The Dorothy Motel is Banff, Alberta's first boutique motel

Roadside motels are a staple in North America. Often rundown, dingy, merely a place to catch some sleep before getting back on the road. But they are the affordable counterpart to hotels and hence why Super 8 Motels and such fill my own childhood memories of family road trips across Canada! The Dorothy Motel on the other hand is no ordinary motel. As Banff's very first boutique motel, The Dorothy Motel blends Banffs beautiful national forests with a retro 50s vibe, completely redefining what a motel is. The motel is beautiful and is a must stay when in Banff. 

The Dorothy Motel's wooden sign sets the tone for your stay with its asymmetrical shape, rounded corners and curvy bold text. A lovely rich teal blue paint exterior is accented by beautiful crisscrossing large wooden beams, a nod to traditional ski chalets that are sprinkled on the mountains. Nestled in the middle of the motel is a wonderful stone-paved courtyard with cute bistro tables, chairs and lush plants. An excellent place to sit back and sip on some drinks underneath the starry Banff night sky! 

Golden Skybridge including an Exhilarating Treetop Experience

Golden BC's newest attraction, the Golden Skybridge, was completed and opened for guests to visit just this past May of 2021. Still fresh from opening day, some of the attractions at Golden Skybridge are still under construction like the Giant Swing, but others are open for guests to enjoy. The moment I learned about Golden Skybridge, I was fixated on visiting and I was able to in the final week of September, just ahead of Golden Skybridge closure for the 2021 season. 

The two Skybridges officially boast the honour of Canada's highest suspension bridges and cross the Columbia Valley with phenomenal views of the Rocky and Purcell mountains. A 61-meter tall Hospital Creek Fall rushes into the river that flows beneath the bridges and into the mountainous forests. 

Flying Domestically in Canada during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Last week, I flew domestically to and from Calgary, Alberta. The flight barely exceeds an hour of flight time from Vancouver, British Columbia, so I could hardly take advantage of inflight entertainment. Not that there have been many movies released since the onset of the pandemic. Since returning, I have been fielding questions about what it was like to fly during the pandemic? 

Normal travel has resumed for domestic flights in Canada. I am a Canadian citizen and did not face any hurdles as one. I booked my tickets normally through the airline carrier's website. There is a small blurb on the website advising guests that are experiencing any flu-like symptoms to refrain from flying. Flying domestically within Canada does not require a negative COVID-19 test. I checked in remotely 24 hours in advance. Since I was not checking any luggage in, so after arriving at YVR airport, I proceeded directly to security. Again, nothing out of the ordinary. Did the normal security screening process at YVR airport after which strolled around the terminal until it was time to report to the gate for boarding. 

THREE COVID-19 related changes implemented by both Air Canada (YVR Airport) and WestJet (YYC Airport):