Visiting the Canadian Rockies

[PiratePast40]

The wife and I went up to Calgary, AB this last wek for a wedding and stayed a few extra days to see a bit of the eastern range of the Canadian Rockies. It was just a few days but we were able to visit Banff, Lake Louise, and the Athabasca glacier at the beginning of the Columbia icefields. I can't begin to describe the majestic views and magnificent scenery. If anyone is thinking of a vacation spot, you might want to put this location on your list. Actually walking out onto a glacier may be a once in a lifetime experience, especially when you see how much they have retreated in the last 50 years. If you have any doubts about climate change occuring, visiting the receeding glaciers will confirm that it's actually happening. It was summertime and rather warm so we were't able to observe much wildlife but our friend tells us that bighorn sheep, elk, bear, and moose are plentiful in the area.

It's primarily a tourist area and the earth has made it's resources readily available in Alberta so the roads are modern and well maintained.

If you get the chance, you really should put this area on your list of places to visit.

 

[NewfieDan]

Re: Visiting the Canadian Rockies

And if you were to head north a little bit the crowds are smaller in Jasper park but the views just as magnificent. Or head west a little bit from Banff to Yoho National park. Even fewer crowds, finding places to stay may be little more difficult but well worth the trip.

I used to live out there so I know exactly what you are talking about.

But for a real boaters treat come out to the extreme east where I am now. In June we have icebergs and whales. We have the smaller Minke whales and this time of year we have the song birds of the whale family(Humpbacks). Both are awesome sights especially when you see porpoises on the way out to see the bergs and whales.

 

[rbh]

Re: Visiting the Canadian Rockies

Glad to hear you enjoyed the trip.
We go in on the west side of the Rockies (and Purcells and Selkirk MT ranges) through a network of logging/mining service roads (FSRs) roads for some of the most stunning views I have ever seen.