I Make My Own Itinerary

01/10/2025

🌲✨ Welcome to Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park and one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world! 🏔️💙

From turquoise lakes like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, to rugged mountain peaks, glaciers, and charming wildlife, Banff is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. 🚶‍♂️🚴‍♀️⛷️

In this video, we’ll take you through stunning viewpoints, scenic hikes, and unforgettable sights that make Banff a must-visit destination in the Canadian Rockies.

🌲✨ Welcome to Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park and one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world! 🏔️💙From turquoise lakes like L...

19/08/2025

Most breathtaking alpine helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies! Towering peaks, turquoise lakes, and endless wilderness stretched out in every direction. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime view! 🏔️🇨🇦 Alpine Helicopters Inc.

Soar above the majestic Canadian Rockies in this stunning aerial video featuring Banff National Park and the breathtaking landscapes of Kananaskis Country. F...

02/08/2025

Discover the wild beauty of Jasper National Park, nestled in the Canadian Rockies! 🐻🌲
In this video, we explore must-see places like Athabasca Falls and the breathtaking Glacier Skywalk.

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Jasper National Park, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. From the turquoise waters of Maligne Lake and the ico...

20/07/2025

Day Three: Sky High & Grounded

We hoped to sleep in and recover, but Sedona’s early light had other plans. So we packed up for a day trip to Flagstaff, hoping for something a little lighter.

Downtown Route 66 was buzzing with music, tourists, and nostalgic charm. Weathered buildings told stories of the past, while vibrant shops and murals kept the street alive. After wandering through downtown, we headed up to Arizona Snowbowl to ride the gondola into the mountains.

The 15-minute ride took us from 7,500 to nearly 12,000 feet. The sudden elevation made me dizzy and nauseated, so I sat, still and quiet, on a wooden chair facing the horizon. The view was vast and humbling, with cool air and golden sun. I let it all in. It was exactly what I needed.

Back in Flagstaff, we revisited Route 66 and wandered through a small art market before making our way back to Sedona.

We arrived early, determined to climb Cathedral Rock this time. The trail is steep and rugged, with no support. Halfway up, I reached a narrow crevice I had climbed with ease back in 2019. This time, my legs trembled. My hands hesitated. I paused—and then, I stopped.

I encouraged Santu to go on without me, but he refused. Instead, we found a loop trail that winds around the rock, leading us to a lush, rare riverside path. Green trees shaded us as the sun dipped low, but we had unknowingly taken a wrong turn and missed the view he had hoped to capture—the glow of the red rocks at sunset.

So once again, Cathedral Rock would have to wait.
And I’m okay with that.

This trip reminded me that not every climb needs to be conquered the first time, and not every sunset needs to be seen to be felt.

Sedona gave me stillness, challenge, humility, beauty, and the space to try again. I’ll return, lighter, stronger.

Until then, thank you, Sedona. You’ve given me more than I came for.

13/07/2025

Day Two: Feeling Sedona

Our second day in Sedona began with a visit to the Chapel of the Holy Cross—a quiet, powerful lesson in simplicity. Perched high in the red rock hills, the chapel offers more than just a beautiful view. It’s surrounded by serenity that wraps around you as gently as the desert wind. In that stillness, surrounded by towering stone and sky, you’re reminded that spiritual spaces don’t need to be grand to be profound.

Then came the hiking into the red rocks.
Our path led us through Devil’s Kitchen, Seven Sacred Pools, Boynton Canyon, and the Subway Cave. Altogether, we covered nearly ten miles under the scorching July sun, chasing the magic we knew Sedona would deliver.

But Sedona, I realized, isn’t a place you see.
It’s a place you feel.

And we felt it—with every step and every bead of sweat. The heat pressed against us, tingling the skin, daring us to keep moving. With no water stations along the trails, we rationed what we had, mindful of every sip. There were few trees for shade, but when a cool breeze did come—just for a moment—it felt like a quiet gift from nature.

The massive red rock formations stayed with us throughout the hike—guardians in every direction. Their scale and silence offered an odd sense of comfort, even as the hike grew physically demanding. At moments, the combination of heat and elevation made me question this effort, this “madness.” But each time we reached a destination—a sinkhole, a cave, a quiet overlook—the reward was more than worth it.

There, in the stillness and cool air, surrounded by towering red walls, the fatigue melted away. All that was left was awe.

Those hikes gave me unexpected space to reflect—not to question my life, but to move forward in it. Slowly. Simply. With gratitude.

There’s something sincerely humbling about standing next to a rock that’s been there for millions of years. Their quiet power commands your respect. And their presence, so still yet strong, speaks louder than words ever could.

We planned to end our day with a sunset hike to Cathedral Rock—the perfect finale. Somehow, after all we had done, we managed to find a rare parking spot. But when we looked up at that towering formation—our legs aching, the sun dipping—we knew we had nothing left. With quiet acceptance, we got back in the car and returned to the hotel.

Cathedral Rock will have to wait.
And I’m okay with that.


Sedona Arizona

09/07/2025

I had no idea where we were headed this weekend. Santu had been working hard to keep the destination a secret, and I was happy to go along for the ride—literally.

Yesterday, we woke up at 3 a.m. and caught a 5 a.m. flight to Dallas. I thought that was it—the surprise revealed. But after landing, we waited. Another flight? Intriguing. Santu mentioned we’d be having lunch with some friends, but wouldn’t say much more. As time passed, I began to wonder what was going on.

Then, our flight got delayed and rerouted. Next stop: Albuquerque. Now, I was sure we were heading to New Mexico. But who do I even know in New Mexico? I kept trying to make sense of it. Still, we waited for yet another flight. At this point, Santu was guarding his phone like a national secret, and though curiosity burned inside me, I chose to relax and go with the flow.

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of a message that popped up on his phone: “Boarding in 18 minutes.”
Albuquerque is a small airport, so I decided to wander around and check which flights were boarding at 12:06 p.m.
Phoenix, Arizona.
I turned to him and said, “We’re going to Sedona, aren’t we?”
He just smiled. No confirmation, no denial—just that playful grin. He only added, “We’ll be having lunch with Uncle and Auntee,” referring to old friends of ours.

We landed, rented a car, and headed straight to their beautiful home. They welcomed us with warmth, delicious food, and heartfelt conversation. I assumed the plan was to spend the day in Flagstaff and settle in Sedona later. But as the day unfolded, it became clear that plans had shifted. We were headed directly to Sedona.

As soon as we arrived, we checked into our hotel and made our way to Airport Mesa, Sedona’s most iconic energy vortex, to catch the sunset.

The red rocks greeted us like old friends. Just as we began driving, it started to rain—light and gentle—but stopped as we reached the parking lot. It felt as if nature itself was saying, “Welcome home.”

The view from Airport Mesa offers a sweeping 360-degree panorama of Sedona’s iconic red rock formations. It’s impossible to describe the feeling of being surrounded by that much natural beauty—the way the fading light touches the stones, the silence broken only by the wind.

I had stood in this very same spot back in 2019, breathing in the same cool evening air. I remember leaving that day with a quiet hope: I want to come back here someday.

And here I was.
Same spot.
Same view.
Same awe.

Only this time, with more profound gratitude.

24/05/2025

Today brought a first-time experience I’ll never forget—flying over the Canadian Rockies. I had never done a mountain flight before, and soaring above the rugged peaks was absolutely thrilling. The mountains felt both impossibly vast and surprisingly close, as if we were gliding between worlds. The skies were clear, the weather flawless—just as it has been every day of this journey. I truly couldn’t have asked for more.

After the awe-inspiring flight with Alpine Helicopters, we laced up our boots for one more hike: Johnston Canyon. The trail took us through a forested gorge, leading to both Lower and Upper Falls. The contrast between the stillness of the forest and the thunderous roar of the water was mesmerizing. The trail was busy—much more than we expected for this time of year—which made us realize just how packed these spots must get during the peak summer months. Still, it was worth every step.

Our final stop for the day—and this trip—was Emerald Lake. The name couldn’t be more fitting. The calm, green water mirrored the surrounding peaks like a perfect painting. Standing at its edge, I wished I could stop time—to hold onto the quiet, the crisp mountain air, and the stillness that wrapped around us like a soft blanket.

But time doesn’t wait. Tomorrow, we return to Calgary—back to civilization, to traffic, schedules, and city sounds. I feel a quiet sadness settling in, knowing I’ll be leaving behind the swift, whispering Bow River, the snow-draped peaks watching silently from every direction, and the soul-soothing rhythm of nature.

This journey through the Rockies has been pure magic. I’ll carry its peace, its power, and its beauty with me long after the mountains fade in the rearview mirror.

23/05/2025

Today was a slower start—we let ourselves sleep in and take it easy. The only thing on our agenda was a short drive to Canmore to find a campsite for the next two nights. As luck would have it, we arrived at Bow River Campground just in time to claim one of the last two available spots—and ours was right along the river. It couldn’t have been more perfect.

Canmore is a picturesque mountain town nestled between snow-covered peaks, often a stopover for visitors heading to or from Banff. With its peaceful vibe and stunning surroundings, it invites you to slow down and breathe.

We wandered through the town, explored the local once-a-month farmers market, and admired a variety of handcrafted goods—from artisanal food to local art.

Later in the afternoon, we ventured off-road to explore a series of alpine lakes: Grassi Lake, Goat Lake, and the uppermost Spray Lake. These lakes are connected in a cascading system that feeds into a dam at Grassi Lake. Though Spray Lake water might have been drained, but the beauty remained untouched. At the far end of the lake, the towering mountains framed the horizon in a way that felt cinematic.

We returned to our campsite just in time for sunset. Sitting by the Bow River, with its swift, quiet current, felt cleansing—like it could carry away every bit of worry or heaviness. As the sun dipped behind the peaks, the mountains began to shift in color—shades of gold, rose, and deep violet. It was a moment of perfect peace. A reminder that even the simplest days can be the most profound.

22/05/2025

Today started early—we had 9 AM tickets for the Banff Gondola, which meant catching the bus into downtown Banff and another to the gondola base.

The Banff Gondola was something truly special. As we ascended in the cable car, the panoramic views began to unfold, and once we reached the summit, we were greeted by a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the Rockies. But it didn’t stop there—what made the experience extra memorable was the boardwalk leading all the way to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. That “extra step” turned a scenic ride into a personal, awe-inspiring journey. We spent nearly three hours exploring up there, and still, it didn’t feel like enough. The weather was chilly, with occasional flurries dancing in the air, but the mesmerizing views made it all worth it.

Next on our itinerary was Lake Minnewanka—known in Stoney Nakoda tradition as the “Water of the Spirits.” The lake’s turquoise waters were calm and serene today. We had reserved a boat tour, and gliding across the lake felt peaceful, powerful, very humbling.

As the sun began to set behind Mount Rundle, we returned to our campsite, ending the day in the most peaceful way possible. The sky turned golden, the mountain air grew colder, and elk wandered nearby, grazing in the soft twilight. We sat back, soaking in the stillness, as dusk settled over the valley.

It was a day of wonder, reflection, and deep connection with nature—one I’ll carry with me for a long time

21/05/2025

This morning, we caught the Roam bus right on time to head into the charming town of Banff. Our day was planned around the Open-Top Tour—an incredible way to soak in the natural beauty and rich history of this iconic mountain town. That Car cost whopping 1.5 millions dollar.

After learning about Banff’s fascinating past, we made our way to Bow Falls. The trail to the falls was about 2 km, and as we walked, the powerful sound of the Bow River echoed around us. The roar of the water was so intense, I can still hear it ringing in my ears. It was raw, wild, and unforgettable.

Banff itself is like a postcard come to life—a cozy mountain town cradled by towering peaks. While the summer tourist rush hasn’t fully begun, the town was already buzzing with visitors from all over the world. We strolled through streets, enjoying the mountain-town charm.

As the sun dipped behind the peaks, the silence of the mountains wrapped around us—a perfect, peaceful end to a full and beautiful day.

20/05/2025

Today began with one of the most memorable experiences of our journey—exploring the Athabasca Glaciers at Columbia Icefield.

We took a bus to the Ice Explorer, a specially designed vehicle that drove us right onto the glacier. Walking on the ancient ice was nothing short of magical, though I couldn’t help but feel a sense of concern. Informational signs along the route reminded us just how rapidly the glacier is retreating. It’s a sobering reminder of our changing planet, and it left me wondering: should we even be walking here?

After the glacier experience, we continued on to the Skywalk—a glass-floored walkway over the Sunwapta Valley. The views were exhilarating, and the snow had just started to fall, adding a touch of magic to the moment.

From there, we resumed our journey along the iconic Icefields Parkway, stopping at scenic viewpoints to soak in the majestic landscapes. By the time we reached Peyto Lake, the snow was coming down in earnest. The short uphill hike to the viewpoint became a wintry adventure in itself, and the snowy scene made the already stunning lake feel even more surreal.

Our final stop of the day was the legendary Lake Louise. The lake’s turquoise water, partially frozen, was simply breathtaking. On one end stood the magnificent Chateau Fairmont like something out of a postcard. We walked about 4 km along the lakeshore, and even then, it didn’t feel like enough. The beauty of Lake Louise is something you can’t fully capture in words—or even in pictures. You just have to be there.

Today was a powerful mix of natural wonder, reflection, and awe. This journey keeps surprising me—and I’m soaking up every second.

19/05/2025

Today was all about snow-covered peaks and jaw-dropping scenery. We began our day with a ride on the SkyTram to Whistlers Mountain—an experience that completely blew us away. The panoramic views from the top were some of the most breathtaking we’ve seen so far on this trip.

Surprisingly, this incredible spot didn’t show up in many “must-see” lists for Jasper when we were planning. Honestly, it deserves far more recognition—it’s a hidden gem that more travelers should know about.

From there, we started the legendary Icefields Parkway, a scenic drive known for its towering peaks and awe-inspiring viewpoints around every corner. Our first stop was Athabasca Falls, known for power and volume of water carving its way through a rugged canyon. The sound and energy of the rushing water were unforgettable.

We’ve parked for the night at the Columbia Icefield, and as I write this, I’m facing the glacier itself—silent, massive, and humbling. It’s one of those moments that makes you pause and take it all in. Tomorrow, we’ll explore the glacier up close, and I can’t wait to experience its magic.