Last weekend, we had the perfect weather to explore in Canmore. From toboggan hills and hot pools, to a winter Christmas market and the chance to see a Santa Clause Parade nestled in the mountains with hot cocoa - it was the literal perfect start to the holiday season.
Stay: Mystic Springs Canmore
Recently, we were invited to visit Mystic Springs and spend the weekend in Canmore. It was a fantastic way to spend the first weekend of December, and I can’t wait until we head back for a friend weekend, in March. When you first walk in to the chalet, you’ll notice the gorgeous kitchen and warm living space, with all of the comforts of home (wifi). Robes (and televisions) in both rooms were a highlight for Olivia, who shared a room with her sister, just down the hall from us.
The two bedroom suite, with additional sleeping space on the pull out sofa was enough space to accommodate a family, and had all of the features (down to the rubber duck) to make it a kid friendly space. We brought along some of the staples for quick breakfasts for the kids, like granola and yogurt, fruit and seeds, and everything else was there that we needed. It made for lazy mornings with parents going nowhere quickly, and kids who woke up famished because they ran back and forth between the hot tub and heated pool leading up to the hour before bedtime the night before.
Lots of space, cozy and comfortable decor and bright windows throughout the property, with gorgeous stone paths leading to the hot tub and pool made this place a special winter weekend getaway, for a relaxing experience. The hot tub was enclosed, the pool surrounded with glass, made for a foggy and warm experience - even though it was freezing outside. We stuck to the hot tub mostly, while the kids went back and forth between the hot tub and pool, playing with the other kids staying for the weekend.
Planning an upcoming trip? The Canmore Winter Carnival is on our winter fun list for 2015 and starts February 13th. Plan your winter fun and get your third night free at Mystic Springs for a limited time, and enjoy a fun filled winter weekend in the mountains.
The pool area had an area to change in, where we changed the kids out of their pajamas they wore to the pool (we brought along our robes) and the heated floors made changing back into pajamas after swimming easy, and warm.
Eat: Breakfast at the Summit Cafe + Dinner at Rocky Mountain Flatbread
Breakfast at Summit Cafe is one of our favorites. With huge portions for kids meals, the kids can share and home made fresh and delicious food, the all day breakfast is the perfect way to spend a late weekend breakfast. Order juice for yourself, or a Baileys and Hot Chocolate rather than the get-it-yourself water (it needs to be colder)! Try the breakfast special if you’re hungry, it’s delicious!
Address: 1001 Cougar Creek Drive, Canmore, AB T1W 1E1
When it comes to dinner in Canmore, Rocky Mountain Flatbread is one of our favorites. It can get busy, so you might want to factor that in, but there’s a big area for the kids to play while you’re waiting to eat. So, even if there is a bit of a wait, you’re going to be able to get a date night feel, for those five minutes the kids are occupied playing with the little kitchen area. If you’re there during the week, there are even nights when kids can help make pizza.
Play: Toboggan Hills for Days + Outdoor Skating
Don’t forget the sleds and the skates and sleds, because there are lots of places to play outside while you’re spending a weekend in the mountain. From skating at the Pond in Canmore, to checking out one of the local toboggan hills. You can even venture outside of Canmore to Banff.
In the short weekend away, with just enough time to recharge, we had at least five visits to the hot tub and the pool. It was a great way to warm-up after tobogganing at the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park (reason to bring the sleds!) with jumps, a lot of space, and easy parking.
