Skating the Rideau Canal: It only took 7 years

Earlier this week, Ottawa had some big news… the Rideau Canal Skateway was opening! I’ve been in Ottawa over 7 years now and hadn’t yet skated on the canal (though I have skated on the canal before when visiting Ottawa many many years ago in my early 20s). A couple of years back, I purchased skates from Decathlon and was eager to try them out. But a couple of winters with mild weather, and my own laziness and procrastination, delayed this test.

Which brings me to today. I was determined. I fetched out my skates from the storage room in the basement, messaged a couple of friends, and before long, I was on the ice at the Lisgar entrance to the canal.

And what a fun way to spend an afternoon. I loved seeing people of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels. Individuals, couples, friends, and families. All enjoying an activity many Ottawans love. I suppose I can include myself among these individuals. I may have moved to Ottawa slightly begrudgingly, but it really has become home now. I hope to continue tapping into what Ottawa has to offer. Better late than never :).

Ski-in and Ski-out at Sunshine Mountain Lodge

The Angel Express Quad chair lift
The Angel Express Quad chair lift

For some reason this year, I just don’t have the gusto to venture out into the cold. It’s not that I have the blues, or feel affected by the winter season and dark days as I have in the past. In fact, I’m attacking the year with trip planning, fitness endeavors, online courses, and work-related statistical modeling. But for reasons unknown to me, skiing and snowshoeing have been non-existent. It might have something to do with my muscle/back spasm that put me out of commission in November, but at this point, I think I’m using that as an excuse. Or maybe my Caribbean blood is itching for warm weather. Another excuse? Shrug shrug.

Continue reading “Ski-in and Ski-out at Sunshine Mountain Lodge”

September: A Calgary Winter Already?

Winter-1Alright, so it’s been an abnormal few days in Calgary. In the 5.5 years that I’ve lived in Calgary, I’ve never seen it snow in September like the last three days. Yes, that’s right. A Calgary winter can sometimes happen in September. Thousands without power. Trees destroyed. Accidents in all quadrants and many cars in ditches. Blizzard conditions.  Mother Nature may have wreaked havoc upon the city, but even with all those things, I have to say that it’s been a beautiful few days! When I walked to work, I couldn’t help but marvel at how powerful the dump of snow was. Thanks to my trusty phone, I took several photos to document the walk. It’s definitely one not to forget.

Of course, everyone wants to talk about the weather, which is one of my least favourite topics.

Continue reading “September: A Calgary Winter Already?”

A Ski Weekend Getaway in Montana

Goregous!
Goregous!

I’ll be the first to admit that the winter season is not quite my thing. Don’t get me wrong: I do enjoy winter activities like skiing, both downhill and cross-country, snowshoeing, and winter hiking. But I just don’t enjoy the cold. There’s something about -20 degree weather that forces me indoors and cozy under a blanket. I know I’m not alone in this.

With that said, 2014 is a year of travel and adventures, irrespective of the season, and this past weekend was the first of several getaways planned for the year. Last fall, Robbie and I were at the Calgary Ski Swap in search of gear. Lo’ and behold, we found nothing, but we did manage to come across an awesome winter ski getaway package to Meadow Lake Resort in Columbia Falls, Montana! Continue reading “A Ski Weekend Getaway in Montana”

Why Winter at Lake Louise is Magical

A frozen Lake Louise
A frozen Lake Louise

Winter in Alberta can be brutal with -40 degree weather. But it’s not always that bad! In fact, this winter we’ve seen a few chinooks roll through causing the temperature to rise above zero. And then there are the mountains. Growing up in the Caribbean, I’m the first to admit that I’m not a fan of winter, but there is definitely something magical about driving west on Highway 1 and seeing the snow-covered peaks in the distance. Canmore and Banff turn into winter wonderlands: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and dogsledding (which is still on my list!).  There’s also Lake Louise Ski Resort, which was just named the most scenic ski resort in the world by USA today and described as “unsurpassed with postcard perfect beauty“. What a great shout-out for Banff National Park and the resort!

Olympic themed ice sculptures
Olympic themed ice sculptures

This past weekend was the 20th anniversary of the Ice Magic Festival in Lake Louise. Speaking of anniversaries, I’m approaching 5 years of living in Alberta (omg…) and I had yet to attend this event. A few of us decided it would make a great day trip, so we drove out on Sunday. It dawned on me: I had not seen Lake Louise or visited the chateau in the winter before! I tried skiing at the resort once, but regarding the lake itself, I’m used to its emerald glacial glory. The festival did not disappoint with enough to see and do for anyone attending Continue reading “Why Winter at Lake Louise is Magical”