Day 10 took us across the border and into some of the most breathtaking scenery we’ve seen on the entire trip. We spent the day driving through Yoho, Banff, and Jasper National Parks, and by the end of it we agreed on one thing: the United States has some incredible national parks, but Canada is playing a different game.
Everything feels bigger. The mountains seem taller. The valleys stretch farther. The rivers are bluer. Even the roadside bathrooms are spotless. The people have been friendly, welcoming, and proud to share their corner of the world.
With the kids off enjoying ranch life, Day 10 looked a little different. Zed and I spent the day leapfrogging through the Canadian Rockies in separate vehicles, checking in at fuel stops, scenic overlooks, and construction zones. After nearly two weeks on the road we’ve become pretty good at experiencing the same adventure from different driver’s seats.
One of the funniest moments came at Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park. Traffic had slowed as tourists crowded the roadside taking pictures of wildlife. As we rolled past, we overheard one visitor ask, “What are these called?”
Without missing a beat, Zed rolled down the window and shouted, “They’re called moose!”
Whether the tourists appreciated the assistance remains unknown, but it provided us with several miles of entertainment.
The scenery continued to impress all day long. Around every corner was another glacier-fed lake, another mountain peak, or another view that made us slow down and stare for a minute. We found ourselves repeatedly saying, “We need to come back here and spend more time.”
For dinner we stopped at Montana’s BBQ in Jasper. Good food, friendly service, and a chance to stretch our legs before finishing the drive to Hinton for the night.
Today wasn’t about checking off attractions or crossing miles off the map. It was simply about enjoying the journey. Some roads are meant to get you somewhere. Others become part of the destination themselves.
Tonight we’re resting in Hinton, Alberta, grateful for clear roads, incredible scenery, and a reminder that there is still plenty of beauty left to discover between Point A and Point B.
Herd Stats
Miles Driven: 4,276
States/Provinces Visited: 11/2
Hotels/Campgrounds: 18
Vehicle Issues: 3 check engine lights, 1 cracked windshield
Herd Morale: Rocky Mountain High
Sanity Level: Somewhere between Jasper and Banff
The Davies Herd 
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