I had thought that there couldn't be a road trip more impressive than the drive down the west coast of Scotland that we did in April 2010. I might have to put two roads on the list. The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) from Jasper to Lake Louise in Alberta is incredible.
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| Jasper |
We had intended to drive down a section of road that runs parallel to Hwy 93, the less busy and apparently pretty 93A, but it was closed for roadworks. Setback No. 1. So we set off down Hwy 93 to the first stop, the fabulous Athabasca Falls. Foiled again because of roadworks - closed for half an hour to an hour. We didn't wait. Setback No. 2.
After the disappointing start the road trip just got better and better. About week ago the Rockies and Calgary were deep in snow after a record snowfall for October. Most of it has since melted but as we climbed higher in the mountains there was a lot of snow and ice, particularly in the shady areas.
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| Sunwapta Falls. The river has carved a canyon through the rock. |
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| The top of Sunwapta Falls |
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| Phil negotiating the icy path to a viewing platform at Sunwapta Falls. |
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| Even the roadworks are attractive. |
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| Glacier and frozen waterfalls |
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Columbia Icefield.
The tourist buses from Banff and Lake Louise drive out on to the glacier.
There are two buses in the left of this photo, on the brown smudge line.
The glacier is gradually retreating. |
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| Mountain Goat statue at the glacier site. |
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| Wild goats at the glacier site. |
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Goats on the highway.
We think they were licking salty water (salt is used to clear snow off highways.) |
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