Canadian Rockies Pt 2: Banff National Park
BANFF!!!
Ne’er has there been a national park with a cooler name, IMO. Big & Bold and FUN. I can’t help but say it with an explosive sound at the end!
BANFF!
And the park itself lives up to the name in so many ways. It was probably my favorite of the 3 I visited (w/Yoho, Jasper), most likely because it boasts so many big and beautiful features.
I spent the most time on my Rockies road trip in Banff. And I feel like I barely scratched the surface.
On my way out of Yoho National Park I stopped in Field to get a snack and a snap:
Banff National Park
If you know of Banff, I imagine you saw pics of their 2 most popular lakes: Moraine Lake
…or Lake Louise.
I first peeped these spots on Instagram a few years back.
“I want to go to there…”, I thought (salivating like Liz Lemon).
Both lakes feature stunningly colorful glacier-fed crystal blue water.
All I could think of was…Gatorade!
Lake Louise
I visited LL both at sunset, and in the morning. I did the typical tourist thing…went to the selfie spots.
Around sunset, the sun rays were emanating on to the lake…majestic.
Majestic!
But all of that bright backlit sun made it difficult to realize the true color of the water.
Returning in the morning, the light was waaay better.
But, my solo posing game was still suspect.
This next one is not bad as it looks a bit like I’m falling into the lake!
Simple selfie, maybe better:
It just looks delicious doesn’t it!?
Reminds me of Gatorade!
Moraine Lake
First, I arrived at Moraine Lake also around sunset and…WOW. The deep turquoise colors do not seem real!
During the day, the water color is a mix between Cool Blue and Glacier Freeze Gatorade I think…
Ok, this next video is not even remotely factual, but when you’re traveling alone you get some funny thoughts…
After spending some time in Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, I wanted to do some trekking. Heard about Hector Lake, which seemed like a healthy hike.
On the way, I pulled over to check out this smaller lake, I believe this is Herbert Lake. Quite cute for a picnic:
Hiking to Hector Lake
Saw a sign for the trek to Hector Lake, and Hector Lake looked gorgeous, so I ventured on to the trail..
Alongside some beautiful rivers…
But, the reality was, I did not have a map. I lost the trail after crossing the river and I had to bail. Wish there were other hikers around to point me in the right direction!
While I did not make it TO Hector, I was able to see it from afar:
Back on the road!
So much to see, so little time!
Mount Norquay
I need to come back here to snowboard, cuz Mount Norway features some absolutely stunning views of Banff! And these are just taken from off the road up to the mountain, I can imagine how gorgeous the views are from the peak!
Pretty romantic spot.
I barely spent any time in the Town of Banff, would love to do some night photography here.
Vermillion Lakes
As far as photography goes, this is a GEM. I was here mid day, but I drool over snaps from Vermillion at sunset or sunsrise. It’s just extraordinary!
Loads of different flora to put in the foreground. See the smoky sky from the forest fires a little bit.
Random snaps from the road when the moment felt right…
Oh come on, OK i’ll pull over and have a look…
Sunshine Valley
Another ski resort, and this time I’m actually going to the top. Love a good gondola ride. Just the right amount of exhilaration to get you amped for the peak!
PEAKING.
A short walk from the gondola, and this next view…
The smoke was intensely blowing in this direction, which made for a cool, creepy ominous tone…
Colors… everywhere…
Lots of smoke though…
Just down to the Mount Standiff chairlift, there are a couple trails and I chose the Meadow Park Trail
Trekking!
In gorgeous COLORS.
The views…
GIDDY POSING
Coming back down the colors were even more rich!
After the hike, it was time to head back down…
Driving in the Rockies during sunset is one of my favorite things to do!
Peyto Lake
OK, technically Peyto Lake is in Banff, BUT, because:
1) this is already super long…
2) Peyto Lake scenic view is on the Icefields Parkway, which I associate a bit more with Jasper…
3) I did not spend AS Much time in Jasper and don’t have as much to share!
Saving Peyto for the next blog…
All right, that pretty much wraps up my blog about Banff! Thank you SO much for scrolling (I mean, reading) down all this way!
What did YOU think of Banff!?
What did I miss!?!?