Quick stop in the Bow

It is overwhelming. Its big and its busy. Coming to the Bow Valley is intense. Surrounded by the towering rocks, the overbearing crowds and the intensity of the colours.

Actually, its not that bad, busy but not bad. Hoards of tourists head over here in the warmer months chasing the Canadian wonders.

It can be hard, especially when you're only here for a few days. The options to go see are endless.

Like when two of my high-school friends came over en route to Europe, staying for 4 days, with a touch of jet-lag and a large urge to explore.

Day 0:

Arrive into Canada (probably via Calgary or Vancouver- or even both). Getting the fist glimpse of the Rocky Mountains driving down the Highway 1 from Calgary, you get a hint of what is about to come. Arriving into Canmore at 9.30 all exhausted and tired after their long day of travelling (14 hours + 1 1/2 hours on a plane to be exact)

Day 1:

Allowing a sleep-in to try wear off the jet-lagged, we decided to venture down into Canmore town for a big breakfast at Communitea. This cafe is one of my favourite. Personally I find their coffee is the best in Canmore and all the food is consciously healthy and delicious. (even Aleisha and Jonny were super happy with the coffee, and they came straight from NZ). Ofcourse we couldn't go into downtown Canmore without walking the drag into all the must go-to shops, and since it was Thursdays, to the Farmers Market.

Pretty much a day to get bearings and figure out where they were. Once Andrew finished work we decided to take Aleisha and Jonny on a tour of Banff quickly.

That evening -pot nap- We drove around Lake Minnewanka and decided to stop off at Two Jack Lake as well, mostly in hunt to see a bear. Managed to see tourists in their natural habitat congregating down on the Minnewanka shores, ogling at mangey Big Horn Sheep.

We had purposely not eating much that day and had planned to go to Eddie Burger while in Banff. This has been one of Andrews and I favourites for a long time. Huge, good quality burgers, but with the price tag to go with it.

Wandering down town Banff on a Friday night while waiting for our table at Eddie was interesting. Banff is chaos. Even early summer on a random Thursday night. Showing Aleisha and Jonny the main go to spots and stores which are unique to Banff. At Eddie burger we encouraged them to order Poutine. A Canadian classic, and of course I got a Caesar (drink not the salad, but actually did order the salad as a side to my burger). For those who haven't been to Canada, a Caesar is like a Bloody Mary, but saltier. As the name suggests it contains Clam juice. Yes, Clam juice. My first question was "how do you juice a clam?!". But also Gross. It was a cocktail created in Calgary turns out. For the first few months I HATED them, but now with extra spice and extra Worcestershire I loved them!

Considering the large meal and long day we had an early night and didn't get up to much.

When In Banff I recommend trying Eddie Burger, Park Distillery, Coyotes Deli & Grill ( I used to work here) and if you're after vegetarian, Nourish.

Day 2:

As always when in Banff National Park, I planned to take them to Lake Moraine and Lake Louise (In this order). Why? Lake Moraine is the poster child for Canada. Snow capped peaks year round, crystal blue lakes and jagged rocks. It is only open to public May-October and as summer is the busiest season its best to try time the visit perfectly.

There is the odd chance you can get down Lake Moraine road when its not closed off during the day, but most would recommend going EARLY morning or later in the evening. By early we got up early. We left Canmore at around 5.30am, quick Tim Hortons stop (Canada's version of Starbucks with bagels etc), and made it to Lake Moraine at around 6.30am, with less than half a carpark full of cars- which is super un-usual. Most morning by 7.30 the road is full and locked off. Follow the trail round to the left which takes you on top of the rock pile (you'll know what I mean if you see it) or straight down to the shore. By 7am the carpark was full and tourists were flooding in.

After, we drove back towards Lake Louise. Tourists dripping in as the sun still started to ride and the lake was socked in with early morning fog but still surrounding by the early bird tourists. We decided to have coffee #2 while we waiting for the clouds to clear. This gave a chance to wander through the Lake Louise Chateau which is one of the most gorgeous and expensive hotels to stay in. Literally a minutes after getting our coffees the clouds rose and we could show them the glory of the lake. Crystal clear, barely a ripple, deep blue with mountains capped in snow in the background. at this point it was only 8.30, so we decided to continue North on the Highway 93.

This highway is also known as the Icefields parkway, and has deemed to be one of the most scenic highways. Around 30-40 minutes up the highway you come across Bow Lake. This one spot has an amazing old lodge which was built by Jimmy Simpson. Has some incredible history behind it. On the other side of the lake you can see Bow Glacier, and Bow Glacier falls. This is the origin for the Bow River which flows all the way through the Bow Valley and out eventually (changing names a few times) to Lake Winnipeg.

From here we continued north a little (5-10 minutes) to Peyto Lake. Be warned, it is not signed for Peyto, but for Bow summit. This lake requires a quick steep 10 minute ascent to a viewing platform overlooking the lake. This lake is stunning, known for its deep blue colours and also the shape of it which resembles that of a wolves head. There will also be a gazillion other tourists here all fighting for a "alone" pic in front of the lake.

By the way, the blue in the lakes in this area are caused by "rock flour". The glaciers grind down the rocks into a fine "flour" which eventually makes it way down to the lake where it is deposited. The light from the sun then absorbs all colours of the spectrum except the blue and green (which is what you see). Dependent of the mineral make up if the "flour", the colour of the lake will differ. (Science lesson for you)

After all that exploring before 10.30am we were all exhausted, but decided to take the scenic Bow Valley Parkway in stead of the Highway 1. This literally takes you parallel but at a slower pace and a higher chance to see wildlife. En route back to Canmore we stopped at one of Andrews and I favourite brunch spots. The Juniper Bistro. Located on the other side of the highway to Banff, it overlooks the town with stunning views of the valley (and good coffee).

Quick napping session once back in Canmore, before we had a bit of a bike ride around the reservoir in Canmore. We decided to go up to the Nordic Centre and do some easier trails to show Jonny and Aleisha. Few laps later Jonny was hooked. With adrenaline pumping we then met up with everyone in Banff again, but this time for a Scooter ride! We always higher from the campany located in the Banff Train station (the owners are super friendly) . We decided to hire the scooters for 2 hours and drove all around Banff, including Lake Minnewanka. If you want a good easy way around Banff this is the best bet, as you can see EVERYTHING. After this we all retreated back to our house in Canmore for a BBQ and drinks before a relatively early night to bed.

Day 3:

Today was a wake up late and cook breakfast in our own time day. The boys decided to go off and mountain bike as Jonny was hooked and Andrew will almost always go biking. Us girls decided to go for a hike instead. Initially doing Lawrence Grassi Knob, but it was a bit too intense, we decided to go Grassi Lakes.

Now if you're in Canmore and want a walk/hike that isn't too intense and has great views for rewards this is a good option. It takes around 30 minutes up and less down with views of a waterfall, the reservoir and 2 emerald lakes at the top. There are also rock climbers on the far walls to watch as well .You're also usually in the warmer months, going to be surrounded by a lot of other tourists seeking that exercise.

A few hours later after all of us had our adventure fix we ventured into town for a late lunch at The Wood. This restaurant is the end of Main Street and has one of the best patios. Meals are larger and drinks are very satisfying.

Since it was such a late lunch, we had a later light dinner and wandered down to our friends house down the road for a few beers and a bonfire. You can't be in Canadian summer without a bonfire and s'mores.

Day 4:

Another later morning, due to staying up late around the bonfire. This day however was the warmest and sunniest of the lot and Aleisha and Jonnys last day before jetting off to Europe. We decided to have a relaxing day down by the reservoir in the sun enjoying the paddle boards and kayaks.

Beers, BBQ and floating devices we spent all morning and afternoon down by the water soaking up the sun (me more so as I ended up being very sunburnt). Pushing time before we had to drive to Calgary to ensure they made their flight at 9pm.

All in all, Banff area is a lot to see in a few days. Its merely dependent what you feel like doing. If you're here for adventure, or sight seeing. The possibilities are endless.