Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Canadian Rockies, Alberta

We are back in Canada again, this time seeing the western part.  First stop was Waterton NP which is the Canadian side of Glacier NP.  The two parks are operated separately with  two entry fees. The spectacular scenery begun at Glacier NP continues in Waterton NP and then builds up to the Canadian Rockies not far up the road.





Red Rock Canyon where as you can see the rocks are really red.

We then started on the road to Banff which is the beginning of the Rockies.

























Where the mountains reach up and scrape the sky - that is the Rockies.  The glaciers cling to rugged precipices.  Rivers rush by fed on snow melt and spring rains.  Every bend on the road reveals a view seemingly more stunning than the last.  There are lakes, glaciers and waterfalls galore.

We have certainly seen some spectacular scenery on this continent and the Rockies are at the forefront.  First we came  to Kananaskis County, bordering on Banff  NP.  Alberta’s provincial recreational parks host a series of fine campgrounds here, some with showers and laundry and hook-ups and many with more basic amenities.  We sampled both varieties and rode our bicycles on beautiful cycle paths up and down dale, fringed by the high cliffs around.   It is an exhilarating feeling cycling along the paths, knowing you may come upon a bear – but it never happens, probably as well.




The view from Mount Sulphur in Banff where the gondola/chairlift zips you up to the 2285m summit in about 8 minutes.  Spectacular views over the mountains surrounding Banff.  Unfortunately it is often hazy around here.

Banff and Jasper national parks are the heart of the Rocies and have some of the most spectacular scenery on the continent.  The Icefields Parkway links the two.








Hodoos around Banff.  They are very similar to what we saw in Bryce Canyon back in Utah.










Johnston Canyon which was lovely.  It reminded us of a canyon we visited in Slovenia. 










A peak near our campground.  Every bend on the road reveals a view seemingly more stunning than the last.  









Victoria Glacier.

No comments:

Post a Comment