Making Peace with Banff

Two Beautiful Parks that Took Time to Appreciate

Banff & Jasper National Parks, Alberta, Canada- July 22

My favorite waterfall- projectile vomiting water out.

What is to be said about Canada’s National Parks, Jasper and Banff, (from now on ‘J/B’)? They are vast, awesome, beautiful, varied, well loved. They are crowded, daunting, and anxiety producing. On the two days I spent there, they were cold, overcast, spitting rain. On the two days I spent there, I was betwixt and between.

I was supposed to love J/B. I had been warned about the hordes of tourists, of which I readily admit I am one. But the beauty was legendary and not to be missed. I think J/B is not for the single traveler. There are only so many times I can say ‘wow’ to myself here without feeling a bit of an echo. So much space, so much height, so many kilometers to go to see its fullness- I am only one small person and felt insufficient for the task.

All of the water masses are so green. They have the Pacific beat, hands down.

Knowing what I now know, I will come back and begin again, with others, in an off-season, with better weather prospects, if that can be planned around. J/B is worth a second look, for sure.

Early morning at Moraine Lake, Banff NP

One last note: I had given up and thought I would cruise through and get out of J/B, but I decided to get up early to see two ‘must see’ sites I had been instructed to visit by several fellow travelers: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. On the highway by 6:00 I was almost alone. Lake Louise was pretty but very built up and already the crowds had begun. Moraine Lake on the other hand was beautiful- quiet, peaceful, allowing me to enjoy it without the hordes. I learned that morning that the early hours are the time to see the popular sites…anywhere.

I am still working at accepting this turn of events. I wanted to rave and toss my hat. But this is a true account, not fiction, and so I mark down my real experience. Now I'm off to return to the small towns and back roads and my friendly Canadians.

So many glaciers, I've never seen anything like this. May they stay cold and safe.