Escaping the Everyday

What a beautiful place Banff National Park is!

I have been eagerly anticipating sharing our journey to Canada and have finally found some time to sit down and begin writing. I would summarize the long weekend as one filled with excellent views and delightful food.

It was also the longest time we have been away from Cassie since we adopted her. She usually accompanies us on our trips, but we did not want to deal with bringing her through the border.

During our three full days, we engaged in numerous activities, so prepare yourself for culinary delights and snow-filled adventures. It was also intriguing to discover that Banff National Park has a downtown area where people reside. I did not believe that individuals could reside in National Parks, but I was mistaken.

Adventures

Lake Louise Ski Resort

Lake Louise Ski Resort is 20 minutes from downtown Banff and is situated within Banff National Park. It is part of the “Big 3” ski resorts within the park, which are reputed to be exceptional.

Despite the beauty of the location, we were unfortunate with the weather, yet we made the most of it. The weather was extremely cold, and at one point I believe Jake began to start to develop frostbite on his nose, but we promptly warmed it up. Due to the prolonged cold over the past couple of weeks, the base layer had become extremely hard. By late afternoon, it was almost unskiable.

The resort has received approximately 8 feet of snow, whereas Bridger Bowl, located near Bozeman, has received just under 16 feet. We were genuinely astonished by the difference.

Despite the cold weather, the views and the lengthy trails were truly unbeatable. It was undeniably a magical place where we had a extraordinary time.

If you are new to skiing or snowboarding, this may not be suitable learning. It is definitely an advanced mountain. I also learned that green, blue, black diamond trails are not universally consistent across all mountains. They evaluate them based on the terrain of that mountain. The green trails, typically regarded as the easiest, were comparable to many blue trails I have skied. The blue trails were exceedingly steep for me!

There was no possibility of skiing this mountain last year, so I am very proud of the progress I have made.

The main lodge was absolutely beautiful, likely one of the most impressive base lodge we have visited. It resembled a giant log cabin. We also had breakfast there, and the food was delicious!

Lake Louise

Not only did we visit Lake Louise ski resort, we also went to the actual Lake Louise in Banff. The Fairmont Hotel is situated adjacent to the lake, making it a truly remarkable place to stay during your visit. The hotel was undoubtedly beyond our budget, as it costs approximately $1,000 per night.

It was truly aspiring. A section of the lake is cleared for skating, and we even observed individuals playing ice hockey. There are also trails along the lake where you can engage in cross-country skiing.

Jake and I discovered a short one-mile hiking trail that leads to a lookout point overlooking the lake and hotel. There were not many people on the trail, which was pleasant, but I can imagine it is crowded during the summer. Therefore, I am very grateful we went during the winter. Despite the freezing temperatures, it was worthwhile as we managed to avoid the crowds.

Back Country Snow Shoeing

What an experience this was! We signed up for a guided snow shoeing tour with White Mountain adventures. We took a gondola ride to the peak of Lake Sunshine, and we commenced our trek outside the ski resort.

Jake and I had never been snowshoeing before, so it was quite an enjoyable experience to try it for the first time together. Initially, walking in snowshoes felt somewhat awkward, but we quickly adapted. Jake stumbled at one moment, which made me chuckle.

The excursion lasted approximately two hours, and midway through, we paused for hot cocoa and snacks. The guide had brought a thermos of hot cocoa and small cups providing an ideal way to warm up slightly.

I was somewhat apprehensive about the temperatures, but the sun was shining, and I was well bundled up, so I did not feel cold at all. This is a significant victory for me! The temperature at the summit of the mountains was approximately 0 degrees, hence my initial concern about being cold is understandable.

Food

Rocky Mountain Bagel Company

Upon discovering that they offer gluten-free bagels and gluten-free breakfast items, I was convinced. I have not had a good gluten-free bagel since being in Maine, as I have not been able to find a place that makes them in Bozeman.

Apart from the gluten-free items, their bakers start from scratch every night and produce over 150 dozen of their artisan ‘Mountain Style’ bagels in the house bakery at the Bow Valley Trail location.

They have two locations in Canmore, Alberta, where we stayed for the weekend. The cafe is exclusive to Canmore, as those are the only locations they own. They offer a variety of items, including breakfast, lunch, coffee, and teas. When we visited, it was quite crowded, indicating that it would be a worthwhile experience.

I also ordered a vanilla latte that was so delicious I could have consumed twenty of them. Jake received a shot of espresso, and I was astonished at how small the cup appeared in his hands.

Rocky Mountain Flatbread

Rocky Mountain Flatbread is an award-winning pizza and restaurant in Vancouver and Canmore.

Their farm-to-pizza food philosophy is to use local and organic produce, Ocean Wise seafood, and free-range organic. They have supported over 50 farmers and suppliers since 2004. They are also proud to be a 100% nut-free restaurant that offers gluten-friendly, vegan, and vegetarian options.

At their Vancouver location, they offer a family-friendly pizza-making every Friday, where families can come in and create their own pizzas. Children can roll out the dough, add the sauce, and choose their favorite toppings. It would be an enjoyable experience, similar to the fun of making pizza at home.

Jake and I initially chose this establishment based on reviews of their exceptional flatbreads. After reading and seeing their pasta, we swiftly reconsidered our decision.

The Bear Street Tavern

The Bear Street Tavern was a delightful discovery we encountered. They claim that their signature pizzas, sandwiches, and cast iron specialties will satisfy any hungry Banff adventurer. It certainly seems like the kind of establishment we would like!

They provide cozy booths for two, or you can bring your friends and family for large-sized tables. They offer beer, cocktails, pizza, sandwiches, and more.

They also have a year-round dog-friendly patio, which we were unfortunately unable to experience due to the weather. It is an intriguing concept for those sunny, warm winter days.

For our appetizer, we had spinach and artichoke dip accompanied by corn chips and a drizzle of chili oil. Although I did not take a photo of Jake’s pizza, I ordered the Canadian gluten-free pizza, which included mushrooms, bacon, pepperoni, maple syrup, and mozzarella.I am not entirely sure what the oil drizzle was, but it was undoubtedly one of the best I have ever had. It was not spicy; rather, it leaned towards a sweet and salty flavor profile.

I also discovered a pale ale gluten-free beer from Whistler Brewing Company. Although I am not heavily into drinking these days, I would certainly purchase a pack of those regularly if I were.

PARK Distillery Restuarant and Bar

Jake and I chose this restaurant because it had won numerous awards and was featured in articles. While the food was delicious, the service was terrible. If we ever visit Banff again, I would not return to this establishment due to the poor service, which left a sour taste in my mouth.

The first night we attempted to go, we placed ourselves on the waitlist and decided to explore the various shops. The host indicated a wait time of approximately 45 minutes. After an hour had passed, we checked in with the host again and were told that there were still people ahead of us. An hour and forty-five minutes passed, and we still had not been seated, leaving us extremely hungry. Consequently, we decided to try a different restaurant and would return another day with a reservation.

When we returned the next day with our reservation, the waitress provided excellent service until the end. She seemed to have vanished, and it took approximately 20 minutes to receive our check.

The food was excellent, but the service left much to be desired.

The Bankhead Restaurant and Lounge

Nestled in the town of Canmore and the community of Sherwood Park, the Bankhead Restaurant and Lounge offers a unique blend of Canadian cuisine with tantalizing international influences. Whether you are seeking a cozy family meal or a romantic dinner, this versatile establishment has something for everyone.

Brunch and lunch offers a diverse array of options, satisfying various palates. The restaurant was attached to our hotel, so we figured it was a quick and easy place to get breakfast. To our surprise, the food was phenomenal!

I have never had potatoes cooked in that manner, but they were exceptionally good. They are a blend between potato chips and roasted potatoes. Jake also ordered a chocolate chip pancake with Canadian maple syrup.

This trip is likely one of the best we have taken. Not only were able celebrate Valentine’s Day together that weekend, but it also served as a prelude to our upcoming one-year wedding anniversary in just over a month.

I am confident that we will have numerous adventures to document. Until we meet again (via my blog)!