Summer in Canada - Emerald Lake

One of the longest hikes this summer was the trail to the Yoho Pass starting from Emerald Lake. We didn't actually go to the pass but switchbacked down the mountain again on the other side of the lake. I think we managed more than 20km and an altitude difference of about 800m. The pictures for the first panorama were taken shortly after the starting point at the end of the lake. We crossed an area with lots of rubble and the meandering river. There were lots of fantastic views on the lake, the valley and the surrounding mountains. After we passed the tree line I took the photos for the second panorama. We also visited Takakkaw Falls in the evening which is one of the highest waterfalls in British Columbia (302m) .

 

Summer in Canada - Moraine Lake

The turquoise colour of Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, also in Banff National Park, is almost surreal. One could envy the little pikas, squirrels and chipmunks there who can enjoy this view every day.

Summer in Canada - Lake Louise

On Canada Day, 1st July, everyone goes red and white crazy and waves flags around. We arrived among happy Canadians and (a lot of) other tourists at Lake Louise. But that didn't spoil the amazement about this place. It was the first of the beautiful coloured glacial lakes of Banff National Park. The hike up to the tea house (Plain of Six Glaciers) passes round the lake first and then rises up with great views back on the lake and on the glacier.

   

Summer in Canada - Banff and its waterfalls

Banff National Park was founded 1885 and is the oldest national park in Canada. It covers 6641 km². The building of the Pacific Railway and two major hotels (Banff Springs Hotel and Chateau Lake Louise) made tourism possible at an early stage. My first visits included the Bow Falls near Banff and a hike up Johnston Canyon, the first being rather unspectacular (first two photos), the canyon and its falls quite beautiful. 

 

 

Summer in Canada - Calgary

My journey through the west of Canada starts in Calgary. I didn't know much about it, something about Olympic Games some years back, but nothing more. Turns out the Olympics were in 1988, I am definitely getting older...

Cowtown shopping

Apart from that Calgary's main attraction is an event called the Stampede, a rodeo and festival that turns the city into "Cowtown" every year.
Calgary has an interesting mix of old and new buildings and of course a big tower as a city symbol.