Where ambition meets adventure: Discovering Banff’s fall colours in the Mitsubishi Outlander

If ever there was proof that some moments are worth the journey - no matter how far or how difficult - this was it. After an hour of switchbacks along the side of a mountain, I was starting to wonder why I had packed so much into my backpack. Sweaty, out of breath, and ready for a break, I began to see the flecks of gold as they peeked through the emerald alpine trees. There was no doubt: we were almost there.

After being taunted on social media with all of the beautiful fall colours that cascade over the many Canadian landscapes, I decided to live a YOLO moment and booked a WestJet flight from Vancouver to Calgary to seek out the yellow larch trees in Banff. Known for being a bit elusive, the larches are only around for a few weeks each year, and with the unpredictability of the mountain weather, there’s no guarantee you’re going to get the gorgeous hiking conditions or views that social media endlessly promotes.

But after a pleasant flight, a road trip in a Mitsubishi Outlander SUV, a 6 a.m. shuttle, and a two-hour climb, we were almost there. This was the Larch Valley Hike in Moraine Lake, Alberta. And it was MAGNIFICENT!

My chariot for this last-minute trip was the refreshed for 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV. It looked almost as good as the fall colours in its beautiful Moonstone Grey exterior, and gorgeous brick brown semi-aniline leather interior. It was so comfortable to drive with lots of room for our gear, and the Super All-Wheel Control system gave us plenty of confidence on the many different road surfaces we encountered. I texted my husband, “Did you know they come in cosmic blue?” and “I’m loving how good it is on gas!” in between our adventures.

Full disclosure: We are in the market for a new vehicle, so this was the perfect time to try out the new Outlander, and it exceeded my expectations! Here’s why I loved it so much:

I love the rugged, adventurous look of the Outlander, but inside, it’s an elevated, luxurious-feeling car, meaning my 40+ year old comforts are prioritized. The interior design is top-notch, with beautiful stitching not only on the seats but also on the door panels, giving you that high-end feel. I was surprised to learn the extremely reasonable price point of the vehicle based on how luxurious the interior felt.

After getting consumer feedback, Mitsubishi Motors redesigned the centre console to accommodate larger water bottles, provide more space for phones and charging cords, and make the space more ergonomically comfortable and intuitive for the driver. Within an hour of driving, I felt right at home, like I was driving my own car, which is a relief since it often takes weeks to adjust to a new ride.

When it comes to tech, I have one simple rule: it must be easy to use, or I won't use it. With Mitsubishi Motors’ next-generation tech features, I was not only set up and ready to roll within minutes, but the drive was also intuitive and easy to navigate during our Canadian Rockies road trip. A few highlights include:

Larch Valley - Moraine Lake, Banff National Park

Unofficially one of the most popular hikes to see larch trees in the world, this trail left me out of breath at the peak, but it was worth every ounce of effort that I put in to get there. The beautiful larches were at the end of the season and yet still put on a magical display, like a light show at Christmas or a beautiful artist's canvas in three dimensions. Looking to take it to the next elevation? Continue through Larch Valley and head up to Sentinel Pass, where you’ll be perched in between mountain ranges and be surrounded by an unforgettable 360-degree view!

Ptarmigan Cirque, Kananskis, AB

A shorter pursuit but equally swoonworthy the Ptarmigan Cirque trail was a combination of sky-soaring geology, full fall foliage, and fun giggles on the trail. With so much to soak we found ourselves in a group of hikers who were all stopping so much on the trail to take photos. We kept our Canadian ways up on the mountainside, each apologizing to each other as we held our cameras out snapping photos, also holding up the line! But we all were in the epic scenery together, and it was fun to have found new friends on the trail to share it with.

Arethusa Cirque, Kananaskis, AB

An unofficial hike in Kananaskis, this is one of the most popular places to see the larches in the region. A cirque trail runs around the top of the forest floor, giving you sweeping views over the valley of larch trees. From the bottom of the cirque, you get to look up at mountain ranges that look like they are standing over you, watching you navigate the roots of their home. There are no bad views on this trail, and definitely one worth exploring.

There’s nothing that tops off a good road trip like settling into the perfect accommodations for the night. My favourite place to stay in Banff mixes history with location, all while set on a bed of hospitality and local charm. The Mount Royal Hotel is a historic property that has called the corner of Banff Avenue and Caribou Street “home” since 1908. A reimagined property that has evolved for over a century, it now invites guests to experience elevated comfort and perfect amenities after an adventure-filled day. My personal favourite is their rooftop hot tubs, which are the perfect way to soak away any aches from hiking, all while soaking in the surrounding scenery.

The Mitsubishi Outlander proved to be the best adventure buddy. Not only did she keep up, but she also allowed us to go farther, see more, and explore deeper. While they say, “adventure is not just a destination, but it’s a mindset,” I loved driving an SUV that embodied the ethos of adventure and provided the practical means to get there.

Author Bio:

Jami Savage runs Adventure Awaits, a Canadian travel website that teaches travellers how to use their own tourism dollars as a catalyst for change worldwide. Stories meet at the intersection of eco-tourism and transformational travel, showcasing remarkable experiences and places. In 2023, she was a Finalist in the Travel Industry Association of Canada’s Media Member of the Year. In 2024, she won first Place for a Self-Published Travel Blog from TMAC.