Our Canadian Rockies Trip 2022 Tips and Tricks

After 2 years of not being able to travel outside of Ontario, we were able to finally took off and visit the Canadian Rockies for my advanced birthday celebration and Alexus graduation plus the honors / academic achievement. I am going to share here all the tips and tricks for a smooth, relaxed and value  for -money travel for a family of 5 - 

This is what we've accomplished, our Canadian Rockies Trip details

Time: 10 days - June 30 to July 10, 2022

Scope:  Lake Louise, Lake Moraine (hiked Rock Pile), Takakkaw Falls (and other Yoho National Park viewpoints, Johnston Canyon, Golden, BC (Skybridge /Adventure Package),  Kicking Horse Whitewater Rafting Exciter Level 2, Banff (Canoeing, Gondola / Sulphur Mountain and other viewpoints), Canmore, Drumheller, Royal Tyrrell Museum, Calgary Stampede Parade and Rodeo Show

Out of Scope: Columbia Icefields Parkway and Jasper National Park (as the parkway closed due to an accident on the highway) we missed getting on the Skywalk, riding the big Red Bus to go to the Glaciers, Athabasca Falls, Maligne Canyon, Pyramid Lake, Maligne Lake and other mountains to climb like Edith Cavell etc.

Cost: I will share high, average and low cost options so you can plan better.  

Like our Disneyworld Trip in Orlando in 2018, we followed the Project Management Principles to focus on the 3 major constraints - Time, Scope and Cost and be successful in our trip.

Tip no 1.  - Book flights early and buy your tickets for activities online.  Cost of budget airlines are cheaper on sale months.  Note that everything in a budget airline will cost - Carry-on bags (choose to check in and max the luggage space, bring backpacks for each passenger),  do not use counter service that is +$25  (buy seats, pay for luggage and check-in online), bring food or eat before flights.  The lines to buy activity tickets onsite are longer especially during peak season.  We skipped many lines and enjoyed the attractions immediately than those who opted to line up.  Our companions do not like waiting so that will also change the mood of the party if you hear complaints from impatient teenagers. 

Tickets to attractions that you can buy online ahead of time:

1. Discovery Pass - each time you go and park to a national park like YOHO, JASPER, BANFF, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, Lake Moraine, Emerald, Peyto, you will have to pay $20 per car.  Buy the annual pass of $145/family if you plan to go to all of these parks and other national parks in Canada, also valid for a year.

2. White Water Rafting Exciter Level 2 - Wild Water Adventures http://www.wildwater.com

3. Banff Gondola, Golden Skybridge / Adventure Package, Columbia Icefields Adventure Skywalk / Glacier - https://www.banffjaspercollection.com 

4. Park and Ride tickets to visit Lake Louise and Lake Moraine - https://www.banfflakelouise.com/explorethepark/lake-louise-moraine-summer-shuttle

Note that in the crazy days at Pearson Airport nowadays, all airlines were either delayed or cancelled regardless if you are budget airline or not.

Tip no. 2  HOTEL Find a location that suits whatever activity your family plan to do or likes to do.  We stayed in a variety of locations to be close to the attractions and maximize the travel time. Canmore is 20 minutes to Banff, Banff is 30 minutes to Lake Louise and Lake Louise is 3 hours to Jasper via Columbia Icefields Parkway,  30 minutes to Yoho National Park, 1 hour to Golden, BC.  Do the math and find out the duration of your travel to and from the locations mentioned.  We stayed at Lake Louise during the dates we planned for the visit to the 2 lakes, Yoho, Golden and Columbia, then moved on to Banff for the attractions near Banff, then Canmore to get closer to Calgary, then stayed in Calgary near the airport for the Stampede and Drumheller days.

High Cost but very nice locations :  Fairmont Lake Louise (when I inquired the rate at the time we are going -> $1,800 / night phew!  Lake Moraine Lodge is another - very serene location.  Moose Hotel and Suites along Banff.

Average to Midrange - the hotels along Banff Avenue, walking distance to everything.  Lake Louise Inn or the Post Hotel in Lake Louise. Holiday Inn Express in Canmore

Low / Budget - Hostel International at Lake Louise - this is where we stayed for the first 3 nights, first timers using a hostel, we liked it.  very clean, 24 hours check in, with clean kitchen and utensils, with restaurant if you don't like cooking.  Try the HI in Banff or try camping at the campgrounds near Lake Minnewanka, OTenTiks are inviting but too difficult to book.  There is a shuttle bus from Banff going to the campsite.  There is another campsite in Tunnel Mountain near Banff.  There are Airbnbs and townhouses available but you have to book early and trust that the rental will proceed because we experience cancellation at the last minute.  I do not trust Airbnbs now.  Canmore Airbnbs are newer and bigger but consider the additional travel time.

Tip no. 3 FOOD Prepare meals and packed lunches especially if the activities call for energy like Hiking, walking, Rafting and there might not be any food places in your destination, better be prepared than starved.  Stopover at Walmart near YYC then buy essentials - bread, cold cuts, eggs, bananas, apples for your packed lunches.  Buy water, oil if you are cooking also dishwashing soap and laundry soap.  I brought my French Press to brew my own and save on coffee :)

Foodies must try (High):  Sky Bistro at top of Sulphur Mountain for a date nite, Chuck's Steak in Banff,  Balkan (Greek), The Elk or Bison meat Burger at Eddie's Burger in Banff, the Ramen Arashi (ramenarashi.com) Place at Sundance Mall in Banff  (the line up is still long at 2:00 pm, must be good). Fire and Rain, for Jasper I heard, Something Else is something to try. Golden - Reposados tacos in a unique setting and the Korean resto,. We ate at the Old Spaghetti Factory, the menu is the same as other locations, same as BP and other resto / chains in Banff.

Low-cost:  Food stalls in malls at Banff - Cascade Mall (Popeyes, Subway, there is also a Chinese and Bento place), you can order from Domino's Pizza to deliver at your Hotel, it was raining one night and we did this.

FOOD TO TRY near CALGARY ->  BIG SKY BBQ PIT in OKOTOKS, AB

Tip no. 4 - SAVE TIME by planning on your activities per day - no spaghetti diagram - that means going back and forth, go one direction.  Which activities are close to each other?  We did Golden and Whitewater Rafting in one day, the 2 Lakes in one day, all Banff attractions at the same time.  Estimate the travel time and TRY TO LEAVE EARLY, you can do so much when you start early, when the others are still sleeping LOL.  We left for the Lake Louise very early and arrived there at 5:40 am and guess what? the area is packed, the boardwalk where you can take nice photos are full of people posing!  After savoring the moment, move on to the next.  We would have not been able to enter Lake Moraine in our rental car if we arrived there after 8:00 am.  We were one of the few who arrived at the Lake Moraine parking lot at 7:00 am and made it.  ARRIVE EARLY and accomplish more, less hassle finding a parking spot, less people, more time to enjoy the view.  Summer is when all the people decide to visit the Canadian Rockies so be out when they are still in lol.  Yes, our kids complained for waking up early but when we are back to our hotels by 3:00 pm to nap, relax or enjoy the WIFI to connect with friends, our vacation is really considered a vacation, no stress just lounging and enjoying the cool weather and each other's company.

Tip No. 5 - CLOTHES  Pack light and do laundry there.  Bring winter clothing - single digit in the morning and in the evening, some hotels don't have aircons and they open the windows so expect the cold lol.  Check the weather.

Tip No. 6 - ACTIVITIES Whitewater Rafting is a must, Golden Skybridge and the Adventure package will make your heart flutter - Treetop trekking aka Canyon Edge, Ziplining, Axe-throwing. Hiking is expected, so be prepared and be fit - savor the mountain air and enjoy the view. You can see how great and creative our God is coming up with all those different lake colors.  Different lake, different color - visit and take note of the color of Lake Louise, Lake Moraine, Peyto Lake just to name a few. 

When you go in July be sure to watch the Calgary Stampede Parade.  The downtown roads will be closed by 7:30 am so be sure to hit the road early and park close the Calgary Tower because that's where the parade starts. The early bird Parking fee is only $13, if its beyond 9:00 am it's $25.  Watch the Rodeo Show and wear Cowboy outfits just to feel the vibes.  Buy Western hats at a western store (high) or at Dollarama (low) along Stephen's Avenue.  After leaving Banff and before Calgary, try the Skyline Luge or Downhill Karting at the Olympic Park.  It's a must-try for kids and adults.

 

Tip No 7. -  Download the Gypsy guide app  - the tours are amazing, we learned a lot while driving and viewing the mountains.  The guide also give tips on where to stop and what to look for.  I thought we will be bored during the long drive to Drumheller but the guide was very entertaining, we learned a lot about dinosaurs even before arriving at Royal Tyrrell Museum to see the fossils and bones.

Car Rental - choose the one with gas-inclusive, bring your own GPS because that is a add-on.  Book online early.

Tip No 8 - Shop in Calgary - the outlet Mall is Crossiron Mills and it's on the way back from Drumheller the Tax is only 5%. buy a new luggage or throw away old clothing lol.

All these tips are for saving Money, Time and Energy. We tried and experienced it so I hope this helps.

It's already my birthday now Ciao!

Summer @Finnegan Lake Day 2

I woke up early to meet my God in the midst of His wonderful creation. My quiet time was the best with the mala-postcard scene in front of me and the serenity of the place. I didn't mind singing worship songs, the place is conducive to praising and worshipping God.

Here are the photos I took while the rest of my family and other campers are still sleeping:







Later after breakfast, we had another canoe ride, then the kids went fishing...they caught 2 small fishes that they let go after. We enjoyed the rest of the day swimming and jumping in the lake. Here are the rest of our pictures:

Finnegan Lake Adventures - Summer is not yet over

We headed East this time with the Tuazon's who invited us to their cottage in Peterborough, ON. We were joined by Henry and Violet to complete the Etobicoke Cell group sans Anabel and Ralph. It was a long drive almost 4 hours travel including the stops we did to have coffee and buy stuff at the Apsley town. It was worth the wait, upon reaching the Finnegan Lake and the mala roller coaster ride at the mouth of the place, our kids got excited when we all saw the lake. It was awesome!

After setting up the tent, we had a quick lunch then we all went down to see the lake and test the waters. It was so cold, but then it didn't take a while for our bodies to adjust to the water temp, as long as you keep on moving and swimming, okay na. Sorry na Lang si Kyle who stayed on the ramp/dock because he was too afraid to jump. Lex and Kuya enjoyed swimming and wading through the deep but very clean and clear lake. We could see our feet and the weeds and the trunks of dead trees underwater. Someone told us that it was 20 feet from the dock and it goes deeper as you go towards the center of the lake, Good thing, we were wearing life vests. My children were very comfortable in the water, Sulit na Yung binayaran ko sa swimming lessons nila hahahaha. Even Kyle enjoyed the next day even requesting his dad for another round before the canoe ride.

I miss the hot summer days at the beach where our family always wanted to frolic! The white sand, the scorching sun and blue seas, but it was also fun here, even though the sun is out the water is still cold, what a contrast! If you have been to Bato Resort in Quezon or the Liliw or Nagcarlan resorts, you know what I am talking about.

I don't remember watching the just recently concluded summer Olympics with Lex but I know he may have watched it for sure especially the diving event because while we were at the dock, he told me he wanted to jump and while he was facing me, he started to put his feet on the edge of the ramp then he jump from that position turning around to face the lake until he makes the final jump, all by himself. I was dumbfounded! There was not a hint of fear on his face, That's my boy! After his famous jump, his dad and ninong Henry follow suit. All their pictures on synchronized jumping makes a good material for a TV ad, hahaha. Here's the video of Lex' jump:


Before dinner, we had a nice quiet time at the bench with the very nice view in front of us. An opportunity to have a reflection and think of God's mighty hand and abundant grace. Nature always give me that wonderful feeling and assurance of His love.

At night time, it was not as many mosquitoes as there was at Liebenzell so we enjoyed the night. We had a bible study before going to sleep, it was a very beautiful day.

Happy 3rd Anniversary!

It's been 3 years since we landed as immigrants in Canada and we have been blessed. God is faithful. Happy 3rd Anniversary in Canada. Thank you Lord.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. (Ephesians 3:20)

Salmon Migration in Port Hope

Salmons are amazing fish that live in fresh water during their early life, mature in salt water, and then return to fresh water to breed. Before reaching the area to lay their eggs they have to make an effort to jump and make it across a strong opposing current. This is a challenge for them but after moving up, there is a calm water waiting for them then they will lay their eggs and die. The eggs they laid will start a new life and the cycle goes on.

We went to Port Hope, Ontario (a town east of Toronto) to witness Salmon run last September 22. It was a long drive from Toronto but the trip going there was worthwhile because we started to see the fall colors. We got excited upon seeing the fishes jumping up the stream. Before heading to the beach for our picnic lunch, we checked out Canada Firefighters Museum and saw old firetrucks. Our lunch was superb not only because of the food but also because of the view - blue skies, calm lake and seagulls everywhere. Here are some of our pictures:

The heat is on...and so is the baseball game

I am privileged to join a team who find time to unwind in the middle of the work week and call it our "off site team building". We sneaked out of our offices at lunch time and went to the Toronto Blue Jays vs. Baltimore Orioles at Rogers Centre aka Skydome at Downtown Toronto with the whole team including our Director.

It was my first time to watch a Major League game and also enter the Rogers Centre which was so huge, it took us a long time to find our seats. Since the game was held on a weekday, there were lots of schools who sent their students on a field trip to cheer on the Jays. It was so hot like in the Philippines, I felt like my skin was burning. Good thing, I wore my baseball cap to protect my face. The game was exciting, I learned a lot today because a fan in front of us was explaining to his companion what was happening in the game and his voice was like a megaphone, we could hear his explanation vividly. Although the Jays lost by a point, it was still a nice experience. I remember my first NBA game at Dallas where the Mavericks lost to Lakers but now I realized that they become champions and where did the Lakers go this time. Maybe in a few years more, Blue Jays will become champions again. Here are some photos from my first Blue Jays game:

Doors Open Toronto 2011

For anyone the least bit curious about Toronto, its history and architecture, this is the event of the year. It's the one weekend when the public is invited to visit buildings that are usually inaccessible. This is what I read in one of the fliers -"Since it was in 2000, Doors Open has enabled hundred of thousand of Torontonians to explore some parts of the city and in that way claim their own. So far, there have been more than 1.9 million visits to Door Open sites."

Lito and I only explored The Distillery District from 1800 and some buildings and structures along the way. A time off from the kids and a little history of Toronto.

Gifts and Flowers for Mom

I received my early Mother's Day gift a week ago when Lito installed the Kinect and XBox and when I received the news that Mom and Dad got their Temporary Resident Visa here in Canada. God is so good. He showered us with all these blessings.

After a week, my prayer request was answered when I met my Mom and Dad at the Pearson International Airport. They came just in time for Mother's Day. I remember it was one of the reasons that I put in the invitation letter - to let her come here as my Mother's Day gift for her. I felt so happy seeing them so happy too especially when they saw their grandsons.

Their second day was Cherry Blossoms Day. We went to High Park to see the Cherry trees with the flowers blooming. The weather was great. Although Mom and Dad could use more inner layer for the chills when the sun goes out. We brought our picnic mat and had lunch in the Park with a nice view overlooking the lake and the Cherry Blossoms on our left. The ducks also frequented our area so the kids were ecstatic to see them while we eat.

They loved the flowers, my kids loved the animals in the zoo but for me, I love this day that God gave to see and appreciate His creation. And I especially love this day that I am reunited again with my parents - to whom I owe what I am now today. It's their time to enjoy Canada. We will have lots of adventure to do this summer and fall. For now, let us just enjoy spring because it just started.

Here are my Mother's Day and Welcome Mama and Dadilo photos:

Tips for a first-time skier

It's so hard for me to learn this sport. Maybe I'm not young anymore and my reflexes are too slow. I will try again to finish the lesson and practice so that I will enjoy it more. It just happened that I fell a lot of times that I only got scared to falling all over again that I didn't master my first skiing. Anyway, here are some tips for those who are interested in learning the sport:

1. Position yourself in a forward manner, where the legs are too close or touching the upper ski boots. But don't stoop too much, this position or standing in erect makes you fall.

2. When walking uphill, walk like a duck. The feet in V position, lift the legs and the ski, then walk the way ducks do.

3. When skiing or walking downhill, you tend to move faster and the way to slow down is to put your feet in A position or opposite the V. The way to do it is to bring your heels outwards. Using the poles will put you to a stop.

4. Turning to the left or right is the same way in #3. The only difference is you put one heel outwards to go to your desired direction.

5. The way to get up from falling down is to use the poles in unlocking your ski boots from the ski and stand up normally. You have to remove the ski first so that you can get up easier.

6. This last tip is what I always miss - always look to the direction where you are going and not on the ski so that your position will not make you fall down.

Finally, before and after skiing, do some stretching first to prepare your body and reduce pains.

Happy skiing (and falling) :)

Thanksgiving and chicken (not turkey)

I cannot let this week passed without saying anything about Thanksgiving. Canada is celebrating Thanksgiving every second Monday of October. This time of the year is the end of the harvests and time to give thanks. Thanksgiving is not just a holiday but an opportunity to reflect and thank God who provided all the blessings we received. My family is blessed to have come here to Canada to enjoy the life He gave us. We are forever thankful for continuously working in our lives.

Having planned to have a Niagara weekend holiday or an apple picking adventure, we later decided to stay at home and like the tradition enjoy a roasted Turkey, oops Chicken pala. Here’s the recipe of the Roasted Chicken I prepared for Thanksgiving. Enjoy it with chilled potato and salmon salad.

Roasted chicken with garlic and rosemary
The following ingredients are good for one chicken weighing a kilo or less. Double, triple or quadruple the ingredients if marinating more than one chicken.
4 cloves of garlic, finely grated
juice of one lemon
1 tbsp. of salt
as much ground pepper as you like
2 tbsps. of fresh rosemary (or 1 tbsp. dried)

Pierce the thickest parts of the chicken with a fork.

Place the ingredients in a bowl and mix together. Add the chicken to the bowl, rubbing the marinade into the meat. Scoop some into the chicken’s cavity. Place the chicken with the marinade in a resealable bag and keep in the fridge for at least 24 hours, turning the chicken every few hours or so.
Place in a roaster (you have to use a rack to allow the fat to drip off) and roast uncovered in the oven at 170oC for 45 to 55 minutes.

My firstborn is Future Aces student of the month

I was surprised to hear the good news yesterday and when Lito and I went to their school this morning, I still couldn't believe that finally my child is getting his rewards. I was relieved to hear that here in Canada, there is no ranking. The school system is only after meeting or exceeding the standards set by the Province. My Aloysius never got the chance to be number 1 in the Philippines. I was glad to find out that even though the school is following the District Boards standards, it still gives recognition like this and it really motivated my son. Who wouldn't? Aloysius is so happy to receive the Future Ace Student of the month in their class.

The Future Aces philosophy is based on the belief that positive attention contributes to and reinforces a person's self-esteem. Future Aces focuses on the positive rather than the negative, by recognizing and encouraging attitudes and actions that are desirable and constructive. Founder Herb Carnegie says that "being a Future Ace means being a good person with feeling in your heart."

Kyle's first day of school as JK

Thinking it was going to be a hard time for him (separation anxiety), I took the day off from work on Kyle's first day as Junior Kindergarten at Eatonville School. But it didn't turn out as I expected. Gone are the first day blues for my second born. I thought it's like our first time in the Spring Program - Jump and Play where he wanted me to stay near because he cries when I'm out of his sight. I thought I would be staying in the school during his class and he would always look for me. On our way there, I saw a worried face in him then we passed by an area where there are little children lining up. We passed by them because I wanted to take a picture of him in front of the school. When we returned and asked where Achilles class is, his name cannot be found. Not as Achilles though but he was listed as Kyle. After finding out who the teacher is (they talked for a while) - she was a pretty lady, I think Kyle already felt comfortable with her. While waiting for the bell or signal for them to go inside, I stood beside him in the line. I was surprised because he said, "Mommy, you're the only mom here" "You can leave me now" I was dumbfounded! My little boy is no longer that clingy baby. hahaha. I'm glad he'll be independent as his elder brother is now. My other student who is in Grade 4 now and enjoying his French class in another school at Briarcrest. The fun part is, I get to learn his French too.

Aloysius with Lex

My first Taste of the Danforth

It was an accidental stroll around Toronto today. I just hopped on Randy and Gina's car to get the boxes from my friend on Queen Street and I found myself having my personal time off. We went to Woodbine area, grabbed my favorite French Vanilla at Tim Horton's and feed the seagulls by the beach. It was a relaxing sight especially when we went to the rocky areas, the sound of the waves soothes. I wish I had my family with me but it's also good to have a personal time to be recharged.

Before we head home, Randy reminded Gina to buy Gyros for their dinner at the Greektown - Danforth and I found myself joining her and lining up for the grilled quail and gyros. This annual event is frequently visited and most popular among the street food events in Toronto. The atmosphere is like a town fiesta but with all the food lined up on the street. The smell of grilled food entices me and I can't wait to bring to my palate my first taste of Danforth. Of course, the highlight here is not only to taste Greek and Mediterreanean food but also to purchase it in a low price. Imagine, Souvlakis for only CDN$5. My loot is the grilled quail which my boys finished thinking it was chicken and the 2 gyros were filling, Lito and I didn't have any other food for dinner. Truly, it was a new discovery and an event that will be looked forward to in the coming years.

Canada East Tour Day Three – Back to Montreal, 1000 islands cruise

It was a total of 7 hours for the trip going back. We headed early morning to Montreal, the first 2.5 hours, Lex behaved because he was busy watching CARS in our portable DVD player, but then the battery ran out so he was cranky before we reached our destination. After lunch, another 3 hours, we headed towards Ontario to Ivy Lea, this is where we will ride a ferry for the 1000 islands cruise. Lex slept before we arrived Ivy Lea and I was carrying him during the cruise. It was an hour cruise and we enjoyed the islands within the Canada waters and those from the US border. I noticed that both of these countries are patriotic, I wonder why in the Philippines, it is only on Independence Day that you can see our flags and only in strategic areas and not everywhere.





The cruise was our opportunity to rest, the cool winds and breathtaking views make us relax and reflect. What a nice trip! It was also a good time to bond and fellowship with one another. The trip would not have turned enjoyable if it weren’t for our churchmates who comforted and played with Lex when he was crying on the bus, and also looking after our other children while walking in the streets of Montreal and Quebec Cities where there are lots of tourists and chances of them getting lost is great. We’re thankful.
Our last stop was at the Big Apple Pie store then 2 more hours we arrived in Toronto. We arrived at home at thirty past nine, all tired and weary but happy and acquired more knowledge about Canada.