Canadian Flag at the foot of Sulphur Mountain, Banff

Canada

Canada, a country which, if I'm honest, had never appealed to me as a holiday destination. How nice it was then, to be most pleasantly surprised. The spectacular Rocky Mountains and their concealed lakes and rivers will live with me forever. Although we did not get to see the promised abundant wildlife, the place has more than enough to occupy the eyes, the senses and the imagination.

Canadian Rockies

  • Canadian Rockies
    First view of the distant Rockies through a bus window, no less!
  • Canada's finest
    A couple of friendly Mounties.
  • Columbia Icefield
    Columbia Icefield transport, Jasper.
  • Opportunist squirrel
    This Ground Squirrel in Jasper certainly had a cheek. This was his third raid on our table, where he helped himself to peanuts from the dish. It almost seemed that he wanted to thank me for the nuts on this occasion, by sitting and allowing me this photo opportunity.
  • Canadian Rockies: Image
  • Cascade Mountain, Banff.
    Cascade Mountain makes a spectacular backdrop for the town of Banff.
  • Canadian Rockies: Image
  • Canadian Rockies: Image
  • Canadian Rockies: Image
  • Canadian Rockies: Image
  • Canadian Rockies
  • Canadian Rockies: Lake Moraine
    This place was so picturesque. I had to include three of the shots I took here
  • Canadian Rockies: Lake Moraine
    It's said that the man who discovered this lake, just sat in silence for nearly an hour as he tried to take in the beauty before him. I could certainly understand and believe it.
  • Canadian Rockies: Lake Moraine
  • Canadian Ground Squirrel
    Another not - too - camera shy squirrel
  • Canadian Rockies: Lake Peyto
    Named after one of Canada's most celebrated mountain men, Bill Peyto. Born in England, Peyto became quite a celebrated guide for explorers and game hunters. He was apparently, the first person to record the whereabouts of this stunning blue lake, high in the Rockies.
  • Canadian Rockies:
  • Canadian Rockies:
  • Canadian Rockies:
    Vintage Ice Field Transport
  • Canadian Rockies:
    Vintage Ice Field Transport
  • Canadian Rockies:
    Jasper National Park
  • Canadian Rockies:
    Jasper National Park
  • Canadian Rockies:
  • Canadian Rockies:
  • Canadian Rockies:
  • Canadian Rockies:
    View from the top of Sulphur Mountain, Banff
  • Canadian Rockies:
    Preening at the top of Sulphur Mountain, Banff
  • Canadian Rockies:
    View from the top of Sulphur Mountain, Banff
  • Canadian Rockies:
    View from the top of Sulphur Mountain, Banff
  • Canadian Rockies:
    Ground squirrel
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Canada

Banff

Cascade Mountain, Banff

Sitting in the shadow of Cascade Mountain, the town of Banff was established when the nearby hot springs were discovered in 1855. The name "Banff" is derived from Banffshire, Scotland, the birthplace of two of the original directors of the Canadian Pacific Railway. A great way to see Banff is to ride the Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for some spectacular sights.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise

Situated in Banff National Park and surrounded by mountains, Lake Louise is a hidden jewel. After leaving the town of Banff, we travelled 35 miles to Lake Louise. Our guides gave us a tremendous surprise on the way, stopping off for a photo opportunity at Lake Moraine. As with most of the lakes in the Rockies, the water is a stunning blue.

Jasper

Lake Peyto

Not too long ago, Jasper's population was easily two - thirds people and one third bears, with few confrontations thanks to a live and let live policy. On the way to Jasper, we stopped to view Lake Peyto, named after Bill Peyto, an Englishman who became a well known Mountain man and guide. Jasper itself is a rather quiet 'One Horse' town with very little going on. However, it's proximity to all things in the Rockies makes it an ideal place to stop and explore.