Banff, Canmore and Jasper National Park

Prepare for the ultimate Canadian escapade where the mountains are more majestic than a moose in a tuxedo! Grab those cameras, start practicing your "ooo's" and "ahh's," because you're about to embark on a journey that'll make your Instagram followers question if you've turned into a travel influencer.

Jasper Park Lodge, Alberta

Now, getting to Banff/Canmore is a piece of maple cake. Fly into Calgary, where the air is as crisp as a freshly poured root beer. Hire a car or hop on the bus – it's like a party bus without the disco ball, but we promise the mountain views are better than any dance floor!

For road trip aficionados, Edmonton is your ticket to adventure – spend a day in the city, walk the endless trails down the river valley, eat and drink on White Ave, and visit West Edmonton Mall (biggest mall in North America), where the waterpark is bigger than any shopping spree you've ever had! Drive the longer route through Cochrane, where the Rocky Mountains sneak up on you like a surprise party (minus the awkward small talk). My recommendation is to stop for lunch in town and visit the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary in Cochrane. Learn about wolfdogs (half wolf and half dog) from the animal lovers that work and volunteer for this non for profit organisation.

Have an interactive experience with the Wolfdogs at Yamnuska!

For first-timers, Banff is your VIP pass to mountain magic and Banff Avenue is the red carpet. I rarely give food recommendations (I'm not the biggest foodie) but these Banff treats have stolen my heart. Must-eat and drink spots include:

Parks Distillery
Three Bears Brewery
Banff Ave Brewing Co.
Wildflower Bakery
Rose and Crown – Banff's oldest pub knows how to age like a fine Canadian whisky.

While we're talking food - let's talk Canadian bucket list essentials:

Tim Horton's (where even the donuts say "eh")
A&W (get a root beer, a burger and some onion rings - you will not be disappointed)
Beaver Tails
Poutine (it's fries and gravy with a PhD in deliciousness)
and, of course, Maple Syrup (straight from the source)

Keep in mind when travelling to Banff that during peak periods (mainly summer), you will need to bus into Banff Ave. This is the same for Lake Louise!

Bow Falls, Banff

For the ultimate escape, stay on Tunnel Mountain – where the hustle and bustle are replaced by gorgeous views and wildlife who couldn't care less about your Instagram filters. Take a hot springs dip at Cave and Basin, stroll from Banff Ave to Banff Springs (a scenic walk to work off those Beaver Tails), and hike the trails around the national park – it's like a choose-your-own-adventure book with more sweat and fewer plot twists.

If you're not a fan of the crazy busy or you've been there, done that, cozy up in Canmore – Banff's chill sister with a focus on local artists and producers. It's like Banff but with fewer crowds and more local charm.

Canmore Views

From Banff or Canmore, unleash your inner outdoorsy spirit – drive to Lake Louise, Johnsons Canyon, or the lakes around Banff (Abraham Lake has ice bubbles in winter – nature's own disco ball). Always check the weather and ask about conditions at the Visitor Information Centre (especially those who drive on the left or have never driven in snow) – my parents once cruised the Icefields Parkway in winter at 10 km/h just as a blizzard hit, proving that even travel guides can be daring (or foolish).

During summer take the drive to Jasper National Park via the Icefields, ah sweet Jasper! It's like Banff's cool cousin with equally stunning mountains and lakes. Stay in Miette Log Cabins for the coziest log cabin experience (it's like camping, but with better Wi-Fi). Explore Maligne Canyon, Columbia Icefield Skywalk, Athabasca Falls, and Miette Hot Springs – because nothing says relaxation like hot springs and waterfalls.

Jasper National Park

Now, pack your sense of humor, leave your worries behind, and get ready for an adventure that's more "Eh?" than "Meh." Jasper, Banff and Canmore are waiting, and trust me, they've got more magic than a beaver with a wand!

What about the bears? Well I was a little scared of these beasts myself - but just always be prepared. Hike with bear spray and a bear bell so you warn the bears that your coming. They don't want to see you so they will most likely leave when they hear you coming. If you catch a glimpse of one of these amazing animals, keep your distance and admire from afar. Head to the Visitor Information Centre for the most up to date sightings or where not to go. Follow the signs and listen to the people around you and you won't have a problem.

What to bring on your Canadian escapade:

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