Road trip Banff-Yoho
Being born in Alberta, I visited Jasper National Park, when I was just a few months old, as well as Elk Island. My parents therefore found it essential that we tour Banff, Lake Louise and Lake Moraine and Why not go to nearby Yoho Park, which is in British Columbia? We therefore hopped into our car from Edmonton and headed towards these Canadian Parks for 3 days and 2 nights.
1st Stop: Chateau Lake Louise and Lake Louise
At the centre of the lake, we face the eternal glacier of Mount Victoria, a very popular picture. A small wooden terrace is fitted out there so that the many tourists can sit to take their picture. People are respectful and give everyone the opportunity to snap their memories without strangers in the frame. All around the lake, it is possible to walk on paved paths, to rent canoes in summer and skates in winter. Inside the Fairmont chain hotel, you will find several restaurants with different price ranges, as well as numerous shops. Read the text “Lake Louise” to learn more.
2nd Stop: Natural Bridge
Towards Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, we came across a point of interest that was unknown to my parents. The Natural Bridge is actually a large rock that divides a high-flow river in two. It is possible to take a short hike, read a little about the history of its formation and watch “oblivious” people jump from one rock to another, hoping not to have a fatal fall. A short stop that is worth it.
3rd Stop: Emerald Lake
This lake was shown on Canadian $ 10 bills long before my birth. The water of the lake is emerald green, hence its name. Cabins or rooms are scattered all over the forest surrounding the lake. It is possible to have a meal in the few restaurants on site. Around the lake, a long pedestrian path is accessible to tourists, and it is possible to rent a canoe.
3rd Stop: Emerald Lake
This lake was shown on Canadian $ 10 bills long before my birth. The water of the lake is emerald green, hence its name. Cabins or rooms are scattered all over the forest surrounding the lake. It is possible to have a meal in the few restaurants on site. Around the lake, a long pedestrian path is accessible to tourists, and it is possible to rent a canoe.
4th Stop: Takakkaw Waterfall
This other unexpected stop on our way left us speechless. First of all, the road, with its hairpin loops to get us to our destination, is breathtaking. Then you can see the waterfall in the distance. The path that takes us there is not too difficult, so I was able to run during the whole ascent. We can approach the high waterfall from so close that we feel the drizzle of water falling on us. A compulsory stop.
5th Stop: Moraine Lake
Finally, on the way back, we stopped at Moraine Lake because it is almost impossible to stop from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. It must be said, this lake is majestic and perched in the mountains, which makes it less accessible, especially because of the limited parking spaces. You can walk on its shore or climb to the top of a pile of stones in order to have a 360-degree view and a photographic vantage point worthy of magazines.
I must say that my parents had planned 2 days to visit the three lakes, but we were able to do these 5 activities in one day. All the attractions are so close to each other that there is very little travel time once there. The second day we enjoyed the town of Banff, had lunch and did some shopping in the many shops in the main street without hurrying.
Good to know
When to visit
What to do
How long to plan
Strengths
Weak points
Things to know
Cost
Message from my parents
We know the area very well, having visited it several times in the past 20 years, but each time we discover something new. This time, Takakkaw Falls completely charmed me. The short hike that leads us to the fall breaking before our eyes is worth the trip. The fact that all of the most popular attractions are close to each other is a major advantage when travelling with young children, and there is always food nearby. The facilities are safer than in the United States, but obviously, the rather high cost of a short stay and the small number of parking lots are negative points.
