A few months ago, my wife Chelsi, our adventurous dog Laken, and I packed up the car for what was going to be an unforgettable journey: a road trip from Bend, Oregon, up to the beautiful Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. The goal was to escape the day-to-day and reconnect with nature. What we didn’t know at the time was just how much this trip would leave us in awe and offer the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and even a little audiobooks on the side.
The Scenic Drive: Bend to Banff
The journey began with the open road stretching out before us, and I have to say, the drive was stunning. From the moment we left Bend, we knew we were in for something special. We crossed through a variety of terrains—snow-covered peaks, rolling hills, and forests that seemed to have come straight out of a winter wonderland postcard. Our first leg took us to Spokane, Washington, where we decided to break up the long stretch. It turned out to be the perfect stopping point to rest and recharge. After a good night’s sleep, we were ready to continue our trek, excited to head into Canada and explore the majestic landscapes of Banff.
Spokane: The Perfect Pitstop
We couldn’t have asked for a better way to break up the long drive than with a night in Spokane. The town, nestled between the Cascades and Rockies, was a quiet yet charming spot to catch our breath. We grabbed a bite to eat, took a leisurely walk around town with Laken (who quickly became the unofficial ambassador for cuteness), and enjoyed the cozy atmosphere of the place. There’s something about those moments of calm during a road trip that really help you savor the adventure ahead.
Banff: A Winter Dream
As we crossed the border into Canada, there was a feeling of anticipation in the air. Banff and Lake Louise have always been on our travel bucket list, and now we were finally about to experience them in all their wintry splendor. The snow-covered mountains greeted us like old friends, towering over the quaint town of Banff.
Hiking around Banff was a surreal experience. From the snow-dusted trails winding through the trees to the stillness of the mountains in the distance, we found ourselves stopping frequently just to take in the scenery. We explored some of the easier, dog-friendly trails with Laken, who seemed as thrilled as we were by the snow. At every turn, there was something new to admire, whether it was the way the light hit the peaks at dawn or how the frozen lakes looked like glass mirrors beneath our feet.
Lake Louise was another highlight of the trip. The bright turquoise waters, which are usually so vibrant in the summer, were frozen solid, with snow and ice stretching across the surface. Even in the winter, the beauty was staggering. We took a peaceful stroll around the lake, and Laken had an absolute blast running through the snow, living her best winter life.
Walking Around Town: Banff’s Charm
After a day of hiking, there’s nothing quite like walking around Banff town itself. The town has this charming, mountain-town feel with its cozy shops, coffee spots, and local restaurants. We wandered through the streets, grabbing a warm cup of coffee to sip as we strolled through the snow-covered lanes. Laken was the star of the town, of course, with everyone we passed commenting on how cute she was. We even popped into a few local boutiques and picked up a couple of souvenirs to remind us of our trip.
We took it easy, not rushing through the sights, but rather soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the peace of being in such a tranquil place. Banff has a way of slowing you down, and we were more than happy to go with the flow.
Crushing Audiobooks: The Soundtrack of the Road
With so much driving ahead of us, we decided to make the most of our time on the road by diving into a couple of audiobooks. We picked two books—one a gripping thriller, and the other a lighthearted, feel-good story. Listening to audiobooks turned out to be the perfect way to pass the time during the long stretches of highway. By the time we made it to Banff, we had already crushed two books! It added an extra layer of fun to our journey and gave us something to talk about while we drove through the endless beauty of the Canadian landscape.
Reflecting on the Trip
Looking back on the trip, it was everything we hoped for and more. The drive, the hikes, the town of Banff—it all felt like a dream. From the crisp winter air to the warmth of cozy spots in town, we were able to disconnect from the busyness of life and just be present. Chelsi and I, along with Laken, had moments of complete serenity as we explored new landscapes and shared laughs during our road trip adventures. We made new memories that will last a lifetime, and I can’t wait for our next adventure together.
If you’re considering a trip to Banff, whether it’s for the winter beauty or the incredible hiking opportunities, take it from us: It’s a trip you won’t regret. Just be sure to break up the drive with a stop like Spokane, bring along your best adventure buddy (and maybe a dog), and hit the road with a great audiobook to keep you company!
Happy travels!
