Canada was calling me. I’ve been wanting to go to the Canadian Rockies for a while. This year’s Canada Strong Pass (free park visits and discounted camping) made it irresistible. From borderline being obese to being healthy again even just for 2 weeks – I lost 8 pounds in these 2 weeks. Days were fulfilling even just by myself. Too many things to do, and when will I be free from corporate handcuff?
Day 1
Took back road instead of interstate heading towards the Canadian border
Would not see Imperial units for a while!
Got harassed at border crossing a bit. Even though I had Nexus, the agent grilled me hard on my itinerary where to stay and searched my car as well.
After that, another small town to stop at
Arrived at Merritt, BC to see this cute little historical house
Another 2hrs or so, I arrived at a major resort city Kelowna
That’s where the weather took a sudden turn
A little view point hike
Well I decided to get out of there and headed towards my accommodation. Originally, I planned on biking until sunset-ish. Due to the weather, I decided to take stroll through downtown Vernon, BC and ate the best Indian food! (and of course, too many beers! It’s a fruit country after all. So all the sours!)
Day 2
Got up and chilled with some fellow travelers before headed to the bike park
Now it’s time to head to Revelstoke!
Revelstoke!
Revelstoke has also quite a cute downtown as well. Quick dinner and beers!
Because the lack of sleep the night before (room was too hot and I had too much to drink), and I slept 12hr straight. Life is good
Day 3
The town came to existence due to the Railway and I am a big train nerd. So naturally, I had to go to this museum
Continuing towards Glacier National Park
First hike of the trip! Great Glaciers!
After finishing the hike, continuing on towards Golden, BC
The hostel in Golden was really cool. Big massive kitchen and friendly tourists (almost all the staff I encountered this trip is from Europe for some reasons)
After some great beers, and made myself a big portion of stir fried beef noodles!
Day 4
Weather just deteriorated and temperature dropped massively, in the single digit in Celsius. I was definitely under prepared. I also signed up to camp today, so not the best idea. Waited until the storm somewhat subdued before continuing drive to Banff
First, Yoho National Park
I think out of the all the alpine lakes, blue colored one tend to get the most attention.
Did a hike near the campground
First camping in Canada!
Day 5
The weather showed some improvements. I felt a bit under the weather for some reasons.
A quick hike in Banff
Some local attractions
Later, I decided to bike to town. The town advises against driving
Later, before weather turned around again I biked to the Bow river
My campground was right by a very popular lake as well.
my camp site unfortunately, didn’t have a fire ring. I had to go sleep early as a result (couldn’t cook either)
Day 6
Morning lake stroll
Decided to bike on the Legacy trail to Canmore
Canmore is really cute and bike friendly. I wish I stayed there a bit longer instead of camping 3 days in a row in Banff.
I don’t know why I didn’t take that many photos of the day. I think I was still a bit lack of energy.
Day 7
Drive towards Lake Louise
Ahh the weather. I also was underprepared. No rain gears. So i was soaked! At least I got my energy somewhat back though
I definitely wish I had better weather, I would have stayed there much longer and doing a much longer hike instead.
I was so cold. So I had to rush back down to go to my hostel’s SPA
Stay tuned. The coming week around IceFields are epic!
Expenses
Canada is expensive, though I camped so many nights and only stayed one night in hotel. I did have to stay a bit more on food due to having to get camping necessities. Canadian gas is also pricy.
| Week 57 | Currency: | CAD | 1.37535 | |||
| Day | Food&Drink | Lodging | Transportation | Other (tickets/tours etc) | Day total | Country |
| 1 | $54.96 | $60.81 | $65.61 | $5.11 | $186.49 | Canada |
| 2 | $20.14 | $190.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $210.14 | Canada |
| 3 | $74.50 | $35.42 | $0.00 | $10.74 | $120.66 | Canada |
| 4 | $66.37 | $32.99 | $36.35 | $0.00 | $135.71 | Canada |
| 5 | $26.17 | $21.45 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $47.62 | Canada |
| 6 | $74.23 | $29.45 | $43.63 | $0.00 | $147.30 | Canada |
| 7 | $40.21 | $70.92 | $0.00 | $7.27 | $118.40 | Canada |
| $356.58 | $441.04 | $145.59 | $23.12 | |||
| Total | Grand Total: | $966.32 |
What a nice Canadian Rockies journey with so many stops! I hope to visit the same places one day. Nice break from the corporate world, enjoying the the sights and exercise, and losing 8 pounds in the process.
Too bad even with the coveted Nexus pass you were still harassed. You would think it makes things easier, but the border control is always annoying to me as well. I don’t have a Nexus pass, though, just Global Entry.
I’m looking forward to the Ice Fields update!