The Waterton Lakes Lodge has the key to my heart: they set us up in a room with a mini kitchen. Perfect for foodies like myself who travel with an entourage of peanut butter, yogurt, fruit, veggies, etc. (I can’t believe I contemplated bringing my Keurig – I know, insane) Because I wasn’t sure what the dining options in Waterton would be, I brought a bunch of snacks and mini meals.
One of the views from the lodge property:
View from the room:
Where is the snow?!
Since we had some time to spare before dinner, we walked over to the Waterton Health Club & Recreation centre to use their gym and work up an appetite. Guests staying at the lodge have free access to the facility which includes a full service gym, pool, hot tub and sauna.
While running on the treadmill, I didn’t even need my usual ipod/iphone distractions to keep me sane. Watching the sun cascade it’s remaining rays upon the western mountain slopes was just what I needed.
A highlight of visiting the park in the shoulder season: Getting away with wardrobe catastrophes like this: sweatpants tucked into Uggs. (Wait, who am I kidding. I do this at home.) Try to not be jealous. In my defense, I was trying to avoid puddles – remember, I only packed 43 pairs of sweats.
Before heading to Vimy’s for dinner, we walked to Cameron Falls to see if it was still flowing (yes and no), then made another loop around town. I noticed some visitors driving into the park, heading straight to Cameron Falls, then leaving. Don’t do that! Instead, park your car and stay a while.
During the summer months, this is an outdoor patio. I’m already looking forward to going back!
Once my husband and I entered Vimy’s, a server asked if we had a reservation because it was going to be a full house with limited seating. (What?! Who would’ve thought…) We took a seat on the third level of the restaurant and ordered a glass of wine. So cozy…and relaxing. I could’ve fallen asleep at the table.
My entree was outstanding: local, organic bison steak in a Madeira sauce, baked potato and seasonal vegetables. Hands down, the best dinner I’ve experienced in Waterton. I ate slow, savouring each bite and wishing my meal would never end. My husband ordered the stuffed chicken, which was packed with pesto bruschetta and mozzarella.
After dinner, we weren’t quite ready to go back to the room, and needed a sweet tooth fix. My husband and I bundled up and walked across the street to the Glacier Cafe for dessert. This cozy cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus they supply movie rentals.
I overheard quite a few guests ordered lobster corn dogs. I wish I wouldn’t have been full from dinner, otherwise I would’ve loved to try them! Instead, we ordered a glass wine and a slice of red velvet cake.
The red velvet cake hit the sweet spot – it was light, moist and layered with cream cheese frosting. With full bellies, we slowly made our way back to the room to unwind and settle in for a long winter sleep. We needed our energy for the following days activity: snowshoeing!