The blue water of Lake Louise is spellbinding

The blue water of Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada is one of nature’s most spectacular treats. Photos by Doug Oster Tribune-Review

Lake Louise is a mystic illusion, a trick nature must be playing on our eyes. The water is azur blue, colored by the silt of glacial runoff, can it be real? The cool mountain air, the Canadian Rockies and this turquoise water have drawn visitors here for over 100 years.

As rain poured down the tourists flocked to the protection of the Fairmont Hotel making it resemble a subway station during rush hour.

When the weather cleared a thin layer of white clouds danced with mountain peaks and on the trail around the lake the sound of running water calls out drawing us further and further to the back of the lake.

The banks of the lake are filled with pretty wildflowers.

Mysterious flowers bloom along the banks of small fast flowing frigid creeks and their colors explode against the lush green backdrop of the forest.

Raindrops hang on the tips of spruce needles, their trunks stand in silhouette against the water as daylight fades.

Drops of rain cling to the tips of spruce trees.

It’s quiet towards the back of the lake, little birds flit from branch to branch calling for a mate, time is precious as in the mountains the season is short.

Walking back towards the hotel the sound of travelers embracing this site for the first time gets louder. A group of well off young women dressed in gaudy, colorful tight dresses pose for pictures acting more drunk than they really are. Oblivious to the crowd around them, they put on a show for their uninterested partners who stand off to the side in fancy sweaters quietly talking to each other.

But it doesn’t matter, the lake has seen it all before. Kings, queens, adventure seekers and middle class tourists have all had the pleasure of time here, and it’s time well spent.

The view from the back of the lake might not be as famous, but it’s just as wonderful and quieter too.

This view of the lake isn’t as famous as from the other side, but it’s both beautiful and quiet.