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| Downtown Kelowna |
As mentioned in the previous
blog, the countryside surrounding Banff is unbelievable – yes the Rockies. So
following the advice of Morts and Katie we decided to take the scenic route to
Vancouver, via Jasper and Kelowna.
First stop was Lake Louise, which
is beautiful. I think it could possibly be more picturesque in the winter with
the snow-capped mountains surrounding the emerald green waters, but I imagine
it would be the place to be in summer…As long as the water gets warm enough to
swim.
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| Lake Louise |
After a quick stroll around the
lake we got off the main highway (this becomes important to the story shortly)
and took the arrows towards Jasper. A few k’s in we came across a sign warning
of winter driving conditions and that snow tires or chains are a must. Given we
had neither we faced a slight dilemma. The road conditions were listed as poor
but it was only a few more hours to go. Turning around, and taking the long road
to Jasper would have taken a further 9 hours from where we were, and there was
no guarantee of what we would face in that direction.
Given our penchant for doing
things slightly differently, we decided we would continue on and see what
trouble we could get into. Taking it slowly of course. For the most part the
road wasn’t too bad, snow covered in patches but not too much ice. There was,
however, a section that had us crawling along at snail’s pace, still going
sideways, and only hoping we would stay on course. All this with a queue behind
us and a fair amount of traffic coming at us the other way. I am no rally
driver but we did manage to, somehow, navigate our way through the mountain
passes and make it through the other side.
Although the day wasn’t the
greatest to take in all the sights, we were able to dodge the frequent rain and
snow showers and make the most of some of the highly recommended stop offs.
Mistaya Canyon was one such stop, with an easy hike down from the highway
showcasing the power of water, with the Mistaya River eroding a steep and
curving canyon through the layers of rock. The canyon walls are close enough
together that I dare say some thrill seekers have jumped across, but the water
rushing beneath would be cold enough to cause some serious problems for any who
take the risk and fail.
Mistaya Canyon
The route also took us straight past
the Columbia Icefield and although the weather wasn’t really permitting to take
in the best view of the Athabasca Glacier, we still tried.
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Columbia Icefield -
Athabasca Glacier
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Next up were the Athabasca Falls,
and much like the Mistaya Canyon, the falls have worn a unique path through the
rock walls and come gently flowing into the wider river section and onward
towards Lake Athabasca. The water in the wider section was so inviting it took
a fair amount of will power to refrain from jumping in. Although a quick temp
check certainly helped change our minds.
Athabasca Falls
As we were told, the 300 odd km
journey takes you all day with all the stops you make along the way and we made
it into Jasper just before the sun dipped beneath the surrounding mountains.
Jasper seems a pretty sleepy, quiet town, but I am sure things change in the
heart of winter.
Jasper
Kelowna, on the other hand seems
to be a summer destination, although its proximity to Big White still gives it
a winter appeal. Situated on Okanagan Lake in the valley of the same name, the city
and lake would be alive during the summer months. Being the beginning of
winter, the lake was relatively sedate, with only a handful of scenic flights dotting
the skies during the day, and the water only disturbed by the industrial barges
that don’t stop for a little bit of cold.
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| Kelowna on the shores of Okanagan Lake |
The drive through Alberta and
just a few of its national parks is something that everyone, if given the
chance, making their way through Canada should try and check out. The drives
aren’t long, and there are plenty of spots to stop and stretch your legs. And
if the scenery isn’t breath taking, the chilly mountain wind will do its best
to give you that breathless feeling.
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