Canadian Rockies Trip Day 3 - Banff to Lake Louise (Tuesday, June 18th, 2019)
Canadian Rockies Trip Day 3 - Banff to Lake Louise (Tuesday, June 18th, 2019)
We woke up early today so we can hike the Tunnel Mountain Trail before breakfast. We got onto the trail before 6:00 am in hope to spot a group of hotel hikers moving out around similar time. We never saw the group of hotel hikers but we did see a pack of deer grazing along the Bow River. The air is fresh in the morning and there isn't much crowd. The animals come out early during the day to graze. We got to the trail head just around 6:00 am and started the somewhat steep ascend of Tunnel Mountain.
MM and GG at the footbridge crossing the Bow River with Cascade Mountain in the background
Cross Road leading to the trailhead
Looking down the road from the Tunnel Mountain Trail head with Mount Norquay in view
Spotted another local bird on the tree, possibly a Grey Jay
Fairmont Gold, part of the Fairmont amenity that we enjoyed greatly
View of Lake Louise from our room
Previous
We woke up early today so we can hike the Tunnel Mountain Trail before breakfast. We got onto the trail before 6:00 am in hope to spot a group of hotel hikers moving out around similar time. We never saw the group of hotel hikers but we did see a pack of deer grazing along the Bow River. The air is fresh in the morning and there isn't much crowd. The animals come out early during the day to graze. We got to the trail head just around 6:00 am and started the somewhat steep ascend of Tunnel Mountain.
Caught sight of a pack of deer moving about early in the morning by the Bow River
MM and GG at the footbridge crossing the Bow River with Cascade Mountain in the background
Cross Road leading to the trailhead
Looking down the road from the Tunnel Mountain Trail head with Mount Norquay in view
Spotted another local bird on the tree, possibly a Grey Jay
We heard a few thunder on the way to the trail head. That got us worried about. The cloud was looking a bit ominous but there was no rain. We made it to the trail head and started the ascent shortly after 7:00 am.
Making our way up
We encountered very few hikers. There were a few hikers with their dogs. In no time, we were able to get a great of of Banff and Fairmont Banff Springs.
Great View of Banff Valley in sight
Fairmont Banff Springs
After a few switch back and encountering a few other hikers, we reached the top just before 8:00 am. We took some pictures at the signature Canadian Park Red Chairs and made our way down to our hotel for breakfast.
Topping out at Tunnel Mountain with the Canadian NP Red Chairs
Panoramic View of Bow Valley at a look out point
We encountered a pair of Australian hiker/trail runners near the top of the mountain. We conversed with these guys a bit and they scurried off the mountain. We were able to make it to breakfast just around 9:30 am before we head out for our next stop - Lake Louise.
Great view of Fairmont Banff Springs after our hike
Our shuttle to Lake Louis does not pick us up until mid afternoon. This gave us a few hours to wander around the town of Banff and do some shopping before we headed out.
Getting a lunch drink at Banff
Getting some souvenirs at the Roots Store
Check out counter at the Roots Store
Mission completed at the Roots Store
Family shot by a fellow traveler with Tunnel Mountain in the background
Getting a treat at Cow's Ice Cream, part of the lunch menu
"Out of Office"
After picking up a few other souvenirs in town, we took the town shuttle back to the hotel. We boarded our private transport just after 3:00 pm and headed to Lake Louise.
Kids and Mom posing in front of Fairmont Banff Springs before we boarded our transportation
View of Castle Mountain on the way to Lake Louis
We arrived a The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise shortly after 4:00 pm. We were greeted by hotel staff dressed in knicker pants to help with our luggage. I believe the hotel is paying homage to their roots in the 1920's by having the staff dress the part. Since our accommodation is on the Fairmont Gold Floor, we were able to check in at the Fairmont Gold Level in private. We enjoyed the private evening canapés at the Fairmont Gold Floor. After taking the canapés, we dipped in the pool and enjoyed the sauna before we were done for the day.
Greeted by Hotel Staff dressed in knickers
Group shot with Fairmont Lake Louise in view
Fairmont Gold, part of the Fairmont amenity that we enjoyed greatly
View of Lake Louise from our room
Our room, Gold Floor 705
Canapés
Duck skewers
Ginger beef
Curry vegetables
Enjoying the food at the Gold Lounge
Olive Bar
Mini subs
Olive plate
Time to eat
Getting ready for a dip
Pool party
Mother and daughter
"Mini photo session" at Lake Louis
Long exposure of Lake Louis at about 3:00 am, the sky was too bright to capture the stars
Olive Bar
Mini subs
Olive plate
Time to eat
Getting ready for a dip
Pool party
Mother and daughter
"Mini photo session" at Lake Louis
Long exposure of Lake Louis at about 3:00 am, the sky was too bright to capture the stars
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Stunning!! The girls are too cute! How far is the
ReplyDeleteLake Louise Fairmont to your first Fairmont that only required a shuttle between the two? Why break apart the stay if they are so close? Is it for the trails to hike at?
Often time the tour would go directly from Banff to Jasper area and only stop at Lake Louise for a view/break. We wanted to experience both hotels because they are distinctly different. Both are very historic and date back to the late 19th century and both are located at incredible locations. If time allows, it's worth to stay at both! The view of the Moraine Lake "hike" - it's more a walk is featured on past Canadian $20 bill so the hikes are definitely worth the stay.
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