Arriving at Banff

Crossing into Banff, I was immediately struck by the breathtaking landscape. Massive snow-capped mountains framed the horizon, while crystal-clear glacial streams rushed alongside the road. The water shimmered an incredible emerald hue — something I hadn’t witnessed since my sailing trip to the British Virgin Islands in 2007. Every bend in the road revealed a new, awe-inspiring scene.

Established in 1885, Banff is Canada’s oldest national park and part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks. It’s an area where nature reigns supreme, and you can feel it in the air.

My first real stop was Moraine Lake — one of Canada’s most iconic natural wonders. Tucked into the Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake is world-renowned for its vivid turquoise color, caused by light refracting off the rock flour deposited by glaciers.

The skies that day were perfectly clear, making the scenery even more dramatic. I hiked the trail along the shoreline, soaking in the views of towering peaks mirrored in the still waters. Every turn offered a postcard-worthy vista, and the hike, though relatively short, was packed with beauty.

From Moraine Lake, I ventured onward to another gem of Banff — Lake Louise. Named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, the daughter of Queen Victoria, Lake Louise is famous for its stunning milky-blue water and majestic surroundings.

Just as I arrived, a light rain began to fall. I took the opportunity to head into the historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, a grand hotel that dates back to the early 20th century. Sitting by a window with a local craft beer in hand, I watched the rain dance across the lake’s surface. It was peaceful, almost magical. When the rain let up, I stepped back outside to continue my journey.

Camping in Banff turned out to be a new experience for me — the campground was surrounded by an electric fence designed to protect campers from the park’s thriving grizzly bear population! It was a stark reminder that I was deep in bear country.

That night, temperatures dropped into the low 40s (around 5°C), and light rain drizzled over my tent. Waking up cold, damp, and surrounded by mist, I realized that this was as far north as my journey would take me. With adventure in my heart but a chill in my bones, I decided it was time to turn south and begin the next chapter of my 2009 West Road Trip.