Lake Minnewanka

Before we left Banff we drove over to go explore the area around Lake Minnewanka, or as Drew referred to it, Lake Williwonka.  It is a gorgeous lake with a nice hiking path right next to it.  The beach also has an endless supply of rocks which is a big plus for Alden.  It was a beautiful day and I really enjoyed just sitting on the beach and taking in the scenery and watching Alden have a great time!  Anders and I enjoyed just sitting together and soaking up the warmth of the sun.

There was a nice little hike that we did before heading to Calgary.  It was a nice way to get out and stretch our legs and it took us to a bridge with a pretty view down at the river in the canyon.  Alden was a good trooper, hiking part of the time, and then he would ask for shoulder rides when he was done hiking for awhile.  Alden liked making it to the bridge where he could look down at the water.  He even wanted to sit down and eat his snack right in the middle of the bridge...probably not the best idea.  But, at least he had fun on the outing and got to burn off some energy before getting in the car.

We stopped at this view point to look out across the valley on our way to Lake Minnewanka.  This was the viewpoint where you could see HooDoos.  The ones there were not very impressive compared to the ones in Southern Utah but it was a nice view.

We saw this bird a lot on our trip.  It is called a Nutcracker and it took us until this point to get a good picture of it.

More of the view of the area around Banff.

Alden loved getting to throw rocks in the water!  He also liked throwing the big rocks rather than little pebbles.

Drew and my dad had fun skipping rocks while Alden was throwing them.  It was nice because all of the boys had fun together!

Sitting and just enjoying the view.

Alden and Grandpa sitting and taking a short break from throwing rocks.

More skipping and throwing of rocks...

Anders and I enjoying resting and taking in the view.

Starting off on our little hike along part of the lake.  The lake did look like it might be low right now compared to other times in recent years.

Alden being a good little hiker with Grandma.

Looking off the bridge at the river.

The view from right above the bridge.

It was very beautiful looking back at the river and Lake Minnewanka from the bridge.

This was where Alden wanted to sit for his snack.  Right in the middle of the bridge where he could look down at the water.  This was a fun outing and a really nice way to end our time in Canadian National Parks for this trip.