A Chilly Morning Walk in Canmore, Alberta
Rockies in full autumn glory
We were on a long weekend trip to see Banff in fall colours.
While Banff is an iconic name and is indeed a gateway to the beauty of the Banff National Park, there is a place just before that you shouldn’t miss — Canmore.
We chose to stay in Canmore during our short trip — close to Banff but somewhat more affordable, — and we couldn’t ignore its attractions.
While many tourists flock to Banff and want to stay there, we found that Canmore offered good value — and its mountain setting was even more majestic.
Wherever you look, you are surrounded by mountain peaks. Wherever you turn, there is a new view.
An impressive network of trails is easily accessible from the center of town. You can choose wide trails suitable for bikes and strollers, or narrow meandering paths intersecting in many directions.
On our last day, we checked out by 7:30 am, soon after the sunrise reached this mountain valley, and set out to explore Canmore trails on foot.
It was Sunday, and the streets were eerily quiet this early. Other than a couple of tourists like us, and a few runners with ruddy red knees (it was just above freezing), the only other live creatures we’ve seen were bunnies in black, gray, and patched brown coats.
The town looked refined and quiet under the mountain peaks. The low sun gave the peaks a pinkish-peach hue, enhanced by my smartphone camera.
There is a special beauty to a morning walk. You can see the steam over the water.
The paths will be empty, and you can take pictures with only nature in them.
The sun will be low, giving everything rich hues and making colours deep and satisfying.
The mountains will be in their best light, like pieces of art in a museum, under masterfully placed spotlights.
In the fall, the brilliant yellow of the birches will positively glow against the bright sky.
The Quarry Lake will be like a mirror, until the first boat of the day disturbs its stillness, sending the ripples out.
You can hike uphill to Quarry lake in the brisk morning air, pleasantly warm but not quite hot yet. Then walk downhill while everyone else is starting to go up.
Finally, emerge back in the village just as late risers are lining up for their coffees, and take in the mountain resort charm, because Canmore is brimming with it.
