To the top of Alaska (with a few other places along the way)

[Atleastonce]

As a previous post has indicated, we left Banff and headed for Golden. We stopped at the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre, just near Golden. This was a small wildlife centre for wolfs that are disbanded as pets (apparently is is legal to have them as pets) and run by a couple who previously trained wolfs for movies. There are 8 wolves currently at the centre. Although the wolves are in cages, they are large cages and the wolves are separated by personality. Apparently brothers and sisters do not get along with each other Entry cost was $12 per person.

 

[Atleastonce]

After the wolves, we headed to Emerald Lake and not far from there the "Natural Bridge". Emerald Lake was amazing, and there was snow still around near the lake. The natural bridge is just that, a rock formation that was formed from the rushing water through a small hole (which has been eroded). Both free natural attractions well worth seeing. they were both on the way from Golden to Lake Louise. We arrived late afternoon at Deer Lodge in Lake Louise for a 2 night stay.

 

[Atleastonce]

Overnight at Deer Lodge, and dinner at the lodge. A Bison burger, which was an interesting taste, and 3 x 500ml beers later we decided that a late walk to the lake was in order. A better option for photos was the early morning walk the next morning, which we intended to do for about 1/2 hour and nearly 2 hours later and a walk to the other side of the lake provided some amazing views of the lake.

 

[Atleastonce]

Up to date with my photos, and today we went to the Lake Louise Ski Fields and for $39.00 each we got a buffet breakfast and gondola tickets (open ski lift or closed gondola. We chose the open ski lift) to a fair way up the mountain to have a view of Lake Louise, the wildlife interpretation centre, and both on the way up and on the way down, we spotted a grizzly bear in the wild. Some amazing views over to Lake Louise and the surrounding snow capped mountains. Most of the employees here were Australians. Whilst on the mountain an aircraft overhead and a photo I could not resist.

 

[Atleastonce]

A few days behind in uploading again, I must admit that the later sunsets kind of catch up with you on a lack of sleep perspective and taking advantage of the daylight to explore. We saw a bear and her bear cubs at lake Louise, where one of traveling companions got a little enthusiastic and a little too close to try and get some photos. Let me say, all the information they tell you about bears being protective of their young, is correct. No injuries but a wake up call for her, and change of undergarments. People really should listen to the information provided. An interesting car ride the next day. An early morning start saw us at Lake Moraine not far from Lake Louise, and if you need a tip or two, go early. We were there at 7:30am, and drove straight in and got a car spot, and hour later the car park was closed and a 2 kilometre queue to get in by car. Second tip, walk to the top of the small hill in front of the lake, such a different persp drive and the colour of the lake are amazing.

 

[Atleastonce]

Next stop, en route to Jasper, was Bow Lake. Another amazing view, and they are just gettIng better with each Lake.

 

[Atleastonce]

Next stop Peyto Lake, and I think this was one of the most beautiful views we have encountered.

 

[Atleastonce]

A bit of a longer drive now to Athabaskan Glacier. We didn’t pre book any tours here and I am kind of glad we didn’t. I was not too impressed with this Glacier, and I think because of previously visiting Alaska, we have seen better. Not withstanding that, the fact the Glacier is there, and the history of the Glacier, and the receeding ice facts, (receeding about 5m per year) is interesting and it is not always about the views I am glad we stopped and had a look.

 

[kermatu]

All looks stunning. Region has been on my list for a while. Ever since an all too brief trip to Whistler where I was told it was only a taste of the rest of BC and surrounds. Now more keen than ever.

 

[Atleastonce]

Next stop, Athabaska Falls. These were impressive, and the walk around the falls with different perspectives were amazing. The force of the water is amazing.

 

[RooFlyer]

So glad you got to Peyto Lake. I thought you were going straight through West. I agree, one of the best views i the world.

 

[Pushka]

We must do this next year. What do you think a minimum number of days is to see at least a good few of these sights? We have to get from Calgary to Vancouver but don’t have more than a few days. Less than a week.

Also - keep the tips coming eg re early starts etc. I’m keeping notes.

 

[VPS]

Excellent photos

 

[Monya Meow Meow]

Some lovely scenery shots, thanks for sharing!

 

[OZDUCK]

Really beautiful photos, thank you.

 

[Atleastonce]

We must do this next year. What do you think a minimum number of days is to see at least a good few of these sights? We have to get from Calgary to Vancouver but don’t have more than a few days. Less than a week.

Also - keep the tips coming eg re early starts etc. I’m keeping notes.

@Pushka i thought we could do this trip quicker than we did but I think this is a tatste of Canada tour. If I had to say where to spend most time it would be lake Louise to Jasper. I have loved it all so far. I will update some more over the next day or two. We have just arrived in Vancouver and I have some work to catch up on whilst it is still the weekend in Australia.

 

[JohnM]

The Icefields Parkway drive is sensational IMO.

 

[Atleastonce]

Our next stop was Jasper. We arrived late afternoon and had an early meal and headed back to our room for an early start the next morning. The next morning was supposed to be early but we took a detour to Pyramid Lake and some camping grounds around the area. We spotted coyotes running along the road on our way to Pyramid Lake. We also spoke to a sergeant from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police who was doing a general patrol prior to his attendance at the National indigenous day formalities. He was in half uniform and had his red blazer in his vehicle but was not willing to put it on for us because it had just been dry cleaned and he did not want to wear it until just before the formalities. Today was a long drive to Kamloops. We were told Kamloops was a town just to stop alongside the way to Whistler. We were not expecting much and we were very surprised. There was quite a bit to see and do, in the form of shopping and we were able to stock up on road trip supplies at Walmart. Yes there were a few undesirable types at Walmart, but we expected that. Overnight a trip the Hilton and an upgraded room from my diamond status. I will do a post soon summarizing all the hotels we have stayed in when I do my trip advisor reports. Next day to Whistler.

 

[Atleastonce]

View attachment 129921 View attachment 129922 View attachment 129923 Next stop, en route to Jasper, was Bow Lake. Another amazing view, and they are just gettIng better with each Lake.

A video of mine taken at Bow Lake includIng a view of the middle photo on this post was featured on the Instagram site #1refelctionshot

 

[Atleastonce]

The drive from Kamloops to Whistler had more great scenery.