Thank you for being part of my journey! I am so grateful you are here. I hope the stories, hiking summaries, and adventures will inspire your spirit in some way. I truly believe that the planet heals when we heal and connecting to nature is one of the most healing things we can do. Please reach out to me if you have any questions and share this blog with a friend of loved one. Thank you and all of my love always, Asiya

DAY 1: Joffre Lakes, BC (August 11, 2023)

Length: 4.6 mi Elevation gain: 1,610 ft Route type: Out & back

This chapter of my life is about reconnecting to the inner whispers of my heart. In a world of distraction, how can you listen to your highest self, the guidance that comes the God, above anything else?

5.5 hours after my 8:45 am departure from Kirkland, Wa I reached the Joffre Lakes region in Whistler, BC. What a gem of a hike!!! Not one, not two, but three glacier lakes beckoning to be swam in!

The first, a short 5-10 minute walk from the parking. The second further in- The trail, one of the best I have ever been on. The first part of the trail wraps along the first lake, then into the woods, before entering a clearing laced with waterfalls and the most magnificent views of the valley and surrounding peaks. A steep climb with wooden steps and you arrive at the second lake. Mesmerizing beauty, one cannot help but be stunned by the unreal color of the lake. I swam at this second lake and then changed and visited lake number three not before passing the most stunning waterfall. Rain started to drizzle so I headed back to my car but a longer 45 minute detour each way can be added if time and weather allows to see the third lake from the other side.

DAY 2 (August 12, 2023)

Solo travel and leaning into the unknown is an exercise of trust. How interesting would a book or movie be if you already knew every scene that would unfold? Our lives are similar.

The biggest energy that I face is fear. What I have learned about fear is that on the other side of our deepest fears are our biggest dreams. Of course not everything we fear is good for us. But many times the very thing we fear is what our heart has been guided us to all along.

The distinction therefore is the message of the heart. If the fear creates expansion and peace within the heart, I lean into it. If it creates disruption in our heart of hearts, I sway away.

Day 2 of my trip was spent relaxing and letting myself simply ‘be’. I planned the next several days, rented an e bike for the first time using an app called evo, swam in the majestic mountain ‘lost lake,’ and held a baby frog for the first time since my early childhood. I talked to many people along the way, shared stories, laughed, learned, and lived. As I walked home after a full day- the warm breeze reminded me everything is unfolding beautifully and I felt overwhelming amounts of gratitude as I watched the last of the orange light fade from the peaks as I sat in the Jacuzzi of my hotel.

DAY 3: Panorama Ridge, Garibaldi Provincial Park (August 13, 2023)
Length: 19.6 mi (took me 21 mi), Elevation gain: 5,523 ft, Route type: Out & back

21 miles later and I live to tell the tale! This epic day hike is one for the books.

When I first saw Garobaldi Lake from the ridge, it took my breath away. I was stunned. Moments like these bring you into complete presence- I don’t even think you can be the same after seeing this view. It changes you on a cellular level, recalibrating you to the beauty that exists within you that is being reflected through the lake.

If you attempt this hike, start early. I drank 5 liters of water during the hike – sterilizing stream water along the way. Bring tons of snacks and sun protection as much of the trail is exposed.

And just be ready to literally have your mind blown. The hike up is beyond magical. I took hundred of photos and videos- wildflowers, meadows, streams, mountain and lake views. From the ridge, you can see Garibaldi Lake, Black Tusk, and the Helm Lake area. Simply put, it’s magical beyond this realm.

Also, I did swim in the lake on the way up and on the way down and highly recommend bringing a bathing suit to enjoy the majestic waters.

DAY 4: Clearwater (August 14, 2023)

I road tripped from Whistler to Clearwater. With a late departure and a relaxed mood, I enjoyed this winding road trip down through the mountains, into the dry lands and up to Clearwater.

After passing the popular Joffre Lakes, I stumbled upon Duffy Lake and couldn’t resist a mid afternoon swim before continuing on my way. The mountain pass was gorgeous. The winding roads, endless vistas of carved rock and expansive views with distant lakes, inspired my soul and reminded me of the beauty within my heart.

The area after my descent from the mountains brought me into the dry lands and with this descent, I found myself in the thick of the area affected by the Adam’s fire. Passing straight through Revelstoke, I continued north to Clearwater and arrived at my B and B at 5:45pm.

I was delayed significantly due to my relaxed pace and afternoon nap which I snuck in road side as I was feeling sleepy from the winding roads and listened to my body’s rhythm.

I headed straight to the three waterfalls famed in this area. Its hard to describe the feeling of visiting these sacred sights. I could feel the indigenous history of the waterfalls and part of me felt saddened by the way the current day construction of “look and take a photo and leave” culture has changed the way we interact with nature. I hope that reform comes and that the sacred ceremony of visiting these sights is rekindled.

When I arrived at Helmcken Falls, a beautiful rainbow danced in the last sun of the day and left my heart vibrating with the magic I was experiencing. I prayed, made intentions, and asked for help, surrendering myself fully to the path God has for me on this planet. I was mesmerized, stunned, enchanted, and hypnotized by the beauty of this falls and could have spent an entire day or days here communing with this waterfall.

Dawson waterfall was next and I was equally enchanted. I placed my feet in the water just above the falls and spoke my intentions into the waters asking the waters to carry the purity of that which wants to flow through me in ease.

Lastly, I visited Spahats Creek Falls and again was completely mesmerized by the sight. The pink sky, giant waterfall and epic views again kindled a fire within me.

The waterfalls reminded me to go with the flow and to go down stream- to take the path of least resistance and to let go of the stress and tension I am holding.
Forever grateful for these experiences with nature that teach me so much.

DAY 5: Roadtrip (August 15, 2023)
Clearwater to Jasper and exploring Jasper National Park (JNP)

Mount Robson: Cloud cover was so thick I decided to head straight to JNP

Bucket List Hike: Berg Lake Trail to Kinney Lake Every Lake on the way from Mount Robson to JNP Edith Lake (Swimming!)
Annette Lake

Beauvert Lake for Sunset (Fairview Jasper Park Lodge)

DAY 6: Edith Cavell Meadows Trail, Jasper National Park & Maligne Canyon (August 16, 2023)

Length: 5.1 mi (Took me close to 8mi), Elevation gain: 1,879 ft, Route type: Loop

Swimming in the glacial waters was the perfect rewards after an epic hike to the ridge which offered 365 degree views of the surrounding mountains.

The glacial waters are frigid yet so inviting especially when the sun is out!

The hike to the top is magical in every single way- You can hear and see pieces of glacier falling off into the turquoise waters of Edith Cavell Pond. There are three lookouts and you can stop at any one or all of them like me!

I went to the very end of the trail which is even beyond the last lookout to get views of the entire area. The last part of the trail is steep and rocky, yet I did it in sandals and so can you as long as you have great grip!

Overall, I loved this hike and would do it again in a heart beat. I think its an amazing place to bring your family and enjoy the day in Jasper National Park.

If short on time, I think the hike down to the pond and the first view point is what I would recommend! This would be a 2 hour visit instead of a 7 hour visit. The first photo is from this view point.

I drove to the Maligne Canyon after my hike, but to be honest, I could have skipped it. Sometimes less is more.

To download the rest of the itinerary, please visit here

Thank you!