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Vancouver and the C Rockies

May 2018 - April 2024
40th anniversary year trip to see western Canada and visit Paula & Danny and family Read more
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  • TravelerVancouver and the C Rockies
    Day 10

    Coombs and Goats on the Roof

    May 27, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Sunny and bright. We had a leisurely start to the day then took Otis and Monty swimming and Bailey for a walk in the park.
    After lunch several of us headed to Coombs where there are craft stores, Italian restaurant , an amazing food and toy store and veggies market.
    Across the road an excellent ice cream shop where I tried Tiger Tiger ( orange and liquorice ) and others, cherry custard , raspberry cheesecake and others. On the roof at times there were goats!
    We picked up some local wines on the way home for a really lovely accompaniment to a super relaxing chicken dinner.
    A great stay with Paula and Danny Jemima Monty Otis and Jonah! Thank you all very much. Oh and Bailey of course.    Read more

  • TravelerVancouver and the C Rockies
    Day 11

    Back to YVR and on to Whistler

    May 28, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    The kids and Paula all readied themselves for the working week and said fond farewells. Danny cooked the eggs and then dropped us at Duke Point for the 10.15 sailing of Coastal Inspiration to Tsawwassen. Took 150 minutes to cross which meant limited time to meet up with Rocky friend Alex and hubby Nigel who were doing the trip east to west. In the end we had about 15 minuets to exchange experiences and leaflets before we had to board the 13.00 bus.
    Eventually we picked up a very pleasant Nissan Altima at the airport and plodded through Vancouver afternoon traffic then heading through Stanley Park and over Lions Gate bridge and north on highway 99. We needed a quick stop for mid afternoon pizza in Horseshoe Bay then on to Whistler. The Crystal Lodge is very comfortable and convenient and the smoked chicken pie and beers at the Beacon Pub excellent. Rock and Gem shop is right next door!    Read more

  • TravelerVancouver and the C Rockies
    Day 12

    Valley Trail

    May 29, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    This morning dawned bright and breezy with wet ground. After brekkie we had to visit Rock & Gem then a very helpful volunteer at the Visitor booth, Jennifer, pointed out a lake walk along the Valley Trail with coffee stop half way. It’s off season in Whistler so pretty quiet and not everything open.
    The trail skirts the golf course then borders Alta and later Nita Lakes, with coffee stop at Nita Lodge some 4K in. We were by the railroad, completed to here in 1914 and a huge train passed as we were leaving to skirt the far side of Alta Lake. Weather perfect for the walk and huge variety of wild flowers. Back in the village we picked up some Peaks and Valleys pale ale from Russell Brewing ( with Chilliwack hops) to go with lunch.
    Having done nearly 17,000 steps we put our feet up for a bit. The day stayed sunny, contrary to the forecast. So Then we pottered around, did a bit of sketching, reading, exploring the village and gondola/ ski lifts, three of which were in operation. We had to try the pool which was warm and the hot tub which was hotter!
    Time for reviving g&t and eats in a bit.    Read more

  • TravelerVancouver and the C Rockies
    Day 13

    Sun Peaks

    May 30, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    Long drive today so we left soon after 9 and headed up the 99 when the sat nav woke up sufficiently. The road rose continuously through a steep sided tree lined valley with regular avalanche warning signs for the winter time. We stopped briefly at Joffre Lakes where there was still ice on the pathway and spectacular views of mountains from the lower lake. The others were 2.5-3 km hike so we clambered back in the car and Janet had a drive on the wriggly road. In several spots there were barriers which could close the road in snow season.
    Descending the other side we followed the Cayoosh Creek as far as Lillooet where there’s a huge dam and water channel for the fish.
    Marble Canyon for a picnic lunch. Cache Creek for a coffee stop at Bear’s Claw lodge then on through Kamloops to our conclusion at Sun Peaks where the snow and most else has gone. You could jump on the ski lift from our room if it were running. The hot tub was welcome and dining in favoured along with Five Vineyards Cab Sav / Merlot.    Read more

  • TravelerVancouver and the C Rockies
    Day 14

    Alpine Meadows

    May 31, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Sunny and cool after a comfortable if unassuming night in Sun Peaks and back down the road to the 5. Heading north the road was quiet for the most part, though a construction area delayed us 5 mins or so. Stopped briefly at Little Fort then North Thompson Park for a short stroll.
    Arriving at Clearwater we struggled to work out where things were as it’s so spread out. We did discover our accommodation was some 20k out so turned round and finally found the main amenities and eventually the Wells Gray visitor information! Excellent warm samosas with a tarragon sauce from Buy Low for lunch. The i provided maps and advice and we decided to head north for a bit to the first set of (spectacular) falls on the map. This also had the benefit of a Magnum and hot dog if we had required. Spahat Falls thunder down some 60 m through old volcanic flows though the valley is some 300 m below. We did a short hike to Spaden lookout. More tomorrow.
    It was time to make the quest for our accommodation in earnest. Back past the Hog n Hop and then south over the restless river and railroad. We picked up the road and followed the sign that indicated 20k. For a while we followed the railroad then climbed a bit and 8k out the road became unsealed. A little further up we found three vultures on a roadkill. Our lodge is in a beautiful setting overlooking lake Hallamore. There are hummingbirds a loon on the lake and reportedly bears. Though we haven’t seen one yet.    Read more

  • TravelerVancouver and the C Rockies
    Day 15

    Wells Gray Park Falls

    June 1, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    We enjoyed our complementary brekkie watching the hummingbirds feed at the Boathouse restaurant then headed out to the falls in the park north of Clearwater. We stopped for a train at the crossing which took about 5 minuets to pass.
    Starting with the largest, Hemlechk then Dawson then lunch and a hike to Moul Falls. We have completed a set from the tarmac road, all spectacular in their own way.
    On the way back we stopped for fuel and supplies. On the road back we spotted a bear briefly by the roadside and also a deer.
    Back for tea and time to enjoy the facilities.    Read more

  • TravelerVancouver and the C Rockies
    Day 15

    And then we saw a bear, where, here!

    June 1, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    After our gourmet supper with Fern Walk 2016 Pinot Noir we thought a wander to the jetty in order. The evening had turned a bit grey and a strong breeze was coming off the lake. We heard coyote calling in the hills. We were hopeful of seeing a bear on the meadow but nothing doing.
    Returning to our shack I spotted a small dark shape in the distant grass which as we got closer was moving about in bear like fashion near to lodge 203. It wasn’t very large and was busy munching in the long grass. We watched for quite a while joined by the occupants of 203 from their bedroom window.
    This quite completed our stay at Alpine Meadows.    Read more

  • TravelerVancouver and the C Rockies
    Day 16

    Jasper

    June 2, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    We had our excellent complementary brekkie at the Boathouse with all the hummingbirds. Then set off up the 16 towards Valemount. On the way we stopped at Blue River for a possible wildlife experience but it seemed too busy and costly for what was on offer.
    At Valemount we found a nature walk down toto Cranberry Marshes where we saw a couple of new birds as yet unidentified.
    We planned a picnic lunch but scuttled for the car due to a passing shower. A little further on we stopped for coffee and excellent homemade blueberry muffins at Don’s Social. Valemount itself is in a basin surrounded by snow capped mountains.
    The drive from here was spectacular, notable views of Mt Robson. Then into Alberta where we were surprised by the park fee of some $120!
    Jasper is amazing. Again surrounded by snow mountains. We checked into Whistlers Inn, opposite the station,then headed out to walk round Lake Annette (N&J tip) which was beautiful with still waters and amazing colours. Back to the Inn for hot tub, then complementary anniversary drinks. We lost an hour with the clock change so it seems strange to be writing this in full daylight at home ten. We wandered a little to find food, stopping at Jasper Brewing where some very pleasant folks from Portland Maine, Chris and Paul Corviveau’s , six weeks into their road trip invited us to share their table and conversation.
    All with spectacular scenery as backdrop.    Read more

  • TravelerVancouver and the C Rockies
    Day 17

    Maligne Canyon and Lake

    June 3, 2018 in Canada ⋅ 🌧 12 °C

    We watched the Rocky Mountaineer depart at 8.00, early start! After Mass and a little brekkie we set off for Maligne Canyon where we stopped for a short walk down to 3rd bridge. It’s a river running deep in a limestone gorge creating shapes and colours hard to imagine.
    Further up just at the start of Medicine Lake we spotted a ‘Bear jam’ so pulled over to watch mum and large cub playing in a meadow by the lake. Great fun.
    A little further on we stopped for a deer by the roadside.
    Maligne Lake at the end is surrounded by snow capped mountains and really picturesque.
    We returned to our room for a quick lunch from the local bakery with Ribstone Creek ales from Edgerton, Alberta. Very tasty.
    After a short wander round town we met Jeff from Sundog Tours for an evening wildlife trip out.
    First we headed back to the Maligne Valley and almost immediately saw big horned sheep, elk and Colombian ground squirrels. Later we saw a bear where we had been earlier on Medicine Lake along with an eagle nest. Later we headed east along the 16. In total Jeff showed us a dozen examples of wildlife and brought out big sheep horns and elk antlers.
    We ended an excellent evening in time to scuttle to the Jasper Brewing Co for a thoroughly enjoyed pasta and a pint as the rain fell gently down.

    Sundog Wildlife Adventure
    Sunday 3rd June

    Mountain pine beetle
    Mule deer
    Female elk just given birth
    Columbian ground squirrel
    Osprey nest
    Wild big horn Sheep live on cliffs
    Grizzly bears eat 20k buffalo berries a day!!
    2 brown bears
    Bald eagle and chick just where we saw 2 brown bears earlier
    2 more brown bears!!
    White tail deer
    Loon - true Waterbird not able to walk on land - takes off and lands on water (on one dollar)
    Male young elk
    Canada goose    Read more

  • TravelerVancouver and the C Rockies
    Day 18

    Glacier, Skywalk and Lake Louise

    June 4, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ❄️ 0 °C

    Wow - what a day!
    No trains in the Station to start. Left Jasper with clouds clearing headed south on the 93. First stop, Athabasca Falls where this large river squeezes and thunders through a tiny gorge. Next , Sunwapta Falls, much wider at the top and in full flood.
    Farther down we stopped to admire Stutfield Glacier. To be honest we could have stopped every 10 minutes the whole way to see the changing landscape and the Endless Chain Ridge on our left, which boasts length and around 70 peaks.
    The highlight has to be the Glacier adventure. We parked in sunshine with a cool breeze blowing off the glacier on the other side of the road. After checking in for our tickets the weather had changed and snow falling! We put on all our layers as we watched the glacier disappear from site. The 13.30 bus took us up to a transfer station where we boarded specialised six wheeled buses. Ours was driven by Sam who had a wealth of knowledge, dodgy jokes and tales and could drive us through the moraine and tyre wash onto the Athabasca glacier. Fortunately the sun had come out and the views all round were amazing.
    Our next bus took us a little ways back up the road to the Skywalk, where a steel and glass structure has been built for visitors to walk out some 300m up over the valley. There is also good information about the eco and water systems of these parts and views of the Colombia Ice Fields which sit some 100m on top of the peaks. A great and informative experience.
    We set off around 16.00 for our next accommodation at Deer Lodge, Lake Louise. On the way the views remained awesome, sometimes obscured by clouds and snowfall, and when we crossed Bow Summit persistent snow and temperatures down to 1deg.
    Arrival was a relief and our anniversary gift was a plate of cheeses which we shared with some Monsters 2014 Merlot. What better way to end a fabulous day?!    Read more

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