By Nadine Fletcher
Lake Louise and the mountains that surround it
are famous for their beauty, and that's what people
come to see. But Lake Louise is more than just a
pretty face!
For walkers and hikers, Lake Louise is an excellent
base. It is central to the best high elevation hiking
in the Canadian Rockies--including the famous
Iceline, the Lake O'Hara area, and the Plain of Six
Glaciers.
A superficial glance might give the impression that
the mountain landscape, plants, and animals are
the same everywhere. But with a closer look, you
will discover a great deal of diversity. In Yoho,
there are trees and plants of the coastal
rainforest--like cedar, hemlock, and devil's club.
Meanwhile, near Lake Louise, drier conditions
foster open avalanche paths filled with
wildflowers, juniper, and the rare whitebark pine.
Flowers bloom from late spring to early fall, with
the height of wildflower season coming in late July
and early August.
The high country is home to fascinating animals
that specialize in forested or alpine environments:
pikas, marmots, ptarmigans, ground squirrels,
porcupines, pine martens, and mountain goats. For
much of the summer, alpine meadows are also
home to the grizzly bear.
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 Geology leaps out at you. Glaciers shine in the sun, and sedimentary rocks come in pink, orange, purple, green, grey, and white. And there are stories from the past to share: tales of high class hotels, first ascents, and wilderness explorations.
Article and images provided by Nadine Fletcher of Great Divide Nature Interpretation. We are wardwinning and accredited professional guides. Find out the stories behind the scenery: www.great divide.ca. |
