Continuing the tour of the world’s most beautiful places.
I have travelled to remote corners of the world to experience the best the nature has to offer. In my last trip earlier this year, I witnessed the grand mountains of New Zealand, Australia, the Himalayas, and Japan, all still vivid in my memory. Yet, the Canadian Rockies taught me I could have the same captivating experience right here in North America.
The Canadian Rockies had it all – mountain ranges that stretched out as far as you could see, sparkly lakes that seemed to have been illuminated from within, stunningly green valleys, sturdy canyons withstanding gushing water, elegant waterfalls, translucent rivers, vast glaciers, and the list goes on. To top it off, an unusual amount of fresh snowfall in Jasper made snow-capped mountains look even more divine, while the melting snow added more power to mighty rivers.
All this was available via a quick flight from the U.S. and a short drive from Calgary. Furthermore, the favorable Canadian dollar exchange rate (vs. USD) helped, and thanks to the 150th anniversary, all Park Canada’s locations were free for the entire year.
I spent eight days in mid-June driving through the Canadian Rockies and out southwest to Whistler/Vancouver with a friend. We hiked daily through all weather types, which constantly changed.
The trip reminded me of New Zealand in many ways, but the jagged mountain peaks with dramatic exposed rocks gave a very different feel, and rich wildlife made the experience more entertaining. Though crowds abounded at popular viewpoints, it was easy to find secluded gorgeous lookouts (just be wary of bears). When we did come back to civilization, we were met by fulfilling culinary experience in cozy eateries focused on fresh sustainable ingredients and served by friendly locals.
The following is a photographic highlight of my trip day by day. Note that all the pictures came from iPhone 7 and are strictly unfiltered.
Happy 150th Birthday, and thank you for the soul satisfying experience Canada!
Day 1 (Drive from Calgary to Lake Louise)
We stretched out the 2-hour drive into a full day by stopping in Canmore (cute small town with warm cozy vibe) and Banff (resort town, felt a bit more touristy and commercial) along the way.
Calgary was a convenient launching pad for Canadian Rockies.On the way to Lake Louise. It got prettier very quickly!Ran into elk family lounging around, showing off impressive antlers.Arrived at the famed Lake Louise. No words were sufficient to describe the magic of this place.Time to switch the mind off..
Day 2 (Lake Louise and Plain of Six Glaciers trek)
Friendly little creature (pika) admiring the snow reflection on Lake Louise.Partly snow-covered trail to the far off teahouse by Plain of Six Glaciers from Lake Louise . It was not as scary as it looked. (The trail to the closer teahouse was closed due to the heavy snowfall the day before.)Victoria Glacier and the winter wonderland (Plain of Six Glaciers). The weather suddenly cleared up!Hiking back from Victoria Glacier.Returned to find Lake Louise in a completely different color in the sunny daylight. This doesn’t even look real!The lake’s color seemed to change by the minute. Every shade came with its own allure.Do stop by Fairmont hotel for patio dining overlooking Lake Louise. It is worth it. (No we did not stay here – opted to spend 2 nights at Deer Lodge, only a 5-minute walk for a fraction of Fairmont price)
Day 3 (Drive from Lake Louise to Columbia Icefield)
Bow Lake, our first roadside stop on Icefields Parkway. It was all icy indeed!Peyto Lake. The whole lake could be seen from a crowded viewpoint right off the parking lot, but this quiet spot got us a much closer look and was worth the steep 30-minute trek (downhill one way, uphill going back)Mistaya Canyon, with an impressive torrent of water gushing through.Random stop along Icefields Parkway. It was too pretty not to pause.Why not make another stop?3-hour (9km) trek to Sunset Lookout by Norman Creek. The snow-covered path in the last stretch added a fun twist.Spectacular reward at Sunset Lookout! This made the journey that much more special, and we had it all to ourselves.Back to scenic drive along Icefields Parkway.Glacier at Columbia Icefield, where we stayed overnight.
Day 4 (Drive from Columbia Icefield to Jasper/Maligne Lake, ending in Tete Jaune west of Jasper)
Easy breezy river walk (Beauty Creek). Nice and flat for a change.Stopped at the popular Athabasca Falls.Pleasant walk around Athabasca Falls, away from the crowded viewpoints.Serene Maligne Lake.Gentle walk on 2.7km Moose Lake Loop by Maligne LakeA smaller lake on Moose Lake Loop.Need a ride? (This was a little too close for comfort..)Elk, you are so beautiful.Drive from Jasper (Kimchi House was a great dinner spot with surprisingly good Korean food) to Tete Jaune, British Columbia. It stayed light well into the night, stretching out the day.
Day 5 (Bike Tete Jaune and Trek Kinney Lake/Mount Robson)
Tete Janue Lodge (http://www.tetejaunelodge.com). Enjoyed 2 nights here in a tranquil setting, located near popular Mount Robson. Free bike rental was a nice bonus, and the restaurant is highly recommended even if you are not staying here.Bike ride through idyllic countryside around Tete Jaune.Colorful flowers adorned the area.Easy riverside walk on Berg Lake Trail (3 hours RT to Kinney Lake).Natural rock garden.Berg Lake Trail turned very green towards Kinney Lake.Kinney Lake (Mount Robson Provincial Park of British Columbia). I swear, this is unfiltered!
Day 6 (Drive from Tete Jaune to Sun Peaks near Kamloops)
This tiny town of Valemount had an awesome spiritual cafe called The Gathering Tree Eatery & Gift Shop. When we stopped for breakfast, they were giving away free baked goods to help support BC Association of Community Response Networks spread awareness of adult abuse.A quick hike up by Valemount before a long drive.
Day 7 (Drive from Sun Peaks to Whistler / Squamish)
Beautiful landscape as we drove southwest towards Whistler.Many scenic spots to break up the drive.Hiking in Whistler. Couldn’t get enough of those green maple trees!It’s all about the foundation.Balcony view from Squamish Highlands B&B (http://www.squamish-highlandsbnb.com), located in-between Whistler and Vancouver. This hilltop B&B was one of my favorite overnight stays!
Day 8 (Vancouver)
Final day in Vancouver. We had just enough time to visit Stanley Park, enjoy top quality Japanese food (lovely encounter with authentic Japanese dessert at Chicco Cafe), and shop unique products at the artsy Granville Island.
