We started off early this morning, earlier than expected as a power-cut for the village stopped us getting any breakfast before we headed out. We arrived at Lake Louise to see very little except a lake with a layer of cloud just above it. Not to be deterred we decided to go on one of the hiking trails anyway. So we headed up a very steep ascent through the trees and quickly were surrounded by cloud with visibility of about 5 metres. We also realised there was no one else around, all the Japanese tourists had just stayed by the shore of the lake. After what seemed like an eternity of climbing a very steep incline we made it to Mirror Lake, which looked like some scene from a horror film with dark water and mist everywhere. We continued climbing only to notice that perhaps we weren't fully equipped for this one. There was snow everywhere and we didn't even have waterproofs. Finally we did reach Lake Agnes at 2250metres and again could see very little but felt great for achieving it. Unbelievably in spite of the conditions the tea shop was open and we enjoyed a welcome break. Still no sign of any other walkers.
On the way down the cloud began to burn off and we were treated to some fantastic views. We also saw the first groups of other walkers once we were about half way down. They were all kitted out with waterproofs, hiking poles, bear bells and some were even banging saucepans to avoid encounters. Looks like we misread the bear risk again. Anyway Mirror Lake on the way down was completely transformed and the whole route down seemed more pleasant, nothing like the horror film scenes on the way up. Lake Louise was awesome in the long-awaited sunlight.
After that we went to nearby Lake Moraine, formed by a landslide which also looked magnificent. We took a long walk again up a very steep incline and enjoyed the views.
It was only on reaching the hotel (power still out) that we saw the Trail conditions noticeboard. The first trail warned of snow and advised snow shoes. The second trail we did in the afternoon visitors were advised not to climb because of a high risk of avalanche. It also noted that this time of year was the most likely time to encounter a bear, so make sure you make lots of noise and carry bear spray... Doh! Why don't we read these things before heading off.
It was a great full day with beautiful scenery and some strenuous hikes. Looking forward to a days driving tomorrow. The Icefield Parkway is meant to be one of the best drives in the world. A couple we met pulled over to video a bear on the side of the road. We saw two deer today, one narrowly missing our bonnet and loads of chipmunks everywhere.
On the way down the cloud began to burn off and we were treated to some fantastic views. We also saw the first groups of other walkers once we were about half way down. They were all kitted out with waterproofs, hiking poles, bear bells and some were even banging saucepans to avoid encounters. Looks like we misread the bear risk again. Anyway Mirror Lake on the way down was completely transformed and the whole route down seemed more pleasant, nothing like the horror film scenes on the way up. Lake Louise was awesome in the long-awaited sunlight.
After that we went to nearby Lake Moraine, formed by a landslide which also looked magnificent. We took a long walk again up a very steep incline and enjoyed the views.
It was only on reaching the hotel (power still out) that we saw the Trail conditions noticeboard. The first trail warned of snow and advised snow shoes. The second trail we did in the afternoon visitors were advised not to climb because of a high risk of avalanche. It also noted that this time of year was the most likely time to encounter a bear, so make sure you make lots of noise and carry bear spray... Doh! Why don't we read these things before heading off.
It was a great full day with beautiful scenery and some strenuous hikes. Looking forward to a days driving tomorrow. The Icefield Parkway is meant to be one of the best drives in the world. A couple we met pulled over to video a bear on the side of the road. We saw two deer today, one narrowly missing our bonnet and loads of chipmunks everywhere.
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