PAGE (2) THE COLUMBIA ICE FIELDS, ALBERTA, CANADA.
Go To Page -- ( 1 ) ( 2 ) ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) ( 6 ) ( 7 ) ( 8 ) ( 9 )
( CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE )
The Icefields Parkway runs from Jasper, south to Lake Louise at the junction of the Trans Canada Highway. The Icefields, canyons and waterfalls are spectacular. You need to show extra caution when driving this Parkway through the wilderness, for it is the habitat for elk, bighorn sheep, moose, mountain goat, and both grizzly and black bears, and for some unknown reason they seem to know that they own the territory, and are federally protected, and not fearing man, will walk out in front of you. They will at leisure hold you up on the roadway until they get bored and then move on. They still, when upset can tear a man apart with ease.
You know the old truckers saying "Don't feed the bears" Well this is for real.
 |
|
|
If your wondering just how much driving time from one end of the 230 km (143 mi) parkway to the other, it varies from more than three to as many as five hours, depending on traffic, and of course, the time of year. Fortunately for Mark on a tight schedule, it was summer time.
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
FROM THE OLD STYLE TRANSPORT, TO THE NEW
 |
|
|
The Icefields Parkway is open year round. In the winter time, expect temporary closures (not just a few hours, but as much as 3 days) after heavy snowfalls as crews clear the highway of snow and avalanche debris. Check conditions before you go, but do go, it is worth the experience.
|
|
|
|
Leaving the Icefields on
the Parkway for Banff National Park, ---
 |
Mark was totally fascinated with this wilderness.. You can enjoy all the comforts of home in the town of Banff and the village of Lake Louise, or step out into the wilderness and the home of some of North America's wildest creatures |
|
 |
|
 |
(Left photo) It seems that Canadians are always on the move, and --- (Right photo) you don't have to drive a truck to run this road.
 |
Both vehicles here have over 400 hp, and can make it up and over the hills with no problem. |
|
The photo below shows one of the most dangerous of the Rocky Mountain wild animals. It is poised for attack, and any sudden move could be devastating.
|
|
|
|
A raised boardwalk has been built through the deep limestone canyon rather than a trail along the lip. A great hiking experience. There are smaller waterfalls along the entire route but the two main attractions are the Lower Falls and the Upper Falls.
“ Radium Hot Springs Mineral Pools”
 |
|
|
Next you will pass thru, Sinclair Canyon with its shear rock walls and into the
Village of Radium Hot Springs. After a day in the pool Mark moved on, and headed
for Sparwood in the Crows Nest Pass on Old highway #3 looking forward to see the
worlds largest truck..
|
|
|
While driving south to the Crows nest Pass, Mark came upon a truck having a little bad luck. |
It is not the first time that this sort of problem happened to anyone, and certainly will not be the last.
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
It could have been worse, but alls well that ends well. We're back in business again. Perhaps a little embarrassed, but back in business. |
 |
|
|
HEADING SOUTHBOUND AGAIN, AND ONTO FORT STEELE & THE CROWSNEST PASS |
|
--------- William (Diesel Gypsy) Weatherstone
GO TO PAGE (3) OF MARKS VACATION TRIP IN CANADA
Go To Page -- ( 1 ) ( 2 ) ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) ( 6 ) ( 7 ) ( 8 ) ( 9 )
END OF PAGE TWO, MUCH MORE TO FOLLOW
