Usually, when the word sightseeing is used, I’ll turn and run the other way. I know, it’s my problem, but I can’t help thinking of everything associated with it—as in tourists, crowds, lines, etc. So naturally, Dave and I were skeptical of the Banff Sunshine Sightseeing Gondola from the get-go.
Boy, were we mistaken. Our neighbors Kevin and Kirstie mentioned that it was a fantastic way to see the beauty of the meadows and perhaps see some wildlife. It was a good sell, but we still not quite on board. However, since our good friend Margaret was going to be here, we decided a gondola ride could be a nice break from hiking. So, there you go—and off we went.
Margaret captured this photo of a busy Columbian ground squirrel.
This summer has been one of the rainiest of record. When we left for Banff, the forecast said 0% chance of rain. Ha! It was cold and drizzly as we boarded the gondola. Once onboard, we leisurely climbed above the clouds into the sunshine.
https://dailyhive.com/calgary/vintage-pictures-of-skiing-in-the-rockies
Sunshine was first introduced to tourism back in the 1880s upon the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railroad in Banff, Alberta. By the 1890s, Bill Peyto would take groups of adventurers through Sunshine Meadows to the base of Mount Assiniboine. By the 1920s, the Brewster brothers brought people up to the meadow to camp on a regular basis. They were also instrumental in developing Banff Sunshine into the ski resort that it is today.
The gondola dropped us off at Banff Sunshine Village. From there, we boarded a chairlift that took us to the summit of Mt. Standish. What we saw from the landing was unreal. The meadows and lakes looked like a place that Shrek would take up residence. Clouds were beginning to lift from the valley below.
View from Standish Landing
Rock Isle and Larix Lakes.
After leaving the jaw-dropping overview, we ambled down the well-maintained path to explore the three alpine lakes that lay before us. It rained briefly, causing those (meaning Dave and Margaret) who had rain jackets (which I did not have) to put them on. I reluctantly pulled out my Canadian Tire emergency poncho, in bright orange.
Thankfully, the sun soon popped out, and it warmed up nicely. We stopped at Rock Isle Lake to take in its scenic splendor.
Margaret and I prove this is indeed real.
Rock Isle Lake.
We continued on to Grizzly Lake, (the smallest of the three alpine lakes), stopping for photos along the way.
The creek that feeds Grizzly Lake
Inlet to Grizzly Lake
Dave at Grizzly Lake, looking for fish.
In between Grizzly and Larix Lake was the Simpson viewpoint. Evidence of the 2017 fires gave the pass an eerie presence. The clouds only enhanced the effect.
Larix Lake was also stunning. I can only imagine how wonderful this would have been to camp at back in the 1930s.
Dave, Margaret and I decided to forego returning via the chairlift, opting to take the Rock Isle Road back to the village.
Trail signage. This way to Mt. Assiniboine.
It was a splendid way to spend the day. This little gem of an outing has been in our midst for years. It makes me wonder what other wonders we’re missing.