Our stay in Canmore, AB continues with more intermittent showers and generally soggy conditions. But a short, but splendid stroll along a beautiful creek, an amazing drive along a parkway from Banff to the magnificent Lake Louise made for an extraordinary day!

Click on the first photo in each group and scroll to see the square photos at full size.
To start at the beginning of this series, visit The Trip of Our Lives 2023.

Policemen’s Creek Boardwalk

Today we were headed north into Banff National Park. A short trail that was not far from our condo also headed north. Since Jim didn’t want to add another thing to another busy day, I left early for my walk and he picked me up on his way out of town. I love it when a plan comes together!

Policemen’s Creek Boardwalk was reviewed to be very scenic – ponds with ducks, forested areas, songbirds, and possibly elk or deer. Although none of the wildlife showed up to say hello, it was a beautiful stroll with another great view of the Three Sisters. The trail wasn’t marked very well in the beginning and I ended up on a trail on the wrong side of the creek. While not on the boardwalk, it offered the same lovely views so I didn’t really mind.

“This is an easy route that works for all skill levels, but since the boardwalk connects with the town’s trail system, you can switch to a more ambitious route if you have the gumption.” ~ READ MORE

Condos with Fabulous Views!

The trail started in the middle of town, so I walked by some awesome condos where I could see myself living – with mountains in the backyard! Joggers, dog walkers and baby strollers were slightly annoying, but the further I walked the more it opened up and the views became incredible!

Bridge to the Boardwalk Side

Probably about halfway I discovered a bridge to the boardwalk side, but I stayed on this side to stay on schedule. Maybe I should do the whole trail again tomorrow on the other side. Well, that didn’t happen. I’m thinking we need another visit? I could see myself on a brisk walk up one side, a stop for breakfast, and then back down the other side. Who’s with me?

The Scenic Route

The Bow Valley Parkway is an awesome winding road between Banff and Lake Louise, and a less-traveled alternative to Highway 1. This thirty-mile paved road has a speed limit of 60 kph (37 mph), so if you’re in a hurry you should stay on the highway. It probably took us two hours with all the stops that we made to gawk and check out the overlooks.

From March 1st to June 25th, the Parkway is closed between 8pm and 8am on a section of the parkway “to ensure the area remains a high quality home for wildlife. The eastern portion of the Bow Valley Parkway travels through a small but vital part of the park, called the montane, that provides critical habitat for large carnivores, including wolves, cougars and bears.” ~ READ MORE

Wildlife Crossings

You may have heard this joke: “Why do they put the wildlife crossings here? It’s such a dangerous place to have them cross?” But a collision with any kind of wildlife is no joke. We were thrilled to see these wildlife crossings at several points on our visit in Banff.

As highway systems have grown in North America, collisions between wildlife and vehicles have become a massive problem. These accidents include animals of all sizes, from elk to snakes, and each one takes a toll on the environment. Not only can these collisions cause harm for both the driver and the animal, roadways that cut through animals’ natural habitats can also cut off migration routes. For over 20 years now, the solution in Banff National Park has been its wildlife crossings, several dozen bridges that help animals cross the Trans-Canada Highway.

Several underpasses were built in the 1980s, and the first overpasses were constructed in 1996-7. Today, over 88 kilometers (55 miles) of twinned Trans-Canada Highway in Banff and Yoho National Parks, there are now 48 crossing structures, including 41 underpasses, seven overpasses, and accompanying highway fencing throughout to keep wildlife off the road. The concrete tunnels arching over the highway look like pretty much any other bridge. But what motorists can’t see is the second highway right above the arches, a grassy bridge carrying the area’s wildlife safely across the roadway. Since their installation, the crossings have reduced collisions by 80 percent, with deer and elk seeing the greatest benefit with a reduction of 96 percent.” ~ READ MORE. Click for 9 Real-World Animal Crossings

Awesome Pullout!

I don’t remember the name of this pullout, but it was huge and can’t be missed. We stopped and stared out at this spot for a very long time and were amazed! Several geese were swimming in the calm waters and probably laughing at us – knowing that the only wildlife we’ve seen so far on this trip have been Canadian Geese, which we see at home all of the time. Sigh…

Castle Cliff Viewpoint

This pullout provided an excellent view, although that’s as close as we got to Castle Mountain. It is a very popular area for hiking with its 4.5-mile out-and-back trail. A 9-mile round trip is way out of our wheelhouse these days, especially since it’s a challenging 9-miles. We have places to go today anyway (thank goodness!), so we headed on down the road.

Just Snooping Around

When we come upon a beautiful river that’s easily accessible, we just have to stop. I walked into the small café and gift shop to grab a brochure so that we might have a reason to snoop around this beautiful setting. And at this stop – along with the fabulous river – we did see an elk (ha ha)! And several groupings of red Adirondack chairs around fire pits – not to be confused with the groupings of two Parks Canada red chairs.

This lovely place is part of the Baker Creek Mountain Resort by Basecamp. The cabins looked very cozy, and I could see ourselves staying here for several nights the next time we come. There were lots of beware of bears signs around though, so maybe not when the salmon are spawning. There are no fish in the “most emerald” of waters during this time of year because the sediment (glacial silt) levels are too high. Most return during the fall when colder temperatures reduce glacial runoff and the fresh water becomes more prominent.

Morant’s Curve

“The spot was made famous by Nicholas Morant, a staff photographer for the Canadian Pacific Railway. He took photographs for the company during the middle of the 20th century. Many images of the trains traveling through the curve were used for CPR promotional materials.” CLICK HERE for an absolutely gorgeous photo of a red train rounding the curve in a blanket of snow.

“Nicholas Morant (1910 – 1999) is a well-known name in Canadian photography from the twentieth century. Nicholas Morant’s unique ability to capture every aspect of Canadian life and nature led to a long and successful photography career spanning over fifty years.

Nicholas Morant and his work for the Canadian Pacific company left a lasting impact on Canadian tourism and public interest in Canadian landscapes and scenery, especially the Canadian Rockies. Many of Morant’s groundbreaking photographic techniques and his devotion to visual detail still inspire photographers today.” READ MORE

The Magnificent Lake Louise

What can I say about this stop. I’ll just let the pictures do the talking!

“From the vivid turquoise waters to the soaring peaks encircling the lake, Lake Louise is a stunning mountain setting. Fellow adventurers soak in the views from the shore, and bright red canoes float on the glacial waters. It’s hard to resist dipping a hand into the water just to see if it’s actually real.

Several hikes take off from the lakefront. Begin with the lakeshore trail along the water, pausing to take in a tall waterfall and fearless rock climbers. Glacial creeks converge at the far end of the lake, and every shade of blue imaginable melds together just beyond the shoreline.

In the colder months, Lake Louise turns into a magical frozen wonderland. Find cross country-skiers gliding across the lake, ice climbers scaling frozen waterfalls and a horse drawn sleigh following the snow-covered shoreline. To top it off an outdoor skating rink welcomes skaters of all abilities with unmatched scenic views and a sparking ice castle.” ~ READ MORE

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Time for a Break!

Now that we’re back in Canmore, Grizzly Paw Brew Pub gave us some great views, great food and delicious beer! We moved inside shortly after the first two photos were taken because it cooled off – although look at those blue skies! It was hard for me to eat with that grizzly bear just over my shoulder! Georgia Hardingham is a local artist living and painting in Canmore. The painting was inspired by the biggest baddest grizzly of the Bow Valley, “The Boss“.

Beauty in all Directions!

Next Up: Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive

Happy trails,
Barb