banff

Fairmont Banff Springs is Real-Life Castle

Fairmont Banff Springs is Real-Life Castle! In childhood fairytales and adolescent dreams there’s always a knight in shining armor who lives in a castle in the mountains. Ladies, I’m here to tell you such a place exists. I know because I have been there. In fact, the Fairmont Banff Springs is known as the “Castle in the Rockies” located at the edge of the quaint alpine village of Banff, Alberta, Canada. With its attention to detail, sophisticated respectability, luxurious furnishings, and majestic views, is it any wonder it continues to attract celebrities and royalty from all over the world? Feel free to wander aimlessly throughout its tapestried halls and winding staircases. At the end of the day, you may find yourself in the romantic alcove of Rundle Lounge sipping hand-crafted cocktails overlooking a manicured garden or spacious terrace. Just remember to bring your own Prince Charming. 

Soar to the Summit of Sulphur Mountain in Banff, Canada 

Soar to the Summit of Sulphur Mountain in Banff, Canada! Are you afraid of heights? Well, I am, which is why I continue to challenge those fears by meeting them head on. Perhaps, I have a spirit that soars…..as long as I keep my mind on the destination. Climbing into an enclosed gondola surrounded by glass and being suspended over the Bow Valley with a 360° view can be mind boggling. Did I mention the gondola has a glass bottom as well? There’s no escaping the multitude of emotion at the sight of jaw-dropping unbridled beauty. From the Banff Gondola observation deck at 7,486 feet above sea level, this is what it feels like to be on top of the world. In the distance, the picturesque town of Banff, with its château-style hotels and quaint shops, carries on as though this is how everyone else on the planet already lives. 

Dining Outside the Home: Wild Bill’s Legendary Saloon in Banff, Canada 

Dining Outside the Home: Wild Bill’s Legendary Saloon in Banff, Canada! Climb the stairs to the second level for a wide-open Wild West experience complete with smokehouse menu, grizzly bear wi-fi, and mechanical bull. The windows are flung open wide to the alpine view beyond. If you’re lucky, you may snag a couple bar stools on the private balcony perched for people-watching on Main Street below. The chuck wagon sandwiches include fresh elk burgers and lean bison burgers. When you want to gather with friends, dance the night away, sing like you’re a country music star, Wild Bill’s Legendary Saloon offers night life that never sleeps. 

Canadian Mounties are as Rare as Hens’ Teeth

Canadian Mounties are as Rare as Hens’ Teeth! It isn’t that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police no longer exist. They do, indeed. After all, they are the federal and national police force of Canada. It’s just that the regular uniform no longer consists of the original high collared scarlet tunic, midnight blue breeches with yellow leg stripe, and wide brown, flat brimmed hat. If you happen to come across such a well-dressed gentleman, take notice, especially if the occasion is devoid of special event, festival parade, or training demonstrations. My husband and I followed a Mountie as he wandered along Banff Avenue on foot, in a reserved demeanor, before stopping to pose for the tourists. His midnight black horse was nowhere to be found. Perhaps Dudley Do-Right was keeping him company. 

Ghost Bride is Urban Legend 

The Urban Legend of Ghost Bride Is Shockingly Real. The infamous bridal ghost of Fairmont Banff Springs continues to aimlessly roam the hallways of the century-old prestigious hotel. And who can blame her? Years ago, on the most important day of her life, while descending a spiral staircase, the hem of her gown caught fire from lighted candles causing her to fatally tumble down the marble steps. From the ballroom above, imagine the terrifying gasps as her body lay crumpled like a rag doll at the foot of the stairs. To this day, hotel guests claim the presence of a young woman,dressed all in white, visibly wanders around the staircase or can be spotted waltzing in the ballroom above. Beware the icy breeze. It’s enough to raise the hair on your arm.