Day 3 was spent in Banff. Luckily, the weather was amazing!
Stop #1: Mount Edith Cavell - Path of Glacier Trail in Jasper National Park (Highlight)
The Edith Cavell area provides views of fragrant subalpine forest, flowery alpine meadows and spectacular views of Mt. Edith Cavell and the Angel Glacier.
We took the Path of Glacier Trail (1.6km return, 70m elevation gain, 1 hour) which is a short, well-used trail takes you toward the great north face of Mt. Edith Cavell, across a rocky landscape recently covered with glacial ice. The icebergs floating in the milky green waters were absolutely stunning.
Stop #2: Athabasca Falls (Highlight)
The size of the river makes Athabasca Falls one of the most powerful falls to be found in the mountain national parks. The falls have cut into the softer limestone beneath, carving intricate features, including potholes and a short canyon. For your own safety, stay away from the gates and railings.
Stop #3: Sunwapta Falls (including lunch)
You can definitely stop at the Mountain lodge just before the turn into Sunwapta Falls for a tasty and quick lunch.
Sunwapta Falls consists of upper and lower waterfalls that are fed by the Athabasca Glacier.
Stop #4: Columbia Icefield (Highlight)
There is an incredible hike called Toe of the Glacier that allows you to see the Athabasca Glacier for free.
This hike shows the impact of the retreating glaciers, with signs showing how far the Athabasca Glacier has shrunk over the years. There were a few people who climbed up the glacier. However, there are unobservable crevasses, which makes it quite dangerous.
Stop #5: Bow Lake (Highlight)
Bow Lake is approximately 30 minutes north of Lake Louise, off the Icefields Parkway and a half mile north of the Crowfoot Glacier. Sitting at an elevation of 1,920 m (6,300 ft), it is one of the largest lakes in Banff National Park. The lake lies at the base of Bow Summit, which is perfectly reflected in its aquamarine waters on a calm day.
Stop #6: Bill Peyto’s Cafe (Dinner)
Bill Peyto’s Café offers up grub to fuel adventures big and small, with full hot breakfasts, tasty appies and hearty entrées, plus a full range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
We enjoyed the Coconut Red Curry with basmati rice (vegan), fish and chips and smoked salmon fettucine alfredo.
Stop #7: Moraine Lake (Highlight)
Tip: Either come very early before 8am or in the evening after 6pm when it is quieter. The parking lot has 150 spots which fill up very quickly.
Its waters are the most amazing and vivid shade of turquoise that changes in intensity through the summer as the glaciers melt. Set in the rugged Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake is surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and rock piles, creating a scene so stunning it almost seems unreal. Sit lakeside and absorb the sights and pure mountain air, or explore further by canoeing and hiking. It is simply stunning. Glacier-fed, its brilliant blue-green colour is a result of light refracting off the rock flour (fine particles of rock) in the glacier run-off which flows into the lake.
We took the accessible 2.6km Lakeshore trail which hugged the lake perimeter. It allowed for beautiful views of the turquoise lake from different perspectives.
The Rockpile Trail is a high elevation and short path with switchbacks along the back of the moraine to the top of the natural dam. It offers an elevated and panoramic perspective of the lake.
