Finding Stillness at Maligne Lake, Jasper

In a world increasingly full of text notifications, virtual arguments in the form of social media comments and rising email inboxes, come see how I found absolute stillness via a much-needed rest at Maligne Lake in Jasper, Alberta.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Pursuit Banff Jasper Collection. As always, all of the opinions here are my own.

This isn't the typical how-to or decor post you'll find on The DIY Mommy. This is a little diary entry of how I was able to spend this past weekend and also a reminder for you to get away from it all and take a break.

If you follow me on Instagram & watch my Stories, you might know that I've been struggling a lot lately with hateful comments on YouTube and elsewhere. I've been blogging for 9 years now and have received lots of negative comments in the past, but lately they've just been so hateful and so personal. Even though I have a system in place now to deal with the comments (they usually end up deleted if they're not constructive), I'm still a sensitive person and the initial sting is always there.

The historic Maligne Lake boat house

I know that I'm not the only one who has to deal with challenges at work. Whether you're a stay-at-home-mama, a fellow blogger, a receptionist, a teacher - whatever - we all have 10 million things on our plates. And then when a nasty person comes along (in the form of a virtual commenter or a real life person), it can put us over the edge.

When that feeling of wanting to quit comes, that's when I know I need a break.

I love this saying:

“If you get tired learn to rest, not to quit.”

And when Pursuit asked me if I wanted to take a last minute cruise in the mountains this past weekend I KNEW that was my cue to say, "Yes, please!"

Spirit Island at Maligne Lake

Now, you certainly don't have to retreat to the mountains for 24 hours like I did to get a rest. A rest can be found in many forms - losing yourself in a book, going for a walk in the woods, or sitting on the patio solo - but I think it's imperative that your phone and your computer are OFF. Like COMPLETELY off.

That's one of the things I loved about our Maligne Lake Cruise adventure; there was absolutely no cell phone service. I was forced to rest with zero digital distractions.

For me, this was just what I needed. It couldn't have come at a better time.

If you are local to the Edmonton area and are able to get away from your rest, I'd 100% recommend driving to the Jasper area and taking the Maligne Lake Cruise.

Maligne Lake is only a 45ish minute drive from Jasper, and the Maligne Lake Cruise is relatively inexpensive and such a beautiful experience! You hop on the cutest turquoise boat and travel along Maligne Lake to a magical spot called Spirit Island.

A quick hike around the island to take in the epic mountain views was really good for my soul!

I'd also recommend having a bite to eat at the Maligne Lake Chalet once you're back from your cruise. This beautiful building was built in 1927 by early pioneer Fred Brewster and has since become an historic site and a beautiful spot for lunch.

I loved seeing the history here, and the buffet style lunch was absolutely delicious!

This incredible mountain adventure makes me so excited for all of our camping trips this summer where I'm hoping to experience the same stillness and rest with my family. I'm looking forward to reveling in nature... and leaving the phone behind.

Fore more information on the Maligne Lake Cruise, the Maligne Lake Chalet, and more adventures you can experience in the Banff & Jasper areas, please visit the Pursuit Banff Jasper Collection website.

Now tell me: How do you rest when you feel like quitting?