The Canadian Rockies have a magical beauty that always takes my breath away every time. Numerous rugged peaks that seem to stretch on for miles. Forests that are full of wildlife. Streams and rivers so clear, it looks like moving glass. This year was the first time I was able experience this incredible place, not once but twice. Beginning of fall when the trees were just beginning to turn, I did a climbing/hot springing road trip thru the Banff and Lake Louise area.
2. Lussier Hot Springs
The trip started in Spokane and wondered up to the Canadian border. The first stop was Lussier Hot Springs, located in Whitesawn Lake Provincial Park. It is located on a backcountry logging road. It's a popular natural hot springs even in midday, but there is plenty of parking. There are outhouses by the parking lot and beginning of short trail to the springs. The hot springs are free of charge and the logging road also some available free camping spots.
3. Radium Hot Springs
The second possible hot springs on that same highway is Radium Hot Springs. It is located just outside of Kootenay National Park. It is Canada's biggest hot spring pool and is odorless. It costs less than 10$ to get in and has a built faculty around it with bathrooms and showers.
4. Kootenay National Park
After some soaking in Radium Hot Springs, drive thru Kootenay National Park. This scenic drive is unforgettable and I definitely had cameras out the whole time. I recommend rolling down the car windows and blasting some tunes.
5. Lake Louise - Back of the Lake Climbing Area
Lake Louise is a beautiful lake northeast of Kootenay National Park in Banff National Park. The lake has a hotel and trails which are often crowded with international tourists. (For some coffee and a fantastic breakfast burrito, head to Trailhead Cafe located at the visitor center.)
To get to the climbing areas and escape the crowds, head down the main trail on the right side of Lake Louise. It will be a 10 minute walk and gradually the crowds will decrease. At the very end of the lake, there will be cliffs. The first wall you see with bolts is right by the trail, can't miss it. It is called Trailside wall ironically. Hillside wall is right of that and left up the bank is Outhouse Wall were a good number of the climbs are.
The climbing area is called Back of the Lake, and has 50 routes or more of sport or trad. The views are amazing postcard type vistas of the lake and surrounding mountains. In the winter, there is ice climbing in this area. The locals love this crag because of the short approach and were happy to give advice when I was there climbing in the fall season.
For the guide book, look for Sport Climbs in Canadian Rockies by John Martin and Jon Jones.
6. Banff - Eating and Northern Lights
After climbing, head south to Banff. There are great food options all around Banff, especially The Eddie Burger + Bar. I was able to find a delicious vegetarian burger with a side sweet potato fries.
On my trip, the timing was perfect and I was able to see the Aurora Borealis in Banff. I headed to Lake Minnewanka with the rest of the town and watched it from the back of my pickup truck. It looked like green fire flickering across the sky. An incredible sight, and definitely something everyone should see if given the chance. (Unfortunately, my camera wasn't able to get a picture to do it justice.)
There are websites that have a Aurora Watch and will give alerts or postings if there is a possible Northern Lights display in the Banff area. For more information on this, check out this site.
7. Banff - Climbing - Aftonroe - Multi-pitch Sport
Banff has a wealth of great climbing areas. On my trip, I decided to do a moderate nine pitch route called Aftonroe. It is located south of Lake Louise and just north of Banff. This climb is on the right-hand buttress of Guides Rock in the Take it for Granite area. It is a very popular route, so get on it in the early morning. Also beware of the loose rock which is common in this area of the country. There is parking along the Bow Valley Parkway road. And the trail is on the other side of the road that goes up the hill. The Take it for Granite area has many other climbs worth checking out.
The view from the top of this route is one of the most beautiful views I've seen.
Here are two other hot springs that are located not far from Spokane.
Ainsworth Hot Springs - This hot springs is located in a resort by Kootenay Lake. It does cost and here is the website with information. It’s a pretty cool place with several pools of different temperatures and a manmade cave.
Fairmount - On the way to Radium. Largest natural hot springs, I believe is located on a resort. Know very little about it, more information here.
If there are any recommendations from you readers about other climbing areas or hot springs, feel free to email on the Contact page or leave a comment. I would love to hear about your experiences and adventures.
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