Long Weekend Holiday in Canmore

Over the last couple of years Canmore has been Chrissy and my weekend getaway destination in the Rockies. For the Family Day weekend in February we decided to invite the Fosters out with us to generally just hang out.

Originally we thought that we would get some cross country skiing in but the weather didn't really cooperate and we were treated to unseasonably warm conditions. More time I guess for taking in the sights of the downtown and sitting out on patios.

Canmore Winter Festival - The only snow in sight

We became so adept at ordering and drinking beer we thought it best to just cut out the middleman and visit the Grizzly Paw Brewery. 

The John Black

Color coordination of clothing purely accidental

After a valentines day supper in the condo and a bunch more booze we realised just how lazy we were being and decided that the following day we would do something active.

No longer excited by the prospect of skiing at the Nordic Centre, or better said; not wanting to embarrass ourselves among the Scandinavian level prowess of the skiers at the Nordic Centre we decided on a quick trip up to Lake Louise.

As we headed deeper into the Rockies the amount of snow multiplied in triplicate and it seemed like we were back into winter. With the waterfall near the Chateau Lake Louise as our destination we joined the masses of people on the frozen lake.

Chris, ever the romantic and in the middle of nature, professed his love for his beautiful bride and Tara responded with an oh so typical modern working woman answer ;)

Enjoying the weather and the company we decided to continue on after the waterfall along a wooded path for another kilometre before reaching a dead end and turning back. This return though offered us a great view of the hotel.

Arriving back at the hotel we paused for some pictures with the ice fortress before searching out more refreshments.

Before we were ready the weekend was over and we were travelling back to Edmonton. The Foster's turned out to be fantastic travel partners.  Perhaps we'll have to see if they would be up for a couples trip to a more warm destination next time.

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.