Well worth the trip

Thanks to the advice of a local Parks employee, we decided to detour off of the 1 highway and take a more roundabout but scenic drive to Nakusp. The route we took intersected with part of the Columbia River and no bridge to cross, but thankfully there is a free ferry that shuttles vehicles across all day.



The ferry we took




Kiska enjoying the ride

After finishing the beautiful drive we arrived at Nakusp, which is a smaller town in a gorgeous setting. We spent the day walking around Nakusp on the store-front streets as well as the path that lead along the river and to the beaches. Later we treated ourself to a night out at the local woodfire pizza joint and rented Bridesmaids to cuddle up to back in the camper. After a good nights rest we got going early and took a family run on paths around the town, and then were thankful for a shower at the campground. We were fortunate to time it perfectly for the Saturday Famers Market, where we got some great fruits and veggies for our travels. Then it was time to hit the road again.



The riverside path in Nakusp



View from Nakusp

The next stop on our trip was Revelstoke, back on the 1. Since it is so late in the tourist season we have benefited from a lack traffic, as well as end of the season sales at all the shops! While we didn't buy anything, we walked around town checking all the racks and getting a feel for the place. Then we drove up to the Dam for another great view before taking a nice walk on one of the local trails and having dinner by the river. Later, we ended the night at a wine bar with a yummy dessert of chocolate truffles.



The Revelstoke Dam



Dinner on the river

Sunday morning we woke up to a grey sky and drizzle outside, but after a nice breakfast sandwich we were energized and ready to start our drive towards the Canadian Rockies. The first stop we made was at Illecillewaet trailhead in Glacier National Park to hike up Abbot Ridge. It was cloudy and drizzling from the start, but that didn't stop us from heading up. Unfortunately it started pouring when we got out of the trees and near the top, so we turned around and high tailed it back to the car, but not before getting a steep-soaking 5 miles of good hiking in. We also got some beautiful views of the mountains despite the clouds.





Kiska did not enjoy getting wet in the rain, but loved hiking nonetheless

That night we drove to the edge of Yoho National Park to camp for the night. We had quite the array of clothes drying in the camper, and were so thankful that Clyde had given us Mr. Heater so we were able to get warmed up and dry before making amazing burritos for dinner.


Trying to dry out our clothes

We awoke in the morning to clearing skies, which revealed the incredible campsite that we had stumbled upon. It looked down on to Wapta Falls on the Kicking Horse river, and had beautiful snow dusted peaks rising in the background.


Bones and the sun revealing the view


View from the campsite, the wide falls in the lower-middle

We headed up for the first walk of the day to Emerald Lake in Yoho park. The colors of the lake were beautiful in the morning, although the clouds were slowing working their way back over the tops of the peaks.







Nate and Kelsey by Emerald Lake




The lake with foothills in the background, the bare spot is where an avalanche came down into the lake several years ago!

Then it was into Banff National Park, and up to Lake Louise and Lake Morraine. It was strange to finally be getting to Banff, as we had both been really excited about this part of the trip and been talking about being here for a long time! It was a little cold outside and starting to rain again, but we still walked along the lakeshore trails by both of them to round out about 6 miles for the day.


Banff National Park!!


Bundled up at Moraine Lake


Kiska enjoying the fresh glacial water


Enjoying the view at Lake Louise

After the lakes we were anxious to get warm and collect in the nice Worldmark room Debbie and Chuck set up for us just outside the park in Canmore for 3 nights. Kiska wasn't allowed to come in so she spent the last few nights on a solo campout in Bones... However, in return she has gotten to take multiple trips to the local dog park where there were always lots of dogs to play with and tons of space (nothing like the small gated parks in Los Angeles), plus tagging along for the daytime adventures- she probably thinks this would be a great place for us to move!




Nate and Kiska playing Kiska's favorite game in the dog park: chase! We aren't sure Kiska fully appreciates the scenic background.

Allowing our legs a rest and a chance for the clothes and hiking shoes to dry, we decided to spend our second day exploring the city of Banff as well as downtown Canmore. Banff is a very touristy spot, not surprising, with travelers from all over the world and lots of shops and eateries to entice. We didn't end up with any major purchases, but enjoyed walking around and trying stuff on.

Wednesday we woke up to clearing skies and got an early start to get some hiking in, after a morning trip to the dog park for Kis, of course. Then it was up to Johnson canyon and the inkpots, a pretty popular route just north of Banff. The hike wound along a beautiful blue river that had carved the stone canyon walls and dropped down several waterfalls. Then it headed up along a ridge and to the "inkpots," a series of blue green pools that come up from the ground and are colored by springs in the sand below.


On the way up!


Kels at the lower falls


The view from the trail


The blue green waters of the inkpots



We finished the day by doing some laundry and a quick trip to the local brewery to sample some delicious beer and Canada's famous poutine!- french fries with cheese curds and gravy, mmmm. Now we're packing up and getting set to head out for our last few days in Canada before crossing the border into Montana!