Banff National Park

The beautiful view from the living room of our accommodations.

A mission for snow:

Traveling Diaries Entry- Day 1:

When your girls ask Santa for snow for three Christmases in a row and snow is rarer than a needle in a haystack here in Georgia, it's time to roll up those sleeves and get creative. This year, we were on a mission—a chilly mission!

Our adventure began by hopping on a plane destined for the Canadian Rocky Mountains, more specifically Banff National Park. In the summer, Banff is a bustling tourist attraction. In the winter, we found ourselves among the locals for a quiet getaway. We found the most charming AirBnB with the most spectacular view!

As we stepped into our cozy abode, the aroma of pine and the crackle of a fireplace welcomed us like an old friend. Every window framed a picturesque postcard view; snow-capped peaks glistening under the soft winter sun, the kind of scene that makes your heart skip a beat and your phone explode with a million photos. Guess what? We weren’t just planning an escape; we were diving headfirst into a snow globed wonderland!

Johnston Canyon

Traveling Diary Entry- Day 2:

With our trusty snow boots on, we ventured outside, ready to tackle a winter playground. We traversed through wooded paths where the snowflakes danced around us as if they were auditioning for a graceful ballet. Our first stop: Johnston Canyon!

As we made our way along the twisting trails, the trees wore thick coats of snow, transforming the landscape into a whimsical wonderland. The air was crisp, each breath a puff of frosted excitement. The sound of crunching snow beneath our feet harmonized with the gentle gurgle of the creek, which had put on a shimmering ice outfit for the season.

Upon reaching the lower falls, we were greeted by a breathtaking sight — a frozen cascade that sparkled in the sun, like a giant ice sculpture commissioned by Mother Nature herself. We frolicked at the base, catching snowflakes on our tongues and marveling at the layers of ice that formed a colossal waterfall candy cane.

Pressing onward, the path to the upper falls beckoned us. With each step, the world around us was a postcard-perfect scene of winter magic. At the upper falls, the frozen water clung to the rocks, creating a majestic ice wall that seemed to echo our awe. We snapped photos, our cheeks rosy and our smiles wide, capturing the essence of our chilly adventure.

Time spent in Johnston Canyon was a rollercoaster of emotions, with each icy step weighing down our giggles and the fumbles keeping us grounded in the hilarity of being together. Not one, but two icy falls left painful reminders of reality. Picture this: down the winding trail we went, laughter echoing with each step, until—whoosh!—a foot slipped on a hidden patch of ice! Down I went, not gracefully gliding, but rather tumbling like a rolling snowman, all while my family's giggles ricocheted off the frosty landscape. The lesson learned: if the path glistens, it doesn’t mean it’s pretty safe!

I thought I had my balance back, but lo and behold, another treacherous slip greeted me, prompting a not-so-elegant plop onto a nasty rock. With sore ribs and a bruised ego, I finally took the cue from the universe: it was time to head back in.

So here's to beautiful, hilarious, and slightly painful memories, where Johnston Canyon taught us that nature can be both breathtaking and sneakily mischievous! How’s that for a quirky twist in our travel diary?

Lake Louise

Traveling Diary Entry- Day 3:

The very next day was spent at the famous Lake Louise. Known for its glacial blue water in the summer, the lake was frozen solid. It was plenty thick enough to walk on, and in a few weeks' time, would be open for ice skating.

The scenery was postcard-perfect; snow-dusted pines hugged the shoreline like nature's bouncers, ensuring only the most adventurous souls could frolic on the ice. As we tiptoed onto the lake, the crunch of ice beneath our boots played a symphony of winter delight. The sunlight bounced off the surface, creating a dazzling effect that left us squinting and gasping in awe.

By the end of the day, we were rosy-cheeked and exhilarated, our hearts full of cold air and warm memories. Lake Louise had once again cast its spell, leaving us with the quirky impression that winter adventures might just be the best family bonding experience ever!

Christmas Market

Traveling Diary Entry- Day 4:

The most spectacular experience in Banff was the Christmas Market, where the air was filled with the delightful aroma of roasted chestnuts and hot cocoa. Rows of twinkling lights adorned quaint stalls bursting with handmade crafts and festive treats.

In the midst of it all, we had a magical encounter with Santa, who somehow knew all about the girls! It felt like stepping into a storybook, with his rosy cheeks and hearty laugh lighting up our spirits.

As night fell, the grand moment arrived: the lighting of the Christmas tree at the foot of the majestic Canadian Rockies. Under a blanket of stars, we watched in awe as the tree sparkled to life, casting a warm glow that mingled beautifully with the snow-covered landscape. It was a moment of pure holiday magic, leaving us with memories that twinkle just as brightly as those lights!

The view from the summit of Sulphur Mountain

Sulphur Mountain: The Gondola, Hiking, and Holiday Shenanigans!

Traveling Diary Entry- Day 5:

Ascending the Heights
It all started with our daring ascent on the Banff Gondola. With each creaking revolution, we soared higher and higher, taking in sweeping views that made our hearts soar, too. The peaks of the Canadian Rockies stood like majestic giants, and we felt like we were riding on top of the world.

Crafting Holiday Memories
When we arrived at the summit, we found ourselves among many holiday activities. We embarked on a crafty mission: creating ornaments to deck our tree! We had an array of colorful supplies—glitter, glue, and of course, a bit of chaos! Both girls created beautiful versions of the gondola that brought us to the top of the mountain.

Sulphur Mountain Hike
Next, we shed the comfort of the building for some good ole hiking. The Sulphur Mountain trail beckoned us with promises of fresh air and scenic vistas. The path was a delightful meander, twisting through frosted trees and snowflakes that danced around us. Everyone had a great time, except for Kendall, who had a slight disaster. In a moment of distraction (probably too much glitter in the air), we lost her carefully crafted ornament. Cue dramatic music!

A New Ornament - The Phoenix Rising
Not one to be defeated, Kendall rolled up her sleeves (though still covered in glitter) and got to work on a new creation. With a mix of determination and a sprinkle of desperation, she transformed another gondola ornament. It was quirky, it was unique, and maybe just a tad lopsided—but it was hers.

Decorating Cookies and Roasting Marshmallows
As the evening approached, we shifted gears to our next holiday project: decorating cookies! Frosting flew as we let our creativity run wild. With sprinkles and multiple frosting options, our cookies morphed into a kaleidoscope of colors. And, of course, we had to round off the visit with roasting marshmallows by the fire. The aroma wafted through the air, curling like the smoke from our pleasant fireside chats.

Final Thoughts
As we descended back down the mountain, our hearts full, we couldn’t help but reflect on our day. Between the exhilarating heights of the gondola, the laughter-filled hike, and the artistic chaos, we had crafted not just ornaments but cherished memories. Kendall's misadventure with her lost ornament served as a delightful reminder that sometimes, the best stories come from unexpected hiccups—and that’s what family travels are all about!

A Final Farewell

Traveling Diary Entry- Day 6:

When it “feels like” -12 degrees Fahrenheit, outdoor adventures tend to retreat into the cozy shadows of indoor fun! So, there we were, dodging the frosty bite of winter like pros. The thought of our imminent flight home brought on a sweet mix of excitement and reluctance; after all, who wants to leave this winter wonderland? But a spark of spontaneity hit us like a snowball to the face: Moana 2 was playing nearby!

The girls were glowing with thrill at the prospect of seeing their favorite adventurer back on the big screen. We dashed through town and soon settled into the cushy warmth of the theater. The smell of buttery popcorn wafted through the air, making our quirky little family moment feel like an epic adventure in itself.

Once we reached the airport, we finally had to peel ourselves away from the magic of the movies and our winter wonderland and prepare for the flight home. Peeking outside, the frost was still pinching the world, but inside, we were warmed by laughter and memories of the unexpected detour. Who knew that a chilly day could lead to such a delightful escape? The girls slept soundly on the flight, their dreams surely filled with islands, adventures, and the promise of more family voyages to come!