Banff Springs Hotel

The Banff Springs Fairmont Hotel

The Banff Springs: where we are currently staying

Peter and the girls off to find breakfast

Mom and Pip after she had a nasty fall on the sidewalk

Off to the town of Banff for Breakfast

Hotel tour: Dave (tour guide) called Pip the Hotel Princess and gave her a throne to sit in.

In the hotel Cascade Ball Room

Me and my gals at the Banff Springs

Tabs the photographer

Pip and Tabs at The Banff Springs

Hiding in the stair well (not the best pic of Tabs)

We have arrived in Banff. We are staying at the Banff Springs Hotel. We have a very nice executive suite with a living room, bedroom and amazing wilderness views of the mountain valley. 

All is gorgeous and a little chilly! Highs of only +2  oC. When we walked into town for breakfast yesterday it was -3  oC and there was a wind. We are not used to the cold yet. 

The mountain views are unbelievably majestic and well worth the chilly temps. The mountains have snow on top but there is none on the ground. We saw 3 coyotes running through town on our first night here. They seem to be very populous inside the town area.

I have (most unfortunately) caught Pip's virus. A cold type: sore throat, chills, headache. I am doing my best to keep going however, what I need is the week in bed! However, the restaurants at the hotel are very expensively priced. Breakfast for a child is at least $25. So, we hike to town to eat. Last night though, I was too tired to go anywhere and we ordered room service. Mistaya was most impressed as it arrived on a large, elegant rolling table with all tall wineglasses filled with ice water for the girls. 

The outdoor pool is the best: hot, steamy with crisp mountain views.

Yesterday we toured the Hotel with a guide (the famous Dave) and learned a few ghost stories. We also toured the town and swam at the hotel. 

Today, I believe I will haul myself out into the cold to walk with the girls to the museum and for breakfast at  Phil's, and a swim in the outdoor pool. 

It is nice that TV is real novelty for the girls. We don't have TV at home, so to have cable in hotel provided the girls with a treat so I can rest. Although, Tabs wants to try the Fairmont Kid's Club at the hotel today. I'll have to call and find out about that.

Finding it hard to do my research study, I am so tired with this virus! But I am chugging along slowly. 

Taking it easy this trip. No heroic hikes and it is too early to ski or skate. Leisurely walks around the hotel and into town, swimming and a little historical site touring is about what I'm up for.