Visiting all of the National Parks in America has long been on our list of sights to see.
We took a little detour this summer, adding a few others in our neighbor up north...
Our journey began after parlaying a wedding in Estes Park, CO for our dear friends, with a quick day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. You might not be able to see all of RMNP in one-day, but you can definitely see a lot if you get in 30,000+steps.
We spent all of those steps traversing about three lakes: Emerald, Nymph, Dream each with their own uniqueness (About 3.6 miles roundtrip-moderate). The trail's terrain was pretty manageable, making it accessible to a wide range of adventurers. Along the way, you'll pass Nymph and Dream lake.
Nymph (first on the hike) Lake's, enchanting waters were framed by delicate lily pads and a backdrop of towering pines. The trail continued to Dream Lake, adorned with wildflowers, the lake itself was a shimmering expanse of blue rested beneath jagged peaks. As we reached the culmination of our hike, Emerald Lake revealed its true splendor to us.
Nestled in a mountain basin, Emerald was the true gem of this hike. The reflection from the crystal waters almost made the lake appear camouflaged with its surroundings. The peaks, dusted with snow, provided a stunning backdrop and amateur photo-op.
We found ourselves very fortunate to experience all three of these natural wonders in one day. Yet, after being completely exhausted, we thought, "why not take it up a notch?", extending our trip to Banff and Jasper National Parks. (DEN -> CALG)
Running on fumes, we departed from Calgary (in a 'courtesy upgrade' Jeep Renegade truck--no complaints) heading west to slowly ensconce ourselves inside Banff.
Established in 1885, it holds the distinction of being Canada's first national park and one of the world's most renowned protected natural areas.
Our first pitstop was @ Johnston Canyon; a picturesque natural wonder, renowned for stunning waterfalls, captivating rock formations, and lush greenery. The canyon is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering a relatively manageable hike that leads to mesmerizing Inkpots.
The journey to the Inkpots begins with a well-maintained trail that meanders alongside Johnston Creek. J. Creek has carved its way through the limestone over centuries, resulting in a series of beautiful waterfalls. The Lower Falls, (just under) 1-mile from the trailhead, plunges into a deep turquoise pool, creating a striking visual contrast against the surrounding forest.
Continuing on the trail another mile, you can reach the captivating Upper Falls. This waterfall cascades over a higher ledge and creates a misty atmosphere that is particularly enchanting in the sunlight. A sturdy bridge provides a front-row seat (if there's no queue for photos) to admire the falls and canyon surroundings.
From the Upper Falls, the trail begins to ascend more-steeply through a forested area, leading to the Inkpots. After a moderate uphill hike of approximately 2 miles, the landscape transitions to a serene alpine meadow. This is where the Inkpots come into view.
The hike to the Inkpots is not only an opportunity to witness the incredible geological formations but also a chance to immerse oneself in the diverse ecosystems and history of Banff. The Inkpots are a series of seven mineral-rich pools. These pools are unique due to their vibrant blue and green colors. The high calcium carbonate concentration gives the water its distinctive hue. (steep incline/decline trail--but definitely worth seeing)
From here we took a relaxing drive along the Icefields Parkway, (Highway 93). This quickly became a journey of unparalleled natural beauty. The route guides you through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, with breathtaking views of mountains, lakes, & glaciers.
As you make your way northward on the Icefields Parkway (towards Jasper), you'll encounter a series of awe-inspiring sights, one in particular we loved was Peyto Lake.
Peyto Lake is renowned for its mesmerizing turquoise-blue waters, which are a result of glacial rock flour suspended in the lake. The hue of lake is so vibrant against the dramatic Waputik Range, you'd swear it was dyed. (none of my images have filters)
Some other terrific sights along the drive; Mistaya Canyon, Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield, and Sunwapta Falls--but the ones that took the cake were Lake Louise and Lake Moraine
Lake Louise: Lake Louise is perhaps the most famous lake in Canada, known for its ethereal turquoise-color and the majestic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise nestled at its shores. The lake is fed by meltwater from the Victoria Glacier, creating a surreal and captivating sight.
Similar to Peyto, the vibrant water at Louise (and Moraine) is caused by the fine-rock particles (glacial flour) which scatter sunlight and reflect a stunning color.
The Lake Louise area offers a variety of activities for visitors including canoeing. In the summer, hiking trails provide panoramic vistas of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The Plain of Six Glaciers Trail and the Lake Agnes Trail are popular options.
Both lakes are also significant for the ecosystems they support. They provide habitats for a variety of wildlife species, including grizzly bears, elk, and mountain goats.
You can book a day trip in advance with Parks Canada, a shuttle service that will take you back and forth from both Louise/Moraine. It cost around $8 USD per person.
Moraine Lake: Moraine Lake, located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, is another jewel of the Canadian Rockies. The peaks immediately surrounding Moraine create a dramatic backdrop that looks like a real-life postcard.
One of the most famous viewpoints is the Rockpile Trail, which offers an elevated perspective of Moraine Lake with the Valley of the Ten Peaks in the background. This was the money-shot of the trip (IMO). The trail is short but steep, and if you can make it up, you'll have one of the greatest views in all of the Canadian Rockies.
The drive concludes in Jasper, a charming mountain town surrounded by stunning peaks. Jasper National Park offers abundant opportunities for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing--especially close up!
One of the highlights was encountering wildlife in their natural habitat. We spotted majestic elk right next to the road and a group of mountain goats put on a show for tourists.
In the evening, you can marvel at the clear night skies, studded with a breathtaking array of stars. Jasper is designated as a Dark Sky Preserve, making it an ideal spot for stargazing.
The town of Jasper itself offered a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with its cozy cafes, friendly locals, and a sense of calm that made us feel we'd stepped into a different world.
This entire voyage was a true escape into the heart of nature, and we left with a sense of wonder and a deep appreciation for the natural beauty that exists north of our border. I consider myself very fortunate to experience this journey and hope to someday visit again, but until then...I'm comin' home, baby!
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
Rocky Mountain National Park (day-trip)
Banff & Jasper National Park
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Never leave home without the proper music to accompany. -like pairing wine w/ dinner- The playlist below was built specifically for this itinerary.
Harvest Moon - Neil Young
Big Yellow Taxi - Joni Mitchell
Canadian Railroad Trilogy - Gordon Lightfoot
Pinch Me - Barenaked Ladies
Little Bones - The Tragically Hip
No Time - The Guess Who
Limelight - Rush
Evergreen - Ron Sexsmith
Superconnected - Broken Social Scene
Tree Among Shrubs - Men I Trust
Right Back Home To You - Chromeo
Landslide - Caveboy
Pharmacist - Alvvays
Empty Room - Arcade Fire
Having An Average Weekend - Shadowy Men On A Shadowy Planet
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