FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX: Lake Louise

The gorgeous summer blooms at Lake Louise

We continued along the rest of the Columbia Icefields Parkway towards Lake Louise and into Banff National. A quick at Bow Summit, the highest point of the Parkway, gave us a view of Lake Peyto - the "bluest lake in the Rockies". Unfortunately due to the sun position and clouds, it was not the choice time for supreme blue, but this did not make the lake any less breathtaking. In the distance, one could still the remnant of Peyto Glacier which help form the lake.

We had purchased a touring guide app which gave commentary based on our GPS position. Thanks to the app we had thirty seconds of fake concentration and good behaviour from the children followed by another 5 minutes of giggling, poking and silliness. It was worth speeding to reduce the time between commentary. Before long, we are at Lake Louise village. Lunch was reasonable cafe food but involved the best hot white chocolate known to man. From there it was a very short drive to the stunning Lake Louise itself.

Lake Peyto

Tonight we were staying at suite at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise - although the rooms were beautifully appointed and the views stunning, it was lacking "Disney magic" when it came to service...The concierge had written to us prior to arrival giving us a choice of our welcome platter and informing us that we would receive complimentary fresh cut flowers and internet. However when we arrived, there was no platter, no flowers, and there were going to charge us for internet! Our key cards kept failing despite several changes, and the air-conditioning in the living room did not work. The issues were all resolved but it was disappointing when you are paying a premium price for the room.

This did not stop us from enjoying the facilities of the beautiful resort. We took the opportunity to go out on the Lake in our complimentary canoe hires. The lake is only ice-free for 150 days of the year and temperatures range between 1 and 3 degrees celcius year round! Dinner was at the resorts Swiss restaurant. The black truffle cheese fondue was fun and delicious but we can put the set back in the pantry for another decade. The highlight for Malcolm was the swimmer quick spin dryer in the pool area's change room...The highlight for the children were getting their own fluffy robes and slippers.. The highlight for Jonah was having the living room to himself, his own double bed, his own tv and his own bathroom. He became very protective of his toiletries, warning everyone not to touch his "Rose 31 collection". Such a princess.

And tomorrow we will have our first hotel buffet breakfast since the cruise! O happy day!