Jasper | Ranjan's Writings

Continued from My Canadian Rockies Trip, Part 5: Lakes Louise, Moraine and Peyto.

After yesterday’s visit to three scenic lakes, we headed out today to see yet another—the stunning Maligne Lake. Spirit Island in Maligne Lake is perhaps one of the most iconic and photographed spots in Jasper National Park, seen in advertisements by Apple and Kodak showcasing the enhanced photo-capabilities of their iPads and films. A must-see place and I was looking forward to it.

The route to Maligne Lake took us through almost unspoiled wilderness teeming with wildlife. We saw numerous elk and wild mountain goats grazing by the roadside.

A superbly antlered bull elk observing us as we drove past.

Continue reading →

Continued from My Canadian Rockies Trip, Part 4: Bar U Ranch and Banff.

We started the day with a hearty breakfast at our hotel in Banff and readied ourselves for the trip to three iconic lakes in the Canadian Rockies known for their uniquely beautiful, blue shades; Louise, Moraine and Peyto Lakes. We had glimpsed Lake Louise from the top of Sulfur Mountain as described in the last post. Today I was looking forward to viewing it up close.

Lake Louise, is named after Princess Louise Carolina Alberta, the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria. The glacier covered Mount Victoria provides the unique backdrop seen through the V formed by forest-covered peaks. It is no surprise that many peaks, provinces and features in Canada are named after members of the British Royal Family.