Ray stayed behind in Vancouver for a couple of days, hanging out with his son and daughter-in-law before heading off to Reno to spend time with family and friends.
Meanwhile, I ventured onward to Sun Peaks, Canada, elevation 4,000 feet and views for days.
Next stop: Wells Gray Provincial Park, aka the Canadian Niagara Falls. I saw so many waterfalls—Moul Falls, Dawson Falls, Helmcken Falls, and Spahats Falls. Helmcken was absolutely powerful and give, definitely the star of the show.
Then it was on to Jasper National Park, where I visited, the hot springs at Miete, and then promptly upon leaving, I SAW A FREAKING BEAR. I don’t know if I mentioned this already (once or a hundred times), but I SAW A FREAKING BEAR! Not in a zoo. Not through binoculars. Not a blurry blob in the distance. No. This majestic beast that was right next to my car, casually strolling past me like I was just a tourist snack it didn’t feel like dealing with.
Maligne Lake was gorgeous, although the Canyon and Mount Edith Cavell were closed due to 2024 wildfire damage. Still, Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls made up for it with sheer roaring power. The Columbia Icefields Skywalk was wild, walking on a glass floor nearly 1,000 feet up.
Then came Peyto Lake. Beautiful? Absolutely. But first, a vertical hike that felt like climbing a ladder made of pain. I basically summited Mount Doom, but the view? Totally worth it. I earned that lake.
I stayed at Bow Lake Lodge, where the food was fantastic and the lake was perfect for a walking meditation.
After that, it was time to conquer Yoho and Banff National Parks. I hit up Crowfoot Glacier, Herbert Lake, Emerald Lake (my absolute favorite—10/10, would frame it), Wapta Falls, Natural Bridge, Spiral Tunnels, and the mighty Takakkaw Falls (which sounds like a sneeze but looks like a postcard).
Finally, I rolled into Calgary, where I hopped on a guided tour. We’re cruising down the highway when someone yells, “Bear!” and everyone presses their faces to the bus windows like it’s recess at Bear Elementary. People were freaking out. “I saw one!” “I saw two!” Me? I was like, eh.
Because, again, SAW A FRIGGIN’ BEAR TWO DAYS AGO. Up close. While it munched on berries and sauntered past me like I wasn’t even worth a sniff. That’s a real bear encounter. The bus bear? Tourist bear-lite.
The tour was necessary because Lake Louise and Moraine Lake shuttles were sold out. Both lakes were beautiful, though Moraine gave my knee a workout climbing up to the "Rockpile" for the views. Honestly, that rockpile should come with an elevator.
We also hit Vermilion Lakes, which were nice, but trying to compete with Lake Louise is like bringing a kazoo to a symphony. Emerald Lake still reigns supreme in my book.
We stopped in the town of Banff, where I stumbled into an art gallery featuring Jeff Walker, a photo-artist whose work was so stunning I nearly bought a second suitcase just to bring it all home.
And let’s not forget: there was fresh snow on the mountaintops. In July. It felt illegal. W went to the Two-Jack Lake which was nice. People were literally swimming in Lake Minnewanka Lake—while snow chilled in the background. Canadians are clearly built different.
And with that, I wrapped up the lake/waterfall/wildlife portion of the trip. From bears to blizzards to breathtaking views—it’s been one heck of a scenic ride.
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