Enjoy Delicious Eats And Stunning Blue Lakes In The Canadian Rockies
By Sponsor in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 30, 2017 5:00AM
Photo by Emmanuel Milou via Flickr
We are all aware that Canada is home to the beaver, plaid shirts, and the friendliest people on the planet. But did you know that our neighbors up north also boast some of the most breathtaking views and tastiest spots to drink and chow down?
Located in the stretch of the Canadian Rockies, Calgary, Alberta enjoys a combination of natural beauty and vibrant city that makes it a truly awesome destination. And the lakes that surround the city are the bluest and most beautiful you’ll ever see.
Before you set out to explore the towering mountains and landscape around the city, experience the flavors of fall in some of Calgary’s hottest dining experiences. A couple that come highly recommended: charbar, which offers Argentinian-inspired eats like the fire-gilled nine-spiced half chicken; or the River Café, where you dine on an island in the heart of downtown and enjoy naturally raised beef or Alberta bison, paired with Okanagan cherries, maple beer, and wood grilled brassica. Yum!
Photo by Candace Bergman / charbar
Autumn in Calgary is also the perfect time to event-hop. For foodies, hit up the Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival to get your drink on with wine, scotch, and micro-brewed beer samples deliciously paired with local food. Any equestrians out there? Calgary is home to the world-renowned Spruce Meadows show jumping grounds, which feature great events year-round. A fall highlight is their annual Okotoberfest tournament, where you can get up close to the show jumping action in an indoor venue.
Once you’ve got your belly filled, it’s time to feast your eyes on Alberta’s spectacular natural beauty and true-blue lakes, starting in Banff National Park.
Photo by Kimberly Vardeman via Flickr
With turquoise, glacier-fed water that’s bordered by the Canadian Rocky Mountains, waterfalls, and fantastic hiking trails, Moraine Lake is striking to say the least. During your fall hike, you can expect to be surrounded by trees in brilliant shades of yellow, gold, and orange, making the lake one of the most picturesque spots in Canada. For the best experience, visit early morning to watch the sunrise or after 7 p.m.
Lake Louise
Photo by Noel Hendrickson
Ready for one of the most Instagrammable spots in Canada? Lake Louise’s mesmerizing emerald blue water is surrounded by snow-capped glaciers, lush forest, and for hiking enthusiasts, plenty of winding trails of varying levels. Once you’re tuckered out, find a spot on the lake’s peaceful shoreline and snack on a picnic lunch of local favorites.
Peyto Lake
Photo by Gary Ullah via Flickr
Peyto Lake is located in Banff National Park, just 25 miles northwest of Lake Louise, and is another one of Alberta’s breathtaking glacier-fed lakes. Photo enthusiasts will love the lookout points spread around the lake, including the Peyto Lake lookout (more of a walk) and the Bow Summit lookout up an old fire road (more of a hike). We suggest planning your visit to one of the most beautiful lakes in the world in October, when you can also experience the region’s annual Taste for Adventure, a 16-day culinary extravaganza.
Abraham Lake
Photo by Travel Alberta
Located in the front ranges of the Canadian Rocky Mountains is Abraham Lake, an awe-inspiring spot with incredible views of rugged mountain ridges, rivers, canyons, and waterfalls. Abraham Lake is an adventurer’s dream, especially if your adventure of choice is fall backcountry hiking or trail riding. Take a stroll to the nearby Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area and check out the powerful white waterfall that cascades over a massive flat rock shelf.
Maligne Lake
Photo by Chris Parker via Flickr
A five-hour drive from Calgary takes you to Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park, one of the most photographed places in the Rockies. Hike one of the many surrounding trails (including the 27-mile Skyline Trail that starts at the lake and ends near Jasper), catch yourself a fish, hop in a kayak, or take a lake cruise to Spirit Island. In true Canadian style, don’t forget to pack a “toque” — a wool hat perfect for fall weather.
Photo by Travel Alberta
Beautiful stretches of water reflect the jagged peaks of the Rocky Mountains — trust us, the journey to Waterton Lake is well worth it. Hike up Bear’s Hump, a short but strenuous hike that offers stunning views of the valley, lakes, and the rolling prairies to the north. On your way up, you’ll be greeted by waterfalls, glistening streams, and an abundance of wildflowers and trees changing colors.
Fall is the perfect time to visit Calgary and the Canadian Rockies. Trails are bursting with all the colors of the season and you’ll be able to explore the region in tranquility before returning to the city to enjoy the flavors of the harvest.
This post is a sponsored collaboration between Destination Canada and Gothamist staff.