I was lucky enough to be able to attend the recent Ensemble Conference at the Fairmont Banff Springs in beautiful Banff, Alberta. Now I may be biased but this country of ours is so incredibly diverse and so naturally stunning I find it hard to understand why I ever felt the need to leave. Don't get me wrong I know the world is a big place with much to offer obviously but I'm just trying to make a point.
My journey began as all of mine do, with a fantastic flight on the ever friendly Westjet Airlines. The flight was on time and uneventful, which is just the way I like them. It was a crystal clear day and the ride up to Banff was relaxing and educational. Brewsters provided the transfers from Calgary airport right to the hotel, about an hour and forty minute drive. The driver of the coach was so informative, funny and very hospitable and made the time pass quickly. Calgary is a wonderfully hilly city, but its about an hour in to the drive before you hit the mountains and your breathe is taken away by the majestic scenery you encounter. It really is awe inspiring and I don't believe words can appropriately describe its natural beauty. But it's grandness certainly does have a way of putting life in perspective.
We arrived at the Fairmont Banff Springs at dusk and so it wasn't until the following morning when you realized just how amazing the setting was for this real life castle. We were greeted by the friendliest and most helpful front desk agents I've come across and this continued for the duration of the stay. No matter where you went or who you spoke with you were always greeted with an incredible smile and helpful hand. The opulent decor and timeless beauty of "the castle in the Rockies" were more than I have experienced anywhere else in my travels. At times I felt like I was walking on the set of Beauty and the Beast, wondering if I'd run into Belle at any moment. There were plenty of dining options from a casual deli style in the Castle Pantry, where you can purchase a sandwich and latte to go, to the exquisite Italian cuisine at the Castello Ristorante, or the Bavarian Cottage-style dining room named the Waldhaus Restaurant. They boast one of the finest spas in the country, the Willow Stream Spa. "Willow Stream brings to life the unique healing powers of the alpine air, the sacred waters and mountain magic." Although they kept me too busy at Conference to pamper myself, I have made a promise to myself I will go back soon and that a day at this lovely spa is tops on my list. There are fifteen exciting shops awaiting you at The Fairmont Banff Springs. Its almost like you never have to leave the property if you so choose, everything you need or want is available to you right here in this fabulous hotel.
I walked into the quaint town of Banff on my second day there. The Hotel is located just up the hill from the town and it takes approximately 15 minutes to walk down. Its a beautiful stroll through a mainly residential area and then across the bridge into the downtown area. The town consists of two main streets and is only about 2 blocks in length. It reminded me of small Swiss Village. There are plenty of shops and dining options here as well. I spent my afternoon reading a good Dan Brown book at the local Starbucks sipping my warm pumpkin spice latte whilst looking out at the majestic mountain range. I couldn't have dreamed of a more relaxing way to spend an afternoon.
My handsome husband Chris was able to join me for the weekend and against his wishes we went up to the top of Sulphur Mountain via the 8 minute Gondola ride. He has a fear of heights I think, and these four seat Gondolas make even the most seasoned travellers a bit nervous. If you can get over the nervous feeling of dangling about 4 storeys up by a thin wire, the views are absolutely incredible as you travel from 698m to an elevation of 2,281m at the Summit Upper Terminal. You can see all six mountain ranges from the deck which wraps around the whole entire building. We chose not to walk the 1 km over to the Meteorological Station as it was beginning to snow and the signs "walk at your own risk" made Chris even more anxious than he was.
For our last night in this picturesque town, Brewsters and Banff Tourism hosted a fun filled evening at the Brewster's MountView Barbecue. Located just ten minutes from downtown Banff, Brewster's MountView Barbecue is a corporate event and reception facility that furnishes a truly western experience. They had two large "donut like" tents, a central bonfire which provided warmth and atmosphere to dance the night away in country and western style. The band was fantastic and had us all up learning to line dance before dessert was served. The traditional buffet style country meal was delicious, with beans, salad, baked potato and BBQ hip of Alberta Beef and finishing up with fresh baked apple pie.
Overall it was an amazing trip for me and I can't wait to go back with the family. I want to thank everyone at the Fairmont for an incredible experience and to everyone else who sponsored us it is a trip I won't forget.
Until next time, safe Journeys!
My journey began as all of mine do, with a fantastic flight on the ever friendly Westjet Airlines. The flight was on time and uneventful, which is just the way I like them. It was a crystal clear day and the ride up to Banff was relaxing and educational. Brewsters provided the transfers from Calgary airport right to the hotel, about an hour and forty minute drive. The driver of the coach was so informative, funny and very hospitable and made the time pass quickly. Calgary is a wonderfully hilly city, but its about an hour in to the drive before you hit the mountains and your breathe is taken away by the majestic scenery you encounter. It really is awe inspiring and I don't believe words can appropriately describe its natural beauty. But it's grandness certainly does have a way of putting life in perspective.
We arrived at the Fairmont Banff Springs at dusk and so it wasn't until the following morning when you realized just how amazing the setting was for this real life castle. We were greeted by the friendliest and most helpful front desk agents I've come across and this continued for the duration of the stay. No matter where you went or who you spoke with you were always greeted with an incredible smile and helpful hand. The opulent decor and timeless beauty of "the castle in the Rockies" were more than I have experienced anywhere else in my travels. At times I felt like I was walking on the set of Beauty and the Beast, wondering if I'd run into Belle at any moment. There were plenty of dining options from a casual deli style in the Castle Pantry, where you can purchase a sandwich and latte to go, to the exquisite Italian cuisine at the Castello Ristorante, or the Bavarian Cottage-style dining room named the Waldhaus Restaurant. They boast one of the finest spas in the country, the Willow Stream Spa. "Willow Stream brings to life the unique healing powers of the alpine air, the sacred waters and mountain magic." Although they kept me too busy at Conference to pamper myself, I have made a promise to myself I will go back soon and that a day at this lovely spa is tops on my list. There are fifteen exciting shops awaiting you at The Fairmont Banff Springs. Its almost like you never have to leave the property if you so choose, everything you need or want is available to you right here in this fabulous hotel.
I walked into the quaint town of Banff on my second day there. The Hotel is located just up the hill from the town and it takes approximately 15 minutes to walk down. Its a beautiful stroll through a mainly residential area and then across the bridge into the downtown area. The town consists of two main streets and is only about 2 blocks in length. It reminded me of small Swiss Village. There are plenty of shops and dining options here as well. I spent my afternoon reading a good Dan Brown book at the local Starbucks sipping my warm pumpkin spice latte whilst looking out at the majestic mountain range. I couldn't have dreamed of a more relaxing way to spend an afternoon.
My handsome husband Chris was able to join me for the weekend and against his wishes we went up to the top of Sulphur Mountain via the 8 minute Gondola ride. He has a fear of heights I think, and these four seat Gondolas make even the most seasoned travellers a bit nervous. If you can get over the nervous feeling of dangling about 4 storeys up by a thin wire, the views are absolutely incredible as you travel from 698m to an elevation of 2,281m at the Summit Upper Terminal. You can see all six mountain ranges from the deck which wraps around the whole entire building. We chose not to walk the 1 km over to the Meteorological Station as it was beginning to snow and the signs "walk at your own risk" made Chris even more anxious than he was.
For our last night in this picturesque town, Brewsters and Banff Tourism hosted a fun filled evening at the Brewster's MountView Barbecue. Located just ten minutes from downtown Banff, Brewster's MountView Barbecue is a corporate event and reception facility that furnishes a truly western experience. They had two large "donut like" tents, a central bonfire which provided warmth and atmosphere to dance the night away in country and western style. The band was fantastic and had us all up learning to line dance before dessert was served. The traditional buffet style country meal was delicious, with beans, salad, baked potato and BBQ hip of Alberta Beef and finishing up with fresh baked apple pie.
Overall it was an amazing trip for me and I can't wait to go back with the family. I want to thank everyone at the Fairmont for an incredible experience and to everyone else who sponsored us it is a trip I won't forget.
Until next time, safe Journeys!
Paula Ellis-Hunt
