One of the places I have certainly missed exploring over the last year has been the Canadian Rockies. Spread across the border between Alberta and British Columbia, two mountainous provinces of Canada, these rocky mountain ranges seem even more impressive than their cousins south of the border. Towering snow-capped peaks rise high above glaciated valleys, where a low treeline provides easy accessibility to stellar views. The expansive nature of its untouched wilderness more than makes up for the limited road access and short hiking season, and unexplored regions still await the determined outdoor hiker.
Spread across this extensive wilderness area are five spectacular National Parks: Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, Yoho and Waterton Lakes, along with countless provincial parks, each holding their own unique attraction. It is certainly daunting to try and cover these gems of the Canadian Parks system in one single trip, and I would recommend sticking to one or two parks each visit, unless you have an entire summer to travel around.
Here is one alpine scene from Spray Lakes Provincial Park near the town of Canmore in Alberta. Far less crowded than its neighbor Jasper National Park, it is just as beautiful and definitely worth a visit.
Spray Lakes Provincial Park
AB Canada
After the Storm
I was driving through what seemed like the most uncooperative of weather: moody grey skies, thundering rain and freezing winds. And in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, it was a travesty that I couldn't step out even for a mere moment to enjoy the remarkable landscape all around. And with sunset approaching, I was losing hope of getting a good shot.
And then in a few moments, the storm passed by, and I was in driving through the wet aftermath: glistening trees on a sun-drenched landscape under glowing billowing clouds. I found a small turnout where this beautiful creek wound its way through the mountains. It was then I wished I had more time to explore this beautiful part of Spray Lakes Provincial Park.
Hopefully another time.
Spray Lakes Provincial Park
AB Canada