To Golden BC & Back

Took a trip out to Golden, BC & back today. I guess it's around 500 kms return & way worth the time & money

As soon as you pass Canmore (see my prior trip there), you enter Banff National Park. It's 18 bucks for a car to enter with 2 to 7 people, or 8.50 per person. They don't take debit, only Visa, so you are warned.

Once you enter the park, you'll drive for a bit & notice the mountains seem larger & closer to the road. The area starts to get more desolate & there are no roadside gas stations, etc, so fill up. It's a 4 lane road, so you can cruise along well past Banff. They also make it easy to stop along the road and take photos of animals........and you'll see quite a few, believe me. The entire road is fenced off from the forest to protect the animals (and drivers) from accidents.

Lake Louise:

I had figured this was a town, but it's essentially two places. The first is the part off the Trans Canada Highways, which is about 30 lodges/hotels, and a shopping centre with a few places to eat. If you're wanting to eat, the food is only so-so, and there is nothing that is quick. Be prepared to sit down tho there is a little food store you could get groceries in.

You then head up this hill, and I mean up. You drive upwards for what feels like about 10 kms until you find public parking in Lake Louise. The area is a large chateau & some hiking trails and a small lake with what looks like to be a glacier in the back. What I noticed first was that it was cold, maybe 1C, or about 15C colder than down at the bottom of the mountain. There was also alot of snow, and the lake was still frozen. Keep in mind this is May 24th weekend. The area is very nice & I wouldn't mind spending a weekend in the Chateau just to get that remote feeling.

There is a small lake that is a a side trip of sorts. I can't remember the name, but you'll see the sign going back down the hill. GO here. The scenery is amazing & there are some vistas you'll see from the top of the mountain (high enough to be in the clouds). At the end of the road is a lodge & a small lake and a huge rock face. You could probably spend an entire day there just walking around. It's not a tourist trap

To be cont....