Sunshine Meadows

We drove to Banff to enjoy Sunshine Meadows on Saturday, August 9th.  Essentially, Sunshine Meadows is Sunshine Village Ski Resort - but with wildflowers instead of snow.  :)  Situated at an average elevation of 7,300 feet, the meadows straddle the Continental Divide and the boundary between Alberta and British Columbia.  The meadows promise beautiful views of the Rockies, wildflowers, and wildlife, and our trip did not disappoint!  We arrived at Sunshine Meadows and hopped on the shuttle bus that takes you about 5 km up the road to the base of the hiking trails.  We started walking...and walking...and walking...

Wow, the first bit of the hike is pretty much straight uphill, so our littlest hiker was moving a little slow, but we made it, thanks to Daddy's Carrying Service!  Look at Ben, our proud climber!

Crossing into British Columbia...and Nathalie needs a nap.  :)

After about 60 minutes of hiking, we made it to Rock Isle Lake.  Amazing views! 

Time for a rest break and a snack.  Even though he's not supposed to, it looks like this fat ground squirrel gets plenty of snacks.  He came so close to Ben, practically begging for a bite of zucchini bread. 

And now, time to wander back down.  A much easier time walking downhill than up.  Whew!



Even the drive home was gorgeous...mountains, mountains, and more mountains.  Although, I'm not sure the kids quite appreciated the views.  Hiking is exhausting!

The next day, after church, we drove to a community near our home called Marda Loop for their annual Marda Gras Festival.  Inspired by Mardi Gras, there is music, food, and family activities...all rated PG.  It was a hot day, and the kids loved making masks, bouncing, hopping, and putting.  We also put some bookshop gift cards to use...what a cute little shop!  Lastly, we enjoyed some cinnamon-sugar donuts before saying "au revoir"!