Tuesday, March 5, 2013

holiday photos: banff & canmore

Sometimes a lady needs to leave the city for a short jaunt to the mountains with her husband. And really, who doesn't enjoy a jaunt that feels far-flung but actually doesn't require a plane ticket?

So, off we went last weekend on a three-day mini-getaway/road trip to Canmore and Banff. It was exactly what we needed (‘cause last week was a doozy, friends). The fresh mountain air was refreshing and revitalizing, and that never ending list of should, could & must dos from home instantly disappeared from my mind.

We rented a condo at the Falcoln Crest Lodge - explored Canmore and Banff, took long walks, rode the gondola at Sulphur Mountain (so fun!), ate good food, snuggled by the fire and relished in our time together... away from it all.

Here are a few photos of our trip, if you'd like to see...

Bow River in Canmore


Gondola

Scott and Dajana at top of Sulphur Mountain

Overlooking Banff Springs Hotel

View from above

Oh deerDajana standing at Bow ValleyRavenTree

Dajana at Bow Falls

Trees through car windows




Scotty in Banff

Dajana at Banff Springs

Alpine birdDajana inspired by Original 10 Cent

Mountain

Food

Bow River

gondola 2View from condoBridgeBanff Springs Hotel

More mountains

The majestic scenery takes your breath away, doesn't it? We love this part of Alberta and can't wait to come back. During our trip, I secretly pretended we lived there. I'm such a dreamer (and a nerd).

Have you ever visited Canmore? Or Banff? Either way, here are some suggestions...

A mini travelogue:
  • Ride the Sulphur Mountain gondola. It offers insane & exhilirating views of six mountain ranges.
  • Eat at Bella Crusta. This Canmore eatery makes THE best focaccia chicken salad sandwiches.
  • Try the smoked sweet potato cheesecake at Iron Goat in Canmore. Smoky sweet & delish!
  • Have a beaver tail pastry smothered in nutella at Beaver Tails in Banff. So dang good.
  • Visit Bow Falls. Just don't walk out onto the ice like I did. Poor Scott kept calling me back.  
  • The gorgeous Banff Springs Hotel is definitely worth a look. Even if you're not staying there.  
  • Keep your eyes open for wildlife. The deer, elk, birds and rabbits are all around you!
  • Got a sweet tooth? Stop by the Banff Sweet Shoppe for all sorts of candies & fudge.
  • Go dog sledding! Our tour was cancelled because of avalanche blasting. Drat! But we'll be back.
  • Hike the Grassi Lakes Trail. An easy 4 km hike that leads to two stunning aquamarine lakes.
  • And if you're in the mood for sharing, try Canmore's Tapas Restaurant. It's delicious & romantic (; 

22 comments:

  1. Gorgeous photos! My husband and I were just talking last night about how we need to make it to Banff and/or Jasper for a weekend getaway soon.

    Courtney ~ http://sartorialsidelines.com

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    1. Hope you're able to get away with your dude too, Courtney. As much as I love living in the city, it's nice to escape it and head for the hills for a few days. It does wonders (:



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  2. The photos are amazing! It almost looks fake,too pretty!
    I'm glad you had very good time there!

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    1. Spasiba, Kat! It was great to get away from it all. My "grumpies" were instantly cured. (:

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  3. awesome!!!!






    SELENE OVER THE POND

    FB @ SELENE OVER THE POND

    INSTAGRAM @ HIPANDCHIPS

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  4. Such majestic photos...looks like you had an amazing time!!! Dog sledding would have been so cool!!

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    1. We're going back to dog sled in a few weeks, Randi. I'll be sure to post pics of that crazy fun, too!

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  5. What a stunningly beautiful place. We went skiing in Banff a few years ago and man was it cold!

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    1. It can get real cold in the mountains, Carol! We got SO lucky with the weather that weekend. You just can beat -3 and sunshine (which is pretty dang good for March in Alberta).

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  6. Beautiful Photos, Lady - I love to spend as much time as I can just where you and Scott went - every year my son and I hike up (sometimes he runs) up to the top of Sulpher - so many fabulous memories out there. Canmore is a breath of fresh air and Banff is in my heart always

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    1. What a fantastic place to make memories with your boy! Can't believe he runs up Sulphur Mountain. Wowee.

      p.s. Thanks for the sweet compliment, Elaine! I had a super time just snappin' away (:

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  7. had to hop over from instagram! i have a feeling that the awesomeness of your surroundings wouldn't even fit in your camera viewfinder. really breathtaking.

    www.mamacase.com

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    1. Love your choice of words, Kacie. We're truly blessed to have this kind of natural beauty so close to home. Already planning our next mountain getaway!

      p.s. thanks so much for hopping on over (:

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  8. Dajana I am a summer baby but I have looked at these pictures every day since you posted! These pictures are ridiculously gorgeous and I can't wait to visit one day. On that note, I am checking out flights from NYC now!

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    1. First of all, thanks so much for your sweet comment, Usha. It totally made my day!

      Secondly, it'd be great if you could visit Alberta! I'd come down to meet you for some good eats, of course (:

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  9. Holy beautiful batman!! That photo with the binoculars is gorgeous...the whole scenery really looks breathtaking, and it looks like you were there after a fresh snow. Beautiful!

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    1. Thanks, Heather! We arrived in Canmore just minutes before a huge snow storm (so thankful we weren't driving on the highway at the time). And then the next day, the sun came out in all of its glory. It was the best of both wintry worlds! I'm already planning our next weekend getaway (:

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  10. I'm very late but you pictures are absolutely breathtaking. Simply gorgeous. I've never heard of Canmore of Banff but they look like lovely places to visit, especially for the smoked sweet potato cheesecake! :) Glad you had a relaxing escape.

    Dyan

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    1. Thanks, Dyan! You'll have to come and visit our beautiful province someday. There's so much to see and do... and eat, of course (:

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  11. Wow incredible photos!

    xo
    alyciamealy.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks so much, Alycia! Alberta is breathtaking, isn't it.

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