How many times have you seen photos of Lake Louise, Alberta? It actually looks and feels surreal, even when you’re there!

Just superb, especially early in the day with no breeze.

Chateau Lake Louise grew from a simple log chalet and then the implementation of the Canadian Pacific transcontinental railway which was completed in 1885.

Food at the Chateau is simply delicious and healthy choices available.

A Grumpy Bear beer isn’t too bad either!

On our way towards Calgary we stop at Lake Moraine which is a glacially-fed lake in Banff National Park – 14 kilometres (8.7 miles) outside the Village of Lake Louise.

All along the way, just can’t beat the views.

View from the Icefield Interpretive Centre which is closed during the winter (mid-October to mid-April) and stands across from the glacier.

We’ve come over by way of a snow coach which has to climb one of the steepest gravel roads in Canada to gain access to it.

The Athabasca Glacier is one of the six principal ‘toes’ of the Columbia Icefield located in the Canadian Rockies. It currently recedes at a rate of about 5 metres (16 ft) per year.

Very impressive!

The leading edge of the glacier is within easy walking distance; however, travel onto the glacier is not recommended unless properly equipped. Hidden crevasses have led to the deaths of unprepared tourists.

Group shot before heading onto Calgary.

It’s not going to look like this for much longer as Canada heads into its cooler months and will be whiter than white.