The last three days we've been in Canmore, 20 mi from Banff, AB. we didn't spend much time in Canmore, our park was a spot to lay our heads and watch 24 at night as we had no TV and little wi-fi. However, it was a great place to use as a home base for visiting 2 national parks and 3 provential (like state) parks that were each different and beautiful.
Our first day we went to Kootenay National Park. The park lies in the BC side of the Canadian Rockies, bordered by Banff. Just one road passes through Kootenay, hwy 93 for 58 miles; the park had 2 fires, 2001/2003 that left 40% of the park scorched. Our first stop was Marble Canyon, an ice-carved, marble streaked canyon you reach with an easy 0.6 mi hike each way. The walk takes you back 500 million years, following a fault in the limestone and marble bedrock. as the canyon narrows, water roars through it in a series of falls.
Next we had planned to stop at Paint Pots but a washed out bridge left that for another trip. Our next stop was Numa Falls where the Vermilion River tumbles over exposed bedrock.
next we went through an area that was supposed to have lots of wildlife...afraid this fellow was it!
However, the views were once again beautiful...
We left Kootenay and took our favorite Bow Valley Parkway home and once again hit the wildlife. This time Elk, whom we hadn't seen this trip at all!
We ended the night with a beautiful sunset, picture taken sometime well after 10pm
The next morning we set our sights on Kananaskis Country, comprised of 7 provincial parks of 1640 sq mi.
Bow Valley was a small park along Bow and Kananaskis Rivers.
We did an unremarkable hike around Many Springs Lake, but the wild flowers were very pretty.
Next we traveled up to Canoe Meadows, a day use area where white water enthusiasts use a stretch of the water as a slalom course with man made obstacles during racing days.
Continuing up the trail, we passed by Barrier Lake and our first Big Horn Sheep.
As we made our way north, we hit the winter resort Nakiska, where the alpine events were held for the Calgary Olympics in 1988. You can see the ski paths mirror the diagram of the many ski trails.
We found our way to Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, home to two magnificent bodies of water, Upper and Lower Kananaski Lakes.
As we made our way to higher and higher elevations, mountain goats interrupted our drive many times. Except for the babies, they are wildlife only a mother could love, pretty ugly fellows. We reminded ourselves that last year a park ranger told us they eat rocks to get the minerals...must be what Remy is doing sometimes:)
finally we made it up to Highwood Pass, 7239 ft, the highest road pass in Canada and a pretty view.
Our final day in Canmore we went back to another National Park, Yoho in BC, north and east of a Banff. As soon as Hwy 1 left AB we noted a marked deterioration, interestingly, the mountains seemed to get more rugged and the facilities more primitive than AB. Still, this is also a beautiful park.
Our first stop was Takakkaw Falls, a very impressive waterfall, the claim is the highest "continuous" falls in Canada at 830 Ft. The temp started at about 65 but was in the forties by the time we made it to the falls. The trip up included a windy hairpin road...
next we stopped at a "Confluence of two rivers," the picture of the rivers doesn't show the uniqueness you see in person, but the board explains...
Next we headed to Natural Bridge. now coming from VA and one of the seven natural wonders of the world, THE Natual Bridge, this one was a bit of a let down but still shows the power of water!
Then we made it up to Emerald Lake, a jewel of the Canadian Rockies...and yes the water is truly this brilliant aqua color. The lake is covered in ice 9 months of the year, but comes alive in summer.
A great end to our time in some fabulous parks. Next we make our way up the Canadian Icefields Parkway. we have had our share of wifi issues, so if this posts we will soon follow with the Icefields and Jasper National Park!
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