Personal Temple Journeys
Information
Please also refer to the Sacred Sites webpage
For those using public transportation to visit these Sacred sites there are companies that provide a shuttle bus service to and from the Calgary International Airport and will pick up and drop off at Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, and Emerald Lake.
Check out the following websites for further information and timetables:-
1) HOLY OF HOLIES – Temple Centre
Giant Steps, Paradise Valley, Banff National Park
This sacred site is between Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, so the same accommodation options apply as for 2) and 3) below.
There is a backcountry campsite across the valley from the Giant Steps at the
far end of Paradise Valley. Permits and information available at Parks Centre
in Lake Louise.
2) ABODE OF THE ANGELS – Moraine Lake, Banff National Park
Moraine Lake Lodge
PO Box 70
Lake Louise, AB
T0L 1E0
Tel: 403-522-3733
3) CHALICE OF FAITH – Lake Louise, Banff National Park
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
111 Lake Louise Drive
Lake Louise, AB
T0L 1E0
Tel: 403-522-3511
Fax: 403-522-3834
Lake Louise Campground (Parks Canada)
Campsite is left at the first 4-way stop off the highway, in the townsite.
4) SANCTUARY OF TWIN FLAMES – Lake O’Hara, Yoho National Park
There are three options for Temple visitors wishing to stay at Lake O’Hara. It is possible to get the shuttle bus in and out in a day, however this wouldn’t leave much time to hike and really enjoy this amazing place. To really get the full benefit of a visit at least an overnight stay is highly recommended.
Accommodation:
1) Lake O’Hara Lodge - the most luxurious accommodation available is the Lake O’Hara Lodge, one of the most delightful and well appointed backcountry lodges in the Rockies. Guests are accommodated in the main lodge and in outlying cabins.
The lodge opens for summer on the 19th June until the end of September.
Rates:
Lodge room with shared bathroom $440/couple
Lakeshore cabin with private bathroom $600/couple
Guides’ cabin with private bathroom, max 4 sharing $650/couple
One night includes accommodation, all meals, afternoon tea, round trip bus fare on access road, the 8% BC hotel tax and 7% GST, and all gratuities. There is a minimum 2 night stay. All stays of 7 nights or more receive a 5% discount on the above listed rates.
Lake O’Hara Lodge
Box 55
Lake Louise, AB
T0L 1E0
Phone: 250-343-6418 (in season – June 18th to October 10th)
Phone: 403-678-4110 (off season)
2) Lake O’Hara Campground - for those wanting a more back to nature experience there is the Lake O’Hara Campground operated by Parks Canada and offering 30 sites. It is located 0.6km north of the lake on the west side of the O’Hara access road. Despite the fact that few people hike the access road in, a Wilderness Pass is required to stay here as it operates the same as any backcountry campground. One small tent is allowed per site and only two sites can be occupied by a group (no more than six people in a group). The majority of campers reserve sites for the campground up to three months prior to their visit by calling Parks Canada’s Lake O’Hara reservation line (403-343-6433). A reservation fee is charged in addition to the cost of the Wilderness Pass and bus service to the campground (all fees payable by VISA or MasterCard when you make the reservation).
Three to five sites are kept open for those who have not reserved in advance. These are available by showing up in person at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre in Field on the day prior to your trip. Sites are allocated on a first come first served basis, and there is often a line up at the door long before the centre opens.
3) Elizabeth Parker Hut - alternatively, the Alpine Club of
Canada has the Elizabeth Parker hut which accommodates 24 people in a rustic dorm style hut located in the Alpine Meadow 0.7km west of Le Relais by trail.
Le Relais is a log hut that sells beverages, snacks and area trail maps and publications about the area. It is located across the access road from the lakeside warden’s cabin at the northwest corner of the lake. It also serves as a shelter and bus stop for day hikers traveling to and from the area. It is also a good place to visit for current trail conditions.
For info and booking the Elizabeth Parker Hut contact:-
The Alpine Club of Canada
Box 8040
Canmore, AB
T1W 2T8
Phone: 403-678-3200
Fax: 403-678-3224
5) PEAK OF INITIATION – Michael Peak, Yoho National Park
Michael Peak is situated on the President Range on the North end of a saddle between the Yoho Valley and Emerald Lake. It can be accessed by either the Yoho Valley side, starting at the trailhead near the Hostel or via the far end of Emerald Lake on the other side of the range. Either of these starting points offer a number of accommodation options.
Accommodation:
1) Emerald Lake Lodge - provides excellent luxury accommodation.
Phone: 1-800-663-3456
2) The Whiskey Jack Hostel - is situated 1km South of Takkakaw Falls and is an International Hostel Association hostel. You can contact them to make a booking (which is highly recommended during the busy summer season) as follows:-
Hostelling International – Canada Southern Alberta Region,
#203, 1414 Kensington Road N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 3P9
Phone: 403-283-5551
Fax: 403-283-6503
3) Takkakaw Falls Campground - There is also a walk in campground just beyond the Takkakaw Falls parking area. (First come first served)
4) Twin Falls Chalet - Although not quite on the hike route for Michaels Peak, temple trekkers may like to extend their hike into Twin Falls Chalet which is a National Historic Site, and provides accommodation and meals for a limited number of overnight guests throughout the summer. Hikers can also drop in for afternoon tea. It is a beautiful spot to relax and soak up nature, being situated at the base of Twin Falls itself. It is open from late June to early autumn. Contact details are:-
Twin Falls Chalet
PO Box 23009, Connaught P.O.
Calgary, AB
T25 3B1
Phone/Fax: 403-228-7079
6) CRYSTALLINE MATRIX OF THE CHRISTOS ESSENCE Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefields, Jasper National Park.
Brewsters run their Ice-Coach onto the glacier until the end of October. Check out www.brewsters.com for more information.
Also worth looking at is
7) BEACON OF THE ARCHANGELIC RAY
Mount Assiniboine, Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park
Mount Assiniboine is the primary receiver and transmitter of the energies of the etheric temple of Lord Mikael.
The shortest way to Mount Assiniboine is 23.5km via the Spray Lakes Reservoir up the Bryant Creek trail. However there is a helicopter service which will take you into Assiniboine should you wish to avoid the long hike in altogether, or perhaps hike one way only. They also provide a service where you can get your gear flown in to allow you to hike with only a light day pack which will make things a little easier. Helicopter flight details are given below.
Accommodation:
Three options exist for Temple visitors, depending upon your level of comfort and bank balance! Most people wishing to stay overnight in the park either stay at Mount Assiniboine Lodge; B.C. Park’s Naiset Cabins or Lake Magog Campground.
Lake Magog is at the base of Mount Assiniboine, lying in a basin at 2165m directly beneath the mountain’s North face and enjoys a vast meadowland scattered with stands of alpine fir and larch along its shores.
Mount Assiniboine Lodge - The most luxurious option is to stay at Assiniboine Lodge, where you will be served gourmet meals and enjoy the comfort of goose down duvets!
Built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1928 Mount Assiniboine Lodge is rustic and comfortable with space for 30 guests per night. It sits at 7,200 feet (2,180 meters).
Their summer season is from June 17th - October 20th 2005.
The cost includes lodging, all meals and a hiking guide service (although don’t expect the guide to be at all knowledgeable about the spiritual realms, most are not tuned into this at all and will more than likely just give you a funny look! But if you don’t feel OK about hiking around on your own s/he will keep you safe while you explore.)
They have six rooms sleeping two people per room in the main lodge, six one room log cabins near the main lodge and four private cabins for two people, and two shared cabins for 3-5 people.
Rates:
(Minimum occupancy based on double/twin for two people)
price per person per night
Lodge rooms (2 per room)$200.00 Cdn/NIGHT
Shared cabins (3-5 people per cabin) $200.00 Cdn/NIGHT
Private cabins (2 per room) $250.00 Cdn/NIGHT
Single room (when available) $340.00 Cdn/NIGHT
Children (age 1-12 years) $150.00 Cdn/NIGHT
On top of these rates you need to add B.C. Hotel Room Tax (1.2%0 and 7% Federal Goods and Service Tax.
They have a minimum stay of 2 nights and all stays are based around helicopter flight days. 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7-night stay options are available. Helicopter flight details follow accommodation options (see below).
Contact details:
Mount Assiniboine Lodge
Hosts: Sepp & Barb Renner
Box 8128, Canmore, AB
T1W 2T8
Tel: (403) 678 2883
Office and Reservations Manager – Sandy Wing
Open 8am to 2pm Mon – Fri Mountain Time
Fax: (403) 678 4877
Naiset Hut – situated about 5 minutes walk from the Lodge the Naiset
Hut provides basic facilities, with wooden bunks and mattresses provided only. You have to bring your own primus stoves and cooking equipment, and sleeping bags etc.
Rates:
$20.00 per person per night
$35.00 per family per night
In summer advance reservations are recommended
To make reservations call: (403) 678 2883) Sandy Wing
8am to 2pm Mon – Fri. Fax: (403) 678 4877
Lake Magog and Og Campgrounds – operates on a first come first served basis in summer with a self registration system. You cannot make a reservation for Magog or Og camgrounds, but there is always space available at this park campground during summer.
Lake Magog Campground - 25 sites with gravel pads, no picnic tables. It has two outhouses, a water tap, and metal storage boxes for food. You will need to bring a primus stove for cooking as no open fires are permitted in the core of the park. You are required to pack out all your garbage.
Lake Og Campground - has one outhouse and a metal storage box for food. The water source is Lake Og so water purifying equipment is recommended (iodine tablets or water filter) as well as a stove. Pack out all your garbage.
Rates:
Both Lake Magog and Og campgrounds are $5.00 per person per night (GST included)
Helicopter Flight Information:
For those staying at Mount Assiniboine Lodge the helicopter rates are $110.00 Cdn per person one way from Mount Shark Heliport (plus 7% GST).
Flights leave Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 1pm Mountain Daylight Time.
On long weekends flight days are on Fridays and Mondays instead (first Monday in August, first weekend in September-Labor Day, and Thanksgiving in October).
If you just want your gear flown in it costs $1.50 per pound each way. You would need to drop your gear off at Alpine Helicopters in Canmore before 9am that day.
For those wishing to stay at the Naiset Huts or either of the campgrounds the helicopter rates are slightly more at $128.40 per person each way (but this includes 7% GST). Summer helicopter reservations are from June 17th to October 10th for the Naiset Huts and from 18th June to 3rd October for the campgrounds and leave on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 11:30am from Mount Shark Heliport. There is a 40 lbs per person weight limit. Overweight charges are $1.50 per pound. Flights should be booked at least 2 weeks in advance. Last minute bookings are on a space available basis only.
To get gear flown out from Assiniboine Lodge you will need to drop it off at the Lodge before 10am on the flight day and put a tag on it with your name. You can pay at Assiniboine Lodge using visa, MasterCard or cash, no personal checks accepted. Your gear will be flown to Alpine Helicopters base in Canmore where it will be stored in a bin by the grey building at Alpine Helicopters. You can pick up your gear between 2:30pm and 6:45pm in summer. The bin is locked at night so if you are too late you will have to wait until the next morning to collect it.
For helicopter flight reservations: - Tel: (403) 678 2883 Sandy Wing
8am to 2pm Monday to Friday Fax: (403) 678 4877
Directions to Mount Shark Heliport:
The Mount Shark Heliport is located 41:3 km West of Canmore, about 1 hours drive from Canmore.
Drive west through the town of Canmore following the Spray Lakes signs and Canmore Nordic Centre signs. Drive past Canmore Nordic Centre up a steep hill on the Smith-Dorrien Road in Kananaskis Country. This is a good gravel road. You will be on the left side of Spray lakes. At 34.4km you will see the Buller Mountain sign. Down the road is Mount Shark/ Engadine Lodge (you will see a bridge on your right before the turn off). Turn right at Engadine Lodge sign and drive 5km to the Mount Shark Heliport (on your left). Park your car in the parking lot. Do not leave money or credit cards in your car. You will need to carry your bags 200m down the road to the helicopter landing pad (north of the parking lots).
Info on Hiking Trails and Maps:
This gives a detailed map of the area with trail descriptions for: - the Bryant creek – Assiniboine Pass route; the Sunshine Village – Citadel Pass – Mount Assiniboine route; and Wonderpass.
8) ESSENCE OF LOVE – Lake Oesa, Yoho National Park
The trail to Lake Oesa starts at Lake O’Hara so all the information on Lake O’Hara is relevant to this sacred site as well.
9) GATHERING PLACE of PRAISE and CELEBRATION
Labyrinth, Blaeberry Valley, near Golden, B.C.
The labyrinth is located in the beautiful Blaeberry Valley near the town of Golden, B.C. Golden is one hour from Lake Louise on the Trans Canada Highway. Passing through Yoho National Park and the town of Field, you will wind down the Kicking Horse Canyon until you reach the outskirts of Golden. You will pass by signs for the Golden Town Centre, and lots of fast food outlets, motels and gas stations. Stay on the main highway towards Revelstoke.
The first turn off for the Blaeberry Valley is about 14 km past Golden, look for signs for the Moberly Pub. It is a right turn onto Hartley Road. Follow the road up the hill past the Moberly Pub on your right; at the T-junction take a left turn onto Golden Donald Upper Road. Continue along this road until you come to Oberg Johnson Road on the right. Take a right onto Oberg Johnson and follow it all the way to the end, passing many residential houses on both sides of the road. At the next T-junction take a left again. You are now on the Blaeberry Road.
Follow this road as it winds around a few bends and look for the first creek bridge that you cross. The Labyrinth is located near to the second creek bridge which is just past the Quantum Leaps Lodge (on your left). Park just beyond the creek bridge on either side of the road.
The creek runs adjacent to this sacred site and a few minutes walk down the creek bed will find you there. There is a gentle path that takes you down the slope to the right of the creek bridge as you look towards the river. The labyrinth is beyond the trees on the far left side of the creek as you face the river.
Local maps of the Blaeberry area are available at the Visitor Centre in downtown Golden.
A beautiful place of solitude and peace to stay at while visiting this sacred site is Quantum Leaps Lodge. They offer a unique, secluded riverside retreat with accommodations in their Lodge and cabins, or for a more traditional experience back-to-nature, their Tipis.
For more details contact:
Quantum Leaps Lodge
Hosts: Brian Olynek and Annette Boelman
2119 Blaeberry Road,
Golden, BC
V0A 1H1
Phone: 250-344-2114
Toll Free: 1-800-716-2494
Or check out On The Caribou Hostel and Campground which offers secluded camping on 8 acres of beautiful woodland; or stay in their cozy hostel.
For more details contact:
On The Caribou Hostel
Hosts: Arthur & Liza Hindmarch
1401 Adolph Johnson Road
Golden, BC
V0A 1H1
Phone: 250-344-5206
