Our Canadian Adventure Begins!
June 15, 2026
What’s up!! Although it’s only been a couple days since we got to Canada we’ve got lots to update y’all on!
Our group arrived Friday night, and spent the night bonding at baggage claim. To someone unfamiliar with Moondance we probably looked crazy! Our group was in a corner, working on friendship bracelets, playing hackysack, eating pizza, and most importantly feasting on powdered sugar donuts for dessert! By the time everyone had arrived, it was late, so we had a quick Moonup at the hostel before calling it a night!
The next morning was an early one! We piled into the van to start our adventure! Andrew was an epic DJ and made the time in the car fly by. Our first stop on our road trip was Banff! We took about an hour to explore the town, checking out some T-shirt shops and even more importantly, a candy shop. Henry told our group about a crystallized maple candy, that although we haven’t found yet, are still looking for! After Banff, we stopped at one of the most scenic lunch spots where every time someone asked a new riddle Addi figured them out almost immediately. Our final stop of the day was at a scenic lake spot where Ruthie took a group selfie that will most definitely make the Instagram!
We finished off the day with a chicken and rice dinner with greek salad on the side. Then, at Moonup, one of our leaders of the day, Whitley, had each person describe the type of frog they would be and give their best “Ribbit”.
We woke up at the crack of dawn this next morning to get ready for a big day of canyoning. Luckily, we had Eve and Walter, our leaders of the day who were quick and extraordinarily helpful in rallying the troops. We hopped into the van and were off.
Once we made it to the canyon, our breath was taken by the towering walls and CHILLY water. It was cool learning to spot each other, and to use hand lines as well as the rock to get up some tricky areas. During our quick lunch break, Preston boldly jumped into an absolutely freezing waterfall! In the afternoon, we had a blast sliding, rappelling, zip lining, down some of the most scenic rocks we’d ever seen.
We spent the evening prepping for backpacking. Packing a backpack, duffle shuffle, … we learned all the important skills we will need over the next few days. Most importantly, we chose 2 new LODs who we trust to lead us into this next section of the trip. John, who was chosen for his humor and Elsa, who was chosen for her selflessness and constant willingness to help out.
We are stoked for this next chapter of the trip and next time you hear from us, we will be a bunch of seasoned backpackers (and have gone a full week with no showers)!
STUDENT -> PARENT SHOUTOUTS
Andrew: Dear mom and dad-I’m having a great time here in Canada my group is great today we did canyoning it was a lot of fun but also super cold I’m missing y’all and looking forward to the rest of the trip and see y’all when it’s over, love y’all!
Henry: Hey Mom, Dad, Bea, and Walter, I’m having so much fun! Everybody is awesome and the Rockies are beautiful, i cannot believe that I am here.
With that being said, I am excited to see you, but I do not want to leave. I hope you all are having the best time, and I’ll see y’all soon, but not too soon, love you!
Addi: Dear Mom and dad, I have been doing great and I’m very happy. It’s only day 2 and I’ve already become close to the people here. I hope you are doing well and I’m exited to tell you all about this trip. Love you guys!!
Walter: Yo Mom, dad, ruby, Lizzy, grandad, Zha zha what’s up. I been having a great time in the Rockies so far. These mountains are nuts and I never wanna leave. I’ve already made a bunch of new friends and I’m having a lot of fun. Love all u guys and goodbye.
Ruthie: Hi Mom and Dad! The Rockies are so pretty and I’m having the best time ever. Everyone is awesome, and I haven’t gotten too cold! Love and miss y’all!
Elsa: hi guys! I’m doing well and even though I miss you guys so much I’m excited to make memories and do some amazing things. Canada is so beautiful and the activities we have done are unlike anything I’ve ever done and so fun. I love you guys so much!
Preston: Hi mom dad poet and tell Will this stuff!!!!!! It’s soo pretty here and I’m having lots much fun! Today we did canyoneering and it was like one of the coolest funnest thing I have done! I wrote a lot so hope yall like it! I miss you guys so much and I love y’all so much!!!
Whitley: Hi mom and dad! I’m having a great time, the views are UNREAL!! Thank you for sending me here. I’m excited to tell yall about everything!!
Eve: Hey mom and dad!! I am having so much fun, the views are soggo cool! I am having so much fun with my group my leaders and kids are amazing. Today we went canyoneering and the water was the coldest I have ever been but the canyons were so pretty. I miss yall. Tell pj and blueberry I miss them love.
John: Hey mom dad Julia and pearl. We’ve just started the trip and went canyoneering in some freezing water. I’m having a lot of fun and the views are great. Thank yall! and I’ll see you soon.
Safe Arrival!
June 13, 2026
Hi Canadian Rockies Families!
We heard from our leaders last night that the group landed safely in Calgary! The trip is off to a great start, and we cannot wait to hear more stories from their adventure!
Please remember that our leaders and students will be unplugged, but we will be posting trip updates throughout the trip! This will allow you to follow along with the trip. You can also follow us on Instagram, @moondanceadventures, to see more of what we are up to!
-Moondance HQ
