Mountain Lakes and Waterfalls

It was another early morning today, as we checked out of the Fairmont Banff Springs and departed on our “Mountain Lakes and Waterfalls” tour, which took us from Banff to Lake Louise via several scenic spots in Banff and Yoho National Parks.

Our first stop was Lake Louise. While everyone else was admiring the views of the lake, Tim and I took the opportunity to check into the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, where we would be spending the night. I knew we would have more time to see the lake later this afternoon.

From Lake Louise, we headed to Moraine Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in the Canadian Rockies. Unfortunately, we could not fully appreciate its beauty due to the cloudy weather and low-lying fog. Oh, how I was wishing for the beautiful blue skies we had yesterday. On sunny days, the bright turquoise color and the dramatic surroundings of the Valley of the Ten Peaks make Moraine Lake one of the most photographed scenes in Banff National Park.

It Was Chilly at Moraine Lake

The drive through Yoho National Park along the Trans-Canada Highway was especially scenic, and I kept admiring the surrounding mountains on the way.

The Skies Were Clearing As We Traveled Along the Trans-Canada Highway

We stopped at the Spiral Tunnels Viewpoint, where diagrams and a model explained how trains make their way through the mountains. We had traveled through the tunnels on the Rocky Mountaineer, but it was these displays that helped me appreciate this amazing engineering feat.

Explaining How the Spiral Tunnels Work

From the viewpoint, we could see the Lower Spiral Tunnel in Mt. Ogden, and we waited for a freight train to arrive. It was very cool as we watched the train entering the tunnel. Although high trees blocked most of the view, we did catch a glimpse of the train as it reappeared on the track below. At the same time, the rear of the train was still entering the tunnel.

A Freight Train Entering and Exiting the Lower Spiral Tunnel

The weather had improved by the time we arrived at Emerald Lake, where we stopped for lunch at the historic Emerald Lake Lodge. Lunch was delicious, and we had time afterwards to enjoy views of the stunning emerald colored water that sets this lake apart. The backdrop of the snowcapped Rockies only added to the scenic beauty.

Stopping for Lunch at Emerald Lake Lodge

Beautiful Emerald Lake

We still had more stops on our tour, the next of which was Natural Bridge. Here, we witnessed the force of the Kicking Horse River as it cascaded under a naturally formed stone bridge.

Natural Bridge on the Kicking Horse River

Adjacent to the parking lot at Natural Bridge, our guide pointed out a plaque and statue. I was surprised to read that Canada operated internment camps during World War I, not unlike our infamous Japanese internment camps during World War II. In 1915 and 1916, approximately 200 men, mostly East and Central Europeans, were unjustly interned as enemy aliens under the War Measures Act. These prisoners labored on national park infrastructure projects such as land clearing and road construction. The statue, titled “Last Man Standing," represents one of these internees.

Remembering and Memorializing the Internment Camp in Yoho National Park

Getting to our last stop was almost as exciting than the attraction itself. The road to Takakkaw Falls features the tightest switchback I’ve ever seen. It’s so tight that our motorcoach had to back up the center section! Our driver did a great job, and the approaching cars even waited until we finished this unusual maneuver. The switchback is so renown that it was even featured on postcards in the 1950s.

The Switchback

We safely reached the parking lot for Takakkaw Falls and had time to hike there. Takakkaw Falls is he second-highest waterfall in Canada and is said to be the most stunning waterfall in the Canadian Rockies.

Takakkaw Falls 

We finally returned to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in the late afternoon and checked into our lakeview room. Here, I was prepared for a stunning view from our window, and I was not disappointed!

The View of Lake Louise from Our Window

There was just enough daylight remaining so that I could walk partway around Lake Louise. The lake was beautiful, and I was able to get a closer look at Victoria Glacier, which feeds the lake from its melting runoff. The views back towards the hotel were also gorgeous.

Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Its View of Lake Louise