June 27-30
We ended spending only one day in Yoho National Park. Somewhat disappointing as we were hoping for a few days of backpacking. We were really discouraged by the rangers claiming bad weather and trail conditions, some trails were closed due to snow still on the ground at higher elevations. The weather that day was really not too good, foggy and rainy. So we drove to Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake just to walk around. Both places are worth visiting and mountains in low clouds looked at times interesting too. We settled at Waterfowl Lakes CG in Banff NP (recommended) for 4 night as our base for day-hikes. The campground has flush toilets and hot water washroom, very nice and convenient cooking shelters.
The following day we stopped briefly at Peyto Lake Viewpoint just off Icefields Pkwy and then continued to Bow Lake for 10 km (230m elevation gain) hike to Bow Glacier Falls. The trail goes around Bow Lake and then up along Bow River to the base of the falls at 2100 masl. Plenty of space and rocks to explore to look at the falls from different angles. Joanna honed her rock hiking skills. Patches of snow on rocks, but nothing on the trail. Great mountain scenery. Pleasant day, with good weather (rain passed at night) and few people further away from the trailhead.
Mistaya River connects Upper nad Lower Waterfowl Lakes with the campground located on the river bank in between them. Chephren & Cirque Lake trailhead is just across the bridge over the river. No need to drive anywhere. We spent all day walking (total 13 km, 330 m elevation gain). Good and easy trails, relaxing walking mostly through forest and some wetlands, with panoramic mountain views at both lakes. We heard from another hiker first report of bear (grizzly?) sighting on a trail (to Chephren Lake), couple of hours before we came (we only saw bear scat).
Finally, on the last day we walked only 3 km along the river to both Waterfowl Lakes. Rested at camp.
