A gorgeous day at Lake Minnwanka in Banff National Park.

This is a question that I get asked, a lot. It’s also the question I dread the most. Why? Well, each of us are different. We all have different travel styles and goals. The amount of time that I would spend in one place is not necessarily going to be the same amount of time that you would spend. However, having said that, I do understand the uncertainty we all go through when we are focused on travel planning. So, for that reason (the uncertainty part), I have decided to write this post about the various places in the Canadian Rockies, why you may want to go, what you’ll find there and the types of things you can do to keep yourself either busy or relaxed.

Canmore, Alberta

Canada Day Parade in Canmore

Canmore is a town that I never paid attention to, at least not until this year. Why? I simply thought of Canmore as a place on the way to Banff (or Vancouver if I was driving to the coast). I stopped in Canmore to buy gas or pick-up snacks at the local Safeway, both of which were mere minutes from the highway.

This summer my views of Canmore changed. It’s amazing how different a town can be when one ventures into its core!

Downtown Canmore (I know it’s a small town, technically they don’t have a downtown) is just a short drive from HWY 1.

As with most small towns, Main Street is where the majority of the action can be found (although there are some pretty cool places off 10th Street). Whether you have an hour or a few days, exploring the town centre is something that should be high on your list.

Where to hang-out…

There are a lot of places to hang-out in Canmore. The majority can be found on either 8th Street (Main Street), or 10th Street. As much as I would love to highlight all of them, there just isn’t enough room in the post. So, I’m going to list some of my personal favorites.

The Grizzly Paw is Canmore’s resident micro-brewery and a busy place on warm sunny days. The patio is a great place to hang-out and the food is decent.

Rocky Mountain Flatbread Company is located off 10th Street & 8th Avenue and serves up wood-fired pizzas, yummy salads and delightful desserts.

Communitea Cafe is another great spot located on 10th Street. This place serves up superb coffee, tea and light lunches (plus cupcakes!). This cafe is also a great place to sit back, relax and listen to live music.

Harvest is another cafe in Canmore (I believe there are about 11 in town) that is worth your time. Besides coffee and tea, they also serve sandwiches and incredibly delicious cinnamon buns! Harvest is also on 10th Street, just a few doors down (on the opposite side of the street) from Communitea Cafe.

What to do…

Aside from the town centre (where shops, pubs and eateries are abundant), Canmore is also an outdoor enthusiasts dream. There are scads of activities in Canmore and if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, then spending extra time here is definitely worth it.

Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking, and Rafting are among the more popular activities in Canmore. If you’re not an adrenaline junkie, but still love the outdoors, than camping is definitely an option. Camping is a great way to relax and enjoy nature, and waking up to crisp, clean mountain air and the sounds of birds nearby is a great way to start your day. Whether you’re looking for adrenaline or relaxation, if you’re activities involve the great outdoors check with the warden’s office before you go. Be informed and be prepared.

Why should you go?

Canmore has the feel of a quite small town when compared to Banff. Sure, it can be busy during the summer months, but it’s not as busy as Banff. If you’re looking for a place to hang-out and explore that is not as overrun by tourists, then Canmore is definitely worth your time. The town has great eateries, pubs, cafes, shops and plenty of activities. Plus, it has a bit of a quirky streak. Believe me, I went to their Canada Day Parade in Canmore -one of the most bizarre ones I have ever seen.

Banff, Alberta

Cascade Mountain

Ahh, Banff, my summer home. It’s hard to believe that I’ve been living in Banff since April. In years past my trips to Banff were usually day trips. I rarely stayed overnight and if I did, I rarely stayed longer then two nights. My short trips had nothing to do with the town being boring (it is far from boring),  and everything to do with the summer crowds. Banff is busy. Very busy.

Although Banff is a busy town in summer, that doesn’t mean you should skip it. On the contrary, Banff should be high on your list of places to visit in the Canadian Rockies and believe me when I say, two days will not be enough time to experience Banff.

Where to hang-out…

As with Canmore, finding a place to hang-out in Banff will not be difficult.  Here are some of my favourites.

Banff Ave Brewing Co. is obviously high on my list. The Brew Pub is Banff’s one and only micro-brewery. They brew 7 different beers and recently updated their menu (although I am still waiting for them to add Truffle Fries, ahem!). The Banff Ave Brewing Co. can be found on Banff Avenue

Elk & Oarsman Pub & Grill is a great place to eat on a Tuesday night, when $8 steak sandwiches are the focus. If it’s a warm sunny day, definitely give their rooftop patio a try. The views are incredible. The Elk & Oarsman is on Banff Ave.

Eddie Burger +Bar is a burger lovers paradise. I have yet to meet someone who has eaten here and not like the food. It is that good. PLUS, they have truffle fries -just sayin’. The Eddie is on Caribou Street near Bear Street.

Melissa’s Miss Steak is also a popular place to hang-out. This locally owned restaurant and bar has cheap drinks and good food. Melissa’s in on

The Banff Springs Hotel may be expensive, but it is the oldest building in Banff and a huge part of Banff’s history. The hotel was built for its postcard view and the town of Banff was built around the hotel. The Banff Springs Hotel looks like a castle and is worth a tour. On a sunny day, spend some time in the hot springs at the hotel or relax on their deck overlooking the Bow River.

What to do…

This is also a question that I dread. Banff has a lot to offer, whether it’s shopping, clubbing, eating, exploring or outdoor activities. For outdoor enthusiasts there are plenty of hikes, rivers for kayaking, canoeing or rafting, horse-back riding, and more. Banff also has a fabulous arts scene (which usually takes place at The Banff Centre), and some wonderful museums that educates visitors on what makes the area a hotspot.

Why should you go?

Um, why would you not go to Banff?! Yes, this town is crazy busy in summer, but that is no reason to stay away. Banff is a great place to experience the Canadian Rockies. There are a lot of activities, some fun shops, good food and amazing scenery. In fact, on days when I feel like I am ‘over’ the shops, activities and food, the scenery makes me swoon -even after 3 months of seeing it. Banff is a town that was built for toursim and stepped in history.

Lake Louise, Alberta

Lake Louise in winter...

If Canmore and Banff are small towns, then Lake Louise is a village. Yes, it is that small. When I think of Lake Louise, I think of the saying “Size doesn’t matter, it’s what you do with it that counts.”. This saying is very true in the case of Lake Louise.

Where to hang-out…

This is a tough question. As I mentioned above Lake Louise is a very small place. As you can imagine, finding places to hang-out in Lake Louise can be a challenge -but not impossible.

Laggan’s Mountain Bakery & Deli is located in Samson Mall is a fast favourite of both locals, tourists and at one time a Grizzly Bear (Skoki)! If you have time to stop by, be sure to enjoy a cookie or pastry!

Chateau Lake Louise is the only hotel situated next to the famous Lake Louise. Much like its counterpart, the Banff Springs Hotel, the Chateau Lake Louise is worth exploring. If you’re feeling peckish, then check out the Deli for a light and healthy lunch.

Lake Louise is an obvious choice and a very popular one. This glacial lake shows off its turquoise waters in the summer is a popular spot for ice skating in the winter. Soaking in the sun of the dock around the lake may not be peaceful with the hoards of tourists around, but it’s definitely worth it.

What to do…

If you’ve stopped in Canmore or Banff before arriving in Lake Louise, then you’re probably all shopped out and possibly very full. In that case, Lake Louise is a good place to recover. Aside from Lake Louise (the actual lake, not the town), Lake Louise (the town, not the lake) is abundant with hiking trails. One of the best hikes is the Lake Agnes Teahouse hike, which can be done in about 4hrs (round-trip) and has a 1,204ft gain in elevation.  Morraine Lake is also a good choice. The lake is a little more blue than Lake Louise, and not as busy, but still worth it.

If hiking, canoeing or kayaking is not your thing, then curl up with a book at the Chateau or your hotel, read and occassionally gaze at the mountains surrounding you. This is nature at its best and should be enjoyed.

Why should you go?

It’s stunning. Simply stunning. Sure, it’s a tiny place, but Lake Louise is a great way to escape the evening crowds. I say evening because during the day, Lake Louise is packed with people, cars and the dreaded RV! Lake Louise is one of those places that should be visited at least once in a lifetime. That is something I believe very strongly. If you’re looking for outdoor adventures, then more than 3 days is a must. If you want to visit the Lake and possibly relax a little, then a couple days may be fine.

Jasper, Alberta

Athabasca Glacier is located 1.5hr south of Jasper.

Jasper is slightly bigger than Lake Louise, but not by much. Although the townsite is small, Jasper is a great place to go if you truly want to ‘get away’. Jasper is a 4hr drive from Banff and not many tourists make the drive, which is unfortunate.

Where to hang-out…

Surprisingly there are a few pretty cool places to hang-out in Jasper.

The Dead Dog Bar  -the name alone should make you want to stop here. The Dead Dog Bar is located in the Astoria Hotel on Connaught Drive.

Jasper Brewing Co. is the sister/brother bar to the Banff Ave Brewing Co and is located on Connaught Drive. Much like the Brew Pub in Banff, the Jasper Brewing Co. brews 7 different beers and has a great food menu.

What to do…

Relax, camp, hike, go rafting or rock climbing. Whatever you choose, Jasper is one of the best places to go if you want to relax and get away from the crowds that can be found in Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise.

If you have a car (or enjoy an organized tour) be sure to explore great sites outside the townsite like Maligne Lake, Maligne Canyon, Medicine Lake, Pyramid Lake and more.

Jasper is also a good place to go for wildlife watching (from a safe distance). Who knows, maybe you’ll see a Caribou while you’re there!

Why should you go?

Jasper is the embodiment of a small mountain town. It’s distance from Banff, Lake Louise and Edmonton keeps some of the crowds away. Jasper is an ideal get away for outdoor enthusiasts and nature-lovers. The townsite has some cute shops, and fun bars/restaurants, there are adventure companies ready to give you a thrill and hotels located in the woods outside the town centre. Jasper is where I go to be one with nature, to relax and recharge.

Are you planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies? Is this post helpful?

**The names of the bears have been changed for their own protection. Please do not attempt to find them, they have taken an all expenses paid trip to the Grand Caymans until public attention has died down. Thank-you for your understanding. Sincerely, the author.**

Bernard & Faye eat grass

Bernard and Faye were brother and sister, and after losing their mother to an awful train accident, they became closer than ever. After all, Bernard and Faye live in the wild -which can be a scary and treacherous place at times.

As Bernard and Faye woke up for the day, they stretched their paws and arched their backs. The clouds were low -hanging below the mountain peaks,blocking out the sun. A light rain was falling, and all was quiet in the forest surrounding their home. Soon the forest began to wake up and the air was filled with the chirping of birds. Leaves rustled as small animals scurried past and branches broke under the feet of silver foxes lurching nearby.

There was a grumble..

Bernard: “Faye, was that your tummy?!”

Lowering her head in mild shame, Faye whispers “Yes.”

Bernard pats his sister on the shoulder. “It’s okay, Faye. I’m hungry too. Let’s go to the meadow to look for food.”

With that, Bernard and Faye sauntered through the forest towards the meadow.

Unlike Bambi, Bernard and Faye didn’t have a mother around to warn and protect them, so they walked out into the meadow, ignoring the road that lay ahead about 200 meters in front of them.

“Look! Food!” Faye shouted with joy.

Bernard’s eyes widened and his mouth was watering as he and Faye walked into the meadow and began to eat. Bernard and Faye ignored the rain, and continued to eat and eat and eat. In fact they were so engrossed in what they were doing that they didn’t notice cars pulling over on the road ahead of them.

“Faye? Are those humans up there?” Bernard said with a mouth full of food.

“Huh? I wish you would stop talking with your mouth full. I can’t understand you from back here!” Faye rolled her eyes and walked closer to her brother.

Bernard & Faye in the Meadow

“I said…Are those humans up there?!”

“Oh, yes, I think so.”

Bernard continued to eat as his sister walked slowly towards the back of the meadow. After a few minutes, Bernard stopped eating and joined his sister. He circled her slowly before plopping himself down in the wet grass, rolling onto his back and opening his arms and legs.

“Come on, Faye. Let’s Play!”

“What? I’m eating! I don’t want to play.”

Bernard rolled back onto his feet and slowly circled his sister.

“Sure you do! Let’s play. The humans will love it. Come on!”

Faye wasn’t buying it though. She didn’t care if the humans were watching or not, she wanted to eat, not play. Faye thought that if she ignored Bernard, he would give up and go back to eating. Faye was wrong. Bernard was not going to give up. He was determined.

Bernard climbed up, placing his front paws on Faye’s back. Faye moved slightly and both bears tumbled to the ground. Faye pinned Bernard to the ground.

“I said, I don’t want to play. Leave me alone!”.

“No way!”

For the next half an hour Bernard and Faye rolled, tumbled, wrestled and played in the meadow. Ignoring the humans who were watching them in disbelief.

Bernard & Faye Wrestling

Rolling in the grass

Bernard & Faye finishing play time

As Bernard and Faye finished their playtime, the tummies started to growl once again.

“Bernard? I think I’m hungry again…”

“Phew! Me too!”

Bernard and Faye slowly separated and began to wander around the field once more, looking for food. They ate and ate and ate -still ignoring the crowd of humans on the roadside. After all, Bernard and Faye didn’t have a mother close by to warn them.

(Yesterday I went Hunting for Bears in Banff National Park. This story is based on real events. The thoughts of the bears are made up, but their actions in the meadow are not.)

Believe it or not, there is a difference between a place that attracts tourism and a place that was built for tourism. Unlike many popular tourist destinations, the town of Banff was actually built for tourism. That’s it. That was the plan back in the 1880′s after the Banff Springs Hotel was built. Tourism.

As a tourist town, Banff hosts millions of people each year from around the globe. While most of them visit during the summer months, many visit during the winter months as well. In other words, there are always tourists here. Always.

As a “local” (or person who lives and works in Banff), there are some obvious differences between a normal town and a tourist town.

You know you live in a tourist town when…

• While sitting in a restaurant or bar you hear every accent from around the world, except the one belonging to the country you’re in. ie: I have had to remind myself that I was still in Canada on a number of occasions.

• Food & gas are cheaper in the “big city” than in town.

• Drunk older couples (I’m talking 65+ here) are intermixed with the college/uni crowd.

• Spotting a “local” is almost as hard as spotting a bear.

• If you get stuck by a whole bunch of cars, but it is clearly not a traffic issue, chances are you’re in a Bear Jam -or Deer, Big Horn Sheep and yes, wait for it….a Chipmunk Jam! (the Chipmunk ones are the worst).

• You look out your window and see a big ass Elk snacking on your lawn, and tourists trying to get close for a photo.

• The Elk snacking on your lawn is normal, but the camera-totting tourist is not.

• You (along with most of the locals) use the alleyways to get around town so as to avoid the tourist jammed main streets.

• You have to carry your paystub & show it in bars and restaurants to prove that you qualify for the locals discount.

• The fact that locals get discounts.

• On a warm sunny day you have to get to the bar by 3:00 p.m. if you want a seat on the patio for the evening & unless your with friends, you debate about not peeing until you finally go home for the night!

• You do your grocery shopping at 9:00 p.m. because that is when the streets are somewhat empty.

If you have some that you’d like to add to the list, leave a comment below!

Responses from my Twitter Feed…

@Horatia – …Folks ignore private property signs, freely enter your house, photograph your stuff and act all surprised when you chase them outside with a frying pan!

As my summer in Banff begins, I find myself venturing out to try different pubs, seeking for the one that could become my new neighbourhood pub. My home away from home. No, I am not an alcoholic. I just enjoy relaxing in a place that has good drink, food, atmosphere and staff. Which is not an easy thing to do.

For the last few weeks, I’ve been favouring one particular pub over all the others. In the beginning, my first choice had to do with the fact that they had free wifi and local’s drink prices. I also enjoy the patio and the over all atmosphere. However, it wasn’t until last night that I finally made the decision that this pub would be the pub.

Last night, after a long day at work, I decided to stop by the Banff Ave Brewing Co (Brew Pub) to do a little work, relax, snack and enjoy a cold one. Sure, it was Friday night, but I was confident that I’d be able to find a seat.

As I walked through the back door I stopped and stared. The place was packed. I’m not talking normal busy, I’m talking insanely busy. Normally I would turn tail and run for the hills. I hate really crowded spaces, especially after a crazy busy work week. My desire for a cold drink won out over my desire to flee and I walked towards the bar, squeezing my way through the crowd.

“Hi Pam!” – Linda (the best waitress this place has) was ringing something in and greeted me as I walked by. We quickly chatted about the insanity and she quipped about my finding a seat. As she bustled off, I squeezed past the bar (It was way too crowded) and made my way out to the patio. Thankfully, there were still seats out there.

After 10 minutes or so outside, I quickly noticed my mistake. The pub had over 150 people inside (they don’t have seating for 150 people). There was no way I would be able to get service sitting outside on the patio, and I wasn’t about to give up my stool. So, I kept an eye on what was happening inside. As soon as I saw a table open up I hopped off the stool on the patio and made a b-line for the table inside. Success!

Once I was inside, the waitresses would stop by occasionally to take my drink and food orders. The place was nuts, but the fact that they would stop on their way to either the bar, or the tables at the back on the pub, made me forget about the craziness around me.

At one point some random guy stopped by to ask me about the quart of beer I was drinking. He was fascinated -as many visitors are- by the size.

Guy: “What’s that?”

Me: “It’s a quart.”

Guy: “Does it come with a nipple?”

Me: “Um, no. Sorry. It’s good though, and cheap.”

Guy: “Which one comes in a quart?”

Me: “They all do.”

Guy “Which one is that? Is it good?”

Me “I’m drinking a blond. Yeah, it’s pretty good.”

With that the guy then proceeded to take a swig from my quart! I was tired and a little stunned and not sure what to do. When his friend came by, he then offered my beer to his buddy. Thankfully he said no. As soon as they walked off, one of the waitresses stopped by to apologize for what had just happened. I laughed it off and told her not to worry about it.

A little while later another guy (this one was younger) stopped by my table and asked if he could see the menu. I said sure and then somehow it turned into a conversation about moving to Banff, where he grew up etc.

Younger Guy: “Do you know this song?”

Me: “Um, I’ve heard it before, but I don’t know the artist.”

Younger Guy: “It’s by White Stripes. I played in a band in High School. This was the very first song we played.”

Me: “Oh, that’s cool.”

Younger Guy: “Yeah. I’m probably younger than you. I don’t know.”

I think that’s when I picked up my iPhone and checked twitter, desperate for a distraction. After 15 more minutes of politely listening to him talk about home, he wandered back to his friends. 10 minutes later I was standing at the ATM, withdrawing cash and paying my bill.

Random Woman: “Wow, that colour looks good on you.”

Me: “Thanks, I was reluctant to buy it at first.”

Random Woman: “Well it looks real good. Are you just coming in?”

Me: “No, I’m paying my bill and heading out.”

Random Woman: “Oh, okay. Well have a good night.”

Huh. I wasn’t sure what to make of the last encounter, but when Maggie came by, I let her know I was ready to pay and quickly chatted with the waitresses before heading out the door.

The fact that I was able to find a seat in a very crowded pub and still feel relaxed and cozy was a big win. I’ve been to places with snotty waitresses who could care less, and I can say that I don’t feel that way when I’m hanging at the Brew Pub. My new home away from home.

Living among the mountains means that the weather is unpredictable. It can snow pretty much any time of year. There are occasional rain storms (I’m actually praying for a huge ass thunderstorm. I miss those!), and overcast days. It’s the mountains. It happens. Life goes on.

This past winter was one of the best winters Banff has had (in terms of snow) in about 3 years. It was snowy and freezing ass cold. After 4 months of sweating in Asia, I was looking forward to some cool weather, but when March rolled around, I was ready for sun and warmth. It didn’t happen. I waited for April. It didn’t happen. I waited for May. It finally started to happen.

Yes, the sun has made an appearance in Banff and we have started to have warm sunny days. Oh the bliss. Sure, we may get the occasional snowstorm (last Sunday), but the snow usually disappears within a couple days and the sun starts to tease us once again with it’s coveted rays of warmth. Yesterday was one of those days.

After a crazy busy work day (I didn’t have time to pee, let alone eat anything) yesterday I was ready to relax and catch some rays. My first thought (after going home to change into comfy clothes) was to find a patio somewhere to chill out and do a little work. Naturally, I went to my favourite pub in Banff, the Banff Ave Brewing Co.

Initially I sat inside as the patio looked busy, but quickly discovered some empty stools outside and jumped at the chance before they were taken. It was glorious. The sun was shining directly onto the patio and within minutes I was cooking. I managed to “work” for all of 5 minutes before I gave up and closed my laptop. Soon I was sitting there with my eyes closed and my body soaking in the warmth.

Ah, patio season, may it last until I leave at the end of September.

Sitting in such a small aircraft can be nerve-wrecking at first, but once the helicopter is off the ground and flying towards massive snow-capped mountain peaks, most fears disappear. The reality of what you’re doing seeps into your brain slowly, and your eyes bounce around the landscape like an over-excited child.

The helicopter veers effortlessly around the peaks, and in a moment you feel as though you’re interrupting thousands of years of solitude.

Up here, amongst the peaks of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the world is a different place. It’s untouched.

It’s thousands of years of natural history, and it’s accessible to everyone.

You don’t have to be a rock climber or expert hiker to reach these peaks. You can climb into the cabin of a helicopter and experience them in a similar fashion.

My ride was a short one, only 12 mins in length, however it is an experience that I will never forget. I witnessed the natural beauty of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. I drooled over the pristine white snow and quickly looked away from the ground far below me whenever my eyes wandered in that direction.

Riding in a helicopter may not fit into everyone’s budget, but if you have some splurging room, I highly recommend giving this particular activity a go.

Last year, when I arrived in Kunming, China, I began the arduous process of trying to connect to the internet and access websites like Twitter, Facebook and this blog. As I sat at a table inside the Hump Hostel, I realized that I should have done a little more research before heading back to China. I should have known that I would need a VPN to get around the Chinese internet filtres. But, I didn’t.

I spent almost 3 days trying to get online. I was tired. I was frustrated. I wanted to give up more than once. When I finally had a VPN and had it running, I was ecstatic. Yes! Connection!

Fast forward almost 6 months and I am sitting in the living room of my apartment in Banff, Alberta. If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you already know that I’m spending the summer here, if you’re not, well, now you know!

One of the things not included with staff accommodation is wifi/internet.  That’s something we have to do on our own. If I had moved in at the same time as my roommate, I would have suggested we get cable internet and split the cost. Unfortunately, my roommate was already here and already has an internet stick for her laptop. As I don’t want to pay for cable internet all by myself, I thought the next best option would be to get my own internet stick. Sounds simple, right? Wrong!

My cell phone is through Bell Canada and I’ve had an internet stick with them in the past. As a precaution I called Bell last week to make sure that there wouldn’t be a problem. The girl on the phone explained that there was something I needed to clear up, but it should be no problem. Great. I can justify driving 1.5hrs to Calgary to pick up a Turbo Stick. I can stop using my phone for wifi. I can actually get work done. Well, that is how I would feel if all went smoothly. Which it didn’t.

I won’t bore you with the details, but let’s just say that I drove to Calgary and proceeded to stand inside a Bell Store, talking to customer service on my cell phone for 2 hours to straighten things out. The store manager was no help, nor did he wish to be helpful. I went through 6 staff members on the phone and 3 departments before I asked to speak with a supervisor. Once I had a supervisor, things started to happen (big surprise) and I slowly started to calm down. At the end of everything, the supervisor on the phone spoke to the store manager, I was given a used turbo stick and sent on my way.

Before I left the store, I was assured that my turbo stick would work and I was told that if it didn’t, I should call the help desk. I spent 90 minutes tonight on my cell phone, talking to the help desk. We did everything we could think of. Guess what? There is a problem with the turbo stick. Although I’m calm-ish now, I’d still like to throttle the store manager. I think that after I spent 2 hrs in his store, doing his job, I should have been given a new turbo stick, not a used one. But, the store is closed, and I am still 1.5hr drive away from Calgary.

Do you want to know the kicker? Tonight I found out that there is a Bell Desk right here in Banff (plus there is one in Canmore)! I searched their website, I asked the customer service girl last week, and both told me that the closet place was in Calgary.

Turning on my iPhone’s personal hotspot has worked -occasionally. However, doing this is eating up my data plan and I am not willing to pay overage fees.

I’m not too happy about spending my entire day off dealing with Bell Canada employees. I was not able to work on anything  that I had planned to work on. I wasted 3 hrs of driving time & about $40 in gas. Although I could drive to Canmore (or stop by the Bell desk in Banff) tomorrow, I’ve decided to give my nerves a day off and wait until Monday.

I never imagined that I would have such difficulty getting wifi in Banff. Naturally, this is not Banff’s fault. It’s Bell’s. Yea, I went there. It’s been a long day.

I want to take a few moments to apologize for my lack of writing and communication in the past few weeks. Although the showdown with Bell took place today, I’ve been desperately trying to find reliable wifi since I arrived in Banff. I promise I will be more present as of next week, when I have a wifi stick that works. I’ll have a working wifi stick by then, right? OMG, if I don’t, I think I may cry. Seriously.

I still have a hard time believing that I am actually living in Banff, not visiting. This afternoon as I walked across the Bow River Bridge, I stopped half way, leaned on the stones of the bridge, felt the cool breeze in my hair, smelled the fresh air and stared at the mountains and the river. I could have stood there staring all afternoon, ignoring the people and traffic passing behind me.

As the weather continues to improve, weekends in Banff will become increasingly busy. Cars will line the streets, people will crowd the sidewalks and the locals will hide in the allies where they can have a little breathing room. It’s all part of living in one of the most famous places in Canada.

For the past few days I’ve been slowly settling into my apartment, and life here in Banff. Internet has been sketchy, but I haven’t really panicked about it. I’m in Banff. Why in the world would I stay inside all the time using the internet?! Sure, I’m behind on a couple things, but the fresh air and stunning scenery of Banff beckons me. I have to be a part of it. I have to take breaks and wander around outside.

Walking has become my mode of transportation and I love that my car has been parked for the last 3 days (and that I won’t be using it for another 6). I love that everything is just a short walk away. I love living by the river and being able to walk some of the trails around town. I’d go hiking into some of the forested areas, but I’m too chicken to do that by myself. After all, its spring. The grizzly and black bears are starting to wake up. They haven’t eaten all winter. They need food and I don’t want to startle one by accident. I know it seems unrealistic, it’s just my silly nerves. As soon as I find a hiking partner, I will start to conquer more hikes around Banff and share them with you. Promise!

In the meantime I’m happy to wander around town, find local hotspots and make the most of my summer. My budget while I’m here is low. $23 a day. I know it can be done, especially if I cook at home and don’t go shopping all the time, but it’s going to be a challenge -especially since there are so many amazing local restaurants and shops in Banff.

This week I start my summer job, and travel up to the Athabasca Glacier again. I’ll also be establishing some kind of writing routine and filling you in on all things Banff, secretly hoping that you’ll drop what you’re doing this summer to come visit me. If you have never traveled to Banff, you should (like, this summer) and if you have traveled to Banff, well, you should come back (especially this summer)! Basically, I want you to come to Banff so you can have a crush on it too!

It’s official, I’ll be working (and living) in Banff for the next 5-6 months!

Working/living in Banff means there will be plenty of opportunity for me to participate in a wide array of outdoor activities, and delve into the local flavour -which means there will be plenty for me to write about over the next 6 months.

Over the past few weeks I’ve received a few messages & questions about this blog, my travels and what I’ll be doing this summer.

What will you be doing in Banff?

Working! Okay, I know that is not what you meant.

I’ve made the decision to not disclose my work location. The reason for this is simple. I want to keep my work life and online/personal life separate. For this reason, I will not be writing, tweeting or Facebooking about work. Although I’m not publishing the name of the company I’ll be working for, I will tell you that I’ll be working in a travel/tourism capacity. Yeah for travel/tourism jobs!

Will you be writing about Banff?

DUH! Of course I will, silly!!

Working/living in Banff for the next 5-6 months means there will be a plethora of stories to write (hopefully they’ll be good ones that you all enjoy). A summer in Banff and the Rocky Mountains means I’ll be doing a lot of hiking, as well as things like canoeing, camping and more. I’ll also be checking out the restaurants, pubs, clubs, museums etc. Basically, there will be no shortage of stories, folks!

Where will you live?

THAT is the million dollar question! Unfortunately staff accommodation is super full this coming season, so I need to find a place to live. Pronto. Lucky for me, I’m here between seasons. The winter season is now winding down & the summer season is about to begin. So, there are a few options in town.

Naturally I want to spend as little money as possible as I’ll be going back to Asia after my season in Banff. I’ve looked at the YWCA in town, and although it’s the cheapest I’ve found so far, the rooms are a little too sketchy for me (or maybe I’m just being a princess). However, the HI Banff Alpine Centre has a Job Seekers package for $322 for 14 days. I’d be living in a dorm room, but they have free wifi, it’s comfortable and because I only pay 2-4 weeks at a time, I can move on if I find something better.

Some of my favourite photos taken in Banff

Banff is one of those places that has always had a certain power over me. The turquoise glacial waters, the majestic mountains, the wildlife, the food! You name it, I probably love it.

While there is still a lot to share with all of you, I don’t want to bog this email down with a ton of details -at least not all in the first day! So, I’ve decided to end this post with a few of my favourites photos that have been taken in Banff.

Vermillion Lakes

Moraine Lake

A Big Horn Sheep

The Bow River

One of the things I love about hiking in Banff National Park is that it doesn’t matter what time of year you go. In spring the grass is starting to turn green, the wild flowers are starting to bloom and the waterfalls are full due to the mountain run-offs. In summer everything is fresh, the trails are fully open and there is more wildlife around. In the autumn the leaves on the trees start to change colour and in the winter the ground is covered (usually) with pristine white snow, the waterfalls are covered with ice and there is a layer of peace that surpasses any other time of year.

When our blue Discover Banff Tours bus pulled into the parking lot at Johnston Canyon I felt a twinge of excitement. I had strapped my new Drift HD170 action camera to my head on the bus, and now it was time to go outside and strap on my ice cleats. I grabbed my LowPro backpack, took some cleats from my guide, Jeff, and headed outside and to the back of the bus.

As I strapped my cleats to my boots I looked around the parking lot. There were 3 other Discover Banff Tours buses in the parking lot. All of which had pulled in just minutes before us. I groaned inwardly at the thought of a crowded hiking trail, but quickly pushed my disappointment aside as Jeff called our group over. After inviting the group to “enjoy a Canadian experience (using a port-a-potty before heading out), Jeff led the group onto the trail.

My ice cleats clung to the crunchy snow beneath my feet as I walked (and panted) along the path. In the beginning the trail was flanked by tall evergreen trees, lightly dusted with snow. The trail had been a little hilly, but nothing too bad and the ice cleats on my feet kept me from falling (shocking, I know!). I slowed down to take photos, knowing I’d be writing about my experience and within minutes my group had disappeared from sight. When I managed to catch up with them it was only because Jeff had stopped the group to talk about Johnston Canyon. As I was a wee bit late arriving, I missed most of what he was saying. This, as it so happens, became a reoccurring thing. I’d be too slow, Jeff would stop the group to talk about the canyon, I would arrive (missing most of what he said) and catch my breath and then we’d move on as a group for another 10 minutes or so before I would lag behind due to slowness, photo ops or both.

Once the trail left the forested area and I stared at the open space of the canyon (well, more open than being surrounded by trees), I stopped worrying about slowing the group down and started to appreciate my surroundings.  To Jeff’s (and the other guides) credit, our group was spaced out enough from the other groups so as to give us a more serene experience.

The trail soon left the forest floor behind as we were guided onto a snow-covered steel catwalk that clung to the side of the canyon. On the right was a railing, (which came in handy when there were large dips in the snow on the catwalk) and on the left was jagged (and sometimes smooth) rock. As we walked, I tried to remind myself that I was wearing a video camera and that I couldn’t quickly gawk as I walked. I needed to be slow and methodical.

Although I was attempting to be slow and methodical, I was still struck by the beauty and stillness of Johnston Canyon. In many places the canyon walls had patches of ice and snow clinging to the rock. Some times the trail would wind through the canyon along the ground. At other times we’d be walking through the canyon at an elevated height.

In the middle of the canyon the ground was pristinely white, with small patches of unfrozen water appearing from time to time. The evergreen trees were tall and thin and the sedimentary rock of the canyon showed off it’s multi-coloured facets and fossils of creatures from long ago.

I saw a small trout swimming in a patch of unfrozen water, hiked up steep hills and braced myself on the canyon wall as I skirted the holes in the snow. I also panted, a lot (note to self, do not wear external mic when hiking, only when talking).

As our group passed the Lower Falls and approached the Twin Falls I was cursing myself for forgetting my water. I was out of breath, my throat was dry and pained and I could hardly talk. I wanted to keep pushing myself, but when Jeff announced (somewhat excitedly) that we were half way to the Upper Falls and now the fun and challenging part of the hike was going to begin, I knew I was done.  I was in a group who thrived on hiking to the falls as fast as they could and I secretly wished I was with the group I had passed that were more into snapping photos and taking their time.

While our group was stopped at Twin Falls I made the decision to stop there and not continue to the Upper Falls. I knew I would slow the group down even more, and to be honest, I knew I would need lots of water to keep myself hydrated. I approached Jeff and hoarsely explained that I would wait at either Twin Falls or the Lower Falls for the group, as I wanted to do some filming and take some photos. He agreed and I separated from the group, promising myself that I would do the hike again in the summer and visit the Upper Falls then.

As it turns out, this was the best decision. As my group disappeared around a corner I peeled off my winter jacket (I was sweating) and started to do some filming. For the next hour I was alone.

I crunched through the snow, listening to the trickling sounds of the river below me as I hiked back down from the Twin Falls to the Lower Falls. The trail was steep and a little slippery and I was supremely grateful for the ice cleats on my feet as there is no way I would have made it down without falling and hurting myself.

I walked over the small bridge to the lower falls and stopped to photograph the small pool of water to my left. Although I could hear the waterfall above the pool, I couldn’t see it as it was hidden behind a wall of ice. This, however, was not all of the Lower Falls.

With my DSLR in my hand and my actioncam on my head, I ducked and walked though the small dark cave to a small viewing platform. The sound of rushing water was hypnotic. I stood there for 10 minutes listening to the water rushing behind the wall of ice, starring at the indigo pool of water below me.

When my group arrived at the Lower Falls I was ready for the company. There was a feeling of accomplishment in the air, and I reminded myself that I would visit the Upper Falls in the summer.

We walked back down the trail and I continued to allow the canyon to capture my heart. I took deep breaths and relished in the cool fresh mountain air. As the parking came into sight, everyone gave high fives (I felt a little sheepish about doing that, after all, I stopped half way) and I promised myself to return again in the summer.

Banff National Park have a power that is unsurpassed. There are so many things to see, to do and to experience.  Hiking through Johnston Canyon is something everyone should do at least once in their lifetime, and it’s something I plan to do more of over the next few months.