Banff Is Gorgeous. But Canmore Felt Like Home

Everyone talks about Banff like it’s a pilgrimage. And yeah, the mountains are unreal, but I kept thinking about Canmore—the little town just outside the park, where the coffee shops don’t have lines and the Airbnbs don’t feel like tourist traps. I took the bus in every morning, surrounded by hikers and families, and realized I liked the quiet commute more than the crowds at Lake Louise. Maybe it’s just me, but the best part wasn’t the postcard views. It was finding a place that felt like it could be mine, even for a week. No filter needed. Just a small town, a bus pass, and a sense that I could breathe again. #TravelHonesty #NotJustBanff #SmallTownMagic #Travel