Alberta is a province of western Canada. It has some of the most iconic natural places in the country.
One such icon is the Canadian Rockies Park System.
Our adventure began when we went to take an English course for a month in Calgary, the most populous city in Alberta. There we learned about the national park system and decided to go explore the jewels that this province hides.
Join us!
Overcoming obstacles
Although we are “green girls”, to explore the natural parks it was necessary, given the distances, to rent a car.
But there was an obstacle: we didn’t yet have a valid driver’s license in Canada.
However, we weren’t going to stop! So we asked in the Facebook group made up of all the students of the English course if there was anyone who wanted to explore the national parks with us.
Then a group of Mexican boys and girls got excited about the idea. And since two of them did have their licenses, we didn’t waste time and went on an adventure.
Banff and its lakes
A two-hour drive west of Calgary is Banff National Park.
Actually, this park along with Jasper National Park, Yoho National Park and Koofenay National Park form a system of national parks in the Canadian Rockies region, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Access in certain parts of the parks for camping is forbidden during the winter
In Banff we visit the beautiful Moraine Lake, of glacial origin. It has a really amazing turquoise color and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, waterfalls and rock formations. We can assure you that when you visit these parks you will be out of breath and this majestic scenery will manage to captivate your gaze and beyond.
Lake Louise is also world famous for its turquoise waters, the very high backdrop of the mountain, the palatial hotel Fairmont Banff Springs, the incredible walks and the practice of skiing.
One of the most lovely activities to do on Lake Louise is to explore it by canoe. Try not to fall, because the water is icy. However, there are people who jump into the water, they say it’s good luck.
Peyto Lake is located north of Lake Louise. This vibrant blue lake is fed by glacier water. During the summer months, rock flour flows into the lake, which gives the water its amazing color. A walk without any waste.
Nights in Banff
The nights are a spectacle in itself. The low light pollution, coupled with the purity of the air results in exceptionally dark and starry skies.
It seems untrue, but when we see these skies we understand why there are organizations fighting to protect dark night skies and declare them world heritage sites.
Between the months of October to March, the Northern Lights are another amazing sight. Sadly, we didn’t get a chance to see them as our trip was in June.
Activities in Banff
One of the activities we recommend doing is camping. You will spend a different and fun experience and you can share with family and friends, picnic,read a book, breathe the fresh air and enjoy the sound of nature, it is a real way to recharge, your body and spirit will thank you.
Another different experience is to make an outdoor spa in Banff Upper Hot Springs, full of natural light and stunning views of the mountains, in a quiet environment. You can also enjoy a massage, a quiet relaxation lounge and outdoor pool that will allow you to relax and rejuvenate.
Johnston Canyon
It is a route that runs through a canyon. The construction of well-signposted walkways, makes this walk quite accessible to all.
The scenic beauty of its waterfalls makes the Johnston Canyon route an unforgettable experience.
If you do the whole route, you will be rewarded with one of the best views of Banff.
Bow Valley Parkway
It is a scenic road of 51 Kms through the western edge of Banff National Park, from the village of Banff to Lake Louise.
It is a privileged route to take with bicycles. You will pass between mountains, pine trees and it is an ideal to see the local fauna.
In this place some scenes from the film The Revenant were filmed.
Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake
Connected by a good road to Banff National Park is Yoho National Park.
One of its jewels is Emerald Lake or Emerald Lake. It is surrounded by the mountains of the President Range, part of the Canadian Rockies.
What you have in common in each of these parks that we recommend visiting is nature, but believe us that you will never leave your amazement with the magnificence and energy that these amazing lugres transmit. You will never cease to be amazed.
Jasper National Park and the Bears
It is the northernmost park in the Rocky Mountains. And it is made up of glaciers, lakes, waterfalls and mountains.The fantastic thing about this walk is that on the way you will come across moose, rein reindes, bears and caribou.
In Jasper, one of the greatest adventures was the encounters with bears, who are in total freedom. You will feel a great emotion when you meet these magnificent mammals in their natural state.
However, they are wild animals and we are invading their territory. For this reason, visitors must take certain precautions.
Always go in a group. Bears are shy and will hardly approach a group of people. And in case of any incident, it is better to be in a group.
Never get out of the car. They may seem friendly and harmless. But they are predators heavier than a tiger.
If you find it hiking, never go out because they think it’s you who’re going to attack them.
Leave no traces of food. Clean and collect all food when you leave the site. While you’re there, keep them covered and hidden. Bears have an olfactory power of up to 2 kms…And, just like Yogi Bear, they will be attracted to your picnic basket.
Carry bells on top. It sounds weird, but wearing bells or rattles that ring as you move will keep the bears to keep their distance. Bears are cautious and prefer to avoid contact with humans. The bells will warn them that you are out there and give them time to retreat.
Conclusions
The parks are splendid and paradisiacal places, with all the beauty that characterizes the temperate-cold regions of the planet.
The colors of this park are decidedly amazing. The blue of the sky and the lakes and the green, red, orange vegetation are of unparalleled intensity and purity.
If you are a lover of hiking, trekking,natural photography, if you are a cyclist looking for places of incomparable beauty or simply, you are looking for a place of recollection and solitude, the parks of the province of Alberta are dreamy.
