A Vacation in the Canadian Rocky Mountains

Whenever we have family come to visit us in Calgary, we transform into tour guides, trying to show off the beautiful province that we live in.  It’s a vacation for them and a staycation for us.  This past weekend, we headed to the Canadian Rocky Mountains to explore the crystal clear lake waters that make Alberta famous.  If you haven’t been here, then come experience a little bit of heaven on earth.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise is where clear blue skies meet turquoise glacier water.  Pick up a postcard in Alberta and it is likely you’ll see this iconic photo.  I couldn’t be more proud to call Alberta my new home and live less than a ninety minute drive from this little slice of heaven on earth.  It is just breathtaking.  Tourists flock here in the summer to experience the blue hues of the water and arrive in the winter to ice skate on the frozen lake or ski the nearby mountain.  Lake Louise is the place where my husband proposed many years ago so bringing our family back here a couple times a year is pretty special to us.

Family Friendly

Bring your kids and take a walk around the lake to experience it’s beauty from a different perspective.  If you’re up for something a little more strenuous, then take the hike up to Lake Agnes and have lunch at a real mountain tea house.  That hike is too much for our young kids so we spent an hour wandering the pathway.  Refresh with a pop into the Fairmont Lake Louise for a look around or a bite to eat.

Lake Moraine

Arguably even more beautiful than Lake Louise, is it’s sister lake: Lake Moraine.  Less crowded and only accessible during the summer, the water here is even bluer.  Rent a canoe for $75 an hour and paddle around to experience the tranquility of this magical place.  The canoes hold three adults or two adults and up to two children.  There are also hiking trails along the right side of this lake and another that heads to waterfalls that is accessible through the parking lot.  If you’re thinking about bringing a bathing suit, you might want to think again.  This water is freezing!  Take your shoes off and wade around for a few minutes instead.

Why so Blue?

Most people, including myself, wonder how the water can appear so turquoise. Contrary to popular belief, it a completely natural phenomenon.  These lakes are both glacier fed and during the summer as the glacier melts, it collects “rock flour” or silt that gathers and suspends in the lake water.  The sunlight reflects the rock flour and gives it that spectacular blue/green colour.  A sunny day is the best way to get the full experience! If you have not been to Alberta to visit the Canadian Rocky Mountains then I highly recommend that you come and see this part of the country.

Don’t Forget the fashion

This beautiful Cutout Floral Maxi Dress made me feel pretty beautiful while spending the day in the mountains.  As a momma, I like to keep it classy!  This dress wasn’t too low cut and showed just the right amount of peek-a-boo cutouts in the front and back.  I love wearing maxi dresses when I know that I have a long car ride ahead.  They are comfortable without sacrificing style!  Shop this one from Forever 21 here.

Love, Kiki D