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After an unforgettable time in Banff, we woke up early at the Mountaineer Lodge in Lake Louise, ready for another action-packed day. This part of our journey took us from the breathtaking beauty of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, through stunning mountain passes, suspension bridges, and waterfalls, all the way to the sunny Okanagan in Kelowna, and finally to Coquitlam. Each stop brought new adventures, and the landscapes continued to amaze us.
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 first part of our adventure, where we traveled from Thunder Bay to Saskatoon, you can catch up on all the highlights here.
If you missed the third part of our adventure, where we traveled from Saskatoon to Banff, you can catch up on all the highlights here.
Day 11: Exploring Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, Then Driving to Kelowna
Our morning started early as we boarded the shuttle to Lake Louise, a place we’d been dreaming of seeing for years. As the sun rose, the turquoise waters surrounded by towering peaks and lush evergreens took our breath away. Spending an hour exploring the trails and soaking in the scenery was a surreal experience—pictures simply can’t capture the magic of being there.
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 boarded another shuttle to Moraine Lake, which turned out to be even more spectacular. We climbed the famous Rockpile, a natural formation of glacial moraine left behind as glaciers receded thousands of years ago. This vantage point offered an iconic view of Moraine Lake, with its pristine blue waters and the dramatic Fay Glacier, whose melting ice feeds the lake.
Jean-Luc and I ventured farther along the lake trail to where the glacier streams into the water. It was a humbling moment to stand so close to the source of such natural beauty. Visiting the Banff and Lake Louise area was a highlight of our trip, and it’s a place we’re already planning to return to in the future.
After our morning adventures, we returned to our car, checked out of our hotel, and began the long drive to Kelowna.
YouTube shorts
Click the links below to view clips from our adventure
Golden Skybridge and Crazy Creek
Our first stop was in Golden, BC, at the Golden Skybridge, home to two of Canada’s tallest suspension bridges. Walking across these swaying bridges with the valley far below was both exhilarating and a little nerve-wracking.
Afterward, we couldn’t resist trying the mountain coaster, which zipped us through twists and turns with stunning views all around. This park had so many exciting activities, including ziplining and climbing walls, making it a must-stop for anyone traveling through the area.
Continuing along the Trans-Canada Highway, we made another stop at Crazy Creek Waterfalls, where we crossed another suspension bridge and admired the beautiful cascades. This was a quieter, more serene stop that allowed us to recharge before finishing the day’s drive.
Arriving in Kelowna
We reached Kelowna in the evening and checked into the Royal Anne Hotel, a cozy and welcoming spot in the heart of the city. After settling in, we explored Okanagan Lake, where the peaceful waterfront provided a perfect backdrop for the sunset.
Dinner that night was at Bai Tong Thai Restaurant, where the flavors were as vibrant as the sunset we’d just witnessed. The skies lit up with oranges and pinks, creating one of the most beautiful sunsets we’ve ever seen.
To end the evening, we treated ourselves to ice cream at Moolix, a fun and nostalgic way to cap off a perfect day.
Day 12: Kelowna to Coquitlam
The next morning, we attempted to rent bicycles to explore more of Kelowna, but the plans didn’t quite work out. Instead, we hit the road for Coquitlam.
YouTube shorts
Click the links below to view clips from our adventure
Our first major stop was in Osoyoos, home to Canada’s smallest desert. The unique desert landscape, dotted with sagebrush and unique trees, made this stop unlike any other on our journey. We also explored the waterfront, which contrasted beautifully with the arid surroundings.
YouTube shorts
Click the links below to view clips from our adventure
Continuing west, we stopped at the Othello Tunnels near Hope, BC. Though some of the tunnels were closed, we were still able to walk through part of this historic site, where railway tunnels carved through granite cliffs make for a one-of-a-kind experience. The towering canyon walls and lush greenery made this stop truly memorable.
YouTube shorts
Click the links below to view clips from our adventure
Finally, we arrived in Coquitlam and were warmly greeted at Matilda and Dennis’s home. Spending time with them felt like a warm embrace after a long drive. Dinner with friends and laughter filled the evening, making us feel at home in every sense of the word.
YouTube shorts
Click the links below to view clips from our adventure
While Applause by Clique may have been the best hotel of the trip, the hospitality and love we experienced at Matilda’s home made this stay one of the most meaningful highlights of our journey.
Looking Ahead
From the turquoise waters of Moraine Lake to the wild beauty of the Okanagan desert and the warmth of friends in Coquitlam, this part of our journey was filled with unforgettable moments.
In the next blog, we’ll take you to Whistler, Vancouver, and eventually Victoria and Vancouver Island, where even more adventures await. Stay tuned!
Jean-Luc and Nick ❤️
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