Banff National Park is Canada's first national park and the world's third. Spanning 6,641 square kilometres (2,564 square miles) of valleys, mountains, glaciers, forests, meadows and rivers, Banff National Park is one of the world's premier destination spots.
[source: National Parks Canada, www.pc.gc.ca]
The trail starts at Lake Louise Chateau where you have a marvellous view on the Victoria glacier. Follow the lakeshore trail to the far end of Lake Louise. From there, the trail ascents up to the Tea House which was built by Swiss guides in 1924. The name "Plain of Six Glaciers" was from the views that could once be seen from the Tea House meadow. Once you arrive at the Tea House the trail continues on for another 1.3 km for those who want to have a closer view of Victoria Glacier. During your hike you will have fantastic views on the mountains, glaciers and Lake Louise and if you are lucky, you will also see a few Hoary Marmots (you will hear their whistle at least).
[source: www.canadianrockies.net]
Before starting your hike take into consideration the following key facts:
- Distance: 5.5 km (3.4 mi) one way – Lake Louise to Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House.
- Day Hike: 1.5 – 2 hr one way
- Elevation Gain: 370 m (1215 ft)
- Maximum Elevation: 2100 m (6890 ft)
- Lake Louise is in grizzly bear country.
- The weather might change quickly, so be prepared with good shoes and cloths and check the weather forecast before you head of.
The Rocky Mountains are a major mountain range in western North America that stretch more than 3,000 miles (4,830 km) from the northernmost part of British Columbia, in western Canada, to New Mexico, in the southwestern United States.
The Rocky Mountains were formed from 80 million to 55 million years ago by the Laramide orogeny. Since then, erosion by water and glaciers has sculpted the mountain range into dramatic valleys and peaks. The Laramide orogeny occurred in a series of pulses, with quiescent phases intervening.
The Canadian Rockies are quite different in appearance and geology from the American Rockies to the south of them. The Canadian Rockies are composed of layered sedimentary rock such as limestone and shale, whereas the American Rockies are made mostly of metamorphic and igneous rock. The ice ages left their mark on the Rockies, forming extensive glacial landforms, such as U-shaped valleys and cirques.
Glaciers are large persistent bodies of ice that form where the accumulation of snow exceeds its ablation (melting and sublimation) over many years, often centuries. As the glacier flows over the bedrock's fractured surface, it softens and lifts blocks of rock that are brought into the ice. This process is known as plucking, and it is produced when subglacial water penetrates the fractures and the subsequent freezing expansion separates them from the bedrock. When the ice expands, it acts as a lever that loosens the rock by lifting it. This way, sediments of all sizes become part of the glacier's load. The rocks frozen into the bottom of the ice then act like grit in sandpaper.
When the glacier pulls back, these glacially formed accumulations of unconsolidated glacial debris (soil and rock) are called moraine. There exist several types of moraines and as you hike up the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail you will see examples of terminal, ground and lateral moraines left by the Lefroy and Victoria glaciers a few 100 years ago.
[sources: Wikipedia, www.wikipedia.com]
To claim credit for this cache, please answer the following questions by email prior to logging the cache. You will find the answers on the infoboards in the picnic area and in the listing:
1. How were the Rocky Mountains formed?
2. What type of moraines can you see along the trail?
3. You will find two photos of the Victoria Glacier. In which years were they taken? Examine the pictures and compare that to what you are seeing today.
Optional: In order to follow up the development of the glaciers, it would be great if you can upload a picture with your log taken from the picnic area towards the glaciers (optional with you or your GPS).
You do not have to wait for approval to log after you have sent in your answers, but if your answers are not correct, your log may be deleted.
Please note! It is illegal to feed or harass wildlife!
Enjoy Yourself !
- Parks Canada’s mandate is to protect and present Canada’s natural and cultural heritage and offer exceptional visitor experiences. This earthcache has been approved by Parks Canada. www.parkscanada.gc.ca/banff-