Before I get into the specifics of Banff... if you stop reading here it's important that I say this now. If I could only go one place for the rest of my life, it would be Banff. I can't even begin to describe to you how beautiful this Canadian National Park is. It is a spiritual experience to be there.
Now you can go ahead and skip to the good parts...
Things To Do:
Day 1 - Arrival at Banff National Park
Buy tickets for the Banff Gondola for late afternoon followed by a dinner reservation at the Sky Bistro. Traffic in Banff is a thing, so plan some wiggle room when you depart.
Explore the observation deck and hike out to a point for great photo opportunities. After that enjoy dinner at the Sky Bistro and marvel at the surroundings. The BEST way to kick off a trip to Banff.
Day 2 - Johnston Canyon Hike
Johnston Canyon is definitely one of the most famous hikes in Banff, but for good reason.
If you have young kids, this trail is 90% stroller-friendly which was a big win. The hike is on a man made path that’s attached to the wall of the canyon (seriously an engineering marvel!!) and ends with a spectacular waterfall. Round trip it is 5 miles. This is a very popular hike, so get there as early as you can.
After your hike I recommend fueling up at Bear Street Tavern with some amazing pizza.
Day 3 - Lake Louise & Lake Moraine
This is it. This is why you came to Banff!
When we visited Lake Louise, I had big dreams of a gorgeous sunny day with the glacier reflecting off the water, and then lunch on the veranda of the Fairmont resulting in a day we would never forget.
Reality: it was overcast and rainy. My outdoor patio dining dream was a no-go, so we had to eat inside, and Henry was acting like a toddler and had to go to time-out at the fanciest restaurant ever no less than three times.
Well, that's how it goes when you're traveling. Especially when you are traveling with kids. Sometimes it's perfect, sometimes it's not, but you are still making memories and the risk of not getting perfection should NEVER stop you from taking the trip. Let me say that a little louder for the people in the back.
Definitely get reservations at the Fairmont for lunch. Hopefully you can eat outside on the patio, but inside is still lovely. After that enjoy the lake! Walk around it, look at it from all different sides, paddle across. There are tons of options.
Lake Moraine.
Unpopular opinion, it's better than Lake Louise. There is no Fairmont to make you feel like Cinderella, but oh my word the color of that water. Breathtaking.
It's like a billion cerulean crayons melted in to the Earth. It's just unbelievable.
Near the parking lot there is a trail behind the restrooms that leads up to an overlook which is where I took this picture. This picture is 100% unaltered. I took it with an OLD iPhone. This is just exactly what it looks like, on a cloudy rainy day. Do not skip Lake Moraine.
Where to Stay: Hotels:
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise - One Michelin Key (as of 9/13/24)! The most iconic hotel in all of Banff, it overlooks the turquoise blue waters of Lake Louise.
Perks when you book with me
Daily complimentary breakfast for 2, per room
$100 USD credit to be spent on property (conditions defined at check-in)
Fairmont Banff Springs - known as Canada's Castle in the rockies, this htoel has been providing legendary hospitality for more than 125 years. Open year-round, enjoy golf in the summer, and skiing in the winter.
Perks when you book with me
Daily complimentary breakfast for 2, per room
$100 USD credit to be spent on property (conditions defined at check-in)
Moose Hotel - a brand new 4 star hotel property with an Elegant Mountain Design. Two minutes from the Heart of Down Banff, everything is conveniently located.
Camping: Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court. The spaces are big (full hookups) and nature abounds. Amenities are a minimum (not even laundry), but what it lacked, it made up for in splendor. Reservations are nearly impossible to get. You must secure the day they open up for the year.
Where to Eat:
Bear Street Tavern - Best Pizza in Banff! Maybe Canada!
La Terrazza - Italian menu with incredible views
The Juniper Bistro - Upscale Contemporary Restaurant with scenic views
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