Lake Louise is no doubt very beautiful - but its a deadset theme park with the crowds to prove it!
A popular pastime - canoeing on Lake Louise
Nearby, beautiful Moraine Lake is still fairly crowded, but doesn't have the theme park atmosphere
Early morning at Banff from the lookout on Norquay Road
On a clear day (like we have mostly) a trip up the Banff gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain is a must
Looking back down to Banff, built around the base of Tunnel Mountain
From the Summit Complex it is a 1km walk, mostly along a boardwalk and steps, to the Cosmic Ray Station, formerly the historic Sanson's Peak Meteorological Station, visible here just above the complex on the skyline
Looking south to the Summit Complex and the wilderness beyond
It is not a good idea to feed the wildlife. These squirrels check everyone out just in case. Out of luck this time
These two squirrels just had a blue over some tasty morsel
This view is to the NW. The main Trans Canada Highway is visible. We drove along this to get to Banff from Lake Louise and again after leaving the Rockies to head to Wells Gray National Park
An alternative to Trans Canada Highway 1 between Banff and Lake Louise is the Bow Parkway - the old highway. Along this road is the popular Johnsons Canyon.
There are numerous waterfalls. This is the Upper Falls which is around a couple of hours return hike from the carpark.
Further along the Bow Parkway, after Johnson's Canyon and away from Banff, is Morants Curve, a popular viewpoint for train photos
Takakkaw Falls in nearby Yoho National Park
Emerald Lake also in Yoho National Park
