These Tiny Stories

Western Canada Trip: Spray, Two Jack, Minnewanka (Pt.7)

June 10, 2015January 25, 2016TravelAlberta, Lake Minnewanka, Spray Lake, Two Jack lakeside12 Comments

It’s a good idea to plan your time properly if you’re sightseeing with a limited schedule – and for me, I divided my trip. Day one was spent in the big ski areas, like Banff and Lake Louise, and later in the week, I had a “LAKE ONLY” day. My stops included Spray Lake, Two Jack lakeside and Lake Minnewanka in Alberta.

Touring these three stops actually took a good chunk of my day. But they are beautiful. Bring a wide lens. I was a bit of a goof, and didn’t have a prime wide. I only had my GOPRO and my 35 mm. What can I say? I like to pack light!

This is Spray Lake reservoir, including an image from my drive up the mountain. The reservoir is located in Kananaskis County. According to the Atlas of Alberta Lakes, “Until Kananaskis Country was established in the 1970s, the only road up to Spray Lakes Reservoir was a narrow, rough track clinging to the side of Mount Rundle.”

From there, I headed to Two Jack lakeside. Another beautiful must-see sight, in my opinion.

And perhaps my most favourite lake during this day trip, Lake Minnewanka (“Water of Spirits”) – which is right beside Two Jack lakeside. Isn’t it perfection?!

Western Canada Trip: Bow Valley, Canmore (Pt.6)

June 9, 2015June 7, 2015TravelAlberta, Canmore11 Comments

A couple of other stops you should make while you’re touring the Canadian Rockies are Bow Valley and Canmore. You’ll find them less lively than a place like Banff, but they are picturesque and provide a great deal of outdoor actives for the adventurer.

Here’s Bow Valley. I hiked a trail for about 40 minutes – it was pretty wooded, and I didn’t get the best views, but there are a number of trails (difficulties vary) depending on how much time you have.

Canmore is beautiful. I stopped here more than once – mainly because it was a nice middle ground from Airdrie (where I was staying) to the rockies tour. Also if you have time, there a number of hiking, mountain biking, equestrian, and paved trails. You can look more up at the Canmore Nordic Centre once you arrive.

Western Canada Trip: Lake Louise, Alberta (Pt. 5)

June 7, 2015June 7, 2015TravelAlberta, Lake Louise8 Comments

It’s been a few weeks since I posted, but some good news – I’ve just started a new job at another Toronto radio station. And, trust me, I’ve been keeping busy! But I still have so many photos to share from my Western Canada trip. For entry five, I’ll show you some shots from Lake Louise in Alberta, about 30 minutes northwest of Banff.

Lake Louise is magnificent, even frozen over – although, I was a bit disappointed I couldn’t see the complete mirrored mountains on the water. It’s also home to one of North America’s largest ski/snowboard resorts, Ski Lake Louise.

If you’re planning to stop by there, head to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. A quick walk behind the hotel, you’ll find a perfect chance to get a good photo.

Western Canada Trip: Banff, Alberta (Pt. 4)

May 4, 2015January 25, 2016Travel10 Comments

I have been dreaming of the day I’d see Alberta. This trip was more than ten years in the making, and let me say, the Canadian Rockies were more than I ever expected.

During my 5-day trip to Alberta, I stayed in Calgary, which is about a 1.5 hour drive to Banff. Banff is a resort town, close to snowboarding and skiing, parks, trails, and a must-do gondola ride up the mountain – now, if you hike up the mountain yourself, you don’t need to pay for a ticket. But I had a bit of a cold, and didn’t have the energy for the climb. Plus, I really wanted some good non-obstructed photos.

The drive is also simple. Almost a straight shot up the Trans-Canada Highway, exiting at Banff Ave. Coming from Calgary, the mountain view creeps up on you, until your entire eyeshot is rockies: grand and magnificent.

Did I mention I listened to “Alberta Bound” by Paul Brandt going down the gondola? I felt it was appropriate.

Western Canada Trip: Whistler (Pt. 3)

April 29, 2015April 11, 2018Travel14 Comments

My absolute favourite adventure in British Columbia was my all-day trip to Whistler, about 1.5 hours north of Vancity. I spent the day at Whistler Blackcomb, equipped with my GoPro HERO, snowboard, and an EDGE card for full access to the resort, including the AMAZING “Peak 2 Peak” gondola.

Whistler is a MUST for anyone interested in heading to BC. While you’re there, you’ll want to grab a photo in front of the 2010 Olympic podium, which sits atop the mountain. FYI – Whistler was the site for the Nordic events five years ago, and was one of the largest celebrations in the municipality’s history. And of course, the area continues to see thousands of visitors for sporting events; a few weeks ago, it held its World Ski & Snowboard Festival.

NOTE TO TRAVELLERS: Use Epic Rides as a affordable shuttle from Vancouver to Whistler. I got a return ticket for $35 CAD, which is cheaper than many of the competitors, and I found the service to be phenomenal. Did I mention the views on the drive there were INCREDIBLE? Bring a camera, and be sure to sit on the LEFT side while en route to the resort.