Looking for the summer
Summer? I suppose that did not work!
What should that be? We look forward to lukewarm barbecues and open-air events from May - and suddenly it's October, and we're still waiting! Was there a summer this year? We sent our holiday-friendly employee Anne Leutloff on the search? and she found it. It still exists in Canada's west, the outdoor holiday we want it to be: wild, untouched landscapes, charming Canadians and a lot of sport in the fresh air that makes us really sweat.
First day: Calgary - the search starts
Sunset shining red facades of skyscrapers in Calgary.
In fact, the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta are known for their winter tourism. But we want to find the summer and go it very sporty. Our first stop is Calgary, venue of the 1988 Winter Olympics. The cold season also dictates the sporting activities. So we're trying to expand our horizons: first with the view from the Calgary Tower, then with an insight into the Glenbow Museum. In a guided tour through the 20 lovingly designed departments, we round out the entire Canadian cultural history with one million exhibits. Back on our hotel, on the north bank of the Bow River, the young and urban nightlife of Kensington pulsates.
Second day: riding like the cowboys
Colorful quarterhorses on the way to the pasture.
As Canadian railway pioneer William van Horne once predicted - the scenery is the reason why they will come - the Rockies magically attract us. Instead of the historic railroad, we prefer taking our SUVs and cruising Highway 2 along the Rocky foothills to the south. On the right side of Moose Mountain (filming location of "Brokeback Mountain"), on the left the width of the prairie brings country music from the radio in the mood for cowboy and Indian romance. At Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump, Kelly-O and Stan introduce us to the 6,000-year-old Native American Blackfoot ancestor hunting technique, just a short drive later on the back of Dan Nelson's beautiful Quarterhorses. It stings me the oat and I gallop on my brown mare Jessy along a picturesque panorama of quietly lying lakes, rolling hills and sparse birch forests through the unfortunately continuing drizzle. Much too short is the cowboy adventure and I promise to return for a multi-day ride on the ranch of the Nelson family? then with cowboy stories around the campfire, steaks, beans and overnight in a real Canadian log cabin in the mountains.
Third day: election to mountain queen
High above Waterton - a fresh wind is blowing.
On lonely country roads we drive to southern Alberta, the border with American Montana. As we board Waterton Lakes National Park, the snow-capped Rocky Mountains abruptly emerge from the rolling green of the prairie. We want to get up there! Carey Tetzlaff of Tamarack Outdoor Outfitters is our guide and an experienced specialist in guided mountain tours and regional flora and fauna. After an hour of moderate hiking, past rare wildflowers such as the yellow-flowering glacier lily, we reach the summit of Bear's Hump and are already awaited by curious chipmunks. They enjoy the overwhelming view of Waterton every day: along the steep slopes of the wind-swept mountains, the deep blue glacier lake winds its way to the picturesque Prince of Wales Hotel.
Guided half-, full- or multi-day mountain tours for beginners and experienced hikers, photo workshops, special flower and bear tours can over Tamarack's Outdoor Adventures to be booked from June to September. Bus shuttle service from June to October, 20 CAD per person. Other activities: line dancing in the barn, biking, canoeing, windsurfing, kiting, sport climbing.
Fourth day: kick the pedal, hit the ball!
Biking past the picturesque dandelion meadow.
If you think these commands are easy to execute, try it for yourself. West we cross the border into British Columbia and try the mountain bike in Fernie and the golf club in Cranbrook. Fernie, so far more known for his winter sports offer, thanks to the smart guys from The Guide's hat soon to be called Eldorado Mountain Bike. Our guides Mark, Will and Matt know the area around the Kootenay Rockies like the back of their hand and are looking for the right trip and safe equipment for every fitness level. Initially, it's leisurely past picturesque dandelion meadows and up into pine forests flooded with light. But our sporting ambition is really awakened during the downhill maneuvers à la mountain goat.Then just do not push the front brake, otherwise it's faster downhill than you can call "break"! Things get a little more relaxed on the St. Eugene Golf Course in the resort of the same name. We are inspired by the beautiful view and prefer to try fantasy punches, as we improve our handicap - the maturity we pick up in old age.
Fifth day: bears, bathing and beer
Of course, with a smell of sulfur - hot springs in Whiteswan Provincial Park.
Our search for a summer adventure takes us deeper and deeper into the southwestern region of the Rocky Mountains. We meander along narrow streets through the vast, mystical forests - the natural habitat of black and grizzly bears. If a car drives slower in front of us, it is time to look out. Whole convoy of cars come together at a bear's eye. We also experience one of those magical moments when a black bear is out of the thicket, calmly passes through the photographing tourists and then disappears back into the forest. Then you should not make abrupt movements or noises, so that the bears are not disturbed while eating - or you yourself become lunch. Away from the dark forests, the sun burns from a bright blue sky, we dream of a refreshing bath. The hot springs in Whiteswan Provincial Park do not bring the desired cooling, but the bathing water smells wonderfully of rotten eggs. We hope for a cosmetic effect and hop, as recommended by Mr. Kneipp, between 43 ° C natural pool and ice cold glacier river back and forth. More hot and slightly radioactive sources are bubbling all along the tectonic fault lines in the Kootenay Rockies.
Freshly bathed, we cross the continental plates (Great Continental Divide) and reflect on a geological phenomenon. From up here, the waters of the Canadian rivers have to make their way down between three oceans: the Arctic, Atlantic or Pacific Oceans. We have it easier and let our onset appetite choose. In the artist village of Field we return to the flowered, blue wooden house of the Truffle Pigs Bistro on. In the iconic eatery, Sean Cunningham and Jen Coffman seduce their younger guests with creative arrangements of regional and organic foods. The culinary artworks are served with home-made house music by handpicked singer-songwriters. We enjoy a fresh draft beer.
Sixth Day: Canadian Canoe Meditation
Doing the Canadian thing! Paddling on the Emerald Lake.
Must do! Like the maple syrup on the pancakes, the traditional trip by canoe is part of a journey into the Canadian countryside. We borrow some of the open Canadian canoes from Emerald Lake and paddle across the still lying glacier lake. Our red boats glide on turquoise blue water past the dark green of the woods, no one speaks a word and it only softly babbles, while we can not avert our gaze from the imposing mountain panorama. The color meditation leaves us inwardly calm and with every paddle stroke a piece of the everyday stress falls away from us. More action desired? For an intensive upper body workout we recommend multi-day canoe hiking tours, which are offered by many tour operators.
Seventh day: Winter is back - but looks good!
Next stop: photo shoot. Just 40 km from Emerald Lake, in the heart of Banff National Park, you will find the most photographed subject in Canada: the deep blue Lake Louise, complete with elegant luxury hotel. Situated at the foot of Mount Victoria's mighty backdrop, the lake has been the starting point for daring exploration of the alpine landscape since 1890. The Swiss mountain guides who have been specially hired for their know-how have left their mark on the Château Lake Louise to this day: the porters at the reception, dressed in Styrian costumes, decorate the Valais room in the interior with hunting trophies and large wall paintings depict famous mountaineering pioneers. With 1540 vertical meters, Lake Louise is the highest Canadian settlement, but just too high up for the longed-for summer.
Eighth day: Enchanted waterfalls
Waterfall in Banff National Park.
As we make our way through steep and narrow gorges, we can hear them from afar - the waterfalls in Johnston Canyon. Against the backdrop of green jungle scenery, the wild water bubbles up as a natural sound system noisily, plummeting us down into the depths and enveloping us in a gentle mist that transforms mossy rocks and craggy limestone into a blurry dreamscape.
Further dream tours nearby: On the hiking trails of the Sunshine Meadows The highest peaks of the Rocky Mountains form the unique backdrop. And the world is at our feet!
Ninth day: Back in civilization
The main street of Banff with the Cascade Mountain in the background.
On the way back to Calgary Let's take a quick hike over the pretty town of Banff at the foot of Sulfur Mountain.As a traditional starting point for activities in the surrounding mountains you will be properly equipped, an outdoor shop here joins the next. After an active day in the fresh air, various bars, restaurants and clubs provide entertainment and fun. In the summer you can watch the cool snowboarders while waiting, celebrating or longboarding.
More tips for Banff:
Smart operation in front of Canadian national symbol.
Going out and meeting Canadians: Jam session with open mic every Thursday in Bruno's Bar and Grill (304 Caribou Street, Banff, Alberta).
Unusual pizza creations in a relaxed atmosphere: The Bear Street Tavern (Pizzas from 14-17 CAD, draft beer from 6 CAD, cocktails from 9 CAD)
The delicious, home-brewed beer comes straight from the brewing kettles via a pipeline: Banff Ave Brew Pub
Everything that the Outdoor Spezi desires, he finds Atmosphere. In Banff alone, the interior design of the store is worth a visit - be sure to check it out!
Shop and relax with fair-trade coffee, fresh sushi or gluten-free cupcakes. The trendy Banff Ski Lounge is a meeting place for snowboarders and also offers a large selection of young designer fashion during the summer.
Made in Canada:Roots was once sponsor of the Canadian Winter Games equipped among other things, the German team with sportswear. Commendable: The high-quality, hand-crafted leather bags and the sporty casual and yoga line are from ecological and fair production.
Souvenirs: The perfect souvenir for those who have stayed at home is the extremely light, collapsible and nicely designed "Vapur Anti-Bottle" - a summer gadget that is not available in German stores yet.
Eternal souvenirs engraved by talented and professional tattoo artists: Perfect Image Studio.
