Banff National Park Archives - A Country Girl's Heart -Beats that Matter

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Our day trip to Banff National Park included a stop in the town of Banff. Travel along for a visit to the Waldhaus and enjoy a meal on the Pub patio. We found our way to a parking spot down along the Bow River after driving through town.

My heart called me to hike up a path leading to a restaurant located on the side of a hill. I am not sure I have the words describing the beauty but it smelled of sage and the distinct smells one only finds higher up in the mountains. I took a deep breath and felt the excitement brought by exploring new places.

The trail led up through a wooded hillside coming out about halfway between the back side of the Fairmont Hotel and above the Bow river. It opened to a view of the Waldhaus restaurant.

Following the side-walk and stairs I continued on my short hike, downward now toward a meadow and a shallow mountain river.

I hiked along a tributary to the Bow river that ran near the base of the Waldhaus, soaking in the smell and sounds of flowing water. Peace filled my soul.

Meeting up with my Mom and sister back at the parking lot I found a growing desire to eat on the deck of the Waldhaus Pub. A decision I have NOT regretted for a minute!!!!

We strolled along a paved road upwards all the way.

A local golf course tees off the 15th hole half way between the patio and the river.

Many new to us items listed on the menu had us delightfully considering our options. Rosemary spatzle and pretzels with beer mustard and bacon butter…..Delicious!!!!

Enhanced by our by the beautiful views and smell of sage and pine,

we decided on a sweet treat.

Of course coffee served in huge pub style cups complimented the sweetness.

Take a moment to relax and enjoy. Sounds of the river running over the rocks below play a background melody.

Our view across the patio showed the back side of the Fairmont Hotel up on the hill.

A different direction

The next treat came in the form of a visitor on the meadow below

A close up as this beautiful creature decided to bed down for a nap.

We could not leave without exploring the inside of Waldhaus Pub. Wow! The view from one of the windows was frame worthy in itself. (My Mom’s artistic eye)

One final look down the valley

Our hike back to the car led to the discovery of a trail leading straight upwards to an out cropping with a bench sitting on it. I could not be denied the challenge. Up I scrambled to a most beautiful view of Bow falls. With both my sister and I exclaiming over the sight, my mom was not about to left out!! .

I watched in disbelief, awe, and a bit of concern as my 75 yr old mother worked her way up the vertical trail. Now how was she planning to make it back down? I love my Moms spirit and spunk!!! A quick hike back towards the Waldhaus found a slightly safer and shorter way to lower ground. It was still rather steep. Taking baby steps sideways with my Mom in between us, all three of us held hands and carefully worked our way down. I couldn’t resist a quick wave and grin towards the windows of the Waldhaus. What a funny picture the three of us must have been, inching our way down the hill. Memories that bring a smile to my face.

I must say a huge ‘thank you’ for my sisters guidance at this stop in our journey. Did you enjoy the visit to the Waldhaus Pub as much as we did?

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“Lake of the Little Fishes” as the Stoney Indians called it, was named Emerald Lake by Tom Wilson. His job as horse packer for the Canadian Pacific Railway lead to Edwin Hunter, a Stoney Indian, taking him to see it in August of 1882. Tom was the first non Indian person to see it. Two years later, in 1884, Queen Victoria named it Lake Louise after her fourth daughter Princess Louise Caroline Alberta. The lake is fed from the run off of Victoria Glacier.

“You have to visit Lake Louise at least once in your life, see it in person,” stated my Mother. With that she broke into a line of the song Blue Canadian Rockies. I trust her eye for beauty and have heard her say how beautiful Lake Louise is. Having been there in her past she has shared her desire to return. Honoring her wishes, we added a stop at Lake Louise as a part of our day trip to Banff.

In 2017 Canada celebrated 100 years by offering free admission to all National and Provincial Parks. Folks from around the world were navigating Banff National Park to view the beauty. We traveled through Kananaskis Country on 40 to Trans-Canada Highway also known as #1. I do not recall ever being completely immersed in the mountains as I was that day.

View from our parking spot of a different glacier (not Victoria Glacier)

I found the crowded atmosphere overwhelming and questioned why we picked this location as we drove around trying to find a place to park. The first available had a two hour limit and we would need to ride a bus up to Lake Louise itself. Arriving, after a short bus ride and walk to the lake, found the edge of the lake lined with crowds. A long line for rentals extinguished my desire to canoe on Lake Louise as an escape from the masses.

Alas, we found our way to an available spot on the rocky shore. Forgetting the correct words of the Blue Canadian Rockies my mom had inserted her own… “my feet in the waters, of the beautiful Lake Louise.” That sounded nice, so after sitting on the rocks off came my shoes and socks. My sister and mother followed suite. Suddenly, I realized a new feeling had overcome me. As I sat barefooted on the rocks a sense of complete peace had overcome me. I felt a connection to the earth and creator, the crowds of people were no longer visible to my spirit.

My sister and I took turns sitting on an island rock. Peaceful, relaxing laughter and conversation danced between the three of us. We all braved the cold waters of the Emerald Lake dangling our feet from the banks of Lake Louise.

Our time and Mom’s mobility was limited, but there is a trail leading from Lake Louise to a tea house high in the mountains that I am adding to my bucket list. Now, I too, have a desire to return to Lake Louise. Do you?

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