Oh Canada: Part Two

Day 3 started out pretty much the same with an early departure to Moraine Lake to hike Sentinel Pass. This hike was just pleasant. The snow-covered pines, the breathtaking views, and the slightly slower incline. We made it to the pass and quickly realized that part of the hike wasn’t going to be safe for us without more expertise and more equipment. Instead, we watched a few brave souls try to make the hike and also noticed a few avalanches. We hiked back down and again being me and being so altitude sensitive, sat out the second hike of the day. It was hard sitting them out, but sometimes you just have to listen to your body. I knew what I needed to do. We headed back to our Airbnb after they finished and showered up for our last evening in Banff.

We went to the Iron Goat first to catch the Packer Game and enjoy some beers. After we had a couple, we departed for dinner at Blake. Ironically our waiter was a Canadian Packer Fan as well, which was amazing. We shared some Bao, Crack Fries, and Pot Stickers and some delicious drinks for the duration of the game. It was another great night, that we ended with some games and hitting the hay. 

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The next day we started by catching an amazing sunrise followed by a semi-early shorter hike called Upper Grassi Lake. It was definitely the easiest one we did, but it took us to a beautiful lake and we got to see a fox. That was neat until it got a little too close for my liking which led me to promptly blow my emergency whistle. After our short hike down we headed back to shower and pack up. Back to the airport, we went. We stopped at a Tim Hortons which was unfortunately extremely disappointing. 

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If by now you’re wondering if I only wore one outfit this entire trip, the answer is yes. Our Airbnb had a washer and dryer, which was AMAZING and helped make packing in a carryon doable. This was my uniform every day (I shed some and added some all day):

Packing List

Pants: Wool 200 weight base layer, ColdGear

Top: 200 Weight Wool Top, Patagonia Mid Layer Quarter Zip, Vest, Nano Puff (could not recommend this jacket more for hiking and every day wear!!)

Head: Lake Effect Co. Hat(comes in gray and black-use code THEREALTALL15 for 15% off) , Headband

Hands: Light Gloves

Feet: Wool Socks

Shoes: Men’s Hiking Boots

Misc: Gaiters, scarf, backpack, bladder, fanny pack, Buff

I also packed this raincoat and these rain pants but luckily didn’t need them at all! 

We have gotten a handful of messages regarding tall hiking clothing and after doing an extremely in-depth search I can now report: there aren’t many. My smart wool pants went to my mid-shin at best which was a joke but luckily my cold gear was the right inseam. I got men’s rain pants for the length. Leggings are my comfort preference for hiking so I didn’t even look into try hiking pants but wowee do they make it tough on us. I am super pleased with my men’s hiking books and no shame in that game, just size down! 

Hiking gear aside, I am a huge fan of my Away luggage. I have the bigger carry on and the Large one. We used the large one as a group to transport our hiking boots and items that aren’t carry on friendly.

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I also used my Ellis James toiletry bag and LOVED it. I have been using this all summer now and I love how travel-friendly it is. It opens on the top and sits flat so you can easily see everything. All of the dividers are moveable so you can fit any size item inside. I especially love the plastic liner on the top part because it prevents any makeup brushes from dirtying the fabric. It’s a super high-quality item and works amazingly for me! We came across the brand on Amazon and have linked to them on our Amazon shop page but you can also check it out here or on their website, here.

All in all, Canada is amazing. Absolutely breathtaking and surreal. I cannot wait to get back sometime when the weather is a bit nicer! If you ever need any other tips or recommendations or have questions I am happy to answer any of these. Until next time; your Wanderlusting lady will be over here looking for my next trip.

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