Spacious Suites with Panoramic Mountain Views
The Canadian Rockies have served as backdrop to a number of films, perhaps most notably Brokeback Mountain, in which the landscape almost becomes a supporting character. Watching a movie, however, is a far cry from experiencing the mountains' thrilling majesty in real life. Set near glacier lakes and coniferous forests, the Falcon Crest Lodge affords visitors this very opportunity. Private balconies look out on panoramic wilderness views, and nearby hiking trails and ski resorts offer year-round mountain exploration.
The lodge's spacious, one-bedroom suites feature full kitchens with granite countertops and modern appliances. Separate living areas and bedrooms come outfitted with cuddle-worthy amenities such as gas fireplaces, pillow-top queen-size beds, and mattresses stuffed with cumulonimbus clouds. Private balconies boast barbecue grills in addition to awe-inspiring views.
Stationed on the first floor of the hotel, Indochine Restaurant plates Vietnamese fare such as curry prawns and veggie spring rolls. Nearby at the Azzuro' Terra spa, a complimentary 50-minute back massage includes a lemongrass body scrub and a ginger compress.
Canmore, Alberta: Rocky Mountain Town Offers Year-Round Recreation and Charming Downtown
Located 60 miles (96 km) west of Calgary, Canmore stretches along the Bow River between Kananakis County and Banff National Park. Surrounded by the Canadian Rockies, the former coal-mining town lies within minutes of five major ski areas, one of which—the Canmore Nordic Centre—hosted several events during the 1988 Winter Olympics. A system of hiking, mountain biking, and mountain unicycling trails also traverses the region, providing up-close access to scenery and wildlife. A handful of golf courses can also be found tucked between the rugged peaks.
Downtown Canmore, situated a mile and a half (2.4 km) from the hotel, centers on Main Street, a three-block shopping boulevard lined with brewpubs, art galleries, and boutiques. More than 30 eateries serve ethnic cuisine or Alberta beef in rustic dining rooms and on outdoor terraces. Charming shops include a gem factory and an internationally acclaimed quilting store.