Lake Louise

We followed the Icefields Parkway into Lake Louise and stopped at Peyto Lake on the way. Judy’s back was bothering her and Roger stopped half way up the trail – key word being “up!” So, being the explorer that I am (ha,ha) I continued and took pictures for them. Just another beautiful aqua lake with mountains and waterfalls!! We then passed the Weeping Wall and Bridal Veil Falls.

Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake Falls

Lake Louise is actually a small lake wedged between mountains behind the famous Fairmount Chateau hotel. We drove up to see it on a sunny afternoon and could not believe the crowds and traffic jam!! Should have read the description in our AAA book before – “…one bus after another disgorges throngs of tourists. It’s an amazingly beautiful place, but during the high season, not a very peaceful one.” We saw it first from the ski tram.

Lake Louise and the Fairmount Chateau

Judy's first tram ride!

Judy had a great idea – we went back early the next morning for breakfast, parked up front and enjoyed a quiet time touring the grounds. By the time we were done the parking lot was packed and the hordes had arrived!!

Moraine Lake is in the same general area so we stopped there on our way back into Lake Louise. By the time we were driving out the park rangers had the road closed and were only letting cars in as others left! We would certainly recommend touring this area in May or September to avoid the crowds. You wouldn’t believe the number of rented class C campers; tour buses and foreign travelers!

Lake Moraine is only about half the size of Lake Louise but it is called the “jewel of the Rockies” because it is in the Valley of the Ten Peaks and surrounded by saw-toothed ridges. It is damned up by a huge rock slide that many were climbing to get a panoramic view.