In Kelowna, one of many settlements in the Rockies, the Okanagan Lake is the “sea” of sorts for the community. The gently sloping and sandy lakeside serves perfectly as a beach, while picnics on the lakeside add to the spin of a seafront town high in the mountains.
Just like any coastal community, marine activities such as boating and yachting seem to be a popular pastime, given the fleet of watercraft at the quayside.
A sculpture of several dolphins reinforces the town’s love of the sea, apart from showcasing it as the Rockies centre for the arts.
On that note, let’s not forget the monument to a chief of the Syilx people with an unpronounceable name. Try saying “Sw’kn’cut”!
But taking the Rocky Mountain trail is not just about driving up the North American range and taking in the sights: it is an experience to be soaked in at every stop. Every town on a 10-day jaunt this writer took recently has something to offer.
From arty Kelowna and picturesque Canmore to vibrant Banff and grizzly/black bear country Revelstoke, you’ll get glimpse of what life is like in an otherwise nearly barren chunk of ice-capped rock.
While plantlife is close to impossible near the many summits, pines and other temperate vegetation thrive at the lower levels.
The landscape – from mountains to lakes, and waterfalls in between – bears witness to the millions, if not billions, of years of geological activity. Glaciers lend a hand in shaping the mountain range, cutting deep valleys in the rocks and even digging troughs that have filled up to become lakes.
Okanagan Lake is one such handiwork of Mother Nature.
Not surprisingly, hiking is a popular sport in the Rockies, with many trails leading up to the top of several peaks or the shores of some lakes.
In Banff National Park, hikers will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the surroundings from the summit of Sulphur Mountain, 665m above sea level. For those unable to manage the physical strain of the trek, a cable car can whisk you up close to the top.
In the same national park is Lake Louise, located in a hamlet that bears its name. This lake, fed by glaciers that flow down from the surrounding peaks, reflects a turquoise hue in the sun, making it a favourite for shutterbugs.
Also on the must-visit list are Bankhead, and the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, both of which are in Alberta.
In Bankhead, the remains of a few buildings and a train that once transported anthracite from the mines bear witness to its glorious past as a thriving coal-mining town.
Walk far enough inside the belly of Cave and Basin and be greeted by the odour of sulphur emanating from the thermal hot spring.
But visiting a new place is not complete without experiencing the local vibes. What better place to experience it than at the eateries and pubs? Indeed, Canada has more to offer in the drinks department than the food.
Having said that, don’t miss the Beaver’s Tail when in Banff. This is a pastry of fried dough topped with garnishes such as cinnamon, whipped cream, or the regular Nutella spread.
For happy hour, many pubs offer house brews, which are decent. Flowing freely from the taps are lagers and pilsners and, not to mention, Indian pale ales or IPAs: from fruity to intense and bitter.
Truly, 10 days in the Rockies won’t seem quite enough.