Day 12

Today was equal time driving as walking. We decided to see the sights on the lower end of the Icefields Parkway as we needed to be at the Icefield Centre for our glacier walk by 2pm. We had been warned that there would be plenty to see on this drive.

First stop was Herbert Lake. This is renowned by photographers for its picturesque qualities. There was a slight breeze blowing so not the perfect still waters but we still managed photos which mirrored the surrounding trees and mountains.

Next stop was the Crowfoot Glacier lookout. One of the crow's feet has melted since naming so it only has 2 claws remaining and one of those is shrinking. Just a few kilometres up the road and we came to Bow Lake. Here we first stopped at the viewpoint. We then did the walk which was part way round the lake and on to Bow Glacier and Falls. This was an easy walk as the majority of it was flat skirting the lake's edge and across another glacier created rocky flood plain. Near the end there was a steep set of stairs that took us up to a vantage point for photos of the glacier and falls.

Onto Peyto Lake. Once again a crowded car park and a 1 km walk up to the viewing point. Another lovely turquoise lake and different angle of Bow Glacier. (This would be a great place to get a Christmas tree- great range of sizes. Some are fir and others are spruce trees)

Continuing up the Parkway we stopped at Waterfowl lake and campgrounds. Another pretty spot but the waterfowl had not received the memo to be in attendance.

Lunch was where the Mistaya and Saskatchewan rivers meet. After lunch we headed back to Lake Louise. Not too far down the road, we stopped at Mistaya Canyon. Just for a change we walked down to the attraction and then back up to the car. Considering the major melt season is over the way the water races through/around the rocks scouring them is incredible. We would love to see it at the height of the melt.

We headed back to the hostel to get some washing done. Not liking that we have to use dryers all the time! We download today's photos, sorted out yesterday's photos for the blog and posted them and the blog whilst having our cheese and biscuits. After a quick dinner of soup, we took a drive to look for grizzlies- none showed up. We headed home to pack as we leave in the morning.