I dont believe in the winter blues

Its October, and we are already getting our bitter reality that winter is here/around the corner. I know a few people who have already embarked on their annual mexico winter "getaway". Not that I wouldn't whole heartedly enjoy a weeks worth of vacation on a hot beach somewhere, but I happen to enjoy our winters. Everyone is always wrapped up in the winter blues, and my solution is to embrace the season that exists for (what feels like) more than half our year.

Winter "Staycation"

I was born and raised in Calgary and my family has always found ways to enjoy winter activities. Last winter I indulged in the freezing festivities in Lake Louise. I have been to Lake Louise in the summer, but last winter I made two trips to a mini winter wonderland.

The first, trip was a december day off work. My friends and I decided to take a day trip to frozen Lake Louise. While we were there we took full advantage of the many options offered. We started our day by skating on the lake; their set up is beautiful. The lake is frozen in a mountain valley, and in the middle of the "rink" is an ice (castle-like) structure. They have a fire to warm up by, and the hotel nestled in the valley provided us with our hot drink indulgence. When we were warmed up enough to venture further we decided to take the horse drawn sleigh ride. The ride was a cozy travel to a frozen water fall at the end of the lake, where we stopped for our photo op. I never knew Lake Louise existed as a tourist "hot spot" in the winter, but our day trip was enough to keep that day "frozen" in my mind.

Ice Skating, in front of Ice castle. Personal Photo

Sleigh Ride along Lake Louise. Personal Photo

Frozen Waterfall. Lake Louise Photo Op. 

Our Second trip was an engagement with the annual ice sculpture competition. This time we parked in town, and took a shuttle bus up to the frozen lake. There were a little over ten ice sculptures carved, and on display from the weekends competition. We again took in the sights, and skated on the lake. I was blown away by the craftsmanship that had been put into the art. I had never seen ice sculptures so elaborate, below is a photo of my favourite sculpture. If you ever get a chance to experience Lake Louise in the winter, do not hesitate!

"Lady Bug" ice sculpture. Lake Louise 2012. Personal Photo