Last 60 kms of the Icefield Parkway

Thursday 18th Aug. Well today was about the Lakes. First stop was Peyto Lake, it was beautiful, but too crowded with people jostling for the best selfie position, so a quick photo and then continue on the trail up to Bow Summit, it was a fairly steady climb up but nothing really wow at the top, so headed down. Stats are: 5.51 km, active 1:15, elevation gain 295 m. Next was Bow Lake, and this was a double wow for me. The lake was gorgeous, the colour, the stillness - got some great reflection photos. We did the hike to Bow Glacier Falls and this was right up there as my favorite hike so far - maybe because it was mostly flat, but the first part was walking along the lake it was just so calm and serene. Then a bit of a uphill over and past a small canyon, then following the river up to the base of the waterfall. From the lake you could see the Glacier above the falls, but as you got closer it went out of view. On the way back, we could not resist diving into the clear bright blue water of the lake, it was very brief, as this is fed straight from the Glacier so as you can imagine a bit numbing even in 30°C heat. Stats are: 8.27 km, 2:08, elevation gain 246 m. It was then the last 37 kms on the Icefield Parkway to Lake Louise where we got one night at the campground. We got the bikes off for a short 2 km ride into the village. Firstly, information centre for hiking maps and wifi and then a few grocery restocking. So a fairly easy day today. Steps are 25323 / 26260Read more