Banff (Monday and Tuesday)

After lunch in Lake Louise, we loaded back into the car and headed towards Banff. We took a more scenic route hoping to see some wildlife, but came up empty. We were also hoping that Logan would nap...no such luck there either!

I think this mountain looks cool, like it's being blown over.

Pamela pointing at the cool mountain...Mt. Sulphur.

A picture of Pamela, taking a picture.

Once we arrived in the town of Banff, it was still too early to check into our hotel so we decided to head to a gondola to take a ride up a mountain. On our way we ran into a moose! Well not literally, but almost.

Making his way into the wooded area.

A closer shot.

The people who were driving in front of us didn't get pulled over very fast so we didn't get a great picture, but this is proof of what we saw!

Next we headed to the gondola!

Sulphur Mtn. Gondola Lift

This vehicle is from the Columbia Icefield Glacier Experience in BC. When Scott was young, he travelled with his grandparents and went on this tour. Pamela and our parents will also be going when mom and dad visit Pamela this summer.

Logan in the giant tire.

Pamela, Logan and I waiting while Scott bought tickets.

Going up...

Logan and Aunt Pamela (remember he hadn't had a nap...what a grumpy face).

Pamela, Logan and I.

Scott and Logan (cool view in the background).

Banff Springs Hotel (where we were staying) from the top of the mountain.

Beautiful scenery.

There was a foot bridge (with lots of stairs) that you could take up to the top of another mountain. Since we couldn't take the stroller, Logan and I stayed behind and Scott and Pamela went up to the top. They climbed 400 each way and did it in record time. Unfortunately, the camera was on a black and white setting so the pics have no colour, but they still look cool.

Logan and I looked around the shops at the top of the mountain while we were waiting for them. We also ran into a couple and their daughter who were on the same flight out to Calgary with us a few days earlier. They were visiting friends in the area. It was neat to see them there.

When Scott and Pamela got back, we looked around a bit more and then headed back down.

The three of us.

Logan and I with Pamela.

Going down...

We hoped back in the car and headed to the Banff Springs Hotel (BSH), our home for the next two nights. The BSH is a huge, old castle-like hotel, and I'm sure we didn't even see half of it when we were there, it's so big.

Deer we saw on the way there.

Logan got his own BMW to drive around the lobby (and take back to our room).

The only BMW he'll drive for a LONG time (until he can buy himself one anyways...)

Hotel lobby.

Once we checked in and took a look at our room, we decided to head into town to get dinner. Since Logan was running on little sleep, we knew that we didn't have much time. We went to a pub in Banff and had a great dinner. Aunt Pamela taught Logan to dip his fries in mayonaise and his chicken fingers in plum sauce. Thanks Aunt Pamela...now he wants to dip, EVERYTHING. When we were done dinner, we looked at some of the stores on the main street.

Petting a horse.

We got back to the hotel and put Logan to bed. Pamela volunteered to stay behind with him while Scott and I went out for a drink. We went to a lounge in the hotel with a great mountain view.

Scott enjoying his time out.

All the wine they had to choose from...I opted for a virgin daquari instead.

The next day, Pamela and I had appointments booked at the spa in the hotel. So we all had breakfast together and then Pamela and I headed to the spa. We each had a massage and a pedicure booked but once you pay for a treatment, you are welcome to use the spa facilities all day. We got there early and checked in, had a tour, were shown to our lockers and then left to relax. Unfortunately, we couldn't take pictures, so you'll have to imagine. They had an outdoor hot tub, 3 indoor hot tubs a varying temperatures and a mineral pool as well. I couldn't use the mineral pool or the really hot hot tubs but I definitely took advantage of what I could. There was also a steam room, a eucalyptus inhalation room and a sauna. So we floated around for a while and then had our treatments. It was a very relaxing morning.

Logan and Scott went to the outdoor pool (the indoor one was closed) while we were at the spa and had a great time! When they got back, Logan watched some TV before him and Scott went to McDonalds for lunch. Pamela and I met them back in the room after lunch and we all just hung out for a bit.

Logan's version of relaxing!

Pamela and Logan.

Silly Logan.

Surprised Logan.

Tired Logan.

There must have been something exciting on the screen.

After Logan's nap, we thought we'd dress up and go out for a nice dinner in the hotel. Unfortuantely, Logan had other plans and by the time we got to the restaurant and were seated, he was exhausted and not interested in dinner at all. Logan and I ended up ordering room serivce, and Scott and Pamela ate in a lounge and watched the hockey game.

Logan helping Aunt Pamela get ready.

One of the cool old style elevators.

Logan pushing the elevator button. This isn't a very clear picture but Logan became obsessed with elevators and pushing the buttons while we were away. As soon as we got close to an elevator, Logan had both his index fingers pointing, ready to push the buttons, it was so cute.

Having a hot dog and french fries in the room. This is not exactly what I had imagined, but it worked and Logan was much happier, he went to bed right after he ate.

Pamela headed back to the spa that evening to take advantage of the pools some more. The next morning, we checked out and headed to Calgary (I'll post on Calgary tomorrow)!

(I may have to post some more pictures once I get them from Pamela....so if you haven't had enough, there will likely be more to come!