Tourists READ THIS - There are other AMAZING places than Lake Louise!

by Gwen 3 Replies latest summer hiking

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  Gwen

  Let's help out the tourists and the locals. Lake Louise is getting way TOO BUSY!

  CBC wrote about tourists being turned away, I also know some locals (taking their parents from out of town) that were turned away.

  Lake Louise is a Canadian gem and a "must see" for locals and tourists. It is as beautiful as the pictures but it is not as built up as many tourists may think (no town like Banff, less hotels and restaurants in Lake Louise Village, etc). If I was travelling from another country I'd likely make the stop even though it's crazy busy.

  As a climber and hiker it is unfortunate to not want to go to a first class climbing area due to the craziness but then again there are MANY other amazing places. That is why I'm writing this, lets help out the tourists. Canada does not = Lake Louise. Please help share other amazing places all people should see. Of course as a local some may be kept secret ;).

  If you are travelling to Lake Louise and want to see more LAKES or are turned away because so busy check out:

  • Moraine Lake (close to Lake Louise, also busy but maybe not as crazy)
  • Emerald Lake (by Field, BC - less than 30 minutes from Lake Louise)
  • Quarry Lake (in Canmore - it's not crazy blue but it's pretty with 360 degree mountain views if you are stopping in Canmore anyways)
  • Peyto Lake (on Icefields Parkway)

  Here is a glimpse of Peyto Lake:

  
  

  This is just a starter, I hope it inspires people to go to more than Lake Louise and Banff! Happy travels!
  
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  Mountain Machine

  What a great place!

  With kids its a nice little hike for hugely impressive views.

  Park can be a little chaotic but parking on the road tends to make things a little easier.

  Don't be afraid to go a little further down the trail as the views just get better.
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  Mountain Machine

  I'm talking about Peyto Lake above.

  I'd recommend checking Heart Creek for a hike in Kananaskis (directly off HWY 1) if you are traveling between Calgary and Banff. If looking for some beautiful hikes taking a trip down HWY 40 into Kananaskis gives lots of options and will be significantly less busy than Banff.
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  CaptainCodeman

  Yeah, we like the quieter places. Isn't the whole point of going to the mountains to experience some of the tranquility - if you are sitting in traffic, spending hours driving round a car-park looking for a parking spot and standing in queues you could just go to your local Costco. What's the point?

  Yes, the iconic views are amazing ... but nothing beats a quiet peaceful spot IMO. Banff has to be one of my least favourite places in the Rockies precisely because it's so busy (and commercialized).

  We used to do the tourist thing when we came over on vacation and of course you should visit the big name places at least once to see them ... but you're right - you don't need to go to them every time you go to the mountains. We often found the 'smaller' places along the way far more enjoyable to visit.