William Spotswood Green<\/a>, a member of the British Alpine Club who visited the Rockies and the Selkirks in 1888. Green’s book “Among the Selkirk Glaciers,” aroused much interest in the “Canadian Alps” and Green’s visit is said to have marked the birth of mountaineering in Canada. The naming history of nearby Mount Lefroy is a complex one and involves Mount Victoria.<\/p>\nWhen Green visited Lake Louise in 1888, he was of the opinion that what is now known as Mount Victoria was named Mount Lefroy. In his book, “Among the Selkirk Glaciers,” he wrote, “At the head of the lake the great precipice of Mount Lefroy stood up in noble grandeur, a glacier sweeping round its foot came right down to the head of the lake.” The caption of an accompanying drawing leaves no doubt that Green was referring to what is now known as Mount Victoria.
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/lefroy-victoria.jpg” title_text=”Mt Victoria (centre)” show_in_lightbox=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.23″ always_center_on_mobile=”on”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider color=”#000000″ _builder_version=”3.0.105″][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”3. Mt Lefroy” module_id=”lefroy” _builder_version=”3.27.4″] <\/p>\n
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3. Mount Lefroy<\/b> 3423m, (11230 ft)<\/p>\n
Together with Mt Victoria, Mount Lefroy\u2019s hanging glacier and steep colourful cliffs forms the backdrop to the classic view of Lake Louise from the chateau.<\/p>\n
It was named for General Sir John Henry Lefroy who was an astronomer and became the head of the Toronto Observatory. Between 1842 and 1844, he travelled over 8800km in the Canadian North making magnetic and meteorological observations.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s steep, western slopes were the scene of Canada\u2019s first mountaineering fatality in 1896.<\/p>\n
Phillip Abbot first visited the Canadian Rockies in 1895. With Charles Fay, Charles Thompson and others, he completed the first ascent of Mount Hector. From the summit there were great views across the valley to Mount Lefroy and Abbott seems to have become obsessed with the peak.<\/p>\n
On August 3rd of the following year, Abbott, together with Fay, Thompson, and George Little attempted to make the first ascent of Mount Lefroy. As they ascended the final 600m, the steep ice slopes and poor rock became a concern. After leaving the ice to climb on rock, Abbot, who had been leading, asked the others to unrope and wait so that he could advance more easily. A moment later, Little was conscious that something had fallen swiftly past him and knew only too well what it must be. Thompson and Fay, standing at the base of the cliff, saw their dear friend falling backward and head-foremost, strike the upper margin of the ice slope within fifteen feet of them, turn completely over, and instantly begin rolling down it\u2019s steep incline.<\/p>\n
Exactly one year after the accident the party reached the summit on a memorial climb requested by Abbot\u2019s father. After a days rest Collie and Sarbach led the party as it completed the first ascent of nearby Mount Victoria.
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/lefroy.jpg” title_text=”Mt Lefroy from Plain of 6 Glaciers Hike” show_in_lightbox=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.23″ always_center_on_mobile=”on”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/lefroy1.jpg” title_text=”Mt Lefroy ” show_in_lightbox=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.23″ always_center_on_mobile=”on”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider color=”#000000″ _builder_version=”3.0.105″][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”4. Mt Temple” module_id=”temple” _builder_version=”4.0.11″ hover_enabled=”0″] <\/p>\n
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4.<\/strong> Mount Temple<\/b> 3544m, (11,627 ft)<\/p>\nAs you approach the Hamlet of Lake Louise from the end of the Icefields Parkway, from the Lake Louise Inn where we\u2019ll stay the night and just about anywhere in the Lake Louise townsite the dominant Mountain Peak to the left of Lake Louise and Mount Victoria is the imposing lump of a mountain named Mount Temple.<\/p>\n
It was named for Sir Richard Temple by surveyor George Dawson in 1884.<\/p>\n
Sir Richard Temple was born to a British country landowner. His maternal grandfather was governor of Bombay. At the age of 18 he joined the powerful East India Company as a writer. He worked as an assistant to the chief commissioner and later as aid to the finance minister. He was eventually promoted as chief commissioner of India\u2019s central provinces. Under his command, an education department and dispensaries were established.<\/p>\n
Temple\u2019s administration provided relief from famine in 1874, but he was reprimanded by the British government for \u201cextravagant\u201d spending during the crisis. His dealings with a subsequent famine in 1877 put a blot on his record. Determined to improve his reputation with the British, his meagre interventions resulted in the death of millions. Nonetheless, Temple garnered several awards for his service to the crown, including Knight Grand Cross of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of India and Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire.<\/p>\n
Temple visited the Rockies once in 1884 as leader of a field trip with the British Association for the Advancement of Science.<\/p>\n
The first ascent of the mountain took place in 1894 and also marked the first mountain over 11 000 feet to be climbed in the Canadian Rockies.
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/temple2.jpg” title_text=”Mt Temple from the Bow Valley Parkway” show_in_lightbox=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.23″ always_center_on_mobile=”on”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/temple.jpg” title_text=”Close up of the summit of Mt Temple” show_in_lightbox=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.23″ always_center_on_mobile=”on”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider color=”#000000″ _builder_version=”3.0.105″][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”5. Storm Mountain” _builder_version=”3.27.4″]5. Storm Mountain<\/b> 3100m (10170 ft)<\/p>\n
On the last day of the tour we\u2019ll depart Lake Louise, cross the main trans canada hwy and cycle the quiet rolling hills of the Bow Valley Parkway towards Banff. About 30 km or about half way to Banff we\u2019ll have a rest stop at Castle Mountain. Shortly before that rest stop keep an eye out on your right for a view point with amazing views across the Bow Valley to take in Storm Mountain. It\u2019s distinctive shape, colourful cliffs and attractive snow highlights make it a sight to see.<\/p>\n
The Mountain was named by Dr. George Dawson due to the summit being shrouded by storm clouds for much of the time that he was working in the area during 1884.
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/storm.jpg” title_text=”Storm Mountain” show_in_lightbox=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.23″ always_center_on_mobile=”on”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider color=”#000000″ _builder_version=”3.0.105″][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”6. Castle Mountain” _builder_version=”3.27.4″]6. <\/b>Castle Mountain 2766 m (9074 ft)\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
At this stage of the tour you\u2019ll be starting to feel like the tour is rapidly coming to a close and combined with the quiet and relatively flat terrain of the Bow Valley Parkway you\u2019ll likely be in good spirits and happy to see us parked at Castle Mountain Chalets for one last snack stop before we roll into Banff. As you eagerly anticipate one last white chocolate raspberry scone or chocolate covered pretzel don\u2019t forget to look to your right at this amazing Mountain.<\/p>\n
Named by James Hector in 1858 for its castle-like appearance, the mountain was renamed Mount Eisenhower in 1946 by Prime Minister Mackenzie-King the day before President Eisenhower arrived in Ottawa to visit. Mackenzie-King\u2019s arbitrary decision so provoked the Alberta government that it established its own geographical names board. In 1979 when Albertan Joe Clark was prime minister, the mountain got its original name back, with the addition of the name Eisenhower Peak to a prominent peak.
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/castle.jpg” title_text=”Castle Mountain” show_in_lightbox=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.23″ always_center_on_mobile=”on”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider color=”#000000″ _builder_version=”3.0.105″][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”7. Mt Rundle” _builder_version=”3.27.4″]7. <\/strong>Mount Rundle<\/b> 2949m (9675 ft)<\/p>\nAt the end of the Bow Valley Trail we\u2019ll be just a few km from the finish line in Banff, but the fun isn\u2019t quite over yet. From here we\u2019ll ride onto the Legacy Trail (a paved bike path which leads into the town of Banff and on to Canmore). As you approach Banff you\u2019ll ride out of the trees and beside Vermillion Lakes for a few km\u2019s. As you ride happily along knowing that you\u2019re just about to complete an amazing journey by bike, you\u2019ll be sure to notice this beauty which rises high above Banff for your visual pleasure.<\/p>\n
In 1839, at the age of 28, Robert Terrill Rundle, was hired by the Hudson\u2019s Bay Company to set up Christian missions in its Saskatchewan district. He arrived at Fort Edmonton October 18, 1840. For eight years, from spring to fall, Rundle traveled a circuit visiting First Nations settlements, at first with a guide, but later with only a translator. He learned to speak Cree and translated hymns into that language.<\/p>\n
A Cree chief named Maskepetoon who was known for his fierce temper and violence converted to Christianity through Rundle\u2019s efforts. In later years, the Cree Chief was known for his peace-making efforts between warring tribes. In 1857, John Palliser hired Maskepetoon as a guide and expedition members gave him the name Nichiwa, Cree for \u201cfriend.\u201d It seems that Palliser credited Maskepetoon\u2019s remarkable reformation to Rev. Rundle\u2019s influence and decided to honour the missionary by naming the imposing mountain after him in 1858.<\/p>\n
Mount Rundle is really a small range, with seven peaks that stretch twelve kilometres (7.5 miles) from Banff to Canmore.
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Rundle.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Mt Rundle” _builder_version=”3.23″ always_center_on_mobile=”on”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider color=”#000000″ _builder_version=”3.0.105″][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”8. Cascade Mtn” _builder_version=”3.27.4″]8.<\/strong> Cascade Mountain<\/b> 2998m (9835 ft)<\/p>\nFor those wanting to finish the ride here in Banff, we\u2019ll pack up the bikes and drive through town before continuing onto the mountain town of Canmore to meet those who decided to take on the optional 25km bonus round on the Legacy Trial bike path. As we drive down Banff ave (the main street of Banff) you\u2019ll notice an impressive mountain dominating the view.<\/p>\n
Together with the waterfall, the meadow below it\u2019s southern cliffs made Cascade Mountain a landmark for the natives long before it became the peak most often associated with the town of Banff.<\/p>\n
The Stoney people called it \u201cMinihapa\u201d which literally means \u201cMountain where the water falls.\u201d In 1858, James Hector, translated the mountain\u2019s name to Cascade. The waterfall is spring fed and flows year-round. Hector also noted a \u201cbeautiful little prairie\u201d at the base of the mountain. The meadow is now known as Whiskey Creek Meadows.
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/cascade.jpg” title_text=”Cascade Mountain” show_in_lightbox=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.23″ always_center_on_mobile=”on”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider color=”#000000″ _builder_version=”3.0.105″][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”9. Ha Ling Peak” module_id=”haling” _builder_version=”3.27.4″] <\/p>\n
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9. Ha Ling Peak 2408 m (7900 ft)<\/b><\/p>\n
Even though officially the tour ends in Banff, there is a 25km paved bike path called the Legacy trail between Banff and Canmore to temp you if you\u2019re up for a bonus round. Shortly after you exit Banff National Park on the trail you\u2019ll come to a gem of a mountain town called Canmore. You\u2019ll notice Mt Rundle finally coming to an end on your right (mentioned in a previous post) and you\u2019ll see a nice valley appear which leads to Spray Lakes. On the other side of that valley is an impressive cliff face which leads to Ha Ling Peak.<\/p>\n
In October 1896, Ha Ling, a Chinese cook for the Canadian Pacific Railway working at Canmore, climbed to the summit of this peak to win a $50 bet. He made the ascent and return in about five and a half hours, leaving a flag at the top. But Ha Ling couldn\u2019t collect his money until he led doubters back to the summit the next day and showed them the flag he\u2019d planted.<\/p>\n
Regrettably, it wasn\u2019t until 1997 that the peak was named in Ha Ling\u2019s honour. An
\nembarrassing hundred years of contention over the peak\u2019s name followed Ha Ling\u2019s first ascent. Locally, the peak was called \u201cChinaman\u2019s Peak,\u201d an offensive moniker that persisted and was even registered as the official name in 1985. It took a concerted effort by Albertans of Chinese ancestry to have the name officially changed to honour Ha Ling.<\/p>\n
While the name Ha Ling may seem out of place compared to the mostly European names given to the peaks in the Canadian Rockies, a peak with a name of Chinese origin shouldn\u2019t be surprising. Many Chinese immigrants were in western Canada by the end of the 19th century. Some had been lured by the gold rush in the 1850\u2019s and more arrived in the 1880\u2019s to work as labourers on the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), just as Ha Ling had done.<\/p>\n
Ha Ling Peak is a peak on the larger mountain, Mount Lawrence Grassi. Mount Lawrence Grassi was named after Lawrence Grassi, a prominent citizen of Canmore. Grassi arrived in Canada from Italy in 1912 and worked as a labourer for the CPR. Later he settled in Canmore and worked in the mines. He was an avid climber and explorer who completed many solo climbs and first ascents. He contributed much to the Canmore area, and other places in the Canadian Rockies, through his tireless trail-building efforts. You can still enjoy his handiwork at places like Lake O\u2019Hara, where Grassi spent much time as a park warden. If you\u2019re headed for Abbot\u2019s Pass, watch for Grassi\u2019s solid rock steps and stepping stones. Grassi\u2019s work is also apparent along Lake O\u2019Hara\u2019s lakeshore.
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/ha-ling-peak-lawrence-grassi.jpg” title_text=”Ha Ling Peak (right), Mt Lawrence Grassi (centre) ” show_in_lightbox=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.23″ always_center_on_mobile=”on”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider color=”#000000″ _builder_version=”3.0.105″][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”10. 3 sisters” _builder_version=”3.27.4″]10.<\/strong> Three Sisters<\/b> 2936m (9632 ft)<\/p>\nAs we pack up your bikes and gear into the van and trailers at the Travel Alberta Visitor\u2019s Centre, you\u2019ll be soaking up the afternoon sun and taking in the impressive view of Mountains that overlook Canmore. To your left you\u2019ll notice three peaks in a row called the Three Sisters.<\/p>\n
This famous mountain overlooking Canmore was passed over and left unnamed by the Palliser Expedition\u2019s James Hector in 1858, although he noted in his journal that the three peaks formed a \u201cvery imposing group.\u201d<\/p>\n
Major Albert Bowman Rogers was an American surveyor hired by the CPR to locate passes through the Rocky and Selkirk Mountains. It was his nephew and namesake, another Albert Rogers, who, noticing the three peaks covered in a heavy view of snow one morning in 1883 called them the \u201cThree Nuns.\u201d The name was changed by George Dawson in 1886 to Three Sisters.
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/3-sisters1.jpg” title_text=”3 Sisters Canmore” show_in_lightbox=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.23″ always_center_on_mobile=”on”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider color=”#000000″ _builder_version=”3.0.105″][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Read on for Part 6 of our peaks of the parkway articles. Hear the stories behind the naming of some of the most significant peaks and geographical features that you’ll ride past along the Icefields Parkway.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mountainmadnesstours.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7173"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mountainmadnesstours.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mountainmadnesstours.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mountainmadnesstours.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mountainmadnesstours.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7173"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/mountainmadnesstours.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7173\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7644,"href":"https:\/\/mountainmadnesstours.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7173\/revisions\/7644"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mountainmadnesstours.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7173"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mountainmadnesstours.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7173"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mountainmadnesstours.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7173"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}