In our time on the road we have seen a few hikes we would classify as "killer." This one was no exception. I almost sent the family on without me because I was not feeling so hot that morning and also, I had no idea how great this was going to be. But my motto is, "I can be sick anytime and anywhere, but some stuff I may never get to see again." I am really, really glad I didn't miss this.
Chateau Lake Louise, as seen from the other side. We started out at the Chateau Lake Louise and right away the view is pretty spectacular. You could stop happy right there behind the hotel, and plenty of folks do just that. Or you can hike a little way around the lake on a smooth, flat trail and be rewarded with a nice time. Again, plenty of people do that. You can also rent kayaks and canoes for paddling around Lake Louise, another popular outing. With water the color of pure turquoise, one could paddle or just sit and stare at the lake and be satisfied for the day. But we packed a lunch and hiking gear and unfortunately forgot the Rice Krispy treats and headed uphill toward the tea house and the Plain of Six Glaciers.
The trail takes its name from, you guessed it, the view of six glaciers from the top. It could just have easily been named for six trees or weasels or anything else because the view is so beautiful you pretty much forget to count how many glaciers you can actually see. The only thing I thought to count was the chipmunks sneaking around for crumbs while we ate lunch.
The view right there from the creek at what is officially the end of the trail is enough. But if you want to go further you can do an extra 1.3 kilometers up the valley to a better view of Abbot Pass and the glaciers. It is absolutely worth the effort.
The trail takes its name from, you guessed it, the view of six glaciers from the top. It could just have easily been named for six trees or weasels or anything else because the view is so beautiful you pretty much forget to count how many glaciers you can actually see. The only thing I thought to count was the chipmunks sneaking around for crumbs while we ate lunch.
The view right there from the creek at what is officially the end of the trail is enough. But if you want to go further you can do an extra 1.3 kilometers up the valley to a better view of Abbot Pass and the glaciers. It is absolutely worth the effort.
We could have sat there a long while taking in the view. If you stay long enough (and not very long at that) you will hear the ice on the ridge cracking and see huge chunks of it fall. The sound is tremendous and the sight is spectacular, even though what falls is usually a relatively small piece of the glacier. The sun is bright and hot but the wind blowing off the glacier cools you down considerably.
And speaking of a considerable cooling, on our way back we had to take off our shoes and wade through the edge of the lake. On our way up in the morning the water level was lower and the stepping stones along that stretch of shoreline were exposed, but the day's meltwater raised the lake level a few inches in the few hours we were gone. Since we were plenty hot from our hike we thought it would be refreshing. And it was, in the same way that Simon Cowell is a bit critical. I have felt some cold water before, bone-chilling cold even, but this lake took the cake. I had to pee almost instantly (but I didn't).
And speaking of a considerable cooling, on our way back we had to take off our shoes and wade through the edge of the lake. On our way up in the morning the water level was lower and the stepping stones along that stretch of shoreline were exposed, but the day's meltwater raised the lake level a few inches in the few hours we were gone. Since we were plenty hot from our hike we thought it would be refreshing. And it was, in the same way that Simon Cowell is a bit critical. I have felt some cold water before, bone-chilling cold even, but this lake took the cake. I had to pee almost instantly (but I didn't).
And on that note, I will close, but I should also let you know we are back in the USA now in Glacier National Park. We will be here all week, where our view is amazing, our hook-ups are full (hot showers, baby!), and the cellular signal runs strong. We have a couple of additional Canada posts to share while we go out collecting Montana memories.
-Jenni
-Jenni