Banff National Park December 11, 2024

 

spirit of the season in snowy surroundings

A short distance west from Banff looks more like the view in my promo painted photo I have been using to start each of these Banff blog stories.  It was a gorgeous drive along the Bow Valley Parkway to Johnston Canyon. By the time I was ready to start hiking, a bit of morning pink still remained in the sky. I was feeling on the lazy side today so made the viewpoint above the Upper Falls my destination.  This was the view from the first bridge over to the main trail.  

Strolling along the catwalk was so enjoyable!  The trees were dressed in winter white, there was more open water than normal running through the Canyon which created a soothing sound.  I was first to arrive in the parking lot, so shared the catwalk with no others.  

I descended down to the Lower Falls for a quick visit but I prefer to spend more time at the Upper Falls.  This stretch of catwalk leads down to a viewing platform at the end.  

view from the viewing platform 

After looking up at the Upper Falls, I ascended the trail that leads to a view of the Upper Falls at eye level.  I made this my destination location.  I settled in on the bench to savour the sights, snacks and sips of my hot beverage.  I secretly hoped I would see the fox I saw the last time I was in the area, no luck though.  There were two squirrels that entertained me.  

On the hike back, I veered off through the forest to where the cabins were located.  I probably should not have been there.  I meandered about and found the cabin I stayed in during early October of 2022. If there was a chair on the deck, I would have settled in for more snacks and sips.  The cabins are closed for the winter season.

a pile of firewood near my cabin 

I found my way out of the cabin area and aimed for the parking lot.  I continued west along the Bow Valley Parkway.  I owned the road so stopped to capture this view of Castle Mountain through my windshield.

after crossing this bridge, I pulled off to the side where there was a trail down to the river

These views greeted me from the riverside.

enjoyed time by the fire to end my day

Banff National Park December 10, 2024

spirit of the season in snowy surroundings

With just a short drive, I arrived at the Cave & Basin parking lot a few minutes after sunrise.  I hiked the trail alongside the Bow River leading to Sundance Canyon.  The air was clear and crisp, fresh and invigorating.  The morning glow was beautiful and I loved those fluffy puffy white clouds that decorated the sky.  One thing was missing though, a fresh dusting of white gold.  

The trail was hard packed and almost ice in areas.  My spikes kept me upright and moving at a good clip.  The Bow River looked frozen with a light layer of old snow over top. 

a not so frozen section along an inlet off the River

The closer I got to Sundance Canyon, the more snow there was.  As I entered in and began to climb, I was very thankful to be wearing my spikes.  My plan was to hike the entire loop rather than an out and back.  I am OK with ascending through the canyon, but descending would be treacherous.  

at a high point in the canyon away from the drop offs

There are numerous spots along the trail within the Canyon that pass close to the creek and small tumbling  water falls.  The ice formations were captivating …..

…..as was watching and listening to the waterfalls behind the ice!

At the top, I left the canyon walls behind and entered into the forest.  It felt and looked like full on winter here.  The sun was hitting the tops of the snow-covered trees.  The air turned much crispier, I was dressed for it.

This was the perfect location to capture a photograph of my newest Christmas Tree decoration.  It’s a Great Horned Owl.  I put a dusting of snow on its’ head. Now it will come home with me with a little story to tell when I hang it on my tree,

 view as I began to descend back down to the valley bottom

a selfie shot in my favourite spot 

This is a close up of my new hat.  A friend was placing an online order so I added this hat to her order.  It arrived just in time to take to Banff.  

On the return portion of the hike, I veered off and hiked the Marsh Loop.  

Lots of open water in the creek.

view of Mount Rundle from the Marsh Loop Trail

settling in for the evening 

Banff National Park December 9, 2024

spirit of the season in snowy surroundings

…..and just like that, the city is back to being brown again!  I left the city behind this morning to head west where it’s more winter-like even though it’s still technically and officially autumn.  I arrived in Banff at the shore of Lake Minnewanka to see it surrounded by open water. The whole area looked very similar to when I was here in October.  I enjoy following the lake shore capturing Mother Nature’s winter creations. But! Where’s the snow? Where’s the ice?

The snow is high on the mountain peaks!

There is no ice to be seen!

There is a bit of snow in the crevasses where the sun does not shine!

When I rounded the corner, there it was, ice galore but only in the shore.  Play time!  I found this slice, gave it a polish, propped it up between rocks and made it my muse.

that’s it at bottom left 

two slices of ice sitting near the open water 

the inlet lined with many ice gems 

a bit of snow, a bit of ice

This was a perfect slice of ice!

I posed with it!

a Townsend’s Solitaire

a Snow Bunting 

an American Dipper

Before heading into Banff Townsite, I stopped by Cascade Ponds to have a late lunch.  I found the perfect picnic table in the sun and with a view.  As I approached the table, I noticed a Buck who noticed me.  I opted to dine in my vehicle.  After a couple of bites of my tortilla with peanut butter, the Buck began walking towards my vehicle,  I then made a quick drive away!

While walking through the townsite, I stopped to enjoy the sights of the season!

a very quiet Banff Avenue, free of ice and snow

no snow falling only snowflakes suspended in air

The spirit of the season is in the air!