Quite the payoff.

Our second full day in Banff we hiked the trail to Consolation Lake. It was an easy 3km walk to the lake shore. A bear warning recommended hiking in a group of 4 or more, but there were enough people on the trail that I felt ok being just a group of 2. No bears made themselves known.

The trail is shaded, relatively flat, and runs along the river. Before reaching the lake you must scramble over large boulders. Once you reach the water you’ll be amazed that such a simple hike provides such a marvelous payoff.

There’s green water, snowy peaks, and thick glaciers all around you. We heard and then saw a few avalanches higher up in the mountains.

The boulders provide nice spots to relax and enjoy a snack or two. This chipmunk seemed to be quite forward and well fed.

It was hard to break away from the beauty of Consolation Lake, but Moraine Lake was calling our names from nearby.

xo, jill

“Water of the Spirits”

After hiking to the Ink Pots and grabbing some lunch in town, we decided to do one more easy hike for the day. Jenny had recommended Lake Minnewanka so we went to check it out.

The lake is the longest in Banff National Park and has been dammed twice, first in 1912 and again in 1941. The damming submerged a resort town that had been established since 1888. It always makes me sad when I hear about things like that happening. But I hear it makes Lake Minnewanka a popular and interesting place to scuba dive… if you can stand the cold water.

We, of course, did not dive but simply walked the short trail to Stuart Canyon. It took me a few minutes to spot the female big horn sheep lounging on the rocks.

 We left the lake ready to rest up for the next day’s adventures. 

xo, jill

and the ink pots.

Our first full day in Banff we hiked Johnston Canyon and the Ink Pots on Jenny’s suggestion. It’s a pretty popular spot so you might want to get there early.

The first part of the trail was paved and a bit crowded. We had to weave in and out to maintain a comfortable pace.

The fun part is that the trail continues along the canyon wall even after the ground has dropped out. A series of catwalks are anchored to the canyon to provide a walking path. It reminded me a lot of Vintgar Gorge in Slovenia, but felt safer. (Vintgar Gorge is wood, Johnston Canyon is pavement/metal.)

After passing both the lower and upper falls, we continued the trail up to the Ink Pots. Luckily, because the trail is more strenuous, less people hike it and the experience is much more tranquil. Well, tranquil in the sense that you’re with nature not tourists, but the hike itself is a challenge. (Unless you’ve been training).

Just before reaching the Ink Pots the trail leaves the forest and enters a wide meadow.

 
The Ink Pots got their name from their blue and green colors. The pools fill from a spring at different rates which causes the variations in their color.

It was a nice spot to take a little break.

The hike down was much easier…

xo, jill

At long last.Lake Louise, named after the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria, is a sight. It’s also the first attraction we saw after entering Banff National Park. I had been wanting to see it ever since my friends became engaged in its (very cold) waters. My mom had been wanting to see it since she was a little girl. We were both pretty excited.

Luckily, Lake Louise did not disappoint. It was just as gorgeous as I had imagined. Of course, these photos don’t do her justice.

Right as we arrived at the lake shore, a guided tour was ready to depart. We joined along. The guide told us about the lake, Banff National Park, the Chateau, and Deer Lodge. It was 45 minutes well spent to get a better idea of the history of the place. We also learned that we were experiencing exceptional weather. That never happens! I’d recommend a tour if the timing is right. Or at the very least check out the black and white photos at Deer Lodge.

After the tour we took the 2 km out and back trail along the lake. At the end we slipped off our shoes and ventured out into the icy water. It was so cold. So cold. I almost couldn’t do it. One brave woman stripped down and made it out waist deep. I can’t imagine how her body must have ached.

We arrived at the lake in the afternoon and the place was crowded. I’d recommend arriving early in the morning if you’re visiting during peak season like we did.

Next we drove a bit farther down the road to Canmore. We checked into our hostel and ate dinner in town.

xo, jill

The summer of Canada.

I’m back from the stunning Banff National Park. I mean, if the view from the highway was this good, just imagine what you can see after hiking in for a few miles. Very impressive scenery.

I have about two weeks until I head back to Canada, but this time I’ll be visiting Ontario and Quebec with this babe I know. I would love to get suggestions from any Canadian readers (or Canada aficionados) for cool places to see or good veggie places to eat in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, or Quebec City.

Also, while I was gone, Em from Ice Cream Cone Life posted a little interview with me. Check it out here.

xo, jill