{mosimage} Four adjoining national parks in the Rockies—Banff, Yoho, Kootenay and Jasper—cover more than 5,200 square miles. Banff, which was established in 1885, is the oldest national park in Canada and third oldest in the world. Jasper, at 4,200 square miles, is the largest of the group.
We began our visit to the Canadian Rockies by camping at Banff National Park, which holds two of North America’s most famous resort towns, Banff and Lake Louise.
The park was created around the warm mineral springs near the town of Banff. On our way to the camping area, we stopped in Banff, which at an elevation of 4,540 feet is Canada’s highest town. Traveling on the Trans-Canada Highway in this part of Canada, you quickly learn that towns are few and far between, and you need to take advantage of the opportunities to purchase fresh food.
{mosimage} We found groceries expensive since they must be transported a great distance. We recommend stocking up on basic items at home. Remember though, you can’t bring fresh meat, vegetables or fruit across the Canadian border,
Fuel, including diesel, is available in Banff, along with laundry facilities (which are available only in Banff and Jasper, 180 miles north). A profusion of shops, boutiques and restaurants make Banff a great stopping place. As you mosey around the township, you’ll experience many cultures—English, French, German, Japanese, Chinese, Swedish and Norwegian.
Driving to the campground area, we came across a small herd of mountain goats on a rocky bluff above the highway. Drivers are cautioned to watch for wildlife and to give them a wide berth. Many wildlife-crossing structures are in place along the Trans-Canada Highway, with traffic going through tunnels, and animals crossing on overpasses.
It was a good thing we had a detailed map of Banff National Park from the Internet, because we found the signage within the park quite inadequate. Thirteen campgrounds offer a variety of camping opportunities from tent sites to full hookups for RVs. Some camps are open year-round; others are weather dependent. Since we came from a distance away, we opted to make reservations via the Internet before we left home, but many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Although Tunnel Mountain Village II, where we stayed, didn’t offer many amenities, it provided a convenient base camp for the area’s interesting day trips.
{mosimage} Lake Minnewanka, just outside Banff township, is the largest body of water in Banff National Park. The original reservoir was constructed in 1912 with additional dams built in 1922 and 1941 to provide hydroelectric power to Banff. A resort village, Minnewanka Landing, was submerged when the most recent dam was built and is now a popular scuba diving spot. At the marina located at the end of the lake, a boat tour is available.
We found the site of Bankhead, a small coal-mining town that existed in the early twentieth century, interesting. The mine was operated by the Canadian Pacific Railway, which needed the coal to fuel its steam engines. During the mine’s operation from 1903 to 1922, the town of Bankhead was formed and grew to a population of 900. In 1926, when the town’s original purpose no longer existed, 38 houses were moved in 40 days into Banff, almost seven miles away. Today, the Bankhead trail offers a glimpse of this history along with spectacular scenery.
Lake Louise, about 35 miles from the town of Banff, is regarded as one of the world’s seven natural wonders. Try to visit Lake Louise in the early morning when the sun hits Victoria Glacier and the steep northern face of Mount Victoria is reflected in the sparkling blue-green water. The aquamarine color is due to glacial sediment, called rock flour, which is finely ground rock created by the runoff from glaciers. If you’re not an early morning person, at least go early in the day. By noon—because of the lake’s popularity—parking spots are almost impossible to find.
The little hamlet of Lake Louise, located in the Bow Valley, just west of the Trans-Canada Highway, has a small mall and a handful of hotels and restaurants. The camping area is near Lake Louise village and offers both tent and RV sites.
A not-to-be missed adventure is the Lake Louise Gondola. Starting from the Lodge of the Ten Peaks, the 14-minute climb takes you to an elevation of 6,850 feet on a breathtaking tour of spectacular panoramic views of Lake Louise, glaciers, natural springs, wildflowers, and sometimes wildlife. The photographic opportunities are endless.
{mosimage} Moraine Lake, about half the size of Lake Louise, is a wonderful destination, also best viewed early in the day. A hiking trail leads along the lake’s northern shore, and canoes can be rented at the concession stand.
Banff National Park is loaded with awe-inspiring sights you will long remember. Allow enough time to soak up this natural geological wonder.
Next month, writer Mary E. Trimble continues her Canadian journey with a report on Jasper National Park.
Leave a Reply