Why Slowing Down Made Me Love Traveling Even More

Slow travel is about taking your time, exploring beyond the main attractions, and discovering hidden gems, scenic viewpoints, local experiences, and meaningful moments along the journey instead of rushing to the destination.

It’s about the Journey,not just the Destination

For most of my life, I was always in a hurry to reach the destination.

If we were heading to Banff, Jasper, Vancouver, or somewhere new, my mind was already focused on arriving. Every kilometre driven felt like one step closer to where I wanted to be.

The little green signs along the highway?

I barely noticed them.

“Scenic Viewpoint.”

“Historic Site.”

“Waterfall.”

“Nature Trail.”

I’d glance at them for a second before they disappeared in the rearview mirror. I always assumed we didn’t have time or that they couldn’t possibly be worth the stop.

Looking back now, I realize how much I missed.

Learning to Slow Down

Over the last few years, something changed.

Maybe it’s because I’m getting older.

Maybe it’s because hiking has taught me patience.

Or maybe it’s because living with chronic pain has reminded me that every good day is a gift.

Now, instead of planning every minute of a trip, I leave myself extra time.

When I see one of those brown signs, I often turn in.

And I’m so glad I do.

Some of my favourite memories weren’t on my original itinerary.

I’ve stumbled across beautiful waterfalls that were only a five-minute walk from the parking lot.

I’ve wandered peaceful boardwalks through wetlands filled with birds and wildflowers.

I’ve discovered hiking trails I’d never heard of that ended with breathtaking mountain views.

I’ve stood at scenic viewpoints wondering how thousands of people drive past every day without ever stopping.

Those unexpected discoveries have become some of the highlights of my travels.

The Hidden Gems You’ll Never Find in a Hurry

There’s actually a reason slow travel has become so popular around the world.

Instead of trying to check destinations off a list, more travellers are choosing to experience fewer places more deeply. Studies have found that slowing down while traveling can reduce stress, increase enjoyment, and create stronger, more lasting memories because you’re more engaged with what you’re experiencing instead of rushing to the next stop.

I completely understand why.

Some of the places I remember most weren’t famous attractions at all.

They were the unexpected ones.

The quiet waterfall.

The tiny roadside museum.

The peaceful picnic area beside a river.

The old wooden bridge.

The lookout with no crowds.

Those places don’t always appear in travel brochures, but somehow they become the memories that stay with us.

It’s Not Just About Travel

The more I thought about it, the more I realized this isn’t only true on road trips.

It’s true in life.

How often are we so focused on the next thing that we miss what’s happening right in front of us?

We rush through weekdays waiting for the weekend.

We wish summer would hurry up.

We count down to retirement.

We chase one milestone after another.

Meanwhile, life quietly unfolds in the ordinary moments.

A sunset.

Coffee on the deck.

A grandchild’s laugh.

A conversation with someone you love.

A walk through the woods.

Those moments don’t ask us to hurry.

They simply ask us to notice.

One Stop Changed Everything

Some of my best hiking adventures happened because I decided to pull over.

If I hadn’t slowed down, I never would have discovered many of the waterfalls, viewpoints, and hidden trails that have become some of my favourite places.

Ironically, I still reached my destination.

Usually only a few minutes later.

But those extra minutes gave me memories I’ll never forget.

I’ve learned that the destination isn’t going anywhere.

The little adventures along the way are often the ones that disappear if we don’t take the time to see them.

What About You?

Are you someone who likes to get to your destination as quickly as possible?

Or do you enjoy taking the scenic route, stopping whenever something catches your eye?

I’d genuinely love to know.

Tell me about the best unexpected place you’ve ever discovered simply because you decided to slow down.

Who knows?

Your story might inspire someone else’s next adventure.

A couple examples here…

Bear Creek Falls

This was one I must have past by many many times heading to Revelstoke BC from Calgary on the Trans Canada Hwy.This is a short 1.3 km hike/walk to this stunning waterfall. I am so happy I finally took the time to stop and explore it.

Explore more gems near Revelstoke.

Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk

This was another unexpected stop along the Trans-Canada Highway on our way to Revelstoke. A peaceful winding boardwalk leads you through a sea of vibrant skunk cabbage, across a gentle creek, and into the heart of nature, all with beautiful mountain views surrounding you. It’s one of those hidden gems that’s well worth pulling over for.