Have you ever been in need of a little break but didn’t want to spend the resources on a full-blown vacation (i.e., Disney Cruise, Spain, Hawaii)? That was us recently. MAMA NEEDED A BREAK. Still have to mom, but away from the house. And thus I was happy to come across Solara Resort & Spa by accident one day. I sent a link to my husband at work and we were booked by that evening.
We visited mid-November (off-season for the area), between the summer tourist rush and the winter white-powder frenzy of the skiers and snowboarders. Because it was off season, we booked at a ridiculously good price…$120. Then we were graciously offered a complimentary upgrade to a two bedroom suite.
What can I say…we will be back.
We are already thinking how fun it would be to take our extended families there for a big getaway: grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. With so much for young kids to do IN and around the actual hotel itself, it is really perfect for a quick getaway. Next time I’d love to check out one the top floor Premium Suites, which have claw-foot tubs and larger balconies.
“Sheer luxury is artfully combined with the warm comforts of a rugged mountain retreat at Solara Resort & Spa in Canmore, Alberta.”
-Solara Resort and Spa Website
With wood beams and big windows, the hotel has a very nice lodge feel to it, what you’d find cozy in a mountain town of Canmore. There is a spa, which we did not check out as we had out 2 year old, but if my husband and I return one day for a couples getaway (ha…yeah right!), I think we would make use of it.
With two year old in tow, this is what we enjoyed most as a family…
Just Stay In
I totally get this may not be for everyone (and do not fret…there are plenty of things to do locally OUTSIDE if not), but we really just wanted to relax like hermits this trip. No hikes. No skiing. No snowshoeing. We had everything we needed, and more.
Our 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom suite had:
- Fully equipped kitchen with: granite counters; stainless steel appliances including fridge, stove, oven, dishwasher, beverage cooler; plus utensils & all the cooking items you would need
- Full size washer and dryer (need I say more?)
- 2 Bathtubs (great for big families)
- Mountain views
- 3 fireplaces (electric…which is good for curious little hands)
- BBQ on our patio
- HUGE patio (which we used for watching birds and rabbits
We loved relaxing in our room, sitting by the fire on the little ledge drinking hot cocoa, and gazing out at the snow-covered Rockies. These are the things we remember, the moments. It’s all about the moments.
Pool and Hot Tub
With a 2 year old that can’t swim yet but loves water, we found it very practical that there was a raised area in the pool she could walk around on (but still be waist-high in water), and a little island for kids in middle of hot tub so parents can actually enjoy it. The hot tub is huge!
From our particular room we did have to walk outside to access the pool, so make sure to pack some clothes or heavy robes for the kids to get back inside, especially if you stay in winter. There are bath robes provided in the rooms for adults.
Play Room
Just beside the pool there is a play room with:
- books
- toys
- puzzles and other items for kids
This is really nice for families that have older kids swimming and a toddler who gets board with water quickly, or doesn’t like it at all. Mom can stay in the hot tub with the older kids and dad can go to the play room, or vice versa. (Come on dads…give ol’ mah a break and take the kids to the play room while she soaks those weary feet).
The play room is also great way to burn some energy in between other activities. We’re not a huge TV family, so we really enjoyed this a bit more “wholesome” alternative to watching the TV in the room.
Aurora Theater
We loved this on-site feature! Every day, around 6pm and 8pm, there was a different movie shown, with movies being posted in the lobby every day. The theater was full size, able to accommodate just under 100 people!
You can purchase fresh popcorn, soda and other snacks at the front desk. Honestly, this just made our stay. A trip to a theater would normally be close to a $50 commitment, so we were thrilled to work this in for almost free (plus popcorn).
The first night we caught Beauty and the Beast, and the second was Shrek. We were told that you can also request movies.
-The Practical Woman
Tip: moms and dads, there is complimentary coffee and creamers in the lobby to get you though movie, bath time, and bed time. Take one to the movie!
Explore the Area
This trip we did not explore, but if YOU need to get out for some fresh air, note that Solara is located on part of the Canmore path system which connect to downtown. From this path you can connect to:
- Restaurants and coffee shops
- Walkway system that passes by water
- Unique downtown shops
- Elevation Place Recreation Centre
You may even come across wildlife. If so, be sure to give them their space.
Eat
There is no restaurant or room service in the hotel, which is really is more like a condo. If visiting with a family, I think you will find it pretty important to make use of that kitchen. Personally, we would find eating out for each and every meal to just be too much (effort, money and I get sick of eating out). We used the kitchen it for breakfast and lunches, and ate dinner out most nights.
There are various grocery stores to choose from in Canmore, or just load up a cooler and bring what you need from home. We found the following to be a simple but sufficient menu:
- Breakfast: Bagels, cream cheese, yogurt, granola, bananas, mandarins, fruit salad
- Lunch: salad, pre-made ravioli, mixed fresh/raw veggies & dip
- Dinner: chicken, veggies, soup, rolls/buns
- Snacks: fresh fruit and veggies, cheese sticks
On the way out of town, we stopped The Rocky Mountain Bagel Co. to get food for the road. I loved the open faced Traditional Bagel & Lox, and there are many options kids will love. My husband, our 2 year old and I all gobbled our bagels up in the car like starving gremlins before we even drove off. They are GOOD.
Bonus Kids Activity: Be an Archaeologist!
There is a “shell” (perhaps Ammonite fossils) theme throughout the hotel. I don’t know if they are real or not, but they embedded within the concrete in the fireplace ledge, bathroom vanity and floors throughout the main building. It is quite cool, especially for kids. Imagine the fun they can have hunting them down like explorers, counting them or making their own games.
If you make your way into Banff, make sure to check out real fossils in the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. I talk more about that here in my Fall Banff Day Trip – Kid & Budget Friendly Itinerary.
Practical Mom Hack: you think your kids will really be into the shells, you could consider using it as a fun leaning opportunity and buying a book like this one about fossils or gift store fossil before you go to include as part of the fun there.
-The Practical Woman
(None of this is sponsored, I just love doing this sort of stuff with my kid-o and want to share).
I hope you found this information helpful! Please do always contact the hotel directly to confirm any information before booking as this was the experience through my eyes, and obviously things can change between the time of me writing this and your stay. I’ve learned the hard way to never assume! The hotel does seem to hold weddings and other events so make sure the amenities you want to use will be available during your stay!