Banff and Lake Louise are the jewels of the Canadian Rockies. After landing in Alberta, we were not driving long before we entered the mouth of the valley that twists and turns through the giant mountain ranges. Our trip to Banff, and stay at The Fairmont Chateau on Lake Louise was amazing. The facility sits right on the west end of Lake Louise with a spectacular view of the lake and glacier that looms high above at the opposite end. Sitting in the lounge sipping Apple Martini's and watching the sun set over the mountains was my idea of a good time during this trip.

Just up the road from the Chateau is Lake Moraine, which is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. After hiking about a mile to the top of the hill, I stood in amazement as I setup my tripod and camera. The water is a deep terquiose color which is a result of all the minerals that enter the lake from glacier melt off the sourrounding mountains.

We spend the first two days driving and seeing many wonderful sights. Lake Peyto (below) was another great hike to a breathtaking vista. On the third day, we hiked into Johnston Canyon, which is a giant "canyon" carved out by the river. There are many waterfalls along the way and many sheer canyon walls -- it is really a fantastic hike.

I plan to return to Banff in the future, next time in the winter and the Fairmont Chateau was such a great place I will certainly be staying there again. Lake Louise freezes over and I hear the skiing is excellent.