Canadian Rockies Redux

Dawn light on Mount Edith Cavell reflected in Cavell Lake, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada (Russ Bishop/Russ Bishop Photography)

Dawn light on Mount Edith Cavell reflected in Cavell Lake, Jasper National Park, Canada

Near the northern end of the Icefields Parkway in Jasper National Park, Mount Edith Cavell is one of the most spectacular peaks in the Canadian Rockies. Although it is visible from the town of Jasper, a trek to the high glacial lakes and alpine meadows surrounding the peak should be mandatory for anyone visiting this special park.

Named after a British nurse who was executed during World War I for her part in helping Allied prisoners escape, the sublime beauty of this mountain rising above the still waters of Cavell Lake rivals any of the great peaks of the world. A winding 9 mile road climbs steadily from the Icefields Parkway through sub-alpine forests to a parking lot directly below the looming north face. From there a short walk leads to this tranquil scene at Cavell Lake, and a slightly longer hike traverses the moraine to the iceberg filled meltwater at the base of the Angel Glacier.

For those with more time and energy, the trail to Cavell Meadows is a photographer’s paradise. As you climb up a series of switchbacks to the meadows the views of Mount Edith Cavell, Angel Glacier, Cavell Glacier and Cavell pond are stunning. Like many of the lakes in the Canadian Rockies glacial silt (also known as rock flour) gives the water its incredible blue hue. Wildlife is abundant in the area and hoary marmots and pikas call out their warnings on the rocky slopes and ridge lines above the lake.

The Canadian Rockies offer a wealth of hiking and photographic potential within four national parks. For the first time visitor it can be a challenge taking it all in, but this is one alpine experience that should not be missed.

©Russ Bishop/All Rights Reserved

Lake O’Hara

Morning light on Mount Odaray reflected in Lake O'Hara, Canadian Rockies, Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada. (Russ Bishop/Russ Bishop Photography)

Tucked away in British Columbia’s Yoho National Park, Lake O’Hara is one of the crown jewels of the Canadian Rockies.  But this alpine wonder is easily overlooked with the majestic scenery just to the east in adjacent Banff and Jasper National Parks.  Just seven miles west of Lake Louise on the Trans-Canada highway, Lake O’hara’s pristine setting is preserved in part because it’s located at the end of a seven mile dirt road accessible only by reserved shuttle or foot. Limited accommodations are available at the lakeside lodge, the nearby campground, or one of several huts run by the Canadian Alpine Club, but reservations are required and fill up quickly in the summer months.

In the fall, the turquoise water of this glacially fed lake is a beautiful contrast to the golden larch trees that dot the surrounding cliffs. Like many of the lakes in the Canadian Rockies a high level of glacial silt (also known as rock flour) gives the water its incredible blue hue. Wildlife is abundant in the area and mountain goats can frequently be seen on rocky slopes and ridge lines above the lake along with hoary marmots and pikas. Nearby Lakes Oesa, Opabin, and McArthur are equally breathtaking if you have more than a day in the area and are accessed by an excellent network of trails. For the photographer, the stunning alpine scenery of the Lake O’hara basin is a world-class setting on par with any of the more famous sister parks of the Canadian Rockies.

©Russ Bishop/All Rights Reserved

Going, going, gone…

Man sitting on rock looking at icebergs on lake below Mount Edith Cavell, Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada (Russ Bishop/Russ Bishop Photography)

My last post illustrated the dramatic destruction that mother nature can unleash from below the earth’s surface – a powerful force that destroys everything in its path. Still as devastating (and impressive) as a volcanic eruption can be, it’s an isolated event and the damage it causes is limited in scope.

In contrast, global warming is an unnatural event that although much slower than lava (and much less attractive) has a far greater impact on our planet. As a nature photographer I’m naturally concerned about the effect this has on the source of my livelihood and the places I’m passionate about, and as an environmentalist I’m doing everything I can to reduce my carbon footprint from driving a hybrid to filling my downtime with muscle powered sports.

It’s ironic that NASA just discovered water on the moon that may someday support human life, while the waters here at home are continuing to rise!