Indulge in the natural mountain air, watch the flowing lakes, and listen to the rustle of the leaves. It’s time for a stroll. Plus one iconic experience you have to try.
1/ Two jack Lake: an easy and popular 4.7-km out-and-back (1.5 hour) trail near Banff.
2/ Johnson Canyon: Take the well trafficked trail from the lower falls to the spectacular 30 metre-high Upper Falls (1-2 hours).
3/ Fenland Trail at Vermilion Lakes: A brisk 2km, well groomed loop through the marshlands and spruce forests. Changing colours in Vermilion lakes at this time of year make for great photos.
4/ Lake Louise Lakefront trail: Looped around the lake, this 4.5-km out-and-back trail is one of the most popular in the area for runners and birdwatchers.
5/ Moraine Lake shoreline trail: Relatively easy almost two-hour route best from accessed June to October;
6/ Minnewanka/ Stewart canyon: A low elevation 1 hour trail that follows Lake Minnewanka shoreline to a bridge spanning the walls of Stewart Canyon.
7/ Banff Gondola (Sulphur Mountain): Though a moderate climb (1-2 hours) via the Sulphur Mountain trail, take the gondola up and stroll along Sanson Peak Boardwalk to catch a view of mountain goats, Cascade and Sundance Range.
ICONIC EXPERIENCE
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Voyageur Canoe Experience
Neatly stacked red canoes at the Boathouse beckon to the adjacent turquoise blue lake, Horâ Juthin Îmne (lake of little fishes), so named by the Stoney First Nations people, the first inhabitants of these lands.
Today, Lake Louise has become globally known for its jaw dropping natural beauty – that surreal tone of blue, only a glacier fed lake could produce, abutting majestic snow-capped Mount Victoria. What then could be a more memorable experience than to paddle on the lake via the guided voyageur canoe experience, a 26’ cedar strip group canoe?
On a sunny morning, the canoe gently glides through the water with ease, with six on board to paddle through the 2.2km long and 0.5km wide lake, all whilst listening to tidbits about the hotel, surrounding topography and tourism in the National Park. It’s a meditative, restorative and thrilling way to experience nature at its finest. fairmont.com/lake-louise
Hotel Guests: $55+GST per adult | $30+GST per child (ages 8 – 12)
Non Hotel Guests: $65+GST per adult | $35+GST per child (ages 8 – 12)
THE DRIVE
The 2023 MAZDA CX-5
Overall: As the most popular Mazda vehicle choice in its class, this compact crossover sports utility vehicle offers a superb option for a road trip to the Rockies with an upscale interior design, and excellent driving dynamics.
The Details: 187 hp, 186 lb-ft torque, Skyactiv-G 2.5 L 4-cylinder engine with standard i-Activ AWD, up to 8.2 L/100 km highway.
Pros: Sleek design of cabin; quiet on highways; plenty of engine power; competitive price; excellent fuel economy for long drives; sharp handling on corners; 10.25-inch display screen.
Cons: The built-in navigation search does not offer results at times; Cargospace is limited to store luggage/ equipment. Mazda.ca
Parks Canada Discovery Pass
Before you go, get your annual Parks Canada Discovery Pass which covers admission to more than 80 destinations for 12 months.
Family/ Group (Up to 7 people in a vehicle): $145.25
Adult (person aged 18-64): $72.25
pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/admission
This original travel article first appeared in the Fall 2022 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
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