How to Road-Trip From Calgary to Banff As a Passenger Princess

From a metropolis woman who by no means obtained her driver’s license.

I’m unabashedly and unashamedly in my passenger princess period and it peaked throughout my journey from Calgary to Banff.

I grew up in Downtown Toronto. I by no means wanted to drive, nor did I ever actually need to. The TTC was at all times there for each late night time and final minute cling and as soon as Uber obtained extra widespread, all my transportation wants had been met. However when the chance arose to drive from Calgary to Banff with Turo — the world’s largest automotive sharing market — I used to be nervous my lack of a license would possibly get in the best way.

Enter the boyfriend/on-demand chauffeur. As we made the trek from the town to the mountains, I used to be thriving: Boots had been off, legs had been crossed, heated seats had been on full blast. I ate leftover feta donuts (extra on that later) and drank foamy cappuccinos, all whereas watching the snowy peaks go by way of the home windows.

And whereas I could be stating the plain, it’s price saying that it’s actually, very nice being taken care of. Aren’t all of us exhausted from hustle tradition? I don’t need to girlboss on a regular basis. There’s one thing extremely decadent about giving in to the low-lift lifetime of a freeloader and fairly actually, and figuratively, giving the wheel to another person.

So whether or not you corral your companion, finest pal, mother, dad or co-worker to be your driver, right here’s my information on easy methods to maximize your time as a passenger princess road-tripping from Calgary to Banff.

What to “drive”

Or quite, what to pressure your companion to drive. We (as in I) selected the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class 2019 on Turo. Consider the platform because the Airbnb of the automotive world — simply enter a location and date and there are literally thousands of native automobiles you’ll be able to borrow.

Our host (proprietor of the SUV) met us on the airport and gave us (learn: my boyfriend Eric) an intensive run-through of the automobile. Apart from the passenger seat being extraordinarily cozy and roomy (hey, long legs!) and having optimum entry to the stereo (are you able to ever play “Life is a Freeway” too many occasions?), the views from the within of this journey had been unbelievable! The panoramic sunroof was the easiest way to see the snowy tops of the Rocky Mountains and supplied wonderful selfie mild. Actually, the complete course of was really easy from starting to finish, I puzzled if I ought to get a license in spite of everything.

The place to remain when driving from Calgary to Banff

The Fairmont Banff Springs is a traditional for a cause. Its wealthy historical past might be seen in each nook of the fortress (as a result of it really is a transformed fortress) and its grand dimension and huge facilities make it the last word indoor playground if you’re uninterested in braving the weather. And what passenger princess doesn’t want a fortress to decompress in?

However to not be ignored is the Fairmont Palliser in Calgary. The lodge foyer seems like one thing out of an Agatha Christie novel (minus the homicide) and the scale of the rooms rival an condominium in downtown Toronto. Additionally, in the event you’re drained from shouting instructions at your driving companion, there’s a large bathtub along with your identify on it.

What to pack to your Rockies road-trip

My ideas and prayers to all of the people who’ve chosen to name frosty Calgary their house as a result of rattling….y’all are stronger than the remainder of us. Once I arrived within the Alberta capital, it was -30ºC — so chilly that elements of the gasoline tank door of our automotive had frozen shut.

Layers are your solely likelihood of survival. I began with Uniqlo heat tech as my base and labored my approach up from there. Wool is a should, and a panorama sweater — like this one from Amazon — is a cute bonus. Additionally, the terrain makes Rocky Street ice cream look tame. These Canada Goose boots will maintain you safe. Prime it off with a beanie, scarf, gloves and puffer which might be simply detachable when having fun with your passenger princess perks and also you’ll be using in type very quickly.

The place to get pampered in Banff

Should you suppose you’ve felt pampered earlier than, you’ve by no means been spoiled like this. Enter the Fairmont Spa Banff Springs. Earlier than a single cream is positioned in your pores and skin, you’re immediately immersed in a comfortable cabin; the mattress molds to your physique as you’re wrapped in a burrito-like quilt, all whereas having fun with these majestic mountain views from the window.

After making the mattress my new house, I obtained the 60-minute Customized Cleanse Facial which is strictly because it sounds — a facial remedy personalized to your specific pores and skin’s situation and wishes. As I’m allergic to oranges and grapefruit (a nightmare within the magnificence bizz), the Fairmont crew fastidiously curated the merchandise used throughout my remedy and I obtained to expertise the total shebang. Highlights included the lavender aromatherapy, cooling rose quartz and silicon masks that made me really feel like Jim Carrey in The Masks, however left me trying extra like 21-year-old Cameron Diaz. My pores and skin was so glazed, I used to be nervous about blinding my driver.

The place to eat in Calgary

Go to Kama in Calgary for the meals however keep for the ambiance. It’s a tapas-style tackle Mediterranean delicacies that can fulfill everybody from high-brow foodies to comfort-craving puritans. Assume classics like hen souvlaki and grilled halloumi combined with zucchini latkes and feta beignets (they make nice leftovers to snack on whereas watching your companion drive).

While you aren’t having fun with the nibbles, take within the sultry ambiance. Geometric lanterns cling from the ceiling. Wood accents make it Scandi-chic. And the bar within the center offers you a terrific view of all of it.

The place to hike (sure, you could!) when driving from Calgary to Banff

While you hear the time period “avalanche warning,” it doesn’t precisely encourage confidence. Fortunately, our itinerary, deliberate by Guess Where Trips, had a back-up plan when the path to Grassi Lakes proved to be lower than, er, superb. The Three Sisters Creek path in Canmore was a brief automotive journey away and proved to be ever as picturesque as the primary choice. Even in the event you don’t contemplate your self “outdoorsy,” a brief hike is a should if you’re visiting Calgary and Banff, and the view on the high makes all of it price it.

The place to buy

So that you need a memento with out it trying too “souvenir-y”? Stonewaters is certain to have simply the factor. Situated within the quaint city of Canmore (en path to Banff), the decor retailer’s aesthetic is Danish pastel meets Sporty & Wealthy. You possibly can store all the pieces from stylish ski sweaters and totes to ceramic dinnerware and specialty snacks all beneath the identical eclectic roof. I already remorse not selecting up this pink cowboy hat incense holder and “Aprés Hike” crewneck.

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