TRAVELING INTO CANADA

Mr. Skunk entering Canada

 

June 1 We headed to Canada. We had no problems at the border crossing – it took less than 3 minutes much to our relief! It was about a 6 hour drive from St. Mary, MT to our next destination, Banff National Park.

 

Our campsite view

  Our first two nights stay in the park are at Lake Louise, Alberta. We were surprised that when we reached Banff we had to pay $19.60 (canadian $) for each day we planned to stay in the park in addition to campground fees. Since we plan to stay 4 days – 2 days at Lake Louise and 2 at Jasper, we had to pay $78 just to get into the park! All the campgrounds are National Campgrounds and most are first come first serve, but this time of year that seems to be no problem

Fairmont Chateau

  After settling our RV into it's site, we drove to Lake Louise. A beautiful lake fed from the melting glaciers and nestled in the mountains, but, unfortunately for us, still ice covered, so it is not yet the brilliant aquamarine color that so many come to see. Located at the lake is an amazingly huge hotel, the Fairmont Chateau, that  not so wealthy people (like us) just come to for a walk through the lobby which is filled with restaurants and stores. It has a beautiful view of Lake Louise and surrounding mountains.

 Lake Louise from inside one of the dining areas 

Lake Louise from the Chateau

 We also drove to Moraine Lake, another beautiful lake, but more frozen than Lake Louise.