Ray and I took the  Canadian Rocky Mountain train to Banff and Jasper in 2006 with my college classmates.  This time we drove from Columbia (5000 miles round trip) so we could enjoy up close the wildlife and scenery. The weather was fairly good, cloudy with scattered drizzle in the morning but it always cleared up in the afternoon and we saw the majestic Rockies and beautiful views of the mountain valleys, lakes, rivers and waterfalls. We met up with some of our Chinese friends in Jasper. They did the ice field tour, the gondola ride and the skywalk.  Since we did these activities in previous trip, Ray and I took our time to explore off the beaten track walking and biking trails.  We saw many waterfalls but Athabasca Falls along the Icefields highway is one that you should not miss.  We did stop at the famous Lake Louise, but because of the crowd, I actually prefer other lakes like Johnson, Bow and Minnewanka that are quiter, more peaceful and reflecting the beautifully surroundings like a mirror.  Too bad we didn't bring our canoe, these lakes are perfect places to relax and embrace the beauty of nature.  We went to the hot springs in Jasper, the price is quite reasonable and is a good place to sooth the sore muscles after a day of hiking.  

We encountered many cute small rodents like marmot, squirrel and chipmunks .   They generally are not afraid of people and came up seeking hand outs. We were very lucky to see several larger animals like Elk and a huge Bear - both were feeding along the roadway and oblivious to all the attentions they got from the tourists.  Some mama goats with kids stood in the middle of the road licking the salty water from the road pot holes and not worrying about all the cars lined up behind them.  They are the true residents of these parks.  

On a rainy and cold morning, we visited Whyte Museum and Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum in Banff.  A special exhibition "Legacy in Time"  in Whyte showing Henry Vaux Jr rephotographed scenes of his ancestors taken almost a hundred years ago.  Some sceneries didn't change but the glaciers are significant reduced.  In Buffalo Nations Museum, an elder Native Indian showed me how to play flute and drums.  I was fancinated at the Porcupine Quill art work done by native women. They flattened the quills and weave or embroidery them into beautiful purses, shoes and belts.  I have never seen anything quite like that.  We really enjoyed these beautiful Rocky Mountain Parks.  Take your time and don't rush when you come through here!