Bow Valley Parkway (Winter)

Last week, Rolande and I made a short trip into Banff National Park to visit a favourite area, The Bow Valley Parkway. It’s also known as Highway 1A and it parallels the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) from Banff to Lake Louise. We visit the area regularly and find it particularly appealing in winter. This occasion lived up to our expectations, a gorgeous day!

My first picture was not taken in that area, but rather along the highway en route. It features Cascade Mountain, a landmark of the Town of Banff and a prominent mountain visible from Canmore. It looked so great, I couldn’t resist.

The first photo stops we encountered as we traveled westward on the Parkway was the Sawback Burn. This area, at the foot of the Sawback Range of mountains was the site of a prescribed burn in 1993. Prescribed burns are controlled fires designed to eliminate deadfall on the forest floor, eliminating brush that could fuel more destructive wildfires. Regrowth takes a long time and it will be several years before the stark beauty of this area will evolve to look more like the surrounding coniferous forest. In the meantime, it remains a great photo site, year round.

Another favourite stop is the Hillsdale Meadow, a good vantage point to photograph Mount Ishbel, part of the Sawback Range.

Castle Mountain is one of the popular sites that tour buses visit as a matter of routine. For good reason. I took this photograph from the bridge crossing the Bow River at Castle Junction. The mountain was named in 1858 by James Hector for its castle-like appearance. From 1946 to 1979 it was known as Mount Eisenhower in honour of the World War Two general (and subsequent U.S. President) Dwight D. Eisenhower. Its original name was ultimately restored, but a pinnacle on the southeastern side of the mountain was named Eisenhower Tower.

We turned around at this point and re-traced our path for a second view of the Parkway on our way home. This is not duplication. The views are different and the light changes as the day progresses. It’s always worth a second look. One area that’s not available travelling out to Castle Junction is a section of divided highway, visible only from the eastbound lane. The road is very winding and heavily wooded on both sides. There is a scenic surprise around every corner and occasionally you’ll encounter a bear on the road. I’ve photographed this particular scene on many occasions and it never disappoints, spring, summer, fall or winter.

Did I mention it was cold? Indeed, but one can dress for that and it helps not to tarry setting up your shots!