Rocking with the Rockies

For Years I had nourished a dream to visit the Rockies, the mountain range flanking the west coast of North America. I had listened to the dreamy tales about the beauty, amazing flora and fauna and the glamour of snow clad mountains from friends and relatives who had a chance to explore the beauty of this far off land. 
At last my day arrived when I was on a visit to my daughter in Chicago and she disclosed a surprise – a plan to visit the Canadian Rockies. The Rockies are a mountain range spanning over 4800 kilometre from Canada’s British Columbia in North to New Mexico in Southwest United States of America. Home to a variety of wild life, what attracts most is the splendour of nature, the climate and the picturesque surrounding that envelops the Rockies.
The Canadian Rockies is ideal for a summer escapade and our plan was to be there by the end of May. The first leg of travel was from Chicago to Calgary, a city in the western Canadian province of Alberta.
 
We found Calgary to be a hospitable city with a variety of eateries and restaurant. Our stay in Regency Suits was really comfortable. Calgary, situated on the confluence of Bow river and Elbow river offers some fabulous views of the river front, the park and trekking route. The city is a good haunting ground for the gourmet. We took turns to visit different restaurants serving exotic cuisine.. 

Bridge on Bow River, Calgary                

Greek Home Made Soup with Rice

Jogging in the Park, Calgary.                        

Roasted Lamb

A visit to the local Zoo was equal fun. The African Lion, the Giant Panda, Giraffe, the Mountain goat, Flamingos and other species provided the diversity and a good break, before we embarked on a journey to our destination – the Banff.
 

African Lion in Calgary Zoo

After a two day break at Calgary it was time for us to continue our journey to the west. Banff is located at a distance of around 80 kilo metre to the west of Calgary. The drive was like a trip through a dreamland. As we moved closer to our destination the beauty of nature unravelled like a kaleidoscope. The more we travelled the more majestic was the view. 

Moving Closer to the Dreamland.

At last we arrived at our destination – Banff on May 27. It was a 3 hour drive from Calgary. The Fairmont Banff Spring Resort, which looked like a fairy tale castle with breathtaking view in all directions, was to be our abode for the next few days.

 
Fairmont Spring Resort, Banff.

The hospitality was great. We were welcomed with a special gift of Champagne with a note of best wishes from the front desk. The resort is a sprawling property spread over a large area. One can step down to the meandering spring flanking the resort.

Welcome Note                                        

The Champagne treat

I was overwhelmed by the glories of nature all around as we entered Banff, the gateway to the Canadian Rocky Mountain. The snow clad peak of Mount Rundle and Mount Cascade reminded me of the Himalayas. However, the facilities around were much better.

 
A view of the Mountains from our Resort.

On May 28, we went on a drive from Banff to Athabaska Glacier of Columbia Ice-field. En route the Canadian Rocky Mountain laid bare its mesmerising splendour keeping us transfixed for almost seven hours. 
The snow clad peaks, overflowing streams, azure lakes, Larch, Spruce, Pine, Juniper and Aspen trees spreading a canopy of green were a feast for the eyes.

 
Snow Clad Peaks and part frozen Lakes flank the road to Athabaska Glacier.

 
Nature in full glory.

We stopped at Lake Louise, a real paradise on earth - a turquoise glacier fed lake surrounded by picturesque peaks enveloped by glistening snow. With 11 square miles spread on four mountain faces, Lake Louise is known as a popular destination for Skiing. It is one of the largest ski resorts in North America.
 

With wife at Lake Louise

Although not lucky enough to sight the grizzly bear, we chanced upon a herd of Mountain goat and other antelopes.

 
Mountain Goats running at the sight of the car

 
Antelopes of the Rockies

Lastly the Athabasca Glacier was the climax. We were further lucky to be escorted by a beautiful weather and a pleasant climate.

 
At Athabasca Glacier

The Athabasca Glacier is one of the six principal toes of the Columbian ice field of the Canadian Rockies. The glacier is fast losing its depth with the change in climate.
The Discovery Center is located across the parkway from where the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca glacier is. This is where we parked our car. The adventure seekers can further book a ticket to explore the glacier by boarding the giant Ice Explorer buses that go onto the glacier. At this point snacks, restaurant and washrooms are available. Picnic tables are available both in the lower parking lot and on the viewing deck. We took a nice break before retreating to our Resort. 
Situated at a height of 1414 metres, Fairmont Banff Resort hotel, Banff, Canada, built in Scottish Baronial style was opened to public in 1888. The stay in the hotel in the heart of Banff Reserve Park was splendid. A five minute drive took us to the Sulphur spring where a mini swimming pool captures the hot Sulphur water and a dip in the pool was rejuvenating. The spring was discovered in 1885 by two workers engaged in construction of Canadian Pacific Railways. The Prime Minister of Canada took the decision soon after to establish the Reserve Park.

 
The Sulphur Spring Swimming Pool

On May 30 we reached the Minnewanka Lake after a 15 mts. drive from the Fairmont Banff Spring hotel. Manne wanki means ‘a man and a spirit’ since it is believed that a monster lives in the lake, which devours anyone daring to swim in the lake. There are numerous underground springs which feed the lake. The average depth of the lake is 150 feet and at the deepest point it is 500 feet. 
Time stood still during the one hour cruise we took with the spectacle of snow covered peaks and the glaciers on Cascade mountain shining in the sunlight.

 
The Jetty at Lake Minnewanka

The Lake Minnewanka is the home for a variety of fishes and is among the most famous spots for trout fishing. It is rumoured that Trout, as large as 22 Kgs are caught from the lake. However, a catch of 11 Kg fish is not uncommon. The lake is taken to be a fisherman’s paradise.

 
The Guide explains the significance of Minnewanka as we join the mini Cruise.

 
The Fabled Picture of Minnewanka Monster

A trip to the Canadian Rockies is not complete unless one touches the Gondola Summit. One can take the Gondola (cable car) or trek up the mountain for a most thrilling experience.
A board near the booking counter reads, “The new Banf Gondola experience takes summit of Sulphur Mountain to all new heights. With interactive exhibits, an immersive theatre and a variety of dining options, the views are not the only thing that will take your breath away. The roof top observation deck at the mountain top provides a 360 degree view of the Rockies.

 
The Gondola Ride

 
A view of Fairmont Resort from the Gondola Top

 
The splendour of the Canadian Rockies - View from mountain top.

In reaching the top of the summit the paradise was revealed to us. The breathtaking panoramic sight of the surrounding hills, the Bow river valley and the Banff town were spectacular. I was told Prince Harry and Meghan Markle came to Banff for their honeymoon.
Our date with the Canadian Rockies was short but the memories lasted for ever. Not many know about the magic of this enchanting land, which may surpass the popular European destination in beauty and grandeur. Our return trip was sober but laden with the memory of our tryst with the paradise called Canadian Rockies.

Debjit Rath retired from Steel Authority of India Ltd. as Executive Director. He had joined SAIL as Management Trainee after completing his M.A. in Economics from Ravenshaw College. He had a short stint as Lecturer in Economics in Ravenshaw College before joining SAIL.