Day 3 started long before sunrise — actually, in the middle of the night! Around 1:30 AM, I got a critical alert on my phone: “Auroras are visible.” I rushed to the balcony and, to my surprise, the northern lights were dancing right there in the sky.
I immediately woke up Shri, and we decided to drive out of town for a clearer view. Even though there was some light around the river bridge, it was still mesmerizing. We drove about ten minutes further to a dark, open spot near a lake — and that’s where the magic truly unfolded. Under a blanket of stars, surrounded by mountains, the aurora borealis shimmered in waves of green and purple. It was unreal.
This was our third time witnessing the northern lights — first in Finland, then in the U.S., and now in Canada — but it still felt just as special. We finally went back to sleep around 3 AM, hearts full of awe.
A few hours later, after our traditional morning masala tea, it was time to check out from Canmore and begin the journey toward our next stay in Jasper. The plan for the day: explore Yoho National Park and drive along the legendary Icefields Parkway, often called the most beautiful drive in the world.
Our first stop was Takakkaw Falls, a stunning waterfall our host had recommended. From there, we visited the serene Emerald Lake, which looked otherworldly even in the rain. The clouds hugged the mountains, and though we couldn’t see the bright turquoise water, the misty mood was simply magical.
On the way, we stopped at the Natural Bridge, and soon after, stumbled upon the tiny town of Field — a picture-perfect gem nestled at the base of the mountains, with a river on one side and a long train track running through. The scenery felt straight out of a dream: mountains draped in clouds, the river flowing quietly, and a train winding through the valley.
From Yoho, we continued on to the Icefields Parkway, and every turn was breathtaking. We stopped at Peyto Lake and Bow Lake, both surrounded by fall colors and moody skies. Later, we took a break at The Crossing, enjoying hot onion rings with a backdrop of grey rocky peaks and colorful autumn trees — truly a postcard moment.
By evening, we reached Jasper downtown to grab a few things for the next day. We found a cozy Chinese restaurant, and though we weren’t very hungry, the cold weather called for some warm comfort food. The soup, hot tea, fried rice, and stir-fried veggies hit the spot - simple, delicious, and just what we needed.
Finally, we drove to our glamping stay — a beautiful dome-style igloo tucked away in nature. The place was absolutely stunning — warm bed, heater, cozy sitting area, and all the little touches that made it feel magical.
We went to bed feeling grateful and excited, eager to wake up the next morning and see the mountain views around our dome in daylight.
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