By John Crawford
Senior Writer/Jasper National Park

ALBERTA, CANADA – Travel only two kilometers beyond Lake Louise, and turn off Highway 93 to begin your driving ascent up, climbing from sub-alpine forests to alpine meadows.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
One of the most visited and photographed lakes in the world, Lake Louise is home to the world-renowned Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. First called Emerald Lake, the lake’s name was later changed to Lake Louise after Princess Caroline Alberta Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria and wife of Canada’s Governor General.

Moraine Lake 
Known for its unbelievable aquamarine blue water and famed for its portrayal on past Canadian currency. Morraine Lake, which shines like a gem on sunny days, is best viewed from vantage points along the hike that leads from a well-marked parking lot.

Mount Victoria Glacier 
Named in 1897 to honour Queen Victoria, this stunning glacier forms the beautiful backdrop of Lake Louise. The glacier, lying on the eastern slopes facing the lake, is known for its summer avalanches, which cascade into the narrow gorge below.

Hector Lake 
The largest natural lake in Banff National Park, about 30 kilometres north of Lake Louise. Hector Lake is framed by Pulpit Peak and Crowfoot Mountain, both part of the Waputik Range. It gets its beautiful colour from the rock flour suspended in the water.

Crowfoot Glacier 
Named because in the early 1900s it had three “toes” resembling the foot of a crow. In the 1930s, the lower “toe” broke off and has since melted away. Crowfoot Glacier is on the south end of Bow Lake, nestled into Crowfoot Mountain.