The Tranquil & the Challenging: Canadian Rockies

This video is about hiking to the Bow Glacier in Alberta, enjoying inner peace and the thrill of a challenge. Probably the scariest video I've made! Check out the cliffhanger in the second half.
My rant about man-made noise in the wilderness is not to disrespect those who camp for recreation, only to ask the loud to embrace the peace and consider those people and creatures around them.
Camera: Sony 4K FDR-AX33: amzn.to/2khCRMT
Sports Camera: HD 1080P: amzn.to/2xhPzws
Editing: Powerdirector 15 Ultra: amzn.to/2fLbV3a
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Music credit:
Spirals on Circles(1_10)-25809 by Zohar. Copyright by owner

[@peacefulwife5199]

Slim, you are a human being after my own heart. Long ago, when my boys were children, as a single Mom I took them tent camping as often as possible. We parked the car in a parking lot and hiked to a spot we liked. Cooked our food on a fire, took baths with a bucket of fire warmed water and loved every minute of it. My 2 sons help carry what we needed. I had a little thing that I could pull with more of our camping supplies. One night while sitting by the fire on a few wood stumps left behind by others, we had a visitor...one with a white stripe down it's back. LOL I told my boys, get up slowly and walk to the tent, do not say a word. They did. We got inside the tent and were safe. All the skunk wanted was the bag of marshmallows that my son left behind going to the tent. Adventures are awesome. Now I'm 60. Severe spinal disability. So getting to the doctor is an adventure. I have great memories. Thanks so much for your videos. So relaxing, calming and full of adventure!!

[@SlimPotatohead]

Thanks to all for your encouraging comments! Apologies for sticking my butt in the camera at 0:36. The squirrel (chipmunk) section was completely unplanned, I was merely setting up the camera for a test when the chatter started and just ran with it. For those thinking of the hike, it is a very easy hike to the falls lookout area or all ages, with plenty of public parking at the beautiful lodge. Yes the scramble is only for the experienced, and proper gear is recommended (sorry I wasn't wearing a helmet). As many only view the falls, I just wanted to show the curious what it's really like at the top. Hope you enjoyed the trip! Slim

[@suefreivald7031]

I think my heart stopped when you took me out on that ledge over the falls. Thank you.

[@carriemainquist757]

I can't believe I am just watching you now 3 years ago? My favorite so far. Slim you speak from the heart. The. Most. Amazing. Video. Yet. Awe inspiring.

[@allenheaps2084]

Another excellent video Slim. The climb up was a challenge and what people I guess don't think about is that you climbed it once to set up your camera and then climbed it again for the shot. Going back down I'm sure was much harder... Really appreciate the hard work! Your video over the falls was awesome. I'm afraid of heights so it did give me some anxiety I can only imagine you doing the actual shoot, whew!

[@JulieRock19]

Iceberg Lake = WoW! Thx for sharing this... I will not be able to climb that high and dangerous, so I surely appreciate you sharing this.

[@autumnskyes5633]

there is a difference between noise and sounds. Noises being the generators and motors and in my case, constant sirens. Sounds to me are like the wind in the trees, bubbly rivers, birds singing... Pleasant sounds...

[@billkiele5819]

Good job! A nice marriage of your passion for nature photography and the love of camping. This ranks up there among your best in this channel.

[@henrywilgo5205]

yes i agree 100%

[@lowtech67]

Beautiful. Thank you for taking me along with you!

[@ekathrynwilms7621]

Thank you for giving us some peace and natural sounds. Too often we get caught up in the racket inside out minds and forget to be at peace. We can't be creative unless we seek quiet.

[@janmariolle]

How did I miss this wonderful video? Your shot of the waterfall was breathtaking and made me want to grip my chair.

[@timothysexton1532]

They need to "Just shut up and listen" -- so true! They're missing so many naturally beautiful sounds when they cover them with man-made noise pollution. Great video! You had me on the edge of my seat!

[@barstow02]

As always an Awesome video! PLEASE keep up the great work!

[@efzapp7]

Thanks for a great video! I'll never be able to make that hike so I really appreciate you doing it and sharing. Some great shots but be careful it look pretty dangerous.

[@stefanlittauer9365]

100% agree with you on the noise pollution problem

[@thizizliz]

What a spectacular hike! Wow. Really beautiful and yes - well worth the workout. I know what you mean about man made noise in the woods - we did a hike last year in the mountains near Vegas - we climbed over a thousand feet in a mere 2.5 miles - super steep, switchbacks but oh, so beautiful and the smell of the pines was fantastic. There were wild flowers and rocks and caves and lovely other people hiking from all over the world. And then a couple of young people came along with a super loud radio blasting. The entire time we were up at the falls - it was boom, boom, boom, so we left earlier than planned and started down. Down is more dangerous so we were going slowly but sure enough, along came the dudes with the boom box. The first rule of hiking is to stay on the path, but they were cutting between the switchbacks tearing up the native topsoil. Ugh. Here I am, a year and a half later, still angry about it. When we're camping, hiking, enjoying nature, helicopters, loud motors of any kind, tv, radios and so on spoil the natural sounds and ruin it for others. And for crying out loud, turn your lights off when you go to bed! It's not a WalMart parking lot, some of us want to see the stars! So, rant way - I'm in total agreement.

[@srinman]

That was great! Thanks!!!

[@clermontcubby9207]

Thanks for taking us along.

[@sylviajones3249]

So beautiful. Thank you for risking life and limb for that awesome cliff view of the falls. I agree with you about the wonderful sounds of nature. I used to listen to music when I walked but I soon realized I needed to hear just nature. It is so much better than any medication. Please be careful, Slim. You are much appreciated.

[@johncurtin2937]

I've only been following for a short time but can see true professionalism developing in your videos. Practice makes perfect and your well on the way.

[@Glendram]

Wow Slim .... Stunningly beautiful, thank you !

[@kimprocarione5473]

Wow! The water through the great rock formations and boulders, amazing trees... just incredible! I've heard nothing but stories of how beautiful Banff area is. 😊

[@KathrynLee5456]

Amazing!!! I like this more than the glacier I saw from a six wheeled tourist vehicle nearby... Thanks for taking the risk to get this footage. I wish I could do something like that. The noises you spoke of are true pollution. Subtle noise of life. It's bringing life to us.

[@rcsproject627]

Wow what a spectacular view of the falls. Thanks slim for risking your life for an awesome video!!! Be careful man...

[@cletusvandamme6262]

As the Alberta license plates say, "Wild Rose Country". Exceptionally beautiful!

[@markhosbach9420]

Can't understand why this video has so few views. There's beautiful natural scenery, adventure, and a bit of vertigo inducing danger to top it off. I enjoyed it. Thanks Slim!

[@dananelson3534]

Have mobility issues. Fall on my face often enough to remind me. Love to hike, enjoyed the video.

[@KD2GIY]

your really getting the hang of this video thing. keep up the great work

[@dlmac5935]

Beautiful video! Ulnlike man made noise, the noise of nature is pure, what we're inherently built and meant to hear. Thanks for sharing the beauty of this world!

[@freespirit6209]

Yes, well said.

[@noahcount7132]

Momma Nature's trifecta: Wildlife, Wildflowers and Waterfalls. Well done! The effort you expended to bring your viewers the absolutely stunning perspectives of the waterfalls at the head of Bow Lake is greatly appreciated.

[@carolyntolliver1146]

What a blessing to us that you are able to take such a strenuous hike to the top! Beautiful views of the waterfalls. We agree, get out of the city and hear the sounds of nature!

[@northtexas4110]

Incredible Falls cliff footage and Bow Glacier! Thank you for sharing!

[@jackiehyder2339]

thank you. I am disabled. I really appreciate the view you just gave me. awe-inspiring.

[@pupcamper58]

Wow, spectacular footage of the falls. Thanks for sharing.

[@danperreault9966]

as usual, an awesome job.....through you, I'm able to travel from the comfort of my chair (because of illness) Keep it up and looking forward to your next trek.

[@bertadelaudebri7179]

Great narration throughout this and, as l noted, your other video(s). In addition, you provide splendid picturesque perspectives and points of view for us - your viewers! Truly enjoy same, one word...wow!

[@a.swifty1081]

well, that was a spectacular view of the lake, took my breath away. The segment of the falls created awe and wonder in my heart. Thank you for taking the risk, however, please take precautions so that you can continue to explore your love of camping in nature...and so we can also enjoy your talent of sharing.

[@pfgoetsringo]

This is once again AWESOME....keep it up👍🏻👍🏻

[@northtexas4110]

Escape is right to the peace and quiet and beautiful scenery! I think Edward and I might just do that very thing!! Thank you for the video! Enjoyed so much!

[@cornishviewnorth8994]

Just wonderful. A privilege to see the Iceberg Lake hidden away up there, and your videos always convey a sense of awe, and the thrill of discovery. Thank you so much.

[@susanstrickland6774]

That was so beautiful. What a hike that was! Good on you for wearing the helmet. Loved the wild flowers. Excellent video. TY. 👍👍

[@kawaikui]

OMG, you made my toes curl! It was a treacherous hike for you but thank you, thank you, thank you for your beautiful video and for sharing the beauty of Canada with us. Safe journeys to you . . .

[@PaulDGreen-bu4iz]

Spectacular views! Thank you for risking your safety for us! Thank you for sharing!

[@pagewhite61]

Oh my gosh, that shot over the waterfall was spectacular!! Thank you very much.

[@hansostlund4626]

Right sir, when watching this great video Im dead sure you would feel at home in Norway, beautiful place belive me, Im not norse myself but travels as often I can live in sweden

[@TinyLiving]

Slim, this was AMAZING! Im going to watch it again on my big screen! THANK YOU for "taking us with you"

[@loreneknight9755]

Ohhhhh my goodness. WOW. That was spectacular. You are BRAVE. Thank you for ALL you do. God sure has alot to offer us, doesn't He? Safe travels & extraordinary travels, Slim. Let's all shut up & listen. I know I will.

[@robc.5745]

The hike to the lake /glacier was like drone footage without the drone ,thank for taking some risky moves for our enjoyment.

[@billleland957]

Awesome video. I would love to see that part of the country some day.

[@vivianallen9772]

I’m happy you survived, Slim, you crazy man!

[@wolfganglauer4821]

A great video ,thanks Slim enjoyed the views you captured on your hike .

[@ramblinman9451]

By far, this is the best video you have done, so super cool! PEACE OUT !!!

[@nancywolfe1983]

This was a great video. That was quite the hike up the Rockies. The waterfall was beautiful. Be careful. Have fun, which I am sure you are.

[@davidjones8680]

You sure take us to some amazingly beautiful places. And yes, i totally agree with your views on obnoxious "noise", tranquil "noise" is so so much better for us. Thank you. David in the UK.

[@UncleBuckle50]

Thanks for sharing Slim. That was terrific.

[@revk8611]

Absolutely beautiful. Making this a stop on my cross country trip this summer.

[@MBAdoptableDogs]

Been watching your great videos for a while and just came across this one, terrific! I was at the Num-ti-Jah Lodge and Bow Lake in June of 2017. Wonderful trip of a life time to visit Calgary, Banff and Jasper. Every turn was more beautiful than the last! Thanks for the memories!

[@andrew81632]

Slim I've been making my way through your earlier content, it's wonderful. You are more daring than I thought! I hope you'll still visit us out west now that you've moved east. Safe travels.

[@manojrangasamy3603]

Amazing video Slim. The downhill hike on a loose gravel is always nerve wracking!!!

[@kristiejacobs4854]

Icefields Parkway was the highlight of our Canadian Tour a couple years ago! We’ve never seen anything so grand and majestic in our travels!

[@celinescrappassion2184]

this was awesome!!!!!!!! You take amazing videos and photos! I totally share your opinion about nature and the sounds of nature. We were recently at a NAtional PArk in Maine, and the minute we got there, were were surrounded by all the RVs generators noises and it was awfull... I thought I would be hearing the sound of birds chirping, and wind through the trees and the sound of the ocean not far away.... but those sounds were drowned by generators instead. I just enjoy teh peace and quiet of nature and some people just don't get it, you are so right.

[@SlimPotatohead]

Hi Celine, Good to hear others share my concerns. I was very happy to find out that some US parks actually have "No Generators" sections (Like Twin Peaks Campground at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument) for those that are there for nature. Then there's the jerks cutting campground trees with chainsaws for firewood (why? - gas stations sell it for only $5 a bundle legally). Believe me, I've seen them all!

[@joannsilva4715]

Tator, dude that was some dangerous shenanigans! Those jagged rocks, helmet yes! That ledge had deep gouges & could have easily broken free! Had a hard time watching you & that steep trek! Yes those shots were beautiful but I could not get the what if's out of my thoughts! OMG be careful!

[@johnpaulgarcia6906]

Thanks slim potato head. This is one of your best nature videos

[@nancydresser7643]

God bless you Slim, that was freaking amazing!

[@freespirit6209]

Amazing. Wonderful to get out there into the peace of nature, even vicariously. Thank you so much, but be careful. Greetings from overcrowded England!

[@robinengland5799]

This is one of the best hiking videos ever, thanks for sharing!!!

[@timm6112]

Beautiful place. Thank you for showing the world. Noise pollution is always on my mind. It is constant in the city. So quiet in the desert, away from civilization. It almost takes getting re-acclimated to .

[@littlefarmer32]

Great video, I do love the natural beauty of our great land, and I love the great trails, and hard core riding my dual sport and dirtbike riding with my boys. We are always packing out more garbage than we make ourselves. Growing up in southern ALBERTA, I have hiked most of the Rockies and their great trails. Safe travels, have fun

[@MsKraftee]

Awesome video. The view of the falls was spectacular! I know what you mean about the noise. The first time I went to the Grand Canyon, I arrived in time to watch the sunrise. I was so awestruck, I actually was moved to tears. Meanwhile, all around me, others were just jabbering away. I wanted to yell "STOP TALKING and just take some time to reflect on what you are seeing". Instead, I walked away and found a quieter spot.

[@SlimPotatohead]

I had the exact same experience at grand canyon for a sunset. One place I don't recommend!

[@MsKraftee]

I think everyone should see it at least once but it's a shame that so many people don't have any reverance for such an amazing place.

[@susanpremo8068]

Love this, my palms were wet watching you go out on the ledge! I think that's one thing about winter, were usually the only people having a fire in our backyard. We never have big fires either. Someday, when carona virus is over, you should check out northeastern Minnesota. I cant wait to get back there. Great videography. Just wonderful, glaciers, how cool.

[@janicem4382]

Wow, that was just incredible! Thank you so much.

[@ireneluciow455]

Hi, you were talking about the sound and noises around you while camping. We were camping in a small lake beside a road on our way too Prince Rupert, the next camper besides was a snorer, a very loud shorter, lol... we just chuckled and covered up our heads.

[@jodielindakeahey5214]

Beautiful trip & excellent hike. Thank you.

[@barbaragriffin869]

It took all of my nerve to watch your beautiful footage, but I’m glad you did it safely!

[@AllenManor]

Great video!

[@SajidAkbar00007]

I am yours big fan. I find my soul is so nearer towards your soul. my wait is over n finally i find a person like me.... and a KZbin channel which i was waiting for centuries... i can't afford that type of nature mingling but now I m gladdddd. thanks brother, thanks, WARMEST REGARDSSSSSSS

[@SlimPotatohead]

Thanks Sajid, glad it inspires your soul! SP

[@bluejeans8001]

Spectacular view of the falls👍 But no safety rope and alone🙀 Enjoying your vids👍👍👍

[@PaulyGirl48]

Great video! wish I was there!

[@theresevh]

I've decided to go back to your beginnings and watch all your earlier videos with the Aline! I am very happy with my decision!

[@adventureawaits3918]

Amazing views! Thanks for posting this fantastic video!

[@johnd746]

Great video again. Personally I don't feel comfortable hiking alone, especially when you scrambled up to the top of the falls. But sure do appreciate your ability to not only do that, but film it so wonderfully. I have never taken a trip like that alone. Always have my wife and son with me. I think I would get lonely doing it by myself, but sure do appreciate your ability to do that.

[@gr7485]

Thanks for creating this video. As a fellow Albertan it's a trek I'll never be able to make so I really appreciate you sharing with us what you saw.

[@LoveMtDulcimerMusic]

Absolutely spectacular! But please be safe.

[@taylorbarton9847]

Beautiful!

[@tomhamp2915]

Amazingly beautiful...

[@autumnskyes5633]

Slim: I just subscribed last night so forgive me if you have a video of this somewhere. Do you ever fish for your supper out in locations like these? I hope to enjoy a fresh caught fish for my supper when I'm finally able to go.

[@hansostlund4626]

Looking at the beauty of the world!

[@mrdave22]

another good vid, thanks for sharing, thumbs up

[@stymiedagain]

Were you at a campground, or just boon-docking? I was watching you go out to the ledge saying to myself "oh, no, don't do it Slim!"

[@SlimPotatohead]

Hi Stymiedagain, I was boondocking. Although there's no free camping in national parks, there are some areas that are free within driving distance of the big attractions. I will share some for this area on an upcoming video. Thanks!

[@mariomartin4137]

thanks for all the videos you make is great

[@chrislonsberry4571]

Great video and wonderful thoughts.

[@lindawoods6841]

love the falls,,what risks you take to get the right pictures...so beautiful..thank you

[@bigtexnick2188]

hey slim, i doubt youll ever see this coment. but i wanted to say that i tink thi i your best vlog yet. absolutely stunning views, awesome adventure, and nice calming conclusion. just fantastic.

[@SlimPotatohead]

Well thanks! This one seemed to go under the radar, great to hear it finally got some appreciation! SP

[@jplimages]

Great video. Always appreciate your content (thank you). Where did you camp?

[@MikeBius]

INCREDIBLE! AWESOME!

[@tink5488]

9:50 the ambience, definitely agree.

[@hansostlund4626]

As always, great good entertainment sir best to you!😀

[@tractorhyatt7044]

Nice shot of the waterfall off the ledge! But be safe out there!

[@lcatalla7292]

Mr. Slim.. I'm a new subscriber and enjoyed watching all your video presentation. Someday I want to own an A frame trailer and I can use all your tips & tricks. Thank you.

[@kathleenwharton2139]

So Great! I Love you..But you are Crazy! I was holding my breath with the top of the cliff shot..But so glad you did it! And the cliff held out! You make me want to go to Canada. It is so beautiful. And I like the quiet of the forest too. It is too bad people don't appreciate that part..and have to bring their Crap civilization? With them. You are right about city Noise pollution. Thank you for doing such a Great job. god is So With You!