Canada: A Turquoise Echo

We were first time parents of two kids, a toddler and a baby. And we had no idea whatsoever what it took to travel with two kids. But that hardly proved to be a bump in our eagerness to travel. This time we chose an international destination closest to home, Canada – Banff National Park and Vancouver! So, with 2 suitcases filled with diapers, baby food, baby clothes, toys and a few t shirts for us, we set out to explore our neighboring country!

Oh you beauty, Morraine! (Morraine Lake, Banff)

Day 1: Double-Double & the Moonlit Drive

We flew from Portland to Calgary via Seattle. Both were small journeys and went quite smooth. We reached Calgary in the evening. However, the car rental service we had chosen created a lot of confusion and it took them about 2 hours to come pick us from the airport and hand our car over. The good thing was the guy at the car rental advised us to pick up coffee and grub from Tim Hortons, a café chain popular in Canada (or I daresay the equivalent of Starbucks in Canada but cheaper).

So, we picked some bites and coffee from Tim Hortons, Double-Double as it is called (coffee with cream and sugar – I like my coffee black and even I loved this Double-Double)! The drive to Canmore (town right outside the Banff National Park) was very pretty. It was a rather dark night, moonlight showed the way; and as the two babies slept peacefully in the car seats, we went the quick hour to our Airbnb apartment within the Banff Boundary Lodge. It was a spacious two-storied apartment inside a community, which by the way had a hot tub.

Information: it was first time travelling extensively with two kids, one them being a 5 months old baby. We spaced out our travel plans so that the babies do not become very tired or stressed. It worked great for us!

Day 2: All hail Lake Louise

All Smiles at Lake Louise :)

It was a usual morning in our new-Canadian-home-for-5-days-apartment. After breakfast we set forth to visit the most popular lake inside the Banff National Park, Lake Louise. It has a paved path along one side of the lake making it stroller friendly. We walked and our 19 months Rupkatha ran along the lakeside soaking in the mid-morning sun and sheer beauty all around us. I distinctly remember nature just coming alive on a painter’s palette here; turquoise waters, white snowcapped mountains, red autumn leaves and some greens of the pine trees – one can easily spend a good part of their day here, like we did. It is a little crowded though by the way!

One of the most famous hotels stands tall there, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Of course, we didn’t stay there, but my husband did a get a picture outside the gates. 😉 

Next, we stopped at the Lake Louise Village. It’s a quant little one about 10 mins drive from the lake’s parking lot. This hamlet has everything you can ask for including a grocery store, The Village Market.

Information: this place has a good choice of fruits, snacks and food items. I had picked up some stuff for my 19 months old and us as well.

On our way back we detoured (about 10 – 15 mins) into the city of Banff and through the tiny town. We stopped at the local Tim Hortans to grab some coffee and you know, stuff! 😊

Back in Canmore, we went to the local Safeway and loaded ourselves with supplies for the next few days (yes, they have Safeways in Canada and more so in Canmore).

Information: when travelling with a toddler and/or a baby, quick fix home cooking helps. We grabbed pasta, sauce, butter, marinated chicken, bread, oatmeal and fruits.

Day 3: Lakes Known and Yet Some Unknown

Heaven on Earth, Emerald Lake

We woke up to a very usual morning, but the beauty that I saw for the rest of the day was anything but! We visited the Emerald Lake first! Oh my God – I am literally struggling to find a word to best describe this heaven on earth lake. The water is so clear, I was looking at the pebbles and stones as though there’s nothing covering it. Little red boats dot a side of the lake and if you like kayaking, there’s your ride. We did the board walk there that has little paths leading you to the banks of the lake. There’s ample place to nest in a lonely spot and just admire nature’s creation!

After a picnic lunch there, we drove inside Banff stopping at lakes we were coming across! There are so many and all so pretty!

To ice the cake, we drove to the Yoho National park, where we visited the Nature Bridge. There are two things I remember about this place; one, the gushing waters and blissful panorama and two, the tremendous number of tourists. Within like 10 – 15 mins walk from the parking lot, there was a little look out point which gave a nice view of the entire vista.

Tip: Banff is not extremely crowded. However, in most of the famous points expect big packs of tourists who come and leave in big buses. If you think you’re getting saddled with one, stop at a not so popular spot and try shaking them off.

Day 4: Water Water Everywhere

The previous evening, we had googled and zeroed in on the Sunshine Meadows and planned to make it the highlight of the day. There is a fun bus journey which departs from the parking lot and takes you to the visitor center. With both babies in the baby carriers, we started the hike and went quite a way. But it was very cold and that didn’t go well with our babies, who dangerously were showing signs of crying. So, we had to turn back. About 15 mins into the hike there is a very pretty clearing. It isn’t crowded at all and given we were there in October it was dotted with red and golden trees amongst the green ones.

Tip: for most parents, if you do not wish to do the whole hike (like us), you can certainly do the bus ride and the quick hike to the meadow – it’s more than worth it!

We lunched at the old-school-country-style-restaurant at the visitor center. Slightly over-priced but good food, nonetheless.

The Holy Place of the Surreal Double Double 

Once back on ground zero, we drove to Banff and visited the Bow Falls. What torrential amounts of water! We parked at the parking lot there and we could hardly keep the windows open. The water was just spraying everywhere. That was quite a fun experience! My 19 months old was quite puzzled when she stepped out of the car and got sprinkles of water on her little face. 😊

Finally, we went to our beloved Tim Hortons on Gopher Street to hang out for a while. Add donuts to list of yum-yums you get there, Rupkatha loved them. There’s also a visitor center in the same building which offers maps, post cards, magnets and other little souvenirs. I happily got some time to myself and my nick-nack shopping as my husband babysat the kids at Tim Hortons.

Day 5: A little bit of rest on my right, a little bit of Minnewanka on left!

This day began as what we refer to as ‘rest day’! We decided to stay in the first half and let the kids play all their little hearts desired and to nap at usual hours.

Tip: I would highly recommend rest days as a part of your trip. Or as in this case, half a day. It helps the child relax and rejuvenate. Having a happy child to travel with is a great boon, trust me!

Batteries charged to a 100% we went out to visit Lake Minneanka. Quick mention to the fact that you can park next to the lake here. It was surreal! The trees on the side of the lake were completely blessed with fall colors and it was laptop-background-level picture perfect! You know those pretty ones with autumn leaves on the ground with a lake at the backdrop – am sure many are actually taken here.

Crossing the mile together at Johnston Canyon

Next, we hiked to the Lower Falls at the Johnston Canyon. It’s a 1.2 kms (0.75 miles) one-way hike and an easy one. Walked underneath a trickling waterfall, trooped through a cave, pranced down a little rocky trail to the falls itself. Lots of big rocks to choose from as your throne. We’d done a mini picnic there as Rupkatha amused herself while poking her little fingers in the cool waters.

Information: The hike one way is about an hour, very easy and almost the entire way is either paved or there is a board walk.

Tip: always high energy snacks especially on hikes for little ones. I had ginger snap cookies for this one

On our way to the lake, we’d noticed that the sleepy mountains had their heads buried snugly amongst the fluffy clouds. On our way back, the mountains had woken up with fluffy clouds leaving behind glistening white fresh snow! It was exquisite and to observe this phenomenon happen so quick was fascinating. I had taken to fancy a particular mountain that stood rugged and strong amongst others, Castle Mountain; my superhero now sporting a new white cape! 😊

Day 6: Blue is for Sulphur

Amongst all the green, yellow and white mountains around, stands tall the greyish blue Sulphur Mountain, about 10 – 15 mins from the Banff city center. The cherry on the cake was the Gondola Ride to the top. It’s completely covered and totally safe to do with kids. But it does get cold on the top and given it was mid-October, it was rather cold. There is a Visitor Center on the top which has a view deck, restaurants, a gift shop and a gallery to spend some time.

'Look yonder, little one!' 'Nopes!'
Overlooking the Bow Valley at the Sulphur Mountain 

All four of us spend hung out outside on the mountain top as the chilly winds kissed our cheeks red. We also saw a Mountain Ram chewing on some wild plants up close. Rupkatha was super pumped! My husband did the mountain top trail to another end, which gives a 360° view of the majestic Bow Valley below. I happily spent time inside the Visitor Center with the kids. It was nice, cozy and warm!

Now my memories are a little fuzzy here (sorry!), but as far as I remember there was another visitor center or a museum like facility at the bottom of the Gondola ride. We visited this as well. I remember the little pools of Sulphur-rich water with a mild pungent odor of Sulphur. There are some easy hiking trails in and around the Sulphur Mountain, we braved a board walk right next to the mountain amongst fallen leaves! With that we called it a day and headed back home to start packing. Nope, not to return home, but to travel yet some more.

Last but not the least, we visited the famous Morraine Lake, another very popular stop in Banff. One of the prettier turquoise beads in the lake necklace Banff adorns. It does a get crowded at the parking spot and viewing deck. However, there is rocky trail to a better viewing point which is much less crowded. There’s also a big visitor center with a gift store and a gallery here. 

Day 7: Stars or Fairy Lights!

Our next day took us to Athabasca Glacier and Athabasca Glacier Lodge. Early this morning we packed our stuff into the car and started driving towards the Jasper National Park. National Geographic has rightfully named this drive ‘the drive of a lifetime’! If you haven’t and possibly can, then you should, and you must some day!

We stopped for a quick minute to soak in the beauty of Lake Louise one last time. Also, made a dash at the Laggan’s Mountain Bakery and Delicatessen at the Lake Louise Village. Their savory pies and stuffed buns were rather appetizing, and we packed enough to-go for the journey as well.

Next, we visited the Peyto Lake. In Banff National Park, just when you think you’ve seen the most beautiful lake, you’ll stumble across one more making you doubt your decision. The mesmerizing thing about this one was that we got a bird’s eye view of the lake from Icefield Pkwy. Pollution levels at bare minimum aid the waters remain clean and pure. Each lake turns into a mirror reflecting the beauty all around. There is a trail to hike down to the banks of the lake. But honestly, the view is better. 😊

Nature's Own Mirror, Pyeto

We reached Athabasca round mid-day. Now this is a place never to forget. I can remember it very vividly and almost like someone is playing the video to me. The glacier stands white and pristine a little distance away. There are bus services that take you to the Glacier itself in case you want to do so. We checked into our lodge and spend the evening at the indoor Observation deck at the Lodge marveling at the beautiful pink evening skies. We dined at the in-house Altitude Restaurant. Back then we’d ordered the Singapore noodles and something for the kids. The restaurant has seating overlooking the Glacier and we were lucky to get a table by the window.

Soon the kids were lost in their own little dreams, and my husband and I took turns to go the Observation deck outside to see the night sky. The skies are so clear and strangely near that each star glistened like a big light bulb. Thousands and thousands of fairy lights adorned the night sky. It was simply enchanting. Cold, but enchanting!

Day 8: French Fries and Gravy – really?! 😊

Next morning, we had breakfast at the café-cum-restaurant at the lodge, Chalet. I remember ordering Poutine. It’s a traditional dish of French fries covered with a thick layer of gravy and sometimes cheese. I preferred it without cheese. I enjoyed this guilt overloaded breakfast; my husband though shrunk his nose at this one. Spent time outside oohing and aahing at the glacier some more. Before long we set forth a long journey towards Calgary. We stayed the night at a hotel near the airport as we were to fly out next morning to Vancouver. 

Evening Colors Playing with the Athabasca

Day 9: What an amazing city you are, Vancouver

We took a morning flight from Calgary to Vancouver and reached around mid-day. Got our rental car quickly and drove through the downtown and Stanley Park before getting to our hotel, Surestay with Best Western near the Capilano Suspension Bridge. The room had some space for our 19 months old Rupkatha to stretch her tiny legs and two big beds for our 5 months old Abesh to sit and drool on. 😉

Tip & Information: kids always need some space to run around. Now, getting a Airbnb might not always be possible. Try getting a hotel which has some room for the kid to run around. Unless of course, you’re travelling with a baby.

Information: Uber doesn’t ply in Canada. So, either you take a rental car, bank on public transport or use the strong taxi service that they have. Yellow, Orange, Black – there are ample taxi service with Black being of the best. They accept cards though of course, cash is preferred.

The location was away from the downtown; however, this area is dotted with little treasure kitchens, nonetheless. My husband discovered a little Persian place, Ali Baba Capilano Café and there Zereshk Polo is worth the mention. It was raining that day in VC and hence we decided to remain indoors and call it a day.

Tip: try choosing carb and/or protein heavy meals for the little ones. They are usually yummy, keeps their tummies full for longer and keeps the parents happy. You can always balance with a fruit or two as a snack during different hours of the day.

Day 10: From Smoked Salmon to Stanley to Soaring Spices

This was a lazy morning and we were in no rush after all the flying the day before. Yelp led us to hidden treasure called the Daisy Subs and Sandwiches for brunch. If you are in the area do please visit this little eatery. I will never forget their smoked salmon sandwich, baked beans and home style hash browns – simply lip smacking.

After that we drove over to the Stanley Park! Yay, park! We first went to a parking lot which had a path leading to the harbor-side walk. It was romantic, if I dare use the word. Stoned walls on one side and tiny waves in the harbor on the other give the place a very cozy and calm feel. And it’s a long walk so there’s ample for the walker in you. There are little pathways that lead from the trail to the harbor and tiny beaches. Rupkatha was overjoyed to touch the water and simply get dirty on the beach.

Next, we went to probably the most touristy spot in Stanley Park, the Totem Poles. About ten pillars stand strong each singing a saga of its own. There is a gift shop there. I remember buying a Bison hide wallet for my husband. Cross the road and it takes you the side of the harbor. The entire skyline of Vancouver is visible from here. On a glorious day it is rather a spectacular sight!

The Concrete Giants

We drove around Stanley a little longer and stumbled upon a kids’ park. Of course, we stopped there. Rupkatha was beside herself with glee. Even 5 months old Abesh had a go at the swing! With that we got back to our hotel to call it a day.

My husband went out to explore the downtown a little by night and came back with dinner from Roti Kitchen. If you love Indian food, this place in VC is an absolute must. They make these huge rotis and stuff the curries inside it. Just beware of their spice level. We can handle a good level of spice and I could manage a mere 2 of theirs. Special mention to their shahi paneer and chicken curry ones.

Information: This food is child friendly, just order a level zero for the kid. Rupkatha was fine with a level 1 from Roti Kitchen.

 Day 10: The Gas Clock!

Giggly at the Gassy Jack 

The next day, after grabbing some breakfast at the hotel we headed out towards the Old Town/Gas Town. Now this is a bustling lively part of the town. What I liked was that it wasn’t crazy crowded yet there were tourists rambling along, locals going about their business; the whole place has a life. We saw the old Gas Clock chime and steam its head off at every ticking hour. That is rather a fun thing to watch. There are lots and lots of souvenir stores there and I stocked up on magnets, t shirts and of course bottles of maple syrup. Even the bottles were maple leaf shaped. We also strolled along the road and visited the statue of Gassy Jack! 😉 It’s flying coat tail does humor the funny bone in you!

Information: The gift stores at the Gas Town probably offer the most bargain prices. I’d walked the whole street, window shopping at quite a few of the stores and they were all equi-priced. Just pick one!

Dear reader, I am not sure if you know this or not, but Vancouver is food haven and hub. Historically areas weak in their own traditional cuisines often absorb everything that stumbles upon them and slowly grow to be hubs offering the finest for the taste buds of those who dare! On that note, we googled our way into Momo Sushi. Crammed for space, this restaurant offers delights for your culinary palate. We’d ordered a king’s meal – yakisoba, miso and sushi. Even Rupkatha loved their miso. Another must if you are in the area.

We came back home for some rest and nap time, only to head out to Downtown Vancouver in the evening. Walked around gauging and absorbing Vancouver. In many ways of course it is just another downtown, but I must highlight it has a very youthful, festive and happy feel to it. We decided to dine at the Banana Leaf, a Malaysian treasure. Special mention to their fish wrapped in banana leaf!

Day 11: Curtain Fall

Last day, last few hours, last few minutes! Bags packed and all set to board our flight home. But, one last thing – another soul filling breakfast at the Daisy Subs and Sandwiches. Yes, dear reader, it was indeed that good. Bellies full of yummy food and hearts filled with fond memories we made our way to the airport!