venturing4th: Lake Minnewanka

We have found Tim Jensen's book, The Best Day Hikes in the Canadian Rockies, and are beginning to put it to good use. Last year when we were here we found his book to be the best of the handful of trail guides we have. For the Banff area he has Johnston Canyon, which we hiked yesterday, and today we took another of his recommended hikes, around the north side of Lake Minnewanka. We hiked this trail last year on June 22 and you can read the blog here -

http://venturing4th.blogspot.ca/2015/06/lake-minnewanka.html

In re-reading last year's blog, I note that we said that the day was the best we had, so far, in Banff. That goes for today as well. Clear all day with temperatures in the upper 70s. It's beginning to feel as if it may soon be summer.

The trail began at the far end of the picnic area at this popular lake, and just before we got to the trailhead we passed this group getting ready for a Saturday morning wedding. (If you click on the picture to enlarge it, you might be able to see the white chairs being set up at the water's edge and note the arriving wedding guests.)

About 0.5 km we crossed over the Cascade River as it flows through Stewart Canyon on it's way to Lake Minnewanka.

A primrose along the trail. The wild rose is the Provincial flower of Alberta.

This picture, from last week, shows the wild rose on the Alberta greeting sign.

About one mile along the trail, we looked up to find a herd of big horned sheep looking down on us.

This young lady seemed particularly interested in us.

The highest point on the trail that provides an overview of the lake.

Hiking along the north side of the lake. We will hike to the far end, about 5 miles.

Frederick at our lunch spot at the end of the lake.

Pano of our lunch spot view across the lake.

Lake Minnewanka, also named Devil's Lake by the First Nations, is one of the deepest and largest lakes of the Canadian Rockies. The deep water gives the lake its intense dark blue color. Lake Minnewanka is the only lake in Banff National Park where motorized boats are allowed. Here, at the end of the lake, several boats are trying their luck at fishing.

As we walked back up to the trail from the water's edge, we passed through this patch of sage and aspen. The fragrance of the sage this time of the year is heavenly. It reminds me of Texas.