Although I have visited the Western area of Canada a few times, I have not had the opportunity to hike in the mountains.
On a recent visit with a very dear friend of mine, I had put in a request that perhaps we could fit this in to our itinerary, weather permitting.
With the sun shining & the promise of a glorious day, we packed up our vehicle & ventured off to to beautiful Lake Louise.
With its stunning backdrop of the mountains, its pristine glacier lake & the gorgeous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, it seemed a perfect place to spend the day together.
This jaw dropping view never disappoints
Proper boots, poles & supplies meant we were good to go!
Because of the amount of snow that had fallen in the mountains this past year, we thought it wise to check in with Parks Canada to ensure it was safe to head out on a hike.
Confirming we had all of the proper gear, our Canada Parks representative assured us that, although there was a little bit of snow up on the mountain, we had on proper attire & so, were good to go.
Making our way along the lake, the view is incredible & the colour of the water will take your breath away.
As we starting heading towards the trail, we weren’t very far along when we came across this sign.
It seems our friend from Parks Canada didn’t get the memo!
After speaking to a few hikers coming back down from the trail, we decided to ignore the warning & take our chances!
Such daredevils we are!
It wasn’t long before we came across the first evidence of a recent avalanche. Although a little tricky to maneuver, the smell from the freshly fallen trees was heavenly!
The power of an avalanche. Hopefully our bodies would not look like this at the end of our hike!
The snow definitely made for some challenging hiking, sometimes feeling like we should have included our snowshoes with our gear, but we were not going to let a little snow stop us form enjoying this spectacular day!
After trekking for awhile, we sought out a little spot for lunch, each finding a rock sticking out of the snow to sit our butts on to as not to get soaked. When in Rome!
It may have not been the most comfortable of seats but the view sure was spectacular!
This looks like a nice spot for lunch.
We came across this little guy when I put my pack down to take a few pictures. He was determined to get into my pack but there are strict rules about not feeding the wildlife in the national parks which sadly for him, we chose to abide by.
I must admit, he was hard to resist!
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- If I could just figure out this zipper?
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- Can I please, please, have the rest of your sandwich?
After enjoying a yummy packed lunch, we continued trekking further up the mountain, finding the “little bit of snow” increasing as we climbed.
Yodel-ay-hee-hoo!
At times, it seemed the trail was non-existent but we managed to find little glimpses here & there. You’ll notice the change in attire from the photo above to the one below. Off in the distance, it looked like a storm was coming in so we chose to layer up a bit rather than get caught on the side of the mountain in a shorts in a snowstorm!
Where is the trail?
Thankfully the storm blew off in another direction so we decided to take a break to shed a few layers & enjoy a little champagne.
As we sat sipping our champagne & talking about how incredibly grateful we felt to share this experience together, we heard rumblings off in the distance. You can imagine the look between us!
Thinking about that warning sign (we ignored), we agreed if we were to buried in snow, this appeared to be a beautiful spot to do so!
We were relieved, none the less, when the snow coming down the mountain was a little further away from where we were sitting.
Snow coming off the mountain in the distance
Taking this as our cue, we thought it best to pack up & start making our way back down the mountain.
Can you spot the Chateau off in the distance?
The Chateau coming back in to view.
Safe & sound at the bottom of the mountain.
What an incredible day spent with an amazing friend. Lake Louise was already a very special place for the two of us, this hike only made it more so! Perhaps next time we’ll try rock climbing!
Have you ever found yourself in challenging hiking conditions?
Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Hugs,
L💛
Life After 50 
We visited Banff and Lake Louise in early April. It was a work event, so we didn’t have much free time for anything, except taking some photos. What I remember the most, besides the beauty, was how in April the snow was piled 8′ high beside the one path around Lake Louise that we got to sneak a hike on. Your photos and story make me want to get back there again. So glad that you had a good time.
It is such a beautiful area Ally. So much to see & explore. I would highly recommend a trip back when you have more time to visit!
To capture a photo of an avalanche in progress is amazing!! What quick thinking on your part. I would have just been standing there with my mouth open.
As a teenager on a school trip we were hiking on Peyto Glacier when there was an avalanche on the mountain across from us. The thundering noise and shaking of the ground was both incredible and terrifying at the same time!
Thankfully, I had my camera out as I had just taken the shot of us having champagne. I heard the rumbling so made a dash for camera to try to get a shot!
Yes, that noise sure does rattle you!
Fast thinking on your part! … and a really great photo!
Wow! Amazing hike and stunning scenery and then sharing with a friend – doesn’t get much better. The avalanche thing can be concerning and I don’t think I would’ve continued the hike. Having lived in Colorado, I’m well acquainted with snow in the mountains. Glad you gals had a fabulous day!
Beautiful pictures and lovely story of two friends enjoying the day.
Wow that looks like a challenging hike. But so beautiful.
It was definitely challenging but totally worth the effort!
What a spectacular area and an amazing hike! I’m so glad that you decided not to pay attention to the sign. I definitely need to put that destination on my must see list. Your capture of the avalanche is glorious.
When we heard that mountain rumbling, we were questioning our decision but it all turned out & we enjoyed a spectacular day! It is such a beautiful area, I have no doubt you would love it!
Lynn what a day you had at Lake Louise! Such perfect blue sky photos o We that turquoise gem. We have had the same experience of snow on the hike. The avalanche photo is superb!
It is hard to capture & describe how beautiful Lake Louise & surrounding area are! I hope yo get back & explore more sooner than later!
That looks like an amazing hike – your pictures are stunning! Signs like that do give you pause, but sometimes you just go with your gut and then are glad you did. What a wonderful experience.
Had we not spoken to the representative at Parks Canada, we might have felt a little more unease but after talking to some fellow hikers, we decided to go for it. It was well worth the effort !
What a great adventure that you’ll remember forever! Amazing views and scenery. I always wanted to visit western Canada. Maybe one day..:)
George, I hope you do. It is an incredible part of Canada to visit!
What a gorgeous part of the world! Your photos are amazing, especially the one of the avalanche … I would have been freaked out by that given the earlier signs haha. Good for you, champagne and all! Hiking in style.
Peta
It did make us a little nervous when we first heard it Peta. 😲 Thankfully it was a good distance from where we were!
Goodness! Astounding climb and staggering landscape and after that offering to a companion – doesn’t show signs of improvement.
It was an incredible day, that’s for sure!
I was wondering about your spring attire while trampling around in the snow…but the views are spectacular.
The views were absolutely spectacular, as was the weather! Sunny & a balmy 26 degrees celsius (78 degrees fahrenheit) . Fantastic day!
Yodel-ay-hee-hoo to you to Lynn. This looks like a beautiful hike. Your photos are great. Glad you got to experience this and with a special friend too. I don’t think I have seen a photo of lake Louise from so high up – you can see that it is the glacial milk colour from that viewpoint. Hope all the world is good with you, Louise
It was such a great hike Louise! Sharing with a good friend just made it all the better! Lovely to hear from you. Hope you are doing well😘
Heavens to Betsy, that was a bit close! 🙂 🙂 I suppose if you’ve gotta go, champagne in your hand isn’t too bad an exit. Glad you made it for those fabulous views, Lynn, and you’ve earned a spot on my Monday walks (if you don’t mind, of course 🙂 )
It definitely made us stop & listen, that’s for sure! Thank you so much Jo, I would be honoured!
Lynn! What an incredible day you had, with challenge, beauty, and memories with a dear friend. I love that you took champagne, and I love that you captured (but were not captured by!) that avalanche!
How many miles did you hike?
I actually am not sure how many miles Laurie. I think it was probably only 5 or 6 miles but with the snow, it felt like 20!
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Lake Louise is really beautiful! You are brave!!!
It is stunning Jackie! Thank you so much for visiting.
Wow amazing! Love the colors
It was spectacular!
Breathtaking scenery. You put me to shame, you are so adventurous!
I have to really get with it! 🙂
Lake Louise is such a picturesque place, surrounded in gorgeous vistas in every direction you look. Hiking here is relatively easy but the snow made it a little more challenging! Thank you for visiting!