Welcome to my blog post about my incredible journey through Alberta and the surrounding areas! Get ready to experience the breathtaking landscapes and memorable moments through the photos and videos I’ve captured along the way!
Day 1
“The mountains are calling, and I must go.” – John Muir
Day one of the trip was very fun. Most of the day was spent driving from Vancouver to Three Valley Gap, which was where we (Aidan, Griffin, Daniel, and myself) filmed our silent video
Although it was a busy day, it felt like it was very successful. Between seeing the historical site where the last spike of the railroad was hammered into place, and taking my first interview, I think it was pretty awesome.
As I reflect on what I learned that day, I feel a sense of gratitude for all the experiences I got to have, and everything I got to see.
Day 2
Today I worked hard on the filming of interviews for my group, and I got a few really good answers. I learned a lot about the Roger’s Pass at the Discovery Centre we visited. The drives were long, but I slept through most of them. The Johnston Canyon hike was really hard for me, as this was the start of a bad cold that I got. The hike was not just hard for me; our group took longer than expected, so we finished it in the dark.
Despite the challenges, I pushed through and made it to the ink pots, which had a nice view. I was exhausted by the end of the day, but I felt accomplished. Here are some photos!
Day 3
“It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” – Sir Edmund Hillary
The cave and basin history museum was a great learning opportunity, and I learned a lot about the Banff Snail there. My group and I also conducted a great interview with a Parks Canada worker!
The surfer mountain hike was really hard. It was six kilometres each way, rather then as a round trip like I thought. It was not the most interesting of the hikes we did, as it was just switch back after switch back. This was definitely a low point of the trip, as I was starting to feel really sick, and it was really hard to push forward and keep going.
The view from the top, on the other hand, was absolutely breathtaking. I could see for miles around, and the sense of accomplishment from reaching the summit made it all worthwhile.
After the hike and dinner, relaxing at the Banff Upper Hot Springs was exactly what I needed. The mineral-rich water was so warm and relaxing, and it was amazing to spent a couple of hours there.
Day 4
”Do or do not, there is no try.” -Yoda
We started off the day by going on a boat ride on Lake Minnawanka. I learned a lot about Lake Minnawanka, like that its name means ‘spirited waters’. While on the boat ride, we got to learn a lot about the area’s history and animals. Did you know that there is a grizzly bear called “The Boss” that fathers over 70% of all cubs in Banff and Jasper? He has also been hit by a train not once, but twice! That is one heck of a bear!
Then we went on the Larch valley hike. It was really slippery, and some of my friends did not have the best footwear, so we all went really slow. This was a hard hike for me, because I was not feeling well, freezing cold, wet, and just plain exhausted. This hike was, admittedly, a little disappointing. Why? Well, before I went on all of the hikes and excursions that we did, I did a little research. However, a lot of the available information and photos online are taken in the best of circumstances… Can you guess where this is going? Here are some photos of what I thought Larch Vally would look like…
And here is what it was REALLY like…
Not quite the same, right?
Well, this gave me some inspiration on what one of my viral videos could be about! Here is how it turned out:
My viral video (social media vs reality)
By the end of the day I would best describe what I was feeling as being drained. It was a really long day for me.
Day 5
“The only way to get through hardship is to go through it.” – Samuel Taylor Coleridge
At the start of the day, I was feeling worried, and now I am feeling thoughtful.
I was worried about the long hike we had to do today, as I am not feeling well. I was not sure whether I would be able to do it. With support from my teachers and peers, I preserved and completed the hike. I am really glad I did it, because it is a incredible learning opportunity, and my group got a really good interview and I met a new person who was really nice. When we were walking back to the bus at the end of the hike, I really thought about how all of the hiking relates to reaching your peak potential. I think that it can be a really great metaphor for achieving your goals, as well as the more literal being strong and pushing through tough times.
Day 6
Today I am feeling exhilarated for so many reasons, but in particular the fact that I am feeling better and that today was an amazing day. Sometimes I forget what a massive difference not feeling sick or tired makes. This helped me feel grateful for my (overall) good health.
When we took the tour of the Columbia Ice Field, and when we got to walk on the Athabaska Ice sheet, I was amazed at just how massive a glacier is. The crisp air and the sheer amount of ice left me in awe. It was a once in a lifetime experience to witness the power and beauty of nature in such a raw form. 
Greg (the piece of ice) and I on the Athabaskan Glacier
Along the sky bridge, my group and I conducted many great interviews. I was nervous at first to do this, but in the end they all went well. We have gotten some incredible results from people, and it has been a great learning experience.
The hike we did today was so much fun, from start to finish. The trail was beautiful, with scenic views that kept me entertained. Along the way, we spotted eight beautiful big horned sheep, and enjoyed the fresh mountain air.
As we made our way back to our accommodations, I couldn’t stop smiling on the bus ride back to the hotel. By the end of the day, I am feeling inspired, ready to tackle whatever new challenges I may face tomorrow.
Overall, it was a day filled with excitement that made me excited to see that the next day would bring! I am so thankful for the opportunity to be out in nature, to connect with others, and to learn and grow. The positive energy from today’s activities has left me feeling motivated and inspired. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!
Day 7
Today was the last day of the trip. I am feeling content. We did one last small hike, which was muddy but fun, and the food at the buffet we went to was great.
The Trip in Photos
There is one big part of the trip that I have not talked about: the 10 essentials project!
For this project, we had to conduct a bunch of interviews with the public to answer our driving question, “How can we become the best versions of ourselves?” We asked all sorts of question plot all sorts of people.
It is all coming together, isn’t it? Without further ado, the Essentials of Life!
Now that the trip is over, I’m am starting to miss the peacefulness of the mountains, the fresh air, and the feeling of being surrounded by nature. I feel grateful for the memories that I made on this trip. The laughter on the bus, the memories made on the trails, and the sense of camaraderie that comes from experiencing the outdoors together is unforgettable.
As we drove away from the mountains, I couldn’t help but already be looking forward to the next trip.
One thing is for sure – the memories I made on this trip will always hold a special place in my heart.
Thank you for joining me on this virtual journey! I hope these photos and videos have inspired you to explore the stunning natural wonders of Alberta and beyond!