later.