Quixotic Journeys ...: Banff National Park & Jasper National Park

Banff will be our home for 10 days so we have time to explore this beautiful area!

Here's a view of Banff Avenue from the Cascade of Time Garden!

A short drive from Banff is a lovely view of Bow Falls and the Bow River.

Bow Falls

Bow River

We took a daylong guided tour to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Our guide explained to us how Banff National Park has built these wildlife overpasses so that wildlife can cross over the highway safely.

Wildlife Overpass

Although rainy and overcast, Lake Louise was picturesque and evoked an aura of mystery and serenity.

Lake Louise

The low clouds gave Moraine Lake an ethereal appearance.

Moraine Lake

We ended our day with a stop at Vermilion Lakes Viewpoint which offered a stunning view of Mount Rundle.

Vermilion Lakes
with Mount Rundle

Another day we made an early morning start for a drive along the Icefields Parkway. Our destination was Athabasca Falls, a recommendation by a friendly Canadian couple we had met! Here just a few of my favorite scenic views along the way.

Bow Lake is formed by a glacier and this is where the Bow River begins.

Bow Lake

Scenic drive

Athabasca Falls is a powerful 79-foot high waterfall in Jasper National Park. It's known more for its impressive volume of water rather than its height.

Athabasca Falls

Scenic drive

Tangle Ridge (9,843 feet)
and Sunwapta River

The Icefields Parkway is known for many glacier views. Most known is the Columbia Icefield which is the largest ice mass in the Canadian Rockies. It covers about 125 square miles and feeds multiple glaciers. The Columbia Icefield straddles the Continental Divide and is located within both Jasper National Park and Banff National Park.