Saturday, September 8, 2012

Sep 8 – Maligne Lake

Another almost perfect day. The locals just can’t believe this weather. It seems they haven’t had that great a summer.

All the guide books and everyone I talked to says we had to take the cruise on Maligne Lake. The cruise is 1 1/2 hours long and goes out to one of the most photographed spots in the area called Spirit Island.

First we had to move the RV. When I reserved our spot I could only get 5 days in a power site. I went back last night assuming we would have to move to an unserviced site. It turns out the site next to us was free for 2 more nights. Ours was booked. I am not sure why they couldn’t have just swapped the booking. Anyway, this morning we waited for the people to vacate the other site. They finally left about 10 and we did the giant step next door. I tried to get a TV signal again but failed after a bunch of tries. After we got back tonight, again after a lot of tries in different places, I got a signal in a tiny hole in the last place I was going to try before giving up.

We left at about 11:30. It is a 60 km drive to the lake.

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Passing alongside another lake.

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We got to the dock at about 12:15. The tours normally run every hour but they added some extra today because it was really busy. We got the last two tickets on the 1 pm trip.

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We were the also the last one on the boat and didn’t even get a seat together. I guess to pack as many people on they have a weird 3 and 2 across arrangement. I didn’t really matter because I spent most of my time standing on the back deck.

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Maligne Lake is long and skinny. The close end has low hills on either side.

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Whereas the far end is surrounded by very tall mountains of both the limestone and granite variety.

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I am not sure what would cause this circular formation.

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Even a few glaciers.

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We stopped at a dock to walk a short trail and get our pictures of Spirit Island.

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And then headed back.

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I love how all the tourist attraction say they are the best at something. This was voted the best scenic cruise in Canada. It was really good but I think the cruise on Western Brook Pond in Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland was more awe inspiring. I imagine less people get there so less votes.

The forecast for tomorrow is still good so we plan to do a hike or two before starting the long drive home on Monday.

1 comment:

  1. WOW! What fantastic weather you've had - when we first went to Maligne Lake in August 1976 we couldn't see much because of the snow/low cloud. Our next trip in the 90's was much better. Yours is spectacular. I agree about the comparison to the Brook Pond cruise in Gros Morne - I think it just has far fewer visitors. Your pictures are outstanding!!!! Having my Sunday morning coffee and a great start to my day. Thanks!!!!

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