If you have ever been to a mountain town, chances are you have had a chance to look into the past. Some of the remnants of the past are still lingering in the current. Bits and pieces that make you envision you think about what it was like during that time.
This past month I got a chance to take a trip from Canmore, stopping in Revelstoke on the way to Kelowna. Having previously lived in Banff for almost a year and a half, I love coming back to the mountains, because it feels like home. The air is crisp and cool and the feelings throughout the towns are very relaxed. People enjoy the weather, whatever it may be and use the outdoors to their full advantage.
The best part about visiting the mountains is seeing the historic architecture mix with the current day buildings. As you arrive into many mountain towns, you can see the buildings dot the green and gray mountains ahead.
They are usually 1-2 story buildings with wood paneling and flat roofs. They line the main streets which would have been where the downtown area was situated during that time. The current day stores have mostly kept the nostalgic feel of the buildings and the towns. You may see an outdoor gear store or bar situated in a building that would have been a general store or inn. You can imagine men and women, dressed in fancy wear getting ready to walk down the main streets of the mountain towns.
Many people have moved from all over the world, to start new lives or work in the mining or forestry industries of these areas. Nowadays you are more likely to find people moving here to work in hospitality and tourism or outdoor activities. The outdoor lifestyle that was established by past generations still lingers on today. Maybe you plan on hiking, fishing or skiing, but you will most likely be doing something outdoors.
I find being in small mountain towns like Revelstoke, Banff or Canmore really allow you to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Maybe you wake up a bit earlier than you usually would or maybe you go to bed earlier than you normally would. The scenery makes you want to get up and go and can tire you out once you have had a long day going in it.
Each location looks completely different depending on the season. You go from feet’s of snow and cold winds, to beautiful hot sunshine, during the summer months. The sun comes up early and gets you out of bed, even if it’s reflecting off all the white snow. The air is clean and the water is refreshing. You can understand why people would want to work in the small communities and settle down to make a life for themselves there. If you love the outdoors and nature, then it is no doubt you will find something that you enjoy.
My advice is to rent a car and drive along the highway 1. Stop in the little towns and take a hike. There are many maps and stops throughout to get information and the larger towns will always have a central office to get information if you have further questions.
***This past trip we stopped at 3 Valley Lake Chateau. It is a hotel that is a piece of the past in present day. The long building lines a small lake just outside of the town. It has a grand staircase and a front room where you can play pool on an old table. It reminds me of the Overlook Hotel in the Shining. I wanted to stop there the last time we passed by so I am happy we did this time. Make a stop there the next time you are driving into BC.
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