Day 9

Banff to Lake Louise.

Around an hour's drive up to Lake Louise. It is a very small township based solely on tourism both the summer hikers and the winter skiers.

We were too early to be able to check into the hostel accommodation but were able to put our groceries in the fridge.

Up to Lake Louise. As in Banff parking is at a premium so we had to head back down the hill about a kilometre to an overflow carpark. Back up the hill and a walk and photos around the outside of Chateau Lake Louise (signs of gateways stating guests or restaurant guests only passed this point - not sure people can read or understand this sign).

After taking a few photos of the lake and glaciers surrounding it (there are 6 glaciers that feed the waters of the lake) and Margaret had once again iced her hand whilst checking out the water temperature (the lake at its hottest in summer does not get above 10C) we headed off on the walk to Fairview lookout (temperature at this point was 13C we have jackets on). This is the one that shows gives views of the lake and the Chateau. The walk is rated on as easy but only the last 50 metres of the 1.8 km is flat the rest is all up hill on a rather steep gradient (half way up we no longer needed jackets). Upside, the trip back was much quicker and all downhill.

Now for a walk on the other side of the lake. This was 3.4km trek up to Agnes Lake and the Teahouse. Mirror lake is one of the stops on the way. This was the same as the other side, uphill all the way except for the flat section in front of Mirror lake (again only about 50m).

Lake Agnes is the foreground to a mountain outcrop known as the Beehives. The teahouse is very popular. We asked one of the waitresses how they get to work and she commented that they walk! Luckily there is a staff cabin so they have a few days of work in a row. She commented she does the walk 3 to 4 times a week. That is carrying a pack in and out which includes new supplies(up) and any garbage (down) they have accumulated.

Lots of squirrels/chipmunks hanging around. As in Australian national parks lots of signs saying do not feed the wildlife and lots of people ignoring the signs. In a number of cases people would hold out their hand and a squirrel would tentatively sit up to sniff if it held food.

The walk back down was once again much faster than that of uphill climb. We then headed back to the car (yet again downhill J ) and back to the hostel.

The hostel in Lake Louise is newer than where we stayed in Banff. We once again have a room to ourselves. This one provides our own toilet and vanity but still have to share the shower across the hall. There is a very diverse clientele staying here. Young back packers, families and more mature folk (we are definitely not the oldest residents this time!)

Fun Facts. The colour of Lake Louise is created from the glaciers grinding the rock beneath into a fine powder. This then washes into the lake. The lake is 70 metres deep and freezes over in the winter. Average temp in January -14C and in July +13C.