A late night of soca was not going to stand in my way of getting to the mountains! I woke up pretty tired on Sunday but Jess and I had planned to hike. The floods have made it a bit difficult to hike in Kananaskis, so we decided we’d venture out to the Banff and Lake Louise areas. I’ve always wanted to explore these areas a bit more, and Sunday was the perfect opportunity to do so.
Wild flowers along the trail
We stopped at the Banff Information Centre and asked for recommendations. From the Canadian Rockies Trail Guide book by Brian Patton and Bart Robinson, we chose Taylor Lake. Although it was described as “not particularly inspiring”, the view of the lake was sure to be gorgeous. So off we went, westbound on Highway 1, looking for the Taylor Creek Picnic Area turn-off near Castle Mountain and just before Lake Louise.
Hiking in the forest. Uninspiring.
Once we were through the animal gates, it was a steady trek and incline to the lake. I can see why it would be described as uninspiring because there weren’t any mountain views along the way, but the wild flowers, forest, streams and bridges made for a nice and enjoyable hike. As with most glacial lakes nestled within an amphitheatre, the lake reveal was awesome, especially with Mount Bell towering in the background. We chatted with some people who were fishing in the area (who then graciously took our photo!), and then found a picnic table and stopped for lunch before heading back to the car. It was definitely a lovely afternoon :).
We made it! So pretty 🙂
Stats:
Start time: 1:20 pm
End time: 5:40 pm
GPS time: 3:53 minutes trekking time; ~30 minutes lunch at the lake
Elevation gain: 585 m (1920 ft)
Distance: 12.6 km round trip
After a fairly lazy April filled with lots of TV watching (Spartacus!- an amazing show…) and a relaxing trip home, I decided enough was enough. True, things have been a bit up in the air lately and the down time was much needed. But a month is all I can do. It’s time to kick it into gear. I’m slowly going to get into the swing of things again and keep myself busy, active and social. To start, I decided to take a day trip out to Banff yesterday for some fresh air and inspiration from the mountains. It definitely did some good.
This hotel continues to impress 🙂
I decided on the Hoodoo Trail, which starts at the Surprise Corner parking lot on Buffalo Street. After admiring the view of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, I made my way to the trailhead. I’ve done many hikes, and though this trail was beautiful, I wouldn’t place it at the top of my list of must-do hikes. But walking along the river, past Tunnel Mountain, and through some meadows and forest was very nice.
A lovely walk on the Hoodoo Trail
I didn’t realize you could drive right to the hoodoos, so it was a bit shocking to end the hike beside a road and parking lot :o|. Nevertheless, the hoodoos themselves were impressive. The Hoodoo Trail took about 2.5 hours (4.2 km each way) at a pretty leisurely pace. It wasn’t too strenuous, having only 60 metres of elevation gain, but it made for a refreshing excursion.
Standing among the hoodoos
Then it was off to see Lake Minnewanka. After 4 years in Calgary, I finally went to the lake :). Similar to many lakes in the Rockies, the scenery is gorgeous. I intended to make my way to Steward Canyon, but alas, I had to jet back to the city. There’s always next time!
Winter is most definitely here. I arrived back in Calgary earlier this week after spending a lovely few days in Halifax, where the weather was mild, the fall colours were beautiful, and the air smelled like the sea. But in Calgary, a winter storm had come through, causing havoc on the roads, and casting a gloomy mood to the week. Winter was here to stay.
But alas, Calgary and the mountains are still amazing in the winter. Why stay gloomy when there’s so much to do! Case in point, the Banff Mountain Festival started today, so Robbie and I headed out to Banff to check it out. First on the agenda: wander Banff Avenue, get something to eat, and peruse Atmosphere. Then, it was off to the Banff Centre for the festival. It was clear that Banff has quite the thriving arts and culture scene! I guess I never paid much attention to that before. We looked around the Mountain Art and Craft sale, and then waited for the “Photography on Foot” event, which was an exploration of mountain photography in and around the Banff Centre. Truthfully, after seeing some photos of the Birds of Paradise of New Guinea, we decided we were too cold and ditched the tour. Photography on Foot FAIL! But it was still a fun event. After taking some photos of our own and browsing through Monod’s and Atmosphere (again!), it was time to hit the road and head back to Calgary.
It was a short trip out to the mountains, but it did confirm one thing to me. I’m so fortunate to live so close to the mountains. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the mountains and the scenery are just gorgeous. The snow and fog among the trees and the mountain tops certainly add a completely different feel to the landscape. I think there will be many more winter adventures to come!
After a wonderful 7 days of hiking, $25,000 goes to The Kidney Foundation of Canada!
This morning I awoke in my apartment. It’s a bit of a change from the many days spent being pampered by Fairmont. Did Banff’s Big Mountain Challenge come and go, just like that? It sure did. And I know that it did because I’m ridiculously tired!
After our second attempt at Mount Temple and our successful ascent of Mount Eiffel, Dan and I transferred back to Banff. The last hike of the challenge was Sulphur Mountain, which is iconic for having the Banff gondola ride to the summit. On Monday morning, we were quite stoked that we had made it to the final hike. Only one more hike. A much shorter hike than Cascade, or Fairview and Saddleback, or the Tea House Challenge, or Sentinel Pass, or Mount Eiffel. One more hike and The Kidney Foundation of Canada would receive a cheque for $25,000. It was a good feeling.
To the Sulphur Mountain summit. The last hike in the challenge.
The morning was filled with much excitement. A few friends made their way to Banff to join us for the final hike, and it was all hellos and hugs as we gathered at the trailhead. Global TV was on hand to film parts of the trek for a segment, and Jeff from Banff Lake Louise Tourism would accompany us to document the journey to the summit. Paul from Parks Canada was our guide, stopping occasionally to tell us about Sulphur Mountain, as well as the flora and fauna of the area. As always, there was lots of fun and laughter… and it was educational! Sulphur Mountain was more intense than I thought it would be due to its steady incline and many switchbacks, but we all persevered.
As we neared the top of Sulphur, the group of us gathered, ready to walk the remaining few metres together. I won this contest because of the support of many people, so it was quite symbolic to have a bit of an “entourage”, as we joked :). This contest was also never about just Dan and I. Yes, we did get to hike in the mountains for a week and enjoy the comforts and luxuries offered by Fairmont, but it was all to experience the beauty of Banff and Lake Louise and to tell others about how amazing these areas are, while keeping the ultimate goal in mind: supporting The Kidney Foundation of Canada. We reached the summit to the sounds of cheers and much applause. I knew there would be an event at the summit, but I don’t think I was quite expecting to feel so overwhelmed and so much joy at the end of the hike. I was even caught saying “Oh my God…” on camera! Stuart Hart, Director of Sales & Marketing Development at Banff Lake Louise Tourism, was there to lead the closing ceremony. The mayor of Banff, Karen Sorensen, was also there, as well as representatives from Brewster Travel Canada, Fairmont, Parks Canada, Global TV, Banff Crag & Canyon, and The Kidney Foundation. Some tourists were also present for the hoopla, taking photos and offering their congratulations.
Me holding a cheque for $25000! (Note: It’s not the real cheque… :D)
Stu began his speech by thanking the sponsors, the media, and Dan and myself for a successful and rewarding event. There were many congratulations, hand shakes, and happy faces. It was an indescribable feeling to be standing there with friends, supporters and onlookers. We had just completed something amazing… something big; I knew that much. But I think I was a little beside myself the whole time. A huge thank you to all involved in putting this contest together, and to those present at the closing ceremony. It was then time for a photo op and the presentation of the cheque. I had heard through the grapevine that there would be a massive cheque, and there was!! This was extremely cool. I’ve seen on TV when people are presented with gigantic abnormally sized cheques for grandiose things, so it was quite awesome to help Stu hand over a cheque for $25000 to Diane Kashuba, Manager, Communications for The Kidney Foundation of Canada, Southern Alberta branch. (Actually, because of everyone’s kindness, the total raised/matched/won was $26,762. Incredible!) Once the presentation concluded, there were several media interviews with Global TV, Banff Crag and Canyon, and The Calgary Herald. It was all smiles for everyone involved.
Being interviewed by Global TV’s Jayme DollJeff from The Real Banff and I posing for a photo
I’ve been sitting here for a while, trying to reflect on the entire experience. I’m thinking about that initial e-mail from Dan informing me about the contest; the excitement of gaining votes for the competition; coming in second place, but then, by a twist of weird fate, being announced the winner; watching the amazing generosity and support for The Kidney Foundation during the donation phase; living in luxury at the Fairmont Banff Springs and Chateau Lake Louise; the incredible amount of hiking (about 65 km and 7 memorable hikes) I was able to do over seven days; all of the media attention; sharing this amazing experience with my good friend Dan; and reaching the summit of Sulphur Mountain, great friends by my side, and watching The Kidney Foundation receive a cheque for $25,000. Something that started so small with the submission of a photo turned into something so much more. I’ve met new people, either in person or via social media, and these encounters have moved me the most. It’s a pretty surreal feeling when I hear that someone has received two transplants before, and she is so happy that I’m helping raise awareness about organ donation and The Kidney Foundation; or when someone e-mails me to tell me that she has recently been diagnosed with kidney disease and that she is scared, but it makes her feel better knowing that there are individuals out there helping to combat this disease… and she’s referring to me as one of those individuals. I’ve come to know a mother who lost her son to kidney disease on the day of his scheduled transplant. She has honored her son’s exceptional life by creating a foundation in his name. How could I not be a little bit changed after this contest? The Big Mountain Challenge has occupied my mind for about three months, and I have to say it has been one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had, and unlike anything I’ve experienced before. I never enter contests, and so, I never win contests, ha! I’ve now been reminded that anything is possible. I really don’t know how to thank everyone who supported me, Dan, the Big Mountain Challenge, and The Kidney Foundation of Canada, except by saying a sincere “Thank You” :). This experience would not have been possible without you.
According to my Big Mountain Challenge itinerary, today was Willow Stream Spa Day. Yay! I had been looking forward to this day since I read over the plan for the week, and I knew that it would be a much needed relaxation day after hiking Cascade Mountain. Boy was it ever a relaxing day!
Breakfast food. Yum….
Last night I crashed before midnight. I was absolutely exhausted; my body felt broken in many places, and my foot was feeling the effects of a 10+ hour hike. After sleeping in a bit, I dragged myself out of bed and got ready to head for breakfast. All of our breakfasts are included, so we decided to make our way to the Bow Valley Grill in the hotel for their breakfast buffet. The selection of food was amazing. There was an omelette station with peppers, mushrooms, bacon, and many other possible ingredients; a fruit station; a section with different kinds of frittatas, hash browns, and sausages; oatmeal, cereals, yogurts, etc etc etc. The list really does go on. Dan and I feasted quite quickly while enjoying orange juice and coffee, and once finished, the waiter brought our bill. It was $68.21! We gasped. This was very different than the usual Starbucks breakfast sandwich and coffee that we would usually get. Thank goodness breakfast was included! The service was incredible and the food tasted great :).
This is how you lounge in a luxury spa, right??
Then it was time for our included massages. We signed in to the Willow Stream Spa, and then we were given a tour of the facilities. The co-ed resting room included delicious cucumber mint water, as well as free cookies and a place to lounge and socialize. From the window, we were told about the three pulsating waterfalls of varying temperatures: Bow Falls, Cascade Falls, and Assiniboine Falls. After enjoying those, it was recommended that we stay in the rejuvenating mineral pool for at least 15 minutes to obtain the benefits of the minerals. Hey, I believe it. Then, we could enjoy the outdoor whirlpool, steam room, sauna, and eucalyptus inhalation room. Super stoked! We changed into our robes and sat in the waiting area.
Inside the Willow Stream Spa at the Banff Springs Hotel. Photo from Fairmont.
Paul greeted me for my sports massage. All I can say is that he was amazing and that I really needed a massage. Being a sports massage, it was quite deep tissue, and at times the massage was painful. He worked on certain muscles in my shoulders that I didn’t even know existed. He moved on to my legs for quite some time and rolled out my IT band in a way that a foam roller couldn’t even compare. All of the pain was worth it, because by the end of the 60 minutes, I was incredibly relaxed. I sat back in the waiting room, drinking some water, and quite out of it. Dan showed up right after, having completed his massage with Courtney. He was extremely happy to have his hip flexors destroyed by her. Apparently it was what he needed after the long hike. We took a quick break for lunch and then returned to the spa to spend some time enjoying the mineral pool and waterfalls… and steam room… and sauna…. and eucalyptus inhalation room… and outdoor whirlpool. I really can’t complain. It’s luxury life that I don’t experience often, but when I do, it sure is heavenly! We were even impressed that there were disposable razors in the change room so we could shave. So we shaved, ’cause we could.
I’ve never been this excited over disposable razors before!
After enjoying the spa, we wandered into town. We stopped at Evelyn’s for coffee, wandered the Banff Farmer’s Market, took photos along the river, and then headed to the Bear Street Tavern for Banff’s best pizza (apparently) and drinks.
Produce from the Banff Farmer’s Market
More items from the Banff Farmer’s Market
Not uncommon for this whole trip, we ate and drank a ridiculous amount, and felt super full and bloated afterwards. So what’s the best thing to do after eating that much? Walk back to the Banff Springs Hotel, check ourselves into the spa, and be lazy in the mineral pool and waterfalls :). It’s been quite the extraordinary and relaxing life today…
Sampling beer and a sangria at the Bear Street Tavern
Heading back to the spa in the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Winter is most definitely here. I arrived back in Calgary earlier this week after spending a lovely few days in Halifax, where the weather was mild, the fall colours were beautiful, and the air smelled like the sea. But in Calgary, a winter storm had come through, causing havoc on the roads, and casting a gloomy mood to the week. Winter was here to stay.
HIKES & HAMSTRINGS 