Like many other couples, Keith and I are coming out of a Covid fog these past two years but ready to explore the world once again - starting in our neighbouring province of Alberta. For those new to our adventures, first allow me to give you a brief introduction to who we are.

We both work in technology: Keith in user experience and design and I, in corporate communications. The benefits of working in the tech industry, but particularly for our company, is that we can work remotely if we wish. This was true even pre-Covid. Keith’s team is scattered across the globe while mine is almost entirely based in Germany. While that makes for early mornings for both of us, it also allows for lots of flexibility in terms of when we can take breaks and/or where we want to be based out of.

Out of a desire for a creative outlet, I started The Vancouverite a number of years ago. Click here to learn all about me. Whenever you find me in front of the lens, it’s usually Keith behind the lens (photography is his creative outlet) - and he’s fairly happy to stay there and out of the limelight. Despite his shyness, he is a true partner when it comes to creative direction in content creation - and always willing to try new things.

Remote Work = Work/Life Balance

When you’re blessed with opportunities to work remotely from anywhere in the world, you grab it. During Covid though, the inability to fly was an adjustment for many wanderers - ourselves included. When travel finally opened up, Keith and I found ourselves a bit nervous to fly too far from home. So when an opportunity arose to visit Banff, Alberta, and to partner with the Fairmont Banff Springs, we felt it was the perfect first trip. Plus, it allowed us to spend time not only on us as a couple but also us, as individuals. It would be a combination of self care and wellness activities - leveraging the spectacular natural beauty of Banff - together with the experiential side of food and wine: a perfect combination to feed the body and soul.

Again, we decided to fly instead of drive. While we would have loved to have reached Banff by car directly from Vancouver (road trip, anyone?), we couldn’t afford spending 12+ hours on a weekday on the road with both of us working full time. Instead, we took the 1 hour flight to Calgary and drove 1.5 hours from Calgary to Banff National Park.

Mt. Rundle within Banff National Park. *Photo: Cindy Yu*

Driving into Banff National Park

The journey from Calgary to Banff was interesting as we had to drive into the Rockies from the East. From the airport, the landscape is fairly flat and I kept wondering where the mountains were. About 20 minutes in, you could finally see the Rockies in the distance. My last trip to Banff was over 10 years ago and I had driven there directly from Vancouver so the experience was entirely different driving in from the West. This time though, once we entered the Rockies, the landscape was dramatic and quite frankly, stunning. These mountains were formed nearly 100 million years ago through techtonic activity when a number of geographic plates were sliding under the North American plate, causing the existing land to be thrusted upwards. Millions of years of glacier activity and erosion caused the dramatic peaks and valleys you see today.

Once you enter the Canadian Rockies, you won’t be able to put your phone or camera away. You’ll think you’ve taken a photo of a breathtaking mountain, but soon you’ll turn another corner and there will be something even more spectacular. It really is such an incredible feast for the eyes in the short 1.5 hours to get to Banff National Park. I’m just thankful that Keith agreed to drive so that I could take photos and videos!

Upon entering Banff National Park, you’ll need to purchase a National Park Pass, which amounts to $10.50 per day, per person. Every visitor, regardless of the mode of travel, is required to purchase one for the duration of their visit. Fees for the Park Passes go to Banff National Park to pay for visitor services and facilities in the park. You can either pay at the window or ahead of time online.

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel nestled so naturally in its alpine environment. *Photo: Keith Fischer*

Arrival at Fairmont Banff Springs

Once you’re in the town of Banff, it’s a short drive toward the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, one of the earliest of Canada’s grand railway hotels built by the Canadian Pacific Railway. It is a beautiful blend of architectural styles and an early example of a Canadian Châteauesque-styled railway hotel. It was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1988 and is managed by Fairmont Hotels and Resorts. Nestled at an altitude of 1,414 metres, the hotel overlooks a valley toward Mount Rundle and sits near the confluence of the Spray River and Bow River. You can see other spectacular mountain peaks near the hotel, including Cascade Mountain, Mount Norquay, Stoney Squaw Mountain, and Sulphur Mountain.

Keith and I checked into one of the newly renovated mountain view rooms at the resort and were blessed with the view of Cascade Mountain right outside one of our windows. Imagine waking up every morning to the light bouncing off the top of Cascade… it really is a breathtaking way to start the day. You can never get tired of that view.

The room itself was spacious and as we were both working remotely, it was nice to have not just one, but two sets of table and chairs. One of the tables even came with USB-C outlets which is a bonus! Wifi was lightning fast and we had no problems connecting to our respective video conference calls that were often happening at the same time. A welcomed refreshment was also delivered to the room shortly after check in, in the form of a tipple trifecta: Fairmont’s Signature Bottled cocktails representing each of the three resorts: Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. As most of you know, I have an affinity for well made cocktails, so this trifecta was certainly welcomed! The bottled cocktails are also available for purchase at the three hotels so guests can take these home as drinkable souvenirs!

Perhaps the only drawback with the rooms was the size of the bathroom - quite a bit smaller than expected. After consulting front desk, we were informed that the bathroom sizes were fairly standard throughout the hotel, due to the age of the property. Despite the size of the bathroom, the room itself was really lovely and well appointed. Toiletries were of course supplied by Le Labo in my favourite fragrance from that perfumery, Rose 31. The interiors were refreshed with a modern, elegant approach that is so recognizably Fairmont. Keith and I always stay at Fairmont properties whenever possible, because the properties are always so luxurious but at the same time, never overly fussy nor pretentious. And what really makes the entire experience worthwhile is the world class service you always get from the Fairmont team, no matter which property we’re staying at around the world.

A Focus on Wellness

The focus of our trip to Banff was to shake off the past two years and get back to feeling more balanced, physically and emotionally. The idea of wellness to us encompasses many things - whether it’s time spent in the spa, outside in the wilderness, sharing a meal or finely crafted cocktails. It’s about being able to tune out, shut off and focus on us - together as a couple and individually as two very busy human beings craving a sense of calm. At the Fairmont Banff Springs, we were able to partake in a number of activities and curated experiences to help us do just that. These activities are available to any hotel guest by request - but I would recommend you arrange them before you arrive at the hotel to get the most out of your stay.

Private Forest Bathing Experience

Forest Bathing is a mindfulness practice that originated out of Japan, known as Shinrin Yoku. The name is a bit deceiving, as it does not require you to be in a bathing suit, nor are you swimming in the forest. Think of it more like you’re fully immersing yourself - ‘bathing and soaking in’ the trees, the air, the oxygen, while being in the forest. You can stop whenever you wish to observe what’s around you. It’s less about just walking through the forest and getting from point A to point B. Often times you’re not really even going very far because it’s not based on a destination, but rather depending on how you’re feeling that day it’s about what’s around you that makes you stop and observe, feel, and exercise gratitude. Sometimes you’ll find a spot where you feel compelled to sit and meditate.

Maybe you’ll end up hugging a tree.

Keith and I did all that and more, sharing thoughts, feelings and emotions - with our guide, Scott, who is one of the few formally certified forest bathing guides who led us through our practice. We journeyed away from the Hotel eastward to the forest along the Bow River. Snow and sheets of ice were still present from the winter season but you could see signs of spring around us everywhere we walked. Two and a half hours later, we’re sitting along the Bow River, sharing tea made from fresh ingredients foraged by Scott nearby. I felt emotional but incredibly grateful for the experience - I was literally vibrating at a different frequency afterwards. Keith and I were refreshed and calm, our anxiety and stress levels were significantly lower. If you’re wanting to connect with nature in a deep and profound way, I highly recommend this experience. For more details, please email the hotel directly.

Wilderness Walk

If you’re wanting more of a physical activity, you can also go on a Wilderness Walk. The Spray Trail is located close to the hotel - which you can take on your own or better yet with a Resort Animator, who has a wealth of knowledge about the forested area nearby and can share details about the geography, history of the location, and wildlife that roam in the area. It’s a 1.5 hour walk that is easily accessible. To book a Wilderness Walk, click here.

Couples Massage

There’s nothing quite like a side-by-side couples’ massage experience after you’ve been outdoors breathing in the brisk, fresh mountain air. Keith and I headed to the 40,000 square foot Willow Stream Spa for our customized massages with our choice of oils and selected pressure: light, medium or deep. You can also request ahead of time whether you wish for a female or male therapist. After our massages, we felt like butter! One of the benefits of such a treatment is that we can indulge in up to 3 hours of exclusive spa access in this adult-only facility either before or after our treatment. This includes access to 3 waterfall treatment whirlpools (each a different temperature), an indoor mineral pool, and an outdoor whirlpool among other features. Access to these special areas are only available to spa guests - those who book a treatment, and not to regular hotel guests. So you know it’s a very quiet, exclusive area and trust me when I say that you won’t want to leave! For more information on the Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Banff Springs, click here.

Dining

You’re aware by now of how much Keith and I are passionate about food - whether we’re cooking at home for a dinner party or out in the city trying a new restaurant. For us, food feeds the soul and nourishes our bodies - so we embrace everything that lands on our plate. And an important part of the dining experience includes what we drink. Having spent many years living in France, California, Oregon and now in BC, Keith has a well established sense of what wines he likes. Much of that journey I’ve shared with him so I also have a great affinity for wine. And more recently, I’ve leapt head first into the world of cocktails, crafting them often at home - with Keith being the lucky guinea pig.

In Banff, we were presented with a plethora of dining options. Whether you’re in the mood for French, Italian, Bavarian or an exquisitely grilled piece of steak, there’s something for everyone. Or if you just want a grab & go sandwich, their STOCK Market offers plenty of options as well.

Castello Italiana

Experiencing delicious food is one thing, but when you’re also sharing it in a beautiful, intimate yet modern dining room, there’s nothing better. Keith and I had dinner at Castello Italiana - one of the most insta-worthy dining rooms in all of Banff. The room was designed by FRANK, a female-led architecture firm based out of Calgary, that also led the design for the Vermillion Room and the Rundle Bar. Diners at Castello Italiana are treated to beautifully executed cuisine while dining around the room’s centrepiece: a giant, lit olive tree. As for the cuisine, we enjoyed their Alberta Prime Beef Carpaccio which was excellent and the Braised Lambtastic Farms Lamb Shank done to perfection. You can also find inventive cocktails and an expansive wine list too. My French Martini was beautifully crafted and a joy to sip, as was Keith’s excellent Gin Martini. Just a tip - make reservations well ahead of time. This restaurant is the talk of the town and books up very quickly.

Rundle Bar

Keith and I have been to our fair share of hotel bars during our travels (and even when not travelling). More often than not, they’re fairly disappointing. Whether it’s the space itself or the poor execution of a drink (or both), there have been too many instances of being let down. An interesting observation over the past decade of staying at Fairmont hotels is the level of attention paid not only to the creation of the beverage program but also the interior space at many of their locations. While most hotels bars are primarily frequented by hotel patrons, certain notable Fairmont bars have established themselves as serious cocktail dens. Often not just the heart of the hotel but also of the neighbourhood. The Lobby Bar and the bar at Botanist at the Fairmont Pacific Rim, the Library Bar and CLOCKWORK at Fairmont Royal York come to mind. Mixologists from these establishments have earned global recognition as being the best in the world.

We weren’t sure what to expect when we entered the Rundle Bar, but what we saw reinforced how serious the Fairmont is when creating its gathering spaces. I absolutely loved it. Depending on which section (or level - there are two) of the bar you’re standing in, you could feel like you’re in a) a cozy living room, b) in a solarium facing the surrounding mountain vista, c) in a New York speakeasy (yes, there is one), or d) holding court in the dedicated second (mezzanine) bar, people watching. Rundle Bar is all of these things - beautifully assembled under the creative direction of FRANK Architecture who imagined the space. To me, it is the most beautiful Fairmont bar I’ve ever been in, and that’s saying a lot.

Rundle Bar’s resident mixologist, Vicente, teaches Cindy how to make The Wildflower during a cocktail class. *Photo: Keith Fischer*

The beverage program matched the level of sophistication I was now expecting after seeing how beautiful the space is. Included in the program menu are the three Signature Cocktails I mentioned earlier, one representing each of the three Fairmont Banff and Jasper resorts. Cocktail enthusiasts will revel in the opportunity to take a cocktail class with one of the talented mixologists at Rundle Bar - one of the many guest experiences available at the Fairmont Banff Springs. Keith and I took one of these classes during our stay and our mixologist, Vicente, was so passionate about his craft and showed us step by step how to make each of the Signature Cocktails. We were even provided with instruction cards to take with us to recreate them at home.

You can also dine at the Rundle Bar - which offers snacks and small plates. Great for when you’re not looking for a big sit down affair. Their Alberta Bison Tartare was especially delicious, as were the oysters on the half shell and pork dumplings.

1888 Chop House

Now if you’re actually looking for a big sit down affair, head to 1888 Chop House. It’s perfect for those who wish to sample the best of Alberta’s prime cuts, sustainably sourced wild game and Ocean Wise seafood. It has won numerous dining awards in Alberta over the past several years, including OpenTable’s Diner’s Choice Award, Les Clef d’Or Concierge Silver Service Award and Rocky Mountain Outlook’s Best of the Bow 2020.

While I’ve cut back substantially on the amount of red meat I consume on a regular basis, Keith and I will indulge from time to time. And if there was any place to indulge it would be 1888 Chop House. Keith and I chose a 35 oz Black Angus Ribeye, our favourite prime cut, to share - and it was grilled to perfection. The substantial marbling gave it flavour that I’m still dreaming about as I type this. You also have the option of the server carving the meat table side - which we opted for since it wouldn’t have been pretty if either of us attempted it! Oh, and if that wasn’t enough, there is a champagne cart that upon being seated, is wheeled up to you. Of course we couldn’t say no!

Waldhaus Pub & Biergarten

Being in the mountains, in the alpine - reminds me of European adventures. These are often much more rustic and less formal. More like, come as you are and bring a bunch of friends for a beer and schnitzel! As Keith and I both work for a German software company, this is very familiar for us. The Waldhaus Pub and Biergarten cottage is located right on the Fairmont Banff Springs golf course. You can enjoy gorgeous views of the surrounding valley and mountains on the outdoor patio next to the big fire pit and watch players tee off (in the spring, as the golf course was closed when we were there). We also spotted numerous elk on the fairway, which apparently happens often! And walking into the cottage, you’re immediately transported to Bavaria and all it has to offer. Yes, there’s plenty of beer (and even cocktails) but there’s also traditional Bavarian fare, like schnitzel, spaetzle, soft pretzels, würst plates and alpine cheese fondue. It’s all super tasty, wrapped up in a charming atmosphere. There’s a more formal dining space upstairs but for me, I always love a Bavarian pub.

Vermillion Room

Another example of the fine work from FRANK Architecture, Vermillion Room is a contemporary spin on the French brasserie. While modern, the space actually maintains a lot of the original architectural features, punctuated by plush dark navy banquettes, driftwood stained floors, gorgeous mouldings and brass hardware throughout. The open kitchen is a central feature of the space, yet you can still admire the views of the surrounding mountains outside its windows. We only ate breakfast in the Vermillion Room so didn’t get to sample the lunch or dinner menu. Note that while breakfast is served daily (with brunch served Sundays), lunch is only available Fridays while dinner is served Wednesday through Saturday. The dinner menu does read like a traditional Parisian brasserie that includes such classics as rotisserie chicken, mussels and fries, and steak frites, among other dishes.

Exclusive Experiences

You can never run out of things to do in Banff - and the Fairmont Banff Springs offers exclusive experiences that can make your trip so memorable - especially if it’s your first time visiting. Keith and I had the privilege of trying out a few of these experiences.

Banff Scenic Insta Tour

We’re so lucky in this generation to have all the tools at our fingertips to capture any and every experience that comes our way. Whether you only use your iPhone or can’t live without your DSLR, Fairmont Banff Spring’s Banff Scenic Insta Tour will take your breath away, showing you some of the most stunning landscapes in the world. Imagine a 3-hour private adventure (max 4 people) that takes you to some of Banff’s most spectacular turquoise lakes and dramatic mountain peaks. While there, your expert guide will share the incredible history and geography of the area. Stop at iconic spots like Surprise Corner, the Banff sign, Mt. Norquay Lookout, Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, and other favourites. Our guide, Scott, was so knowledgeable and passionate about providing interesting facts on the geological history wherever we went - he was also flexible in terms of where we wanted to go. Because we had already seen the Banff sign on the drive in, we skipped that and went to Hoodoos Viewpoint instead, for instance. The bonus - you’re driven around in a private SUV that includes non-alcoholic beverages and snacks, so you really feel like a VIP.

Cindy on the frozen tundra of Lake Minnewanka. *Photo: Keith Fischer*

What I wasn’t expecting during this excursion were the emotional feelings upon seeing these incredible places. My reaction to the stunning beauty around me made me realize how much I needed to slow down - to take it all in, contemplate and breathe. I don’t think I’ve uttered “Oh my God” as many times as I did during this 3 hour tour. Although the temperatures were starting to slowly creep into the positive single digit celsius category, the lakes were still frozen and snow remained on the mountain tops. Maybe it was the juxtaposition of ghost-white, frozen lakes and the stillness that comes before the big thaw.

One other thing - doing a tour like this during late March is so ideal. The weather is crisp and manageable yet the winter setting is still there for capturing beautiful photos - but you can navigate the roads safely as snow and ice is kept at the higher elevations. Since it is shoulder season, there are far fewer crowds than in the summer time - so you don’t have to compete with anyone else at the various iconic spots. Definitely something to think about when you’re planning your trip. For more info, email the hotel directly.

Afternoon Tea

It wouldn’t be a Fairmont experience without Afternoon Tea, and this takes place in the Mezzanine Area on the second floor of Rundle Bar. Sip premium tea (or champagne, if you wish), enjoy a tiered offering consisting of the finest pastries and savoury sandwiches while taking in sweeping views of Rundle and Cascade Mountains. You won’t want to leave those massive floor to ceiling windows in the Mezzanine. Available daily from 11 am to 4 pm, you can either book a sitting via email, by phone at 403-762-6860 or through OpenTable.

Private Campfire

There’s something about the scent and sounds of a crackling campfire - its hisses, pops, the thick intoxicating, musky smells of smoke and pine. You know you’re in the alpine. And for this mountain girl, I consider it bliss. Add a S’mores kit, a bottle of champagne, a warm blanket and stunning mountain views - and you’ll want to stay there forever. This experience is available to all Fairmont guests - but you need to register in advance via email, click here, or call 403-762-2211.

*Please note: the content and opinions above represent my honest opinions about my stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs. That said, for transparency, this was primarily a press stay - although a portion of the stay was provided to us at a reduced media rate. Flights and car rental were not sponsored and were our own out-of-pocket expenses.*