If I could get one point across if you don't read the rest of the post, it would be: please go to Banff. Now that I've hopefully persuaded you, you can scroll right down to find out my 8 favorite stops from Banff to Jasper or stick around find out all that conspired before my trip.

I had just finished volunteering in Puebla, Mexico with Operation Smile. We had performed 97 surgeries in five days. Excitement and exhaustion were setting in and the answer was a solo trip. Prior to this trip, I worked in Chicago for the entire summer without taking any vacations. My plan when I became a travel nurse was to work straight through my assignments without taking any time off and travel or volunteer after my travel assignment was done. 

Suffice it to say, I was looking forward to being in nature and the idea of hiking was getting stronger by the minute. I wanted to go to Banff ever since I saw the beautiful cascading mountains in a photo. Another reason was that my brother lived a few hours away from Jasper, and if I planned it right, I could fly into Calgary, rent a car, drive from Banff to Jasper, and visit him and his family in Edmonton. 

I flew into Calgary airport and picked up my rental car and headed to Banff. The Ice-fields Parkway is called the most scenic highway in Canada, and it’s true to its name. I remember when my dad would take us to Sodere (a resort in Ethiopia) before the highway was built; it would take 4 hours to get there. We would be sitting in the back of the car passing mountains and villages hoping we could go faster. Patiently waiting until we could jump into the pool and play our version of Marco Polo where Dad is the shark and  my twin, my brother, and I have to swim to the edge of the pool without being caught. Now that I'm older, that feeling still returns. I wanted to get to Lake Lewis and witness the beautiful lake and go hiking so badly. I could almost visualize every step, the fresh air I'd soon be inhaling, and the crystal-clear lake I would witness with my eyes for the very first time.  

As I reflected on everything I did during the summer in Chicago, driving gave me the opportunity to meditate, pray, laugh, cry, sing, and stop by the most spectacular lakes and mountains from Banff to Jasper. Moments like those fuel my soul, heal brokenness, and show me that nothing is to be taken for granted. Soon I’ll be starting my new assignment in Austin, Texas as another adventure. As I drove, I came to the realization that I wanted everyone to experience this beautiful scenery.

Whatever your journey may be, I hope it takes you to the most magical places on this earth. Personally, one of those places for me is The Canadian Rockies. Road trips like this are opportunities for a lot of soul searching. By choosing to be in nature, you’re simply taking time to take care of yourself and slowing yourself down. When we do that I truly believe we're allowing peace, love, and hope to manifest and prepare us for whatever journey is ahead. 

8 of my favorite stops from Banff to Jasper, Alberta.

1. Banff National Park: Stop by here before you start your hike. The park rangers will answer any questions, offer safety tips, and recommendations on where to eat. I especially recommend it if you'r hiking as a solo female. 

2. The next morning, I left before dawn, and it was a perfect day for a hike. My first stop was Lake Louise.

3. The Lake Agnes and Tea House is a hiker’s haven.

4. As I headed up to Jasper, I made a detour to Emerald Lake. This decision would be the beginning of a string of great decisions.  Emerald Lake was on the top of the list for me with its serene and picturesque lake.

5. The best part of my drive was stopping by beautiful lakes alongside the highway. Bow Lake was my first of many lakes.

6. I found a super cute B&B in Jasper. 

7. On my way to the hot spring, I made another detour towards Maligned Lake. This scenic drive was far to get to, but worth the drive.

8. The cherry on the top was soaking in The Miette Hot Spring.

I'll leave you with a great quote that challenges us to explore the outdoors from one of my favorite storyteller on IG :

Hope you enjoyed the tips, and please share your story on the comment section below! Shares and likes are always welcomed.