Visiting Canmore

Earlier this summer Christina and I took a couple of trips to Canmore. We never intended to make two trips but opportunity and a celebration led us there.

In mid winter I was searching for a cheap vacation trip and on the Groupon Vacation site I found a fantastic deal for off-season in the Rockies. I swooped it up and come late May we found ourselves at the Windtower Lodge and Suites.

The hotel location wasn't what I would call central but in Canmore it doesn't really matter too much. We actually really liked the location as the walking path to downtown was along the scenic Policeman's Creek Boardwalk  exiting at the 'Big Head'.

After exploring the downtown for some time we took a short drive for a hike along a dried up gravel creek bed - Grotto Canyon Hike. It's an easy hike with very little grade but I wouldn't recommend it for the very young or aged. The uneven rocks will just eat up ankles. 

Our second trip to Canmore was specifically for a wedding of an old colleague and mutual friend of Christina and myself.  This time we ended up staying at the charming Georgetown Inn. This Tudor style hotel hosting the wedding supper was an apt choice as the bride to be is English born and still converses with an accent.  

Chrissy and I woke up early on Saturday for a picturesque walk and big breakfast then got all gussied up for the wedding ceremony on a hill overlooking town. 

The weather was almost as beautiful as my date.

I really enjoy outdoor weddings. Something about it seems more informal and much more congenial. 

Love the car battery power source

After a long night of celebrating and talking Redwings hockey (much to Chrissy's dismay) we woke up a little late to do any ambitious hikes. So instead we went back to one of our favorite spots; Lake Minnewanka for a shoreline walk.

Thanks Karen and Zac for allowing us to be a part of your big day. We wish you many happy and healthy years together.

Victoria in the Spring

After visiting the Butchart Gardens Chrissy and I took a whirlwind tour of the Victoria area in between my conferencing....try to keep up!

Mile Zero of the TransCanada

The Empress

Hatley Castle and Gardens

Home of Royal Roads University but more importantly the 'manors' of the movie X-men, and TV 'abodes' of Lex Luthor and Oliver Queen.

Cathedral Grove

The rain-forest home of giant redwoods.

Wine and Cider Tours

Fantastic cider tasting at Merridale Estate Cidery. Every cider we tried was phenomenal but probably the best drink was just the plain old apple juice. Sooooo gooood.

Somehow the lavender and rhubarb wine at Damali Winery just worked. There is no reason it should taste good but it does.

Cool Pepsi Machine

Whiffin Spit Park in Sooke

Craigdarroch Castle

Exploring Victoria Harbor

Quick Hits

Watching the marathon from our hotel room

Crashing a Chinatown art opening and holding a rickety ladder

Fisherman's Wharf from a water taxi

Lounging Around

Worlds biggest hockey stick in Duncan BC

Coombs Country Market (aka - Goats on Roofs)

Visiting Victoria in the spring from Edmonton and experiencing a temperate climate, rain-forests, a beautiful harbor, and flowers in full bloom was a little disorientating.  A few times we caught  ourselves discussing our customs allowance for our trip home. It's hard to believe that we were in the same country the whole time.

We liked the whole area so much we even looked around at real estate and want ads. Unfortunately I don't think we could find jobs that would allow us to buy the type of house we have become accustomed to in Edmonton. I guess the trade off is a beautiful surrounding and weather all year or a pretty decent home and disposable income. I almost feel lazy in our choice.  Maybe we'll just have to take another 'overseas' trip to Victoria again.

Blog Absence

I have been horrible at keeping up on the blog over the summer. At work I had a bunch of reports to write and didn't have it in me to write anymore by the time I got home. Plus, it's just been too damn warm with our houses temperature averaging 26 degrees over the last 2+ weeks.

Lots to come including: Victoria and Vancouver Island, Calgary Stampede, Canmore, Saskatoon, Multiple weddings, Yellowknife and typical chicanery.

Will get to it soon...but until then a few pictures.