This is just a small part of the Trans continental highway which cross Canada from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. Our 0 kilometer begins in Calgary's downtown at the very well known landmark, the Calgary Tower. Driving west, the early morning sunlight offers a grandiose scene of undulating Foothills abruptly ending at the east slopes of the Rockies. 78 km west of Calgary our mountain odyssey begins at the junction of Highway No. 40 a.k.a., Kananaskis Road and the Trans Canada.

At 110 km we pass the once small mining community, and now very prosperous town of Canmore. Many tourists use this as their base to escape into the mountains. West of Canmore are the gates to Banff National Park. While driving through the mountains pay attention to posted speed limits because of wildlife crossings.

The town of Banff, with dominant Rundle Mountain, is on the left side and the Mt. Norquay ski area is to the right. Farther west on the highway we pass the exit to Sunshine Village and then Lake Louise. These are two famous ski resorts in the Banff National Park.

West of Lake Louise is another highway junction leading to Jasper and the Athabasca Ice field.

While driving your car imagine your self 130 years years back in time. Here early explores ventured through the Rockies to find a passage to the Pacific Ocean. What a strenuous task? What imagination, will power and courage these first land surveyors had to fulfill their dreams and visions.

We next cross the Alberta, British Columbia provincial boundary and enter Yoho National Park. Below us is the village of Field which offers many local attractions such as Emerald lake and Takakkaw Falls with the world famous Burgess Shale.

Now the highway winds along Kicking Horse river, a very spectacular passage to Golden. Golden is the sleeping giant of future ski resorts. The local Kicking Horse Mountain is under development and in the near future will attract world class skiers.

After Golden the highway is climbs to the famous Rogers Pass, where during the winter there is a constant battle waged with avalanches to keep this road open. Below the pass is the world's longest railway tunnel operated by Canadian Pacific Railway. Here in 1882, the last spike was driven in a railway system that united Canada from Sea to Sea.

The spectacular scenery of Glacier National Park now awaits.

After crossing the pass you can feel the strong influence of the Pacific Ocean, the climate is humid and soft and Giant Cedars grow along the highway.

The highway descends to Revelstoke and the Columbia River. This Canadian Alpine town is the gateway to "powder snow" skiing and great adventures of the Arrow Lakes.

Plan to drive at least a day or more, because of the many attractions that await you on this spectacular drive.

To view more pictures please use the following link: http://community.webshots.com/album/27167170MuFeIyJYaq

For continuation on driving from Revelstoke through Arrow Lakes on Highway No. 23 South please view: http://community.webshots.com/album/18069930XRDmLABQDi

or http://www.worldisround.com/articles/6336/index.html