THE CANADIAN ROCKIES
Sky high, snow capped mountain tops, bushy evergreen trees, rivers and lakes containing salts and minerals that paint a blue you’ve never quite seen, and air so fresh you can’t help but close your eyes and sigh as you breathe it in. This, is the Canadian Rockies. Whether you stay at the nicest hotels or simply just pass through, being in Banff National Park is a rich experience that dates all the way back to its roots. With the hot springs containing the myth of life longevity nearby, and the view of the valley daunting two railroad workers with a future touristic vision, it didn’t take long for someone to jump on the opportunity to build one of the world’s finest hotels right in the heart of the valley. Banff Springs Hotel, opening in 1888, has hosted some of the richest guest of its time, as well as many Hollywood actors and actresses, including Marilyn Monroe. The view, the service and the experience are quite unbeatable. If you ever visit and don’t stay, I highly recommend sneaking into the hotel tour if you love history!
Adventure "to-do" list
Helicopter tour
A very expensive 30 min tour, BUT is the one thing I would suggest splurging on. One of the most incredible experience’s of my life. So much of the beautiful Canadian Rockies cannot be seen from the town, but only by hiking and by flight. If you love heights (and even if you don’t ;) I highly recommend doing this. It is an out of this world experience as you look down into emerald lakes, fly right along side glaciers hidden in the mountain tops, and hunt for sightings of mountain goats and bears.
Canoeing in Lake Louise
This is another activity that was high on my bucket list to do in Canada! It’s one thing to see the beauty of bright turquoise lakes from afar, but something else entirely to touch the blue frost Gatorade looking water and paddle as you stare in awe of the mountains surrounding you. It’s the moments like these that make me feel the most alive, most appreciative and most thankful.
Hikes
For everywhere you go in the National Park (which is just about everywhere you will be) you have to obtain a parking pass that cost $20 a day. We learned this the hard way!😳
Peyto Lake
Arguably one of my favorite lakes of all time. This is a spot I have been dying to see in the summer time for as long as I remember. It’s an easy 15 min hike to this look out spot and if you tilt you head and squint your eyes, you can see that the beautiful turquoise lake forms the shape of a wolf;)
Sulphur mountain
This hike you have the option of either riding a gondola up or hiking up. The hike is around 3.4 miles and pretty uphill the entire time. I'm not going to lie, there were multiple times I wanted to stop and catch my breath, but I wasn't about to let my dad beat me! (He never takes breaks and I will never know how, he's a machine) Once we made it to the top, they have two nice (and very expensive) restaurants that overlook mountains from every seat in the house. We then rode the gondola down for half price - $30. I would suggest doing it this way because you get a killer work out and save a little money. (:
F O O D
Nourish
110, 211 Bear Street, Banff, AB T1L 1A8, Canada
Vegan
Delicious
Outdoor street view seating
We had:
Strawberry salsa, Avocado smash, six bean burrito🤤
Cashew Cheese app
Buffalo Cauliflower that was to die for!
Saltlik A Rare Steakhouse
Wide variety
Adorable set up 😍
View from balcony allows you to look directly at Cascade mountain
First time trying Elk and Bison and they were amazing!
H O T E L S
Overall, places to stay in Banff, Alberta Canada are extremely expensive. *But, a plus is that almost all of the hotels here let you bring your dog😍.
Banff Springs Hotel
Address: 405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J4, Canada
Canalta Lodge
545 Banff Avenue, Banff, T1L 1B5, Canada
Douglas Fir Resort Chalets
Address: 525 Tunnel Mountain Road, T1L 1B2 Banff, Canada
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Address: 111 Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0, Canada
If you have a greater amount of time than just a weekend these are some other great things I would recommend doing in the area!:)
Lake Moraine
Johnson Creek Water Falls
Athabasca Lake & Falls
Maligne Lake
Explore all of Jasper National Park
I hope you guys enjoyed this blog! If you ever go to Banff I would love to hear about your experience and see lots of photos! Also, keep a look out for my first ever vlog coming up on youtube & instagram tv from this trip!:)
xx
Brook