2 days ago, Jan 1st, I was out again in the national park. Could be my last visit for this trip since my uncle who usually brings me to these places is leaving for Malaysia this weekend. My last chance to enjoy the most out of the Canadian natural environment. I was really lucky to be able to get there as the road conditions were perfect! Usually, they would be pretty slippery and icy under winter conditions. I also found out on the news a day later that the roads were closed due to a heavy snowfall and a high risk of avalanches occurring.

The Iced Lake

From the Window

Hotel Interior

Hotel Interior

Icicles .

Frozen White

Anyway, my 1st stop was at Lake Louise. I was expecting to see a huge lake after going through pictures of it on the net. Upon arrival, much to my disappointment, the lake was all iced up, covered with snow. You can see how different it is compared to summer from the pic I showed below. (Lake Louise :Summer, taken by SUMMERFALL, D.Art) One would probably think its just a flat piece of land in the middle of the mountains if they never knew the existence of the lake. The lake was also not as big as I thought it would be. Nevertheless, it was quite a sight with the cloud covered mountains and the snow covered pine trees. A miniature hockey arena arena and an ice castle were also erected on the iced lake. There were plenty of tourists around the place, most of them probably staying in the nearby classy hotel, the Fairmont hotel.

Lake Louise Winter

Lake Louise Summer

Deep Snow

White Tree

The Corridor

I could really spend a whole day wandering around there but due to time restrictions, my relatives and I had to leave for the next stop. Johnsson Canyon. At Johnsson canyon, we had to do a little hiking to 3 miles there and and back to see the waterfalls there, the traols there were certainly not in the best condition for hiking. Had trouble walking and balancing due to the slippery conditions of the trail. Lost count to the number of times I slipped. Good thing I didnt slip right down the steep ravine next to the trail. My relatives were rather excited to show me the falls. They had a good surprised to find that the falls were all frozen up since they have never been there during winter. I was rather amazed by the iced up falls. How could a waterfall that big be frozen? Must've been really cold there.

Dawn over the Rockies

Moose Meadow

We left for banff after the hike. Banff is a real hotspot for tourists. It is a small pretty town located within the Rocky Mountains. Too bad for the foul weather. The view here would have been awesome otherwise. It was extremely windy when we reached there. The wind is so strong that snow could be blown from the ground into your face, which hurts. We visited the hot springs in the area. What amazed me is that tropical fishes can be seen living in the waters there. If it wasnt for the hot springs, they would have been iced up already. Theres also this endemic species of snail at this place and its said that these snails cannot be found anywhere else on earth. One would also noticed the the stench of sulphur gas present at the area, which comes out from the hto springs. H2S gas if Im correct. We later left for another part of banff, the Bow Falls. Once again, my relatives were taken in by surprise as they never thought that the falls, bigger that the ones in Johnsson Canyon, would also freeze up. So much for waterfalls. Haha. Took a short tour around the famous Banff Springs Hotel before going to a spot opposite the hotel to snap a photo of it. Wasnt easy taking the shot then, as it was so windy, my uncle and I had to hold onto the tripod to prevent my camera from being blow over.

At Johnsson canyon

Ice Climbing

Mountain on the Horizon

Another Mountain

Hot Springs

The Resting Point

Left for home in the dark, tired. Was really glad I could visit those places despite the foul weather. Its going to be a matter of time, dont know when, before I get to go there again.

Frozen Waterfall	Banff Springs Hotel	Hot Springss
	Winterland .