Canadian Rockies Bucket List

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Canadian Rockies Bucket List

Looking for a bucket list of the Canadian Rockies? Here's mine... in no particular order!

EXPERIENCE
LAKE LOUISE

Lake Louise

What a breathtaking sight this mountain lake is! Yes, the colour is real; the glacial rockflower that is suspended in the water gives it that deep green-blue hue. In the summer you can go for a stroll along the lakeshore or hike up to the teahouse. In the winter you can go for a skate on the lake (rentals available) or take a horse-drawn sleighride for a magical experience! Photo by Michael Jennek

THE ICEFIELDS PARKWAY

Peyto Lake

Drive or take a motorcoach tour up the Icefields Parkway for the scenic drive of a lifetime! The views are remarkable. Who knew nature could be so big?! Breathe in the fresh mountain air and gaze upon the ancient glaciers that are now endangered in our world. Mountain lakes such as Peyto Lake (see above) as well as Bow Lake are must-sees! Image courtesy Travel Alberta.

VISIT CASTLE MOUNTAIN

Castle mt 15578

Just a short drive from the townsite of Banff in Banff National Park is the stunning Castle Mountain. Known for its many peaks and interesting history, both geological and historical, this is one mountain you won't want to miss. It really does look like a castle!

The Icefields Parkway (with mountain lakes and glaciers)

Lake Louise & Victoria Glacier

Moraine Lake & the Valley of the Ten Peaks

Helicopter Ride over the Rockies

Picnic in the Kananaskis

Johnston Canyon

Boat Ride on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island

Visit a mountain waterfall

Enjoy a Sunday brunch at the Banff Springs Hotel

Johnston Canyon

I recently sat down with a bowl of popcorn and watched The Bucket List, the 2007 Rob Reiner film about two terminally ill men (Morgan Freeman & Jack Nicholson) who go on a world adventure in an attempt to cross things off a list of inspirational things they would like to see and do before they die. This reminded me of a couple of passengers I had on my bus.

It was a perfect day for a motorcoach tour down the Icefields Parkway. The sun was shining and the crisp and clear mountain air provided my passengers with great mountain vistas.

Arriving in Lake Louise at the Lake, everyone got off the bus and walked to the lake shore. The view of the lake and the backdrop of Victoria Glacier are always stunning - even for me - but if it is your first time to Lake Louise, it is truly magical, no matter what your age.

One of my passengers that day was a grandmother who had always wanted to see the Canadian Rockies. She had planned her trip to include her young grandson and the places she had always heard about in the Rockies. After walking the lakeshore and admiring the Chateau Lake Louise located right at the lake, her grandson said, "Grandma, do you think we could one day stay here at the Chateau and spend some time here at Lake Louise?"

The grandmother immediately came to me and asked, if I thought they would be able to get a room at the Chateau and if they could continue the tour tomorrow. She told me about her grandson asking her if they could one day stay here and enjoy this majestic place together. She told me that there wouldn't be a one day - the time was now and this was why she wanted to do the trip with her grandson NOW.

I took their luggage off the motorcoach and waited. The two came out of the Chateau with huge grins on their faces. This was years ago - but I am sure that that litttle boy never forgot his stay at the Chateau Lake Louise with his Fairy Grandmother, who graciously granted his wish and loved every minute of it!

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