A Continental
Divide (as researched by
google) is defined as a line of elevated terrain which
forms a border between two watersheds such that water falling on one side
of the line eventually travels to one ocean or body of water, and water on the
other side travels to another, generally on the opposite side of the continent.
North America has 4
continental divides, the Great Divide runs from the Seaward Peninsula in Alaska through Western Canada
along the crest of the Rocky Mountains to New Mexico separating the watersheds
of the Pacific Ocean from those of the Atlantic or Arctic Oceans.
On our 10-day to Canada,
we had the experience of a lifetime, journeying a portion
of the Great Continental Divide between the towns of Banff and Jasper.
This section is part of 2 national park systems, and was also declared a
UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984 for its outstanding natural beauty and
unsurpassed geological value!
You can get on to the
world famous Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), from just outside Lake Louise.
This stretch of approximately 230 km between Lake Louise and
Jasper rewards you with eye-capturing views of majestic peaks, ancient
glaciers, crystal clear lakes and broad sweeping valleys. This is
one stretch of road where you never want to hit the pedal to the
metal. Keep enough time on your itinerary, to admire, absorb and
reflect upon these magnificent sites.
There are many
"must-sees" on this very scenic and historic drive. You can
find a lot of information about the same from the internet, or from any
library or information center. I have listed details on what to see in my TOP TEN LIST.Those
of you wondering, nothing on the list falls under the infamous- 'tourist
trap' category unless you re-think the usage of the word...yes... you
have a fairly good chance of getting 'trapped-by-tourists' !! All the sites and
stops listed on this drive are hands-down spectacular and worth your time and
indulgence.
We were advised that the
Ice-field Parkway is home to varied mountain wildlife such as mountain goat,
black bear, elk and moose. We have to say, we weren't disappointed, and
were lucky to catch a glimpse of wildlife in their natural setting. Often times
herds of elk would cross the highway, holding up miles of traffic, and causing
crazed tourists to jump out of their buses to capture photos.
Driving on the Great
Continental Divide was like escaping to a world, where the mountains rule,
and you - a mere spec on their topography. Their rugged snow-capped
world studded with icefields and alpine glaciers, make you realize
what the Ice age might have been like. To this day these icefields continue
to mould and sculpt the ever-changing landscape that is enough
invitation to make this an awe-inspiring journey.
See Mom - all your
teaching hasn't gone to waste, you are now the proud mother of someone who
literally rode the backbone of the continent and experienced first hand,
what the books talked about. And having done that, I now have a new found
respect for geography and how its workings have designed and redefined the
landscape of the world! Wish you were here!
TIP: The Icefields Pkwy is
often the ideal destination for avid bicyclers. This ever popular scenic route
offers lodges and hostels conveniently located at the end of each biking
pit-stop. If you are game to push your body and take the plunge, you will be
rewarded with a perspective refreshingly unique and vastly different from the
average high-speed automobile-driver's.
Take you time enjoying
this scenic stretch, it is a milestone in history, and is not meant to be
rushed. Give yourselves a good portion of a day to traverse the great divide...and
then tell the world, you did it!!
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