Much of the color and beauty of the Canadian Rocky Mountains is derived from the brilliantly colored wild flowers that thrive there. While not the highest mountains in the world, precipitously upthrust limestone creates scenic panoramas that are world-renowned. Banff National Park alone contains an array of at least 25 peaks that tower around 10,000 feet. As it runs alongside a chain of massive ice fields straddling the Continental Divide, the Icefields Parkway accesses vistas of virtually unparalleled splendor. The startling contrast of Kootenay's towering summits and hanging glaciers, narrow chasms and color-splashed mineral pools will unfold for us. Brilliant blue glacial lakes with an occasional floating iceberg, glaciers descending from endless snowfields, and verdant forests teaming with wildlife create a visual extravaganza that will satisfy the most active shutterbug.
Our trip began in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, where the Calgary Stampede was in full swing (an unplanned scheduling conflict or a special opportunity depending on one's point of view), and the organizers had picked up a van and purchased the trip provisions. Our trip was planned as a light one where participants only needed to be fit enough to dayhike to points of interest to maximize their trip enjoyment. The next nine days were spent sightseeing and dayhiking the spectacular Canadian Rockies National Parks - Kootenay, Yoho, Banff, and Jasper - in a loop trip of approximately eight hundred miles. Provincial and National Park campsites were utilized as available.
Originates @ Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Wildflowers
Lake Mirror
