Canada - Day 3 - Icefields Parkway, Mosquito campground to Lake Louise

 16.7 miles, 302’ climbing - 1 🐻 black bear

PJ from Minnesota rolled into camp last night at 8:30pm (felt like 6pm at this latitude) as we were in camp getting ready for the night following our delicious meal of rehydrated Chili-Mac on tortillas. We invited him to throw his tent up alongside ours. After chatting for a bit we turned in for the night.

It was crisp out when we woke, and while packing up it began to briefly snow.  We were hoping to beat the weather on our short ride today, and other than some light rain and snow we did.  The three of us started out around 8:30 and rode into the town of Lake Louise.  On the way we spotted a black bear by the road, small but not a cub. It was shy, and we crossed to the opposite shoulder to pass it. 

Upon arrival in Lake Louise we stopped at a gas station with a little coffee shop attached where we had bagels and coffee. Five stars for that gas station! Nearby was the HI Hostel where we are staying for the night.  We stashed our bikes, changed into non-biking clothes, and the three of us hiked 4.5 miles to the actual Lake Louise, a picturesque lake with a gargantuan luxury hotel on its shore with fancy restaurants and stores, the kind of place where you can wear a long evening gown at 2 in the afternoon and not feel out of place.  Fortunately hiking attire is also suitable. The Lake is also a major tourist attraction bringing in hundreds by bus, so it was crowded with people vying to get a selfie that makes it look like you are in alone in a serene setting.

We took a bus back to the hostel and had a snack and ping pong game while we waited for our room to be ready.

The heavy rain expected for the day never materialized, although it may show up tomorrow when we make our way to Banff.  Hoping not!