Waldhaus Pub

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?