We spotted this handsome elk on our way to Lake Louise, a good omen on an overcast day.
Our destination was Lake Louise, with its unique turquoise color, said to come from glaciers at the head of the valley. We thought we might walk around the lake. With the overcast sky, the brilliant blue water was somewhat less than, but still beautiful. The morning was cool and drippy, but it wasn’t really raining. Great hiking weather. We spied a trail sign to Mirror Lake, and said, well, let’s give it a go. It was our luck to pick a trail that was mostly straight up and then straight down. 4 km each way, plus an extra 1.4 km up/down to the Lake Agnes Tea House. The first part of the trail offered little in the way of views as we trudged thru the tall trees, but the higher we climbed, we could see glimpses of the lake ... its stunning color looked artificial!!
Not many takers this morning.
The up was vigorous stuff (huff, puff!), but the work was worth the effort. Fragrant firs and hemlocks lined the trail. Mists swirled around the snow-covered peaks. Jimmy is a) resting and b) bending down so we can see the lake below. This is a popular trail; lots of people going up and down.
Another unexpected moment -- meeting up with the horse/people at tiny Mirror Lake. They were checking the trails. We ate our granola bars and drank a thermos of hot chocolate here, perched on a rock shelf.
Lake Agnes Tea House is just right of the top o' the waterfall. The final ascent to the tea house has two sets of steep wooden staircases. The massive rock to your left is called the Big Bee Hive. Several trails lead to its summit, but not today, not for us. So named because of its obvious resemblance to a beehive.
We wondered about a tea house built in the mountains that requires a real trek to get to it, so I looked it up. Originally built in 1901 by the Canadian Pacific Railway as a refuge for hikers (great idea!), it began serving tea in 1905. That log building was replaced in 1981, but still features the original windows, tables, and chairs. Lake Agnes was named for the First Lady of Canada -- Lady Agnes MacDonald, the wife of Canada's first Prime Minister. In 1886, she visited Lake Agnes and was delighted by the beauty of this idyllic lake and the hanging valley it sits in. Jimmy and I were disappointed that it was crowded, full to the max, with a waiting line out the door, so we didn't linger, tho it would have been lovely sitting on the deck.... Always a good idea to bring your own food and drink and skip the masses.
The Fairmont Hotel is somewhere down there.
I was awe-struck by this Big Bee Hive, such a different-looking mountainous pile of rocks!
And the lakes: Pure turquoise or aqua, unlike any we’ve ever seen.
So clear you can see through it.
The total distance for his hike was about four-and-a-half miles, with an elevation gain of 1312'. Of course we mustn't forget that pesky elevation! Lake Agnes and the tea house are at 7,005 ft. Some rate this hike at moderate, but the first part had us gasping. I was being facetious initially about it being our luck to pick a hike like this, but -- yup, it was a winner! As we returned to the Fairmont, clouds descended and a light rain/drizzle began falling.
I'm all smiles after hiking, despite the weather, amid these lovely flowers. The temp never got above 59F (15C). We stepped inside the gracious Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (nice washrooms). A harpist was playing in the lobby and tea was being served ... $39 for tea and crumpets. We hopped in our RV instead and drove to the village, to eat a cookie and enjoy a cuppa reasonably-priced coffee! Crockpot chicken is what's for dinner back at the campsite, who can ask for more? What a great day!
