Friday Favorites: Look on the Bright Side

Stacy Bright in Banff

Poe’s Stacy Bright recently led a group to Banff, a picturesque alpine town in Alberta, Canada. There she marveled at the other-worldly blue of a glacial lake, trotted along a scenic trail on horseback, summited Sulphur Mountain via gondola, and shared a meal with an (uninvited) squirrel.

For four nights and five days, Stacy et al. made The Fairmont Banff Springs their home and home base for exploring. Located in the heart of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Banff National Park, the hotel has been a destination for savvy travelers for more than 125 years. The original wooden hotel that opened in 1888 burned down in 1926 but was replaced two years later with the grander Scottish-baronial-castle-meets-European-château structure of today. The lobby spaces are vast, the cozy nooks countless and inviting. There’s an Arthurian great hall; an elegant, wood-paneled bar; and a restorative hot-springs spa. With its signature stone walls, turrets, and winding staircases, it feels like an ancient, elegant castle, but with mini-bars and wi-fi. Of the hotel, Stacy says, “The food was great; the concierge was lovely and very helpful procuring park passes, plotting routes, etc.”

On the first night at dinner, they watched as an elk nonchalantly strolled across the greens of the championship golf course and swam in a stream, just doin’ his elk thing. Another dinner proved even more eventful in terms of wildlife when, over a tasty wiener schnitzel at Walder House (one of the many dining options on property), a (German?) squirrel casually ambled up to table and helped himself to Stacy’s plate. (He also ordered a beer.) Her one disappointment was that she did not see a bear, but she did meet a charming Black Lab named Bear, whom you can “check out” to take on a stroll around the grounds. (If you’re a dog person, you get it.)

But, really, Banff is all about the surrounding natural splendor and the many activities on offer. It’s heaven for outdoor enthusiasts—from hikers and mountain bikers to skiers. (Word is that it’s quickly surpassing Whistler as the top skiing destination in Canada.) Stacy ventured to stunning Lake Louise for the day and hiked to an overlook, never taking for granted the temperate fall weather. “It was prettier than I ever imagined,” says Stacy. Some of the group visited Lake Moraine, which is said to be even more beautiful than Lake Louise (and less crowded since it is capacity controlled). Stacy reports that the parks themselves were pristine—litter-free and treated with care.

“Banff is such a great destination for families as well as other groups. It’s easy to get around on your own, whether you take a car trip to Jasper or a hike, and the hotel makes for the perfect launching point. It’s a very active place, and everyone can do their own thing. I’d love to return with my family or for a couples’ trip,” says Stacy. One thing that struck her the most was the quiet—“It was very peaceful.” Ahhh, we can almost not hear it.

Though summer and fall are prime times, there is something to be said for visiting in the winter, when the lights of the hotel’s 700-odd rooms twinkle out from under a thick crust of snow. Whenever you decide to go, you can count on it being magical. Call us to make it happen.

Insider Tip: Request a room overlooking the Bow River Valley; the views are mesmerizing.

WHAT’S THE DEAL?

We’re currently offering this fun promotion, so there’s no better time to beat a retreat to Banff.

Great Canadian Winter Road Trip (4 Nights)

The Fairmont Banff Springs

Valid for travel now through April 30, 2020

CHOOSE FROM AT LEAST TWO FAIRMONT CANADIAN ROCKIES RESORTS AND THEY’LL TAKE CARE OF THE DRIVING!

If you book with us, you’ll  receive all Virtuoso amenities as well as transportation to/from the airport and between the hotels with our preferred service providers. The fine print follows:

• Must book a minimum of two hotels • Minimum 4-night stay (can be combinable between at least 2 or more hotels) • Maximum of 3 transfers when staying at 2 hotels; maximum of 4 transfers when staying at 3 hotels