Cover created by LG @jayasimha78 using picture shot at Lake Louise.
We recently visited Banff, Jasper and Yoho National Park in Alberta and British Colombia, Canada. We started our journey from San Francisco. We flew in to Calgary. We stayed in Canmore, which is 30 mins drive from Banff downtown. This was our day 2 of our trip, we explores Gondola, near Lake Louise, Lake Louise and Lake Moraine.
Check out for Day 1 Details here:
Day 1: Banff National Park: Day 1: Banff
They do not allow private vehicles at Lake Moraine and also the parking spaces at Lake Louise is limited. We had to reserve for shuttle bus 48hrs before our trip. They open limited seats 48hrs before the day of travel and spaces gets filled up very quickly. It was a challenge to get Shuttle reservation. However we managed to book seats for around 1PM in the afternoon. So we decided to explore Gondola near Lake Louise in the morning, that is where shuttle service starts to Lake Louise and Loke Moraine.
Lake Louise Gondola is around one hour drive from Canmore, where we stayed in AirBnb. Drive was very scenic. The Lake Louise Gondola is an incredible experience nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. This gondola ride offers an opportunity for tourists to immerse themselves in the breathtaking natural beauty of the region and witness stunning panoramic views that are truly amazing.
The adventure starts at the base area, where you’ll find the Gondola station. You have a choice of getting in to an enclosed cabin or an open chair which easily holds four people. Once you are in the enclosed Cabin or open chair you will be treated to a comfortable and scenic ride up the mountainside. The gondola ascends gently, providing you with a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding landscapes.
Here is a shot of enclosed cabin just before we got out of the ride.
As you rise higher, the majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies come into view, and the turquoise waters of Lake Louise become visible in the distance. The journey itself is an experience to remember, offering you a chance to capture mesmerizing photos and soak in the natural beauty all around you. Here is a shot of vista point once you reach the top. From here you can enjoy the panoramic views of Canadian Rockies.
Once you reach the top, you’ll find yourself at the Gondola’s upper terminal. Here, you’ll step out to a world of possibilities. The area at the top is equipped with observation decks, walking trails. We took a short and very steep trail to hike further up the mountain.
We could see colorful wild flowers on our trail. Views from here were really spectacular.
Hiking trail with few hikers, you can see Canadian Rockies in the background.
At the end of the hike there is an observation point, from which you can see Lake Louise from a distance and also majestic mountain ranges from here.
Here is a close up shot of Lake Louise from the top (that area turquoise water), you can also see snow and some glaciers from here.
Here is shot of the base of the Gondola ride on our way back. There is a restaurant here where we grabbed lunch before we headed to the Shuttle to visit Lake Louise.
Here is a shot of Lake Louise, the background the water color is just breath taking. Once you are you got to take a Canoe ride to enjoy the lake. Canoe ride is expensive, it costs $145/half hour or $155/hour. Since we were short of time, we decided to take a half hour ride. There was almost a 45 mins wait to get a canoe.
Lake Louise is very popular place, there were lot of tourist here. You can see famous Fairmont Hotel in the background.
Here is a shot of the lake from the Canoe
Here is a shot of the deck where started our Canoeing.
Here is my wife in front of the Canoe facing Fairmont Lake Louise in the background.
Here is a shot of stream which joins Lake Louise and also Glacier in the background.
We headed back to the parking area to catch the shuttle to Lake Moraine. It is around 30 min ride from Lake Louise to reach Lake Moraine. This year they are not allowing any private vehicles to Lake Moraine. So shuttle is the only way to get there. Unless otherwise you stay in $800+/night hotel at Lake Moraine.
Visiting Moraine Lake is a breathtaking experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Color of the water is just spectacular. The road to Moraine Lake is only open during the warmer months (typically from late May to mid-October) due to heavy snowfall in the winter.
There is Canoeing opportunity in Lake Moraine as well. However we did not Canoe here due to lack of time. Instead we walked on the trail right next to the lake to enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Here is a shot of parked Canoes on the lake.
Visiting Moraine Lake is an opportunity to connect with the raw beauty of nature, surrounded by some of the most stunning mountain scenery you’ll ever encounter. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone seeking serenity, Moraine Lake will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Here is a shot from the trail right next to the Moraine Lake.
Here is a shot of Gift Shop and Cafe at the lake.
Shot of the lake with a Canoe and mountains in the background. After sending the day at Gondola, Lake Louise and Lake Moraine, we drove back to Canmore.
We visited a pizza place called Rocky Mountain Flat Bread Company, at Canmore. Here is my review on Google Maps.
it seems you are a good photographer also & your photogenic location selection is awesome & explanation each & every part of visited location excellent… 
