After spending 3 nights in Canmore it was time to move on, with the next destination being Banff. Although we were not spending the night here we wanted to check it out for the day on the way to Lake Louise.
We arrived to Banff quiet early, it was a cold but sunny morning. We began by making our way to a lookout that gave us a fantastic view to the Banff Springs Fairmont Hotel. The hotel can be seen towering above the pine trees on the other side of the Bow River, resembling a castle with the Rocky Mountains providing a beautiful backdrop and making it much more impressive. After viewing it from a distance we decided to drive around and see it up close, where we weren’t disappointed. After a little walk around the now tourist attraction we made our way into the town.
We strolled through resort town, spending some time being tourists in the gift shops and eating lunch. After lunch we headed to do a short 2 hour hike up Tunnel Mountain. It was a quick incline but once at the top it gave us a great view over the town of Banff and surrounding Rocky Mountains, it really did just look like a postcard.
Once back on the road we continued onto other viewpoints along the way including, Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake, both stunning and surrounded by huge, rocky, snow capped mountains.
After a look around the lakes we were back on the road and on route to Lake Louise. Instead of sticking on the regular three lane highway we had been told to take the old 1 lane highway from Banff to Lake Louise as we would have more chance of spotting wildlife. It was a great drive but again couldn’t see much wildlife other than some deer and squirrels. We made one stop along this road at Johnston Canyon, we walked to the first waterfall through the canyon. It was a nice walk where we seen a cheeky little squirrel who was very interested in us.
Finally, after a busy day we had arrived at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. We got some funny looks arriving in our dirty old Subaru. It was an amazing hotel over looking the famous Lake Louise. The lake was still frozen we still thought it was stunning with the mountain backdrop. Particularly Victoria Glacier, one of the six glaciers that feeds water into the lake.
When we checked in we were very happy to find out that we had been upgraded to a lake view deluxe room rather than just a mountain view, this was a great start to our four night stay. After wondering around the hotel that evening we had dinner at one of the restaurants. As Nick works for the Fairmont we got discount on the room as well as 50% off all food and drink, which put the food back into our price range, just!
We started our first full day just wondering around taking it all in, before heading to the Lake Louise ski Hill and into the small town for a look. We were keen to get up the mountain and have something to compare Whistler to. We decided to hold off and return for a full day of skiing the following day.
Once back at the Fairmont we went on walk to the other end of the lake, from here we got great views back to the Chateau and also got to see a frozen waterfall. We were disappointed to find out that the Plain of Six Glaciers hiking trail was closed due to the majority of it still in a high avalanche area from the winter season. That afternoon we spent some time in the hot tub and eucalyptus steam room which was very relaxing.
As planed the following day we geared up to head to the Lake Louise ski hill for a day on the slopes. It was a great sunny, blue skied day exactly what we were hoping for. Ann (Sommer’s Mum) come along too, she didn’t try skiing or snowboarding but was happy to come up on the gondola and see what it was like up there as well as take in the amazing 360 degree views of the Rockies. Sommer and I then went off to explore the mountain while Ann downloaded back down to the lodge to spend the day in the beautiful sunshine. Unfortunately for Ann on the way down she got stuck on the gondola for over half an hour.
We had a great day on the mountain, which got better the longer we stayed up there as it the snow began to soften up once the sunshine warmed up the snow. It was great having new runs and different scenery on another ski mountain.
Once back at the Fairmont we visited the hot tub and steam room again to relax our muscles after a long day.
Our last full day happened to fall on Mother’s Day, which was very fortunate as I had my Mother here visiting. We went out and had breakfast before heading on a small hike to the Fairview Lookout, this was around a 2.5km return hike. Although only short it was difficult due to the trail still being cover in snow/ice. It was very slippery walking up and down. Luckily we all made it, although I don’t think it’s what Mum had in mind for an ideal mothers day and wouldn’t have done it if she knew it was to be so tough.
That afternoon we had another hike we wanted to do, this time to Mirror Lake which was around 5 km long and a higher incline than the last. Ann was happy to miss this one, which was much the same as the first being covered in snow and ice the whole way. Mirror Lake was a nice frozen lake at the bottom of the Big Beehive Mountain, we found a nice spot and relaxed in the sun for a while before our return trip.
After our couple of hikes we spent some time at the hot tub and steam room during the afternoon before our last night. We checked out the following morning for the trip to Jasper, our last destination before heading back to Whistler.
Chao for now,
N & S xxx
Abroad with Nick & Som... 