Summary

The article describes the author's unexpected appreciation for Canada's winter landscapes, showcasing stunning snowscapes such as the Columbia Icefields, Lake Louise, Athabasca Falls, and Lake Minnewanka.

Abstract

Despite being a self-proclaimed "summer baby," the author has come to embrace the Canadian winter after moving there, finding beauty in the country's winter landscapes. Initially dreading the cold, the author has not only survived but thrived, learning to love the unique winter scenery that includes the year-round Columbia Icefields, the frozen Lake Louise which becomes a hub for winter sports, the frozen Athabasca Falls with its glowing blue ice, and the semi-frozen Lake Minnewanka with its serene ice movements and sounds. The article serves as a testament to the transformative power of nature and the allure of Canada's winter beauty, encouraging readers to explore and appreciate the season's offerings.

Opinions

The author admits to a strong preference for summer and warmth but has been pleasantly surprised by the beauty of Canadian winters.
The author initially feared the cold Canadian winters but has since found them to be tolerable and even enjoyable with proper attire.
The author expresses awe at the natural beauty of Canada's winter landscapes, comparing them to scenes from National Geographic.
The Columbia Icefields are described as a fascinating place to explore, with the recommendation that only experienced hikers attempt guided hikes due to strong winds and challenging terrain.
Lake Louise is depicted as a magical place in winter, with activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and an ice castle during peak winter.
The author finds the phenomenon of frozen waterfalls, such as Athabasca Falls, to be extraordinary, highlighting the blue hue of the ice as particularly striking.
Lake Minnewanka is noted for its sensory appeal, with the sound of ice moving in the water creating a sense of peace and tranquility.
Overall, the author is inspired by the seasonal changes and the unique beauty that winter brings to Canada, suggesting that others should also embrace and explore the winter season.

Beautiful Snowscapes In Canada

Some of the most picturesque landscapes in wintery Canada

Authors Own- Driving through the Rockies

I have always been a summer baby. I lived for being under the warm rays of the sun, lazing on the beach, and having golden sun-kissed skin.

This is why it shocked most people who knew me that I wanted to settle down in Canada.

Canada has many great appeals, but one thing I was dreading was the winter. I do not do well in the cold and wasn’t even sure if I’d survive.

But alas here we are 2 winters later, heading into my 3rd and I am still alive!

The winters here have really started to grow on me, sure the -34 degrees temperature is less than ideal, but as long as you have a thick coat and multiple layers you will be fine.

I learned to love winter landscapes. The scenery here during the winter is unlike any I have ever witnessed in any of the countries I lived in. Some of the landscapes I have been fortunate enough to witness were things I thought you could only see in National Geographic magazines but at one point these were views I could see every day.

Here are some of my favorite wintery landscapes that I have seen so far in Canada.

Columbia Icefields

The Columbia Icefields pretty much stay like this all year round. It is a really cool (pun intended) place to explore even though there is usually a strong wind in this area due to the vast open space.

I have never personally done it, but you are able to hike with a guide who will take you quite high up the mountain but it is recommended for very experienced hikers. I have been here a few times, but we were lucky to stop here just after the sun had set and the whole sky was a beautiful lilac colour.

Lake Louise

I have only seen Lake Louise in her melted form just a few times because the ice doesn’t completely melt till about June, even in May it was still frozen. But every time I visit and she is frozen, she never ceases to amaze me.

It’s great for winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, as the snow on the lake itself can get pretty deep at times, depending on the amount of snowfall. When we visited during the peak of winter there was this beautiful castle made from large blocks of ice and it really was a picturesque sight with the mountains in the background.

Athabasca Falls

One thing that really surprised me was that the waterfalls actually froze. Yep, that’s right, it gets so cold here that moving water actually freezes—something I found mind-blowing.

One thing I noticed about frozen falls was that the ice had a light blue tone, which made it look as though it was glowing. This picture is from Athabasca Falls in Jasper, but even as we were driving around I could see smaller streams of water on the mountainsides that had this same blue hue.

Lake Minnewanka

This was one of my favorite lakes to visit during the winter. Not only was it a treat for the eyes, but it was a treat for the ears too. There was a slight current in this lake, creating soft waves.

Thanks to these waves the blocks of ice were lightly colliding with each other creating such a beautiful sound, like crystals being gently poured on top of each other. It was also hypnotic to watch the ice move with the waves. The sound and sight combination created such a deep sense of inner peace.

I hope this article has inspired you to not shy away from the winters in Canada.

There is so much beauty in this country regardless of the season and it still amazes me after 2 years to see how different everything looks as the seasons change.