Cool Kootenay

Lake Louise — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:24:14 +0000

From Lake Louise, another good option is a day trip into Kootenay National Park. You can take the Trans-Canada Highway (#1) east or the #1A Bow Valley Parkway in the direction of banff and, half way there, take the exit for Highway #93 South to Radium Hot Springs. Kootenay is an intense variety of landscapes in a small amount of space. You can experience a lot in the course of one day — the life and beauty of a burned forest, the cool, fragrant breezes of a canyon, the intense colour of vermilion rocks, and, the burning heat of the desert (well, almost!).

The Vermillion Pass Burn

As you begin to climb up Highway #93S, the road takes you past the 1968 Vermillion Pass Burn. It may seem like a desolate landscape, but look again. It has it’s own beauty and it is some of the best wildlife habitat around. Moose love the tender ends of bushes that grow well when they get lots of sunlight. And bears love the berries the bushes produce too. Hummingbirds are attracted to a host of blooming flowers. Finally, the burn is good habitat for the rarely-seen lynx, who like to hunt snowshoe hares along the edge of it. To best experience the life in a young forest, stop at the Arnica Lake/Twin Lakes trailhead and take a walk as far as you feel comfortable, or, stop at the short Fireweed Trail to learn more about fire’s role in renewing the landscape.

Marble Canyon and the Paint Pots

There are two more short trails that make enjoyable walks. Marble Canyon is a narrow, deep canyon and the trail takes you along its edge, while bridges allow you to get good views of the interior. Also check out the trail to the Ochre Beds and Paint Pots. Colourful sediments the flow from the runoff of cold springs were mined here for use in paint.

Mt. Wardle Mineral Lick

Kootenay National Park’s official symbol is the mountain goat. Close to 300 of these sure-footed creatures inhabit the park, and one of the best places to see them is at a natural mineral lick by the side of the highway (watch for the sign). During May and June, dozens of goats will descend from their steep haunts to lick the dirt. Mixed in with the soil are essential minerals like calcium, especially important for nannies who have recently given birth.

Wide Valleys mean Wildlife

A good portion of your trip is in the bottom of a low elevation valley, the Kootenay Valley. Unlike the high mountain peaks, winter is easier and summer is more bountiful in the grassy meadows and open forests of the montane life zone. You might see black bears, coyotes, moose, elk and deer. Drive carefully, particularly at dusk.

Click the logo for short side trips and stops on this tour

STUFF TO DO FOR THOSE THAT DON’T HIKE OR SKI

Going to the Lake

Lake Louise — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:18:38 +0000

© Lake Louise with the Chateau in foreground

Everyone’s immediate goal is to get to the world famous view at the lakeshore. But why not build in some anticipation? You’ll only be a virgin once, so timing is crucial! To make this moment the best it can be, you must avoid the lakeshore from 10 am to 4 pm (in summer), when the crowds are at their peak.

We recommend spending time doing other things first, like getting to your accommodation, settling in and checking out the immediate surroundings. To fill in your itinerary for day one, check the list of ways to “Round out Your Lake Louise Itinerary” below. One anticipation-building option is to pick up a copy of Jon Whyte’s “Lake Louise: A Diamond in the Wilderness” for a colourful foretaste of Lake Louise’s history and delights (Woodruff & Blum, Lake Louise Shopping Mall or Mountain Lights, Lake Louise Chateau).

Then, as the day is drawing to a close, maybe even after dinner in summer, drive up to the Lake Louise parking lots and quietly make your way to the main viewpoint. If you enjoy a bit of exercise and are staying in the village, it is very pleasant to walk up the Louise Creek trail (45 min), or, to x-country ski or bike up the Tramline trail (25 min), letting the experience unfold a more leisurely pace. Your mind will relax and be ready to take in the peace (and even awe) that evening in the mountains can offer.

Lake Louise: The Hiking Capital of Canada

Lake Louise has many nicknames: the Hiking Capital of Canada, the Skiing Capital of Canada, the Romance Capital of Canada (tied with Niagara Falls), the Diamond in the Wilderness, the Jewel in the Heart of the Canadian Rockies. Finally, we’re also the Highest Community in Canada at 5,020 ft (1530 m).

Hiking is fabulous here because you already start very high in elevation. It doesn’t take long to break out to views. There are over 200 km of trails in the immediate Lake Louise area and many more nearby. And we’ve got something for everyone — from trails flat as a board to trails that take you to the summits.

Click the logo for short side trips and stops on this tour

STUFF TO DO FOR THOSE THAT DON’T HIKE OR SKI

Lake Louise - Banff National Park, Alberta Canada » Lake Louise

Cool Kootenay

Mt. Wardle Mineral Lick

Going to the Lake

Lake Louise: The Hiking Capital of Canada