Just over 3 months since we went to the Rocky Mountains and it's only now I am getting a chance to write a post about it. I seriously admire people who can write blog posts a few times a week. I know it's just a hobby of mine but still, its takes so much time and effort. Being dyslexic doesn't help either because it takes me longer to write and there are probably lots of mistakes but sure it's better late than never.
Back in May we flew to Calgary. We got in late so we booked a hotel close to the airport, that way we could get a good nights sleep and get up early in the morning to head to the Rockies.
The next morning we woke up around 7am and headed away on our adventure in one of my favourite cars, a Jeep Wrangler! I couldn't believe how close Calgary is to the Rockies, only about an hour and a half drive. Also, It is kinda crazy, you drive along and it's all flat and next thing... BAM!!! The mountains are just there!haha.
We were staying in Banff but we stopped in a town called Canmore on the way. It's a gorgeous quaint town and not as touristy as Banff. I would highly recommend it, especially if you are looking for something a little quieter. We continued on to Banff to our hotel. We stayed in the Fox Hotel and Suites. I would highly recommend it. There is an underground pool, it looks like a cave that has an opening at the top. I'd imagine it's also beautiful in winter when it snows.
After checking into our room, we quickly freshened up and went back out to explore. We knew where we wanted to go first as the weather was sunny and clear. We went to the Banff gondola. It's $65 plus tax. Kind of pricey I know but SO worth it! The wait wasn't that long, I imagine that would be different during peak times though. The ride to the top is amazing, however if you're afraid of heights, this might make you nervous. I cried on the way up but to be fair I cried on the Ferris wheel that is in Cork at Christmas too. Hahaha! I just don't like moving heights, hate roller coaster or anything like that! I make myself do it though as I know I will feel great after. I am so glad I did go up the gondola because the views from the top were spectacular.
I have a good camera and I am pretty proud of some of the pictures I have taken but pictures don't even do these mountains justice. They are huge!! I kept saying to Parker "they look fake". We were very lucky with the weather. When we got back down from the mountains, we didn't really have a plan. We decided to pick a few lakes and just drive to them. Sitting in the car looking out the window was just as fun too as the views were breathtaking. Lake Minnewanka (apparently its pronounced different to what you may think, lol) was one of the lakes we drove to. The water was beautiful and so blue. After of long day of sightseeing we went for dinner and drinks.
The next morning we got up early and drove to the Ice Field Parkways, it's about a two hour drive from Banff. It is suppose to be very cool (no pun intended) but we wouldn't know because after two and a bit hours driving with no GPS, as it stopped working on the way, we gave up and turned around. When we got back to an area that had signal, we checked where we had turned around, to see how far from the parkway we were and it was...10 MINUTES!!! So annoying how close we were but all was not lost, we pulled in along the way to some beautiful lakes.
On the way back from our drive, we went to the famous Lake Louise. I was very excited to see this lake prior to our trip. Honestly, I was slightly disappointed! Yes, it is very beautiful but what put me off was the amount of tourists that were there. It is something you don't see from those Instagram perfect pictures of people standing between the two mountains with a bright blue lake behind them. There are thousands of people with selfie sticks. People will stop you a few times to take their photo and you have to nearly get into the lake to get a picture for no one to be in it! lol. Another thing to note if you go, is the time of year. We went in May and the lake was still mainly frozen . The height of summer is when the water is that famous turquoise blue colour. We were lucky to see some blue lakes that had thawed faster. Don't get me wrong, Lake Louise is worth the visit but there are so many more lakes that are just as beautiful. Two lakes that we didn't get to, that are suppose to be incredible also are Moraine Lake and Peyto Lake.
Our last day we went to Johnston Caynon and "hiked" up to the top of the waterfall. I am calling it a hike but for most people who actually hike, it's a walk. I am unfit so it's a bloody hike! I really enjoyed this day besides thinking a bear would just appear from the trees every so often. Lucky I had my bear bell on my bag though. Haha! You think after seeing Niagara Falls three times I would not appreciate smaller waterfalls but there is something so beautiful about waterfalls surrounded by mountains and nature, which is something Niagara Falls lacks.
Overall, our trip to The Rockies was incredible. It's somewhere I said I wouldn't leave Canada without seeing and it's another place ticked off my bucket list. I genuinely think it's somewhere everyone should see at least once. I would love to go back.
Before heading to the airport in Calgary on our last day, we met my sister friend (and someone I consider my friend now too, hope that is ok Steph) who lives in Calgary and she gave us a very quick tour of the city. From the short glance of this city that I saw, it is somewhere I wish I had thought more about visiting. I will just have to come back.
Feel free to ask me any questions if you are thinking of visiting. I could write way more but think it is already long enough. I'm off to enjoy a long weekend and celebrate starting a new job on Tuesday.
Back in May we flew to Calgary. We got in late so we booked a hotel close to the airport, that way we could get a good nights sleep and get up early in the morning to head to the Rockies.
The next morning we woke up around 7am and headed away on our adventure in one of my favourite cars, a Jeep Wrangler! I couldn't believe how close Calgary is to the Rockies, only about an hour and a half drive. Also, It is kinda crazy, you drive along and it's all flat and next thing... BAM!!! The mountains are just there!haha.
We were staying in Banff but we stopped in a town called Canmore on the way. It's a gorgeous quaint town and not as touristy as Banff. I would highly recommend it, especially if you are looking for something a little quieter. We continued on to Banff to our hotel. We stayed in the Fox Hotel and Suites. I would highly recommend it. There is an underground pool, it looks like a cave that has an opening at the top. I'd imagine it's also beautiful in winter when it snows.
After checking into our room, we quickly freshened up and went back out to explore. We knew where we wanted to go first as the weather was sunny and clear. We went to the Banff gondola. It's $65 plus tax. Kind of pricey I know but SO worth it! The wait wasn't that long, I imagine that would be different during peak times though. The ride to the top is amazing, however if you're afraid of heights, this might make you nervous. I cried on the way up but to be fair I cried on the Ferris wheel that is in Cork at Christmas too. Hahaha! I just don't like moving heights, hate roller coaster or anything like that! I make myself do it though as I know I will feel great after. I am so glad I did go up the gondola because the views from the top were spectacular.
The next morning we got up early and drove to the Ice Field Parkways, it's about a two hour drive from Banff. It is suppose to be very cool (no pun intended) but we wouldn't know because after two and a bit hours driving with no GPS, as it stopped working on the way, we gave up and turned around. When we got back to an area that had signal, we checked where we had turned around, to see how far from the parkway we were and it was...10 MINUTES!!! So annoying how close we were but all was not lost, we pulled in along the way to some beautiful lakes.
Before heading to the airport in Calgary on our last day, we met my sister friend (and someone I consider my friend now too, hope that is ok Steph) who lives in Calgary and she gave us a very quick tour of the city. From the short glance of this city that I saw, it is somewhere I wish I had thought more about visiting. I will just have to come back.
Feel free to ask me any questions if you are thinking of visiting. I could write way more but think it is already long enough. I'm off to enjoy a long weekend and celebrate starting a new job on Tuesday.
Have a great weekend!
Talk soon xx
Zita J
