From Jasper
It could be around 9 am, you are waiting at the hotel’s porch for the bus to arrive. Soon, Darien drives in his attractive 30 seat luxury bus with ‘Sun-Don Tours’ conspicuously written across its body. No sooner you board this bus, Darien is quick to take off. Subsequently in the next few minutes, you find yourself cruising on the broad Trans-Canada Highway. The direction on which destination of the day lies. In short, you are on your way from – Jasper to the stunning hamlet in Alberta – Lake Louise.
Athabasca Falls
To begin with, along the breath taking ice-fields parkway stretch of the Canadian Rockies, Darien takes his first halt. Here lies the well known Athabasca Falls, approx. 30 km away from the City of Jasper.
Darien allows the passengers 30 minutes to explore the place.
So then with your camera safely secured in your hands, you move closer to where the falls are. Here as the burbling stream of crystal clear water from Athabasca River falls into a narrow gorge/canyon it creates an interesting bubbling sound.
Later, walking along the well laid trail around the falls you are able to take some captivating shots of this picturesque location.
After returning to your Bus you commence the journey forward, this time towards the – “Columbia Ice-field Discovery Center”.
On reaching “Columbia Ice-field Discovery Center”, Darien requests you to board another bus. This dedicated vehicle will take you to base of the fabled Columbia Ice-field. Here the huge mass of snow on Athabasca Glacier is touted to be the largest ice-field on the Rockies.
Columbia Ice-Field
For the purpose of safe glacial travel you now board a massive ‘Ice Explorer’. This exclusively designed 250 HP all-wheel-drive is called ‘Terra Bus or ‘Snow Coach’. Additionally, this amazing 33 tonner beastie is fitted with six extra-large size low-pressure tyres.
So now begins an exhilarating Glacier Adventure lasting 80 minute. With seats resembling that of a normal bus you now have this beautiful young lady, Jenny on its wheels.
No sooner this snow coach moves close to the Ice field, the excitement is naturally ratcheted. Besides, Jenny seldom fails to share critical information concerning this extraordinary terrain and its impact on environment.
On the way up, you see tiny streams of water gurgle down incessantly. Result of melting glacier of course. So after reaching the flatter surface, Jenny stops the Bus and allows you to get down. However you get just 10 minutes to experience the ambiance outside and feel the snow.
In contrast, the temperature outside is incredibly low. The atmosphere is deeply inclement. So despite being adequately protected, you cannot prevent the chill from entering your body. Consequently, within the next five minutes you rush back into the Bus. Well within the confines of the controlled temperature inside. Later, rubbing your palm rigorously against each other, you heave a sigh of relief.
Sunwapta Valley
After exciting visit to the Columbia Ice Field, you now move to another fascinating place around. This is the ecstatic one km cliff-side walkway that extends along the Sunwapta Valley. Here, you walk on the unique thick Glass-Floored observation platform constructed 280 meters over the Sunwapta Valley. Together with stunning mountains and glacial vistas the scenery now gets increasingly captivating. Interestingly, the interpretive presentation displayed along the way enables you to get better idea of the area’s unique geology as well as history of Rocky Mountains.
Over the Glass Platform, as you watch below, you witness a unique, untouched, pristine eco-system. Something that compels you to fathom the ability of life here to adapt to such challenging environment
Subsequently once back at ‘Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre’, you resume your forward journey with ‘Darien’. The final destination of the day being – the Palatial Hotel ‘Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise’.
Located in Alberta’s Banff National Park this luxurious hotel, by the way, is built right on the shore of the fabled and incredibly beautiful ‘Lake Louise’.
Lake Louise
After check-in, you move into the allotted room that is serendipitously facing the lake. The moment you part the curtains, a stunning vista awaits you that exceedingly captivating..
Soaring mountain peaks with Victoria Glacier surrounding the glistening emerald lake look incredibly awesome. Later in the evening, the splendor gets increasingly enhanced as well as dreamy with sun rays getting softer and evenings darker.
To add, the three course meal served at the hotel’s stylishly decorated restaurant, ‘Fairview Dining Room’ located on the ground floor is equally praiseworthy.
Following morning as you get up, rub your eyes and look outside, you are bowled by the prevailing serenity. The falling of morning rays on the snowy peaks has resulted in the peaks acquiring amazing golden hue. The magic of nature is been enacted in front of you resulting in creating a dramatic picturesque landscape.
Sadly this excitement remains there only for few moments. Even before you could scout for your camera and position yourself, the drama has mellowed down. Nevertheless, you take some shots for posterity.
Post a sumptuous buffet-breakfast, you walk out of the Hotel through its rare door. There, you stand facing nearly 200 acre of charming glacier-fed turquoise color water-body – ‘Lake Louise’. Remarkably, the extraordinary color attained by the lake is due to the rock flower within. In the meanwhile, numerous other tourists too have gathered to appreciate its magnificence.
As you turn to your left, you see a small Boat house. For those who like to canoe or have a boat ride over the lake can purchase tickets from here and do so. Towards your right is a 2 km trail touching the shore of the lake. Walking along this trail will help you further celebrate the splendor of this marvel.
So as you decide to walk through the trail, you continue capturing the pictures along its way. In between you come across few squirrels that attract your attention. Finally you watch the adventurous kind opting either to hike or to climb up the peaks on horse backs.
While returning, the reflection of Hotel Fairmont falling on the shimmering waters of the lake looks striking. The sturdy structure of the Hotel above in contrast with its shaky image in the glittering wavy water of the lake is inexpressible. Needless to say, you go ahead, and with alacrity, compose and capture some of its amazing images.
Ultimately, after returning back in your room, you pack your bags and prepare to leave. But just before you leave, you can’t help but look out once again to have a final look at nature’s gorgeous manifestation.
Once, the Hotel’s porch, a Mercedes mini-van is waiting to take you towards your final stop in the Rockies. The resort town located within the Banff National Park in Alberta – ‘Banff’.
Like someone rightly said: Life is a limited time offer, if you have it, use it, share it. Don’t waste it. There is no warranty, no return policy. It is a gift, so pursue the moments you have with life in each form.
Rajesh aJMERA
Wow , Lake Louise,incredible beauty at its best,
The unforgettable sight, rightly supplemented
By astonishing mesmerising clicks and upto the mark lively description,truly seeing is experiencing,INCREDIBLE CANADIAN ROCKIES
PEACE AT INFINITY
Anonymous
5
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0.5
ASHOK.Mdesai
Simply wonderful, no words to express the joy of seeing breath taking and awsome beauty of nature.Lucky are those who see the place .
Anonymous
Excellent Bhupendrabhai
You have got special vision & sense by looking all different locations.
Really superb
Great
Anonymous
Very Beautiful, enjoyed reading 👍
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4.5