Banff National Park

We are currently enjoying the beauty of Banff National Park and the other parks in this area--Yoho and Glacier. The scenery is spectacular with high, snow-capped, rocky peaks, raging rivers, and glacial lakes. We have done several hikes in the area to view the lakes of Lake Louise and Morraine Lake as well as some forested trails in Glacier (Canada) Nat'l Park. The snow levels are too low to allow much hiking above the tree line.

I also did a bike ride along the scenic Bow River Parkway. It ended up being an exciting ride as I encountered both a grizzly bear and a black bear along the side of the road. The grizzly was HUGE and less than 10 feet from me when I finally paid attention and noticed him! He was quite curious about me and raised up a bit (not quite to a full stand) to get a better view and sniff. The black bear, thank goodness, was a bit further off the road, but both encounters made me quite nervous and upon the next stop in Banff, I bought some bear spray (hopefully never to use it!).
Alan and I plan to do a river rafting trip on the Kicking Horse River on Thursday. With the incredible amounts of snowfall runoff and rains this year, the rivers are quite exciting and the lower portion is still closed. The normally Class 3 rapids are in the Class IV range. It should be an exciting trip!!