Category: Uncategorised (Page 7 of 19)

A must see when in Chicago. The only problem with this tourist attraction is that everybody wants to see the view from the observation deck. So waiting lines are very long. We had to wait 1 hour and 30 minutes before we could enter the theatre for an introduction movie. After that we could enter the observation deck.

The view is definitely worth the wait! For persons who are not afraid of heights, there is a special attraction: you can stand on the glass viewing platforms and look down at the city beneath you. A dizzying experience indeed.

Skydeck Chicago – Willis Tower, 233 S. Wacker Drive, Entrance on Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60606-7147 (Formerly Sears Tower)
http://www.willistower.com/
+1 312-875-9447

Visited August 2015. You can find my review about Skydeck Chicago – Willis Tower also on TripAdvisor.

The Cave in Banff is the birthplace of Parks Canada. That in itself makes it worth a visit. An hour is enough to visit this site, but the entrance fee is low.

The Cave really was a magical place, very beautiful. I also enjoyed learning more about the very small and endangered snail that lives in these sulphurous waters.

I was really impressed by the beautiful video presentation of Parks Canada. Exceptional!

Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Cave Ave. west of downtown Banff, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ab/caveandbasin/index
+1 403-762-1566

Visited August 2015. You can find my review about Cave and Basin National Historic Site also on TripAdvisor.

A must see when in Chicago. The only problem with this tourist attraction is that everybody wants to see the view from the observation deck. So waiting lines are very long. We had to wait 1 hour and 30 minutes before we could enter the theatre for an introduction movie. After that we could enter the observation deck.

The view is definitely worth the wait! For persons who are not afraid of heights, there is a special attraction: you can stand on the glass viewing platforms and look down at the city beneath you. A dizzying experience indeed.

Skydeck Chicago – Willis Tower, 233 S. Wacker Drive, Entrance on Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60606-7147 (Formerly Sears Tower)
http://www.willistower.com/
+1 312-875-9447

Visited August 2015. You can find my review about Skydeck Chicago – Willis Tower also on TripAdvisor.

The gondola is a great way to enjoy spectacular views on Banff, but this review will be about the Panorama restaurant at the top of Sulphur Mountain.

The restaurant offers a great view indeed, but this view is clearly reflected in the prices. 19 Canadian dollar for a sandwich is a little bit much. Even though the sandwich in itself was nice enough. The ravioli my boyfriend had was ok, but nothing more. Service could be more attentive, especially considering there were not many people in the restaurant when we had lunch there.

The white sangria I ordered turned out to be a bit of a disappointment. I did not particularly enjoy this version of an otherwise nice drink.

In short: views are great, food is mediocre and service could be better.

Banff Gondola, Mountain Avenue, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta T1L 1B2, Canada
https://www.brewster.ca/attractions-sightseeing/banff-gondola/
+1 403-762-2523

Visited August 2015. You can find my review about Banff Gondola also on TripAdvisor.

You can either hike to the top or take the gondola. We were lazy, so we took the gondola. The gondola is quite expensive, but will get you on the top in no time.

The views on Banff from Sulphur Mountain really are incredible, extra bonus points for the reconstructed weather station and the interesting information about the Cosmic Ray Staion.

Highly recommended.

Sulphur Mountain, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
http://www.brewster.ca/attractions-sightseeing/banff-gondola/
+1 877-565-9372

Visited July 2015. You can find my review about Sulphur Mountain also on TripAdvisor.

This is a very big hotel right in the centre of Banff. Very convenient if you want to explore Banff National Park.

We were very pleased with our room: very big, two queen size beds, nice bathroom and everything very clean. Only remark: there wasn’t any air conditioning in the room, only a fan. It wasn’t very warm when we stayed in Banff, so we didn’t mind.

The hotel offers a whirlpool and a sauna, which sadly we didn’t had a chance to try, because we only stayed for one night. The facilities looked very clean though.

Sadly the breakfast was a big disappointment. First of all, it was kind of hard to find the breakfast area, which had no windows, had terrible impractical chairs and was not cozy at all. There were almost no breakfast options to speak of. No eggs, bacon or charcuterie. The only thing I liked was the fresh fruit salad and the yoghurt. A super healthy breakfast, it was.

Staff at the reception was very helpful en friendly. It was no trouble at all to make some bookings for us.

Brewster’s Mountain Lodge, 208 Caribou Street, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta T1L 1J3, Canada

Stayed August 2015. You can find my review about Brewster’s Mountain Lodge also on TripAdvisor. My scores: value 4/5, rooms 5/5, service 4/5.

We stayed for three nights in one of the cabins of this beautifully located lodge. Prices for staying at the Lodge are high and to be honest, you mostly pay for the unforgettable location. That lake is really is a gem.

You can’t park nearby the hotel, so you’ll have to leave your car on the parking lot and take the shuttle bus. The bus drivers are very friendly and the service is available 24/7. We never had to wait longer than 10 minutes for a shuttle, but I have to agree that it is a bit of a hassle.

Our cabin was nice, with a comfortable bathroom with lovely bathing products. There was also a fire place and wood available in the cabin, which we didn’t use, since it was quite warm during our stay. The bed could be better though, from such an expensive hotel I expect superb sleeping accommodations.

There was also some noice in the room from (we think) the heating system, a bit annoying, especially when you are looking forward to a quiet place to sleep.

I did love the breakfast though. Two times we ordered from the menu. Both times we had an excellent breakfast, although we had to wait longer than expected. For our last breakfast we tried the buffet, which was good, but again, it took too much time before the pancakes and the scrambled eggs were replenished.

We also had lunch in one of the restaurants. Really great food, but again, pricy. Be warned, the bar closes at 23u, so late night drinks are out of the question, which is a real shame, because you can’t go anywhere else for drinks without taking the shuttle.

We especially loved the hot tub and sauna accommodations. Very clean. Beautiful hot tub, perfect temperature. A great way to relax after a long day hiking.

O yeah, there is only wifi in the reception area.

Emerald Lake Lodge, Emerald Lake Road Yoho National Park, Field, Yoho National Park, British Columbia V0A 1G0, Canada

Stayed August 2015. You can find my review about Emerald Lake Lodge also on TripAdvisor. My scores: location 5/5, cleanliness 3/5, service 4/5.

This restaurant is located nearby Lake Louise, but has the advantage that prices aren’t completely outrageous over here, compared to the Chateau. Staff is friendly and professional. The interior is classic lodge style: with lots of wood and mounted animals.

I started my meal with a cocktail ‘bison in the hills’ (wodka, lemon, black current wine). This cocktail was absolutely fabulous, so I ordered another one: the backcountry (bourbon, drambuie, honey), which was also very nice.

Since I had never before eaten caribou meat, I couldn’t resist ordering it here. I was not disappointed: the meat was excellent, very tender. Loved the gratin also.

In total we payed about 100 Canadian dollar for our meal. I would definitely come back here.

Mount Fairview Dining Room, 109 Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta T0L 1E0, Canada
http://crmr.com/deer/
+1 403-522-4202

Visited August 2015. You can find my review about Mount Fairview Dining Room also on TripAdvisor. My scores: value 4/5, service 4/5, food 4/5.

This beautiful canyon shouldn’t be missed when you visit Kootenay National Park. An easy walk from the parking lot and lots of bridges to admire the view from.

Marble Canyon, Kootenay Highway 93, Kootenay National Park, British Columbia, Canada
http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/kootenay/index

Visited August 2015. You can find my review about Marble Canyon also on TripAdvisor.

The color of the ocher is really exceptional. Very photogenic. The information panels are in need of a make-over thought, some were hardly readable. Be warned though: insects love it over here, so make sure to put on lots of insect repellant.

Paint Pots, 85 km from Radium Hot Springs, Kootenay National Park, British Columbia, Canada
http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/kootenay/index

Visited August 2015. You can find my review about Paint Pots also on TripAdvisor.