Barb and Baden’s Excellent Mountain Adventure – Part 2

Out in the Snow

Last night was our first night in Lake Louise and we had a great dinner at the Poppy Brasserie (one of the many restaurants in the hotel) before calling it a night. After the day spent traveling including the 2+ hour drive from Calgary we didn’t have the energy to stay up too late.

By the time the morning came, we were anxious to get some breakfast and then get into our snow gear and get out there in our snowshoes. Before I forget I wanted to show the great view of the lake at night as the lights come on on the skating rink as well as the ice sculptures that are all around the back of the hotel.

Since the lake was frozen, many people head out from the hotel across the lake either on cross-country skis or snowshoes. It took us about 45 minutes to get to the far end of the lake which is 2 km away.

While we were crossing the lake the wind was blowing bit it was at our back so we really didn’t feel it to much. Keep in mind that when you’re snowshoeing you’re not wearing ally heavy clothes as you’re really working up a sweat so it’s mostly several light layers and wind proof, snow-resistant jacket and pants. At the far end of the lake is a frozen waterfall which is quite spectacular. While we were there, there were several people who were climbing up the waterfall and many near the top.

We spent about 3 hours outside on our first snowshoe adventure. As we normally do, we stopped half way and had lunch which we had picked up in the morning. Along with the hot tea that we had brought l with us, it really hit the spot just when we were starting to run out of steam.

The History

Next to the incredible scenery, the Chateau Lake Louise is probably most famous for its history. The original hotel at this location was built around 1890 and the beginnings of the ‘chateau’ starting about 20-30 years later. Walking through the inside of the hotel, you can just see the history in all of the furnishings and architecture.

One can only think that in our very room there might have been a couple like us, 75 years ago, staying here for snowshoeing. Very likely watching movies on their iPad and updating their travel blog. I guess some things never change. 🙂

Baden