We love Alberta – and especially Banff National Park! In October the trees are in full fall plumage. It can be a bright sunny, beautiful fall day – and the next, everything is covered in a glistening sheen of freshly fallen snow. We were fortunate enough to experience the beauty of such a sudden change.
In planning our trip through western Canada, it was important to 1) find pet friendly hotels, and 2) they had to have a good lap pool, as I was in training for several swim events for the upcoming Huntsman Senior Games. The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is a fabulous place to stay and it fit our criteria perfectly. We stayed on the Fairmont Gold level, which provided a lovely continental breakfast and evening hors ‘d oeuvres. During our stay, the hors ‘d oeuvres were substantial enough, in fact, that we considered it our dinner meal. On my favorite evening we enjoyed miniature filet of beef wellington. It was definitely worth reserving that level.
The 50 meter indoor pool is fabulous.In the below photo, I’m on the far end, preparing for my competition dive and lap swim. The day after the snowfall, I had a great workout and decided to take a relaxing swim in the outdoor heated pool. As I ran through the snow and jumped in, I realized that on the other end was a magnificent buck nibbling on the leaves of a nearby tree. What a surreal setting to be surrounded by the warm fog streaming from the heat of the pool amid the quiet serenity of observing this eight pointer just a few feet away. He was perfectly content with my studying him and it was a moment I will never forget. Of course I wouldn’t have had my camera handy, but that sublime image is forever fixed in my memory!
When you travel to Banff, don’t just stay in town shopping at all the classic boutiques, although there is a shop for everyone. Just a short five minute drive from the town of Banff is the Banff Gondola. You will climb 698m (2,292 ft) to an elevation of 2,281m (7,486 ft) in a completely covered four passenger gondola; this involves an eight minute ride to the Summit Upper Terminal. The views are absolutely breathtaking! An added bonus… our sweet Australian shepherd, Emmy, joined us. It was quite entertaining, as several tourists from different countries asked if they could take a photo of our dog. We’re standing on top of this magnificent view – and they wanted a photo of Emmy!
There is a picture perfect view at every corner driving through the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies!
Truly, words can’t express this nature’s wonderland. It is a trip we will never forget!
Have you traveled to Banff National Park? It should definitely be on your bucket list!
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