Favorite Day in Canada by Cameron Long

My study abroad trip to Canada was easily one of the best weeks of my life, making it almost impossible to choose a single favorite day. But if I had to pick, the day we went snowmobiling in British Columbia stands out the most.

The adventure began with a two-hour bus ride from Banff, offering breathtaking views of snow-covered mountains. As the sun peeked over the peaks, the entire landscape glowed in the morning light. Along the way, we made a quick stop at a gas station, where my friend and I stumbled upon—and immediately purchased—the most perfect moose hats. Warm, ridiculous, and absolutely necessary, they became the ultimate souvenir of the trip.

Once we arrived, we suited up in thick snowsuits and helmets, instantly feeling like professional adventurers. Our guide, Paine, walked us through the basics of controlling the snowmobiles, and after some practice, we took off. Carving through fresh powder with towering peaks around us was exhilarating. We sped through open trails, dodged snow-laden trees, and stopped occasionally to take in the unreal views. Along the way, we hiked to a frozen waterfall, where we slid down into a soft pile of snow, laughing like little kids.

At the summit, our guides fired up the grill, cooking hot dogs and warming us up with hot drinks. Just when I thought the day couldn’t get any better, a few students pulled out a guitar. In an instant, we were gathered around singing, laughing, and soaking in the moment. It felt like something straight out of a movie.

That evening, we returned to Banff for a cozy dinner at a local restaurant, sharing stories and reliving the best parts of the day. The night ended with all of us hanging out, deepening friendships, and reflecting on the magic of the experience. It was a day I will never forget.