Mountains, Bears, and Poutine...Oh My

Our reality a few weeks ago was driving from Jasper to Canmore, Alberta on the Icefields Parkway in Canada.  It was spectacular!  Even though it was rainy and overcast, those mountain views were stunning.  I'm sure it's even more gorgeous on a clear day.  But even cloudy, how about this nature?

My favorite thing about this part of the world is the glacial lakes.  They're the most unbelievable shade of blue.  It almost looks like Caribbean waters. I couldn't get over how bright and vibrant the blues were.

We stayed at another Best Western in Canmore, and our room had an excellent view of the mountains.

View out the window & lazing in the room...

We had grand plans to hike in Canmore at a trail I found that lead to a waterfall and two of those super blue glacial lakes.  Alas, our plans were thwarted.  By bears.  Of course.

We'd just arrived at the trail head when a Canada Parks dude pulled up in a truck as we were getting our backpacks on.  That's never a good sign.  In my experience, when the parks folks come by to chat, it's usually with bad news.

He's all, "So are you guys just going out for a walk?  Because a report just came in that a black bear and a grizzly just crossed over the river into this area.  The berries are coming in now, so they'll be foraging all around here.  You might not want to go hiking right now."

Damn it - I wanted to see a waterfall!  And hike in the Canadian Rockies.  And see jaw droppingly blue glacial lakes.  Stupid bears, all living here and shit.

But, when the Canada Parks guy tells you it's not the best idea to hike, it's probably a good idea to take his advice.

So we did.  And we ended up walking around town and getting lunch at Grizzly Paw Brew Pub instead.  So, it wasn't all bad.

As I've mentioned before, we were on the hunt for the ultimate poutine while we were in Canada.  Just a reminder - poutine is french fries smothered in brown gravy and cheese curds.  Some say it's the National dish of Canada.

We'd sampled quite a few poutines during our travels, and I think we found a winner at Grizzly Paw.  Plus - they have a tasty Raspberry Wheat.  Yet another beer I wish I could have in the U.S.

How 'bout that poutine love?

We indulged in some post lunch ice cream at a unique food truck called Old School Bus Ice Cream.  It's just what it sounds like.  - Ice cream from a re-purposed school bus.  Kind of fun!

Ice cream on a bench & downtown Canmore

Next up?  Back to the U.S.A.!  Our poutine days were coming to a close.  Probably a good thing!

Ta-ta for now.