Travel Diaries: Banff, Canada
Happy Tuesday! It has definitely been a while, but I took August off from a lot of things to enjoy our sweet girls! School has been back for two weeks and we are finally settled into a good routine. I'm excited to start catching up and post fun content to Little C and Lou Lou. First up, one of our summer trips!
We took a family trip to Banff, Canada in July and loved every minute. I'm just now getting around to posting our pictures and favorite places, but this is a trip you'll want to put high on your list of places to go! We had a direct flight from Nashville to Calgary, rented a car and drove two hours into Banff Springs. Words can't describe how breathtaking this part of the world is, from the color of Lake Louise to the truly majestic mountains, we had an amazing time enjoying the beauty of God's Earth. We can't wait to go back!
We stayed at The Fairmont in Banff Springs the whole time. We loved the hotel and will return, but if planning the trip now, we would split our time between The Fairmont Banff Springs and The Fairmont Lake Louise. The Fairmont Banff Springs is located in the heart of Banff National Park and known by the name the "Castle in the Rockies." This historic hotel was built in 1888 and has 11 restaurants and 14 shops. The outdoor heated pool was a hit for the girls and honestly, it really was magical to to swim with such breathtaking views! (Sweatshirts by English Factory for kids)
"The Castle" reminded Caroline of scenes in Harry Potter, which of course had her excited at every turn! She was convinced this is where Hogwarts takes place. The hotel itself had gorgeous flowers everywhere and beautiful common areas. The rooms were small and very basic, but you can get past the small rooms since the experience of staying at "the castle" far outweighs the basic rooms.
Bowfalls was within walking distance from our hotel. It was an easy hike for both of the girls. Rafting trips left from this area, but Sarah was too young this time to go rafting.
The girls loved going hiking each morning. The cool, crisp air was a good break from the heat of summer back home.
The pool at The Fairmont was heated to a perfect temperature (meaning hot so I swam with the girls the whole time). We met a few really cute families in the pool area, so there were always lots of children for the girls to play with after morning hikes and adventures. (Sarah's swimsuit is by Minnow Swim)
The girls went to a constellation science party through the "Kids in the Castle" program one night and loved it. They wore these adorable pajamas, which were perfect for the party!
Matthew and I enjoyed cocktails and dinner on top of a mountain at elevation over 11,000 feet via the Banff Springs Gondola. I felt like the backdrop was fake it was so beautiful! (I'm in this top again ... my go to top from all summer long)!!
This cutie always keeps us smiling! (Caroline picked out this sweatshirt to take).
Lunch at Earl's
If you have been following Little C and Lou Lou for some time now, you know we know how to track down a good sweet shop!
(Here is my dress, which I have just about worn out this past spring and summer and intend to wear with booties in the fall).
We spent all day Saturday at Lake Louise. My advice is to get there really early to get a parking space; plus, you'll want to stay all day!
Taking a canoe out on Lake Louise was one of the highlights of the trip! Sarah did start singing all the Frozen songs out on the lake, which was hilarious. We were ok with anything as long as the girls did not rock to boat! Can you imagine falling in this water that comes from the surrounding glaciers!?!
Lunch at the Lake Louise Fairmont was one of the best meals.
Afternoon pool time was something we looked forward to everyday!
Pez seem to be everywhere with a massive selection to choose from - very interesting because we were not sure why, but it was exciting for the girls and we certainly went home with a few!
Dinner at STOCK in these jeans and they are half price now!
The girls had a blast and we did too! We knew Canada would be breathtaking, but it surpassed all of our expectations! We'll be back! (Sarah decided her boots looked best with this outfit...I did not tell her otherwise)!!
DO
Bowfalls Rafting
Hike Johnston Canyon
Walk around downtown Banff
Banff Springs Gondola
Pony Rides - Banff Springs Corrals
Canoe on Lake Louise
Hike to Lake Agnes Tea House
See Meringue Lake
"Kids @ The Castle" activities
STAY
Fairmont Banff Springs
Fairmont Lake Louise
EAT
Samurai - (Sushi restaurant at The Fairmont, where we were seated around a lot of locals - let us know they are definitely doing something right. All four of us loved it)!
Earl's (This was a fun restaurant right off of mainstream in Banff)
STOCK (Cute place at the hotel where we ate the last night - so yummy)!
Tacos on Patio
Lakeview Lounge (Lunch lakeside at The Fairmont Lake Louise)
