We all fantasize about it and talk about it- the girls getaway. A time to relax, catch up and drink a glass of wine or two. Problem is these days with busy work and life schedules it gets harder and harder to try and arrange a full weekend away. I’m happy to report I may have found the best solution, or what I’m calling The Ultimate Girl’s Day in Banff!
Banff Gondola/Mountain Top Yoga
I was lucky enough to be invited by Pursuit-Banff/Jasper Collection and Lululemon to experience Mountain Top Yoga on the top deck of the Banff Gondola. Let me just say the experience was so spectacular! We arrived early (class runs from 9-10 am on Sundays) and took the serene gondola ride up to the top of Sulphur Mountain with stunning mountain views of the Bow River Parkway- 360 degrees around. From there you settle in on the sunny deck with a comfy yoga mat and complete a glorious hour of restorative yoga, 7486 feet above Banff! The best part- all you have to do is register for the class prior to going (link here), the cost of the gondola ticket and class is inclusive! Another tip- if you are an Alberta resident- you can save 30% on your ticket! Just make sure you have your ID available at time of boarding.
Dining in the Clouds at Sky Bistro
After the awe inspiring stretch, we headed down for some lunch at the Sky Bistro. First off- the floor to ceiling viewscape on the front third of the restaurant as you walk in is jaw dropping, you feel like you are floating above the iconic mountains of Banff, but the decor inside- well let’s just say is my dream space. Rustic elements, antler chandeliers are a plenty with historic photos of the park’s history come to life with a modern twist. The food also lived up to the impressive decor. The menu incorporates as many local ingredients/suppliers as possible and I enjoyed a compressed watermelon salad followed by ancient grain risotto and of course a mimosa or two!
We also took a stroll on the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk which is easily accessible for all ages and mobilities but provides even further views of Canada’s oldest national park. I highly recommend the gondola as an experience if you have guests you want to take out for the day or have people visiting and asking for things to see and do.
Retreat to Willow Springs Spa at the Banff Springs
If mountain top yoga and a delicious lunch weren’t enough… it wouldn’t be the Ultimate Girl’s Day in Banff, without a trip to the historic Banff Springs and their infamous Willow Springs Spa. Whenever I’m in Banff or touring with guests in town that have never been, it is a must do stop on my list. The hotel has so much history and mystery wrapped around it, every time I’m there I seem to find new spots I’ve never seen before!
First of all when you walk through the front doors to the spa- there is always an amazing wave of aromatherapy that makes me want to bottle it up and take it home- I learned that they make a custom scent for each and every season! Once handed your cozy robe and spa essentials, the indoor mineral pool along with 3 waterfall treatment pools (all differing temperatures) and outdoor whirlpool create a luxuriously relaxing and rejuvenating combo to wind down after the day. You can also go a little later in the day depending on the day of the week and get a discounted Spa Happy Hour rate of $49.
Lounge with Cocktails at the Vermillion Room
And just when you think you couldn’t pack anymore in to the Ultimate Girl’s Day, after relaxing in the mineral pools at the spa and freshening up- we headed over to the newly renovated Vermillion Room at the hotel for some signature cocktails and dessert. I highly recommend a separate trip just to take in the amazing weekend brunch that the Vermillion Room offers. However for post spa snacks and cocktails, you couldn’t beat the APRÈS 75 (belvedere vodka, lillet blanc, grapefruit, st-germain) and chocolate cream puffs!
It was such an action packed but relaxing day of wellness rolled all into one! The day started at 9 am yoga and we left happy hour at 4:30, getting back into Calgary for dinnertime! With busy summer schedules, this is the perfect way to slide in a girl’s day or just a solo day of wellness and relaxation before the end of summer and I plan on squeezing another trip in before the leaves turn!
* This post was in partnership with Pursuit Banff Jasper Collection and Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. All opinions are my own.
