Okay, I Saw the ‘Banff Blue’ and It Absolutely Wrecked Me (In the Best Way)

I’ve been lucky enough to travel to a lot of places, but Banff… let me tell you, Banff is on another level. I’m not even trying to be dramatic when I say it’s easily one of the most breathtaking places I have ever laid eyes on in my entire life. 🩵

If you’re ever going to be anywhere near Canada, you HAVE to go. It’s not a suggestion, it’s a demand. You will thank me later.

The Mission for Sunrise

We timed our trip for right before the summer high season really kicks into gear, which was definitely a smart move. But the real test of our dedication was the sunrise mission. To get that legendary view of Moraine Lake at dawn, we had to buy a shuttle ticket for 5 AM. Yeah, you read that right. Five. In the morning. Waking up in the pitch black and bundling up for the cold was rough, but I had a feeling it was gonna be worth it.

And let me tell you… it so was.

When that first ray of sun finally broke over the mountains, turning the snowy peaks solid gold, and the lake just glowed this crazy blue-green color right in front of me, wow. I was just so moved, I honestly could’ve cried. It’s one of those moments that makes you feel so incredibly small, but in the best way possible. Nature just went all out here.

You could stare at that view forever and never get tired of it. Seriously.

The Fairytale Continues at Lake Louise

After we finally peeled ourselves away from Moraine Lake, we hiked one of the nearby trails. The view from the lookout point was absolutely unreal. Once the sun was higher in the sky, the water literally turned into Tiffany Blue. It felt like magic!

And just when you think it cant get any better, you’ve got the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel sitting there by the shore, looking like an actual castle. The whole scene feels ripped straight out of a fairy tale. I kept expecting a princess to walk out onto a balcony.

My Advice? Just Go.

You absolutely have to hike the trails. They’re not even that hard, but the views you get are a massive payoff for very little effort. It’s the best way to see everything.

Banff wasn’t just a trip; it felt like unlocking a new level of appreciation for the world. My life’s travel checklist just got a big, fat, glowing checkmark next to it.