Welcome to the grand finale of the Canada Calling Series! What a journey it has been—filled with breathtaking landscapes, heart-pounding adventures, and unforgettable memories. While living through these moments was exhilarating, putting them into words has been a way to make them timeless. I’ve relished every bit of this experience, both in real time and now, as I recount it to you.
So far, we’ve marveled at the magnificent Niagara Falls, glided along the pristine Rideau Canal, and stood in awe of the towering Montmorency Falls. We’ve hiked the winding paths of Johnston Canyon, soaked in the rugged beauty of Banff and Jasper National Parks, and even faced some nail-biting close calls—like nearly running out of fuel and that unforgettable moment when we lost My Son. It’s hard to believe all of this happened in just 20 days!
Here's a snapshot of our adventure so far:
- The Back Story
- East Canada - Toronto
- East Canada - Niagara and 1000 Islands
- Rest of East Canada
- From Fuel Guzzlers to Frozen Trails and Everything in Between
- Ice, Bears, and Fuel Scares: A Rocky Mountain Adventure
- Ice Explorers and Ticket Blunders
- From Canyon Crisis to Scenic Bliss
- Last Stops and Scenic Hops ← This Post
By this point, my thirst for adventure had been more than quenched. As one of my friend would say, I was sufficiently stimulated. All I craved now was some peaceful time with the family.
Gujju’s Will Be Gujju’s
We had visited Banff so many times in quick succession that I had almost vowed not to return again on this trip. But, as fate would have it, my Gujju instincts didn't quite agree. You see, entering Banff and Jasper National Parks requires a permit—a $40-per-day affair for the car. The previous evening, we had to buy another permit before exiting the park at 8 PM, and it was valid for 24 hours. Naturally, we had to make the most of the permit we'd already paid for. So, off to Banff we went one more time!
The Mighty Minnewanka Lake
This time, we found ourselves at the sprawling Lake Minnewanka—one of the largest lakes in Banff National Park. For over 10,000 years, the deep waters of Lake Minnewanka (reaching depths of about 142 meters in places) have commanded the respect of those who have visited and lived along its wild shores. The lake is cradled between snow-capped mountain ranges, creating a truly majestic sight.
Minnewanka Lake
It's also known as the “Lake of the Spirits.” I believe it's called that because of the serene calmness you feel when you're there. It's as if time stands still—the water is so still that even a single stone thrown in would send ripples traveling far and wide.
Notice the reflection of mountains and how calm the water is!
Next to the lake is a picturesque trail that runs alongside a river, which eventually merges into the lake. This trail is reminiscent of the Johnston Canyon trail we explored earlier—beauty awaits at every corner.
Trail overlooking the river!
The next morning, we visited another nearby park. Here, we discovered a heart-shaped island nestled in the middle of a river. The riverbank was lined with charming houses, and guess who came to mind when I saw this?
Heart island!
Evenings were spent strolling through nearby parks. The landscape was simply breathtaking, with lush grass all around and small houses dotting the distance, while sun rays pierced through the clouds. It was peaceful, relaxing, and far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Notice the sun rays piercing through the clouds!
We also celebrated my birthday while in Canada. Knowing that I would not prefer a traditional cakes, my brother-in-law surprised me with a fruit cake. It was delicious!
Fruit Cake.
One day, we decided to have Dosas. What’s special about that? Well, my mother-in-law’s expression says it all:
A Dosa as tall as me!
As our time in Canada was drawing to a close, we decided to take in the night view of downtown, with all its twinkling lights and vibrant atmosphere. We weren’t disappointed—the city was a stunning spectacle, glowing like a jewel against the night sky.
Night view of downtown - Clagary
Next Time
This time, there is no next time—at least for this series. This post marks the conclusion of our unforgettable journey. It was a trip filled with highs and lows, and I cherished every moment. Thank you for being part of this adventure; I hope you enjoyed the ride as much as I did!
Until we meet again, happy travels!
