Banff, located a few hours outside Calgary, just might be #1 on my list for stunning destinations, and I’ve seen my fair share of beautiful locations. I never got around to blogging about our trip there in 2022, so I’m going to do a recap for you now! It’s not hard to fall in love with this breathtaking mountain town and everything that surrounds it.
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Places to Stay
We stayed at the ever charming Canalta Lodge on the main drag of uptown Banff. It was reasonably priced and had everything we needed (just 2 adults on this trip). Hot tubs, saunas and cold plunges to relieve all your aches and pains post Rocky Mtn. hiking. Only possible downside is walking to the other side of downtown (where most of the restaurants are) can be quite a trek in the heat or cold, but it makes for a quieter evening. I’ve put together a list of a few good alternative options as well:
- Best Affordable Pet Friendly Downtown Stay: Brewster Mountain Lodge
- Best Views from the Hot tub: Otter Hotel – Quaint, Charming and perfect for Romantic getaway.
- Best Quiet & Secluded Spot: Hidden Ridge Resort
- Best Luxury Stay: Fairmont Banff Springs – the most picturesque and proper choice for luxury stays.
Things to Do
There is no shortage of things to do in Banff, even if you are not particularly outdoorsy. There isn’t a bad view in the entire area and slow walks along the Bow River can be just the perfect way to start or end your day. We came in with a few tours already booked, but kept some days open for exploring. We talked to our hotel staff, restaurant workers and other locals to find some of the best hidden gems around.
Johnston Canyon was the best choice for our first day. Many guidebooks had said it was overcrowded, but we got there quite early in the morning and practically had the trail to ourselves. I couldn’t get over how green and clear the water is. Trekking the catwalks perched high above the river made for a unique and picturesque hike. We did also spot our first bear on the drive out! Here are a few of the hikes that are recommended while visiting Banff.
Hiking
- Tunnel Mountain – an easy hike starting right in the center of town.
- Lake Louise – Agnes Tea House – sitting high above Lake Louise is this beautiful log cabin style tea house in the clouds. The perfect pit stop for hikers.
- Moraine Lake – Sunrise hikes here make for peaceful and quiet trails. The Rockpile Trail delivers some of the most photographed scenery in Canada.
- Johnston Canyon – an easy to moderate hike with all the flair, get there early to avoid crowds.
- Bow River Trail – a gentle walk along the Bow River.
The hike to Agnes Tea House starts at the stunning Lake Louise and was the most rewarding, a 3.5km uphill trail with a sweet surprise at the top. Who doesn’t want a cup of tea and scone half way through their hike? Agnes Tea House is a log cabin building dating back to the early 1900’s, cooking everything they serve by hand. The sweeping views of Lake Louise below are the cherry on top. Here are best places to visit and tours to take if you prefer a guided experience.
Places to Visit & Tours to Take
- Banff Gondola Ride – (Best views around, have lunch at Sky Bistro on the summit)
- Columbia Iceview Skywalk – Take a walk on the Athabasca Glacier
- Evening Wildlife Viewing – Have an expert help you spot the animals: elk, sheep or bears.
- Banff National Park – Spray River Horseback Ride (What I wish I had done)
- Canadian Rockies Scenic Helicopter Tour (Best Splurge)
- Banff Upper Hot Springs (Soak after all the hiking)
I really enjoyed our trip on the Banff Gondola and lunch at Sky Bistro looking down into town. If you haven’t caught the theme by now, it’s all the amazing views this place has to offer. The Gondola ride is both peaceful and thrilling, and strolling the boardwalks atop Sulpher Mountain after lunch is a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
Lakes to Visit
- Lake Louise – Arrive early to get the chance to canoe the lake.
- Lake Moraine
- Peyto Lake
- Lake Minnewanke
- Vermilion Lakes
- Bow River Falls – perfect as a stop after visiting the Fairmont Banff Springs.
We had road tripped into town, so we were able to drive ourselves to the visit the different lakes. However, parking can be an issue if you don’t arrive very early in the morning. If you didn’t bring a car or don’t want to deal with driving/parking, I would recommend this tour to the see the Lakes. (Moraine & Louise)
To Taste
- Whitebark Cafe (coffee & quick bites)
- Tom Hortons (a must-do while in Canada)
- Three Bears Brewery
- Park Distillery Restaurant & Bar – Campfire inspired food
- Beaver Tails (quintessential Canadian desserts)
Banff is such a down to earth, walkable and friendly city. I thoroughly enjoyed every part of our trip and hope to return here again with our kids in the future. Put it on your travel bucket list if it’s not already there!
Fun Banff Details
- Trivia: Banff was the first national park in Canada (1885).
- Wildlife note: Elk sometimes wander downtown Banff—you might literally share a sidewalk with them.
- Best souvenirs: Maple taffy, cozy Hudson’s Bay blankets, or Canadian whisky.
If you are looking for more North American adventures, check our visit to Seattle here!
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