Day 3: Banff, Lake Louise, Takakkaw Falls (B.C.), The Crossing

Note Remember to fill up your gas tank in Canmore, it is cheaper and will give you enough gas to reach Jasper, with lots left..

Early on day 3 we left Canmore and headed for lake Louise on the old highway, not the parkway. We were told the old road was more scenic. Soon after passing by Banff, we saw a deer by the side of the road totally oblivious to us:

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Johnston Canyon

Next stop was Johnston Canyon. This is a canyon with a real river, lots of water. You take a trail to the lower falls, about 20 minute walk, and can continue to upper falls further upstream. We only did the lower falls. It is well worth it. As it was early morning (9AM), temperatures were chilly (about 10C), so dress accordingly.

Lake Louise

Next major stop is the world renowned Lake Louise. It is deservedly renowned, and a must stop. You will be directed to one of the parking lots (free).

The mountains provide a majestic backdrop to the lake:

Note: After Lake Louise you could go to Moraine Lake, about 20-30 minutes drive. We decided not to do this, but to do it on the way back instead. Moraine Lake is another must stop.

Spiral Tunnels, B.C.

Next after Lake Louise we took the highway to British Columbia. Soon after crossing the provincial border we stopped at a viewing point for the spiral tunnels. We were not expecting much, however, we lucked out and a train came by. These trains are huge, probably over 2Km long. They are so long that you can see them exiting a tunnel, while the rear is still entering the tunnel on a another side of the mountain. You can see the same train in 3 different spots.

Takkakaw Falls, B.C.   TOP 5 ATTRACTION

These falls are the highest or 2nd highest in Canada, depending on the point of view.

Takkakaw Falls is about 20-30 minutes away, on a gorgeous little side road. Beware the hair pin, near 180 degree turn, uphill. If the road is wet, be careful. Park near the falls at the parking lot, and follow the trail. You can continue climbing the mountain up a little but further for more spectacular views. You may get a little wet. When the sun comes up you will see spectacular colors, a mixture of green for the trees, white for the snow capped mountains, and blue for sky. Kids collected stones by the river.

Gorgeous!

Field, B.C.

We went for a mid afternoon lunch at a restaurant in Field. This is fast food, ok for that, service was very slow. From our table we could see the highway. Because of the service lateness and traffic on the highway was very heavy, we decided not to go to Emerald lake, our intended destination further into B.C. So we went back to Alberta, but first we put in a post card in the Field post office.

Crowfoot Glacier

Back to the Parkway, we headed north towards the Crossing. First stop was to admire the Crowfoot glacier:

Bow Lake

Bow lake is another stop, and also very, very beautiful:

Peyto Lake

How many hikes do you want to d in one day? Peyto lake was highly recommended by our guide book. It is another 20-30 minutes beautiful hike from the parking lot. The water is of gorgeous color, but it appeared that nearly half the lake had been emptied, so it was a bit dissapointed. In our case, it was not worth it.


The 3 River Crossing

It was now late in the afternoon. This place was named as such because it it at the crossing of three rivers. There is  a viewing point just north of it.

The Crossing Resort.

This was our stop for the night, a one room at this "resort". The pictures on their web site are quite nice, but the place is simply a motel, with a fitness room, and a very expensive restaurant, and expensive gas station (last one before Jasper). The room was small, one double bed, one single bed and a sofa bad. It is rated 2.5 stars. I would rate it only 2 stars. But the room is decent and clean, but just a very overpriced motel. It just happens to be at a very convenient spot to stop for the night, for our plans.