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After enjoying the charm of Saskatoon, it was time to leave the prairies behind and begin our journey toward the majestic Rocky Mountains. This leg of the trip was a stunning transition, showcasing the wide-open beauty of Alberta before the breathtaking peaks came into view.
If you missed the first part of our adventure, where we traveled from Toronto to Thunder Bay, you can catch up on all the highlights here.
If you missed the second part of our adventure, where we traveled from Thunder Bay to Saskatoon, you can catch up on all the highlights here.
Day 7: Saskatoon to Calgary
We began the day with a hearty breakfast at the Delta Bessborough before hitting the road. The open prairies stretched out endlessly as we made our way toward Alberta. The sheer vastness of the landscape was humbling, with fields of golden wheat and a horizon that seemed to stretch forever.
Our first major destination was Drumheller, the dinosaur capital of the world. We kicked off our exploration by visiting the World’s Largest Dinosaur, a towering T-Rex statue that stands over 86 feet tall. Climbing to the top gave us sweeping views of the surrounding badlands and was a fun way to connect with our inner child.
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Next, we stopped at the Star Mine Suspension Bridge, an impressive 117-meter-long pedestrian bridge originally built for coal miners. Walking across the swaying bridge was both thrilling and a little nerve-wracking, but the views of the Red Deer River below were worth it.
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Afterward, we visited the Willow Creek Hoodoos, unique and surreal rock formations that looked like they were from another planet. These natural wonders left us in awe of the diversity of Canada’s landscapes.
Our final stop in Drumheller was the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site, where we got a hands-on look at the region’s mining history. Riding the old coal train and exploring the historic site gave us a fascinating glimpse into the life of miners in the area.
YouTube shorts
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As we continued our drive to Calgary, the landscape gradually shifted from the dramatic badlands to the bustling cityscape. We arrived in the evening, checked into the Applause by Clique hotel, and enjoyed a relaxing dinner at Tonic Kitchen + Bar. It was the perfect way to end an exciting and adventure-filled day.
Day 8: Exploring Calgary
Day 8 was dedicated to exploring Calgary, and we kicked things off with a peaceful walk along the Peace Bridge and Bow River. From there, we headed to the Calgary Stampede Grounds, where we explored the iconic venue and learned more about its history.
YouTube shorts
Click the links below to view clips from our adventure
YouTube shorts
Click the links below to view clips from our adventure
Next, we visited the Calgary Tower, where panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains took our breath away. It was incredible to see the Rockies on the horizon, knowing we’d be exploring them soon.
YouTube shorts
Click the links below to view clips from our adventure
After the tower, we stopped at the Reader Rock Garden, a tranquil oasis filled with vibrant flowers and lush greenery. It was the perfect spot to relax and enjoy Calgary’s quieter side.
YouTube shorts
Click the links below to view clips from our adventure
Later in the evening, we returned to Tonic Kitchen + Bar for dinner, and this time we were joined by Melanie and her husband for drinks. It was a lovely way to end our day in the city, sharing great conversations and laughs with friends.
As we reflected on our stay in Calgary, we realized how much we loved the Applause by Clique hotel. Its modern design, exceptional service, and thoughtful touches made it stand out. The rooftop seating and pool area were especially relaxing and provided incredible views of the city. Without a doubt, Applause was our favorite hotel of the trip, and we couldn’t recommend it enough for anyone visiting Calgary.
Day 9: Calgary to Banff
Our last morning in Calgary started with a wonderful breakfast at Tonic Kitchen + Bar, where we were joined by Marlene and her partner. The breakfast was delicious, and the company made it even more enjoyable. By this point in the trip, Tonic + Bar had become one of our favorite dining spots. Their menu consistently impressed us, and the friendly service kept us coming back for more.
YouTube shorts
Click the links below to view clips from our adventure
After breakfast, we made our way to Banff, a scenic drive filled with anticipation as the towering peaks of the Rockies began to appear on the horizon. Along the way, we stopped in Canmore, a charming town nestled in the mountains, where we took some time to walk around and grab a quick snack.
Our next stop was the Hoodoos lookout near Banff, followed by our arrival in Banff, where we took a leisurely walk around Banff Village. The charming downtown area, surrounded by towering peaks, was filled with cute shops, restaurants, and an inviting atmosphere.
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After exploring the village, we walked to Bow Falls, where we admired an outdoor art exhibit that added a creative touch to the natural beauty.
YouTube shorts
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We returned to the village for dinner at Anejo, a fantastic Mexican restaurant. The food was so good, we can’t wait to visit their Toronto location!
After unpacking and settling into our rooms at Charlton’s Banff, we made our way to take a bus that brought us up the mountain for a night of unforgettable experiences.
First, we visited the Banff Upper Hot Springs, soaking in the warm, mineral-rich waters while enjoying the crisp mountain air.
Next, we took the Sulfur Mountain Gondola to the summit, where we experienced a spectacular sunset. Standing at the top of the world, surrounded by endless peaks, was a first for all of us. The views were surreal and left us speechless—truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
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Day 10: Banff to Lake Louise
The next morning, we left Banff and headed toward Lake Louise, taking the scenic Bow Valley Parkway for incredible views along the way.
Our first stop was at Johnston Canyon, where we embarked on a 6 km hike to see the lower and upper falls. The rushing water cutting through the rock formations was mesmerizing, and it was the first time any of us had seen anything like it.
Afterward, we continued to Morant’s Curve, a famous photo spot where the railway snakes through a picturesque valley framed by mountains. It was a postcard-perfect scene and a photographer’s dream.
YouTube shorts
Click the links below to view clips from our adventure
Our final stop before reaching Lake Louise was Takakkaw Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Canada. The drive to the falls was an adventure in itself, with winding roads perched along steep cliffs. It was thrilling and nerve-wracking but absolutely worth it. Standing in front of the powerful, cascading water was awe-inspiring and left us in awe of nature’s beauty.
YouTube shorts
Click the links below to view clips from our adventure
By the time we reached Lake Louise, we were ready to relax. We checked into the Mountaineer Lodge and had dinner at the Lake Louise Railway Station and Restaurant, a cozy spot with delicious food. That evening, we realized we needed reservations to visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, so we quickly booked for the next morning.
Exhausted but content, we turned in early, ready to explore these iconic lakes the next day
Jean-Luc and Nick ❤️
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