Lake Minnewanka and Tunnel Mountain.

We are now in a town called Canmore, just outside the National Park, as we were unable to get accommodation in Banff. We are still surrounded by mountains, but today we decided to have a look at Lake Minnewanka, just inside the park. Every time we go into the park we pass  inspection of our pass, which we bought in Halifax, and which lasts two years. It was a good move, we have saved a lot of money by not having to buy for each park.

The lake was dammed in 1942 to provide hydro electricity for the area,  and is still in operation. This Bighorned Sheep decided to take a walk along the side of the dam, and held up traffic for a while till he got across.

Once again the views across the lake were spectacular, I am fast running out of superlatives for the Rockies and the national parks, what can you say about views like this?

All around us is such magnificence that it is almost impossible to take it all in, much of the mountain area is open only to foot traffic only on long hikes, so that where we are is only where we can access by road, or short walks. Camping and hiking is very much encouraged here, although everywhere we go there are warnings about the dangers of wild animals.

Lake Two Jacks is separated from Lake Minnewanka by another small dam, we walked along the lake for a while to take in yet more magnificent views. These two lakes are much quieter than others we have visited, but there are a few people around.

After our usual Subway lunch ( they are all over Canada, and aren't I pleased!) we took a trip up Tunnel mountain. That big lump of rock you can see in the centre of the picture is part of it, and it extends horseshoe fashion to where we are. It was so called because when they were building the railway here it was expected they would have to tunnel through it, however after a re-survey they decided to go north around it. From the top we overlook the Bow Valley, the river snakes through the valley and is a haven for wildlife. Behind Tunnel mountain you can see Sulphur Mountain, where we were yesterday at the hot springs.

Behind us here is Mount Rundle, and the southern part of this Bow Valley, the Bow River still snaking through.

These objects are called Hoodoos,  formed by the erosion of the softer rocks around them over many centuries. Why they are called that I haven't found out.

All through the park are pairs of these red chairs, strategically placed at viewpoints. These are overlooking the valley above, we tried to move them so we could get the wonderful view of the valley in the background but they were tied down. Spoilsports!.
Once again I shall entrance you with more views......