Day Ten: Exploring the Canadian Rockies and Calgary Before Heading Home

Our final morning in Lake Louise began with a breathtaking sunrise over the pristine lake and snow-capped mountains, which we admired from the comfort of our room’s large picture window. Lake Louise’s beauty is unparalleled; it feels like a glimpse of heaven—though we’d hope for warmer temperatures! If you’re seeking the perfect place to escape, reflect, and recharge, Lake Louise is a must-visit destination.

We savored a relaxing in-room breakfast while soaking in the majestic views of the Canadian Rockies one last time. As our coach arrived, we took a final, emotional look at the stunning surroundings, sighed deeply, and with watery eyes, said goodbye to Lake Louise, a piece of paradise we’ll never forget.

Calgary Tower and the Plus 15 Skywalk System

After a scenic drive from the Rockies to Calgary, we explored the city’s famed Plus 15 Skywalk system, a series of elevated walkways that connect much of downtown. Our first stop was the iconic Calgary Tower, standing at 626 feet tall. The tower offers a thrilling glass floor observation deck where brave visitors can peer down at the street far below. If you have a fear of heights, this might not be for you! We saw several people hesitating before stepping onto the glass, and we understood their nerves.

Once we made a full circle around the observation deck, we planned to visit the revolving restaurant below, only to discover it was under renovation until September 2008—though it was already September 2008. With the restaurant closed, we continued exploring Calgary’s downtown on foot.

 

A Walk Through Downtown Calgary

Calgary’s energy felt starkly different from the warmth of the Rockies. The city felt less diverse, and its residents were polite but not particularly warm. On weekends, downtown Calgary has a quieter vibe, and we noticed a noticeable homeless population. Still, we embraced the change of pace and wandered into Flames Central/Wild Fire Grill, a massive sports bar housed in a former performing arts center. The venue featured a movie-theater-sized screen surrounded by dozens of smaller TVs, all showcasing various sports events. We caught the San Diego Chargers game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, though, unfortunately for fellow Chargers fans, the game was a letdown.

While the food and drink specials were decent, the service left much to be desired. Dirty glasses and slow service were disappointing, especially considering there weren’t many guests in the restaurant. If you’re in Calgary, Flames Central is conveniently located downtown and one of the few places open on Sundays, but we’d suggest managing expectations when it comes to service.

From the Rockies to Calgary: A Scenic Journey

The coach ride from Lake Louise to Calgary was just a few hours, and the changing landscape—from towering peaks to sprawling farmlands—was stunning. As we neared Calgary, we noticed a shift in the air, with more traffic and the city skyline growing larger on the horizon. Along the way, we passed remnants of the 1988 Winter Olympics, including the Olympic Bobsled and Ski Jump structures. Though these structures looked abandoned, we wondered if they still served as training facilities for athletes.

Fairmont Palliser Hotel: A Different Vibe in Calgary

Our stay at the Fairmont Palliser marked a noticeable shift in energy. Unlike the warm and friendly staff we had encountered throughout our journey, the service here felt less personal, particularly with the concierge and check-in staff. It wasn’t a negative experience, just different from the previous nine days of hospitality we had come to love.

After a quick check-in, we explored a bit more of the city before heading back to the hotel to recover from the Chargers’ loss. We opted for room service, but the pizza was underwhelming. Fortunately, the staff delivering room service and providing turndown service were delightful—truly representative of the Fairmont brand’s high standards.

Reflecting on Our Journey and Future Adventures

Despite a few minor hiccups in Calgary, our journey through the Canadian Rockies was an absolute success. Calgary, with its urban vibe and affluence, served as the perfect transition back to city life, preparing us for our return to Washington, DC. We’ve had an unforgettable experience in British Columbia and Alberta, and we’re already dreaming of a return trip for the 2010 Winter Olympics—or perhaps sooner.

Calgary is often viewed as a gateway to the rest of Canada, but we’re eager to experience more of what the city has to offer. We might even return for the 2009 Calgary Stampede, the largest rodeo in North America!

Thank you for joining us on this incredible adventure through the Canadian Rockies. Stay tuned for our next journey to Knotts Island for the Wine Festival!