West Canada Road Trip — Part 1 of 2
Saturday, August 6, 2022
In the summer of 2022, we took a 23-day road trip to Canada. Here are some highlights from our trip.
In the summer of 2022, we took a 23-day road trip to Canada. Here are some highlights from our trip.
Our route from Calgary to Vancouver
On our way to Banff
After a nine-hour flight, we arrived at Calgary airport, ready to begin our road trip. With the rental car secured, including the free SUV upgrade, we headed straight for our first destination: Banff in the Rocky Mountains.
This is the view of Banff Avenue with Snow Peak in the background
For the next few days, we are staying at the Moose Hotel, a mountain resort with a heated swimming pool and two hot tubs on the roof terrace. After settling in, we made our way to The Spaghetti Factory for dinner. We have been up for a long time, so we are glad to go to sleep.
The following day, we woke up early due to jet lag and had a satisfying breakfast at the Good Earth Coffeehouse, which was conveniently located near our hotel. After energizing ourselves, we packed a lunch and set out for our first hike at Lake Louise.
Lake Louise
Fortunately, the Calgary Stampede was taking place that weekend, so it was less crowded. During our hike to Mirror Lake, Lake Agnes, and The Teahouse, we marvelled at the breathtaking scenery. Our day ends with a visit to the stunning Moraine Lake, providing a peaceful location to relax and appreciate the beauty of nature.
Moraine Lake
Returning to our hotel, we unwind in the rooftop pool before enjoying a hearty dinner at Park Distillery, complete with s’mores for dessert.
The following day, the girls have a delightful croissant from a local bakery while I opt for a burrito, before we head to the Patagonia store, which is a must-visit for me. We continue with a scenic walk to admire the majestic Banff Fairmont Springs hotel.
Banff Fairmont Springs hotel
Following a local’s recommendation, we have lunch at Bear Street Tavern, where delicious pizzas and friendly service await. In the evening, we visit Tooloulous, a charming Cajun restaurant with heavenly Key Lime Pie for dessert.
Stacked pizza at Bear Street Tavern
Icefields Parkway to Jasper
Today’s journey takes us along the legendary Icefields Parkway, a route renowned for its stunning vistas and natural wonders. We were amazed by the beauty of Bow Lake, our first stop. It was so peaceful with almost no one around.
Bow Lake
Our next stop, Peyto Lake, was quite different. We took a short hike to the viewing platform, which was crowded with other tourists (and mosquitos), to see the bright blue lake shaped like a wolf.
Peyto Lake
After a short break and refuelling, we arrived at the Athabasca Glacier. The ice on the Athabasca Glacier is approximately 200 years old and is part of the largest ice mass in the Rockies, covering 325 square km.
Walking to the Athabasca Glacier
Continuing our drive towards Jasper, we stopped at several places to admire the beauty of the Athabasca River and look at waterfalls.
Sunwapta Falls
That evening, we settled into our cozy bungalow at Becker’s Chalets on the Athabasca River, with snow-capped mountains in the background. We went to Jasper Brewing Co. for a Canadian culinary classic: Poutine. It was just what we needed - cheesy, gravy-drenched fries. As is often the case on this trip, the waitress asked: “How are the first few bites?” I replied: “Very good, thank you”.
Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich with Poutine
The next day we continue our exploration of Jasper. We began with a scenic one-hour drive to Maligne Lake, where we have booked a guided ferry boat to take us to the famous Spirit Island. Despite the slightly overcast weather, the scenery is still quite beautiful.
Maligne Lake Boat House
Spirit Island in Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park
After returning from the island, the weather improved a little, so we decided to visit the beach at Annette Lake. Juul was so excited that she changed into her bathing suit and braved the cold water.
The following morning, we took a short drive to Maligne Canyon for a hike. The gorge is stunning, with numerous waterfalls and beautiful trees.
A heart shaped rock stuck in Maligne Canyon
We called this squirrel “Little Nut”
After lunch at the restaurant, we headed to Pyramid Lake, where we explored the island and rented a paddle board. The wind created waves, making it challenging to stay on, but the weather was pleasant, so it was not a big deal.
Relaxing in the typical red Adirondack Chairs at Pyramid Lake
"Supping" at Pyramid Lake
Huge woodcarvings at Pyramid Lake Lodge
Sunset in Jasper National Park
Clearwater
Today, we will drive for approximately 3.5 hours to Clearwater via Moose Lake and Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies.
The top of Mount Robson is the highest point in the Canadian Rockies (3.954 m / 12,972 ft)
Moose Lake
After stopping at Tim Hortons for coffee and Timbits (sweet donut balls), we visited Wells Gray Provincial Park, best known for its many thundering waterfalls. The view of Helmcken Falls was breathtaking.
Helmcken Falls
We took a long unpaved road to the Alpine Meadows Lakeside Resort to reach our cabin near a large lake. In the evening, we enjoyed a satisfying dinner at the resort restaurant. However, on our way back to the cabin, we were attacked by mosquitoes, yikes!
The lake at Alpine Meadows
The following day, Juul and I went on an exhilarating white water rafting trip that included a short waterfall hike and a plunge in the very cold river. After relaxing by Dutch Lake, we concluded the day with a Canadian BBQ at Hop N' Hog.
Dutch Lake, Clearwater
The next day, we visited more waterfalls in Wells Gray Provincial Park. After visiting Spahats Creek Falls, we met a friendly Flemish man who was selling double-fried fries and hot dogs. It was nice to speak Dutch with him again.
Our route from Calgary to Vancouver
On our way to Banff
After a nine-hour flight, we arrived at Calgary airport, ready to begin our road trip. With the rental car secured, including the free SUV upgrade, we headed straight for our first destination: Banff in the Rocky Mountains.
This is the view of Banff Avenue with Snow Peak in the background
For the next few days, we are staying at the Moose Hotel, a mountain resort with a heated swimming pool and two hot tubs on the roof terrace. After settling in, we made our way to The Spaghetti Factory for dinner. We have been up for a long time, so we are glad to go to sleep.
The following day, we woke up early due to jet lag and had a satisfying breakfast at the Good Earth Coffeehouse, which was conveniently located near our hotel. After energizing ourselves, we packed a lunch and set out for our first hike at Lake Louise.
Lake Louise
Fortunately, the Calgary Stampede was taking place that weekend, so it was less crowded. During our hike to Mirror Lake, Lake Agnes, and The Teahouse, we marvelled at the breathtaking scenery. Our day ends with a visit to the stunning Moraine Lake, providing a peaceful location to relax and appreciate the beauty of nature.
Moraine Lake
Returning to our hotel, we unwind in the rooftop pool before enjoying a hearty dinner at Park Distillery, complete with s’mores for dessert.
The following day, the girls have a delightful croissant from a local bakery while I opt for a burrito, before we head to the Patagonia store, which is a must-visit for me. We continue with a scenic walk to admire the majestic Banff Fairmont Springs hotel.
Banff Fairmont Springs hotel
Following a local’s recommendation, we have lunch at Bear Street Tavern, where delicious pizzas and friendly service await. In the evening, we visit Tooloulous, a charming Cajun restaurant with heavenly Key Lime Pie for dessert.
Stacked pizza at Bear Street Tavern
Icefields Parkway to Jasper
Today’s journey takes us along the legendary Icefields Parkway, a route renowned for its stunning vistas and natural wonders. We were amazed by the beauty of Bow Lake, our first stop. It was so peaceful with almost no one around.
Bow Lake
Our next stop, Peyto Lake, was quite different. We took a short hike to the viewing platform, which was crowded with other tourists (and mosquitos), to see the bright blue lake shaped like a wolf.
Peyto Lake
After a short break and refuelling, we arrived at the Athabasca Glacier. The ice on the Athabasca Glacier is approximately 200 years old and is part of the largest ice mass in the Rockies, covering 325 square km.
Walking to the Athabasca Glacier
Continuing our drive towards Jasper, we stopped at several places to admire the beauty of the Athabasca River and look at waterfalls.
Sunwapta Falls
That evening, we settled into our cozy bungalow at Becker’s Chalets on the Athabasca River, with snow-capped mountains in the background. We went to Jasper Brewing Co. for a Canadian culinary classic: Poutine. It was just what we needed - cheesy, gravy-drenched fries. As is often the case on this trip, the waitress asked: “How are the first few bites?” I replied: “Very good, thank you”.
Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich with Poutine
The next day we continue our exploration of Jasper. We began with a scenic one-hour drive to Maligne Lake, where we have booked a guided ferry boat to take us to the famous Spirit Island. Despite the slightly overcast weather, the scenery is still quite beautiful.
Maligne Lake Boat House
Spirit Island in Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park
After returning from the island, the weather improved a little, so we decided to visit the beach at Annette Lake. Juul was so excited that she changed into her bathing suit and braved the cold water.
The following morning, we took a short drive to Maligne Canyon for a hike. The gorge is stunning, with numerous waterfalls and beautiful trees.
A heart shaped rock stuck in Maligne Canyon
We called this squirrel “Little Nut”
After lunch at the restaurant, we headed to Pyramid Lake, where we explored the island and rented a paddle board. The wind created waves, making it challenging to stay on, but the weather was pleasant, so it was not a big deal.
Relaxing in the typical red Adirondack Chairs at Pyramid Lake
"Supping" at Pyramid Lake
Huge woodcarvings at Pyramid Lake Lodge
Sunset in Jasper National Park
Clearwater
Today, we will drive for approximately 3.5 hours to Clearwater via Moose Lake and Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies.
The top of Mount Robson is the highest point in the Canadian Rockies (3.954 m / 12,972 ft)
Moose Lake
After stopping at Tim Hortons for coffee and Timbits (sweet donut balls), we visited Wells Gray Provincial Park, best known for its many thundering waterfalls. The view of Helmcken Falls was breathtaking.
Helmcken Falls
We took a long unpaved road to the Alpine Meadows Lakeside Resort to reach our cabin near a large lake. In the evening, we enjoyed a satisfying dinner at the resort restaurant. However, on our way back to the cabin, we were attacked by mosquitoes, yikes!
The lake at Alpine Meadows
The following day, Juul and I went on an exhilarating white water rafting trip that included a short waterfall hike and a plunge in the very cold river. After relaxing by Dutch Lake, we concluded the day with a Canadian BBQ at Hop N' Hog.
Dutch Lake, Clearwater
The next day, we visited more waterfalls in Wells Gray Provincial Park. After visiting Spahats Creek Falls, we met a friendly Flemish man who was selling double-fried fries and hot dogs. It was nice to speak Dutch with him again.