Our Favorite Week of Van Life Ever | LAKE LOUISE VLOG

[@RScotNscale]

HI Great updates. Just a friendly suggestion get the bear spray in a position where you can reach it right way not in your back pack. It is amazing how quickly things happen when one happens to encounter a bear on the trail and its is closer than it should be and still heading in your direction.

[@joansmith2974]

Yes, find or improvise a hip holster for your bear spray, and practice quickly accessing & using it according to the instructions. A bear can slide out of the bushes right in front of you with no warning but his stink. They graze on berries at their peak right now. He might be just as surprised as you!

[@joelwhitlock5583]

i definitely agree you need to be able to get to it before a bare reaches your when it is charging!

[@pjj5824]

Heads up re bear spray - grizzlies can get aggressive fast, but that being said, if they’re in the distance just either leave or wait for them to - black bears are usually only aggressive if there are cubs around - the trails up around Louise are well marked if there’s a bear in the area as well as what species is usually indicated as well. My rule of thumb is, I don’t hike a trail with a bear warning - lots of people do, it’s just not that fun if you’re constantly watching for yogi and boo boo, you’re surrounded by tons of fantastic trails, just pick another one. This time of year Helen Lake / Dolomite pass is spectacular with wildflowers- absolutely breathtaking and you’ll meet a ton of cheeky marmots on that trail.

[@Joel_Matrix]

The best maple syrup is in/from Quebec, Canada 🇨🇦.

[@RocklandPaul]

Both of you do such a great job travelling our great country of Canada. You are so fortunate to see the sites and attractions that many Canadians never get to see throughout their lives. The Canadian Rockies are spectacular! Enjoy and keep sharing such great content. 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@robertyoung_jr941]

I’m 51 seen almost all your videos. Started watching with my wife before she passed away in December 2020 and I enjoyed this one I think more then any. Most are ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ this was ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank You for sharing a little of your journey we call life.

[@JimmyandNatalie]

Aw, thank you so much! You just made our day!! 😊💚

[@loritownsend1759]

Lake Louise is beautiful but I agree that moraine lake is the most beautiful!!!🎉🎉🎉

[@hapnewsom9217]

Cold plunges (once you get used to actually doing them) are pretty invigorating! The birds that were pestering you were Clark's Nutcrackers...commonly called "Camp robbers" they wil fly right down and take crumbs from your fingers! What good fortune finding a place to stay within the park (and your budget!)! Looking forward to your continued journey westward! Being a resident of Washington, British Columbia is more familiar to me and so incredibly beautiful...wait till you get to the coast!!

[@corysvanlife]

I am so glad you decided to do the plunge!! That is so awesome 😃 It’s amazing how beautiful everything looks up there!!! Awesome video as always!! Oh and CONGRATS on 40k!!! I’m so happy for you guys!!

[@JimmyandNatalie]

Thanks so much Cory!!! We were so close to not doing it - but I’m really glad we did! 😄

[@monicahiatt]

When you get to British Columbia check out Kootenay Lake. Its long and beautiful. In Creston visitthe Kokanee brewery. Then drive to Crawford Bay, (stop and see the glass house made from empty embalming fluid bottles) and visit the local artisans; forge ceramics, glass and even the Harry Potter broom makers. Then take the free ferry across the lake. Maybe drive 15 mins North to Ainsworth Hotspings and relax inside the warm cave. Next drive South to historic Nelson. Have a wonderful time exploring all the beautiful places.

[@snow_job]

If it's in your budget you should try going to The Grizzly House restaurant. It's a fondue restaurant (you cook your own food in hot oil or on a very hot rock) that has quite the history. In the 1970's it was a swingers restaurant and to this day there are still rotary dial telephones at each table. Way back then you could spot a couple at another table that interested you and you could anonymously call their table and see if they were "about it" lol. It's not that way anymore, but the phones are still at each table. It would make for an interesting segment in a video albeit a bit pricey. Great to hear you're staying in the area for a month. You'll get to see everything.

[@OldTechNerd]

Aside from the incredible scenery and beautifully casual way you narrate I wanted to comment on your video editing (which a lot of people don't realize how much work is involved ) You do an amazing job at piecing the clips together in a very fluid and enjoyable style. Great job at the lesser appreciated aspect of vlogging. Love your journey.

[@dani_mack]

As a native Vermonter, I cannot believe you've never had real maple syrup.😄 Glad you like it! Lake Louise is so gorgeous. That's crazy that you had family there while you were. The tea house is so cool!

[@heidiagner5091]

Great video as usual. I’m pretty sure those were Canada jays that wanted you to feed them. We called them camp robbers because, like all jays, they are pretty unafraid of us humans and would come into our camp to steal any food that might have inadvertently been left around. Again thanks for putting out this wonderful content.

[@robertgrey5993]

They’re also called whiskey jacks.

[@lanad5764]

I am so jealous you were at Moraine Lake. It is my favorite place in the world 😌

[@iamfaithfullyhis]

Fabulous views! Thanks! 💦

[@SpikeRess]

Did you miss Lake O'Hara? One of the most famous paintings by John Singer Sargent was of Lake O'Hara. It's just over 1 hour drive from Lake Louise.

[@tedpreston4155]

Hobbits like second breakfasts too, I recall! I think Merry and PIppin used the slang: secondsies! Thank you so much for taking us along with you to Banff! For twenty years, my wife has wanted to go back to Banff and show it me for the first time. She lived nearby there before moving to Denver and meeting me. Banff looks just magnificent in your footage! I really enjoy our time together when you guys post new videos! Bravo! 🙂

[@carmenmarcinkiewicz7149]

Wow. The views were spectacular!!! I've always heard that the bear spray should be worn in the front of your body, so you can get it immediately without wondering which side pocket its in......or fumbling......❤

[@donnawarmouth9329]

Wow you guys are spoiling us with all of these beautiful sites. Thanks for sharing

[@PaulBauck]

You have hit many of our favorite spots in the area. You've kindled many great memories. Keep that bear spray handy!

[@laurenm8561]

This was an amazing trip. Natalie I could see how you connected with that sled dog, what a sweet soul. The birds were pretty funny. So glad you did the plunge, those are the things you will always remember. Thanks for taking us along 💞

[@jordan390a]

Don't miss Takakkaw Falls just inside B.C. in Yoho NP about 1 hour from Lake Louise...it's beautiful and a nice easy hike. You will find a couple of scenic lookouts on the way...! P.S.... Quebec Maple Syrup is the best...!

[@paulp792]

One nice way to see the hotel - book lunch in the restaurant there. They have a restaurant with giant windows overlooking Lake Louise. You’re able to park at the hotel underground so you don’t have to worry about parking lot spaces… lunch can be done relatively inexpensive, and the view is really great. Also let’s you look around the hotel a bit. Also please carry your bear spray on your hip. Brown bears can be so aggressive and between that and the panic, you might struggle to get to your bear spray in time.

[@cameronpickard7456]

the beauty of alberta is unmatched

[@carriehess-cbhaffiliate4426]

Next time, try Krusteaz, pancake mix!! Add vanilla and cinnamon😋😋The Best pancake mix Ever!!

[@stevemac5117]

Great video. I think bear bells are just like dinner bells for bears LOL. Jimmy did an awesome job flipping the pancakes. Glad you got to try some of our great Canadian Maple Syrup. Thanks for sharing.

[@christieflesch3750]

40,000 subscribers you got this 50,000 you can do it😊😊😊

[@mobot3d15]

Just a friendly reminder.. You could make it to the Pacific ocean in less than 12 hours and experience the most amazing views of your life driving through the Rockies. So nuch to do and see in BC and you can still go south from here just as easily. You will forever regret not making it to BC. I love your channel I hope you keep heading west to the coast. If you need any tips or anything at all I'm here to help

[@samydamico9843]

Once again you’ve introduced us to a beautiful place! You are great ambassadors for Canada and especially Banff. I honestly didn’t know about Banff, but now it is definitely on my bucket list of places to visit! ❤

[@JimmyandNatalie]

That’s awesome, we’re honored to be able to share our experiences with you! Banff really is incredible! 😄💚🏔️

[@NanT.00]

I lived up at Lake Louise and loved it. Every weekend we did something.

[@peterrowellranson8649]

Lovely 🌹 awesome what views thanks for sharing Pete cape town south Africa looking forward to seeing you soon 🎉

[@ShellysNest]

What a fun video! The pancakes looked delicious, and what a way to pre-plunge!! Natalie, we are so glad you got to see family in Canada! That is so cool! The tea house looked like an amazing experience! Y'all are finding some really cool things to do in Banff! Enjoy being known as the"polar plunge". That's not a title we will compete with 😁😂🤣❤️🐢

[@uscameloptics]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@mickeymouse6894]

My New Favorite Birds This Week Is Mag Pies! Hugs!!

[@harryradfordphoto]

Welcome to our province guys .. hope you make along to Edmonton Alberta ❤🇨🇦❤️

[@edwardleecaliforniausa]

Morning Jimmy and Natalie happy Tuesday morning and I loved your vlogs and I hope you having amazing holidays and this was amazing video I enjoy your channel

[@JimmyandNatalie]

Thank you so much!!

[@edwardleecaliforniausa]

@@JimmyandNatalie your welcome sending you hugs ❤️ 🤗

[@mjor6406]

Go to Highway 93 south to Radium, Invermere Lake, Panorama, Fairmont, Kimberly, Fernie etc. You can make the loop and head back to Crowsnest, Alberta then up to Longview then Highway 40 Kananaskis and then to Canmore and Banff. Good for a 2 week visit.

[@sparksw9dkb187]

Thank you for the marvelous video. It brought back wonderful memories of when my wife and I honeymooned at Lake Louise in 1985.

[@dylanpage2519]

"Do you think he's real??" The Bear: 🤪🤪🤪 LMAO! This video made me so happy! I'm so glad you're enjoying your time here in Western Canada!

[@alaskanight940]

Thanks! I had 100% faith in you two taking the plunge. Never been to Banff, but it seems (almost) as beautiful as Alaska. Actually kind of similar. Happy trails pancakers. 😊

[@JimmyandNatalie]

Aww thanks for having faith!! It helps a lot once we promise it out loud, then we can’t go back on it! So glad we did it! 😄 And we would absolutely love Alaska! 💚

[@shawnjames99]

Cliff jumping at horseshoe lake up by Jasper 🤙🏾

[@maryhight6030]

Beautiful video❤

[@harrisonchevy4452]

Thanks 🙏 guys for Lake Louise video. Like you I think the second Lake, most isolated, was the most beautiful 🤩. What a great video, thanks so much.

[@pauldem544]

You also got the best Pancake Mix. Different formula than the US version and much better. I actually bring that mix back to the states when I go up there. It is much better if not burnt ;-)

[@camwoolnough7441]

The 2 birds you had bugging you are called Whiskey Jacks here (camp robbers i think in the states) they are super smart, not afraid of much and will steal your food the second you are not watching. I lived in Canmore, wife lived in Banff and you are in the most incredible place to see Canada's crown jewel!! great watching you videos!! keep it up!

[@rickandpiesretirementadven9000]

40k...Congrats!!! 👏

[@JimmyandNatalie]

Thank you!!! 😄🥳🎉

[@lindsayder]

Studies have shown that some bears are attracted by bear bells because they are curious about the sound they make. You need to talk louder to scare away bears, you guys are pretty quiet on camera 😂. It's also a good idea to be cougar aware. Those birds are very aggressive, they literally stole food off my spatula while I was cooking it. Guard your food!

[@o0Theresa0o]

Yay! You did the hike I recommended (don't know if it was because of my recommendation or not, but excited for you nonetheless).

[@martinjjnoagenda5536]

Very nice to see those beautiful lakes again with their magical colors. I visited Lake Louise and Moraine Lake about thirty years ago with a rental car. I may only have seen about 5 other people in total. It's crazy to see so many tourists there now with everything that comes with it. It spoils the magic a bit. I also think that hotel was a lot smaller back then.

[@shannonyeatman53]

Pancakes are best slathered in butter, then add the maple syrup ❤️yumm

[@TerryX2Explore]

Hello Jimmy & Natalie! We are soon to be hitting the road in our van so we are excitd to meet fellow vanlifers! We are looking forward to sharing our vanlife adventures and following other vanlife adventures as well! Wow, what a gorgeous place to explore - thanks for sharing! 💙Terry and Terri

[@mjohnston647]

I once heard that Banff is the Aboriginal word for the sound a skier's body makes when it hits the snow on the slopes. Seriously though, I'm glad you're enjoying your time there.

[@CraftsandMorewithDonnaJackson]

Hello friends. What a beautiful video. The scenery is just stunning. Oh I'm so glad ya'll did the plunge. Natalie this environment suits you. You are just radiant. Impressive flipping skills Jimmy. Just a quick note. Keep that bear spray where you can acess it in secs. You never know. Be careful out there. I cant wait till the next video. Hugs ❤

[@annchapman8495]

I just love how you two show us what you love to eat during your travels, I think it's great to show people what is delicious to eat thanks. You should put blue berries in your pancakes they are so good.

[@tammycruz8189]

Love you guys.. stay safe

[@pjj5824]

Moraine Lake is in the Valley of the Ten Peaks - it truly is a stunner. It’s beautiful in the fall when the larches turn. You’re in my stomping grounds! I love seeing your videos! If you get a chance to go up to Takkakaw Falls in the Yoho - about 20 minutes west of Lake Louise at the bottom of the steep hill before Field is where you turn off - actually right where you tried to camp at Kicking Horse. Just keep heading up the road to Takkakaw Falls. The Yoho Valley trail is wonderful and if you’re feeling really ambitious you could hike in on the Iceline Trail to Twin Falls and the Tea House (the trail head is at Whiskey jack Hostel) and come out on the Yoho Valley trail. Spectacular hike, not for the faint of heart but worth it.

[@TammyGardner-b8l]

Just visited Banff for the first time in June, and I live in B.C.!!! Happy to see you enjoying my beautiful country ❤

[@dhawkr.3678]

We will now skip a US Nat'l Park just to see Banff now. Thanks for the fun video as always.

[@seekingjoynow1722]

Great video. The pancake incident tells made me laugh. That place is fantastic.😊

[@justlookin3]

Glad to see you’re wearing helmets!

[@lisapridmore9746]

Oh WOW! That was breath taking! Beautiful. Can't wait till next video to see what's next. Thanks for sharing ✌

[@careymeek9450]

Congrats on 40k subscribers! Keep it fun for you

[@barbsexton2003]

Thank you for showing Banff oh, it's been a long time since I have been there. It's absolutely beautiful. Another pretty sight you probably didn't get to see, when there's a storm over Lake Louise. Watching the sky light up with the lightning is beautiful.

[@susantrayler1338]

Just continue on through BC.

[@cyndicunanan400]

That pancake mix is literally Aunt Jemima😂

[@JimmyandNatalie]

We saw that! 😂 The box still said ‘Product of Canada’ though! 🇨🇦

[@jimrichards7014]

The Tea House brought back so many memories. 30 or so years ago I was working with the Geological Survey, the tea house was our 1/2 point to the base of Mt. Peto. Did a summer of bio stratigraphy work and hiked that every day for six weeks straight.

[@cujomade101]

I used to work at Moraine!

[@joansmith2974]

So glad you are enjoying where I am happy to live. I am glad you are considering the mountain road to Jasper!

[@djpWilson]

If you are still in Banff, make sure you check out the Banff Springs Hotel. My wife and I spent our honeymoon there *cough* years ago. :)

[@kearnsey64]

Kids, make sure you know how to deploy your bear spray. Point the spray at the ground ahead of the bear. They run with their head down and will pick up the spray and inhale it so much more!

[@johnparker2441]

Super to see you enjoyed Banff. My daughter got married on the shores of Moraine Lake 2 1/2 years ago.

[@lyndalabine2875]

What a beautiful video…..my Canadian hubby loved it……thank you for taking us along…..I have to admit your “arctic plunge” made me feel the cold water…..brrr….having had a “bear experience” at Yosemite i agree that bear spray needs to be as close to you as possible….you guys would look mighty tasty…..I am loving this ❤❤

[@mikeanderson6522]

Good video. Love the hudge pancakes 🥞.

[@gloriajoseph7031]

Thanks for hike and tea. I enjoyed it.

[@MichelleK1]

My hometown is about an 1-hour drive away from Lake Louise so I was lucky to spend a lot of time there growing up. I loved watching you guys experience the amazing beauty we have here. Makes me appreciate it more. I have never seen anyone go in the lake without a wetsuit before, lol. Fun to watch. The giant pancakes were fun. Just so you know most Canadians don't use maple syrup. Too expensive. We use it on occasion as a treat. We mainly use regular pancake syrup. I agree with you Natalie, Moraine Lake is more stunning than Lake Louise. It's hard to leave when it's time to go. You got a new subscriber here. Safe and happy travels!

[@jebeda]

>most Canadians don't use maple syrup. Too expensive It is pretty expensive, but there are certainly regions in Quebec and Ontario where "regular" syrup is not very popular. The gallon/4L jug in our freezer has a $42 sticker on it from a SW Ontario farmer's market and it will likely last us more than 12-18 months, so on a per-year basis it is certainly less than many people spend on a single meal out.

[@MichelleK1]

@jebeda I wish we could get maple syrup at that price in all of Canada. The further you live from Quebec/Ontario the higher the cost. I grew up in BC and never had true maple syrup (Mom used Mapleine) until I was an adult. $12 for 375 ml of real maple syrup is pricey. Also to explain why I said "most Canadians" is because the population of Ontario/ Quebec combined is still less than all the other territories and provinces. Where the cost of maple syrup is much higher.

[@Mr7h21]

Beautiful. Especially Lake Moraine. Carrying bear spray on the back of your pack and really not sure where it is is like bringing a gun and leaving the bullets at home. A Griz can cover 60 feet in under 2 seconds. You need a waist or pack strap holster and practice deploying. An air horn isn't a bad idea. I'm a solo hiker and use bear bells. I don't talk to myself ALL day. Don't want to accidently walk up on a bear and scare him/her and me.

[@lifeisgoodafter60]

Great job!! You guys have the best energy and selflessly share the camera. My wife and I loving staying caught up. We were in Lake Louise in our sprinter. No crowds and no bigs but SUPER cold.

[@JimmyandNatalie]

That sounds awesome! I'll take cold weather over bugs any day! Thanks so much for following our journey!

[@kymcrowart7876]

Those pancakes look delicious!

[@lanad5764]

You guys have to try Hawkins Cheezies. Sooo addicting 😋

[@BobBohner4851]

If it weren’t for you I’d never see this part of CA. thanks so much. Beautiful.

[@colleenstott3002]

You met the whiskey Jack also known as camp robbers at the tea house. They are very entertaining but watch your food and snacks or it might go missing!

[@yolandaazua8919]

Was wondering why Jimmy never thought of cutting the burnt side of his pancake. The pancake looked thick enough. Beautiful video as always.

[@DWViking-c6n]

I’m loving your journey through Canada! Not sure if on your radar but before you leave Alberta you really need to spend some time hiking in Kananaskis (not far from Banff) and then Waterton National Park (in the corner of Alberta bordering Montana and B.C.). If you get to Waterton, need to hike the Crypt Lake trail, one of the top 10 hikes in Canada!

[@pbasswil]

Just so you know, when Canadians buy maple syrup (or at least we Quebecers...), we usually buy it in cans - no fancy bottles (that's for the tourists) or plastic containers. It's sweet, but not _crazy_ sweet like commercial artificial syrups, such as Aunt Jemima & similar. I don't know if 'Sweet Ontario' is like the canned stuff we buy, or if it's sweetened for the mass-market palette.

[@mikemanjo2458]

Hey Sweet Friends! Banff is so pretty and your videography is amazing. Thanks so much for bringing us along. I agree with you the 2nd lake was prettier than Louise. The TeaHouse was such a cool thing to do. Y'all are building the best memories together! So much love from SC❤🙏 Can't wait for next week!

[@brentwoodbay]

Funny I watch this video today as our daughter and family are camping in Banff right now and our grandson had a swim in Two Jack Lake, but he stayed in for quite a while! Yes Moraine Lake is gorgeous, especially from the top of the moraine, from where it got its name! Great video you guys!

[@houstontexas4658]

Look at all the fun y'all are having...very cool! Your excitement is contagious, thanks for letting us tag along. 🤠

[@MJ-fb2zq]

I loved that hike. So nice to see it again. Thx for yr vlog.

[@deborahhymer9315]

Try pats of butter on the pancake along with the maple syrup.

[@olliekane6463]

😅😂great I loved it when Jimmy flipped the huge pancake!!!!👏

[@miliejones7849]

Chai tea is good and green tea

[@mikeellindonut2004]

Thank you for the adventure, that was awesome

[@natalierice6528]

The northern USA is also a producer of maple syrup. Lots around where I grew up in NY. Sometime you should try beer pancakes. It’s a tradition at our camp. Set out a can or bottle of beer the night before to go flat and use it as your liquid in place of water or milk. So good and I don’t really like beer.

[@Iam1869]

You two are the best...scenic footage is amazing...just a pleasure to watch your videos...and hiking to the out of the way places for tea and the such...safe travels 👍

[@janet1646]

Oh lake louise! Morain lake! Agh! So beautiful! I loved that part of Alberta. If you like dinosaurs and hoodoos Drumheller is pretty cool. Happy Trails to you! PS Read the label on the thick, not real, syrup ❤ and compare it to the real stuff. ❤

[@echogo]

Glad to see you out in my part of the country. You have to watch those Whiskey Jacks! I was on a family picnic in Banff and one stole a sandwich out of one of my kids hand. They are bold thieves around food.

[@RedRockMaintenance]

Lake Louise is amazing. I have been there many times and my brother worked at the hotel. I have stayed in there a few times. Need to go back some time.

[@rakitoon]

The Icefileds Parkway, which takes you to Jasper, is one of National Geographic's Top 10 Scenic Drives of a Lifetime. I sure hope you did it / do it. Stop at PEYTO LAKE for sure, and Athabasca Falls. While up in Jasper, be sure to take the drive to Maligne Lake. And Pyramid Lake just outside Jasper. God. Everything's amazing.

[@hecklepig]

My twelve year old niece was so scared of bears she spent her entire week long class trip singing as loud as she could to keep the bears away. Now not being mean but I have heard her sing, she probably kept lots of other creatures of the forest away as well, including a fair few fellow tourists.

[@allyreds3558]

I’d normally suggest the pancakes are ready to flip when bubbles rise and begin to burst but with pancakes that large, no idea! 😂 Happy you enjoyed real Canadian maple syrup! 🍁

[@ostrichfun2115]

Hi You's !! We saw your channel about a month ago; subscribed shortly after. I'm pretty sure you two maybe the only vlog traveling West side Canada we follow. Ya know, cuz we live here eh. It's really enjoyable following your adventure(s). The enjoyment really makes us grateful and proud to call Western Canada ( for us Vancouver area ) home. The vlog is so well produced. In line with other favorites like Lisa and Josh, One Pack Wonders, 2 Passports One Dream, etc. We see 100k happening fast for you two. You're both so natural in front of a camera. Hey, thanks and happy safe travels! Mike and Betty ( :