I feel, there is no place quite like the Canadian Rockies ! Their jagged peaks, glacially-carved landscapes, and charming meadows recall the legendary wildernesses of Alaska and the better-known Colorado Rockies. But their lushness exceeds that of the lower Rockies and, unlike Alaska, they are a short flight from most parts of the Lower 48. The glaciers in Patagonia have grandiose but they too are far away..
While the U.S. has its share of alpine scenery, let's be honest: Nothing rivals the Canadian Rockies. Matterhorn-like peaks hem broad alpine valleys and glaciers feed lakes so blue, green, emerald and turquiose you'd think Mother Nature was fooling with food coloring. Most distinguishing aspect of the Canadian Rockies is their colorful and mirror-like reflecting lakes. Four national parks—Banff, Glacier, Jasper, Kootenay, and Yoho—protect the lion's share of the sights. And together they make up one of the world's most stunning outdoor playgrounds.The indigenous inhabitants call these mountains "our temples," and the reverence accorded over the centuries seems to light the landscape.
Other distinguishing part of the Canadian Rockies is the set of very beautifully located luxurious and classy hotels. The Fairmont Luxury lodges are very beautifully set and living there was one of the highlights as well. Few hotels in the world can rival the majesty and scenery of the Fairmont lodges. All three hotels offered unique blend of opulence and seclusion has been a symbol of Rocky Mountain magnificence for more than a century. They offered unique aura of the bygone era of wealthy Americans of last century influenced by European architecture and ambiance. We lived at Fairmont lodges at Jasper and Lake Louise and experience timeless beauty and luxurious comfort in a pristine wilderness.
The thee Fairmont Hotels at the Canadian Rockies :
| Jasper Fairmont lodge The Jasper Fairmont is surrounded by incredible views of majestic mountains and the emerald green Lac Beauvert ( 3.6 KM, 1 hour) We walked around the lake in the morning. |
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The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise One of the most photogrpahed hotel in the world. |
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| The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Built high on a cliff above a rushing river, Fairmont Banff Springs is designed like a French château Styled after a Scottish baronial castle, The Fairmont Banff Springs offers stunning vistas, championship golf courses, unparalleled skiing, classic cuisine and Willow Stream, a world class European-style spa. |
At all three places, we walked around the lodges in morning . The Jasper Fairmont is surrounded by incredible views of majestic mountains and the emerald green Lac Beauvert ( 3.6 KM, 1 hour) At lake Louise I waked at 4:45 AM for the "LakeShore Stroll ( 1.5 hrs, 4KM, level trail) and later hiked Lake Agnes ( 3 Hours, 7 KM, elevation of 385 Meters) with stops at the Mirror lake, Bridal Veil falls but skipped Bee hives and 'Plain of Six'. At Banff we walked around Bow Falls trail, Fairmont golf course and the surprise point.
Third distinguishing aspect of the Canadian Rockies is the service by the national parks. They were extra helpful in furnishing the information. Brewster is the main operator for the tours. However the "management by the government or monopoly" does not fall in to the trap of the cliches associated with them. In seven days we saw no police or their flashlights. Even though it was a peak season , the parks were hardly crowded !
Only possible mediocre experience in the trip we had was on gastronomic track , specially at the places outside the Fairmont lodges. Banff is having a larger Japanese origin population but the ambiance and quality of the restaurant lagged average restaurant in a strip mall in NJ.
Our recent road trip through the majestic Canadian Rockies has given us plenty of photos to share.
Canadian Rockies related travel links : http://managepractice.com/alberta/
Coming Soon:
| 1 | Canadain Rockies - Overview | |
| 2 | Wildlife , Flaura, Fauna | |
| 3 | Visit to Mount Edith Cavell | |
| 4 | Water Falls : Athabasca, Sunwapta, Bow. | |
| 5 | Maligne Canyon | |
| 6 | Maligne Canyon lake | |
| 7 | Jasper tramway , Paricia lake, Pyramid lake | |
| 8 | Columbian Icefield | |
| 9 | Rockies from the road; Payto lake, Crawford Glacier | Hector Lak, Bow lake, Mistaya lake |
| 10 | Lake Louise Hotel | |
| 11 | Lake Louise Sunrise | |
| 12 | Agnes Lake hike, Small Behives | Mirrro lake |
| 13 | Yoho National Park | takakkaw falls: Video Natural Bridge, Emerald lake |
| 14 | Johntson Canyon | |
| 15 | Marrine lake cruise | |
| 16 | Sulfar Mountain Gondola | |
| 17 | Bow Falls, Surprise corner, Hoodos | |
| 18 | Fairmont Spring Hotel | |
| 19 | Calgary Stampede Centennial | |
| 20 | Calgary downtown |
Videos
Takakkaw falls
Bear Video 1 ; Bear Video 2
Other External Links ( to be supplemented with my photographs :
