Glacier National Park and Banff: Glacier National Park (click once on any photo to display full image)
8/28/2012 thru 9/8/2012
Glacier National Park  Banff Iceline
 Banff Moraine Lake  Banff Cirque Peak  Banff Lake Louise  Banff Short Walks

Banff Lake Louise

Lake Louise is one of the more popular areas in Banff, and The Plain of Six Glaciers trail is without a doubt one of the best hikes in Banff (even by my Dad's high standards of rating effort in versus enjoyment out). Li and I had the pleasure of hiking it during our visit in 2002, so we knew it was worth doing again. The trail starts at the far end of Lake Louise and follows the shore to the opposite end before the gradual ascent to Victoria Glacier along it's lateral moraine, offering close up views along the way.

Victoria Glacier

                       

                       

                  

The Plain of Six Glaciers trail ends at Victoria Glacier, but rather than descend back down the same trail, we opted to take the connector trail to Big Bee Hive instead. That extended the length of the hike from 7 to 13 miles but the view of Lake Louise from the top of Big Bee Hive (photo on left) was well worth the extra effort. We all know by now that these lakes owe their turquoise color to the mineral deposits that are in the sediment carried down the mountain by the glacier. After enjoying the views from the top, we descended the trail to the base with a good view of Big Bee Hive itself (photo on right).

Big Bee Hive

                                      

The weather when we started the hike in the early morning was foggy, so we explored the area around the lake upon our return. Maureen and her Dad ham it up as they emulate the hiking pose in the statue of the Swiss mountain guide, while Li smiles for the camera in front of Lake Louise.

Lake Louise