Lake Louise (in picture)Pristine blue water of glacial lakes, the majestic peaks of the Rockies, the crisp air of mountains, the un-real glow of glacier, Banff is all that and more. My trip to Banff took me to nature’s best workshop. There was rain, snow, winds, flurries and occasional sun and yet the serene mountain living for 4 days refreshed me to no measure.
Banff is an hour’s drive from Calgary. But, getting to Calgary is a different story all together. The plane ride was early but adventurous. I had never seen mountain ranges from the plane; and the rugged, high, grey majestic Rockies are a sight from air. These mountains clearly have it written all over them – don’t mess with us! September is summer season and the mountains didn’t have any snow which made them much more intimidating. As Calgary approached the ranges quickly receded into plains. providing an amazing view of drastic change of terrain. It was like a scenery we draw as kids, mountains and right below them there’s grass. When you visit Banff you have to look out of the plane. A must see.
The drive to Banff unfolds gradually, unlike the view I had on plane (duh!). The grassland showcases Rockies as a silhouette looming in the far. The sharp drops, steep cut rocks, grey drab color and high (HIGH) peaks make these mountains so intimidating and yet breathtaking. The cut on rocks makes them rugged and their color is clear indication of their cold (ice-laden) nature. Standing tall, together and quiet, they fill the air and command respect.
I stayed at the Lake Louise Fairmont. Driving to the town of Lake Louise, as you turn for hotel’s final ascent, you see the glacier that fuels this lake. The sight of the glacier from this drive is jaw-dropping. The lake is not visible up until you walk to the backyard of the hotel. Nestled between the valley of two merging ranges and at the foot of a melting glacier, this lake is like a mirror. It reflects all of its surroundings in its turquoise blue. It is by far, the most beautiful lake I have ever seen. You have to see it to know that water could have this color (and I know scientifically water has no color). You have to see the panorama around the lake to see that tree lines could have a perfect natural curve.
This lake freezes over in winters and becomes a giant ice skating ring. The lake is 210 feet deep and boasts of many activities including hikes and kayaking. Simple sunrise and coffee by the lake isn’t too bad either. The lake is fueled by glacier Victoria right above the lake. The hotel by the lake is beautiful and warm. The hotel even has its own dog ‘Sonny’ who lives in the lobby. Stay in a lake-view room to truly enjoy the view. Even at night, the shinning glacier is a sight to remember.
I hiked a popular trail – Johnston canyon in bow valley. The 4 hour hike takes you to a valley and through two waterfalls. The hike is at least medium intensity but well shaded. It leads to a valley and the view is nothing short of spectacular. When the trail ends, you are in this valley surrounded by Rockies, with a river flowing through it. The stillness and calmness of the place is deafening. Visitors leave their mark in a unique way here. They use rocks from river bed to create rock figures. Lots of bear like and alien like rock formations were very cool. I left my 5-stone structure as a token. The valley also has 8 ponds called ‘Ink – pots’. Each pond a different mineral make-up and all of them have some shade of blue water in them which stays at 1 degree (centigrade) throughout the year. Standing there feels like you were looking at post card and it came alive with 360 degree panoramic view, stillness and… oh yes, 3.6 mile hike!
Nest day: Jasper. Jasper Park has one of the best Vista points called Peyto Lake. The drive to Jasper is emblematic of what Rockies are about. I climbed the small hill (10mins) in high-speed flurries and freezing cold weather to go the tip of Athabasca glacier. The sight was well worth it. The light blue ice at the bottom, the freezing cold and big blob of ice made me feel like I was on another planet (perhaps this is as close to another planet as I’ll get).
It rained when I was at Lake Moraine, it snowed in Jasper, it was cold at nights and still it was a remarkable experience. Banff is where water is very blue (and still like mirror), mountains are very high, glaciers are really melting and time truly seems to stand still. Standing beside the lake it seems like nothing moves. Air, time, water, mountains – everything is tranquil. It tugs your heart, moves your soul and engulfs you in its own.
Johnston Canyon 'Ink-Pots' Valley
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