Canadian Rockies & Seattle, part 2

Lake Minnewanka


Before leaving Banff, we headed to Lake Minnewanka for our first taste of the real Rockies! 

Lake Minnewanka is a large glacial lake 5 kilometres (3 miles) from the town of Banff. The lake is 21 kilometres (13 miles) long and 142 metres (466 feet) deep. It is a beautiful spot, popular for picnicking, mountain biking, hiking, canoeing, diving, and snowshoeing.
                                 
                                          





Lake Minnewanka panoramic view!


 Driving from Banff to Lake Louise was pretty easy and straight forward.  Approximately a 45 minute journey with lovely views along the way and just enough time to get that Canada playlist going!

We were recommended by a family member to visit Moraine Lake. WOW! Utterly amazing!
The road to this Lake is small and busy.  Due to the volume of visitors and the small car park, many park along the roadside and walk down to the lake (it is quite steep the walk, so avoid doing this if you can).  You may have to wait for a parking space, but you may get lucky, as we did!
Top tip: As this road gets very busy, the Parc guards will close it.  Make sure you get there early to avoid this happening to you!

Lake Louise
So this was the reason behind Canada.  I have always wanted to visit and stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and as this trip was for a very special reason, it was the first hotel that I booked!

First impressions.....Yes please!
The drive up is pretty impressive with the hotel against the Mountain backdrop, but then you mount the corner and the lake view is breathtaking!

In answer to the question I get asked a lot, is the lake really that blue? Yes, yes it is!




Lake Louise Shoreline Trail









The shoreline walk takes approximately 40 minutes and is a flat, easy trail. 

Hint: The peak visiting times are between 10am and 4pm, but as you walk further towards the back of the lake you will leave a large majority of the crowd behind.
  



The Fairview Lookout Trail





Another walk that we managed was up to the lookout point! This was an amazing view down over Lake Louise and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise too!

Hint: Make sure you have bear spray with for all walks.  The spray costs US$50.00 per can and you will be given an demonstration on how to use this when it is purchased. 

Never take a chance, not where bears are concerned!




If you are lucky enough to stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, be sure to try out the Fairview Dinning Restaurant.  This gets very, very busy, so ensure you book a table prior to travel, especially if you have a special occasion to celebrate. 

The hotel were aware this trip was special to me and so for desert, I had this presented to me....

Happy birthday to me!


Top tip: Make use of the spa facilities, it is truly relaxing!

A short drive from the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, you will find the Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola.  So for those that know me and know me well, know that I don't like heights, tough was what I heard a lot on this part of the trip! Yes, he made me go on the Gondola!




But the view was totally worth it!








Come back for part 3, to see if we really did see any bears!





If you would like help planning your trip to the Canadian Rockies,
call me on 0121 314 6650
or email charlotte.mitchell@travelcounsellors.com


IMPORTANT NOTICE:
British passport holders require an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) for Canada. 
The cost is CAN$ 7 per person, including Children & are valid for 5 years. 
If your passport expires before this time, you will be required to purchase a new ETA.

*** Other passport holders are required to check with the Canadian Embassy to
gain the correct information before travel ***  



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