Alberta Rocky Mountains

May 11

I am so lucky to live close to the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, Canada

Before I was born, my parents enjoyed travelling to the Rocky Mountains. This means I was likely still in diapers for my first visit. Only a 3 to 5-hour drive from home, depending on where the destination was, such as Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff, and Mount Robson, my parents would pack a tent and later a trailer for a fresh air getaway. Rarely has a year gone by where I have not visited, either to stay and enjoy all the mountains have to offer or to marvel at their beauty on my way to another destination in British Columbia.

The Rocky Mountains are renowned for their breathtaking natural beauty. Living near them means enjoying spectacular views of towering mountain peaks, pristine blue and emerald lakes, and scenic trails that go on forever. It never gets old!

Every visit is like visiting it for the first time. Regardless of the season, the views are magnificent and forever changing. Visiting in springtime with the colourful wildflowers and during the summer with the long days to soak up the sights and the summer heat is always a highlight. However, the bright fall foliage and skiing at high altitudes looking down on the serene white snow-capped treetops that barely stick above the deep snow are also invigorating.

For outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers, These Mountains offer various outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and fishing. For more adventure, try river rafting, rock climbing, helicopter skiing, or cliff jumping into Horseshoe Lake, to name a few. I haven’t done that, but my kids can tell you about it.

Wildlife is always present. Home to diverse animals, such as elk, moose, bears, deer, and mountain goats. It’s rare not to see some wildlife, even when just passing through.

The world-famous Banff Springs hotel is in the heart of Banff National Park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Those who chose this hotel’s location over 130 years ago were so insightful. What a fantastic structure set in the perfect place surrounded by mountains.

Although every trip to Banff is lovely, our most recent visit here was extra special. We spent the weekend at The Banff Springs Hotel, celebrating our daughter’s Law School graduation.

We arrived a day early to spend the day hiking. We hiked about 15 km from the hotel to the Hoodoos. The spring air and weather were perfect for a scenic hike. Banff can be pretty busy during the summer, so it was nice to be here during the shoulder season when the air begins to warm, but the crowds are light.

The next evening was a fabulous celebration of young law students anxious to get out and establish new careers and family members cheering them on, proud of their accomplishments.

Walking around town, in and out of shops, made for a nice relaxing last day. It was an enjoyable mini mountain getaway, full of hiking, walking and celebrating in the fresh mountain air of the Alberta Rocky Mountains.

We purchased our yearly park pass, knowing we would return. I am so fortunate to have this close to home to return to repeatedly!

And, of course, I am so proud of our daughter Kaylea for her accomplishments, and we wish her the best for a fantastic future in law.