Canada: Lake Peyto and Athabasca Glacier, Icelands Parkway

August 18, 2008

Peyto Lake is a glacier-fed lake in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. The lake itself is near the Icefields Parkway. It was named for Bill Peyto, an early trail guide and trapper in the Banff area. Icefield Parkway is a 232 km stretch of double-lane highway winding along the Continental Divide through soaring rocky mountain peaks, icefields and vast sweeping valleys. Athabasca Glacier is one of the six principal 'toes' of the Columbia Icefield, located in the Canadian Rockies. The glacier currently loses depth at a rate of about 5 metres per year and has receded more than 1.5 km and lost over half of its volume in the past 125 years.

🙂 Awe inspiring!!

🙁 Receding

Peyto Lake is a top attraction in Banff National Park and, for many visitors, the best stop that you can visit along the Icefields Parkway. The lake is notable for its dazzling blue colour, and has been the subject of many pictures because of just how mesmerising it looks. Unfortunately it was a bit misty and drizzly when we stopped – The sun peaked out briefly to give us a glimpse so tat one can imagine how striking it must be in full sunshine!

We had breakfast in the RV before continuing down the Icelands Parkway which is truly spectacular.

We stopped at various view points to admire the scenery. We could walk to the edge of the glacier. Quite awe inspiring.

We headed on to Jasper with more spectacular views and to our campsite called Whistlers which had electricity with a fire pit – there were loads of elk grazing. Kids cycled while we cooked – we had a quick dinner and bed.