Anyone who enjoys road trips like I do will find Canada's Icefield Parkway (or Highway 93) as one of the most scenic anywhere in the world. Views are so stunning drivers are forced to stop their cars frequently, giving this route at the heart of the Rockies a nod to "it's the journey and not just the destination" aphorism.
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| Herbert Lake |
The Icefield Parkway was completed in 1940 and stretches for 230 kilometers. It straddles the jagged peaks of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, linking the contiguous national parks of Banff and Jasper as it runs parallel the Continental Divide. The entire park system has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984.
Driving the Icefield Parkway was a must for us since we wanted to see glaciers at Columbia Icefield, usually about 3 hours drive from Banff. As it turns out, the drive took longer what with the numerous stops we did. But it was worth it, never mind if we couldn't cover the parkway's entire stretch. Even my young nephew Aaron found no use for his portable video player (he instead grabbed a point-and-shoot camera to follow my lead).
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| Bow Lake |
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| One stop too many |
Visible from the highway is a pristine world of wilderness, valleys, lakes, mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and of course, glaciers - the very force that helped shaped this ruggedly awe-inspiring landscape. Wildlife do abound but we were not fortunate to see them on this trip. Given that we were there at the tail-end of summer, the weather was a mixed bag of clouds, rain, snow and some sunshine.
We also missed what would have been a spectacular view of Peyto Lake if only the mist was not just too thick. Nevertheless, this was one long drive I wouldn't mind doing again. In fact, we intend to do the full stretch from Banff to Jasper on our way to Edmonton next time.
Ah...if only all road trips are as blessed with visual delights as Icefield Parkway, I'm pretty certain no one would be asking "Are we there yet?".
Wow, awesome scenery! I've never been that close to the Rockies, so your pictures are well appreciated! You know, seeing those pics makes me have the urge to go up and climb again, something which I hope to do again come summer next year!
ReplyDeleteSeeing those jagged peaks got me salivating for trails to hike at least - if only I had plenty of time in Banff! There are some group trips that include hiking and climbing in the area and I might just join them in the future.
DeleteSpectacular views like these are reasons why I love road trips even if I find driving sometimes tiring and expensive (a gallon of gas costs $0.22 cents when I did my first long drive and now it it about $5.00/gal in California)grrrrr. However, it is still cheap to drive if you have enough people to share driving time and cost. I missed my old fully equiped camper. It saved me a lot of hotel and restaurant food expenses.
ReplyDeleteMy brother and I was talking about doing an RV trip too noting, as you mentioned, how it can save on accommodation & restaurant bills. It's a good thing there are plenty of RV rentals in Alberta - more choices!
Deletelooking at the picture feels like I'm having my own road trip with a back up music...rocky mountian high by John Denver:) perfect!
ReplyDeleteNice choice there. It's a shame, we didn't even have a soundtrack on our road trip as we were busy talking and gawking at the views outside :)
Deleteever since i've seen the pbs documentary on banff and jasper many years ago, i've long to see the rockies.
ReplyDeleteIt's a must-visit. And not too far away from your neck of the woods!
DeleteBreathtaking views; stunning photos as usual!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't mind to be stranded in a place such as that. Ang daming Christmas trees sa paligid! :)
Thanks. My mother was actually quite happy to see so much "Christmas trees" around this area.
DeleteWhat an amazing, super spectacular road trip!
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