Road trip through the Rocky Mountains

Day 1 (6/25/11)
Started early in the morning and entered Canada through Sumas (WA, USA) – Abbotsford (BC, Canada) border.

The drive was very very scenic and we reached Kamloops just in time for lunch.

After a mouth watering lunch at Boston Pizza, we continued on our way towards Jasper. The scenary was breathtaking.

We took a small break at the Mount Robson Park for some photo ops :)

Reached Jasper around 7.30pm. Looking forward to exploring Jasper tomorrow.

Day 2 (6/26/11)
Jasper did manage to take our breathe away today. The first stop after a quick breakfast was the Tramway ride and then hike upto the summit of Whistler Mountain. The Gondola ride from lower to upper terminal is more than 3000 feet rise.

We then hiked to the summit of Whistlers Mountain. Truly knew what it feels like to be 'On top of the world, looking down on creation' :)

After coming off the Whistler Mountain, we proceeded towards the Athabasca Falls. It was a nice trek along the river coast.

After lunch and some rest, we headed out to see the Maligne Canyon.

On our way back, we stopped by Lake Edith. It was one of the most peaceful places I have been to.

After that, we called it a day and rested up for more fun tomorrow.

Day 3 (6/27/11)
We started the day eager to get on the ZipLine Adventure. Rishi was brave enough to go alone while I chickened out and went in tandem with Sandip. It was a lot of fun and really nothing to be scared about. Loved it and looking forward to the next time.

After this exhilarating experience, we went to Lake Maligne. We saw a lot of wild life on the way and back - Mountain Goats, Moose, Bear. It was very scenic drive to the lake.

After lunch we strolled around the town of Jasper, had yummy ice creams, visited a few shops and back to the hotel. Our last day at Jasper came to close. Heading out to Banff tomorrow.

Day 4 (6/28/11)
Time to bid adieu to Jasper. I think we have seen only about 50% of all that this place has to offer. Heading towards Banff.
The road leading from Jasper to Banff is said to be the most scenic one in the world. After travelling through this route - we don't doubt that at all.

On our way, we first stopped at the Sunwapta Falls.

After a little fun and frolic, we proceeded to Columbia IceFileds. This is the largest IceFiled that humans can reach. The size of this ice field is the size of the city of Vancouver. We were taken to the ice field and the glaciers by what looked like a bus from the inside. When we reached there and embarked from the bus - the view and the feeling that it ensued left us dumbfounded. We all drank the unadultered water from the glacier that our tour guide told us would make us 10 years younger :D Not sure of that claim, but none of us passed this chance and the water tasted heavenly.

We were amazed to see Moulins - which are Glacier wells - up close. These are known to be extremely dangerous.

We had lunch at the Ice Filed cafe overlooking the glaciers. Then we resumed our drive towards Banff. The scenary continued to amaze us.
We stopped at the Bow Summit and Peytoe Lake.The view was spectacular.

After this we went straight to our hotel in Banff for a much needed R&R :)
Day 4 done!!

Day 5 (6/29/11)

Banff is such a quaint little city. We walked all over downtown last night just to get a feel for the city.

The bus service is very convenient here. The hotel provided us with bus passes for our stay here. We took the bus and went to the Gondola station soon after breakfast. The Gondola took us upto 7496 feet of Sulphur Mountain. After that we hiked 377 steps to reach the summit. The summit has a 'Cosmic Ray Station'. We were of course rewarded by the breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains.

New Delhi is only 11,046 Km away :)

Yes!! We reached the summit

We then drove to Lake Louise. Such a beautiful place!!

Day 6 (6/30/11)
Last day in Banff. We went to Kootenay National park in the morning today. The weather was perfect as was the drive to the park. This national park is in British Columbia.

We had to stop our car for his/her highness to pass :)

Our first stop was at Radium Hot Springs - which was a huge disappointment. It looked like an enclosed swimming pool but we were told the water was heated naturally by the hot springs. Whatever!! To make up for this disappointment, we gorged on huge, yummy ice creams. Feeling better we proceeded to our next stop which was Numa Falls.

We then drove around in the beautiful park for a couple more hours before finally calling it a day.

Reached the last leg of our trip. We head out home tomorrow.

7/1/11 (Day 7)

We headed out for Seattle early in the morning. We stopped at Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National park on the way back.

After that, it was a looong drive home.
It was a great, relaxing trip. But as with everything else, not everything was perfect. So, what was not good?
1. Mosquitos in the national park.
2. I fell in one of the many creeks at Numa Falls. A few scrapes and bruises were all the harm that was done.

But the memories that linger are of the majestic, beautiful Rocky Mountains!