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Critics Choice Vacations
Alberta, Canada
Recently, Critics Choice Vacations became an Alberta, Canada specialist on paper! Fortunately, I was able to put that paper knowledge to active knowledge a few short months later. In July of this year, I was able to visit and explore Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise and some of the very special Columbia Icefields.
The sights, smells (yes smells) and sounds of Alberta, Canada were amazing! In fact, my almost 80 year old (and very fit) mother who traveled with me and adores Alaska commented saying that Alberta might ...just might.... run up there as a #1 destination in her mind (maybe) with Alaska being #2. The jury is still out on this one, but if it gives you any idea of the beauty and composition of the land (and if you have been to Alaska and been in awe like most are), nature and wildlife then you know it is truly special! Alaska, up to this point, has always been one of her most favorite places to travel and visit.
A few highlights for you as they say a photo is worth a more than 1,000 words.
Nothing is complete in Banff without a visit or stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs...historical, luxury, breathtaking views, amazing flowers and design...a sight not to be missed....
You must plan a stop, stay or at least lunch or coffee at the amazing Fairmont Lake Louise. Just a short 45-60 minutes from Banff you come upon Lake Louise. The water and views at Lake Louise are sure to stop someone in their tracks. It did me. The teal and unreal turquoise of the water and the majestic mountains and glaciers behind the Lake are breathtaking. Explore some more and come back and tell me if you did not smell what we did. When on a short hike around the lake, we were struck with this uber pungent smell of FRESH and PINE. It was as it you wanted to bottle it up and light it on fire for the holidays. The scent was so fresh and rich, like something and somewhere I have never been before. A few photos to document what we encountered follow. Critics Choice Vacations is able to VIP you at any and all Fairmont Hotels
across Canada, and the world for that matter.
Just a short drive from Lake Louise and a place not to miss is Lake Moraine! Yes, another Lake with majestic mountains and ever clear teal glacier waters. Lake Louise tends to be more "touristic" and Lake Moraine is as it comes, natural and a bit more authentic and rugged. Gorgeous and breathtaking all the same. More photos for your viewing pleasure.....The Lake has a wonderful path for which you can hike and experience all kinds of different views and angles.
If you continue on north of both Lake Louise and Banff, you will eventually run into the Columbia Icefields. It is a hike drive rather, but the drive is outstanding and you may encounter wildlife along the way. One of our goals on this trip was to walk on a glacier! Bucket list items we can now mark a check by! Talk about feeling small! We actually began our day from Canmore or Deadman’s Flats where we stayed at a cute little out of the way place called CopperStone Resort. The accommodations are comfortable and spacious, full with kitchen amenities (for which we had some amazing salmon dinners), full washer/dryer (which came in handy), small deck to enjoy coffee in the morning or wine in the evening, clean and quiet! Canmore to the Icefields is about a 2.5-3 hour drive one-way, but so worth it! BIG TIP - do not try and go on a weekend and MAKE SURE to pre-book tickets. The place was packed with summer tourists from all over the globe. Waiting times could be more than 2 -3 hours if you did not book in advance like we did. One of the main vendors in Alberta is Brewster Canada
and they do a great job! Here are some of the highlights of our day at the Glacier Adventure
visiting the Athabasca Glacier. If you take a closer look at the largest photo, you will scan in and see people walking on the glacier. This was a private tour with about 6 people. The red ice movers you see further up on the glacier is where we got off to walk. I thought this photo might offer you some perspective. It was amazing and if you have a chance to walk on a glacier, by all means, do so!
Closer to where we were staying and just outside of Banff, there are many wonderful tours you can take part in. One that we did, also offered by Brewster Canada
is a tour by boat on Lake Minnewanka! We had a wonderful, albeit rainy afternoon on the Lake learning about the amazing wildlife in the area, the flora and fauna, differences between a Black or Grizzly bear and many facts about the amazing Lake. A must see and do if you are in the area.
Last but not least, you will most likely fly into Calgary if you are doing a land only option. We were unfortunately diverted to Edmonton, due to weather and storms, but eventually made our way back to Calgary. As a result, we did not get to experience all Calgary has to offer but to highlight a few must do items, please take the time to visit and experience the Skyline Luge
in Calgary for a fun driving event for almost all ages to enjoy, the Calgary Tower
for some amazing 360 degree views of the city, dinner on Stephen Ave downtown
is always fun, live and happening and Calgary hosts many unique and wonderful museums to fit about every age and interest level. The waterfront area is hip and vibrant and a must see as well. Calgary is known for it's famous Calgary Stampede
which happens every July.
I am a BC freak! I have been to Vancouver, BC over 40x's and each time come back learning more and seeing new places I have yet to uncover. After coming back from Alberta, I think it is the same feeling although Alberta is not quite as cosmopolitan as Vancouver tends to be. If you love nature, animals, wildlife, cool, crisp air and amazing landscapes, enjoy being outdoors, then you will really enjoy Alberta! As for me, it might have been my first trip, but it will certainly not be my last!
There are many ways to experience the area, by train with Rocky Mountaineer, on your own with customized tours and adventures, or a combo of both. Critics Choice Vacations can put this together for you just as you like and wish! Call or visit Critics Choice Vacations
for more help and details!
Like so many other parents this Fall, my husband and I became “Empty Nesters”. Our baby girl, and youngest of three was heading off to college and we were faced with the reality of being alone for the first time in 26 years. We decided that this was a life milestone that we should observe, rather than dread. We had spent years devoting endless time and energy to our children and now they were all out in the world as healthy, happy, productive members of society. We had much to celebrate. So, after dropping our daughter off at college we traveled to Montana’s Paradise Valley and spent a few days at Sage Lodge to mark this special occasion. Montana’s Paradise Valley starts near Livingston, which sits on I-90, and stretches south along highway 89 towards Yellowstone National Park. It is the major river valley of the Yellowstone River and is flanked by the Gallatin and Absaroka Ranges. Highway 89 was the original entrance into Yellowstone National Park, although there are now two additional entrances, one each in Montana and Wyoming. Along with its unmatched beauty and world-class fly fishing on the river, the valley also offers other natural wonders such as several natural hot springs.
Ernest Hemingway once described Switzerland as “a small, steep country, much more up and down than sideways, and stuck all over with large brown hotels built on the cuckoo clock style of architecture.” Susan’s recent travels between Geneva and Zurich proves that a lot has changed in the Swiss hotel scene since Hemingway’s observation. While she has lots of experience setting up pre- and post-river cruise activities and private trips in the area, this “self-imposed” familiarization was to acquaint herself with Virtuoso’s Swiss properties. Susan’s excited to share her thoughts on this diverse list of hotels, as well as the historic cities they call home.
This past fall, Susan was invited to sit on the Advisory Board for the German National Tourism Offices out of New York City. In partnership to boost tourism to Germany, she toured two of the country’s most iconic cities. From the eclectic coffee and artistic scenes of Hamburg, to an exploration of the tumultuous history of Berlin, there was a lot to take in. Susan hopes her journey will shed light on why Germany should be the destination of your next European vacation. Below you’ll find some incredible places to stay, cuisine to sample, and experiences that will put the discovery of German culture at the forefront of your travels.
With Paris and Rome, London forms the trifecta of must-visit cities for those first taking the dive into European culture. A hub of history, politics, architecture (both very old and very new), and the arts, London has a little bit to offer everyone. This November, Susan had the opportunity to tour over a dozen of the city’s best boutique hotels so you know where to stay during your visit. In addition, Susan also toured some of the charming villages that surround London that are perfect for a day trip, or quick weekend, to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. She hopes her exploration of this British metropolis will help you know where to start when planning your first (or next) European getaway.
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