Canadian Rockies - Day 1 - Waking Up to the Magic of Canmore and the Rockies

After a late-night arrival at around 2 AM, we finally woke up to our first morning in the Canadian Rockies - and what a surprise it was! Since we had reached in the dark, we had no idea what surrounded us. When I stepped out onto the balcony, I was greeted by a breathtaking view - majestic mountains all around, their peaks kissed by the early morning light. It was one of those moments that instantly fills you with gratitude and excitement for the day ahead.

We had masala tea, got ready, and decided to explore downtown Canmore. The streets were charming, lined with cozy cafés, boutiques, and local art shops - all against the stunning mountain backdrop. It felt like stepping into a postcard.

For brunch, we stopped at an amazing Indian restaurant called Mumbai Local, and oh my goodness - the food was phenomenal! We ordered dahi puri, soya chaap, and triple schezwan fried rice, and everything was bursting with flavor. It felt like a comforting taste of home right in the middle of the Rockies.

After a hearty meal,  our first stop was a beautiful park right next to the river. The water was so, so blue - it almost didn’t feel real! We just stood there for a while, completely mesmerized by its color and calm flow. Then we found a spot to sit by the river and simply soaked it all in - the crisp mountain air, the sound of the water, and the peaceful beauty all around us.

After that, we set off to explore Spray Valley Provincial Park in Kananaskis Country. The drive itself was absolutely beautiful - winding roads framed by mountains, forests, and sparkling blue water. 

We originally planned to hike to Ha Ling Peak, but on our way back, we spotted a trail sign for Grassi Lakes and decided to give it a try.

That turned out to be the best decision of the day. The trail took about 90 minutes round trip -moderately steep, with waterfalls along the way and gorgeous forest views. When we reached the top, we were met with the most mesmerizing sight: two stunning turquoise-blue lakes. The first lake was already picture-perfect, but the second one took our breath away — shimmering in shades of blue, green, and peacock hues that looked almost unreal. It was nature’s art at its best.

After the hike, we headed back to Canmore to relax and unwind at Tavern 1883, a lively and cozy spot in downtown. The outdoor patio had heaters and warm lighting — the perfect ambiance after a long day. We ordered a blueberry cocktail, local beers, and some delicious bites - blueberry bruschetta and crispy Brussels sprouts, everything was fantastic.

We sat there soaking in the evening vibes, sharing laughs, and reminiscing about the day’s adventures. It was the perfect ending to our first day in the Rockies - a day filled with surprise views, delicious food, and the kind of natural beauty that stays with you forever.