Thursday, August 19, 2010

Traveling the Canadian Rockies

We returned last Saturday from a two week trip to the Canadian Rockies in western Alberta - Banff, Jasper, and Waterton Lakes National Parks. This was not a birding trip, but when the birds appeared, we took the opportunity they presented (Please return Saturday for a column on one of those opportunities.)

The Canadian Rockies are dramatic, glacially sculpted mountains, as for example, this view along the Icefields Parkway in Jasper National Park ...


Clark's Nutcracker abounds in the mountains, one of those gregarious Corvids that I love ...


Wapiti (Elk) along the Bow River Parkway, Banff National Park, one of several sightings we had of this magnificent member of the deer family ...


Berry bushes were bearing mature fruit, which put many bears on the move as they begin to bulk up for the winter. (Berry bushes bearing bear's berries. -!?) We saw this Black Bear near Lake Pyramid in Jasper National Park ...


For years I have wanted to stay in one of the old destination hotels built by the railroads at parks throughout the Rockies. On this trip, we took the opportunity; Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton Lakes National Park was built by the Great Northern Railroad. Perched on a high glacial bluff at the south end of Lake Waterton, it has an unrivaled view from its lobby, lounge, and restaurant ...

10 comments:

Chris said...

Wow the wapiti and the bear are very impressive for me! That's probably very cool to observe them! Well done Chris. This is a beautiful post

Keith said...

Wow fantastic pictures and a lovely post! Got married in Banff last year and returning to Canada next month touring in an RV and really looking forward to it!

Great Blog and I've put you in my favourites.

Keith

http://www.keithsbirding.blogspot.com/

FAB said...

Fabulous views and great wildlife moments so expertly captured Chris.

BirdGalAlcatraz said...

Simply stunning. Words fail me!

Larry said...

Wow Chris-my stomach dropped like I was on a roller coaster when I saw your photos.-Boy would I love to go here some day! The nutcracker remind me a little of the Gray Jay-perfect on top of the green-gorgeous!

A New England Life said...

That is one incredible view. It looks like the road cuts right down through the center of the first photo. Stunning!

JRandSue said...

Out of this world,amazing photography.
John.

elvira pajarola said...

Ciao Chris; it is always so beautiful to admire your fantastic bird photography and read your outstanding texts; but this magic place is incredibly wonderful!

I would love to sit one day in this "lobby" and look a this nature splendor!!
The Nutcracker on the golden green needles...
Fabulous the bear and the elk pic....!!!!
Gorgeous mountain-tour!!
ciao ciao elvira

Moona Liza said...

Someone can probably spend 2 weeks in Jasper National Park and not experience it all, but unfortunately most visitors don't have weeks to spend. Generally 3 days to 4 days in Jasper National Park is a good start to see all the famous sights.

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