So That's What the Rockies Look Like!

I'm back after 10 days in Alberta, where the weather was cold - it snowed! - but the views were lovely. Having never been there before, i'm excited to cross another province off my Cross Canada To Do List (thanks to my generous in-laws!).

While my version of outdoorsy adventures are cottage weekends or a good book by the shoreline, i was pushed in a good way beyond my usual trekking. We went hiking/walking in a lot of park trails, and i loved seeing all the green lushness, and spotting wildlife (even from the car). We saw elk, white-tailed deer, big-horned sheep, a cute little pika, and a moose. Pretty exciting, but also a bit sad how used to people-in-cars these animals are. Being in a national park protects them, but also makes me feel like it's all a bit zoo-like when 20 cars are lined up and people are getting just a bit too close for comfort.
I also had a wee bit of trouble finding good vegan food on the trip, but luckily we researched before and learned of at least 1 or 2 spots to go for each of the towns we went to. So, if ever another vegan heads out west to Alberta, here's a short list:
Jasper:
- Coco's Cafe - has a couple of vegetarian and vegan selections on their sandwich/soup menu. Good tofu wrap!
- Nutters - a health food chain that has a great selection
- there are also a couple of Asian restos that have a couple of items on their menus

Canmore
- Elita Cafe - used to be all veg/vegan but i guess they couldn't survive that, but they do continue to have vegan friendly stuff to eat
- Nutters

Banff
- Nourish - in the Sundance Mall, where they even advertise on the main board that there are 'vegetarian restaurants inside!'

It was wonderful to spend this time with the family, especially as we live in another city and don't see them very often. Being with our little nephew was a special treat, because i think we got to bond with him. Let's just hope his 2-year old memory doesn't forget us too fast!