"Travel through the colossal Rockies and remind yourself how small you really are." Photojournalist, Saidia Zaloski expands, "Similar to how the night is a reminder of our trivial parts, the same urge to enjoy life for what it is fizzes out of you as you curve through mountains."
What apps we used
Hotels: Bookings.com/ iphone app We have used this app a couple times, and find it reliable, affordable and easy. We used this app when we spent a night in Kamloops, B.C and at the Mount Royal in Banff, AB. For the same low price as ‘not as nice’ place in Kamloops, we stayed in a luxury queen sized room on the top floor in Banff. Otherwise, I suggest couchsurfing.org, hostels or staying with a friend in Golden, B.C. Music: Spotify. I am normally a 8tracks girl, but when you lose service and that sun is shining- what are you going to do without that 90s’ alternative playlist? Music is key to a
great road trip, and you need something that will provide quality tunes for a quality mood. We used our offline library throughout the trip. Or just load up your iPod with some sweet tunes, burn some CDs. Attractions: Road trippers. We used this great app when we took our 5000km+ west coast road trip down the coast to L.A. Find great camping spots, hotels, restaurants which I guess is pretty generic. But Road Trippers goes beyond that and offers ‘local spots’ or ‘quirky destinations’ or ‘highly recommended attractions’. We enjoyed this on our Rockies Road trip because we were able to enjoy the Othello tunnels. The app also has great knowledge of hot springs, which is needed. Map: Google Maps. I don’t think I need to say anymore, just the best for any roadtrip.
Where you want to go
Othello Tunnels- Drive yourself to Hope, B.C and have yourself a Heritage Minute flashback. The tunnels are huge, roots hangings, water splatting and a tiny arch of hope at the end. There are a few tunnels, bridges and beautiful scenery. Great photo opportunities are here. Check out Hope, where Rambo’s First Blood was filmed. If it’s good enough for Sylvester Stallone to kick ass in, it’s good enough for you to visit. The Road- The drive alone is enough to inspire. Kamloops reminded me of a sparkling California, and the Rockies took my breath away. My suggestion is that you pull off, take a seat on the side and have a moment to enjoy it all. Golden- If you catch Golden, B.C on a sunny day, stay there. Caught between long lines of peaks is a quaint town that is just as cool as Banff but lacks the crazy tourists. There is Kicking Horse too, so that’s nice.
Mount Whitehorn– Everyone is familiar with heading to Lake Louise, and if you’re not than you should add it to your list. We rode the gondola up Mount Whitehorn and had a mind-blowing panoramic view.
Dutchman Dairy- A petting zoo, fresh milk, cheese and great ice cream. Need I say more? Oh, it’s in the lovely Sicamous, B.C.
Salmon Arm- Rent a kayak, canoe, or bring your own and paddle out here. This is solid advice, take it. Still waters and engaging views. If white water rafting is more your style, you will find lots of opportunities along the trip.
Hot Springs- We will be returning to the mainland in the next couple weeks for our very own Hot Springs tour. Stay tuned! Otherwise, try road trippers?
There are many great attractions, drive aimlessly and find something cool.
Find out more about the photographer at www.cliffhousephotography.com
