Looking around at the idyllic snowy peaks it’s easy to see what attracted Kate Middleton and Prince William to the stunning Banff National Park.
In April 2011, the then newlywed Wills and Kate trekked to one of Canada’s remote corners for some privacy and quality time together post-nuptials. The pair found themselves at the rural Skoki lodge which is located off the grid in the Western wilderness of Alberta.
While one may assume that accommodation bereft of running water, electricity and flushing toilets may not be fit for a future King, the down-to-earth royal couple reportedly loved the lodge.
Away from the prying eyes of the media that besieged Wills and Kate at the time of their wedding the pair finally got a chance to relax in the alpine environment and sources say they were fond of taking treks out in cool mountain air.
With only a handful of staff, the lodge’s cluster of cosy cabins are off the beaten track with supplies delivered by skidoo.
The royal guests were apparently delighted by the fact that one of the first people to sign the visitors’ book soon after the Lodge opened in 1931 was Lady Jean Rankin, The Queen Mother’s lady in waiting, who came on honeymoon for three days and ended up staying for three weeks.
Here’s a peak at the loved-up couples holiday location.
William and Kate enjoyed one of their most romantic holidays ever at the remote Skoki resort.
Skoki’s lodge is located in the pristine Rockies; an area often nicknamed “Canada’s Eighth Wonder of the World”.
The couple enjoyed nights in the lounge with other guests.
The accommodation is very basic, with no running water or electricity.
William and Kate spent time hiking the resort’s spectacular grounds.
The royal couple reportedly enjoyed the back-to-nature experience taking long walks and playing board games during the visit to the Riverside Cabin and even ate at communal tables with other guests.
Recording his experience in the visitor’s log book, William wrote: “Fantastic scenery and delicious food. Thank you.”
It was not the first skiing vacation for the royals; In 2008 Prince William and then girlfriend Kate Middleton holidayed in Klosters, Switzerland.
Kate’s athletic and outdoorsy spirit is apparently one of the reasons William was initially attracted to his wife.
The pair had just married months prior to their Canadian escape and used the time in the wilderness to relax and unwind in the fresh mountain air.
The Duke and Duchess toured Canada in July, just months after their holiday there. Here they wave to the crowds at Calgary airport.
The down-to-earth pair wore matching cowboy hats as they watched the Calgary Stampede Parade in Calgary, Canada.
