Summer has finally shown up in the rocky mountains of Alberta Canada! With temperatures being below normal for this time of year it was a bit of a slow start to riding season for some of us. But this week the weather gods have smiled down upon us and delivered some sunny and warm temps to make taking a short day trip possible. We've got a lot going on over where currently ! With Aurora Tattoo being moved into downtown Canmore, Veronique getting ready for her 16 day motorcycle trip to Spain and a new tattoo artist starting at the shop, there's a lot to juggle.
Luckily getting out for a rip was what the doctor ordered. Our fried Tara was visiting so we took her on the Lake Minnewanka loop, located inside Banff National Park. Boasting three different lakes to take in, Bighorn Sheep and a couple historical sites paired with curvy roads its an afternoon delight.
We took the Northbound route towards Lake Minnewanka and stopped in for a stroll at Lower Bankhead. A Canadian historical site where an old Coal mining town used to stand previous to Banff existing. Some of the original houses from Bankhead have been relocated in the Banff townsite and you can go on a tour to check those out as well. We strolled through the old foundations and mining equipment still littering the valley with educational plaques teaching about each building and its purpose.
The few good twists on this loop are directly after the parking lot to Bankhead, and it is recommended to follow speed limits. Tickets in the National Park are hefty and with the amount of wildlife that you may encounter and tourists unaware of their own driving skills its best to be on good behaviour.
Once you hit Lake Minnewanka, you cross the lake along the break wall attached to the small dam. Lake Minnewanka also does fishing charters in the summer and there are multiple viewpoints to take photos along the way. You may encounter Bighorn Sheep around the corner after crossing the lake so keep your eyes open for them as well as tourists suddenly stopping.
Your next photo opportunity is the beauty that is Two Jack lake. With a landscape view of Rundle Mountain and great parking along the water this is a great spot to relax and take some photos. Theres usually many tourists and locals around from family picnics to paddle boards but parking does open up regularly, The lower parking lot has a beachside area that is an iconic shot for the bikes!
If your keen to check our the third lake, it is a out and back roadway to Johnson Lake- a popular hangout spot for locals on hot summer days. Take a dip if you dare, all the mountain lakes are usually colder than cold!
With a few more good corners and even more amazing views- the mountains on this short route really don't disappoint- you'll come back toward the highway and can take a left to Cascade ponds or right with a short walk get some photos of the Cascade waterfall that riches down from the peaks of Cascade Mountain.
It is encouraged to purchase a park pass before entering the National park in order to ensure you don't get pulled over by Park Rangers and made to pay on the spot. There can be roadblocks for this exact reason at popular spots throughout the summer.
If you're looking for a great little day ride Lake Minnewanka loop is always a favourite for the local and the tourist alike!
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