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Emerald Lake BC to Banff AB - 10,117 kms

Jul 26, 2014

Thumbnail is a shot of a duck on Emerald Lake and the water is both incredibly clear and translucent, we could even see him paddling...I wonder if that means he can get a better view of his potential dinner!

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A shot of Emerald Lake this morning before we left with the sun coming out after the fog lifted.

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We headed into Field, a tiny little Village and this was one of only 2 substantial building's we saw. One looked like it used to be a railway station (tiny) but covered in dense shade. This one was the home of the Park Superintendent built in the 1920's at a time when both the Railway's and Mining were huge in the area and the town being in the Yoho National Park the National Parks Service realised they needed to build a building which spoke of the authority of the Superintendent as well as recognising such building's were starting to have heritage value. I liked it and it still looked great.

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We called in to have a look at a 'Natural Bridge' which used to be a waterfall until the water wore it's way through and before too many hundred years I guess it will no longer be a natural bridge as it also collapses. A huge volume of water was pouring under it.

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From here we headed off to see the Takakkaw Falls and they were just spectacular. The water plummeted down from the Lake above and then burst out in a plume of spray before falling into the river below. Awesome. 

We took a couple of photos of a train travelling through the Spiral Tunnels on the way back from here but with the sun where it was the exposure was awful so not here. Incredible example of engineering.

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And then on to Lake Louise with half of Canada and the rest of the world. Saturday, fine weather, summer holidays etc etc etc, Cars were illegally parked on the side of the road for a 2km distance before the Lake. Today was definitely a good day to be on the bikes. We managed to squeeze into a small spot at the end of a parking lot. This is a shot of either one of or the outlet from the lake. What a beautiful spot and full of people in small boats.

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And the Chateau Fairmont which I automatically think of when I think of Lake Louise. We are used to the view from above (obviously from the Lake Louise Scenic Gondola which we didn't go on) this was close enough for us. We lunched on the patio of the Chateau Saloon under the umbrellas at the centre of the hotel. Very nice

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From here it was on to Moraine lake and yet again, WOW! This is a shot of me with some of the peaks from the Valley of 10 Peaks behind me.

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And this is Norm in front of a rugged outcrop named the Tower of Babylon.

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And compliments of a tip from another biker who parked beside us at both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake we travelled to Banff via 1A rather than the Trans Canada Highway which was a beautiful ride with spectacular views of mountains of all shapes, sizes, colours and stature and this is one of them.

Bits and Bobs:

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Interesting sign for a switch-back on the way to the Takakkaw Falls. Vehicles over 7m must drive the first section, then reverse the next then drive the last. VERY tight.

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And a shot from above.

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A sign we found on the path to Consolation Lake as we climbed for a view of Moraine Lake. Decided not to be bear food and stayed on the track we were on.

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And another sign re bears at the entry to the Lake Louise Scenic Gondola site and Whipstick Lodge.

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And finally a chipmunk shot. Yay!

Last Night's Accommodation:

Emerald Lake Lodge, 1 Emerald Lake Road, Field. BC

Not sure what happened here but the most expensive night we have had and not necessarily good value for money. Not sure if I ticked the wrong choice or there were limited options cannot remember, but that aside we had a lovely upstairs room with easy chairs and open fire in a cabin overlooking Emerald Lake. Cosy and comfortable, good bathroom, small balcony with deck chairs. Included parking 1km away (at employee residences) with shuttle which was a bit of a pain with the bikes waiting until cold enough to cover and to get kitted up to head off. Included wifi TV and games room in main Lodge. 3 restaurants on site and canoes and row boats for hire. If we removed the views and setting and kept the fireplace you may well think it was reasonable value at half the price.....perhaps. Not convinced. This is  a shot across the bridge entry and of one of the restaurants 'Cilantro on the Lake.'

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To quote Norm, "Note to self, Lodges sound romantic but remember they're usually old and rustic with small rooms, stairs, limited services and facilities and a large charge, but generally come with good views".



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