Update Jun 27: All hikers please note the new page on the Main Menu. Please leave a report if you venture out. Hiking after the flood
Note: Trans Canada Highway from Calgary to Canmore opened at 3 pm today(June 26). Canmore to Banff also opened with one lane each direction(see photos below). CYCLISTS PLEASE NOTE: The Legacy Trail beside the Trans-Canada Highway from Canmore to Banff remains closed for safety reasons. Many sections have been destroyed.
Middle Lake in Bow Valley provincial park
Our first post-flood hike was modest and not overly-ambitious. With Hwy 40, Spray Lakes road, the 1A, and the #1 to Banff closed we were limited to Bow Valley Provincial Park. I might add there is no access to Heart creek, or the three trails which lead out from Dead Man’s Flats (Skogan, Mt. Allan, Wind Ridge).
Bow Valley pp was fabulous. The weather was beautiful, the surrounding mountains were still intact, and surprisingly little water was standing around.
Best of all, there are numerous wild flowers in bloom right now. The abundance of moisture has produced a bumper crop. Lots of Elephant’s head in bloom. There are numerous, short trails to explore in the park. The trail around Middle Lake was passable with a few puddles and some mud.
We spotted many wood lilies in bloom
Road crews were working on a number of wash-outs along the#1 highway between Canmore and the casino(Hwy #40). We had to drive in two-way traffic for most of the way. I’m pleasantly surprised to have just learned that repairs have been completed and the highway is now open.
In addition the photos posted here, we also saw 3-flowered avens, purple flea bane, yellow flea bane, wild roses, sweetvetch, and lots of white flowers.
I’ve also posted a few photos of the highway between Canmore and Banff which opened today.
I’m sure there are a few people that frequent Bob’s site that are addicted to the PLPP web cam. Take a look at it now. Looks like there is a lake where there used to be a meadow.
Sooooooo happy the highway(s) is open! With all the awful weather and disasters lately its nice to have some good news! And especially nice to be able to get back to the mtns! I’ve been having awful mtn withdrawal symptoms lately!(I’m sure I’m not the only one!)
RE: 70 km/h; as it should be, haven’t we hit enough animals? That’s my rant for the day. Quadruple the fines too, it’s always the same jack *s’s too. Happy thoughts: Nice weather is coming.