Lately I have been enjoying my long runs at Lake Minnewanka in Banff. It’s quiet, stunning and the perfect escape from city life. Because it is the off season, I have had the trails mostly to myself. Not to mention, the trails are dry and free from snow (save for the trail to Alymer Lookout).
Early morning serenity
I arrived last Saturday around 8 a.m., the earliest I have hit this trail in a long time. There were maybe five cars in the parking lot. It was quiet and serene. I decided it would be a long time on feet run so I wouldn’t have to worry about stopping to take photos.
I strolled along the shoreline and listened to the quiet of the morning. Within in a few hours, this place would be busy with families and friends. But for now, I had the place to myself.
I arrived early enough to snap some photos before the sun made its appearance for the day. I like dark moody photos because they are a stark contrast to the picture-perfect sunny days.
This inukshuk like cairn was strategically placed for a well-composed photos.
The lake hasn’t completed thawed from the winter. You could see pockets of ice shimmering in the distance, and along the shore.
In the distance, you can see a boat on Lake Minnewanka approach the ice. I watched it approach the ice ice before turning around.
I love running early in the morning before the trails get busy – especially in beautiful places like Banff. It helps calm my random bouts of anxiety and helps me put life into perspective. Running is not always about physical exercise. Sometimes it’s almost a meditative and always healing experience.
The stillness of the lake and the surrounding mountains offer a sense of peace that’s often hard to find in our day-to-day. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love running in nature.