Canada

I flew in Calgary, Canada from Seattle, Washington. I was thrilled beyond measure as the plane touched down on Canadian soil. Why? The anticipation had been building for months, fuelled by captivating images of Canada's breath-taking landscapes and vibrant cities that I had eagerly consumed through countless photographs.

Yet, there was more to my excitement than just the picturesque scenery. I would soon reunite with an old friend, Fakhar. Our bond traced back to the hallowed halls of our school and college days, where we had shared laughter, dreams, and countless memories.

I landed in Calgary and grabbed an Uber to my hotel which was located right next to a frozen river. Fakhar was driving from Edmonton to Calgary, and I was stoked for his arrival. After I checked in, he rocked up half an hour later, calling me downstairs.

We are tight like brothers and there are no formalities between us. He was pumped to show me around his turf, not even bothering to come up and chill for a bit. We shared a massive hug, then hit the road, keen to check out Calgary.

Did I tell you it was freezing cold? Like -15°C. I had never experienced that much cold in my life before.

Fakhar in the foreground with the Frozen River in the background

Got up early morning, checked out, and kicked off the day with that essential and sacred ritual – hitting up Tim Hortons for brekkie.

It was freezing cold out there! You'll feel the chill just watching the video I've shared, from our journey in Calgary all the way to Banff. Lighting wasn't perfect with the snow and all, but let me tell ya, the whole experience was next level, like nothing I've ever had before.

I secured a room at the Banff Inn right in the bustling city centre of Banff. I scoured through many options, and this one stood out for its sheer comfort and unbeatable proximity to everything I wanted to explore. It was a snug haven amid the lively surroundings, making my stay all the more delightful! 

We spent four glorious days there. I believe that was plenty of time to soak in the wonders of the place and its surroundings. You can extend your stay as much as you desire, but trust me, four days was just right for me to fully immerse myself in the beauty of the area! 

• Discover Banff on Foot: Take a stroll through the snowy streets of Banff, admiring the charming shops, galleries, and cafes adorned in winter decorations. Don't miss the chance to explore iconic spots like Banff Avenue and Cascade Gardens blanketed in snow.

• Scenic Winter Drives: Drive leisurely around Banff, enjoying the serene beauty of snow-covered mountains and forests. Consider taking scenic routes to Vermilion Lakes, Bow Falls, and Tunnel Mountain Drive for breath-taking winter vistas.

• Visit Frozen Lake Louise: Venture to Lake Louise and witness its frozen splendour. Walk along the snow-covered shoreline, admiring the icy blue hues of the lake against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Rent ice skates for a magical glide across the frozen surface.

• Explore Emerald Lake: Take a scenic drive to Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, where the frozen landscape creates a stunning winter scene. Enjoy snowshoeing or winter hiking around the lake, soaking in the tranquillity of the snow-covered forests and emerald waters.

By now, he had learnt to take good photos.

I still take better photos, don't I? 

It was February, and the Icefields Parkway was transformed into a winter wonderland, draped in a pristine blanket of white snow stretching as far as the eye could see. As we embarked on our scenic drive from Banff to Jasper, the landscape unfolded before us like scenes from a snowy dream.

The towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies stood majestically, their rugged contours softened by layers of snow. Frozen lakes, including Bow Lake and Peyto Lake, shimmered under the winter sun, their surfaces transformed into smooth sheets of ice reflecting the surrounding snow-covered forests and mountains. As we wound our way along the parkway, snow-laden trees lined the roadside, creating a picturesque winter scene. The air was crisp and invigorating.

As we travelled further along the Icefields Parkway, each bend in the road revealed a new vista of snow-covered peaks and valleys, leaving us spellbound by the beauty of nature in its winter attire. Whether we drove through a light dusting of snow or navigated through snowdrifts, our journey along the Icefields Parkway was an unforgettable experience, offering a glimpse into the serene and majestic beauty of the Canadian Rockies in winter.

Setting out from Banff to Jasper, our journey along the Icefields Parkway led us to two iconic destinations: Lake Louise and Peyto Lake.

Despite having visited Lake Louise during our four days in Banff, we couldn't resist stopping again. The day was remarkably clear, offering the promise of even better views of the iconic lake.

Though we had seen it before, the beauty of Lake Louise never failed to captivate us, and we savoured the moment, capturing the scene with our cameras while I was standing on the frozen water of the lake.

Continuing along the parkway, our next destination was Peyto Lake. However, heavy snowfall had obscured the trail, forcing us to abandon our attempt to hike to its shores. We paused to take photos of me against the backdrop of the majestic mountains.

Though we hadn't reached Peyto Lake's shores, the beauty of Lake Louise and the breath-taking scenery along the Icefields Parkway made the journey worthwhile. In the end, it was the opportunity to experience the winter wonders of the Canadian Rockies that made the day truly unforgettable as we continued our journey from Banff to Jasper.

Arriving in Jasper, we were greeted by sombre skies and forecasts of severe weather conditions, with snowstorm warnings looming over our plans. We had plans and hopes of skating on frozen Pyramid Lake, the weather had other ideas. The accommodation I booked is called, The Crimson Jasper, proved to be a sanctuary in the midst of the gloomy conditions, conveniently located for our explorations.

Even though it was only afternoon but the conditions caused an unexpected darkness, I still managed to capture a video of our arrival. Amidst the dim light, Fakhar, ever the mischief-maker, photobombed the recording, creating yet another cherished memory. Watch it by just pressing play.