Whitehorn Mountain, Banff

Reluctantly I departed the picturesque window at Chateau Lake Louise and set my sights on Fairview Mountain. I eagerly tackled the hike to its summit. It was not for the faint of heart. The more I progressed through the dense woodland and uneven terrain, the more difficult and rugged it became. As I hiked above the treeline, all the thick greenery gave way to a rocky and desolate landscape. Jagged snow-capped peaks framed the mountain while the sun's scorching rays added a layer of intensity to my experience. Yet the effort was worth it when I reached the summit. Sweeping views of green valleys, tall mountains and the beauty of Lake Louise at the base created a perfect visual blend. 

The next day, I explored Moraine Lake, another jaw-dropping lake in Banff National Park. I was awestruck by the towering peaks that formed the backdrop to the lake's turquoise waters. From here, I made my way to the small hamlet of Lake Louise. 

The town was named after Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. It was settled in 1884 as an outpost for the Canadian Pacific Railway. Before the European arrival, the area was inhabited by the Nakoda people and, in their Stoney language, called it Ho-run-num-nay, meaning "lake of the little fishes". The community is a gateway to Lake Louise Ski Resort, my next destination.

The ski resort is located on the southern slopes of Slate Range. It became a destination spot in the early 1920s when skiing gained popularity. Winter sports competitions soon followed, and today, the resort is the only place in Canada to hold the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup.  

However, when the snow melts, the ski runs make way for hiking trails. This was my opportunity to hike to Whitehorn Mountain's summit and take in the sites of Lake Louise from another vantage point. Small wildflowers bordered the gravelly track I walked on, while tall pencil-thin conifers dot the rest of the landscape.

Finding a suitable spot, I sat down, unpacked the gourmet sandwich I picked up in town, poured myself a hot cup of tea from my thermos and enjoyed a leisurely lunch amongst nature.