avataranggun writes

Summary

The article advocates for experiencing the Canadian Rockies, highlighting its stunning natural beauty, including majestic mountains, turquoise lakes, diverse wildlife, and quaint towns.

Abstract

The Canadian Rockies offer a unique and breathtaking experience for nature enthusiasts, with an array of turquoise lakes like Moraine Lake, majestic mountain ranges that look surreal, and opportunities to encounter wildlife such as bulk deer and bison. The region also features less crowded canyons and waterfalls, and charming towns like Banff and Canmore. The author, originally from a small island in Indonesia, emphasizes the stark contrast between the tropical beaches of their homeland and the alpine landscapes of Alberta, Canada. Despite challenges like parking at popular spots, the author insists that a visit to the Canadian Rockies, preferably for at least a couple of weeks, will be an unforgettable trip, offering a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse oneself in nature's splendor.

Opinions

  • The author highly recommends visiting the Canadian Rockies, especially for those interested in nature and wildlife.
  • Moraine Lake is described as having an exceptionally beautiful blue color, although finding parking can be a significant issue.
  • The mountains in the Canadian Rockies are so impressive that they evoke disbelief, with the author suggesting a road trip through Kananaskis Country for the best views.
  • Wildlife encounters, particularly with deer in Canmore and bison in Waterton National Park, are presented as memorable experiences.
  • The presence of bears near pedestrian areas is noted, with the author finding it interesting how comfortable the bears seem around humans.
  • The article suggests that canyons and waterfalls in the region are less crowded and offer a peaceful alternative to the busy lakes.
  • Banff and Canmore are praised as cute, little towns with charming restaurants and gift shops, providing a pleasant contrast to the wilderness.
  • The author is confident that a trip to the Canadian Rockies will be one of the best travel experiences one can have.

Legit Reasons Why You Should Live Near the Canadian Rockies at Least Once in a Lifetime

I mean, look at these mountains

The Magic of Lake Louise — Photo by Author

I came from a small island in Indonesia. There are no such places that look like Banff.

We do have some beautiful beaches but when it comes to the mountains, there isn’t much.

So when I found out there are many crazy stunning lakes in Alberta, Canada, I right away put it on my bucket list. It took me 4 years to make it happen.

If you are into nature: mountains, lakes, canyons, and wildlife, you should visit Banff. I can guarantee it’ll be one of the best trips you’ve ever had in your entire life.

1. The majestic Moraine Lake and many other turquoise lakes

Moraine Lake at 7AM — Photo by Author

If you’re into lakes, you’ll love Canada.

No, seriously :)

I’ve never seen a lake so blue as in Moraine. With a range of beautiful mountains covered by snow next to it, it makes the lake even more magnificent.

But of course, just like anything in life, nothing’s 100% perfect.

The main downside of visiting a lake like this lies in the parking spot. Especially for Moraine and Lake Louise, you have to be smart in choosing the timing.

I’ve visited twice and both times, we had a real problem finding parking. If you don’t want to bother with all that, you can always take a shuttle bus.

The place is crazily crowded even at dawn — which is also mind-blowing.

I remember driving from homestay in Canmore at 4 AM, reaching there by 5 AM, and still couldn’t find parking until 6 AM.

We thought to go early so we didn’t have to deal with the parking issue but dang, we were so wrong.

So if you want to try your luck for a sunrise at Moraine Lake, you should aim for a very early morning because I can guarantee by 6 AM, all parking spots are full.

2. The mountains look bloody unreal

Crazy mountain range in Kananaskis Country — Photo by Author

It’s called Canadian Rockies for a reason.

We had so many “pinch-me” moments during our trip. There are too many spots to visit that’s why it’s best to have at least a couple of weeks’ stay in this area.

Back in 2019, we did a trip over the weekend and we still regret it to this day. My partner and I didn’t how stupid that decision was.

Because it’s impossible to visit all the great places in only a few days. Even Banff itself is so large that a week wouldn’t be enough to explore the whole national park.

To say that the mountains in Canadian Rockies are all amazing is a such understatement. Words can’t describe how crazy the landscapes look in there.

If you’re into road-tripping, get a daily pass to go to Kananaskis Country and you’ll see so many incredible mountains along the way.

It’ll look even better during the Fall season as the snow has covered the mountains.

3. Spend a night with a bunch of bulk deer and other wildlife

Spotted Bisons at Waterton National Park— Photo by Author

Nothing beats the feeling of encountering wildlife.

We stayed in Canmore, which is basically still so close to the mountains. So we saw deer often, mostly close to the highway.

However, the craziest experience with wildlife happened in Jasper National Park. There were so many bulk deers roaming around so close to our campsite.

While we felt scared to be that close to them, it’s also a great life experience that surely doesn’t come often.

The Waterton National Park also offers some experience with wildlife.

It was my first time seeing bison in real life. Although there weren’t as many as in the old days, it gave me enough idea of how their life looks like down there.

And of course, let’s not forget that Canada is full of bears.

We’ve seen more black bears getting so close to pedestrians. It’s funny to see them feel comfortable around humans.

4. Canyons, waterfalls, and cute little towns like Banff and Canmore

One of the most amazing Canyons I’ve ever seen — Photo by Author

Not just the mountains and wildlife, there are canyons and waterfalls to see too!

I’ve never seen Canyons be that beautiful before in my life. The turquoise water and the mountain around just make them look perfect.

Another good thing is, when it comes to Canyons sightseeing, there aren’t many people coming. So it’s not a jam pack like in Moraine Lake.

If you go early and get lucky, you can enjoy the whole canyon for yourself.

Not into all those natural places?

Then you can go to Banff or Canmore town. It’s probably the cutest little town I’ve ever been to.

While they might not have a big mall, they have so many cute restaurants and gift shops. It’s surely a nice place to have a break from exploring the mountains.

Overall, a trip to the Canadian Rockies can be one of your best travel experiences your whole life. I have no doubt about it.

If you’ve been there, what’s your favorite place that you always come back to? Let’s share:)

Enjoying more travel and digital nomad stories? Get full access here:

Travel
Mountains
Self
Explore
Travel Writing
Recommended from ReadMedium