Today is our last full day in Banff so we decided to head up the Icefield Parkway - "the road to the clouds." This famous scenic highway takes you past many glaciers and lakes on your way to Jasper.
Our first stop was Crowfoot Glacier. It was named for its three claw like formation. Crowfoot Mountain overlooked our next stop at Bow lake. At this stop I realized that I left Maggie's leash in the trailer but fortunately we had a Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital leash in the truck so I guess we'll do a little marketing today!
Along the way we also enjoyed seeing Peyto lake and glacier. All of the rivers and lakes are bright blue because of the glaciers. Fine rock particles called rock flour float in the water, reflecting blue and green light. Canadians must find our lakes and rivers rather boring!
By far the coolest rock formations that we saw today was at Mistaya Canyon. The Mistaya river has carved the limestone over the years to create a valley. This site also has created idiot tourists who like to tempt their fate. I get nervous for these people and their children who walk out to the very edges to take pictures without thinking about their safety. I had to look away when I saw a woman edging her way on the cliff so her husband could take her picture from the bridge. I told him that she was braver than me. He said they were recreating a photo that he took 13 years ago when they were dating but he was more nervous this time because he had more invested!
On our way back to Banff we took the more scenic Bow Valley Parkway. This took us past Castle Mountain and then to Johnston Canyon. We took the short hike through the canyon to the lower falls. Unfortunately we didn't have enough time to hike to the upper falls.
We ended the day with dinner in Banff and shopping- the stores stay open until 10! Tomorrow, sadly, we have to head home but I will say "see ya later" to Alberta because I would like to come back and explore some more!
Note: Due to the large number of parking lots and restrooms that we saw at the popular attractions, I suspect that they get thousands of tourists in the summer. We lucked out and visited before the rush so if you are thinking of visiting, come in June.
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