BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
British Columbia is the most western province in Canada, with the Pacific Ocean to the west, and Alberta to the east. It measures just over 944,000 square kilometers (over 364,000 square miles) in size, and is home to almost 5 million people! The Canadian Rockies can be found in the eastern part of British Columbia, which is mainly where I explored, around Yoho National Park & Mount Robson Provincial Park.
Best Time to Visit & Climate
The best time to travel to British Columbia, depends on your interests and activities you'd like to experience! Would you rather see turquoise lakes, or snow-covered mountains? Would you rather ski or hike? There isn't a real "low season" here, due to the ski season! There is also a chance you can see the Aurora Borealis all year-round, though it isn't often in the area I traveled.
Yoho National Park
The smallest park in the Canadian Rockies is Yoho National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was established in 1886, and covers an area over 1,300 square kilometers (over 500 square miles). The beauty of the jagged mountains, colorful lakes, winding rivers, and alpine forests around Yoho, are incredibly gorgeous. My absolute favorite spots in the area are Emerald Lake and Natural Bridge!
Best Time to Visit & Climate
The best time to travel to British Columbia, depends on your interests and activities you'd like to experience! Would you rather see turquoise lakes, or snow-covered mountains? Would you rather ski or hike? There isn't a real "low season" here, due to the ski season! There is also a chance you can see the Aurora Borealis all year-round, though it isn't often in the area I traveled.
- High Season (summer): June through August, the crowds start to come in due to warmer weather/hiking season (especially by late July & August), and prices are at their highest. The lakes are at their most vibrant state, especially in July and August. The high temperature can be as high as 23-30°C (68-80°F), and can get to a low of 7-10°C (45-50°F).
- High Season (winter): December through March, the crowds are present due to snow/ski season, and prices are high. The high temperature can be as high as -4 - -1°C (30-40°F), and can get to a low of -13 - -8°C (8-18°F) .
- Shoulder Season (spring): April through May, the crowds are much less existent, and cost of accommodation is lower. Ski season is coming to an end. The high temperature can be as high as 10-17°C (50-60°F), and to a low of -2 - -3°C (28-38°F).
- Shoulder Season (autumn): September through November, the crowds are much smaller, and the cost of accommodation is lower. The leaves begin to change color, but there can also be blizzards this time of year. The high temperature can be as high as 3-18°C (38-64°F, and a low of 4- -8°C (17-39°F).
Yoho National Park
The smallest park in the Canadian Rockies is Yoho National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was established in 1886, and covers an area over 1,300 square kilometers (over 500 square miles). The beauty of the jagged mountains, colorful lakes, winding rivers, and alpine forests around Yoho, are incredibly gorgeous. My absolute favorite spots in the area are Emerald Lake and Natural Bridge!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Emerald Lake Lodge
I have been dreaming about staying at this lodge for many years! I finally had the pleasure of doing so, and enjoyed this beautiful property for two days! I stayed in a Lake View (#244) Room, and had such a beautiful view. The room was very spacious, and I loved that I had a real wood-burning fireplace in my living area! The king bed was extremely comfortable, and it was such a peaceful place! I surely would recommend this wonderful lodge to anyone, and everyone!
I have been dreaming about staying at this lodge for many years! I finally had the pleasure of doing so, and enjoyed this beautiful property for two days! I stayed in a Lake View (#244) Room, and had such a beautiful view. The room was very spacious, and I loved that I had a real wood-burning fireplace in my living area! The king bed was extremely comfortable, and it was such a peaceful place! I surely would recommend this wonderful lodge to anyone, and everyone!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mount Robson Provincial Park
Established in 1913, Mount Robson Provincial Park was named after the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies! This UNESCO World Heritage Site covers an area of just over 2,245 square kilometers (over 865 square miles), and has some of the most beautiful landscapes I have ever seen! The main reason I traveled this far northwest, was because I wanted to see the north view of Mount Robson, the Mount Robson glacier, and Berg Lake. Apparently to get that view, most people hike 14+ miles, one way! I thought I was going to be up for it, but I decided to do it a different route! Instead, I took a private helicopter around Mount Robson to get the view I wanted! I was in absolute awe when I finally saw the view. It surely was breathtaking, but so was the ride there! I told the pilot I wish we could land, so I could take in the view of Mount Robson & Berg Lake, but he said we weren't able to because it's a protected area for the hikers. Next thing I know, he showed me a spot we could land, and it was ON TOP of Mt. Robson! I was standing on the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, with the most amazing view of Berg Lake, Mount Robson Glacier, and the Hargreaves. I was absolutely blown away, there wasn't a person in sight (other than my pilot), just the sound of an avalanche crackling in the distance. This was one of the most incredible experiences of my life!
Established in 1913, Mount Robson Provincial Park was named after the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies! This UNESCO World Heritage Site covers an area of just over 2,245 square kilometers (over 865 square miles), and has some of the most beautiful landscapes I have ever seen! The main reason I traveled this far northwest, was because I wanted to see the north view of Mount Robson, the Mount Robson glacier, and Berg Lake. Apparently to get that view, most people hike 14+ miles, one way! I thought I was going to be up for it, but I decided to do it a different route! Instead, I took a private helicopter around Mount Robson to get the view I wanted! I was in absolute awe when I finally saw the view. It surely was breathtaking, but so was the ride there! I told the pilot I wish we could land, so I could take in the view of Mount Robson & Berg Lake, but he said we weren't able to because it's a protected area for the hikers. Next thing I know, he showed me a spot we could land, and it was ON TOP of Mt. Robson! I was standing on the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, with the most amazing view of Berg Lake, Mount Robson Glacier, and the Hargreaves. I was absolutely blown away, there wasn't a person in sight (other than my pilot), just the sound of an avalanche crackling in the distance. This was one of the most incredible experiences of my life!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|