October in Banff, Alberta, Canada
October in Canada!
October brought even more adventures outside of our usual classes at UofT. The highlight of the month? A trip to the breathtaking Canadian Rockies!
Flying to Calgary and Staying in Canmore
We kicked things off by flying into Calgary, and making our way to Canmore. Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, Canmore served as our cozy base for the next few days.
One of our first hikes was at Grassi Lakes, a relatively short trail but with incredible views. The turquoise waters of the lakes were absolutely stunning, and the surrounding rock faces made it feel like a scene from a movie.
Exploring Banff
We spent a day exploring Banff and checking off all the must-see spots:
- Banff Town: Quaint and picturesque, with charming shops and cafes. Perfect for a relaxing stroll and a hot cup of coffee to fight off the chilly weather. We even caught a movie, “The Wild Robot”, at Lux Cinema on our last day there!
- Johnston Canyon: Walking through the canyon and seeing the waterfalls up close was such a unique experience. The trail was well-maintained, and the sights were unforgettable.
- Lake Louise and Lake Moraine: These two iconic lakes didn’t disappoint. The vibrant blue waters of Lake Moraine felt almost surreal, while Lake Louise was equally stunning. The emerald waters and the towering mountains around it were nothing short of mesmerizing. We also tackled the Big Beehive trail, which gave us an incredible panoramic view of Lake Louise from above—it was a bit (hella) of a climb, but totally worth it.
Northern Lights
It just so happened that when we were there, the was an intense solar storm that lit up the sky.
One of the more magical experiences we had was witnessing the Northern Lights. We were lucky enough to catch them right outside our window on our second night. The lights danced across the sky in shades of green and purple—a natural light show you can never fully appreciate until you see it in person.
While the first display we saw wasn’t very visible to the naked eye, the second one was really vibrant, with bright green auroras painted on the sky.
Road Trip to Jasper
We also took a day trip to Jasper along the stunning Icefields Parkway. The drive was long—about 650 km round trip—but the views were absolutely worth it. We stopped at multiple scenic spots along the way, soaking in the mountains, glaciers, and turquoise lakes.
Unfortunately, Jasper had just had a major wildfire in July, so many things were closed or under construction. Still, it was a unique experience to drive through such a beautiful but eerie setting.
The drive itself was a new experience too, especially driving at night with the high beams on. The dark, winding roads through the mountains felt a bit intimidating but also incredibly serene. There’s something special about being on the road in such an isolated, beautiful part of the world. (There was no cell service along the parkway as well)
End
Overall, October in Canada was filled with unforgettable adventures. From hiking through the stunning landscapes of the Canadian Rockies to seeing the Northern Lights and taking on long drives, every moment was one to remember.
