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 3 of our trip, we explored Ice Fields Parks way, The Icefields Parkway, also known as Highway 93, stretches for approximately 144 miles (232 kilometers) between Lake Louise and Jasper National Park.
Check out for Day 1 & 2 Details here:
Day 1: Banff National Park: Day 1: Banff
Day 2: Banff National Park Day 2: Gondola, Lake Louise and Lake Moraine
Driving along the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park, Canada, is a breathtaking experience that offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, glaciers, turquoise lakes, and abundant wildlife.
The Icefields Parkway has numerous attractions and viewpoints. Good thing is most of them you can view just from the side of the road or a short walk to explore the attractions.
In Part 1 of the post I will Cover
- Herbert Lake
- Crowfoot Glacier
- Bow Lake
- Peyto Lake
Here is a shot of Herbert lake our first stop on Ice Fields Park way.
Located among the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies, Herbert Lake is a tranquil oasis that seems almost too picturesque to be real. As you approach the lake, the dense evergreen forest that lines the road opens up to reveal a stunning panorama. The lake’s surface is remarkably calm, reflecting the jagged peaks of the nearby mountains and trees like a mirror.
Here is another shot of Lake Herbert and mirroring effect of the lake. There’s a small, easily accessible parking area and a short trail that leads to the lake’s edge. This is a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a quiet picnic. There is a trail around the lake, with which you can enjoy the view from different positions.
Here is a shot of Hwy 93, Ice Fields Parkway. You can enjoy view of Canadian Rockies while driving.
Next stop was Crow Foot Glacier. You can watch the glacier, just by the side of the road. The glacier itself appears as a massive, slow-moving river of ice, flowing down the slopes of Crowfoot Mountain. The glacier’s once-distinctive “crow’s foot” shape, which consisted of three distinct toes extending from the main glacier body
What makes Crowfoot Glacier especially captivating is its proximity to Bow Lake, a stunning, turquoise-hued glacial lake.
Here is another view point, where we were able to see the crowfoot glacier and bow lake.
Next stop was Bow lake. This is a really popular place. I really liked this lake better than Lake Louise. You have to drive around half a mile to reach the lake from the hwy. There were cars parked all way to the hwy from the lake. As you approach the lake, you can see a lodge and coffee shop with a red roof.
As you approach Bow Lake along the picturesque Icefields Parkway, the first thing that captures your attention is the vibrant, shade of turquoise that defines its waters. The lake’s radiant color is a result of fine glacial silt suspended in the meltwater, refracting sunlight in a mesmerizing display of nature’s artistry.
As you stand on the shores of Bow Lake, surrounded by the majesty of the Canadian Rockies, you’ll feel a profound connection to the natural world. It’s a place of serenity and wonder, where the beauty of nature is on full display.
Bow Lake offers an ideal setting for photographers, whether you’re capturing the glacial reflections in the calm waters
Our next stop was Peyto Lake. Each lake it’s own shade of turquois color. There is huge parking lot near the lake, from there is a 10-15 walk to the Peyto lake view point. We carried some sandwiches with us, this was a great place for us have lunch with a spectacular view of the Peyto Lake.
The Peyto Glacier, from which the lake gets its water, can be seen clinging to the slopes of Caldron Peak. Peyto Lake is a place of serenity and wonder, a natural masterpiece that inspires a profound connection with the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Whether you’re a photographer, a hiker, or simply a nature enthusiast, Peyto Lake is a destination that leaves an indelible mark on your memory.
Here is a shot of bow lake from the side of the road.
We also found few water falls on the way.
Let me end the Part 1 of Ice Fields Parkway experience with couple of shots of Herbert lake, which I captured on the way back. You can see the reflection of the mountains in the lake.
Here is a shot of the sunset at Herbert lake on our way back.
Will soon port part 2 of Ice Fields Parkway, which covers several interesting view points.
dear Guiding Star 
