A jewel in the forest...

Out for a search and discovery drive, we came upon this stunningly beautiful and under-populated Emerald Lake - which boasts a conference center/resort.  We first spotted this quaint gift shop and canoe/kayak rental area from the parking lot...but we decided to walk as the lake loop trail was only about 3.4 miles and it was a nice day. Simply gorgeous!



Anytime we are about to enter "wilderness" we try to ascertain whether there may be any bear activity and were told that the previous week a family (parents, 2 toddlers) had surprised a mom w/cubs and she chased them into the lake - the very glacier cold lake - where they stood for 20 mins while the bear growled at them. Wasn't until other walkers came along that the family was rescued...of course we had a good laugh about the story because we are sick and twisted, after all, it wasn't us standing in the lake...funny how we decided that wearing our 'bells' would be a good idea after hearing that story.

Emerald Lake is so clear and pristine, even on a cloudy day we were able to capture the mirror images.


Emerald Lake



Another mirror image awaits us.

Half way - resort in the background



At about the halfway point, the lovely paved path, with it's park benches to stop and enjoy the view ends, eat lunch or just rest, ends  and  wooden boardwalks appear to lead you off into the forested portions of the trail, leading you back to the resort.                                                                                   

This is worth the drive to see....and unlike Lake Louise - less congestion = more peace and enjoyment.

This sign was waiting for us at the end of our walk..Good to Know....if it's cold enough to freeze the lake then it's too cold for moi! This day the weather was perfect for a stroll around this gem...

~Ciao