Canmore, Alberta and Kananaskis Travel Guide » waterfalls

Hoodoos and Hotsprings of Banff

Canmore and Kananaskis — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 17:03:13 +0000

The Natural Beauty of Banff National Park:
Mysterious Hoodoos, Steaming Hotsprings and Majestic Waterfalls

So wildlife abounds and scenic views are everywhere just outside Canmore, as well as in Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff and Banff National Park — everywhere in Western Canada, really. But there are some fascinating natural phenomena unique to the town of Banff, Alberta, that one can see year around.

Glaciers

Ancient fields of sub-polar ice, glaciers remain landmarks of the Canadian Rockies. Local glaciers include:

• The Victoria Glacier, a hanging glacier at the back of Lake Louise
• Crowfoot and Bow Glaciers, both visible from the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North)
• Columbia Icefield, accessible from the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North) via Ice Explorer tours

hodoos just outside Banff, Canada

Lakes:

• Lake Minnewanka
• Johnson Lake
• Two Jack Lake
• Lake Louise
• Moraine Lake
• Peyto Lake
• Bow Lake

Hoodoos

These strange – some might even say unnatural-looking — sandstone spires created over thousands of years by erosion and believed to be spiritually significant among First Nations forefathers. Local Hoodoos can be seen from the Hoodoos Viewpoint, along Tunnel Mountain Road.

Natural Hot Springs

Cave and Basin in Banff town

Of course there is the Banff Upper Hot Springs, but there are other local, notable hot springs. For example, a natural hot spring keeps ice off the third Vermilion Lake year-round. Then at the Cave and Basin Historic Site in Banff town one can visit the Cave, which features an interior pool and vent hole; the Basin, home to the Banff Springs snail; and along the Marsh Loop Boardwalk, two smaller springs bubble up from the mountainside, feeding the pools that are filled with pink bacteria, white and green algae, small fish, and insects.

Waterfalls

Bow Falls in Banff and Johnston Canyon along the Bow Valley Parkway are among the most spectacular falls in Banff. Even in the winter months, the ice formations are beautiful. Bow Falls are particularly easy to see – it’s just above the confluence of the Bow and Spray rivers, smack dab in downtown Banff!

Looking for a guided tour or hike of some these places in Banff, Alberta? Look no further than the guides at Banff Travel.

click here for Banff Travel

call toll free: 888-659-3394

211 Bear Street
Bison Courtyard
Banff, Alberta

Canmore: Top 3 moderate hikes

asykes — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 20:07:11 +0000

A perfect rest spot at one of Canmore's many trails. Photo by John E. Marriott

Canada travel vacations in the Canadian Rockies means sporty adventures by day, and equal relaxation by night. Hiking in particular is an outdoor activity that’s free and enjoyable by many, and those staying in Canmore, Jasper and Banff will have many trails to choose from. In the evening, rest those feet and sink into a comfortable setting in Banff hotels, Jasper inn and Canmore inn and suites.

Canmore shines in rugged paths leading to scenic views, and there is plenty of Canmore accommodation available throughout the year. Canmore lodging ranges from Canmore rentals, Canmore condos and Canmore bed and breakfasts, now all that’s left is knowing where to hike. Here are some recommendations for great and moderate hikes around the Canmore area for those wanting to get a workout and be a part of the outdoor sporting adventure. Regardless of hiking ability, don’t forget your hiking shoes!

Cougar Creek — Hikers looking to up the intensity should try Cougar Creek on for size. It begins at the parking lot on Elk Run Blvd. and continues either up the mountain or along the canyon. Both choices will offer fantastic scenery and photo opportunities that are simply priceless. Watch out for the steep areas, and be sure to bring a hiking partner.

Gnassi Lakes — This is a five-kilometer hike with a lot to see and discover. Begin just after the Canmore Nordic Center at the bottom of Smith-Dorrian Spray Trail. Although the beginning is a fire road, a quick turn leads hikers through the luscious and peaceful forest. As the hike through the woods slowly begins to ascend a beautiful waterfall reveals itself. When hikers arrive at the summit they will be greeted by emerald green and turquoise-colored lakes. Additional pictographs can be spotted, and there’s a rock scramble to climb for a closer look.

Goat Creek — An 18-kilometer trail that cruises from the top of Whiteman Pass to Banff Springs Hotel. Depending on the knees of the visitor, one way is more forgiving than the other. The trail drops a steep 291 meters (957 feet), though to help ease the big up and big down the trail is mostly wise and smooth. It’s an ideal choice for mountain bikers, and the walk back up offers some incredible places to pause and soak up the scenery.