In addition to nature photography, I am also passionate about traveling and exposing myself to new experiences. I would love nothing more but to travel the world and photograph everything along the way. I took a trip last year to Banff, Alberta, Canada and it was the most exhilarating experience I have ever had in my life. If you didn't already know, I'm from Miami, FL. A state that is deprived of any elevation. Even on a airplane above Miami, the flatness of Florida is endless for miles. So to be exposed to a national park where mountains welcome you in every direction you looked was not only breathtaking but mind-blowing to say the least.

On the first day at Banff, we traveled towards Lake Louise and I can now see why it is one of the most photographed glacial lakes. Even though I visited the park on June 1st, there was still snow everywhere. Word of advice: even in June, bring your hiking boots. Don't wear sneakers. I learned this the hard way. The elevation at Lake Louise is about 5,200 feet so it was definitely an adjustment learning how to breathe properly while exploring the area but well worth the effort. The lake closest to the resort was still mostly frozen but as I walked towards the hiking trails that was when you could truly appreciate the beauty of why everyone loves Lake Louise. The lake is known for its  vibrant turquoise color due to the rock flour or silt that is carried into the lake by the melting snow from the surrounding glaciers that overlook the lake. Depending on the sunlight and the angle you are looking at the lake, the vibrant color may change which is what occurred during my exploration.

In the last photo above I was about to enter the hiking trail when I suddenly saw the magnificent deep turquoise colors of the lake and just had to take a photo of it. The dynamic colors reminded me of the waters found in the Caribbean such as in the Bahamas. I was baffled to see such colors in (freezing) fresh water. As I climbed the tea house hiking trail and increased my elevation by a thousand feet, the lake became more fluorescent and aqua in hue. It was an experience that everyone must see for themselves in order to believe it.

Aside from the beautiful lake itself, was the incredible views of mountains in every location. The Canadian Rockies in Banff is a sight that honestly everyone must experience for themselves. It was an experience that will forever stay with me and made me truly appreciate how beautiful this world really is. The air is so pure, the cool winds coming from the mountains felt so fresh and invigorating, and the awe-inspiring sight of endless mountains will take your breath away. While at the top of the mountains at Banff National Park, the range was endless. As beautiful as my photos came out, it was nothing compared to the real thing.

In my next post I will give you an inside look of my teahouse hiking adventure towards Lake Agnes which sits at over 7,000 feet in elevation.