Youlia and I both feel our time in the bow valley has come to an end. It’s been a thrilling experience ever since we arrived in Canmore. Now, our next adventure awaits: gold-digging in The Yukon. Kidding of course. We’re going to work for food and accommodation.

We are going to miss the Alpine glow.

WHY?

The main reason for our leave is that it is almost impossible to settle permanently in the Bow Valley. The cost of living is just too steep. That’s why nearly all people come and go. Plus, We’ve seen most of this area and we can’t stick to a job for longer than a few months (tell us how?).

“If you can live and work in the Bow valley, you can live anywhere”ANY CANADIAN

Our landlord has found new tenants, we’re slowly selling stuff we don’t need anymore and we are mentally preparing ourselves for the next thing. On April 1st, We will start driving all the way up to Whitehorse which is no less than a 30-hour drive. We’re aiming to be there around April 10th since we’re taking the scenic drive.

As of December, we’ve had friends and family coming over non-stop. Did we bite off more than we could chew? Perhaps, but we’ve made some amazing memories with our guests that will last a lifetime.

WHY THE YUKON?

8.05 am: A last look at the Elk @ Canmore

It’s remote, there’s an abundance of wildlife and the word Yukon sounds nice. Grizzly bears are waking up out of hibernation and we’re hoping to get another glimpse of these magnificent animals. Our goal is to see a bit more of Canada before returning to Belgium. Certainly now spring is almost there!

Being in the Yukon would also be a good opportunity to spot Northern lights. It’s never guaranteed though.

WHAT ARE YOU GUYS GOING TO DO UP THERE?

Through a site called workaway, we’ve found a ranch to work at, in return for accommodation and food.

HOW LONG ARE WE AIMING TO BE THERE? AND WHAT’S AFTER?

Honestly, we don’t have a clue. It might just be for a month, or it might be for longer. We don’t think we’ll be in Canada till summer since we’re not getting paid for our work, but time will tell.

After getting back to Belgium it would be time for us to truly figure out where (not) to settle. Living permanently in Australia is still a distant dream, although we probably have to work and live elsewhere in the meantime to save up and reorganize ourselves.

A FEW HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR TIME IN THE BOW VALLEY REGION.

Season’s pass @ Lake Louise

Best decision we’ve made hands down! We’ve been going for more than 25 times and we’ve loved every second of it. Also, this ski resort offers one of the best mountain views you can imagine. We got to understand the Canadian craving for Fresh powder, this combined with a blue sky will leave you speechless. Shredding on fresh pow on this side of the Rockies truly is a marvelous experience.

Getting stuck in Kananaskis country.

Don’t want to know how many times we fueled up our car, but joyriding in his area was definitely worth our hard–earned dollars. Every ride was different and we saw tons of wildlife. Kananaskis will forever have a place in our hearts.

“All fun and games until a heavy snowfall hits you. Get others to help push your car when you get stuck.”

The Dogsledding adventure

It was memorable and amazing. Unbelievable that the sledding took place on the exact same spot as where the Revenant was filmed. Enough said.

And ofcourse the countless campfires and guitar evenings with our friends and family.

WE’LL TOUCH BASE WITH YOU GUYS AS SOON AS WE’VE ARRIVED UP NORTH! FOLLOW US ON DISCOVERY CHANNEL!

Jens and Youlia

ps: we’re not on the discovery channel