Banff Hoodoos, Hotsprings

Lake Louise — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 19:39:22 +0000

Hoodoos, Hotsprings and Waterfalls: Natural Formations in and Around Banff

So wildlife abounds and scenic views are everywhere around Lake Louise, Banff town and Banff National Park. But there are some fascinating natural phenomena unique to the Banff area that can be enjoyed year-round:

Glaciers

Ancient fields of sub-polar ice, glaciers remain landmarks of the Canadian Rockies. Local glaciers include:

• The Victoria Glacier, a hanging glacier at the back of Lake Louise
• Crowfoot and Bow Glaciers, both visible from the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North)
• Columbia Icefield, accessible from the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North) via Ice Explorer tours

hodoos just outside Banff, Canada

Lakes:

• Lake Minnewanka
• Johnson Lake
• Two Jack Lake
• Lake Louise
• Moraine Lake
• Peyto Lake
• Bow Lake

Hoodoos

These strange – some might even say unnatural-looking — sandstone spires created over thousands of years by erosion and believed to be spiritually significant among First Nations forefathers. Local Hoodoos can be seen from the Hoodoos Viewpoint, along Tunnel Mountain Road.

Natural Hot Springs

Cave and Basin in Banff town

Of course there is the Banff Upper Hot Springs, but there are other local, notable hot springs. For example, a natural hot spring keeps ice off the third Vermilion Lake year-round. Then at the Cave and Basin Historic Site in Banff town one can visit the Cave, which features an interior pool and vent hole; the Basin, home to the Banff Springs snail; and along the Marsh Loop Boardwalk, two smaller springs bubble up from the mountainside, feeding the pools that are filled with pink bacteria, white and green algae, small fish, and insects.

Waterfalls

Bow Falls in Banff and Johnston Canyon along the Bow Valley Parkway are among the most spectacular falls in the area. Even in the winter months, the ice formations are beautiful. Bow Falls are particularly easy to see – it’s right in downtown Banff just above the confluence of the Bow and Spray rivers.

Looking for a guided tour or hike of some these places in Banff National Park? Look no further than the guides at Banff Travel.

Click here for more information on Banff activities, boutique hotels, resorts and other accommodations.

click here for Banff Travel

call toll free: 888-659-3394

211 Bear Street
Bison Courtyard
Banff, Alberta

Rockwalls and Waterfalls Tours (Yoho)

Lake Louise — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:15:20 +0000

Rockwalls and Waterfalls

The boundary of Yoho National Park is only 10 minutes away and all of this impressive park is within striking distance for day trips from Lake Louise. Yoho’s theme is “Rockwalls and Waterfalls.”

After leaving Lake Louise, the road descends quickly, but the mountains don’t get any shorter! Mt. Stephen looms overhead as the road finally levels out near the town of Field.

Falling water can often be seen on the sheer cliffs that surround you, but the grandmother of Yoho’s waterfalls is Takakkaw Falls. Found at the end of the Yoho Valley Road (40 minutes from Lake Louise), this impressive cascade is one of the highest named waterfalls in Canada. Again, we suggest going early or late to get the best light and a peaceful experience. You can walk right up to the base of the falls and feel the cool spray on your face. The falls originate as the meltwater of a glacier above and out of sight.

Note: Takakkaw Falls is not accessible from mid-October to early June. The road is not plowed.

Emerald Lake

The other major destination in Yoho is Emerald Lake (40 minutes from Lake Louise). The high peaks of the great divide capture the weather we receive from the Pacific Ocean. The clouds get hung up on the summits and moisture plummets down the steep mountain sides. Where the topography concentrates this water, you can find small patches of coastal rainforest — with western red cedar trees and devil’s club (look for the large plant with thorns and maple-like leaves). The west side of Emerald lake is one of these spots.

Interpretive signs along the lakeshore trail help you understand the wet and dry sides of the lake. You can’t help but notice the difference in the plants, the streams and the atmosphere. In early spring (late may and June), Emerald Lake is the first place to look for wildflowers. As the snow melts away, the shore becomes a riot of bright yellow glacier lilies. Hot pink calypso orchids are not far behind.

From the lakeshore you can find out more about the world-famous Burgess Shale. An interpretive exhibit tells the story of these unique and rare fossils, and, a telescope zooms in on the quarry where scientists study and excavate them each summer. You can visit this quarry and the Mt. Stephen Trilobite Bed with guided hikes from the Burgess Shale Research Foundation. Access is otherwise restricted.

In winter, Emerald is still beautiful and a fun place to take a walk, cross-country ski or snowshoe.

Food is available at Emerald Lake Lodge. Canoes, skis and snowshoes are available from Emerald Sports. Horseback rides available from Emerald Stables (250-343-6000).

Yoho is also full of train-related history. Check out our other itinerary for train buffs

Get to the Burgess Shale

Visiting either of the Burgess Shale sites requires a full-day, strenuous hike. But it’s worth it! The thin band of shale is one of only two places in the world where the soft parts of creatures have been fully preserved in rock, in exquisite detail. Better yet, these fantastic animals date from very early in the evolution of life on the planet, making them a valuable scientific find.

Of course, access to the sites is restricted, so you must go with a guided group.Contact the Burgess Shale Research Foundation at 800-343-3006 or Contact.

For further information on guided tours in the Canadian Rockies, fill out the blue form on the right side of this page.

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 » Waterfalls