Banff National Park

From Calgary, our next stop was Banff National Park—a place that truly stole my heart! The drive there was breathtaking, surrounded by towering mountains and lush forests. It took us about an hour and a half to reach Banff from Calgary, which was so nice getting to do a shorter drive.

The first stop we made in Banff was Johnston Canyon. The trail winds along the canyon, offering stunning views of waterfalls and turquoise pools. It was on this hike that I saw my first black bear! Watching it climb effortlessly up a tree was a sight I’ll never forget. Black bears are like big puppy dogs and found a place in my heart! Did you know they’re excellent climbers and can even scale trees with ease? Witnessing their agility firsthand was a highlight of the trip.

After our adventure in Johnston Canyon, we explored the charming town of Banff. With its cozy atmosphere and picturesque streets, it felt like something out of a storybook. As a ski town, it exudes a laid-back vibe and is dotted with cute cafes and shops.

We couldn’t leave Banff without tackling the Tunnel Mountain hike—a challenging but rewarding trek. Interestingly, Tunnel Mountain doesn’t actually have a tunnel! They found a cheaper way around the mountain, but the name stuck. The trail offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making every step worth it. It’s a moderately difficult hike, with some steep sections, but the stunning vistas make it all worthwhile. Along the way, we encountered diverse wildlife and marveled at the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rockies.

After the hike we wondered through the town and stumbled upon a crystal shop. It instantly became my happy place. Tucked away in the charming streets, it was a haven of positive energy. The shelves were lined with sparkling crystals of every color and size imaginable. The atmosphere was calming, and the shopkeeper was friendly and knowledgeable. I spent hours browsing and left feeling uplifted and rejuvenated, with a few crystals to take home as souvenirs. It truly was a special find during our time in Banff.

That night, we camped in the park, surrounded by a bonfire and a lot of rain. That didn’t bother of tho! It was so relaxing to go to bed while listening to the rain hit the tent above us. The next morning, we set out to explore Moose Meadows, but our plans were thwarted by a black bear blocking the trail and most likely scaring off all the moose. Undeterred, we opted for the Silverton Falls hike instead. Silverton Falls quickly became one of my favorite hikes! The trail meanders through lush forest before culminating in a breathtaking waterfall. It was the perfect way to end our time in Banff.

With memories of stunning landscapes and thrilling wildlife encounters, we reluctantly bid farewell to Banff National Park and continued on our journey.