Friday 29th June - Lake Louise

Charlton's Cedar Court

Hooray, a lie in - 7.45!
We breakfasted with a couple from the Medway Towns and set off into Banff to the launderette which was situated in the basement if a small shopping mall. Once we were sorted Neil went out for supplies and to find a welcome coffee. I use the term "My Beautiful Launderette" loosely, but it sure was. Potted plants and flowers decorated the place & music kept us amused whilst we washed and dried our belongings. I got chatting to a couple, he was from Dublin and she was from Vancouver and was clearly not happy with his attempts at assistance. (Well, he did put pairs of Levi's in the drier along with other washing and it was taking an age to dry)
Once completed we headed for Lake Louise some 32 miles away. On route I topped up the Canadian cell phone that I bought in Vancouver and was guided through the process by an "automated Andrea". Yes! That is how she introduced herself.

Lake Louise

 

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Lake Louise was named in 1884 in honour of Princess Louise, Queen Victoria's 4th daughter. The first chalet was built on its shore in 1890, but it is probable that the first visitors arrived 10,000 years earlier. The were plenty of information boards telling its history, native wildlife and flora & fauna.
The lake stands 1731 mtrs above sea level and lies in the sub-alpine zone. winters are long and cold and summer is short and cool. The average daily temperature in January is -14deg C and +13deg C in July.
Whilst we were there the prestigious Chateau Lake Louise were putting preparations in place for a wedding that was going to take place in the grounds overlooking the Lake. What a setting I thought and at what price!

Lake Minnewanka

On the return to Banff we drove along the shoreline trail of Lake Minnewanka which translates as Lake of the Spirit. This lake is the largest in Banff National Park at 120kms long and 2kms wide at its widest point. Scuba divers are now the only ones to visit Minnewanka Landing as it is all under water,.The Lake was first dammed in1895 to improve the boggy shoreline for boating.It was dammed again in 1912 this time to store water for a downstream hydro-electric plant.Construction of the final dam occurred in 1941. More stunning scenery, the superlatives are just endless.

Once back at the hotel, it was a quick turnaround and out once again to Banff on the 7.40p.m. bus, returning on the 10.04.
We ate at the Irish Pub where live music was playing and got chatting to a couple from Lemington Spa, who were touring before meeting relatives in Calgary.