Sights

BEAUTIFUL BUBBLES

Have you discovered the frozen bubbles on many of the lakes and reservoirs throughout the Canadian Rockies? These frozen wonders are a wintertime marvel and photographing them can be a highlight of any vacation.

But what causes this unique landscape? Frozen bubbles are formed when decaying plant life on the bottom of the lake decomposes and releases methane gas. On its way to the surface, that methane is caught in the ice, creating the spectacular bubble effect. The shape and density of these bubbles differ from lake to lake, depending on the type and amount of plant life beneath the water.

While bubbles are present in many lakes throughout the Canadian Rockies, thick snow typically covers the surface, making them impossible to see. Lakes in high-wind areas or in areas recently affected by chinooks are best for seeing bubbles since they typically have clear exposed ice. Looking to discover this wonder for yourself? Make sure the ice is thick and sturdy before venturing out. Some bubble areas may be walkable from the road, while it might be best to skate to others.

Try your luck at Lake Minnewanka after a chinook, or visit the popular Abraham Lake, which often gets high winds and less snow than other parts of the mountains. Want to take you experience to the next level? Try a Bubbles Tour with Rockies Heli Canada (p 49) and enjoy a scenic helicopter ride, a backcountry snowshoe, and a guided tour on the beautiful bubbles of Abraham Lake. Gear, hot chocolate, and a hot lunch are provided on this impressive tour.

DRIVING TOURS

BOW VALLEY PARKWAY This 48 km/30 mi route between Banff and Lake Louise is the original highway connecting the two towns. Now, it's a more leisurely and scenic drive than the Trans-Canada. To protect wildlife, the speed limit is 60 kph/40 mph. Watch for elk, bighorn sheep, deer, and wolves on the side of the road. From Banff, go 5.5 km/3.4 mi west on the Trans-Canada to the Bow Valley Parkway entrance.

At Johnston Canyon, 15 km/9.3 mi, walk the interpretive trail along cliff anchored catwalks to icefalls. The path is slippery in the winter. Consider renting ice cleats or taking a guided tour. Tour guide suggestions are on p 50.

Moose Meadows, 17 km/10.5 mi, was Silver City from 1880 to 1887 with five mines, six hotels and 2000 residents. No silver was found. The claim was ‘salted’ to attract investors.

Down the road, unmistakable Castle Mountain’s crenelated cliffs were formed when older rock was thrust up and over younger rock. The Parkway climbs to Castle Mountain Viewpoint, 26 km/16 mi, with expansive views of the whole valley.

Farther along, Morant’s Curve is a lookout with Bow River and railway views named for Canadian Pacific Railway photographer Nicholas Morant. The Bow Valley Parkway rejoins Hwy 1 at Lake Louise.

Note: The eastern section of the Bow Valley Parkway is closed seasonally from March 1 to June 25 to protect wildlife who migrate through this ecologically sensitive area. This closure affects the 17 km/10.5 mile section of road between Johnston Canyon and the Fireside Picnic Area.

ICEFIELDS PARKWAY The spectacular 230 km/143 mi Icefields Parkway, Hwy 93N, connects Lake Louise with Jasper through protected national parkland. This route traces the Continental Divide and showcases an abundance of wildlife and over 100 glaciers on rugged peaks. Access the Parkway from Hwy 1 just west of Lake Louise.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Whisky Jack, also known as the grey jay or Canada jay, is one of the most popular birds in the country. They live in every province and territory, and you’re almost guaranteed to see them during a trip to the Canadian Rockies. They are experts at handling the harsh mountain seasons, and they cashe food during the warmer months to eat during the winter. They’re happy to live alongside humans and will often beg for food! Keep an eye out for these friendly little birds this winter! -TJ

Going north, Hector Lake, 16 km/10 mi, is one of the larger lakes in Banff National Park and has scenic views of Mt Balfour and the entire Waputik Range.

Above Bow Lake, 33 km/21 mi, see Bow Glacier. To the left is Crowfoot Glacier, once shaped like a crow’s three toes, the glacier has melted and separated into different shapes over the years. Bow Lake is popular for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Num-Ti-Jah Lodge on the shoreline is closed during winter.

Bow Summit, 40 km/25 mi, is popular with backcountry skiers. It's the highest point on the Icefields Parkway at 2068 m/6875 ft, as well as the highest elevation crossed by a public road in Canada.

On the trail, there’s a viewpoint for Peyto Lake, which is popular with photographers and sightseers because it's shaped like a wolf’s head. Signs tell of Englishman Bill Peyto, who was an 1890s mountain guide and one of the original park wardens.

Continue to Mistaya Canyon and Saskatchewan River Crossing, 77 km/48 mi. Here, Hwy 11 branches off the Parkway and follows Abraham Lake on the way to the Rockies Heli Canada (p 49) base.

Back on Hwy 93, the distinctive cliffs of Weeping Wall, 103 km/64 mi, are streaked by icefalls fed by the meltwaters of Cirrus Mountain.

The moderate 3 km/1.8 mi trail up Parker Ridge, 116 km/72 mi, is excellent for ski touring and offers unique views of the Saskatchewan Glacier.

The highlight of the Parkway is the Columbia Icefield, 127 km/79 mi. The icefield is 215 sq km/83 sq mi and up to 365 m/1200 ft deep. Its meltwaters flow west to the Pacific, north to the Arctic and east to Hudson’s Bay and the Atlantic. This hydrological apex is one of two in the world. The other is in Siberia. Six major glaciers flow from the Icefield. It’s 103 km/64 mi farther to Jasper, see p 85 for route details.

RED CHAIR RELAXATION

Throughout Banff National Park, red chairs were distributed to highlight special places and encourage people to connect with nature and each other. Some of these chairs are easy to find, while others are tucked away in special spots. According to Parks Canada, “All of them offer a place to rest, relax, and reflect on the place you’ve discovered and the journey you took to get there.” So take a seat, take a photo, and reflect on everything beautiful Banff has to offer! -TAYLOR JAINE

LAKE LOUISE & AREA To reach Lake Louise village, drive 57 km/35 mi west of Banff. Exit Hwy 1 and turn left onto Lake Louise Dr. Turn right to the Lake Louise Visitor Centre with exhibits on geology and history. Samson Mall (p 71) has shops and restaurants. There are walking trails on both sides of the Bow River.

Continue 5 km/3 mi on Lake Louise Dr to the lake and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, a grand hotel built in the late 1800s by the Canadian Pacific Railway. The lakeshore walk offers world famous views of Victoria Glacier and Lake Louise. Sleigh rides, skating, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are available for visitors.

The famous Lake Louise is also known as Horâ Juthin Îmne or Lake of the Little Fishes. It was first shown to Europeans by Stoney guide Edwin Hunter in 1882.

Return to the village, cross over Hwy 1 and drive Whitehorn Rd to Lake Louise Ski Resort. Even nonskiers enjoy dining and sightseeing in the impressive log-built day lodge.

LAKE MINNEWANKA LOOP

The 16 km/10 mi route accesses the largest lake in Banff National Park, as well as historic sites and ski trails. The north section of the road is closed from November to May to protect wildlife. Drivers can still access the lake by taking the longer out-and-back scenic route.

From downtown, take Banff Ave north under Hwy 1 towards Cascade Ponds. Turn right and drive on the winding mountain road through forests and fields. Elk and bighorn sheep can often be seen along the road.

Take the turnoff to Johnson Lake, 4.8 km/3 mi and enjoy great views. A gentle trail enwraps the lake. Enjoy snowshoeing or skating during the winter months.

Two Jack Lake, 7 km/4.3 mi, has spectacular views of Mount Rundle. During the early winter, it's a popular spot for skating. Make sure the ice is thick enough before venturing out! The lake receives a lot of snow later in the winter, and is a common snowshoeing spot. The road ends at Lake Minnewanka. During certain times of the year, methane bubbles are visible under the ice. At this impressive lake, take the 1.5 km/0.9 mi walking trail to Stewart Canyon or enjoy track set cross-country skiing routes on the Cascade Fire Road.

TOWNSITE WALKS

BANFF HISTORICAL WALKING

TOUR Self-guided 25 block, 1.5 hour route to 42 heritage residences dating back to 1887, museums, churches, public buildings and a cemetery. Blue interpretive plaques flag sites. Free Walking through Banff's History guide booklet and map is available online for a personalized guided tour experience.

BANFF WALKING TOUR Begin in Central Park where Banff Ave meets the Bow River at the Banff Park Museum National Historic Site. This museum is notable for its railway pagoda architecture, designed to maximize sunlight in the interior space. It features more than 5,000 historic botanical and zoological specimens including Victorian animal displays. The museum is temporarily closed, but the impressive building can be admired from the outside.

Stroll the Bow River Promenade north 2 km/1.2 mi to the Fenland Loop Trail along Echo Creek and further to the Vermilion Lake wetlands. This is a popular area for ice skating and photography, and it boasts iconic views of Mount Rundle.

Return to Central Park and cross the Bow River Bridge. Go left for the 1.2 km/0.8 mi river walk to Bow Falls, where the Bow River tumbles over the rocks creating impressive ice falls in the winter. You are at the base of the historic Castle in the Rockies Fairmont Banff Springs hotel.

Or go right after crossing the bridge and walk Sundance Trail by the river, 1.5 km/0.9 mi to the Cave & Basin National Historic Site. Discover the birthplace of Canada's national park system and explore the warm waters from the hot springs on Sulphur Mountain that make this area a

unique and protected ecosystem. Explore trails that venture through the wetlands and along the Bow River for more stunning views.

En route is fort-like Buffalo Nations Museum with displays on the late 1800s plains Nations and their traditions including following the great buffalo herds, elaborate ceremonies, dances songs, and legends.

CANMORE WALKING TOUR

Discover Canmore’s history and natural beauty with a downtown tour. Start at the Northwest Mounted Police Barracks, 609 Main St, an 1893 log cabin, tea room, and heritage garden restored to its 1921 state with exhibits on the NWMP.

Head south on Main St to Ralph Connor Memorial United Church built in 1891 by Presbyterian minister Charles W Gordon, Canada’s first bestselling author under the pen-name Ralph Connor.

Turn right at 7 Ave to find the Canmore Museum sharing stories and exhibits that matter. Learn about the town’s history, geology, and the importance of the area to Indigenous peoples. Try their virtual reality mine tour and listen to miners tell stories about their time in early Canmore. Virtual and in-person exhibits allow everyone to experience the museum.

One block west is artsPlace, a local community arts centre featuring live performances, art, workshops, and movies. Discover their winter workshops or see a show, either in person or online.

Backtrack and go south on 7 Ave to 7 St and the 1913 Miners Union Hall, which is now a community and cultural centre. Also on 7 St is St Michael’s Anglican Church, built in 1893 with pitched roof, belfry and spire.

Return to Main St and go west to its end at Riverside Park. Stroll north along the Bow River to the 1919 CPR Trestle Bridge, a popular spot with photographers that offers great views down the river. Complete the loop and find trails connecting to the Canmore

SLIDE THE SLOPES

Grab a toboggan for some old-fashioned fun in Banff and Canmore! There are gentle hills at Cascade Ponds on the Lake Minnewanka Loop (left), perfect for little kids, or take in the views at the hill by the Fairmont Banff Springs. In Canmore, you’ll find runs for every age and style at the Canmore Nordic Centre (p 54) or take to the hill at Eagle Terrace for some speed. Didn’t bring a sled? Pick one up at Standish Home Hardware (p 64) or Canadian Tire (p 68). -KATE BARKER

Curling Club, Canmore Nordic Centre, Three Sisters Mountain Village, and Millennium Park.

CAVE & BASIN TRAILS Discovery Boardwalk, 0.4 km/0.3 mi to the cave vent, find hot springs with colourful plants, and aquatic wildlife such as the Banff Springs snail that is exclusive to this area. The Marsh Boardwalk, 0.5 km/0.3 mi, spans an almost equatorial ecosystem, even in winter, of hot springs, ferns, birds, and tropical fish that were originally introduced to the area but continue to thrive in the warm mineral waters.

FENLAND LOOP TRAIL 2.1 km/1.3 mi peaceful interpretive trail accessible from the town of Banff. Walk through old growth spruce trees and along 40 Mile Creek with views of Vermilion Lakes. Stay on the loop or continue on Vermillion Lakes Road for views of the lakes and Mount Rundle. Trailhead on Mt Norquay Rd.

JOHNSTON CANYON 1.1 km/0.7 mi to Lower Falls; 2.7 km/1.7 mi to Upper Falls. Walk along walkways anchored to limestone walls and discover the spectacular canyon complete with sheer cliffs, ice falls, and fossils. Take the natural tunnel for the best viewpoint of the Lower Falls. The canyon rim travels to the Upper Falls. Ice cleats and hiking poles recommended. Guided tours available, see p 50 for details. Start: Bow Valley Pkwy 22 km/14 mi west of Banff.

POLICEMAN’S CREEK This Canmore trail is 0.7 km/0.4 mi, with longer options available. Flowing waters beside the trail never freeze. Start on the Main St Bridge by the NWMP Barracks. Go south along the boardwalk towards Spring Creek or walk north to link with Canmore’s many Bow River trails.

SIGHTS OF CANMORE This GPS guided audio walking tour is a 5 km/3 mi sightseeing walk around Canmore that includes must-see sights, attractions, sculptures, and historical buildings. Private tour experience straight from your smartphone, without crowds or timeslots. Available on the Tripvia Tour App. Fees may apply.