Lake Louise, Rocky Mountains, Canada
Lake Louise
Everyone has seen photos of Lake Louise – a glacial lake in the milky aqua colouring surrounded by tall mountains and a large hotel on the edge of the lake. That’s where we are, in the Chateaux Lake Louise. 16,000 people come here every day. The average stay is only twenty minutes. We are lucky with our two night stay.
Today we went on a guided hike to Agnes Tearooms with the Fairmont hike guide, Michael. Michael was travelling through the Rocky Mountains twenty five years ago and has never left. He was a font of knowledge about the area which was great since we are in such foreign terrain.
A group of about ten followed Michael slowly up the steep gradient of the mountain to the Agnes Tearooms. Along the way we learnt about that elusive Grizzly Bear. Rocky Mountain Grizzlies are the smallest of all the grizzlies because they don’t have access to salmon like their coastal cousins.
We also learnt the special claims to fame for Lake Louise. It is the highest community in Canada. Glad to hear that because it has been a bit harder to breathe the last couple of days. Lake Louise is also the day walking capital of North America, with more trails than anywhere else. It also has some incredible downhill ski runs.
Michael gave us the rundown on why it is unlikely to be attacked by a bear. Bears are no longer fed by people (via the public which ended in 1930s and via the rubbish tip which ended in 1979). Bears have never attacked a group of five or more. Hundreds of people are walking in this area. They are essentially vegetarians in the Rocky Mountains and we are not a berry. Above all they are frightened of us as a top predator. We didn’t get to test the theories as no bear sightings for us as yet.
After the Agnes Tearooms, the guide suggested we go further on and so we did. We really enjoyed leaving the crowds behind. We climbed the switchback to Big Beehive – not for the people with a fear of heights. The breathing was deep with the altitude factor. The view of the lake was magnificent from the height of the mountain. The glacial silt reflects only blue light giving that milky look.
Lake Louise is a true outdoor lover’s paradise. While hiking we came across or saw from a distance rock climbers, ice climbers, horse riders and many people in canoes on the lake. Lake Louise has outdoor activities ranging from sedate to extreme.
There is also nothing better after a good hike to retire to you room to relax or have a beer in the pub in the sun. It doesn’t get much better than this.