Archive for Travel Tips

June in Yoho National Park

// June 25th, 2012 // No Comments » // Guests, Travel Tips

Here at Cathedral Mountain Lodge, the ground squirrels are busy, the snow high in the mountains is melting, and our staff are settling into a routine.  We are welcoming many visitors to our mountain hideaway and the season is beginning to take shape.  The mild June weather has provided great opportunities for hiking and the spring rain has made river rafting very exciting!  In fact, last week there was a huge rainstorm that brought more rain than this area has seen in forty years!  The normally pristine turquoise Kicking Horse River was high and flowing fast with the murky brown mountain runoff:

IMG_6121 - high river

With the melting of the snow comes the opening of many roads and trail systems in the area as the risk of avalanche finally subsides.  The famous Takakkaw Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Canada, is now accessible by car, offering guests a great chance to see and explore this breathtaking glacier-fed waterfall just 13 km from our doorstep.

Another great area to explore while visiting us at Cathedral Mountain Lodge is Lake O’Hara, just a ten minute drive from us along the Trans Canada Highway. This protected area has restricted access by bus only, and reservations are required.  After a long winter, we are excited to announce that the bus is now running and people can now visit this beautiful lake and its surrounding trails.  If you cannot make reservations but have a full day to commit and are up for a challenge, there is no restriction on walking to Lake O’Hara via the 11 km access road.

If you are here to see wildlife, you don’t have to wander very far.  In fact, just the other day I was sitting by the river and this beautiful elk decided to cross right in front of me:

There are endless opportunities to see mountain goats, bears, birds, elk, and of course, ground squirrels while you are here.  Come and see for yourself!

Alana Hyatt

Adventure Specialist

The Big Melt

// May 1st, 2012 // No Comments » // Adventure Specialist, Events, Guests, Travel Tips

Spring has finally sprung in the Canadian Rockies! Greatly anticipating our move back into the Lodge and Yoho National Park we can’t wait to return to the rugged snow capped peaks, wild springtime mountain rivers and receding snow pack. Our alpine vegetation is just beginning to peak through as ice and snow recede from lower valleys and the lakes are just starting to see those beautiful emerald green and light turquoise colors coming to life amidst the hard icy blue remaining from a long winter. Late season conditions still abound, but access roads are clearing and we will be onsite to provide regular updates within the next couple weeks. Looking forwarding to another beautiful summer season!

Traveling Light

// February 18th, 2011 // No Comments » // Travel Tips, Uncategorized

 

When I heard I had got the job here in the Rocky Mountains last summer I was head over heels excited. I rushed out, bought new clothes for my new adventures and packed my entire life for my 5-month trip. All of my stuff ended up filling:           

Overpacking

Overpacking can be a pain!

  • 3 very oversized suitcases
  • One 50 Litre backpack
  • One box stuffed with novels
  • One roof rack full of loose equipment like my mountain bike and tennis racket
     

       

Not only was it embarrassing to lug all of that to the shared accommodation on my first day (not to mention my parents had also dropped me off) but even more so is that I only ended up using maybe half a suitcase’s worth of stuff! I found I had to purchase, replace or upgrade my things locally which was less of a pain than I thought it might be as the locals are the best experts in the quality and types of things you will need.                 

 If you’re planning to visit the Rocky Mountains you might not be staying for as long as I did, but it’s still important to learn from my mistakes and pack lightly. Here are some of my suggestions to you:                    

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