Cochrane to Lake Louise and Return

We drove to Lake Louise hoping the smoke had cleared some but were disappointed to discover it was actually worse than yesterday.  Traffic was terrible and parking was almost non-existent.  We lucked out and found a parking spot less than a block from the lake and ranger information center.  Most people were arriving on the shuttles which went to remote parking lots as far as 5 miles from the lake.  The fare for a round trip shuttle was $10 per person.  We saved $20 and got a primo parking spot.  How lucky can you get?  Of course, we've been losers as much as winners.

Smokey Day on Lake Louise

We hiked along the lake's shore for a 3 mile round trip.  Along the way, we came across a group of mountain climbers taking turns scaling a rock face.  We took a brief rest and some photos.

Climbers at Lake Louise

We stopped at Banff for dinner on the way back to Cochrane.  We treated ourselves to fondue at the Grizzly House.  It was an interesting experience.  First, we had our soup and and salad, followed by a cheese fondue of Emmental and gouda cheese.  Our main course was a mixture of meats which we cooked ourselves at the table on a hot stone.  The meats included beef, buffalo, elk, venison and wild boar. All the meat must have come from ranch raised animals as there was no real gamey taste to any of it.  The venison was very tender and mild.  It wasn't anywhere close to tasting like the venison brought home by hunters from northern Wisconsin.  Dessert was chocolate and fruit fondue.  Of course, the wine went well with everything.  We ate our fill and then some.  It was a fun experience.

Grizzly House - Banff