Map of Field BC inside Yoho National Park and close to the Alberta border.
Cranbrook is a very small airport. We had a Budget rental car on Air Miles. RAV 4 vehicle which was so much bigger than our usual compact size car rentals. We had discussed the distances previously, but for both of us we thought it would not be a long drive to Field from Cranbrook. Also, we learned very quickly that Cranbrook is one hour ahead of the rest of BC! Purchasing groceries was our number one priority and then getting some lunch.
Lana used her iPhone Google Maps to find the Real Canadian Superstore in Cranbrook. We bought our groceries mainly consisting of supplies for breakfasts and lunches. Next stop was Canadian Tire for bear spray. The bear spray is kept behind a locked glass door. Plus, you need to complete paperwork before they will ring in the purchase. A 'deluxe' bear spray cannister cost us about $50 and has a spray zone of up to 30 feet. Lets hope we don't have to use it! Next stop was lunch and our consensus was to stop at A&W for chicken burgers and a root beer float. A fast food lunch made more sense.
After getting into our vehicle Lana punched in the address for our Field, BC destination and it showed a three hour drive! What the heck! It was already 2 pm local time so it would be later than we thought before we arrived in Field, BC. No chance of a canoe trip on Moraine Lake.
320 km drive from Cranbrook to Field!
I drove the distance while Lana had an opportunity to power nap by reclining her passenger seat. Good driving road with passing lots of slower vehicles. I kept my speed to between 120 kms to 130 kms per hour with some acceleration to 140 kms/hour. At some points it was a deluge of rain and at other times fairly clear skies. Eventually, we made it through Golden, BC and then on to the Trans Canada Highway. Given it was mostly cloudy and rainy, we didn't get much of a chance to see the incredible jagged peaks of our Canadian Rockies. Despite the conditions and the traffic, I made pretty decent time so we arrived around 17:00 at our destination of Cathedral Mountain Lodge located about 6 kms outside of Field.
The room rate inclusive of taxes was $500 per night and we are staying tonight and the very last night of our trip. This is a reward for us by indulging in some first class accommodations. We checked in and they had not turned the heat on in the room!! It was already cold enough we could see our breath INSIDE! We quickly turned on the baseboard heater in the bathroom and gas stove (looks like wood burning but not really) to heat up out room. Even the floor was freezing!! Yikes!!! The receptionist was friendly enough and explained the amenities and we were provided a one page overview. Free wifi to their WPA2 network.
Breakfast is complimentary and served from 07:00 to 10:30 each morning in the main dining lodge - market fresh buffet. There is a tea time (we missed it) and interpretive presentations. Canoes available at Moraine Lake Lodge from 09:00 to 17:00. We are staying in King Deluxe Cabin #16. We couldn't see the Kicking Horse River which borders the lodge facilities.
Bathroom. Coffee maker tray located in the bathroom counter. Weird. Bathtub and shower.
King size bed and very comfortable.
Windows with a couple of comfy chairs.
Outside view of Cabin #16. It is like a duplex with Cabin #17 beside it.
Upon entry the cabin was very cold! Lana immediately turned on the gas fireplace which looks like a wood burning stove. Very high ceiling with a huge ceiling fan controlled by a remote control. It took a while for the room to warm up. Given we showed up after 17:00 we are out of luck with canoe and it is too cold and too late anyway. Our task is to get dinner in Field, BC given the prices for dinner at the lodge are very expensive with the average entrée at $40.
Given the rave reviews for Truffle Pigs Bistro we decided this would be our choice for our first dinner in Field. Not a long drive back into town, but we have two short bridges to cross and both bridges have traffic lights due to construction... grrrrr.... Lana uses her Google Maps and we find the restaurant/lodge fairly easily. Good size parking lot and into the bistro restaurant we go. They look pretty busy and eventually after some time the server comes along. Despite at least one vacant table we are told there would be a 30 minute wait for a table! We could sit at the bar counter and get immediate service inclusive of dinner. We discover that if you are a guest in their lodge then you can reserve a table. Otherwise, no reservations accepted.
The bartender is our server. We do some talking and find out he was born and raised in Field and has stayed in this small town (140 people). The menu is pretty decent. Lana orders a Lychee Lemonade made from fresh lemonade and soho lychee liqueur. I love Belgian beer so order a La Chouffe which comes with its Belgian glass! It was delicious! The bartender took our food orders and the food arrived at a reasonable speed.
Dining area. We didn't make it into that room as we sat at the bar counter.
Belgian beer: La Chouffe. Check out the Fairies on the custom glass!
Lana's order of Pappardelle with pumpkin seed pesto. Noodles cooked perfectly. Baby kale leafs and pea shoots. More pumpkin seeds sprinkled on top. Delicious.
Randy's order of Pork tenderloin with salad. I shared this with Lana and it was delicious. Pork cooked perfectly - tender and moist.
View from Truffle Pigs Bistro parking lot of a mountain top nearby. Darkening sky with high clouds.
As we were leaving the bistro, there were two young Taiwanese couples trying to take a selfie. I offered to take their pictures which they gladly accepted. Their english wasn't too bad and Lana helped them with the menu located outside so they could order with more confidence. Back into our vehicle and back to the room. Given the fireplace has been on since we left it was much more comfortable now.
I updated our blog in bed while Lana tried to stay awake. Not too much longer she fell asleep as I completed our day one blog. I turned down the thermostat as it is dramatically warmer now. We do not think this cabin is worth $500 per night, but it is a great indulgence. I have completed the blog by around 20:15 as Lana is snoring beside me.
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