Day 1 on the Icefields Parkway - Bow Lake, Peyto Lake & Mistaya Canyon

Heading North from Lake Louise you’ll find the Icefields Parkway, which we had heard so much about. It’s the link between Banff and Jasper national parks and is essentially a single lane road with the most ridiculous scenery that you can imagine around you the entire way. Our first stop off was Bow Lake. It was beautiful, much like everything else we’ve seen in Canada, but not on the same level as Emerald or Louise. Braving the bracing wind (think a day at the FB in Felixstowe, a reference only my parents will understand), we ventured a short way around the lake, which as much as anything woke me up from my morning slumber.

A short drive on from Bow is Peyto Lake. It isn’t actually open at the moment and has a significant amount of fencing and signs attempting to discourage adventurous tourists. However these were a complete waste of time as about these, next to the no parking signs, is about 100 meters of cars and RV’s parked up on the hard shoulder of either side of the road and a steady stream of intrepid tourists simply walking around the side of the length of fence, through a snowy forest and on to the drive to Peyto Lake. Fortunately we visited on a Sunday as otherwise there may have been workmen actually there so impossible to visit. Again Amelia breaking the rules, I’m taking note. From a viewpoint high above it Peyto Lake is possibly the bluest of the lakes we’ve seen thus far and has a stunning vista down a valley to the inevitable mountains beyond. Although slightly spoilt by an impromptu Instagram photoshoot going on beyond the designated viewpoint zone, so it was very difficult to not cut out those selfish people of our photos, first world problems I guess. 

After avoiding the attention of a national parks van at the head of the driveway we got back to the camper and headed to Mistaya Canyon, where we found the most incredible lunch spot. Probably the best place I’ve been whilst consuming a ham and cheese wrap, crisps, apple and cereal bar. I’ll probably keep upping this ante, but the best view I’ve had so far this trip, the kind of view you put on Christmas cards that you spend upwards of £4 on. The actual canyon is nowhere near as large as Johnston, but its outlook is brilliant. Following looking at the actual canyon we did an 8km walk through some dense forest, in which I was quite glad we had the bear spray etc (me being unbrave again). 

Absolutely shattered we got back to Kevin. Tonight we’re staying at Saskatchewan Crossing in a free parking lot (look at me being all Canadian) of a motel/shop/service station, which sounds a bit rubbish but actually has the best views of any campsite we’ve been at so far. It also has toilets open until 9pm and is very much worth it (considering it’s free).