Canada Trip Day 21: Bow Falls, Banff

3 July 2010 - The Bow Falls may not have been the usual high waterfalls you might have expected, but its rushing water did look formidable with the serene and scenic view of the coniferous forests of the Rockies. Around the area, there are several activities one can do as facilities for cycling, walking and rafting are made available.

When we arrived, there were just heap loads of tourist coaches and cars. Our coach driver had to make some narrow turns to find an appropriate waiting area. There are many tourists when we arrived and I think we made the place even more crowded! I actually had a good time at this visit, having opportunities to talk to some of the elderly couples in our group and helping them take pictures.



Bow Falls with many visitors trying to get a closer shot of the fall by standing at the edge of rocks on the left.

There were these little girls who were really thrilled and their mum was taking photos of Bow River and the surrounding mountains

The mountains near Bow Falls are Tunnel Mountain and Rundle Mountain

People rafting along Bow River, right after Bow Falls

Canada Trip Day 21: Banff National Park

3 July 2010 - After the helicopter ride at Kananaski, we were back in the coach heading towards Banff National Park on the Trans-Canada Highway, which stretches from the west to the east of Canada. The Rocky mountain range that seems to stretch endlessly, accompanying us throughout our coach journey back to British Columbia in the days to come. We passed the Three Sisters, Mount Rundle and Grotto Mountain before reaching the town. While the scenery is wonderful in Banff, the town area and popular mountains, lakes and falls are crowded with tourists like ourselves.

I found myself making associations of these mountains with those in New Zealand, Switzerland and Tibet. I think what I found marvelous about this trip was that the mountains were constantly so close to us with the highway just built always right beside them. There is great vastness of coniferous trees covering the slopes of this monstrous giants, as though every mountain is wearing a green shirt with their summit exposed.

During winter, man-made avalanches are organised to prevent unexpected casualties in these mountains. The roads involved would be closed and traffic diversion organised. These organised man-made avalanches are based on long-term studies of weather patterns, geology and avalanche histories as well as careful predictions of avalanches at different locations.



Charity, one of the Three Sisters

The Three Sisters mountain with Faith, Hope and Charity, named for their three peaks.

The Three Sisters from a distance

Rocky mountains that stretch along west of Canada

Slopes of Rockies covered with coniferous trees

Snow melting with increasing summer temperatures in the Rockies. But, it is still cold here!

Cars queuing at the entrance of Banff National Park

The Trans-Canada Highway is rich with history of railways, coal mining and Canadian native-foreigner relationships.

Holidaying in a caravan

Banff town centre

The Fairmont Banff Springs

The Fairmont Banff Springs

Snow-covered Rockies and coniferous trees

Trees

Camp site

Saw a deer grazing in the forest

Two Jack Lake

Some sort of a dam?

Palliser Range sign board

Going around the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive and now we see Lake Minnewanka

Mount Astley on the left and Lake Minnewanka

Leafless conifers

Divers at Lake Minnewanka

Mount Inglismaldie and Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka cruise

Canada Trip Day 11: The Amazing Maid of the Mist, Niagara Falls

23 June 2010 - The day was soon getting dark at about six. We decided to go on Maid of the Mist (Wikipedia) so that we will have more time at Niagara Falls the next day to cover all the other attractions as well. We had purchased the Adventure Pass, which is a comprehensive ticket allowing us to go on Journey Behind the Falls, White Water Walk and Niagara's Fury, in addition to Maid of the Mist at a price of CAN$39.95. At the same time, we also bought tickets to the Whirlpool Aero Car at discounted rates.The Adventure Pass also allowed us two days on the Peoplemover Bus (click here for bus routes) to visit the other attractions, such as the Butterfly Conservatory, Sir Adam Beck Hydroelectric Station Reservoir and Botanical Gardens, all of which we regretfully missed due to time constraints.

Going on Maid of the Mist was an absolutely amazing experience, having to come so close to Niagara Falls and let the mist constantly come down on us. With a history that dated back to the Ice Age, the sheer power and volume of Niagara Falls were magnificent, which no doubt earn its place as a natural wonder of earth.

Tourists in plastic blue biodegradable ponchos stood by the edge of the boat, watching in awe of Niagara Falls' magnificent power, never taking their eyes of it. The concern of our digital photo devices became secondary as we approached this majestic water powerhouse. Forget the droplets that wet the devices. Everyone was busy watching, taking photos and laughing at how excited everyone was and somewhat silly everyone looked in the ponchos while getting them drenched. Having to share these moments with my mum and my sister was truly unbelievable. Whenever we spoke of our trip to Canada, we remember fondly how wonderful our encounter with Niagara Falls was.


Adventure Pass

Maid of the Mist boat tour tickets booth were our tickets got checked before proceeding

Tourists in blue plastic poncho in Maid of the Mist

Going through a building to get to the pier

Walking towards the boat area

Wearing our plastic ponchos

Lady securing the boat for passengers to alight

Tourists just getting off Maid of the Mist, while a long queue anxiously waits for their turn

Tourists getting off the boat and in the distance, another Maid of the Mist is making its way back from  the falls

Strange froth in the river

View of American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls (smaller one on the right) from the boat

Maid of the Mist crammed with blue tourists

I used my poncho to keep my camera from getting wet. Thus, a blue American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls picture.

Mist hovering over the rocks at American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls

Cave of the Wind's Hurricane Deck at Bridal Veil Falls, US

The people are so tiny next to these massive waterfalls

Portrait view of American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. (Don't mind the dirt spots. I didn't bring my camera blower.)

Birds covered the side of the falls

One of the most amazing experiences I ever had, my close encounter with Niagara Falls

Ontario Power Generating Station was decommisioned in 1999. The history of which can be read here and here.

Mist on rocks, American Falls

Horseshoe Falls and its gigantic cloud of mist

View of American Falls from under Rainbow Bridge

View of American Falls, Bridal Veil and Rainbow Bridge

Maid of the Mist passing American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls

Spot Maid of the Mist boat in the mist of Horseshoe Falls

Maid of the Mist and Horseshoe Falls

Maid of the Mist going towards Horseshoe Falls