The Great Rocky Mountains

After a strenuous but fabulous Summer Shift 1 back in Two Hills County, I was looking forward to my mom flying in for a visit, some alpine exploration, and province number 8. 

I met up with Mom after work in Calgary, where she spent the day exploring the big city.  The following day we headed out to the Rockies, starting in Canmore and Banff.

Bow River Falls, Banff National Park

Tunnel Mountain Hoodoo Trail, Banff National Park

Vermillion Lakes, Banff National Park

Day two was our first day in British Columbia! We crossed the border into Kootenay National Park at the Great Divide. The border was meticulously calculated based on water drainage, where everything east of the Divide drains to the Atlantic Ocean, and everything west heads to the Pacific. The biodiversity in British Columbia is so different from the east that I've imagined I as a completely separate entity from the Canada I have known, and learning about the tracking of the drainage seemed to further that thought in my mind.

The Great Divide - Alberta/British Columbia border

Marble Canyon was the first stop, and we learned about the receeding waterfall and the deep chasm it carved. Peering deep into the rock to the distant river below was dizzying, and I couldn't get a picture showing just how deep it was.

Marble Canyon, Kootenay National Park

Up a hill and a hike away, the Paint Pots are iron-influenced pools of mud that the natives discovered could be used as strong dyes. The colours varied based on the dilution of iron and the other impurities in the soil. This resource was even harvested commercially in the 20th century before it was decided that such activities contradict the objectives of the National Parks.

Paint Pots, Kootenay National Park

We spent the night in the town of Radium Hot Springs, and had a soak in its namesake. It was a gorgeous pool surrounded by red mountains with jagged spruces clinging to its rocky cliffs. The mountain air was cool, and we kept our eyes out for Bighorn Sheep.

Yoho National Park was next on our mountain tour, and the views were even more spectacular:

Emerald Lake, Yoho National Park

Meeting of the waters, the Yoho River and the Kicking Horse River

The grand highlight is Takkakaw Falls, Cree for "It is magnificent". Falling from 302 metres, the glacier-fed waterfall thunders spectacularly throughout the summer before the meltwater reserve is nearly depleated in the autumn.

Takkakaw Falls, Yoho National Park

On the final day of our journey, we visited Lake Louise, pictured by many as the crown jewel of the Rocky Mountains.

Lake Louise, Banff National Park

We had the treat of taking a ski lift up the facing mountain to see the lake and its surrounding glaciers from higher ground. Here we paused for tea and an incredible view.

I am so glad we got to experience the beauty of British Columbia's Rocky Mountain Parks, see some exciting wildlife, and spend some time together on the other side of the country.

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