Sounds like the start of a Canadian shaggy dog story. Don’t worry, I’m aiming lower and it’s a short post…
Back to our recent Yoho trip. On Sunday, learning from our late start the previous day, we headed to Emerald Lake bright and early to enjoy a fine location in relative quiet.
Thoroughly prepared, we brought our very important second cup of coffee with us, parked in a near empty lot, and found a quiet spot to sit and enjoy the almost silence. Emerald Lake was looking lovely as always, and being early paid off. The canoe outfitters had us on the water two minutes after checking in, and away we went. No wind, calm water, and warm sunshine made for a very pleasant paddle.
The outfitters mentioned we might spot a pair of loons somewhere out on the lake, so we kept our eyes peeled. Sure enough, they were bobbing and splashing right in the middle. We maintained our distance, slow floating past, and I tried to take a shot or two. What a fine sight, with their markings, the mountain reflections, and broken blue-green water creating a colourful scene.
What a way to pass the time of day, paddling and floating on an emerald lake surrounded by towering mountains. As we (reluctantly) paddled back in, the store was getting busy, and several canoes headed out as we got back, with many more punters lining up almost out of the store door. If we’d just arrived at that time, I wouldn’t have bothered. I’m a picky paddling PlaidCamper that way – just a teensy bit selfish about sharing. Not attractive, I know…
I can’t imagine how busy some of the mountain national parks are going to be come summer and the peak of the Canada 150 celebrations. We’ll likely wait until late summer or early fall before heading out for a stay.
Anyway, two loons and a canoe made a for a delightful May morning!
Thanks for reading, and have a wonderful weekend!
OldPlaidCamper 
I loved this post, pc. Your adventure was grand, and finding the two loons must have been a true thrill. I love loons, always feel so happy to see them, and hear them too. Your photos are stunning, and Emerald Lake is breathtaking. Liked the photo of the big loon at the end too. Many thanks, to you and Mrs. pc, for sharing this very special adventure.
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Thanks, Jet! It really was a wonderful morning out in beautiful surroundings – as good as it gets – and the two loons were a bonus.
Yeah, that big loon? Best to give him a wide berth, let him carry on with his strange ways…
I hope you are having a fine week so far!
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Great post, as I looked at your photos I thought of the unique color that the Canadian artists capture in the landscape. Loons have never been something I have seen or heard yet, sad to say, maybe one of these days on a trip north. Love that last photo of the rare loon. 😉
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I hope you encounter a loon in a lake on a northern trip one day. They are lovely, and their call is quite something. You’d have a blast photographing and painting in the northern light too. As for the rare loon, well, you don’t get to see one like that too often, and just as well – a strange creature!
Thanks, and I hope you’re having a fine week so far!
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We have Loons out here as well,but they are different.We have the Pacific Loon & you have the Common Loon. I think their calls are the same but they do look different.
I grew up canoeing & miss that! Very jealous Adam!
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We will have to look out and listen for a Pacific loon next time we’re out your way!
I love paddling, and wish I had more time to do so. One day…
I hope your week is off to a good start!
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I absolutely love Emerald Lake, visited there on a tour through the mountain parks on my way to the coast in 2009. Hope to get back some day.
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It is beautiful there – I hope you revisit one day!
Thanks, and have a great week!
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Beautiful reflections (in more than one way) of mountains, lake and birds. Transcendent images. And I think I see a “life bird” in that final pic, most certainly an uncommon loon (Gavia plaidkampera?).
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Mountains, lakes, and birds – perfect! Uncommonly strange, that last loon. A little wizened, too.
Thanks, Walt, and I hope your week is off to a fine start!
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Oh, to see a loon..and get such good photos! We are envious!
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We got lucky with the loons, and thoroughly enjoyed it!
I hope your week is going well!
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I dream of one day paddling one of the lakes in the canadian rockies. Beautiful!
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I suspect you’ll find yourself out west and paddling one day!
Thanks, John, and enjoy your week!
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Thank you for sharing the story and beautiful photos of canoeing Emerald Lake! I haven’t had the chance to kayak past any mountains, but it looks like it would be spectacular. The mountain reflection shot is stunning and I enjoyed all of the photos of the loons! Have a great weekend!
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Paddling on a lake beneath mountains is great! It’s all huge, and you feel tiny, but very content. Maybe you’ll be out north and west someday, experience it for yourself!
Thanks, and have a wonderful week!
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I just wandered over here (from Miriam at Out ‘n About) and looks like I caught you after a brilliant jaunt through Emerald Lake. I’m an outdoorsy blogger myself and can completely relate to the need to escape the crowds, especially when it’s us vs. nature. Looking forward to joining you for many more relaxing adventures.
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Thanks for stopping by, Gabe – much appreciated!
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Amazing post as always. And to catch a picture of such a hard to find loon. 😉 I’m sure that shot required some patience. Thank you for sharing your adventures. Have an amazing weekend.
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Glad you enjoyed this one!
We were lucky with the loon photograph – we drifted past at quite a distance, and they weren’t at all concerned we were there. They are striking looking (and sounding) birds.
Thanks, and have a great weekend!
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