Photos by: The Bearded Bousman Photo Co.

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to travel to Banff, Alberta, Canada! My dad and Jordan were able to join me, which is always so much nicer than traveling without friends or family. We had never been to Canada before this trip, and we were all really excited to check it out! I had heard amazing things from friends who had been before. They said things like "It's the most beautiful place I've ever visited. It's even more beautiful than Europe!" and "Everywhere you turn there is something gorgeous to look at." And let me tell you, Canada did not disappoint!

Canada truly is one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited. The mountains tower above you as you drive into Banff from the Calgary airport. They are the same range that are in Colorado where I live, but they look completely different. They are enormous and more rugged, I think.

The turquoise lakes and rivers are a sight to be seen! They are incredible and I just stopped to stare at the water so many times during this trip. It's almost unbelievable how blue they are. I just wanted to jump right in, but I couldn't because they are definitely way too cold for that! We visited Lake Louise where we rented a red canoe (which is such a pretty contrast agent the blue) and paddled around the lake.

Then we walked the trail along Lake Louise. We were headed to the Lake Agnes Tea House, a cabin where they sell tea at the top of the mountain, but we got a late start. So, we turned back once we came across some bear poo (it was fresh, so he was probably near by!!) and once the sunlight started to fade. We didn't want a run-in with a hungry bear. ;)

Food: Speaking of a Hungry Bear! We were told we had to try the Poutine. Poutine is french fries with cheese curds and gravy(!?). It was definitely different, but good! I promise.

Strangest Thing: the speed limit is in Kilometers and is surprisingly slower than the United States. It was so weird to slow down, but it also forced me to take in what we were driving through: field after field of rolling green hills and mountains and rivers... (There's a metaphor for life in there somewhere).

Camera Man: I am so happy for Jordan that this was his first trip with his new camera! We couldn't have asked for better back drops! There are a million more pictures, but these are some of my favorites that really capture the turquoise waters! Still can't believe it's real sometimes!! P.S. Go check out @thebeardedbousman on Instagram for more incredible photos like these!!

Six Favorite Moments:

- Exploring the Fairmont Banff Springs, which is basically a castle, the first day we arrived. I think we all felt like kids doing that!

- Riding the Banff Gondola, walking the incredible deck on top of the mountain that must've been a mile long, and seeing it all at sunset!

- Walking through the Fairmont at Lake Louise. Just beautiful.

- Sitting down for coffee at the end of a long and rainy day with Dad and Jordan. It was so nice to pause from activities and just spend time chatting.

- Riding down the "luge" at Calgary Olympic Park. Again, we all just felt like big kids at a go-cart track but 10x better!

- Over all Quality Time with my two favorite guys. :) I'll take that over most everything any day!

What a fun time we three had together exploring this enchanting place, eating good food, and getting in some much needed QT! I really hope I get the chance to go back, but then again, there's so much left to explore in this world! I'm excited to see as much as I can!

Thanks for stopping by!

#Canada #trees #River #rocks #mountains #fall #summer #flannel #turquoise #dad #family