The Most Spectacular Journey in the World

By Perry Mack

In another lifetime this journey would have made for epic storytelling or a world-renowned book regaling famous explorers. Its more common name is Hwy 93 North. But this doesn’t do justice to a route that travels along the spine of the continent. When I say ‘spine of the continent’, I mean the continental divide. The range of mountains where on one side the water all flows west to the Pacific and when you look to the east, every drop makes its way thousands of kilometers to the Atlantic.

This national treasure stretches 232km (144mi.) through the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site, offering access to a vast wilderness of pristine mountain lakes, ancient glaciers and broad sweeping valleys. Some of Canada’s most famous predators call this land home including eagles, wolves, cougars, black bears and our beloved but fearsome grizzly bears. However, your camera lens is more likely to capture some of the majestic hoofed beasts including Big Horn Sheep, Elk, Moose, Mountain Goats and Caribou. Nevertheless, be bear aware.

This is the road trip of a lifetime, so grab your family, friends and neighbours because when you’re truly inspired by your experience, it’s always better when it’s shared. The first leg of your journey covers the 54 km stretch from Banff to Lake Louise.

You might want to start your trip by finding a spot at Tunnel Mountain Campground. Its central location in this first region makes it a great home base to explore from. There are over 1,000 sites including 321 full service seasonal sites for RV’s.

You begin in the world-renowned alpine town of Banff. If you allow enough time you can take in the museums, art galleries, stop at a few restaurants and naturally enjoy the shopping on Banff’s main street. Look up and you’ll see the majestic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel constructed in 1888 in the style of a Scottish baronial castle. As long as you’re not afraid of heights the Banff Gondola just outside of town will provide you with some of the most unforgettable views you’ll ever see. It feels like you’re at the roof of the world. Make sure your have extra memory cards for and batteries for your camera.

While technically not part of the ice fields parkway a short side trip west of Banff along the Bow Valley Parkway will take you to Johnston Canyon. This is an easy level hike that, in a very dramatic fashion, shows the power of rushing water over time. Here the river has cut down through the limestone rock, forming waterfalls and potholes and the famous Ink Pots. Unlike many other canyons where you stroll the upper ridges trying to peer down into the abyss, here you get a moles eye view walking the trails and boardwalks at the bottom of the canyon. You’ll peer up the walls through time where wet moss and trees have had hundreds of years to grow as the water relentlessly cuts it’s way through the rock.

If you’ve never been before you must stop at the Fairmont Banff Springs. This legendary ‘Castle in the Wilderness’ is not only a unique architectural masterpiece but it’s also an integral part of Canadian history in the west. Add to that it’s celebrity status created by visiting dignitaries, royalty and Hollywood icons and every breath you take becomes a thrill you’ll get in very few places on earth.

If man-made splendor isn’t everyone’s cup of tea don’t fret, your next stop is Vermillion Lakes. Aside from it natural splendour and incredible photo opportunities it’s an archaeological treasure. This is one of the oldest proven occupied areas of human habitation in Canada, dating back in time roughly 11,000 years.  Make sure you get your own photo of the Mount Rundle reflected on the waters of Vermillion Lake. As with virtually all the lakes in National Parks, no motorized boats are allowed.

Next issue we’ll continue the journey from Lake Louise to Peyto Lake. But you don’t have to wait and read about it here. Take the time off and Go RVing.