Oh Canada, we can’t believe you let us crazies in! We expected more scrutiny from you when crossing the border with our whole house in tow, but it was the most low-key border crossing ever.
However, we may have raised an eyebrow or two with our delay in answering where we are from. Given that we are on the road 24/7 in a different location all the time, our fumble was totally legit. We said Irvine, California by the way, since that is what our driver’s licenses claim. The question just took us by surprise as we forgot the pre-border crossing prep to make sure we had our stories straight.
Not only was the border crossing easy peasy, but we got another bonus when we found out that all Canada National Parks are free this year for Canada’s 150th anniversary. As we crossed into the park system we were rewarded with our 2017 free pass. Score!
Upon arrival into Banff National Park, we were fired up to start exploring and see the turquoise and aquamarine glacial waters. Especially the famous Lake Louise. We wanted to see if it really was as breathtaking as it looked in pictures. Gotta tell ya, it surpassed our expectations. These pictures do not do it justice. You just have to visit for yourself!
Apparently everyone else also got the memo on the beauty of Lake Louise. We made sure to get there no later than 9 AM to avoid be shuttled in like cattle, but the hordes of people were still overwhelming. Starting closer 7 AM would have been even better.
Lake Louise wasn’t the only place that awed us. Johnston Canyon was incredible because it kept getting better and better the longer we walked. It has the look of a slot canyon, but it’s a fairly easy hike that leads to two waterfalls. One waterfall is interactive, splashing you in the face as you peep at it through hole in the rock. The other is a bit more dramatic, being that it must be viewed by walking out on a platform that hovers over the water.
Just like Lake Louise though, this hike is full of tourists. It is actually even worse here because everyone is walking practically single file on one trail so you feel even more stifled. It can’t be overstated to go out early in the morning. Some people say the evenings are just as good, but if you know us, staying up late is not our cup of tea, so we can’t vouch for that.
The most spectacular view on this hike was not on the official trail. Hidden down below the trail was a calm and peaceful cave. There were only a few people that found it when we did. So, it was all the more special since it was the one time we felt we had a moment (almost) to ourselves in Banff.
Best thing we did?
Hike to Lake Agnes tea house.
Okay, so maybe the actual hike was a little too brutal to call it the best thing, but making it to the lake and sitting down with our tea and biscuits in front of this view was phenomenal.
This hike starts from Lake Louise. I mentioned to Gary it was a steep climb, but might have left out exactly how steep. About half way in we were huffing and puffing and wondering how many tea and biscuits would it take to forget the burning lungs and calves involved in this 400 meter elevation hike.
Then, these guys passed us.
Apparently there is a horseback riding tour up to the tea house if you are not into torture for tea.
After about an hour at the top recovering with multiple cups of tea, I think Gary found his Zen and forgave me for dragging him on this one.
Best thing we ate?
The afternoon of our arrival we wanted to check out the town of Banff and have a bite to eat. We stopped at Park Distillery and our favorite app was their spin on Caprese. Heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil vinaigrette, rye crumbs and spruce tips. Spruce tips? We have seen spruce tips at farmer’s markets, but never had them in a dish.
The flavor set the tone for being in a Canadian National Park for the week. Simple, natural and a fresh aroma like walking outdoors amongst the trees.
The only downer was that much like Banff National Park, downtown Banff and its restaurants were too crowded. After eating we didn’t want to be there a second longer. We suggest hitting up the town of Canmore instead as it is much less of a mob scene.
What we learned?
Sometimes you need to take the easy way, sometimes the hard way and sometimes you split the difference.
We have found in life there are moments where you need to take the more difficult path to learn and grown, then there are those where you just need to give yourself a break. After our Lake Agnes hike, we allowed ourselves to push the easy button on this hike to Grassi Lakes.
Normally we would have pushed ourselves to take the more difficult route just because we don’t like to pass up a challenge. Our calves were still screaming at us, so we needed to take it easy this time. Either way, the prize at the end was just as sweet.
Plus, taking the easy way up gave us the rest we needed to tackle the more difficult path on the way down. Everyone knows, downhill is always easier!
Next Stop: South Dakota