Once known as the quiet cousin in the SoCal beach family, Long Beach, California is having a moment — not a flashy one, but an intentional, culture-rich, and effortlessly cool one. Nestled between the buzzing hubs of Los Angeles and Orange County, Long Beach has carved out its own identity: a city that blends oceanfront ease
Our trip to Alberta, Canada, began with a frantic start as we arrived at the airport only to realize we had forgotten our passports! Racing home and back like a bat out of hell (never exceeding the speed limit, of course), we made it just in time. After a brief layover in the lovely city of Vancouver, we landed in Calgary, rented our SUV, and made the 90-minute drive to Canmore, arriving at our Airbnb at 3 AM. Exhausted but excited, our adventure was finally underway.
Day 1: Canmore – A Scenic Start
We headed to the Silvertip Golf Resort for lunch where the view from the patio overlooking the 18th green was far more delicious than the meal itself. “Silvertip,” we learned, is a nickname for grizzly bears. Luckily, we didn’t encounter any during our meal!
Our first hike was up to Grassi Lake, a short but steep 3-mile round trip. For someone of my stature, hiking at nearly 6,000 feet above sea level was a challenge, but the reward was well worth it. The crystal clear lake, waterfalls, and breathtaking views of the valley below made the effort worthwhile. After the hike, we strolled through downtown Canmore, enjoying appetizers and drinks before stocking up at the market for our stay.
Day 2: Lake Louise – High Tea and Hiking
After a home-cooked breakfast, we drove to the iconic Fairmont Lake Louise. While we didn’t spend the $1,500 per night to stay there, we did indulge in “high tea” in the Fairview Room, overlooking the turquoise waters of Lake Louise. The glass of champagne, finger sandwiches, and assortment of desserts made for a delightful two-hour experience.
From there, we took a shuttle to Lake Moraine for a different kind of hike. This trail was rockier, and we watched younger, fitter hikers scramble to the summit over boulders. We opted for photos and a closer look at the frigid lake waters, savoring the serene beauty of the area.
Day 3: Exploring Banff
Our full day in Banff began with exploring the charming town, where we learned about its history and namesake, Banffshire, Scotland. The town’s quaint shops, galleries, and eateries charmed us, and we couldn’t resist trying Canada’s national dish, poutine—fries topped with gravy and cheese curds.
We stumbled upon the annual Harvest Festival, a lively event featuring local musicians, artisans, and food. Afterward, we explored the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and hiked up the challenging Tunnel Mountain trail. A fine dinner at Saffron Indian Cuisine ended the day on a delicious note. We then enjoyed a soak at the Banff Upper Hot Springs Spa, a perfect way to ease our sore muscles after days of hiking.
Day 4: Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls
Day four took us to British Columbia, where we hiked around Emerald Lake, our favorite hike of the trip. The shaded path, canopied by low-hanging trees, offered stunning views. We also visited the Natural Bridge over the Kicking Horse River, marveling at the wild rapids before heading to the awe-inspiring Takakkaw Falls. Dinner at Chuck’s Steakhouse in Banff—sharing a massive cowboy cut ribeye—was the perfect end to the day.
Day 5: Banff’s Finale and a Bittersweet Departure
Our final day was bittersweet. We had an incredible journey, but news of a wildfire threatening our home in Southern California hung over us. Despite the anxiety, we made the most of the day with a boat ride on Lake Minnewanka and a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain, where we soaked in the panoramic views.
As we prepared to fly home, we left with a sense of gratitude for our adventure to the Canadian Rockies and a longing to return to this stunning region again.
with urban energy, where laid-back vibes meet ambitious spirit.
Walk along Shoreline Drive and you’ll see why Long Beach defies the typical beach-town stereotype. The Queen Mary rests in stately silence, a ghost of a grander era, while nearby, modern murals splash warehouse walls in the East Village Arts District. Cyclists cruise through palm-lined bike paths, while locals sip craft coffee outside indie cafés that double as creative hubs.
But Long Beach isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about community. It’s the kind of city where a farmer’s market turns into a meet-up, where neighborhood festivals are built by locals, for locals. The Bixby Knolls First Fridays art walk brings together food trucks, live bands, and pop-up galleries in a celebration of local culture. And the pride in Long Beach is real — not just during the world-famous Long Beach Pride Festival, but year-round, in the city’s celebration of inclusivity, resilience, and growth.
