Waterton to Banff

Ted. Judy and I decided to take the scenic route when we drove from Waterton National Park to Banff National Park. This journey promised great mountains and magnificent river valleys.

Heading west from Pincher Creek we crossed Crowsnest Pass and dropped down into the beautiful Elk River Valley in British Columbia. In Wardner, our road followed the Kootenay River, then left it at Columbia Lake, the source of the Columbia River which actually flows north here. Passing through Sinclair Canyon at Radium Hot Springs we once again join the Kootenay and enter Kootenay National Park. It is cool to think about the fact that these great rivers were the highways in this region for thousands of years. After driving the length of the park and enjoying wonderful views we came to the continental divide where we left Kootenay NP, returned to Alberta and entered Banff National Park. 

Here’s where we joined the crowds. I had been to Banff 35 years ago and insisted that Judy take a quick look at world famous Lake Louise. After enjoying a quiet lunch at the café in the small village, we headed to the lake itself. What a zoo! There was no parking anywhere and long lines to get to the parking lot for shuttles that would take us to the lake. I “called an audible at the line of scrimmage" and dropped Judy off at the handicapped parking lot and then drove back to the village. She texted me after she made it to the lake shore for a quick glimpse and I circled back to pick her up. 

Lake Louise - the dream

Lake Louise - the reality

After that mess, we then made our way to the town of Banff, which was a case of jumping out of the frying pan into the fire. I offered to drop Judy off so she could explore the shops and art galleries that I had enjoyed back in the eighties. Alas, the crowds were unbelievable. To get an idea, visualize any mall two days before Christmas! We said forget it and continued on to our peaceful hotel well outside of the town. More than four million people visit Banff each year. That’s nearly as much as Yellowstone. Apparently, they all confine themselves to ten square miles of the park. We decided to get a good night's sleep and then figure out how to escape the crowds.