FAIRMONT LAKE LOUISE
She's back!!!!! It has been two years since I last wrote a blog post. So much has changed in my life since I have been here, but one thing has remained consistent: your support, and I am genuinely grateful for it. I started this blog to share my fashion, home projects and travels with my audience, and I had so much fun doing it. Though it was fun to share with you, I lost the spark and became accustomed to using social media to communicate instead of writing here. I knew stepping away was right for me at the time, but lately, I have had the urge to share on here again, so your girl is back and sharing all about the last two years and the exciting adventures I have been on. Before starting this post, I want to thank you all for going through the waves with me and always wanting to see me win.
I shared a lot about travel with kids on here in the past, but in the last two years, travel has become a more significant part of my content creation projects, so I will be starting a travel series of content I have not shared with you, so I hope you guys enjoy this series. First up in this series is my last trip with Fairmont Hotels.
If you think of a landmark hotel, it is a Fairmont Hotel guaranteed. I have been lucky to have now visited five of Fairmont's locations, and I have noticed that each one was perfect in every way you can imagine. One of the things I love about Fairmont is its ability to create memorable moments for their guests. Whenever I travel anywhere, I observe the hotel staff's interaction with guests because whenever I share with you guys, I want you to expect the same treatment, and man, I have to say Fairmont is unmatched. Guests can expect beautiful locations and exceptional service from staffers, and don't get me started on the food.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise was our first stop in Alberta's Banff National Park; wow, this location is beyond words. If I can describe it, it was like stepping into the world of Narnia. I don't think photos or videos of this location do it justice; the beauty is unreal. This location boasts 539 rooms and surrounded by the Canadian Rocky Mountains and Lake Louise.
One of my favorite things that Fairmont Hotels offer is the Fairmont Gold Experience. Guests who opt for the Fairmont Gold option enjoy the convenience of a private concierge, an exclusive lounge, complimentary breakfast, and extra amenities.
Fairmont Gold Amenities
Luxury Fairmont Gold accommodation
Private check-in and check-out
Private Concierge
Private lounge exclusive to Fairmont Gold guests
Healthy deluxe continental breakfast in Fairmont Gold Lounge
All-day snacks and evening canapés in the Fairmont Gold Lounge
Deluxe, self-serve Honor Bar in the Fairmont Gold Lounge featuring a selection of wines, beers, top-shelf spirits, and a feature cocktail (all honor bar charges are billed to guest room).
Complimentary newspapers and personalized wake-up calls
Complimentary laptop and iPad use in lounge with high-speed internet
Once we checked in through Fairmont Gold we had to get ready for our welcome dinner at Louiza, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. "The Executive Chef Chef Issel brings over 25 years of experience to Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. He employs his artistic skills to design culinary creations that showcase local, farm-fresh Albertan flavors while ensuring that sustainability remains a focus throughout operations." I can't even tell you how delicious everything was. From the drinks, starters, and main course, it was a great start to the trip. Fairmont Chefs are well-versed in the local culinary flavors, so expect excellent restaurants at each location.
It was an early start the next day because we were going on a Sleigh Ride; that's right, I said a sleigh ride. Being a Jersey girl, the closest I got to a sleigh ride was my brother pulling me on a garbage top down a hill, so I was extra excited about this. This experience was worth braving the cold because it is coldddddd. The views are worth it all, the best way I can describe it to you; it was like I stepped into Narnia. The beauty is so unreal. Brewster Adventures will take you on a sleigh ride along the edge of frozen Lake Louise. Under a warm blanket, you will see the views dreams are made of. "This is one of the most iconic and unique experiences you can do to embrace the spirit of winter in Banff National Park. The season for sleigh rides starts mid-December and spans to early April, weather and snow-cover permitting. Advance reservations are recommended. Rides are approximately 45-60 minutes in length." I highly recommend doubling up on layers because it is cold, but once again worth the views. After our Sleigh ride, we stopped at Lake Louise Ice Bar. Made of 20 blocks of ice, each weighing 300 lbs. Spaces in the walls are caved out for the benches. It takes a week to complete them from start to finish and The Fairmont logo on the Ice Bar is made from colored sand.
Signature drinks to try, Mulled Wine, Spicy Santa, a hot chocolate spiked with Park Chili Vodka, Vanilla, and Park Cacao Tincture. I had the spike hot chocolate, which was my favorite of the trip. The ice bar is available from Mid-December to April, weather permitting.
Next up on our itinerary was Ice skating. We stopped by Chateau Ski and Snow Rentals. Located near the lobby, by the entrance to the parkade. You can choose high-performance equipment for all ages and abilities. Now, guys, I could have been better at this, but it was so fun to see the views and enjoy the ice castle made from huge blocks of ice to highlight the world's most spectacular rink. The rink is lit daily for night skating. I loved watching from my room those that did enjoy the night skating. An additional rink near the Nordic stop is open to all hockey enthusiasts. Lake Louise is cleared daily of snowfall, and skating is available from mid-December to mid-April, depending on conditions.
Last but not least, we ended our day with Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Fire & Ice experience.
FIRE & ICE
"As East meets North, take in the grandeur of the breathtaking mountain views and enjoy a feast for the eyes and the palate.
This enchanted winter wonderland will set the stage for Fire & Ice, a 15-course epicurean experience that marries al fresco dining, soft adventure by snowshoe and cozy fireside moments with the inspirational cooking style of Robatayaki – all elegantly presented and paired with exclusive sake, whisky, and Japanese-inspired cocktails.
This seven-hour experience is limited to 10 guests per seating, is $750 CAD per person (plus taxes and service charge), and will include those unexpected moments that Fairmont is famed for. Are you ready to share an elevated dining experience that ends under the starry skies with a special someone?
Advanced reservations are required. Happening every Thursday from January 19 to February 16"
After gearing up and being briefed on the basics, we ventured into the back side of Lake Louise into the wilderness and looked for signs of creatures by expecting their tracks in the snow. I learned that the snow always tells a story of the wildlife. Once we completed Snow Shoeing, we tracked back to a cabin set along Lake Louise and were greeted with tea and these delicious cookies. I felt like this was a reward because it was for sure a workout to get there. Once finished, we headed inside to a dazzling display to start a 15-course meal to die for. I highly recommend this experience for big groups, and when visiting during this time, well worth it.
Overall my stay at Fairmont Lake Louise was fantastic; the only downside was that I needed more time to experience all the other restaurants and experiences available. The Spa would have been amazing, and The shops looked great. I can imagine that tea time with the views is well worth the trip during Spring and Summer. Fairmont locations have so many cute activities for children as well. As we were checking out, I saw a cute little kid's check-in area where kids can check in and receive a prize from a treasure box. Fairmont truly has those special touches for everyone, and I plan for sure to head back with the family. Stay tuned for part two of my trip tomorrow as I share all about Fairmont Banff.
