Famous for being the filming location of the third season of The White Lotus, one of my favorite satirical TV shows. I booked a beachfront hotel to enjoy the ocean and start winding down after the excitement of Chiang Mai.
I booked 3 nights at Escape Beach Resort, which I proudly did not leave. Can you blame me? Ok well thats not entirely true, I did forget my e-reader on the plane… and had to venture back to the airport to retrieve it. My co-worker had told me not to bring it, she said I wouldn’t have time to use it. Karma. I didn’t need it, I didn’t need to spend the time retrieving it. At least the airport is an amazing place to visit.
Here are some images from the resort.
It was perfect, I debated booking some trips to go snorkeling and go on a hike, but I instantly realized I was tired and I wanted to enjoy the location. My days were spent poolside, swimming in the ocean, eating pad Thai for lunch and then reading. I ordered a happy hour cocktail and one final night swim. Rinse and Repeat. Bliss.
Since I didn’t leave my resort, the only other notable experience worth mentioning (also as seen on the White Lotus) was the open airport, which offered free snacks and had the coolest outdoor spaces.
Koh Samui is a place I want to return to; this small sliver was an appetizer, but I’d easily come back for another week to see more.
I realized I lived a hundred lives while in Chiang Mai and decided the daily sips needed their own spotlight! Before heading to the city, I did a bit of research and had a list of places I wanted to see because of the intricate architecture and vibes, and also found some jems by happenstance.
Akha Ama
I had seen this coffee shop posted about on some travel blog at some point. I wanted to go mostly for the aesthetics. It’s got this modern industrial look to it, high ceilings and a large u-shaped concrete coffee bar. I ordered an orange-coffee flavored drink and carrot cake pastry. I could have been in there all day—but it was NYE, and I needed to decompress and get ready for the night out. Akha Ama wins for industrial feel and tasty coffee.
Chiang Mai Cafe Culture
Fern Forest Cafe
The Fern Forest Café. This was the café of my dreams. Well, not exactly. It was better. It was the middle of December, and I was parked in the middle of a lush courtyard-style café, koi fish swimming excitedly next to my seat as I ordered matcha and a hearty breakfast. People watched. The café was nearly full; giant white cups of coffee or colorful fruit smoothies were passed to the patrons. I eavesdropped on two friends at the table to the left of me. “This has been the most epic trip ever.” I smiled, happy to hear they were having a good time. I was also a bit saddened not to have anyone to discuss the trip with. Oh well, I pulled out my printed manuscript and set of markers and began my review. Chiang Mai is known for having great coffee and interesting locations. This one wasn’t on my list, but I was thrilled I ended up there.
Fohhide
This place was on my list. After feeling a bit overstimulated I took a solo trip to this cafe with a notebook to journal about my experiences thus far. This is was a really cool find, nestled in the trendy Nimman neighborhood, Fohhide I enjoyed some reprieve from the social and desision making aspects of travel. What a sweet, slow morning. I spent the rest of the day shopping, and bought a cute pastel colored crochet coin purse in the shape of a rooster.
Sotto Matcha
I love me a thick green smooth matcha. Sometimes when you need a gentler caffeine fix, and green tea is the ticket! The barista took their time with this one, I stood by marveled at the slow pressing of the powdered green stuff stiffing into the round clay bowl and mixing until it’s a ninja turtle green. A pour of oat milk and all together into a plastic cup, ready for my turned-on tastebuds! If you’re a matcha lover, Sotta Matcha is the place.
I like to plan some of my must-do’s and then other days, get lost, and find hidden jems. Here are some final snaps of coffee and drinks from the trip!
If I return, I really want to visit the following cafes aswell:
I arrived in Chiang Mai exhausted by the liveliness of Bangkok. It was a quick flight to the city. At the airport, I had to purchase a second ticket because mine was written in the shortened version of my name. Damn autofill. The airline said they would have corrected it had I warned them at least 24 hours in advance. I call this the cost of ADHD. I had planned out my entire trip in one sitting, and even though I had printed out all the flight tickets and hotel locations to be safe, I didn’t bother reading them. Oops. Lesson learned. Maybe.
I chose to stay at The Social Club for two reasons. First off, the social aspect: I was in an apartment-style building meant for digital nomads. I envisioned myself joining them in the computer room furiously working away on my book. I also hoped to make some friends as I was staying over the Christmas and NYE break.
The second reason was the cost. The room was very affordable. Anyways, back to the first day. My flight was early in the morning, so I was unable to check in. I left my suitcase at the front desk and googled a nearby café. I have had the pleasure of being in so many neat coffee shops, I made a whole separate blog post about them! Which is linked here.
The Social Club Chiang Mai
The next morning, I woke up early to beat the heat and took a taxi to the university area, where there was a reservoir and a mountain view. And running paths that did not involve traffic. Ah, this would do. Oh, did I forget they drive and walk on the other side of the road? Of course I did. I corrected the course about halfway through. Soon I was soaring, sweating, and hopefully jet lag poured out of me. Conveniently, another beautiful café was at the end of my run where I had been dropped off. I ordered a green juice and waited for my ride. I spied on the people alone at their computers, wondering what they were working on, feeling a bit guilty I had lugged my laptop with me, but hadn’t used it to look at my manuscript.
Ang Kaew Reservoir
Back at the apartment, it was crowded; a new group of people had arrived. Even though I was not my freshest, I introduced myself to everyone. The staff was organizing an afternoon craft; would I like to join? I am terrible at drawing, but I wanted to spend more time with the friendly group of people in front of me. Sure.
The craft instructor was missing. A homeless man had been bitten by a dog, and she had taken him to the hospital to ensure she was looked after. I knew a girl from our group, whom I’d met earlier, was an artist and nominated her to take over. She was perfect for the job. A natural instructor, the best kind too. One that sets out a few narrow guidelines and gives you artistic freedom. We searched for something we’d like to copy, then traced it out onto a card. She brought down a set of her own paints and brushes in case we wanted to experiment with them, as well as the crayons provided. In a place like Thailand where consumption is easy and inexpensive, it felt good to slow down and create something. It also felt good to be surrounded by people with whom it was easy to bond. We all seemed to love traveling and meeting new people. I chose the perfect place.
As I continued making my handmade Christmas card, ideas filled my mind. There were so many things to see and do in Chiang Mai. The night markets, the elephant sanctuaries, the cooking classes, the lady-boy shows, the hikes, and the day trips. I liked the sounds of everything. All of a sudden, two weeks felt like there wasn’t enough time to do it all. I began taking down phone numbers, screenshots of restaurants, and things to do. My brain was making a schedule for the next few days, none of which included writing. At that point I gave up. I realized that I wasn’t sure I would ever come back to Chiang Mai. I would work on my book when I was back in my less stimulating hometown, where several feet of snow was currently piling up in my front yard.
I let myself off the hook; I accepted all the invitations to markets, dinners, and tours I could, but still squeezed in affordable massages, of course!
I enjoyed meeting everyone. A young girl, Oti, from Romania, had found a studio at Northlab Dance where she would take private hip-hop classes. Luckily, she allowed me to join in, and some of my greatest memories are driving on the back of a scooter while the sun faded to our hip-hop class where our Thai teacher Fern shouted “Let’s go” and “5,6,7,8!” and we danced like no one was watching. Because no one was, and it was awesome! Since returning to Edmonton, hip hop has become a regular part of my routine.
Then there is Daniel, who excelled at organizing group meals. Grab lunch orders or lead the way to highly rated dining spots. He is a foodie; his greatest pleasure is to excite his taste buds. He was also great at gathering people to play board games. He renewed my love of playing Splendor, and I also purchased a set of Blokus. As exciting as travel can be, it can also be exhausting, and it was nice to have time to slow down and play games instead of constantly absorbing new sights and stimulations. Dan, although claiming to be introverted, was constantly in the common area, curious about how people spent their days and wishing them well as they set out. He enjoyed waking up early to beat the heat and get lost in the streets, picking up a snack or two to bring on his journey back.
Sabina, a Hungarian girl with fiery red hair and cat-eye-lined green eyes, was always warm and sweet to be around, like a sister you’d always wished for. There was something whimsical in everything she did and said. She was a cool girl who practiced ballet back in London and frequented cafés with other artists, hiding behind shopping bags and sketching unknown patrons.
I was very spoiled with the unique individuals I’d met during my stay in Chiang Mai. I was not expecting to meet so many creative and open-minded individuals.
Here is us; we spent a lovely day starting off with brunch, a visit to the artists market followed by a two-hour massage, and of course more eating! Love these humans! PS: We are all Capricorns; the goats know how to spend a travel day!
We visited Baang Kan Wat, which was super busy; it has several unique places to buy or make handcrafted jewelry, pottery, or paintings. We didn’t make anything, but I bought a cute handmade book market and a sell coloring sheet. We stopped for dessert and a Thai Tea, a traditional black tea with spices and condensed milk. Oti was on a mission to find the best one in Thailand and highly rated the one in the artists’ village. I could have lived in this village, making arts and crafts all day long, sipping on Thai tea… might have to come back!
The Capricorns’ Day Out!
Here are some highlights from my two weeks:
Cooking class with the Passion Food Cooking School. We started the morning at a local market in Chinatown, going over the list of ingredients we would use for the recipes. Here I stocked up on spices and tea. I love a local market. We made 7 dishes that day; I was stuffed. My favorite was the Tom Yum Soup. A sweet-and-spicy combination of flavors I’m excited to make when I return home. Maybe. Or maybe it’s something I’ll order when I go for Thai food.
The Lady Boy Show at Ram Show Bar
These queens nailed it. Absolute Fire. The dancers had amazing costumes and an even better stage performance; they jumped into the crowd, kicking their legs in the air and hitting patrons. Their costumes and makeup were so immaculate, I was so impressed! This show was easily one of my favorite nights out in Chiang Mai.
Market Life is the Best Life!
The Night Markets- where I bought a zillion scarves and bookmarks for my book club! And a big highlight was waiting in line for the famous “Roti Lady,” who has a Michelin-starred roti-making stand. I got the chocolate, cheese, and banana one. Worth the wait! I also purchased a handcrafted notebook with my name inscribed on the cover, a handmade crochet doll, and a painting of a temple I visited on a hike. Oh, and not pictured here, but a woman told my fortune with a unique set of tarot cards that I’ve never seen before. I like to pull my own tarot cards. The fortune said my life would really be picking up speed this year; boy, was she on the nose!
These markets are so fun; you can spend all night shopping and eating. There was also a whole street dedicated to people getting back and shoulder massages, while still having the ability to people watch, or scroll their phones, to each their own.
The Coconut Day Market
The Coconut Market- where I had the best coconut icecream and a cheesy baked potato with corn and dumplings. This market is only open Friday through Sunday, so plan ahead. Ther
Yoga, where I was taught to do my first headstand. Also, the yoga instructors were top-notch. I could tell they were so passionate about teaching. One of them kept yelling at me, “Seesta, Seesta, you strong, come every day you get better, I promise!” And then she slapped my shoulder. I love Thai people; they treat you like family. For me, travel can be overstimulating, so getting a yoga session in helps ground me and stretch from the long travel days 🙂 The yoga instructors really had a passion for teaching; they had an Indian man teach them to become instructors, and the way they led the classes, well, let’s just say, yoga in North America is very commercialized, and I was fortunate enough to find this place. It was recommended by a Brazilian couple I met at the Coconut Market (thanks, friends!).
The Monk’s trail hike. We assembled most of our apartment peeps and headed to the straight-uphill 5 KM jaunt. This hike was amazing, super sweaty and we were met with a beautiful view of the town and a shiny gold temple at the top. So fricken cool! (I ended up buying a beautiful painting at the night market of the gold temple).
I booked a Reiki session at a nearby Spa. A luxurious slice of downtime before the evening festivities began. The spa range from cheap, $40 CAD for a 2-hour massage or $230 for 4 hours of massage, facial, body scrub, and body mud mask! Oh, and they also have several massage places where female ex-prisoners provide massages at an affordable rate. I went and was not disappointed. The bed was a bit stiff, but the lady did a good job.
NYE in Chiang Mai was unreal. We started the night by ordering pizzas, the perfect base for a few cocktails. We started walking towards the downtown square, stopping into a bar for a drink and playing a round of darts. By the time we were downtown, the streets were full of people; it was incredible, from babies to the elderly, everyone was out to celebrate the new year. It was a vibe. After a large display of glistening fireworks, a DJ took the stage, and we headed over to dance. When the crowds began to clear away, we headed to Niman and found a local bar where we danced. I really like the street-style mix. I saw a lot of girls wearing sneakers and jeans; they made casual look cool.
Screenshot
The elephants at Chai Lai Orchid. I might need another post to describe just this! It’s an ethical elephant sanctuary where you spend the entire day, feeding, hiking, and bathing with elephants. I have a tattoo of an elephant on my foot; it’s a good luck charm!
I regret that I only spent two weeks here. I could have easily been here for a month; in fact, I might come back. There are still interesting coffee shops I’d like to visit, and the yoga classes and street markets are too good to pass up. There is cheap accommodation to book and tons of expat meet-up groups. In fact, friends I made might be going back this winter, so there’s still a chance to return and knock off the rest of Chiang Mai’s hidden treasures.
It’s common to hire a driver in Thailand for the entire day. A girl I met at the TSC, Nicole, had already done some research, and we chose to see the highest point in Chiang Mai (note: it was cold! Bring a sweater), visit a temple, and stop for a waterfall lunch.
Final Thoughts on Chiang Mai
Creating this post made me eager to return; I could repeat each market, massage, and food or coffee stop and still be impressed. Chiang Mai overdelivered on everything; the pictures don’t do the city justice. It’s an experience I promise you need to have!
The first thing that hit me was the warm, humid air, a welcome reprieve from the dry cold air of the Canadian Prairies. The hotel had already sent me a WhatsApp notification, allowing me to use a private driver to meet me at the bustling airport. I arrived in the second week of December. It was crowded, but it would become more so during the holiday season. I was excited. I was also too hot, having worn a sweatsuit for the planeride.
Even early in the morning, there was traffic. The place had to consume a lot of gasoline, was my first thought.
I arrived at the Davis Hotel, too early to check in, so I left my bags and began to wander the streets. Instantly, my adrenaline spiked. Crossing the street felt like a game of Frogger, the one where a frog has to navigate through traffic to avoid being smooshed. No one had warned me about this. Startled, I ended up jumping into a shuttle across from my hotel that was headed to the nearby mall.
The exterior of the Emporium shopping mall was decorated with lavish, silvery Christmas trees and decor. The holidays would look a little different without snow and hot chocolate this year!
The mall was closed, so I ended up finding a nearby cafe, ordered a strawberry matcha, and headed to a park that was conveniently across the street. I used the pedway from the train station, with an overpass; luckily, no dodging traffic.
I spent the morning people-watching. There were joggers, nannies babysitting children in the park, and people doing calisthenics workouts. Since the heat is an issue, Bangkok has done a really great job at creating aesthetically appealing shops and cafes for people to socialize and escape the heat! Once the mall opened, I found local clothing stores and bought some fun pieces: a cute blue-striped skirt, a pastel canvas bag from a local designer, and a soft pink linen set. If you’re a TikToker, I have the haul on my site!
Bangkok, Day Two: I Slept, I Swam, and I got a Smoothie
On the second day, the jet lag hit me hard, and I slept in until the late afternoon. The pools were in the wing of the hotel next to mine, so I filled my bag with a book, sunscreen, and found a strawberry smoothie to accompany me. I love swimming, besides, I needed some R&R because I had booked a food tour for the evening and didn’t want to be too tired for it. Oh yeah, and I saw a Korean Salon, Spring Salon, and got the hotel to book me in for a haircut and hair treatment. I was so cool! They gave me a heavenly head massage and wrapped my head in a bag filled with steam. I left the salon with shiny, smooth hair! I love that aesthetics in Asia are a fraction of the price back home, so if you are planning to visit, save your salon visits for here!
PS: The Davis hotel, where I stayed, was not fancy, but it was huge, clean, and quite affordable by North American standards.
I tried not to do too much planning before I left, but I also didn’t want to spend my precious vacation time deliberating over plans. One of the tours I booked was a night food tour via Tuk-Tuk! We ripped through the city, stopping to eat… way too much food. My favorite thing was a noodle-and-egg dish cooked in a coal vat in some random back alley. We ended up eating our final desserts in the lively Chinatown district, which is a must in the evenings. Also, we visited the flower market, and the tour definitely exceeded my expectations.
Bangkok Day 3: Trains, Canals, and Temples
The next day, the hotel had arranged a day tour for me. The first stop was the Maeklong Railway Market. My driver dropped me off, and I was left to explore. I wandered through the stalls and ended up with fresh coconut ice cream and, later, a large coconut. I was saving my shopping for my final leg of the trip, so I didn’t buy anything else. Instead, I browsed the aisles and bought the best thing, food! I stayed until the famous train pulled through the center of the market. It was wild to see the shop owners pack everything up so quickly and start shouting at the tourists to back up.
The next stop was another touristy favorite. The Damnoen Saduak District. This is also considered a “tourist trap”, however, I was happy to be off my feet after a long morning of market wandering. I bought a cold beer and had the boat to myself, letting the driver speed me through the district’s vendors and homeowners.
Once we had arrived back in Bangkok, it was time to visit two temples. I only made it to one. The benefit of having a private driver was that I didn’t need to follow anyone’s schedule but my own. In the first temple, I relished the quiet, gorgeous temple where no talking was allowed. I skipped the second temple visit when I saw a nearby Michelin Restaurant. I reasoned Thailand might be a place I visit again someday. It was time to slow down.
People always question why I travel alone. Isn’t it lonely? I’ve heard several times. Sure, I can be; it can also be a drag traveling with the wrong person. The truth was, I didn’t have great expectations for Thailand, other than to enjoy myself, and so far I was doing just that. I was not on a schedule, and I was surrounded by so many people that I didn’t feel alone. Well, that was a lot for my first 3 days in Thailand, the next post I’ll try to summarize two weeks spent in magical Chiang Mai.
It was September 2024. Since my relationship had ended, instead of looking forward to a romantic couples trip, I was en route to yet another summer family vacation. The beginning of September is a great time to visit because while the crowds have left the sunshine has not.
This time were heading to Radium, BC. About a 6ish hour drive from our hometown of Edmonton, Alberta. Radium is a small, quaint mountain town with lots of activities nearby. There are lots of options for nearby hiking or water activities. You are likely to spot Bighorn sheep at some point during your trip.
Here is how our week together unfolded.
Driving in the mountains was the first part of the trip’s fun. It was a sunny day, and stretching out our legs with the mountains as the backdrop was an amazing feeling.
We stopped for an easy hike at Marble Canyon. This was a short easy walk where we were able to eat our lunch outside. It was super hot and we were melting so we sat near the creek to experience a bit of the cold air coming off the water. It had an incredible translucent blue-green color.
Where to Stay
We booked a condo at the Bighorn Meadows Resort. The suite was equipped with a kitchen and a view of the golf course which was located nearby. It had a pool and two hot tubs on site which we frequently visit nightly. In the mornings we would walk ten minutes to grab groceries or coffee and pastries for the day. Once in town, the tourist center provided options for milder day hikes.
The resort contains a golf course. We aren’t into golf, but we had dinner at the clubhouse one night and the views are spectacular. Here is a picture my mom took of me next to the clubhouse.
What to Eat
Our favorite restaurant is Birchwood Restaurant. I’d describe it as an intimate restaurant, upscale but caters to casual attire. Satisfying and fresh cuisine.
After a hot day in the sun, with plenty of cold swims, we ordered Indian takeout to bring back to the resort. We highly recommend The Spice Hut.
However, the ultimate foodie stop is Smokehouse 93. I can never tasted a juicer, more tender slice of brisket and we always order extra to take home for dinner on our drive home.
A bit of a drive (under an hour) to get to this hike from our resort but it was well worth it. I have what I’m told by others as “too much energy” and hiking is something that seems to make me feel calm and peaceful. This hike is mild and has a few locations to stop and enjoy snacks or water if someone isn’t up for the full 10 km trek. My mother was shocked at how many wild mushrooms were growing. Picking mushrooms was something that she did as a child so the nostalgia of that brought her back to those times and she was kicking herself for not having a spare bag to collect mushrooms with. I did not remember foraging for mushrooms and am someone who might poison themselves by picking and eating the wrong ones. I know. I’m not a risk taker. I was not as excited by the plentiful of mushrooms, but if you know your stuff about picking mushrooms this is a great trail to do so.
Beach Time
About a fifteen-minute drive from Radium, you will find the town of Invermere. Invermere is a larger city with more amenities and a refreshing clean lake, Lake Windermere. I love spending time on the lake paddle boarding and swimming while taking breaks to read or nap in the sun.
Day Trip
We started our day with a short hike, the Hoodoo Trail, then planned on going to a natural hot spring and relaxing near a beautiful remote lake that was tucked deep in the mountains.
Next, we ventured to WhiteSwan Lake Park, which, FYI was after a bumpy gravel road, do not recommend it unless you have a durable vehicle! This road leads you to Lussier Creek Hot which contains a natural hot spring,
The hot springs were a nice way to relax after our morning hike and we alternated between hotter and colder pools of water.
After we finished our warm dips we drove on to stop at a lake. The lake contained a small camping stop and we parked at an empty lot and brought snacks and books to the dock where we enjoyed some more R&R. The lake had almost a neon blue color and being in such a remote area felt luxurious.
Other Activities
We usually go to the Radium Natural Hot Springs, but the timing didn’t work out for this trip. It was closed or we were too tired and opted for our resort pool and hot tub instead. It’s a nice place to soak and alternate in the swimming pool.
The is a hike nearby which we got somewhat lost on, then by following the sound of the creek found our way back.
This year I purchased a day bed for my patio, and it became my favorite location for peaceful moments of reading.
2023 Summer Book List
Yellowface- RF Kuang
I would describe this book as fresh, I love contemporary fiction and this book kept me glued to the pages for hours on end! An aspiring writer takes on the identity of her friend who has already “made it” in the literary world. This book is full of ambition, envy and reality and it’s impressive to see the details woven into a intricate plot.
Cleopatra and Frankenstein- Coco Mellors
Cleo, the ethereal artist meets Frank, a successful advertising businessman and they begin their journey in New York. The two reckless lovers are joined by their odd family and friends and we are also given a glimmer of how their chaotic lives intertwine.
Meet Met at the Lake- Carley Fortune
A modern Canadian twist of Dirty Dancing, this beach read is the right mix of escapism to lake life and a meet cute romance!
The Beach at Summerly- Beatrice Wiliams
This author came recommended to me during a writing workshop and the 1950’s setting and brilliant writing is addictive!
The Paper Palace- Miranda Cowley Heller
I read this book a few years ago and couldn’t recall all the details so I read it again. This isn’t the typical lighthearted beach read, but that’s reality, that’s life. The drama, scenes dripping with secrets and richness of the characters are all encompassing.
Before the Coffee Gets Cold- Toshikazu Kawaguchi
I’m guilty for buying hardcover copies or books and although this one is small, it’s praise and attention is large.
Have you read any of these? Let me know your favorites for the summer!
1 Cup of nuts (chopped in food processor)- I used a mix of pecans and hazelnuts
1 Cup of Almond flour
1 Cup of shredded coconut (unsweetened)
1/2 cup of butter
Filling
2 x 250g packets cream cheese, chopped, softened.
2/3 cup sugar
3 eggs
1/2 cup coconut milk
440g can crushed pineapple, drained.
Step 1
Preheat oven to 340 F. Grease a 20cm (base) springform pan. Blend nuts until they are small chunks but not too much so you don’t create nut butter. Add butter. Process until combined. Press mixture over base and side of prepared pan and bake 10-15 minutes. Refrigerate until cooled down.
Step 2
Meanwhile, make the filling: Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating until combined. Add coconut milk. Fold in pineapple. Pour mixture into prepared pan. Place pan on a baking tray.
Step 3
Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour or until just set (cheesecake will wobble slightly in centre). Turn off oven. Cool cheesecake in oven for 3 hours with door ajar. Refrigerate overnight. Top with coconut. Serve.
Hike: Midnight Peak Length: 11.9 km Elevation gain: 990 m Route type: Out & back
Escape from the Smoke: A Memorable Day Hike Adventure in Kananaskis
My May long weekend was terrible. My hometown city of Edmonton was covered in thick smoke, causing me to cancel plans of spending the day paddleboarding. The long weekend before that, I had spent out of town but was working. I take great pleasure in nature, and the lack of adventure was beginning to feel stifling. What exactly is adventure? The dictionary defines adventure as an unusual, exciting, and possibly dangerous activity, such as a trip or experience.
Joining Forces: How I Found My Hiking Tribe on Facebook
The friends I used to hike with either did not live in proximity or were too busy, but I wasn’t going to let my lack of readily available hiking buddies prevent me from doing something I love. I signed up for a few hiking meetup groups on Facebook. One of the posts I had spied on was of a very fit, beautiful girl holding an intense yoga pose at the top of the gorgeous mountain range. Like me, Jodie was looking for others who shared her passion for hiking. I immediately sent her a private message, and even though over a hundred people had commented on her post, she quickly replied. This is how I set my alarm on a Sunday morning for 4:30 am to join her and another friend for a day trip hike to Kananaskis. Part of me was afraid; it was approximately a four-hour drive to the hike, and spending an entire day with people I’d never met before was daunting, but I held onto optimism. This girl had magically chosen me to accompany her, and I should be grateful—and I was. The trip was terrific.
Embarking on the Journey: Road Trip Excitement to Kananaskis
The sun was bright, the sky was blue, and the air was warm when we met at the parking lot of a Goodlife gym. I finally met my fellow adventure companions, filled with that initial road trip excitement; we were prepared and ready to take on the day. The usually long, dull drive went by quickly as we discussed our hiking experiences and interests. Sean, the driver, was from Ontario and treasured the Alberta mountains for snowboarding in the winter and hiking in the summer. Jodie, who was in the passenger seat, had recently been on a Vietnam trip and had a healthy appetite for adventure. I was in the back, enjoying their descriptions of the places and activities that ignited their souls. Their stories rekindled my desire for risk-taking. We stopped only once for salty McDonald’s breakfast items and refueled on bitter coffee.
Ascending to New Heights: Conquering Midnight Peak in Kananaskis
Once parked at the Baldy Pass parking lot, I was elated. Finally, we made it; the weather was cooperative. We changed from our socks and sandals into hiking boots; the rattle of aerosol cans and the smell of sunblock and bug repellant hung around the car. Finally, we crossed the highway; there was nowhere to go but up. The forest path began soft and forgiving, the scent of pine surpassed our various lotions, and different green-filled branches shaded our eyes. Finally, I’m exactly where I need to be, I thought. We were fortunate; at the same time last year, the path would still be covered with snow.
Eventually, the angle of our accent increased, and we took breaks to sip water. I wondered if everyone else was starting to feel tired like they wished they were in better shape—the wish for ease, for comfort. Sean reminded me about David Goggins, the popular ultra-marathon runner who was able to push his body past its’ perceived limits.
“No matter who you are, who your parents are or were, where you live, what you do for a living, or how much money you have, you’re probably living at about 40 percent of your true capability.” – David Goggins.
Sean had the trail map on his phone. The last portion to the summit was less than a kilometer away, but we were now facing the challenge of a change in elevation and constant vertical movement.
“It’s quite humbling, isn’t it?” Sean mentioned.
He was right. “Remember when we were at the bottom and thought we were in good shape?” I spoke.
But we kept going, our boots working in zig-zags around the scales of rock. Our minds tried to determine the path of least resistance that Sean pointed out didn’t exist. The lactic acid in my calves kept flaring up, and as I stopped to take a break, I couldn’t help but think, “Why do I torture myself like this?” When my line of sight reached the summit, this is why. Suddenly, I felt like a pebble in the earth, a speck of dust. Incredible mountain formations stood tall around me, and the astonishing landscape greeted me with 360-degree views. The magnificence of the mountains was all-encompassing. I sat on the rocks and felt, as I hadn’t for some time, at rest, peaceful.
A Taste of Delight: Post-Hike Treats in Airdrie
Back at the car, eager to free our sore feet from the confines of our boots and lose the weight of our packs. Still vibing from our accomplished day, we chatted a bit, and then the tiredness began to take over. Jodie had a fantastic suggestion of stopping in Ardie at a popular bubble tea venue, Bubble Tea Brewers. I got a float with graham crackers and cream cheese. The sweetness of the mango is paired perfectly with the saltiness of the cream cheese. The sugar rush restored my depleted energy stores.
From Peaks to Possibilities: Exploring Beyond Kananaskis
Back in the city, I felt slightly blue but slightly relieved. Back to the pollution, traffic, and anticipation of a weekday, but the comfort of a hot shower, no need to anticipate the aches and pains of traveling up a mountain.
And now the only question remains, where to go next?
Even though I’m no longer on the peak of a mountain, I still carry that feeling of possibility and stillness…
Now that the weather is warmer, I’m running and biking more often, leading to a greater appetite. So to satisfy my cravings, I enjoy baking my own pastries so I can add some veggies or fruit and sub healthier ingredients when possible. This recipe is loaded with fresh carrots from the local farmer’s market
Recipe
2 cupsall-purpose white flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (omit the other spices if you want a simpler taste)
1/2 teaspoon cardamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
½ cup raisins
½ cup chopped pecans ( I used chopped pecans that I toasted in my air fryer at 400 F for 5 minutes, but you can use walnut or an assortment of nuts if you are clearing out your pantry)
4 large eggs
¾ cup olive oil
2 cups coconut sugar (or brown sugar if you don’t have it)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups of grated carrots
Icing
1/2 cup of cream cheese
1/2 juice of lemon
2 Tablespoons of butter
1/2 cup of icing sugar
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350F and coat a bunt pan with butter.
Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, raisins, and pecans in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together until evenly distributed and combined.
In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the eggs, olive oil, sugar, vanilla, and carrots in another mixing bowl until smooth.
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Pour the wet mixture into the dry flour mixture and fold together using a spatula until combined add the raisins and toasted nuts.
Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Cool cake, flip, and top with icing and more toasted nuts.
Kananaskis is a remote spot full of magnificent mountain ranges providing endless possibilities for hiking, cycling, or practicing water sports. While the area doesn’t have a town like popular destinations such as Banff and Canmore, do, if you are looking for somewhere remote, it’s the ideal place. This secluded area does attract more bears, so be sure to purchase and bring bear spray for any of your adventures. Also, oddly enough, a friend of a friend thought that bear spray worked in an equivalent way to bug spray. Fortunately, these friends discovered that bear spray is used on bears ONLY, and not humans! I genuinely love the Kananaskis area and hope to explore more this summer. Also, try to pick up a map at the visitor center. If you are anything like me and rely on GPS, be forewarned that cellphone service in this area is limited or non-existent. To help maintain the parks, you must pay a fee for the Kananaskis conservation pass, which you can purchase online. This is a fee that is paid per car, not per person.
1. Drive through the Scenic Mountains
Even if you aren’t super athletic, driving through the mountains is enjoyable, and there are plenty of places to stop for photos or enjoy an outdoor meal.
2. Go for a Hike at Barrier Lake
I’ll admit I have yet to do too many hikes in this area, but Barrier Lake is a great spot to stop; if you don’t want to venture up the mountain slope, simply walking around the turquoise water pool is enchanting enough. This is a wide path and a relatively easy hike, so it suits a group. The trek starts with a little to see, but the view of Barrier Lake at the top is epic.
3. Enjoy the Nordic Spa at Kananaskis Mountain Lodge
Who doesn’t love a few hours of self-care? What better place than right in the middle of the mountains! Plan a massage and enjoy the health benefits of hydrotherapy at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa.
4. Catch up with Friends
Is there someone you haven’t seen for awhile? If you can, treat yourself to a stay at this relaxing mountain-encompassed hotel. Book a massage or treatment in their Nordic Spa and submerge yourself in the cold and hot therapy pools, saunas, and steam rooms. Sit by the fire and roast marshmallows at night.
I’ve taken both families and friends to enjoy this hotel and had a blast!
You pack, eagerly await the long car drive, and finally arrive in the mountains. Full of trail mix and jerky, you spend days charging up mountains like a pro. The next day, you are a little sunburned and a little tired. It’s always lovely to sandwich a recovery day for travel. Sometimes we need to travel for rest. Heading to a lake with a cooler, book, and floatie is equally as enjoyable as burning the rubber of your sturdy hiking boots.
7. Practise Water Sports at Lower Lake Kananaskis
A hot day is best paired with a refreshing plunge into the water. In fact, getting into a body of cold water stimulates dopamine release. As a lover of warm weather, I used to loathe getting into cold water and now find it as stimulating as a shot of espresso.
8. Go Glamping At Sundance Lodges
I loved staying in a canvas tent at the Sundance by Basecamp. They have camping, canvas tent, and teepees with kerosene heaters. It’s what I consider “glamping”. It’s a wonderful place if you want the camping experience but don’t have the gear or energy to acquire it. Their main administration building provides cooking equipment (for a fee) if you need it and showers.
9. Hike Troll Falls
An easy, quick hike, nice to do after or before a long car ride to stretch the legs. Easy out and back flat trail for any fitness level.
This post was only supposed to be ten things to do, but this is another unique option to explore. I am not adventurous enough to practice extreme sports, but if you are into white water kayaking or rafting, there’s an opportunity to do so.
Oh, and if all these activities have made you hungry, please check out the Kananaski Dining Guide!
There’s really something for everyone in Kananaskis. I hope this post has inspired you to visit this serene destination, and if you have favorite hikes in the area, I’d love to hear about them! And if you are looking for more places with fun mountain adventures, check out my post on Waterton, Alberta.
UNANCHORED EVE 