Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Canon 60D; Canon 18-200mm lens

January 14, 2012

July 31, 2011

Featured in A Place to Start – July 17, 2011

July 12, 2011

July 10, 2011

July 8, 2011

Mt. Rundle is formed of outcrops of massive limestones of the Rundle Group, which was named for the mountain and defined here in 1953 by R.J.W. Douglas.

Mt. Rundle is one of the most popular scrambles in the area, and is relatively straightforward for experienced hikers. However, one must be careful not to follow the huge watercourse encountered about halfway up, even though a well-worn path coaxes the hiker up. There is no scrambling route along this route, as the cliffs get higher and more vertical. The real route crosses the watercourse and then immediately turns left (watch for markings). As one passes the treeline, the hiker ventures onto a feature called the “Dragon’s back”, where the route narrows between two steep gullies. The only real obstacle at this point is perseverance at the tread-mill like scree which slows progress to a two steps forward, one step back pattern.

Mt. Rundle could actually be considered a small mountain range as the mountain extends for over 12 kilometres (7.5 mi), with many high points along the way, ending at Whiteman’s Gap above the town of Canmore. Another scramble, East End of Rundle, is accessible from its starting point at Goat Creek.

Vermillion Lakes
These are 3 lakes just outside of Banff townsite. You can see a great view of Vermillion lakes with famous Mount Rundle behind. There are 3 lakes: the third one from town has some hot springs and you will notice this as you get closer. Between first one and second one there is tree island where a Bald Eagle couple comes back every Spring. You may be able to see their white head shining on top of the tree. Sunset or Sunrise time is the best time to go. You may see the gorgeous alpenglow if you can time it just right!.

Driving out from Banff to Highway 1 towards the Western exit, just before the Highway there is a sign for Vermillion Lakes and you turn left. Soon you will see the first lake on your left. Keep driving until you reach the dead end. You can then turn around to come back. There isn’t much space to park, but it rarely gets busy there