Majestic Adventure awaits…

We spent a week in Canada and truly made the most of our time there. While we could have stayed longer, I feel like we maximized our experience and left knowing we absolutely want to return!

Fly into Calgary and hire a car at the airport. Arriving on a late-night flight? Consider spending the night! We stayed at the Sandman Downtown, which offers an easy drive from the airport. The rooms are comfortable and welcoming, and it’s just a short walk to Tim Hortons for breakfast in the morning. Is there a better way to start your first day in Canada?

Take a scenic and effortless drive up to Banff, where the breathtaking beauty of the Rockies unfolds before you. The journey is short and filled with stunning views at every turn.

We chose not to stop in Canmore, as we’re the type who prefer to head straight to our destination. However, if you enjoy taking breaks along the way, Canmore is an excellent spot to grab a coffee and relax. Plus, you’ll find that Banff is just a short drive away once you’re ready to continue!

Purchase a Park Ticket – As you pass through the toll booths, you’ll need to buy a ticket covering the entire duration of your stay in the park. If you’re unsure about the details, feel free to ask the staff at the booths—they’re incredibly helpful and ready to assist you.

Journey into the heart of Banff and settle into your accommodations.

Where to Stay?

We stayed at Charltons Cedar, and it was the perfect spot for our needs—a comfortable base to rest after a day of exploring. The property featured a pool and hot tub, providing the ideal way to unwind after hours of hiking and adventure.

What to do

Once you’ve settled in, I suggest leaving the car behind and taking a walk into town. It’s a bit of a stroll from where we stayed, but it’s a refreshing way to stretch your legs after a long drive. Besides, if walking isn’t your thing, you might miss out on truly experiencing the charm of Banff!

Banff Town

Arriving in Banff was nothing short of breathtaking. The drive through the Rockies and into the national park is an unforgettable journey filled with stunning natural beauty. Once you reach the town, you’re greeted by its charm and an incredible aroma that sets it apart from anywhere else in the world. The air is infused with the crisp, refreshing scent of pine—an experience unlike any other!

The architecture is stunning, and the breathtaking mountain views create the perfect backdrop—what more could you ask for?

Take a stroll along the bustling main street, where you’ll find an eclectic mix of shops to explore. From popular brands like Patagonia to charming local souvenir boutiques, there’s something for everyone to discover.

Next on the agenda was finding lunch. We decided on the Banff Brewing Company—a fantastic spot for both food and drinks. It’s definitely a must-visit, especially if you’re a fan of beer. After all, you’re on vacation! Further down, I’ve included a list of all the incredible dining spots we discovered during our time in Banff, as we had the chance to try some truly amazing places.

I suggest taking a stroll to the Cascade of Time Garden, just across the bridge. Though not large, the garden offers a charming and intriguing space to explore and enjoy.

Afterward, a stroll along the river provides the perfect opportunity to unwind while soaking in the breathtaking scenery. You can head down to Bow Falls or venture up to Surprise Corner—or both, as we did! The trails are well-marked and easy to navigate, making it a delightful experience for everyone.

Sulphur Mountain and the Hot Springs

Climbing Sulphur Mountain is an absolute must when visiting Banff. A convenient bus from town will take you directly to the trailhead, where your adventure begins. While there’s an option to take the Gondola, I highly encourage walking if you’re up for it and enjoy a good hike. The trail is generally well-maintained, though there are a few challenging sections—after all, you’re scaling a mountain! The reward at the summit is nothing short of spectacular, with breathtaking views that make every step worthwhile. Don’t forget to explore the short walk from the visitor center and café to Sanson Peak—you might even encounter some furry friends along the way!

If you’re considering hiking up and taking the gondola down, keep in mind that single tickets at the top are limited. To avoid any inconvenience, it’s a good idea to purchase a round-trip ticket at the base beforehand.

After exploring Sulphur Mountain, unwind and soothe your tired legs in the nearby hot springs. Just a short stroll from the trail’s end, it’s the ideal way to complete a beautiful hike.

Tunnel Mountain

Tunnel Mountain offers another delightful, albeit shorter, hiking experience. Its name originates from an early assumption that a railway tunnel would be constructed through it—a plan that never came to fruition. This trail is conveniently accessible on foot right from your hotel or the town, making it an easy option for visitors. The hike rewards you with stunning views of the surrounding landscape, both at the summit and throughout the journey.

The Cave and Basin, and Sundance Canyon

The Cave and Basin is definitely worth a visit. Conveniently located just outside of town, it’s easiest to reach by car. Once there, you can explore the surrounding trails and take in the natural beauty of the area. The cave and basin itself feature a stunning pool, though be prepared for the distinctive sulfur smell that comes with it.

From this point, you can take a scenic walk to Sundance Canyon. The journey offers a delightful blend of strolling along the river and wandering through tranquil woodland. The trail forms a loop and features well-marked, easy-to-navigate paths, making it perfect for a leisurely adventure.

Horse riding in the rockies

One of the absolute must-do activities during my visit to Banff and the Rockies was horseback riding—basically like living out a Heartland dream! I can’t recommend Banff Trail Riders highly enough. They have wonderful horses, knowledgeable trail leaders, and offer rides tailored to every experience level and schedule. While you can book online, I simply walked into their shop located on the high street to make my reservation.

Since we were short on time, I opted for the 1-hour Spray River Ride. Although the ride is geared toward beginners—and I’m not one—I still thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful journey. It gave me the chance to explore parts of Banff I wouldn’t have seen otherwise, while soaking in the beauty of the surrounding wildlife. During our ride, we were lucky enough to spot a coyote and a herd of elk, including an adorable calf. The animals remained completely calm, thanks to the expertise of our trail leaders, who knew exactly how to navigate past them without causing any disturbance.

Fairmont Springs Gold course

While we didn’t partake, if you are a golfing fan, the Fairmont springs golf course is famed in Canada and not one to be missed.

Food

Banff boasts an impressive array of foodie destinations, and while you could easily spend more time exploring the culinary scene without ever running out of options—or losing your fascination with the town itself—we were quite pleased with the spots we chose during our visit. Our selections were a mix of thorough research (I have a knack for diving deep into restaurant reviews) and some fantastic local recommendations!

Breakfast

We started our day with breakfast at Coyotes, where the service was exceptional and the food absolutely delicious. Their cream cheese and mixed berries French toast was a standout favorite, but every dish we tried was a hit. From the fluffy pancakes drizzled with rich, authentic Canadian maple syrup (truly unmatched), to the smashed avocado and hearty breakfast burritos, every bite was a delight. Trust us—you won’t leave disappointed!

Lunch

Banff Brewing Company proved to be an excellent lunch spot during our visit. With delicious food, refreshing beer, and warm, welcoming staff, it offered a memorable and enjoyable experience. I recommend their Poutine, a dish that will be on every foodie’s must-try list for Canada.

Dinner

Pacino, nestled inside the Moose Hotel yet open to the public, proved to be an exceptional dining choice during our first night in Banff. The food was absolutely delicious and hit the spot perfectly. One standout feature is their complimentary bread bar—a delightful touch that adds to the experience! I would highly recommend this restaurant, but a word of advice: the portions are quite generous, so pace yourself with the bread. Thankfully, they offer to-go boxes if you need to take some leftovers home.

The Balkan Mediterranean restaurant offered a delightful experience, and their sangria comes highly recommended.

The Grizzly House is an absolute must-visit if you’re a fan of fondue. From the moment I walked by on our first day, I knew I had to try it, and it truly exceeded my expectations. We opted for the fondue set menu (hot plate), starting with a delicious cheese fondue as an appetizer. For the main course, we enjoyed a unique selection of meats that we cooked on the hot plate, and we finished off with a decadent chocolate fondue for dessert. My mouth is watering just reminiscing about it!

Next we headed to Lake Louise…

Lake Louise

While you can certainly continue using Banff as your base, I highly recommend venturing up the road to spend a few days in Lake Louise. This picturesque village offers convenient access to more of the national park and sits right at the gateway to the stunning Icefields Parkway, which I’ll discuss shortly.

Johnston Canyon

The short drive from Banff to Lake Louise offers plenty of opportunities to explore, including a visit to Johnston Canyon. This picturesque trail takes you along the edge of the canyon, leading to stunning waterfalls. While it can get quite busy, the experience is absolutely worth it. The trail features both Upper and Lower Falls, making it accessible for visitors of all skill levels.

For those with extra time (unlike us), the adventure can continue to the Ink Pots, a series of five vibrant spring-fed pools nestled in a serene natural setting. The round-trip hike to the Ink Pots is approximately 12 kilometers and typically takes 3-4 hours to complete.

Where to Stay?

Upon arriving in Lake Louise, we checked into the Lake Louise Inn—a wonderful retreat for unwinding after action-packed days of exploration. With its inviting pool, relaxing hot tubs, and two excellent on-site restaurants, it provided the ideal setting for comfort and leisure.

What to do

Lake Louise

The centerpiece of the area is, without a doubt, the stunning Lake Louise. While driving to the lake is an option, parking tends to fill up quickly during busy times—as we discovered during our first attempt to visit. Instead, we opted to walk from the hotel or town center, a choice we wholeheartedly recommend for those who enjoy a scenic stroll. The trail winds through picturesque woods, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination itself.

Upon reaching the lake, its beauty is truly captivating, with colours as vibrant as those seen in photographs. We made our way to the Fairview Lookout, where the elevated vantage point offers the perfect perspective to fully admire the lake’s breathtaking glacier hues.

Moraine Lake

One of the must-visit destinations near Lake Louise is the renowned Moraine Lake. Access to this stunning location is exclusively via public transport, and tickets tend to sell out quickly. To ensure your visit, it’s highly recommended to book your bus tickets online well in advance. While tickets can be purchased at the visitor center, availability is often limited, with spots filling up several days ahead.

If your trip is short, as ours was, planning ahead is essential. Unfortunately, we missed the opportunity to see Moraine Lake because we didn’t heed this advice from a friendly local who recommended booking early. While we explored many other breathtaking lakes in the area and didn’t feel we missed out, if Moraine Lake is on your bucket list, make it a priority to secure your transportation in advance!

Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway is an absolute must-see when visiting the area. Renowned as one of the most breathtaking drives in the world, it truly lives up to its reputation. Towering, snow-covered peaks stretch along the route, creating stunning vistas around every bend. Each twist in the road reveals yet another awe-inspiring panorama, leaving you in silent wonder, with “wow” being the only word that comes to mind. In addition to its incredible scenery, the Parkway is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. During our journey, we were lucky enough to encounter majestic elk, and on the final day, we were thrilled to catch a glimpse of a black bear—a moment we’ll never forget!

The journey offered breathtaking views and countless spots to stop and explore along the way. One of the highlights was visiting the Columbia Glacier fields. Although the parkway extends all the way to Jasper, we decided against making the full trip in a single day—it’s definitely on our list for next time, whenever that may be.

Glacier

Skipping the skybridge didn’t feel like a loss; it seemed underwhelming as we passed by. Instead, we parked and walked closer to the glacier itself. While you can’t access the glacier directly unless you book an ice bus tour, the vantage point still provides an impressive view. It’s a sobering experience to see firsthand how much the glacier has receded over the years, a stark reminder of the impact of global warming as you drive past markers indicating where the ice once stood.

Saskatchewan crossing and Mistaya Canyon

Afterward, we made our way back to Lake Louise, taking time to explore along the route. One of our stops included a scenic walk through the woods to the Saskatchewan River Crossing and Mistaya Canyon. Both are absolutely worth visiting, especially the canyon. Just a short walk from the roadside, it offers a breathtaking view of how water has sculpted the rock over time. Further along, we paused at the serene Waterfowl Lakes—a peaceful haven and an ideal spot to take a break and soak in the surroundings.

Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake Viewpoint is a must-see along the Icefields Parkway, and we found it even more breathtaking than Lake Louise. The vibrant turquoise hues and panoramic vistas are truly unforgettable.

Bow Lake and Glacier falls

Another destination we explored on a different day was Bow Lake, along with the stunning hike leading up to Bow Glacier Falls.

The hike features a few challenging sections, including short, steep climbs and scrambles, but overall, it is accessible to most skill levels. It begins with a scenic path along the edge of a glacier-fed lake before progressing toward the stunning waterfall.

White water rafting

On our final day, we opted for a unique adventure and made our way to Golden, where we tackled the Kicking Horse River for an exhilarating white water rafting experience. Having never tried it before, I can genuinely say it was an absolute blast! We booked with Wild Water Adventures, and I can’t recommend them highly enough. The team was fantastic—knowledgeable, friendly, and full of energy, making the experience even more memorable.

After the rafting, we decided to stick around for the optional barbecue they hosted, which turned out to be a perfect way to wrap up the day. A helpful tip for anyone who tends to get cold: when gearing up, don’t hesitate to ask for an extra jumper—it makes all the difference!

That wraps up our unforgettable week in Canada! We absolutely fell in love with this incredible destination—truly one of the most amazing places we’ve ever visited. We’re already counting down the days until we can return. If you’re planning your own adventure or still in the research phase, let this be the nudge you need—book that trip! You won’t regret it.

P.S. We only spent one week because we divided our holiday and flew down to Orlando to experience Disney. So, if you’re torn between two destinations, why not explore both? Click here for tips on making the most of your time in Florida!