The Canadian Rockies.
How is it possible that more than a year has passed since my last post?! I guess that’s what happens when you’re caught up in a whirlpool of life-changing events… ok, I kid. After all, I’m not a believer of the whole “new year, new me” nonsense. Oh but I did find myself in a new relationship as the year closed and I’m glad to report that it’s been a pleasant roller-coaster ride so far. Since I was busy slogging my butt off at work for the whole of 2018, the only thing I was really looking forward to was my holiday last November - and at a new destination, no less. Naz, Norfa and I journeyed to the Canadian Rockies in the merciless winter wind, but I must admit, the hospitable Canadians warmed it up for us quite a fair bit.
My journey started with a Korean Air flight from Singapore to Seoul then Vancouver, but as per ush, it didn’t end there and before I knew it I was on a short WestJet flight to the little city of Calgary. Some poutine, craft beers and a night’s sleep later, we began our northbound road trip to Banff. This town was my official introduction to Canada and I loved it! The main street, Banff Avenue, has a slew of shops and inns on both sides but the best part is its alpine backdrops, it made me feel like I was on a set of a Christmas movie.
The result of a recent prescribed burning.
While we made our pit stop, we explored the various lakes around the area. Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka were first on our list but unfortunately the lakes were not frozen enough so we didn’t catch any Pinterest-worthy methane bubbles. I was more impressed by the views along the way, to be honest, where the Engelmann spruce and Lodgepole pine trees lining the roads were covered in snow (looks kinda like sifted icing sugar!) Of course, there were some patches of trees that underwent prescribed burning which helps restore the ecosystem and it was an eerily beautiful sight.
Later in the day we opted for a “friendly” hike at Johnston Canyon where the air was crisp and the woods were still. Word of caution though - the ground can get VERY slippery with the freeze-thaw cycles in winter. At certain parts of the hike, we were sliding our way up the catwalk suspended by the creek. But the views made up for it, I think this place would make an ideal spot for an elopement or a wedding, especially in spring.
We wrapped up with a random detour to the Vermilion Lakes beside the Trans-Canada Highway which pretty off the beaten track and I had the entire dock to myself. There was a sense of serenity while I was sitting at the edge, pondering life, but quickly got jolted back to reality when the cold air hit.
One of the must-see’s while exploring the Rockies would be Lake Louise. Unfortunately, during our visit the morning fog decided to overstay its welcome and we couldn’t get quite the view we had hoped for! Plus, it was about -13°c so there was not much we could do… although we did embark on a short hour trail around the lake in hopes that the air would eventually clear up. Peyto Lake, on the other hand, was much more forgiving and better for a photo op from the upper viewpoint. Of course, we had only completed 2/3 of our itinerary and we hit the Icefields Parkway to continue our drive toward Jasper town, our final stop.
Better weather at the upper viewpoint of Peyto Lake.
The frozen Sunwapta falls.
Jasper was wonderful by nature indeed - the weather was much more pleasant and there were more sightings of wildlife than anywhere else along the Parkway. Despite the facade of being a quaint and quiet town, there seemed to be many events and activities happening in winter (at least by the looks of a makeshift notice board we spotted when we first arrived). We visited two lakes, Pyramid and Patricia, that were less frozen and more Insta-worthy. I guess the upside-down canoes by the dock did add to the appeal!
Looking back at these photos makes me miss Canada pretty bad, I defo want to return again but perhaps during spring/summer. Any suggestions? Should I do the East coast (for the likes of Toronto and Montreal)?
x
P.S.: Right after my Canadian Rockies I flew down to sunny Los Angeles and continued my West coast road trip with Travis so look out for my next post!
The Rockies through my iPhone ↴
My evening flight from Vancouver to Calgary.
Our first meal in Calgary, at The Big Cheese, a local Poutinerie (everything was so yummy but so sinful!)
Hitting the supermarket before checking in at our lodge in Banff.
An interesting, albeit predictable, flavor of balsamic vinegar sold at Evoolution in Banff.
Yes, starting our very own fire with wood and matches at The Tunnel Mountain Resort. What an experience!
The things we do for a good OOTD shot (I was freezing in my sweater!)
Spectacular view of one of the peaks in The Rockies.
Woke up to this view at our lodge… oh, how I miss this :’(