A fter I rented a car and checked out of the hotel near Calgary International Airport, I drove west on Trans-Canada Highway 1 — watching the Rocky Mountains looming in the distance and creeping closer with every kilometer — to Exit 114, where I took Alberta Provincial Highway 1X north to Alberta Provincial Highway 1A west. Knowing that I would be returning this way the next day, I thought I would visit spots closest to Calgary; and then take the Trans-Canada Highway to other areas the next day.
Gap Lake — A Good Starting Point
Gap Lake is the first place I visited after leaving the Calgary metropolitan area.
It is located adjacent to Alberta Provincial Highway 1A past the town of Exshaw; and 107 kilometers from the hotel — one hour and 12 minutes of travel time — but it is not located in a national park.
Simply park the vehicle in a small parking area off the side of the road and enjoy the views — and the various aquamarine hues of the water.
I am not sure why I took this photograph along the shore.
This view of Alberta Provincial Highway 1A — which eventually becomes Bow Valley Parkway and parallels the Trans-Canada Highway — is roughly facing west.
There is no cost to visit Gap Lake; and you may stay as long as you like…
…even if only to watch the occasional car ply down the highway.
Summary
Gap Lake is a good starting point to acclimate a first-time visitor to the splendor and grandeur which are the Rocky Mountains of Canada — for even though it is quiet and scenic in its own right, it will pale in comparison to the treasures which lie in store once one enters Banff National Park…
All photographs ©2017 by Brian Cohen.
