Thursday, June 17, 2010

An Epic Finale

Hola Bloggies:

And this is where it all ends. The last of my Banff recaps. And I think I may have saved the absolute best for last.

Our spectacular day in Lake Louise.

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Lake Louise is a glacier lake high in the Canadian Rockies. It’s kind of amazing and rightfully popular with tourists.

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I wish I could convey to you the beauty of the scenery! The water is a turquoise colour. Totally natural.

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On it’s shore you’ll find tourists enjoying casual walks and in some cases more hardcore hikes that take them high into the glaciers.

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See the man on the rock face? There were tons of rock climbers scaling the rock faces that surround the lake. It was basically and outdoors(wo)mans heaven.

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Those looking for a unique (and less strenuous) activity could opt for a Brewster Horse Ride around the lake. The man in the picture is their guide.

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We chose to take a jaunt around the lake. By the end of our hour walk we were absolutely starved and went looking for a place to eat.

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After some deliberating we chose to have our lunch on the veranda of the stunning Chateau Lake Louise. This meal was a definite highlight of my trip!

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Since I couldn’t have the afternoon tea (they were sold out) I chose their antipasto platter and a cup of Empress tea to start.

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The tea, made by Murchies (and available online) was delicious as always. But the view . . . the view was what made the meal memorable.

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One of the things I most love about elegant restaurant is the little surprises during your meal. Like this bonus biscotti that came with my tea. It was incredibly delicate!

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By this point I was seriously grimy but I still did my best to be a “lady that does lunch.” lol

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The antipasto was amazing!! The pickled veggies were great with the mushroom being the star. The cured meats were not too fatty and just flavourful enough. And the freshly baked bread was the perfect pairing.

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Besides, all that food made for one of the loveliest photos I have taken in a long time. You see all those different layers of food? And the wonderful background at the end? Yeah, I’m kind of proud of that one!

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I finished the whole meal off with an espresso and another (bonus!) biscotti.

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On the whole I have to say I’m thrilled I got to take place in Susan and Holly’s Banff Getaway. I made two new friends, ate some wonderful food, enjoying fantastic vistas, and most importantly – pushed my physical limits. After my weekend in Banff I can’t wait to continue to explore the beautiful Rocky Mountains!!!


Question: Have you ever taken a trip that made you realize you were stronger than you were you were? I felt that way after my hike!

9 comments:

Jocelyn said...

Wow. That lake is so pretty! What scenery! Jealous.

Southbaygirl said...

I so want to go to lake Louise now!! What an amazing place!!!!

Marianne (frenchfriestoflaxseeds) said...

I remember going to Lake Louise when I was a kid. Probably 8 or something like that? Just as beautiful today. Although, we never got to eat at the Chateau :( I probably wouldn't have appreciated it at that age mind you.

Trip that pushed my limits? Hmmm. Perhaps in Ecuador, when we stayed in the jungle, and went scaling up rushing waterfalls in our bathing suits and gumboots, with just a rope. So sketchy, but fun!

If you want another crystal blue lake, you should do the hike up to Lake Garibaldi up past Squamish. We should go!

Susan said...

LOVE that picture of the antipasto with the mountains in the background. Ohman, going back to Calgary after seeing Banff and Lake Louise was not the same :P I can't wait to go back and see BC!!

A Toronto girl out West said...

Jocelyn,

You'll just have to come for a visit to see the scenery for yourself! Especially now that your sister is basically going to me one of us (Canadian! :o)

A Toronto girl out West said...

Penny,

The weather was just perfect too - you would have loved it!

A Toronto girl out West said...

Marianne,

It's probably a good thing that you've saved the Chateau Lake Louise for when you can appreciate it! :o)

And btw I just went to go look at some pics of Lake Garibaldi. Ummm . . . WOW!!!! I need to move back stat! Clearly we need to hit up that hike, Vij's, and find me some coconut ice cream! lol

A Toronto girl out West said...

Susan,

I'm rather proud of that picture! :o) And yes you do have to come back to BC - there's so much beauty out here!!!

kanishk said...

Especially now that your sister is basically going to me one of us .
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