We spent the last nine days exploring two of Canada’s most beautiful provinces. Here’s what we discovered:
• Even though Going to the Sun Highway in Glacier National Park crosses into Canada, no one’s checking passports.
• Near Canal Flats, just south of Banff, is a lovely HipCamp campground. Blacksmith Landing EcoCamp hosts Berny and Stuart are delightful. Don’t miss the homemade pot pies and cinnamon rolls or the hike to the Kootenay River overlook.
• Banff National Park - hike to the upper Tea House for spectacular views of Lake Louise, yummy sandwiches (fresh-baked bread!), hot tea of course, and a welcome 10 mile downhill basking in the delight of a strenuous accomplishment … and a full tummy.
• Japser National Park - take your bear spray ‘cuz they’re there! Town is charming. Stop at Waffalato —— give the avocado toast on a waffle a try!
• Make the drive along the Yellowhead Highway to Prince Rupert. Along the way say hi to camp host Tim at Beaumont Provincial Park, catch the morning sunrise at Prudhomme Lake Provincial Park, check out the Rinse Rupert laundromat and say hey to attendant Margie, eat fresh-caught halibut fish and chips at Bob’s on the Rocks (even in the rain it was mouthwateringly good), grab a coffee at Cowpuccini Coffee House, stop at every pullout (ok pick a few) along the Skeena River for a photo op.
• Driving the Cassiar Highway … lakes , rivers, lakes , rivers, lakes, rivers! Did I mention the lakes and rivers?!
• We put our kayak in at Boya Lake Provincial Park. The glassy blue/green/turquoise/cobalt glacier water was like gliding through a kaleidoscope.
Off to the Yukon!