Tuesday, June 10th
Today was our first day in Banff and our agenda included the things that I was most excited for. We were going to hit two of the famous lakes in the park and one in Yoho National Park. We got up early and drove about an hour to our first stop, Emerald Lake.
Emerald Lake
This lake was stunning! At Emerald Lake, we were going to do more than just sightsee, our plan was to canoe on the lake. Neither one of us had canoed in years, so Tyler was convinced we were going to fall into the glacier lake. We even packed a change of clothes just in case! We walked around, took some pictures and then got in line to be one of the first ones in a canoe. They were doing some video taping of some people canoeing and I thought that is why we had to wait. Turns out we just got there so early it wasn’t open yet. Once we got on the water, I was in heaven. It was easily one of my favorite things on this trip so far.
It was easier than I thought it would be and so serene out on the water. We paddled around for about an hour and then went back to the dock. We grabbed a picture of Tyler’s water bottle with his new Yoho National Park sticker and then hit the road for Lake number 2.
Lake Louise
Our second lake of the day, Lake Louise, is considered to be one of Canada’s most famous lakes. Parking is really limited so we bought tickets through Park Canada to take a shuttle bus to both Lake Louise and Lake Moraine. We drove to the Lake Louise Ski Area and parked and were able to get right on a shuttle. After about a 10 minute drive, we were there! Lake Louise is beautiful!
I will say that some of the beauty was taken away by just how many people were there. It was really crowded and just not the peaceful nature sight you expect.
Wanting to escape the crowds and get a different view of the lake, Tyler and I decided to hike to Fairview Point. It was only .7 km, so we figured it would be easy. Boy were we wrong! After going straight up hill for a few minutes, Tyler found a bench and said he would wait for me. I was determined to make it to the top. I was fighting for my life, going straight up hill and stopping every few feet.
But I made it! Luckily the view was absolutely worth it. Once I could see again through all of the sweat and sunscreen, I took some pictures and then headed back down to meet up with Tyler. We got back on a shuttle bus and headed to our last lake of the day, Lake Moraine.
Lake Moraine
We were on the bus for about 20 minutes until we got to the last stop. This lake was a little less crowded, but just as beautiful. It was not completely full, so we were able to walk right on the rocks by the water. We found a log to sit on and just enjoyed the lake for a few minutes.
After relaxing for a bit we walked back and took the shuttle back to our car. Our plan was to do the Lake Louise gondola at the ski area, but the restaurant at the top was closed, so we decided to head back to camp to take care of the dogs and go into town for some dinner.
The first restaurant we picked was closed for a private event, so we went to our second choice, The Maple Leaf. The inside of the restaurant looked like the inside of a fancy log cabin, complete with a big wood staircase you went up to find your table. Tyler ordered the half duck with risotto and I got teriyaki bbq ribs with sweet potatoes. They were both delicious, but we agreed that Tyler makes much better risotto. We order a maple crème brûlée for dessert and it was incredible.
I have replaced all things huckleberry with all things maple now and I am in heaven. We got back to the campsite and were treated with three beautiful elk coming to visit. After they scampered off, we set up a campfire and relaxed for the rest of the night, enjoying a bottle of Ice Wine that we had bought in Canada last year. Ice Wine is a super sweet wine that they make in Canada from grapes that have frozen on the vine.
