you must go on adventures to find out where you truly belong

From Hoodoos to Glaciers and Beyond

This wasn’t just a road trip, it was a full-blown adventure across some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes in North America. From turquoise lakes and towering peaks to ancient fossils and vibrant city streets, every mile was a thrill. Buckle up as we relive the highlights!

Our adventure began in Jasper, and the drive itself was a feast for the senses. The road to Maligne Lake twisted through dense pine forests, where shafts of sunlight pierced the canopy and painted golden streaks on the pavement. Every turn revealed something new, towering peaks in the distance, wildflowers blooming along the roadside, and wildlife that made us slow down and savor the moment. We spotted elk grazing in open meadows and even caught a glimpse of a black bear lumbering toward the treeline, a reminder that this is truly wild country.

When we finally reached Maligne Lake, it felt like stepping into a dream. The water shimmered in shades of turquoise so vivid they looked unreal, framed by jagged, snow-capped mountains that seemed to rise straight out of the lake. Spirit Island, far in the distance, stood like a tiny emerald crown in the middle of the water, a sight so iconic it almost didn’t feel real. The air was crisp and cool, carrying the scent of spruce and fresh mountain streams. We walked along the shoreline trail, listening to the rhythmic lap of water against the rocks and the occasional call of a loon echoing across the lake. Every photo we took looked like a painting.

On the way to Maligne Lake, we paused at Medicine Lake, a geological wonder with a story as fascinating as its beauty. Known as the “disappearing lake,” its water level changes dramatically with the seasons, draining underground through a network of caves. When we visited, the lake stretched wide under a moody sky, its surface reflecting dark clouds and rugged slopes. Interpretive signs explained the phenomenon, but standing there in silence, watching ripples dance across the water, felt like witnessing nature’s secrets firsthand.

And then came Morant’s Curve, one of the most photographed spots in the Rockies. The viewpoint overlooks a sweeping bend in the Bow River, framed by towering peaks and endless forest. We waited patiently for the ultimate shot; a train gliding through the valley and when it appeared, the moment was pure magic. The bright red cars snaked along the tracks, contrasting against the deep green of the pines and the icy blue of the river. It was a scene straight out of a travel magazine, and we couldn’t stop smiling.

Arriving in Banff felt like stepping into a dream. The crisp mountain air carried the scent of pine, and the towering peaks seemed to touch the sky. Our first stop was the legendary Lake Louise, and nothing could have prepared us for that view. The water shimmered in surreal shades of turquoise, so vibrant it looked almost unreal. Victoria Glacier loomed in the background, its icy surface glinting under the sun like a crown. Colorful canoes dotted the lake, their reflections dancing on the glassy surface. We strolled along the shoreline, pausing every few steps to take in the panorama—the emerald forest hugging the lake, the jagged peaks rising like guardians, and the soft crunch of gravel underfoot. It was the kind of place where time slows down, and every breath feels like a gift.

Next, we ventured to Emerald Lake, tucked away in Yoho National Park. If Lake Louise is famous for its turquoise glow, Emerald Lake is its quieter, more intimate cousin—a shimmering jewel surrounded by dense forest and rugged mountains. The water shifted from jade to sapphire as clouds drifted overhead, and the reflections were so perfect they looked painted. We walked the lakeside trail, listening to the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant call of birds. The lodge perched on the shore added a cozy charm, and we couldn’t resist stopping for a warm drink while gazing out at the water.

Then came Kicking Horse Pass, a route that combines natural beauty with engineering marvels. The road climbed steadily, revealing sweeping views of valleys and peaks that seemed to stretch forever. We stopped at the Spiral Tunnels viewpoint, where trains navigate a mind-bending series of loops carved into the mountains, a feat of ingenuity that’s as fascinating as the scenery itself. Standing there, watching a freight train disappear into one tunnel and emerge from another, felt like witnessing history in motion. The air was cool and crisp, and every turn of the road offered another jaw-dropping vista, a reminder that in the Rockies, the journey is just as spectacular as the destination.

One of the highlights of our journey was our visit to the Glacier View Lodge, perched high above the Columbia Icefield along the Icefields Parkway. From the moment we arrived, it felt like stepping into a sanctuary of alpine luxury surrounded by raw wilderness. The lodge’s floor-to-ceiling windows framed a view so spectacular it almost didn’t seem real. The Athabasca Glacier glistening like a frozen river of time, cascading down from the towering peaks of the Rockies.

Leaving the towering Rockies behind, the landscape transformed dramatically as we entered the Alberta Badlands—a world of rugged canyons, sculpted hills, and surreal rock formations. The approach to Drumheller felt like stepping onto another planet. The earth shifted from lush green to shades of ochre and rust, and hoodoos—those strange, mushroom-shaped pillars—rose like ancient sentinels guarding the valley.

We started with the Hoodoos Trail, a short but unforgettable walk among these natural wonders. Their layered sandstone tops glowed under the prairie sun, each one shaped by centuries of wind and rain. Standing among them, you can’t help but feel small in the face of time. The silence was profound, broken only by the crunch of gravel underfoot and the whisper of wind sweeping through the valley.

Then came the crown jewel: the Royal Tyrrell Museum, a world-class destination for dinosaur lovers and science enthusiasts alike. The moment we stepped inside, we were transported millions of years back in time. Towering skeletons of Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops dominated the halls, their sheer size leaving us awestruck. Interactive exhibits brought prehistoric life to vivid detail; fossil displays, recreated habitats, and even a working lab where paleontologists carefully cleaned bones behind glass.

One of the highlights was the Dinosaur Hall, where massive fossils loomed overhead, and the lighting made them look almost alive. We lingered at the Albertosaurus exhibit, imagining these predators roaming the very hills we had just driven through. The museum’s storytelling was so immersive that by the time we stepped outside, the badlands felt even more magical; like the ghosts of dinosaurs still wandered among the hoodoos.

After days of mountain roads and wild landscapes, Calgary was a refreshing change of pace—a vibrant city with a backdrop of distant peaks. We dove straight into downtown Calgary, where glass towers gleamed in the sun and streets buzzed with energy. The mix of modern architecture and historic buildings gave the city a unique character, and everywhere we turned, there was art—murals splashed across walls, sculptures tucked into corners, and lively public spaces.

One of our favorite moments? Walking along the Bow River Pathway. The river shimmered under the afternoon light as we strolled past parks, bridges, and cyclists zipping by. The crisp breeze carried the scent of fresh water and city life, and the views of the skyline reflected in the river were picture-perfect.

And then came the culinary highlight: the famous Vietnamese sandwich. We’d heard whispers about this local gem, and it did not disappoint. A crusty baguette stuffed with tender grilled meat, pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, and that irresistible tangy-sweet sauce—it was a flavor explosion that hit all the right notes. Sitting on a bench by the river, savoring every bite, felt like the perfect way to experience Calgary’s food scene.

Our final stop was Waterton Lakes National Park, and it felt like the perfect grand finale to our adventure. Driving south, the landscape shifted dramatically; the endless prairies suddenly collided with towering mountains, creating a scene so striking it looked like nature’s own masterpiece. The approach to Waterton is breathtaking: rolling grasslands stretching to the horizon, then abruptly giving way to jagged peaks that rise like stone fortresses.

The town of Waterton itself is a charming gem, nestled along the shores of Upper Waterton Lake. Quaint streets lined with cozy cafés, rustic lodges, and flower-filled gardens gave the village a warm, welcoming vibe. We parked and wandered through town, soaking in the relaxed atmosphere before heading to the lakeshore.

Standing at the edge of Upper Waterton Lake, we were spellbound. The water shimmered in deep shades of blue, framed by dramatic mountains that seemed to plunge straight into the lake. A cool breeze swept across the surface, carrying the scent of pine and wildflowers. We watched kayakers glide across the water and hikers setting off on trails that promised adventure.

One of the highlights was the Prince of Wales Hotel, perched high on a bluff overlooking the lake. Its iconic green roof and historic charm made it a must-see. From its vantage point, the view was jaw-dropping—a panorama of lake, mountains, and sky that stretched endlessly. We lingered there, sipping coffee and watching the sunlight dance on the water.

As evening approached, we explored Maskinonge Lake, a serene spot just outside town where the reflections of the surrounding peaks created a mirror-like effect. The silence was profound, broken only by the call of birds and the rustle of grass in the wind.

Then came the sunset—a fiery spectacle that painted the peaks in shades of pink, orange, and gold. The wind whipped across the lake, and the sky transformed into a canvas of color. It was wild, untamed, and utterly unforgettable—a moment that captured the essence of Waterton.

From glacier walks to hoodoo hikes, from turquoise lakes to fossil halls, every mile reminded us why the Canadian Rockies are a traveler’s paradise. It wasn’t just about the views; it was about the feeling of freedom, the thrill of discovery, and the stories we’ll tell for years to come.