Snow-capped mountains. Frozen waterfalls. Heavenly hot chocolate and decadent cheese fondue. Icy walks by the river. Luxurious castles. Walking on frozen Lake Louise.

I’d honestly never considered visiting Banff in November. I’d been in the summer (a few times), and already once in winter. But when we were researching where to go for Thanksgiving (with flights that wouldn’t drain our bank account), I noticed airfares to Calgary were super reasonable! And just like that, our trip to Banff in November was booked!

The first question everyone’s probably asking: Is Banff in November even worth it?!

I get it – it’s kinda an odd time to visit. Summer is long gone, winter sports haven’t all started yet, and it’s COLD!

But, after our trip, I can honestly say, I think so! If you’re looking for cheaper prices, less crowds, and an overall more relaxing stay, then you’ll love visiting Banff in November. We definitely did!

Just remember that November is smack-dab in the middle of low-season, between the high seasons of summer and winter. October is still quite popular as the larches turn a brilliant yellow color, but November? It’s pretty quiet!

Some say it’s way more drab and dreary than other months in Banff. And they’re not wrong (I mean, the lakes aren’t their glistening turquoise color and the weather is pretty finicky). BUT we found our trip to Banff in November still pretty magical, so I’d be lying if I said we had a terrible time. Quite the opposite, actually.

If you’re still not sure if you should go or wait for another month, I say go for it! To put things mildly, I’m ridiculously obsessed with the entire area (exhibit A, B, and C). There’s a reason I’ve been back FOUR times (twice in summer, once in winter, and now Banff in November). I can’t seem to stay away!

Weather in Banff in November

I’m not gonna lie to you, November weather in Banff is kinda iffy and wildly unpredictable. It really depends on the year and when exactly in the month you’re visiting. Think of November as a transition month – from fall into winter. So yes, as the month progresses, expect a higher chance of snow and more likelihood of near freezing temps.

Expect “highs” of around 32°F, and lows near 15°F. Yup, it’s gonna be cold! Do note that early mornings and nights will undoubtedly feel much chillier without any sun exposure (and the sun sets early in November — around 4:30pm to be exact!). Cloud cover and overcast conditions are quite common in Banff during November as it’s turning into winter!

Early November

This time of year marks the change from the drier fall months to the (much) wetter winter months. Temps are typically between 23°F to 41°F. Doesn’t seem all too bad, but remember, nighttime temps typically drop below freezing (14°F to 5°F)

You can expect a mix of rain and snow in the early part of the month, until eventually all the precipitation is snow. But whatever snow Banff gets in early November will probably be what I consider “wet snow” – the kind of snow that melts quickly and turns into a pile of brown mush shortly after. The temps aren’t typically freezing enough for much to stick.

Late November

Much greater chance of snowstorms (sometimes with constant flurries), colder temperatures, and feels almosttt like the dead of winter (although it’s not, that’s January and February – the first time I visited Banff in winter). 

And yes, it will snow! Probably a lot! By mid to late November, there should be snow practically everywhere. Which is exactly what we were after and what we got – we loved seeing those beautiful mountain peaks covered in snow!

For reference, we visited Banff in late-November and got super lucky. Locals and visitors had told us there was a cold-spell just a few days before we arrived, and temps reached a whopping -20C°(-4F°). Yes, it was still bone-shivering cold when we visited, but I cannot imagine it feeling any colder.

We experienced freezing cold weather the majority of our stay, and used this as excuses to get our cuddling on, sip luxurious hot chocolates at the Fairmont, and sit by the campfire roasting marshmallows. Not too shabby. 

Regardless of when you visit Banff in November, you’ll wanna wear warm winter clothing. It definitely ain’t fall anymore! Psst – hot hands are a lifesaver. Buy some before your trip and you’ll be thanking me later.

Are the lakes frozen in November?

Yes and no – that totally depends on when in November you’re visiting Banff and what lake we’re talking about! Also the severity of winter weather, the altitude of the lake, and the local microclimate. So many factors!

Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Emerald Lake (in Yoho National Park) will pretty much all be completely frozen by mid to late November. You can still easily access (frozen) Lake Louise and Emerald Lake, but unless you’re prepared to hike/snowshoe a few miles, you’re not able to see Moraine Lake at all (the road leading there generally closes by mid-October, depending on the year).

Peyto Lake will be frozen and covered in snow – how cool would it be to see the wolf-shaped lake in white?

Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake, both closer to Downtown Banff, as well as the lakes in Canmore, typically take longer to freeze. You may be able to catch them before they’re completely frozen.

NEVER attempt to walk/stand/ice skate on frozen lakes unless you are 1000% certain it’s safe. Just because a lake looks completely frozen, does not mean it is. Ice needs to be a certain thickness in order to withstand weight. Always err on the side of caution, and ask park rangers/hotel staff if you’re unsure. Better safe than sorry!

Logistics about Visiting Banff in November 

How to Get to Banff

If you’re coming from the US, getting to Banff is pretty easy!

Since there’s no airports in Banff National Park (or its immediate surroundings), you’ll need to fly to Calgary International Airport (airport code YYC). Calgary is kinda the unspoken gateway to the Canadian Rockies, so you’ll find most people who fly here are actually headed to Banff too!

For reference, it’s approximately 3 hours in the air from San Francisco (SFO), where I’m typically departing from, 5 ½ hours from New York City (JFK), and 8 ½ hours from Miami (MIA). Definitely way quicker if you’re coming from the West Coast like we were.

Upon arrival in Calgary, you’ll need to then get yourself to Banff National Park. Sure, it kinda sounds like a hassle, but I PROMISE you the trip is well worth it. And there’s so many options (all described in detail below).

How to Get from Calgary Airport to Downtown Banff

Driving to Banff

If you’re renting a car in Calgary, of course you can drive to Banff National Park yourself! The drive is pretty easy, the highways are in great shape and well-maintained, and only takes about an hour and a half. 

Within 45 minutes or so, off in the distance, you’ll start to see the jagged peaks of the Canadian Rockies. No words or photos can prepare you for your first views of the mountains. Utterly spectacular!

There are two routes you can take from Calgary to Banff – the most common being a straight shot down the Trans-Canada (Highway 1), taking about 1 ½ hours. 

If you’d prefer a slightly more scenic route, plan to take Highway 1A through Canmore before rejoining Highway 1. It just adds on an extra 15-20 minutes or so. You can even do the scenic route on your way back to Calgary if you’d prefer to get to Banff as soon as possible.

However, when visiting Banff in November, you’ll wanna keep an eye on the weather (it’s unpredictable at best). Driving to Banff from Calgary was super easy at the start of our trip, but on the way back, we drove right into a HUGE snowstorm (thankfully my husband’s a super careful driver). To say we drove way under the speed limit is a massive understatement – it took us almost double the time to make it back. 

There could be traffic issues, avalanches, heavy snowfall, accidents, and unfortunately roadblocks due to unforeseen weather. Just keep this in mind and give yourself extra time to get back to Calgary should you be flying out that same day.

Make sure you’re comfortable driving in snowy winter weather if you choose to drive yourself.

Psst:  I recommend never letting your gas tank go below half. While there are gas stations in the park, you don’t wanna run out when it’s freezing cold.

Public Bus and Shuttle Services

If you don’t feel comfortable driving in the potential winter weather conditions, there’s other ways to get to downtown Banff. Unfortunately this means you won’t have as much flexibility in town, but hey, there’s still lots to do nearby!

• Banff Airporter: The Banff Airporter provides a shuttle bus service to and from Calgary Airport, Banff, and Canmore. There’s a ton of scheduled times and you’ll get dropped off right at your hotel in Banff! It is kinda pricey though, at over $150 roundtrip. Do note if you’re staying in Canmore there’s only one drop off, at the Coast Hotel.

• Brewster Express: This is a shuttle service that connects Calgary (with pickups in both downtown Calgary and the Calgary International Airport) to a whole slew of places in the Rockies – Kananaskis, Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper. The shuttle runs year round, although check the schedule because it changes based on the season. It’s a little cheaper at around $55 each way; select your bus time and grab your seat from Calgary Airport to Banff here!

How to Get Around Banff in November

Driving/car rental: When we visited Banff in November, we had rented a car in Calgary and drove to the area. It wasn’t particularly difficult to drive in the city (and thankfully it wasn’t crazy crowded so there was hardly any traffic). There’s lots all around so parking was never too hard. You’ll also want to make sure you rent an SUV, as I can’t even imagine driving the snowy conditions in a smaller car.

With this being said, it was my husband driving and not I (who is a much more comfortable and experienced driver), so I’d make sure you feel safe driving behind the wheel should inclement weather pop up.

ROAM Transit: Not planning on renting a car? No worries! ROAM Transit, the public bus system in Banff, has over 10 routes with bus stops in all of the popular tourist spots. Think Downtown Banff, Banff Gondola, the hot springs, Canmore, Lake Louise, and even Johnston Canyon. 

And thankfully, there’s real-time GPS info at most of the stops around town. Meaning you can duck into a shop for some warmth instead of standing around waiting and guessing when the bus will come. 

What to Pack for Banff in November

Despite being a transition month in Banff, you’ll need to pack some pretty warm clothing. Like I keep saying, the weather is highly unpredictable, and you don’t wanna be cold! Think all your winter gear – hats, scarves, gloves, wool socks, thermal underpants, boots – the works!

I picked up a few new items, including this ultra-warm beanie (here’s a fleece lined one that I’m eyeing for my next winter trip), snow boots with a proper grip, and a cozy white plaid blanket scarf.

Piece of advice #1: Invest in warm and waterproof snow boots with a proper grip. When ordering, opt for a size slightly larger than normal, as you want to allow for thick socks and toe warmers. If your boots are too tight (and your toes are crammed together), your feet will never stay warm enough.

Piece of advice #2: HOT HANDS. Enough said. But in all honesty, hot hands saved our frosty fingers on more than one occasion. What are they, you ask? They’re these magical dry packets filled with iron (among other scientific things) that intensify in heat once activated.

Basically – super technological hand warmers that stay warm for up to 10 hours. And they are a godsend. You’ll want at least 1 pair a day. Buy on amazon here.

Piece of advice #3: Buy a pass at home ahead of time. Since Banff is technically a National Park, you’ll need a Canada Parks Pass to enter the area. You can either purchase a pass online or upon entering the park. 

If you think you’ll be visiting multiple Canadian national parks over the course of a year, it’s a good idea to snag the Discovery Pass from Parks Canada as this will waive daily admission fees to over 80 Parks Canada places throughout the country.

Pros and Cons to Visiting Banff in November

I made a list of pros and cons to visiting Banff in November so you can really decide for yourself if it’s a time you’d enjoy going.

Pros to Visiting Banff in November

• WAY less crowds: One of the biggest perks of visiting Banff in November is the lack of crowds. Besides the weekend of Remembrance Day (which falls on November 11 every year), you’ll never encounter any huge groups of people. This made the entire experience so much more peaceful and way less stressful than visiting in the busy summer season or during the later winter months.

• Not as cold: Yes, it’s cold in Banff in November, but not AS cold as the later winter months of December, January, and February when it’s practically downright freezing each and every day. You’ll still wanna bundle up!

• It already feels like Christmas: Yes, Christmas cheer is in the air already, even in November! The hotels are starting to decorate their lobbies with all the tinsel and wreaths and sparkly garlands – don’t miss the epic Christmas tree at the Fairmont Banff Springs! 

• Easier to snag a window seat table at both Fairmont Hotels: You don’t need to be a guest of the Fairmont in order to make reservations at their restaurants! And because of the fewer crowds, you’ll have a much easier time getting a window seat for high tea at both the Fairmont Lake Louise and Fairmont Banff Springs. Let’s face it – the views are the main reason for dining at these hotels… okay fine, those itty bitty cucumber sandwiches and macarons don’t hurt either. 

• Walk on frozen Lake Louise: This was one of our favorite things to do during our visit to Banff in November! When else can you say you’ve walked the entirety of a frozen lake with a massive glacier in the distance?! And due to the small crowds, there were instances when we felt like we had almost the entire lake to ourselves – unheard of and so magical!

• Christmas Markets in Banff: Visiting Banff in November is perfect if you wanna visit the Christmas Markets – they’re not even open at Christmas time! There’s over 100 artisanal vendors, live music, an outdoor fire lounge (with cocktails and hot chocolate), Santa’s House and Reindeer Stables, and tons of seasonal treats.

• Downright magical: There’s just something super special about visiting Banff in November – Christmas spirit is in the area, the town has just seen it’s first snowfall (or two!), and I know I keep saying this – but fewer crowds (trust me, it makes a HUGE difference). Plus, Banff’s super scenic, especially late November once there’s been some snow accumulation! I mean, how can seeing snow on the mountain peaks, hiking to frozen waterfalls, sipping hot cocoa by the fire, and walking on frozen lakes not be downright magical?! Sorry, but that’s the epitome of a winter wonderland to me!

• Cozy places with hot chocolate and fireplaces: With all the cold weather and snow, it’s the perfect excuse to cozy up and sip on some hot cocoa (allll the marshmallows please). I don’t even wanna tell you how many times we ducked inside The Rundle Bar (at Fairmont Banff Springs) to warm up by the fire. The Lakeview Lounge at Chateau Lake Louise was our other favorite!

• Cheaper room rates at the Fairmonts: Ever wanted to stay in a castle?! Now’s your chance! Ever since laying eyes on Fairmont Lake Louise on my first visit to Banff, I’ve been wanting to stay there. Unfortunately, that $1,500/night price tag was always outta my price range – understandably. Since November is practically the lowest of the low season in Banff, this means accommodation will also be at its lowest! While room rates are still higher than other nearby hotels, we were able to find much more manageable rates in November than during other times of year. We stayed one night at Fairmont Château Lake Louise, and two at Fairmont Banff Springs (both absolutely spectacular).

• Skiing is open (late November): Wooo – it’s the start of ski season in Banff come November! The SkiBig3 resorts are open, with the runs visited by mainly locals. Why? Because there’s hardly any tourists here yet! Hint hint – this means lift tickets at lower prices! Score!

• Cheaper prices and flights: We were able to fly directly to Calgary just two days before Thanksgiving without breaking the bank, at all – when flights anywhere and everywhere are ridiculously expensive. Honestly, that’s one of the main reasons we chose to visit Banff in November – we couldn’t find anywhere else to go for Thanksgiving break that wasn’t absolutely insane price wise. Granted Canadians don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, but still…

Cons to Visiting Banff in November

As with everything in life, there’s some cons as well.

• Lakes won’t be their glassy turquoise color: Sorry to disappoint, but this is because they’ll be frozen over and most likely covered in snow! If you wanna see them in all their glory, you need to visit in summer from late May/early June to late-October. While there’s no guarantee on exact dates, this is when the lakes typically thaw out and melt.

• In-between seasons: November is considered low-season, meaning that all summer and fall activities are over, while some winter activities haven’t even started yet. But those of us in the know know that Banff in November is actually pretty spectacular (and there’s still tons to do).

• Access to Moraine Lake is closed: Moraine Lake Road, the road leading to this famous lake, closes as early as mid-October some years due to snow and icy road conditions. It’s never open in November meaning access is way more limited.

Psst – just FYI, personal vehicles are actually banned on the road to Moraine Lake year round (Parks Canada decided this in 2023). Parks Canada shuttles, Roam Public Transit, and commercial buses are only permitted from June 1 to mid-October.

• Fall colors are gone: If you’re looking to experience the vibrant fall foliage in Banff, November is surely not the best time. Most of the trees have shed their leaves by this point, and it’s turning into a true winter wonderland. The time to come for the larch season is mid-late September, and only lasts a few weeks.

• There’s not enough snow for dog sledding: When we initially booked our trip to Banff in November, I was so excited that my husband would be able to go dog sledding! I had done this on my first winter trip to Banff a few years ago (in February) and LOVED it, so was extremely gutted when I learned all the dog sledding companies in Banff don’t start operating until later in the season (earliest mid-December, but more like January). Whomp, whomp.

• Beginning half of November may not feel like true winter yet: This really depends on the year, but there’s no guarantee of heavy snowfall until mid to late November. For this reason, I’d plan your Banff November visit later in the month if you want all those cozy winter wonderland vibes.

• Unpredictable weather: On that note, only Mother Nature knows what the weather will be like during November in Banff. Definitely monitor the weather closely a few days before your trip so you know exactly what to bring! Regardless, layers are your best friend. 

• Sun sets around 4:30pm: Yes, that early. The sun rises around 8am, and sets about 8.5 hours later. Meaning there’s not as much daylight to do outdoor exploring as during the summer or even later in the winter months. The days are super short, so make the most of them. Honestly, it was so cold we were ready to cozy on up indoors (with hot cocoas of course) by about 3pm anyways, haha.

• SnowDays Festival/Ice Magic Festival hasn’t started yet: This is a celebration of all things winter in Banff, that unfortunately doesn’t start until mid-late January. That’s when those massive ice sculptures are built at Fairmont Lake Louise – at the annual ice carving competition.

• Ice skating on Lake Louise may not be open: Typically, you can skate on Lake Louise from mid-December to mid-April or so. When we visited in late November, staff were starting to get the ice rink on Lake Louise plowed and ready for the snowy winter season. That said, we missed opening day by a week or so, and were so sad! Safety first, of course! The lake needs to be solid enough for skating. The exact date changes every year, mainly based on snowfall levels and ultimately when the lake freezes over. 

Things to do in Banff in November

High Tea at the Fairmont(s)

In all honesty, indulging in high tea at the swanky Fairmont Hotels was something we were most looking forward to during our time in Banff in November. I mean who can resist savoring those tiny, delicate treats (fluffy scones with house-made preserves, anyone?!) and sipping aromatic teas while soaking in the mountain vibes of the Rocky Mountains? 

So relaxing and downright delicious! Sure, it’s pretty pricey, but worth it in my book for the pastries and finger sandwiches, haha. Plus, tea gets served in fancy china; how fun! Afternoon tea takes place at the Rundle Bar at Fairmont Banff Springs, and the Lakeview Lounge at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. There’s even tea timers so you can brew your tea to your utmost perfection!

We were super gluttonous and did both (yup, told you we were excited about it, haha), and I honestly can’t decide which I enjoyed more. The experience at Banff Springs felt more upscale, luxurious, and private, while I preferred the snowy views at Fairmont Lake Louise a tad more! Really can’t go wrong with either though!

Psst – you need reservations for both, even in November. Make sure to ask for a table right by the window! 

Walk on Frozen Lake Louise

If the lake is completely frozen over (which it usually is by mid-November), you can actually walk right out onto Lake Louise! Something people who visit in summer definitely cannot do! I’m pretty sure this was my husband’s favorite activity out of all the things we did in Banff when we visited in November – he still talks about it months later!

Be sure to take precaution whenever you’re planning to walk on any frozen lake. And yes, that includes Lake Louise! You wanna make sure the ice is thick enough for body weight (typically at least 4 inches for 200 pounds).

Lake Louise is actually a very popular place to go snowshoeing in the winter. There’s plenty of trails nearby, but the Lake Louise Shoreline Trail is the closest to the actual lake. And don’t worry – not traveling with snowshoes?! You can easily rent a pair from the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Christmas Markets in Banff

If you’re a fan of holiday cheer, you’re gonna be over the moon with Banff’s Christmas markets. I mean, twinkling lights, artisan gifts, and a vibe that’s all about being informal and festive. Plus a bunch of fun photo opps (I do love those!). While the markets were smaller than I anticipated, we wandered around for a bit and took in all the holiday cheer.

Make sure to buy tickets in advance (you can’t purchase tickets at the door) – the Christmas Markets only occur a few weekends in November and early December. They’re even gone by Christmas! Find the schedule here, plus lots more info! 

Psst – you’ll need a car to get to Warner Stables, where the Banff Christmas Markets are held, as there’s no public transport that gets you there (from my knowledge).

Sip some Hot Cocoa 

What’s better than sipping a steaming cup of hot chocolate while watching the flurries come down outside?! Thankfully, Banff’s got a whole slew of restaurants and cafes serving up the good stuff – some with extra special ingredients!

Try some boozy hot chocolate from The Balkan Greek Restaurant (topped with hand shaken cream), the “Backcountry Powder” from Sky Bistro (dark chocolate and hazelnut combined with maple and star anise), and a hot chocolate bomb from Bluebird Restaurant (with white chocolate and marshmallows). 

There’s also alpine cherry hot chocolate from Brazen, Spicy Bear Hot Chocolate from Bear Street Tavern (with Park Chili Vodka!), and S’mores Hot Chocolate from Happy Camper Cafe & Bar (A Canadian take on hot chocolate!). Plus oh so many more (like tiramisu hot cocoa, bourbon hot chocolate, and chili chai hot chocolate) – it’s hard to list them all!

Hike to Frozen Waterfalls at Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon is one of Banff’s most popular hikes year-round, and it’s also one of the best things to do in Banff in November. It gets exceptionally crowded in both summer and winter (I’ve hiked the canyon both seasons), and if you don’t get to the parking lot early enough, you’ll need to park further away.

In terms of snow, it really depends when in the month you’re visiting. Earlier November may not have much snowfall yet, and there’s no guarantee the waterfalls will be frozen. 

Johnston Canyon is comprised of three sections – a hike to the Lower Falls, Upper Falls, and finally to the Ink Pots.

We only allocated enough time to trek to the Lower Falls, which are only 1.1 km away, and took us roughly an hour round trip (with stops for photos of course), which was downright stunning and out of another world. In all honesty, I don’t recommend hiking any further in the snow, as the trail gets steeper and more complex the further up you go.

To hike in Johnston Canyon in the winter, wear all the layers – we’re talking wool base layers, thick sweaters, a parka, and of course, gloves and a hat. Banff in winter is no joke, and it’s definitely better to come over prepared than freeze your butt off.

Banff Upper Hot Springs

Of course there’s hot springs in Banff – these are the mountains we’re talking about! Would you expect anything less?! And thankfully, the Banff Hot Springs are open year round. Temps are a whopping 110°F (43°C), so perfect to warm up those aching muscles on a chilly day. Or just relax and recharge after a busy day exploring the Canadian Rockies (or eating scones and sipping hot cocoa – no judgment!). 

To be completely honest, I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect. I had visited the Miette Hot Springs in Jasper National Park a few summers ago, and that was more like a glorified pool (i.e. not that impressive).

I’m not sure if it was the fact that we were visiting Banff in chilly November, but the Upper Hot Springs in Banff were an absolute dream come true. I was worried that the frigid temps would be a problem, but lemme tell ya – the hot 110°F waters feel that much sweeter against your skin when the air outside is subzero.

Indulge in Cheese/Chocolate Fondue

Did someone say gooey Swiss raclette melted cheese?! What about creamy chocolate fondue with berries and cake? Fondue has got to be the ultimate comfort food, and it’s a must on your visit to Banff in November (or any chilly month, for that matter). Banff’s got a few top-notch fondue spots, but here’s my favorite two (both personally taste-tested by me… for research… of course…).

Yes, you’ll leave overly stuffed (wear your stretchy pants), so plan to have a smaller lunch that day. It’s worth the calories, promise!  

Grizzly House: This is Banff’s most famous fondue restaurant – I mean, there’s a reason it’s been open since 1967! The Grizzly House has all your typical fondues (cheese, chocolate, meat, etc), but what it’s really famous for is its exotics meats – think rattlesnake, shark, wild boar, ostrich, and even alligator (no thanks). 

We came to the Grizzly House one night (with a reservation of course, yes, even in November), and it was one of our best meals the entire trip. I was too chicken to try any of the exotics, so don’t feel like it’s a must.

Waldhaus at the Fairmont: You can’t come all the way to this snowy mountain town and not indulge in some cheese fondue. We opted for the truffle cheese and chocolate fondue for 2, and it was one of our best decisions all week. FYI you can park on Spray Avenue and get shuttled to the restaurant since it’s not located in the main building.

Views from the Banff Gondola

The Banff Gondola is amazing year round – there’s a reason I’ve rode up three times (the fourth time I hiked up to Sulphur Mountain). Sure, it’s pretty pricey, but honestly one of the best things to do in Banff during November (or any time of year for that matter).

For non-hikers, the Banff Gondola is an amazing place to snag some of the most stunning snowy views of Banff in winter time. In just a few minutes, you’ll go from the foothills near Banff’s town center all the way up to the top of Sulphur Mountain (which is downright stunning, even from below). Don’t forget to turn on your camera in the gondola on the way up to the top – the views from the cable car itself are just as phenomenal.

Once you reach the top after your ~10 minute ride, there’s an open air observation deck and a bunch of walkways. To be completely honest, we only stayed outside for a whopping 15 minutes or so – it was SO, SO cold and windy. 

Thankfully there’s floor to ceiling windows all around, even in the dining room. We made reservations for a late lunch at Sky Bistro, perched on the summit of Sulphur Mountain, and what a memorable meal it was. A distinctly Canadian menu with Rocky Mountain views – what could be better?! Highly recommend the restaurant, especially if you’re visiting Banff in November and are worried about the freezing temps at the top of the mountain.

Climb Sulphur Mountain

On that note, you technically can climb Sulphur Mountain in November… if you don’t wanna pay for the expensive gondola ride to the top that is. There’s astonishing views over Bow Valley on the hike up, and since many opt to take the gondola, the trail in November is typically pretty empty.

Just note you’ll definitely wanna wear microspikes on your boots – it’s steep and slippery. Hiking poles will also come in handy as well. As you climb the mountain, the air gets cooler and cooler, with higher possibilities of snow on the trails. Make sure you’re well prepared as the hike is just about 3.5 miles up, and it’s pretty steep in some spots.

Honestly? I’d rather just take the gondola, haha. 

Helicopter Tour above the Rockies

I’m a sucker for getting birds eye views no matter where we are (like that time I flew over the Blue Hole in Belize, glided past waterfalls in the jungle in Hawaii, and even above the African Serengeti on a hot air balloon), so of course I was thrilled to take a helicopter tour above the Canadian Rockies.

If this is your first ride in a helicopter, there’s no better place to do it. With snow-covered mountains jutting out amongst Alberta’s bright blue skies, our heli ride was an absolute dream come true. We witnessed so much extraordinary snowy scenery from above, which would otherwise have been completely unreachable any other way! 

Yes, probably the most expensive of all the things to do in Banff in November on this list, but it’s worth the splurge in my opinion. 

Floating through the crisp winter morning air weaving between mountains and over the town provided tons of fantastic photo opps – I couldn’t put my camera down! It’s from up here that you realize just how massive, awe-inspiring, and unbelievable the Rocky Mountains actually are.

It was an absolutely wonderful way to see the Rockies close up, and most definitely one of the most action packed 12 minutes of my life. Super scenic, undeniably smooth, and somewhat thrilling. 

Note that you can leave some of your tundra gear in the car as you’ll be all toasty and warm inside the chopper – we wore jackets and left the rest of our winter accessories behind and were just fine.

Surprise Corner Scenic Viewpoint

You’re driving and driving along Tunnel Mountain Road, and then, BAM! There’s the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (and Sulphur Mountain) in the distance. You’ll only need a few minutes over here to check out the view, but boy, is the short drive worth it. 

There’s no sign here, so just follow your Google Maps (input Surprise Corner Viewpoint) and you’ll see it straight away. If the steps aren’t too icy, walk up for unparalleled views of Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel & Sulphur Mountain.

Walk along Banff Avenue

Banff is the epitome of a true mountain town – there’s peaks dominating its skyline, chateau-style hotels, lots of souvenir shopping, and tons of wildlife (although not as much in the frigid temps). No visit to Banff is complete without a wander down Banff Avenue, the main street in this charming town. I swear, there’s mountain views at every turn!

You’ll find tons of sweets, like BeaverTails (don’t miss this iconic greasy treat), homemade fudge, and ice cream. Don’t miss out on the poutine, cheese (and chocolate) fondue, and my favorite breakfast/coffee spots – Whitebark Cafe, Wild Flour, and Good Earth Coffeehouse.

And since November is the low season, Banff Avenue won’t be hella crowded like it is in the popular summer months. 

Stay and/or Explore the Fairmont Hotels 

Yes, I’m including this as a main highlight of Banff in November because well, it’s the Fairmont we’re talking about! And there’s actually two of them, one in the town of Banff itself, and one on the shores of Lake Louise. Elegance and sheer beauty at its best! Pure luxury!

As noted earlier, the Fairmont is WILDLY expensive other times of year. But, come November (since it’s the low low season), rates are actually more affordable. Still not cheap by any means, but doable for a night or two. If you’re not keen on staying here, you can still go on in and explore/have a meal or two. Just know you understandably cannot use all the facilities (like the outdoor hot tub pool) or see the hotel in its entirety. 

It’s been my husband’s dream to stay at both of these hotels, and I promised him when we visited Banff together we’d stay there! Perfect timing for our November trip! 

Fairmont Banff Springs: Such a stunning building – it actually looks just like a giant castle. You can wander in and peruse the art galleries and gift shops (we bought Kona the cutest little Fairmont branded bandana) and admire the view from the back terrace. Or you can book a paid experience – think afternoon tea in the Rundle Bar, cocktail making classes, and even a soak in the whirlpool at the spa. There’s a reason Fairmont Banff Springs is so iconic to the area.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: This (stunning!) hotel is completely surrounded by nature! There’s views upon views of (frozen!) Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier. Absolutely breathtaking, especially from the warmth of the Lakeview Lounge, haha. It honestly feels like waking up in a fairytale, albeit a chilly one! Like at the Fairmont Banff Springs, there’s also afternoon tea, a gorgeous spa, and tons of gift shops.

See Peyto Lake in the snow

Heard about the lake on the Icefields Parkway (the famous road that connects Banff and Jasper) that looks like a wolf?! That’s Peyto Lake! And by visiting in November, there’s a really good chance you’ll be the only one at the lookout spot, haha! By comparison, it’s jam-packed in summer.

To get to Peyto Lake (any time of year), you’ll wanna navigate to “Bow Summit”, found a bit after Bow Lake. In winter (including November), only the lower parking area will be plowed, so plan to park in that one and then make the short hike up. The trail will probably be covered in snow (Bow Summit is the highest spot on the Icefields Parkway afterall, meaning more snow and freezing temps), so mind your bearings and don’t get lost! 

Psst – do not attempt to walk down to the lake; there’s always the risk of an avalanche in winter. Ack!

We were honestly too lazy to drive here (plus the roads were a bit slippery due to recent snowfall), but I’ve seen photos, and WOW! Just wow! Still on my Banff winter bucket list!

Emerald Lake Lodge Reflections

Every time I visit Banff, I make it a point to visit Emerald Lake, another glacier-fed lake nearby in Yoho National Park in BC. So of course, visiting Banff in November was no different!

I swear, as soon as we walked a few feet from the (empty) parking lot, our minds were blown. It totally felt like a postcard come to life – a true winter wonderland! And totally different than in summer. Even my husband was absolutely amazed, and he’s hard to impress! 

Whether it’s the impressive snow-capped peaks, reflection of Emerald Lake Lodge into the still waters, or the snowy trees, it made for such a spectacular sight.

Come mid-December, this place is swarming with photographers at sunrise and sunset. In November, we had sunset all to ourselves (with one other sweet couple we met at the lake).

You can even spend the night at a cabin at Emerald Lake Lodge like we did – such a magical experience with views all around, especially in the snow. We loved cozying up by the fireplace, sipping our tea, and admiring the white glittery landscapes.

Visit the Mountain Town of Canmore

Canmore is a small Canadian mountain town located about 20 minutes southeast of Banff. We actually visited on our way to Lake Louise, as it’s between Calgary and Banff. The town’s known for its craggy summits (like the famous Three Sisters) and Ha Ling Peak. We loved wandering around for a bit, and were amazed how gorgeous the homes were over here (especially in the snow – oh so peaceful!).

There’s a bunch of great restaurants and cafes in Canmore, and we loved Rocky Mountain Bagel Company and Communitea Cafe! I’ve also heard great things about Mumbai Local Modern Indian Cuisine, Canmore Brewing Company, and Le fournil Bakery. 

Skiing and Snowboarding

If you’re visiting Banff in mid-late November, ski season may very well be in full force!!! Exact opening dates vary every year and highly depend on the season, but fingers crossed for some early-skiing fun! It’ll likely be pretty peaceful on the slopes, as the summer tourists are way gone by now, and those visiting for the holidays have yet to arrive! 

The perfect time for that Canadian Rockies powder, especially if you wanna go shredding before everyone else.

There’s 3 main ski resorts in Banff, dubbed the SkiBig3, including Banff Sunshine Village, The Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt Norquay. And don’t worry – there’s a run for everyone: super-wide groomers, steep and deep chutes, and even black diamond mogul thrillers.

Psst – if you’re visiting Banff primarily to hit up the slopes, I recommend coming a bit later in winter when the snowpack is more established. You don’t wanna get there and all the mountains are still closed! Womp, womp.

So, whaddya think?! Does visiting Banff in November sound like the winter wonderland of your dreams?

The post Mountain Town Magic of Banff in November: Should You Visit? (Hint: YES!) appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

Another year has flown by! And boy did I pack this one in with tons and tons of travel (I traveled for roughly ⅓ of the year). No wonder why I’m so utterly exhausted! After 2 years of the world feeling mostly off-limits and difficult to access, I took advantage of this new found freedom. 

I finally visited a new country (Colombia!), a few old favorites (Portugal!, Italy!), and got in my groove of solo travel again. I visited my parents in their new home in North Carolina, watched my sister get married in NY, and spent a few weeks in Europe with my husband on his sabbatical. Fewer canceled trips, actual hugs with my friends and family, and tons more time living life sans mask. 

Looking back, it was a great year, and I’m so grateful for all the experiences 2022 brought me.

This is my TENTH year in review post on this blog, and it’s wild to me that I’ve been documenting my life and travels online for that long. I LOVE looking back at my life so these very personal and reflective posts are so special to my heart. 

→ Interested in seeing what I got up to in years past? Here are all my year in review posts: 2013 / 2014 / 2015 / 2016 / 2017 / 2018 / 2019 / 2020 / 2021

2022 by the Numbers

• Countries Traveled To: 8 (USA, Mexico x2, Colombia, Italy, France, Netherlands, Portugal, Canada)
• States Visited: 7 (California, Arizona, New York, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Nevada x2)
• Days On The Road: 124
• Days Traveling Solo: 29
• Beds Slept In: too many to count, haha
• Flights Taken: 38 
• Books Read: 39
• Duolingo Streak: 226 days

After taking a huge hit financially from my blog the last few years (travel was at a halt because of Covid), income levels are finally rising again and 2022 was my most profitable year yet! Pretty damn proud of myself for not giving up and never losing hope despite all the struggles in 2020 and 2021. A Passion and A Passport is my side-hustle baby, and there’s no way I’d give it up even after a few stressful years. 

Let’s go — my 2022 year in review, coming right up!

January

We spent New Years Day at our favorite place in our area – Pacifica! I love to start off the year on a high note, so we took Kona on a short hike in the sunshine (boy do I love living in CA) and got in our steps.

The new year started off kinda rocky – I got a false positive Covid test so had to quarantine at home for 5 days. Not the worst thing in the world since I got to work from home for a week, but definitely unexpected (I had zero symptoms) and kinda stressful. 

It wasn’t all bad – I did a bunch of puzzles, perfected a Levain cookie recipe (OMG super droolworthy), and spent tons of time cuddling Kona, the perfect WFH companion.

ARIZONA 

As soon as my quarantine requirements were up, we flew to Phoenix for a long weekend. Why?! For Noah to run his second marathon in just two months, and guess what – he PR’ed – again! Always so motivated by his determination (although nothing will ever get me to want to run for enjoyment…). 

We also met up with a few cousins of mine who I hadn’t seen in forever, thoroughly explored the ASU campus (I swear, we walked around it tons), loved Papago Park and hiked to “the hole in the rock”, explored downtown Tempe and Old Town Scottsdale, and saw a whole bunch of fun murals!

It was a short weekend, but definitely nice to be in hot and sunny weather in January!

That very same weekend, my sister, Ali, and her bf Kevin got engaged in North Carolina! So special and exciting for them! So thrilled my sister found her person.

MEXICO CITY 

I make it my business to travel on my birthday every year, so when we found a great deal on flights, I knew we’d be heading back to CDMX for my 35th birthday! We loved this city last time we visited (back in 2018), so couldn’t wait to return (and of course eat all the things, because that’s what you do in Mexico City, haha). And that we did – we ate at 3 of the best restaurants in the city: Quintonil, Pujol, and our new favorite Sud 777.

Besides all the eating, we also went on a few Luis Barragán architecture tours — I was blown away; the houses he designed are absolutely spectacular and oh so unique and mesmerizing. Tons of color and impressive architectural elements.

We revisited a few CDMX favorites, like Casa Azul, Parque Espana, and churros at El Moro, and checked out a few new-to-us spots, like the stunning Palacio Postal, the super instagrammable Casa Olympia for drinks, and wandering the leafy streets of San Angel. 

But my favorite thing we did all week? Waking up before dawn to float above the pyramids in a hot air balloon at sunrise on my birthday! We lucked out with the most perfect weather and saw Teotithuacan from above – such a magical morning and a birthday experience I’ll remember forever. 

Plus, we somehow got upgraded to first class on the way back home to San Francisco! No complaints there!

February

HOME

We had a few weeks of GLORIOUS 70 degree weather, so I tried to really soak it all up! Still completely in awe of where I live, and feel so, so, grateful for year-round sun and beach time. 

We went hiking at Devil’s Slide (one of my favorite easy trails in Pacifica), walked atop the cliffs at Point Pillar Bluffs in Half Moon Bay, saw a spectacular sunset at Fort Funston (along with dozens of cute pups), and even went tide pooling at Mavericks! Still cannot believe just how many tiny hermit crabs, sea anemone, and starfish I found! So fun!

I also spent an afternoon hiking above Gray Whale Cove and then frolicking on the beach afterwards. We got soaked in the waves but it was so worth it. Totally felt like a little kid — I was so giddy! Find all my favorite hikes in Half Moon Bay here!

NEW YORK

Next up – a long weekend of celebrations in NY! My sister’s engagement, brother-in-law’s birthday, their dating anniversary, and my birthday!

The weekend was filled with lots of movie nights and singalongs cuddling in the snuggle room, and spending a day out east in Greenport, listening to live music and watching dancing dogs at a brewery, sipping some sparkling rose at a gorgeous winery, and eating the smallest lobster roll known to man (true story, haha).

I got to see a lot of family/friends including my hysterical 97-year old grandma – love that little lady so much! Later on in the month Ali asked me to be her maid of honor (of course I said yes!).

The rest of February was a blur as we were navigating through some family things and trying to help as much as we could. <3

March

HOME

We saw Harry Potter on Broadway (which was great but unfortunately way too long), and visited my SIL and niece/nephew in Nevada City for a weekend (got to spend time with my in-laws too).

The horrific war between Ukraine and Russia caused gas prices to rise to over $6(!!!) in parts of the Bay – definitely not a good time for a long road trip!

MONTEREY AND CARMEL 

We snuck in a little beachy weekend trip to Monterey and Carmel, which we always forget is only 1 ½ hours south of us! We did a short coastal walk to Calla Lily Valley (something that’s been on my California bucket list for years), watched Kona play in the sand at Garrapata Beach, I hiked around Point Lobos and saw the most stunning turquoise waters and even a few cute harbor seals, walked around the storybook village of Carmel-By-The-Sea (my favorite!), and enjoyed a few pastries from the best cafes. 

I also randomly discovered the super-decked out Butterfly House (whoa!), and we took a super-long walk in Pacific Grove on the waterfront. To say we love this little area is a huge understatement… OH! We also had such a fun night at the coastal-chic Inn at Spanish Bay (along the 17 Mile Drive), watching the sunset while listening to the bagpiper and sipping drinks!

We absolutely love this area and I can see us making plenty of day trips here as the year continues (especially to see the pink ice plants bloom in summer!)

COLOMBIA  

And then we were off to Colombia – our first big adventure of 2022 and first new country in almost 3 years!

Besides spending SO much time in airports (our flight from Medellin to Cartagena was delayed 25 hours, yes TWENTY FIVE hours, and then we spent a 7-hour layover at the airport in Panama), we thoroughly enjoyed Colombia. Such a diverse and misunderstood country.

Medellin 

First stop in Colombia – Medellin! We checked out so many hip coffee bars while wandering around the trendy neighborhood of El Poblado, tried a crazy amount of exotic fruits on a market tour (ohhh we both loved lulos and granadillas and uchuvas), and had delicious rooftop cocktails complete with views of the whole city. 

Learning about the history and transformation of the Comuna 13 neighborhood was super powerful, and I’m glad we got to dive deep into the complex history. Of course we used the iconic escalators of the neighborhood, checked out the trippy Casa Neon, and took photos with all the fun murals in the area.

Guatape 

Ohhh – I loved this colorful little town so much! It kinda reminded me a tad of Guanajuato and Bacalar mixed into one (ok fine, just a little bit…). Guatape’s got its own unique charm, and we spent our two days there taking long walks along the lake and wandering the town so many times (finding new houses to photograph every few steps)! 

We trekked up the Guatape Rock (El Penol) for insane views of the lakes, and then got stuck in a wild Colombian thunderstorm on the way down! The steps were completely flooded and of course we got soaked… when in Colombia! Finding the empanada lady everyone raves about was another highlight (yes, more food!).

Cartagena 

Our last few days of our Colombia itinerary were spent in Cartagena – a port city I’d recently heard so much about. I don’t think we were prepared for the intense heat and humidity, and we ended up utterly exhausted from dripping all weekend but we loved the colonial city of Cartagena. 

So much charm on the cobblestone streets, and you betcha I took loads of photos of the colorful houses and doors draped with the prettiest pink bougainvillea.

We spent a morning at the fort, checked out the street art in Getsemani, sipped rooftop cocktails at sunset, relaxed at our gorgeous hotel pools, walked the city walls, and overall reveled in laid-back Caribbean life. I would totally come back here for a week or so. 

Cartagena surprised me with its foodie scene – we had a few too many latte frios, limonada de cocos, and pisco sours, indulged in cheesy street arepas and pandebonos, ate way too much exotic fruit, and had our best two meals of the trip at Carmen Cartagena and Alma (in the stunning Casa San Agustin). I even wrote an entire post on my favorite restaurants in Cartagena!

April

Once we got back from our whirlwind of a trip to Colombia, we had a few relaxing weekends full of Indian buffets, rotating sushi meals, and playing mini golf at Urban Putt (never heard of it? Be sure to check out my post on hidden gems in San Francisco).

We spent a lot of April planning our big summer Europe trip, with me constantly changing destinations and finally making a decision on where we’d go (spoiler — we spent the summer basking in the sun in Italy and the French Riviera with a mini side trip to Amsterdam).

NASHVILLE 

After canceling our trip to Nashville last September (Covid cases were spiking like crazy), I was so excited to finally make it to Tennessee – a brand new state for me! 

We went to Nashville for Noah to run the half marathon, and surprise, surprise, he PRed again – 1:55! 

Went to allll the murals so I could create my Nashville photo spots post (my fav were the candy hearts), stayed at the most instagrammable hotel in all of Nashville — the Graduate, decorated with all things Dolly Parton, and of course ate a whole lot of hot chicken, biscuits, grits, and even hush puppies (with the best meal of our trip at Husk; run, don’t walk).

Our Nashville itinerary included checking out the Country Music Hall of Fame (fun to learn about the evolution of country music), exploring a bunch of trendy neighborhoods, and listening to lots of live music at Tootsies and other spots on South Broadway.

One main highlight – seeing a few friends we hadn’t seen since before the pandemic (heyaaa Jay and Carol)! Plus, back at home, Kona went SWIMMING (those videos our friend sent us were a true 2022 highlight for us!).

May

May ended up being a semi-quiet month for us. We drove up to Nevada City again and spent the weekend with my favorite niece and nephew, baking, playing at the park, and hanging out. 

LAS VEGAS for Lovers and Friends Fest 

After falling in love with Usher’s residency back in August 2021, we somehow scored tickets to the highly anticipated Lovers and Friends Fest. Which meant, back to Vegas we went for our very first festival! The entire show was a total 90s throwback, and I loved every second of it (besides almost passing out from the intense heat and lack of available water…). 

There was a surprise guest appearance by Snoop Dog, and great performances by tons of my favorite artists (including Neyo, TLC, Frankie J, Juvenile, Mario, 112, Pretty Ricky, The Dream, etc). Ohhhh my high school years… 

But the end was a completely different story – there was a wild and super scary stampede (talks of a gunshot). I literally almost got trampled. Thank god Noah picked me up and we ran for our lives, then walked a few miles down Las Vegas Boulevard back to our hotel. Meaning we never got to see Usher after all , but we were too hyped on adrenaline and nerves to fully process the events at the time. A truly horrifying moment.

Besides the festival, we splashed around at our first ever Vegas pool party! So much fun in the cabana with a semi-private pool for Em’s 40th! We also had fresh pasta in Eataly, a delicious dinner at Best Friend, and drinks at Chandelier Bar (like always, haha). 

Other foodie stand outs were the insane cake shake, spiked dole whip at the Cosmo pool, Secret Pizza, and Eggslut (we can’t NOT go). Thankfully we burned off some of our indulgences by walking/dancing over 25 miles over the course of the 2 days (that’s ~62k steps in 2 days!).

COVID 

Covid finally caught up to us in May, after TWO years of avoiding it! Noah tested positive and felt like shit, most likely getting it from either the festival or wild pool party in Vegas. Could’ve predicted that! I somehow didn’t get it from him…!

Unfortunately we had to cancel a whole bunch of fun weekend plans, including a dinner experience we had booked FOUR months earlier. Ugh, go away Covid! I made pierogi that weekend (which took freaking 6 hours), watched a whole bunch of trashy TV, and got to work on a few blog posts. He thankfully started feeling better a few days later and tested negative (!!!) shortly after. 

And then Monkeypox became a thing and we had our first case in California — WTF. And the school shooting in Texas. And the baby formula shortage. Ugh!

SONOMA 

We finished up the month with a little day trip up north to Sonoma, and I totally forgot how much I love it up here! Pretending we were in Tuscany for the day, sipping our wines looking out at the views was the perfect way to welcome summer.

June

HOME

Lots of celebrations at home this month! We started with a delicious steak dinner at Mastro’s in SF for Noah’s birthday and then celebrated our TEN year anniversary with a fancy dinner at RH a week later. 

But the best news?! The requirement for negative Covid tests to return back to the US went away!!! Just in time for our big summer trip. I also hit 5 million impressions on Mediavine, which was such a victory after my traffic took a complete nose dive in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID.

But there was some seriously depressing news as well. The Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade; just proving once again how much our country is moving backwards. What a horrific day for women’s rights. Seriously America, WTF?!

WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA 

As soon as my school year was over, I finally made it to North Carolina where my parents moved last year! We hung out at the pool, walked in the lazy river, explored downtown Wilmington, got famous ice cream at Kilwins, walked along the waterfront, and saw carnivorous plants in the wild (which I found utterly fascinating).

We took day trips to SouthPort (the cutest town where tons of cheesy romances were filmed) and New Bern (home of Pepsi Cola and the Tyron Palace). It was so nice to relax a bit and spend lots of quality time with my parents and see their new home (I freaking love it and am so glad they’re having the best time in retirement). Such a great move for them.

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

I drove down to Charleston for a few days with my parents, a city I’ve been wanting to check out for so long! Before Charleston, we stopped in Myrtle Beach on the way, and checked out the colorful Broadway on the Beach and strolled on the beach boardwalk for a bit. 

It was absolutely sweltering in the South, but worth it for the Charleston charm.

Besides literally dripping in the scorching heat and getting stung by a massive bee, we had a great time. We indulged in shrimp and grits, biscuits, sweet tea, and other Lowcountry favorites. We explored all the typical Charleston favorites, like the Battery at sunset, the Pineapple fountain, Charleston City Market, and walked down King Street and all the pretty little alleyways.

We saw tons of gorgeous homes in the South Broad neighborhood (including of course Rainbow Row and all the pretty doors on Tradd Street). We learned about the enslaved Gullah people at The Boone Plantation, and admired all the Spanish moss on famous oak avenue.  We took a harbor boat tour to escape the heat, and saw Fort Sumter from afar. I wrote an entire post on our weekend in Charleston – it’s such a charming little city and I can’t wait to go back!

It was so sad saying goodbye to my parents — so grateful for the full week of uninterrupted quality time with them! 

VENICE 

Finally, after planning for months and months, we were off on our 3-week European adventure! And our first stop? Venice!

We didn’t particularly fall in love with Venice, but still had a great time (despite Noah’s bag getting lost on the way and ending up in GHANA!). Highlights included indulging in take away boxed pasta, authentic Italian pizza in bed, and creamy gelato overlooking the canals. We wandered around such charming (yet busy) streets and alleyways, walked up the Campanile Tower for amazing views over Venice, and admired all the Italian architecture and views.

But my favorite part of Venice – heading over to Burano for a morning, which I fell head over heels for the second we arrived! It looked like we stepped into a rainbow of color, with every single house painted so bright and cheery! I was in heaven! Touristy but such a locals spot as well. Highly recommend wandering around for a morning/afternoon.

July 

CINQUE TERRE

Next up on our European rendezvous – Cinque Terre! We had the most amazing 3 days in Cinque Terre, watching the sunset all 4 nights and eating as much trofie al pesto as we could get our hands on (plus spritz’s and lemon sodas and local wine and allll the gelatos).

We watched sunset on the rocks with a pizza picnic in Riomaggiore, learned how to make authentic pesto in Manarola, hiked to spectacular viewpoints in Vernazza, wandered tiny Corniglia with focaccia in hand, and spent a day at the beach under iconic umbrellas in Monterosso. Each town was so colorful and similar yet different in their own way.

I saw all 5 towns from the water on a local’s boat (hello Palao!), and swam in the crystal clear Mediterranean water. Times like this I cannot believe life is real. 

I desperately loved these tiny towns on the Italian coastline, and miss our time there so badly! Minus all the hills and stairs — got almost 20k steps every day!

One of the best parts?! Noah got his bag back — after going all the way to Venice and back for the day! Quite the 15 hour journey/adventure, but well worth it! I had myself a solo day!

PROVENCE 

We then made our way over to France, with Noah’s bag in tow (thankfully)! We explored so many charming villages and tiny alleyways, including L’isle-Sur-La-Sorgue, Moustiers, Roussillon, Gordes, Valensole, Fontaine de Vaucluse, Aix-en-Provence, and Saignon. Market days were insane! The countryside wasn’t our favorite, but I think that’s because we’re just coastal people!

Highlights included running through the lavender fields (at both sunrise and sunset) — we were visiting at peak bloom, how could we not?! Bucket list check! 

Renting a paddle boat at Verdon Gorge was another favorite – I swear the scene was straight outta a movie (and the water looked just like Gatorade!). Another bucket list check!

We finally made our way to the coast, spending time in Marseilles and Cassis, including a day out on the water checking out the limestone cliffs of the Calanques, admiring all the fancy yachts, and seeing the riviera from above via insane viewpoints. 

FRENCH RIVIERA 

To say we LOVED our time in the Côte d’Azur is a massive understatement. We split our time in Cannes and Nice, taking lots of day trips from each. Our days were filled with bougie lunches at beach clubs, renting umbrellas for afternoon swims, exploring the old town of Cannes, popping over to Antibes for a solo morning, and spending a day on a private boat ride with friends and getting pizza and mojitos delivered by boat! Such a unique experience.

In Nice, we took the train over to Menton (to eat all the lemon things), Monaco (where we checked out the F1 racetrack and iconic casino), Villefrance-Sur-Mer (my favorite little seaside town to date!), and Villa Ephrussi (with its pink ornate building and gorgeous gardens). We also walked tons along the water, explored the main squares, and got tons and tons of gelato and spritz! The best few days.

AMSTERDAM 

Amsterdam was our last official stop on our European summer! Our original flight from Nice got canceled so we ended up with an extra half day in Amsterdam, which was a nice surprise. 

We spent a full day and a half eating pancakes, takeaway frites, loaded baked potatoes, stroopwafels, cheese samples, famous chocolate cookies (seriously rivaling our favorite in NYC), and an authentic Dutch dinner. We wandered around the picturesque canals and admired all the architecture, relaxed at the Damrak, smelled the tulips at the flower market, and took an impromptu canal ride. 

But my favorite afternoon in Amsterdam? Visiting the Anne Frank House, and stepping foot in the secret annex where the Frank family hid out during the war (honestly one of the most impactful experiences of my life to date). Highly recommend adding a visit to your Amsterdam itinerary, even if you’ve only got a day or so!

LISBON 

After 4 days at home, yes FOUR, (and watching two good friends get married – heya Bella and Grant!), I flew back to Europe to start my 2-week solo trip to Portugal! First stop — Lisbon!

Throughout my few days in Lisbon, I snacked on about a dozen egg tarts at various pastelerias, took photos on the insta-famous pink street, burned off all those pastries walking uphill to all the miradouros, and wandered around the charming neighborhoods of Alfama and Barrio Alto.  

I spent an entire day feeding my gluttonous self — with a trendy breakfast, pasteis de nata baking class, fudgy chocolate cake (the best!), and a food and wine tour! 

I took a day trip to beachy Cascais (with a stop at the LX factory and in Belem beforehand), and fulfilled all my fairytale dreams during a long day trip to Sintra, exploring Peña Palace (twice), Quinta de Regalia, Montserrat Palace, and Sintra Town. Finally get what all the fuss is about!

August

PORTO

It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with Porto. All of 10 minutes to be exact. Didn’t hurt that I was staying in the cutest apartment, and stumbled upon the prettiest viewpoint (hardly mentioned anywhere!) on my first afternoon. I loved the city and its local vibe, maybe even more so than Lisbon, shh!

During my 3 days in Porto, I learned all about Port on a wine and cave tour (tawny was my clear favorite), stumbled upon a whole bunch of viewpoints, watched the sunset every night across the river, checked out as many beautiful blue tiles in Porto as I possibly could, indulged in a famous Porto hot dog and francesinha, wandered the city on a photo walk with a local photographer, and just wandered the tiny streets. 

I also managed to finally make it over to Costa Nova and Aveiro — two spots that have been on my Portugal bucket list for quite some time! I wandered around town, stopping at every single colorful striped house (haha), trying some local treats, and of course taking a boat ride on the famous Aveiro river. So much fun!

ALGARVE

I swear, I had the best few days of my life down by the beaches in southern Portugal. I could not believe all the views — each one more amazing than the last! Easily one of the most scenic landscapes I’ve seen in my life… missing southern Portugal already!

One of my favorite days was hiking along the coast (on the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail), admiring all the wild rock formations from above and ending the day with sunset petiscos overlooking the gorgeous Marinha de Praia.

I spent another day wandering a different section of the coast, checking out all the beaches on the Lagos Peninsula and treating myself to a fancy meal of grilled octopus with a sunset view.

I spent my Algarve mornings on speedboats and catamarans, exploring both Ponta de Piedade and Benagil Cave, hanging at the beaches searching for seashells, and eating as much seafood as I could.

I also loved my afternoon in Albufeira — wandering the picturesque beaches, exploring the whitewashed Old Town, all while taking tons of photos of course. Being by the beach and on Portuguese boats for almost a straight week was so up my alley.

HOME

Back to work it was… summer break was over! I started another school year literally the day after I landed home from Portugal. It was kinda hectic and I was downright exhausted, but I pushed through! 

We then celebrated a few birthdays — had a 30th bday outdoor movie night for a friend which was so fun, and drove over to Nevada City to celebrate my niece turning 6 the day after! We also saw Thomas Rhett in concert, a show that was canceled in (the non-existent) Summer 2020.

September

SANTA BARBARA

We always love heading down the coast, so we decided to spend Labor Day Weekend in Santa Barbara! First, we made a quick pit stop in Solvang, the cutest little Dutch town (although it was way too hot to actually enjoy it).

Once in Santa Barbara, we spent the weekend on busy State Street, indulging in $10 coffee drinks (delish), tiki drinks in the Funk Zone, and so much good food (tried a whole bunch of new-to-us restaurants, like Secret Bao and Flor de Maiz). We walked along the beaches, watched sunsets from the pier, and ate delicious tri-tip sandwiches off the side of the road at Cold Spring Tavern. 

Major highlight of the weekend was spontaneously seeing two of our good friends who we hadn’t seen in almost a year! We love ya Lena and Bassam + co! And staying at the oldest and most beautiful Motel 6 in the country; no joke, it kinda felt like a cute boutique hotel.

Besides the scorching hot weather (it was in the 100s almost the whole time…), we had such a great weekend. As we always do in SB! We even ran into Andy Buckley (from the office!) at the Kimpton!

NEW YORK

Time for some bridal festivities – Ali’s Bridal Shower and Bachelorette Party in NY! After planning for months (and months), we finally got to celebrate my sister for the weekend! And what a huge success it was!

First up — the bachelorette party! We had a delicious boozy brunch with a perfect view of the water, indulging in so much good food and taking tons of fun pics. An afternoon pampering ourselves at Sojo Spa was next (!!!). I couldn’t believe how huge the place was — 4 levels of saunas, hot tubs, foot massages, ice rooms, a freaking sand pit, and even an infinity pool overlooking the Manhattan skyline! 

We stayed in our robes the entire day (what a dream!), sipped on berry smoothies, and hopped around between all the saunas and pools. What a perfect day of relaxation and celebrating my sister with such a great group of girls! I swear, my sister has the bestest of friends.

Next day was the bridal shower — full of fun shower games, a delicious buffet meal, and the most adorable custom sugar cookies around! It was so nice to see tons of family and meet a whole bunch of my sister’s friends! Next stop, the wedding in December!

HOME

While at home, we saw Dave Matthews Band in concert (such a good show), spent a day in Sonoma wine tasting with new friends at MaCrostie Vineyards (oh so gorgeous!), and I got into Mediavine Pro, which means I get to keep more of my ad revenue!

October

Beginning of the month was pretty low-key, which was a-okay by me after such a busy summer and start to fall. I saw Moulin Rouge on Broadway – so fun and one of the best shows I’ve seen so far!

We went all out and attempted to do as many fall things as we could! Went apple picking in Morgan Hill, took fun photos at the pumpkin patches, ate warm apple pie and sipped on fresh cider, spent a day at Great America on the roller coasters (for their festive fall event), and hung out with friends at Oktoberfest!

I also signed up with an online coach/trainer, and am so proud of myself for getting my butt in gear and finally working on my health/nutrition. After gaining a few Covid pounds, I definitely didn’t feel like my best self so decided it was finally time to take action. Almost back to my pre-Covid weight after a few short months → so proud of myself!

Also – Noah accepted and started a new job at an amazing company — such a great opportunity for him and I’m thrilled he’s so ecstatic about it!

LAS VEGAS for USHER! 

After the catastrophe of Lovers and Friends back in May, I knew we needed to go back to Vegas to see Usher again (just like we did last year!). While we both admit his show was infinitely times better the first time around, it’s never not fun seeing Usher in Vegas.

We spent the weekend checking out new fancy cocktail bars, eating at our fave foodie spots (if you haven’t had stone crabs at Joes, go now), and spending time with one of our fave friends we hadn’t seen in a while! We also re-explored a bunch of hotels on the strip we hadn’t been to in forever, and I got some cute pics for my Las Vegas photo spots post! Coming soon!

HOPE VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

Continuing our season of fall fun, we drove over to Hope Valley with hopes of seeing all the fall colors famous in this area! There ended up being a snowstorm a week prior, meaning all the gorgeous aspens at the hotel were gone, but we still had an amazing time staying at the woodsy chic Wylder Hotel. 

We literally stayed in a real-life log cabin, wood-burning fire stove and all (which was an experience in and of itself to light). So chill and relaxing and just so fun hanging in the log cabin with Kona – he did so great and was such a great little adventure buddy!

Although we visited at the very tail end of fall foliage, we managed to find some pretty yellow aspens closer to Tahoe, and went on a bunch of chilly walks by the lake and through the trees. 

November

Again, our November was pretty chill, exploring closer to home and taking some time to relax. One weekend we went down to the redwoods in Los Gatos and checked out all the fall colors, while we ventured over to Santa Cruz another weekend for a gorgeous (yet very windy) coastal hike (which honestly kinda reminded me of the Algarve in Portugal!). We also snuck into SF for a day, and then both got our Covid bi-valent boosters a few days later which we were especially happy about!

BANFF NATIONAL PARK 

After visiting Banff THREE times (even once in winter), it was time to finally show Noah around! And lemme just say — Banff in November was all kinda magical. We walked on a frozen Lake Louise, roasted marshmallows over the fire with views of the mountains, and had high tea with a perfect view of the frozen lake and glacier. A true winter wonderland!

It was so fun finally staying at all the hotels I’ve gawked at for years (Fairmont Lake Louise, Fairmont Banff Springs, and Emerald Lake Lodge). We watched a gorgeous sunset with the mountain peaks reflecting in the one wet spot of Emerald Lake → one of our favorite experiences of the trip. 

We took the gondola up for spectacular views of all the mountain peaks, and had a delicious lunch at Sky Bistro. On our last day we checked out the Banff Christmas markets, hung out at the outdoor hot tub, and of course indulged in a beavertail, 3-course fondue dinner, and lots of hot chocolate/hot cider!

We relaxed SO much, which is not like us at all. We spent time reading by the fire in our cabin, eating dessert in bed, sipping Christmas blend tea, and eating our tiny finger sandwiches while watching the fluffiest snow fall with views of the mountains. So peaceful and relaxing.  

To say we lucked out with the weather is a massive understatement — lots of blue skies and then fresh SNOW (and thankfully made it safely out of a wild snowstorm back to Calgary). Such a great winter trip, and I hope we can revisit sometime in the future together.

December

Before an exceptionally busy December, we saw Adam Sandler live at the CHASE Center in SF and it was one of the most hilarious shows we’ve ever seen. Always forget how much I enjoy seeing my favorite people on stage! 

ALI AND KEVIN’S WEDDING WEEKEND!

We headed back to NY for an extended long weekend – this time for my sister’s wedding! I swear, she was the most stunning bride.

The bridal party started getting ready at 5am in the bridal suite, and despite the early wake up call, we all had a blast getting our hair and makeup done and busting out in random dance parties. We’ve got the photos to prove it!

Ali and Kevin planned such a gorgeous wedding, complete with fried Oreos, a mini Hank statue on the wedding cake, and the sweetest, most heartwarming ceremony. And thankfully, despite all my nerves, I totally crushed my maid of honor speech!

Overall, such an amazing weekend spending so much quality time with my family (immediate and extended) at both the wedding and before/after. <3 And plus, we got upgraded to DeltaOne on our flight home which was a nice surprise after a weekend of non stop partying!

MEXICO

Just 4 days after getting home from NY, I was off to Mexico for winter break! Like most solo trips these days, it always takes a lot of effort and motivation for me to get on that plane. But once I get there and get back into my groove, I end up having the best time. That’s EXACTLY what happened with Mexico.

I fell in love with the Yucatan Peninsula, and I ended up staying for a full 2 weeks instead of only 1, haha! I packed in a whole bunch of epic spots, including Merida, Valladolid, Chichen Itza, Izamal, Rio Lagartos, Bacalar, and Tulum! Busy but somehow kinda relaxing too!

Merida 

Merida was my first stop on my solo trip around the Yucatan Peninsula. And I loved it – spent my days wandering the colorful streets around Plaza Grande and the chic Paseo Montejo, tried my first (but not last) marquesita, and stayed at an all-pink hotel (and obviously took way too many photos of it).

I indulged in authentic market foods (like cochinita pibil salbutes and carnita tacos) from stands I would have never found myself on a Mérida local food tour (plus agua frescas, sweet corn helado, and so much al pastor). 

Joining a cenote tour last minute was one of the most magical mornings of my life. Floating in the middle of the turquoise Cenote, looking up at the sky, with only the other 2 people on my tour plus our guide, is something I’ll never forget. Most cenotes are crazy crowded, so when it was just us, that made the experience all that more special. Plus the lunch we shared in a local Mayan’s house alongside her family was spectacular, and I can easily say her salbutes were the best I had all trip. 

Valladolid 

After a low-key few days in Merida, I headed over to Valladolid where I did oh so much! I learned all about the Mayans at both Chichen Itza and Ek Balam (both super impressive and wildly different experiences), gawked at flamingos and crocodiles during our boat ride on Rio Lagartos, marveled at the all-pink lake at Las Coloradas, cooled off at yet another cenote, and explored the yellow town of Izamal. Despite crazy long days, I met the best people and had the best time. <3

In Valladolid itself, I spent lots of time in the main square, going shopping, people-watching, and loving the churros rellenos. I ended my time in Valladolid with a visit to Instagram-worthy Cenote Suytun, another bucket list check for me! 

Bacalar 

Bacalar is a place I had never even heard of until I was in Valladolid, haha. And my trip down to Bacalar was super spontaneous. My flight home from Cancun was canceled, so instead of dealing with the holiday airline messes, I decided to extend my stay in Mexico for a week (could be way worse, right?).

It was my first time showing up to a place having done very minimal research — which was all kinds of exhilarating, stressful, and fun. I took the long 5-hour bus ride down to Bacalar and met up with a friend I recently met in Valladolid; we had such a great time together and can’t wait to meet up elsewhere in the world in 2023!

Bacalar was hardly touristy and despite some unexpected rain, we loved the tiny town. The main highlights were heading out on a boat to see the 7 colors of the lagoon (ain’t called the Maldives of Mexico for nothing!), floating down Los Rapidos (too much fun), spending an afternoon relaxing at a beach club, and surprisingly having so much good food. Highly recommend heading down to Bacalar if you’re interested in experiencing a lesser-known, yet just as beautiful part of Mexico. 

Tulum 

I ended my extra-long stay in Mexico with a trip to Tulum, a place I’d been wanting to explore for a while despite the wild over-tourism.

I spent my last two days in Mexico exploring Tulum Pueblo, relaxing at the beach with some fish tacos, wandering around the Tulum Ruins, walking up and down the hotel strip, and staring at that turquoise blue sea for far too long on crazy long beach walks.

Despite staying next to a nightclub that blasted music until 4am and dealing with overpriced taxis, it was way better than I expected (although definitely overrated and overpriced). Would I go back? Not anytime soon, but regardless, it was a great end to my unexpected 2 weeks in Mexico!

I got home from Mexico at 9pm on New Year’s Eve… just in time to kiss my husband at midnight! While we didn’t have much time to ring in the new year, we celebrated with some champagne, peanut butter cheesecake, and couch snuggles with Kona. Didn’t wanna miss saying goodbye to 2022 without my little family by my side. <3

Phew – that’s my 2022! Happy New Year, and here’s to a productive, fun-filled 2023!

The post 2022 Year in Review: The Year Life Kinda Got Back to Normal appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

If you’re planning a trip to Banff (and the Canadian Rockies in general), you’re in for a real treat. The whole area is full of jewel-toned glacial lakes, cascading waterfalls, majestic mountainous terrain, and jagged snow-covered peaks. Picture perfect postcard views everywhere you look. 

And there’s wildlife! Think bighorn sheep, moose, elk, mountain goats, and the occasional bear (yes, I just said bear)!

To put things mildly, I’m ridiculously obsessed with the entire area (exhibit A, B, and C). There’s a reason I’ve been back THREE times (twice in summer and once in winter) – AND I’ve got another trip in the works. I can’t seem to stay away!

Visiting Banff soon?! You’ll probably enjoy these other articles about the area:

• An Epic Canadian Rockies Itinerary (including Banff, the Icefields Parkway, and Jasper!)
• The Ultimate Guide to Banff in Winter (just imagine yourself inside a magical mountainous snow globe)
• A Local’s Guide to Calgary (fun things to do, where to stay, how to get around, and more)
• Road Tripping from Vancouver to Banff (all the best stops along the way)

3 Days in Banff Itinerary Logistics

Banff Itinerary At-A-Glance:

• Day 1: Waterfall Hike, Gondola, and Hot Springs
• Day 2: Glacial Lakes Galore
• Day 3: Lake Louise and Canmore

Where is Banff National Park?

First off – Banff National Park is in Canada, our neighbor to the north! So remember – you’ll need your passport.

Banff, Canada’s first and actually most visited National Park (because hello, it’s stunning), is about 120 km west of Calgary in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. 

It’s located on Alberta’s western border with British Columbia. If you’ve never been to Canada before, just know that Banff’s on the left side of the country, although not on the coast.

It’s on the opposite side of the country from Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City, in case you’re thinking of jamming a bunch of Canadian cities together into one trip. 

I’d plan to see Banff, the stunning Icefields Parkway, Jasper, Calgary, and Edmonton together if you’ve got more time and want to explore additional areas in Canada. Leave eastern Canada for another trip – just like the USA, Canada is beyond huge!

How to Get to Banff 

If you’re coming from the US, getting to Banff is quite simple. 

Since there’s no airports in Banff National Park (or its immediate surroundings), you’ll need to fly to Calgary International Airport (airport code YYC). Calgary is kinda the unspoken gateway to the Canadian Rockies, so you’ll find most people who fly here are actually headed to Banff too!

For reference, it’s approximately 3 hours in the air from San Francisco (SFO), where I’m typically departing from, 5 ½ hours from New York City (JFK), and 8 ½ hours from Miami (MIA). Definitely way quicker if you’re coming from the West Coast like we were.

Upon arrival in Calgary, you’ll need to then get yourself to Banff National Park. Sure, it kinda sounds like a hassle, but I PROMISE you the trip is so worth it. And there’s so many options (all described in detail below).

How to Get from Calgary Airport to Downtown Banff

Public Bus and Shuttle Services:

• Banff Airporter: The Banff Airporter provides a shuttle bus service to and from Calgary Airport, Banff, and Canmore. There’s a ton of scheduled times and you’ll get dropped off right at your hotel in Banff! It is kinda pricey though, at over $150 roundtrip. Do note if you’re staying in Canmore there’s only one drop off, at the Coast Hotel.

• Brewster Express: This is a shuttle service that connects Calgary (with pickups in both downtown Calgary and the Calgary International Airport) to a whole slew of places in the Rockies – Kananaskis, Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper. The shuttle runs year round, although check the schedule because it changes based on the season. It’s a little cheaper at around $55 each way; select your bus time and grab your seat from Calgary Airport to Banff here!

• On It Regional Transit: If you’re coming from downtown Calgary, you can use On It Regional Transit, a convenient bus service between downtown Calgary, Canmore, and Banff. Note that they do not have pick ups at the airport at this time, so not beneficial if you’re not exploring Calgary first. Also, the Banff & Canmore 2022 service only operates seasonally, from Spring to early Fall. The bus isn’t as luxurious as the shuttles and there’s not much space for luggage, but it’s only $10!

Driving to Banff

If you’re renting a car in Calgary, of course you can drive to Banff National Park yourself! The drive is pretty easy, the highways are in great shape and well-maintained, and only takes about an hour and a half. I’ve even made the drive myself in snowy winter weather – the roads were clear and we felt safe the entire time.

Within 45 minutes or so, off in the distance, you’ll start to see the jagged peaks of the Canadian Rockies. No words or photos can prepare you for your first views of the mountains. Utterly spectacular!

There are two routes you can take from Calgary to Banff – the most common being a straight shot down the Trans-Canada (Highway 1), taking about 1 ½ hours. 

If you’d prefer a slightly more scenic route, plan to take Highway 1A through Canmore before rejoining Highway 1. It just adds on an extra 15-20 minutes or so. You can even do the scenic route on your way back to Calgary if you’d prefer to get to Banff as soon as possible.

Remember these drive times are without any traffic – there’ll undoubtedly be some in the crowded summer months. Plan accordingly.

Private transfer to Banff

If you’ve got a large family or are traveling with a bunch of friends, it may make sense to book a private transfer from Calgary to Banff. Considering it costs about $150 per person round trip, if you’ve got a large party, it may actually be more cost effective to book your own private shuttle. 

The private transfer is also a good option if you’ve got a super early/late flight and the shuttles aren’t operating at times you need them.

When to Plan Your Banff 3 Day Itinerary

The scenery’s stunning year round, but frigid winter conditions mean some activities will close. As noted above, I’ve visited in both seasons and loved both just as equally (for different reasons of course). 

This Banff itinerary assumes you’re visiting in summer, as that’s when the lakes are glistening and most people come. Visiting between November and March? Be sure to check out my full guide to Banff in the winter!

Summer

While the most crowded (and therefore most expensive), if this is your first time to the area, I highly suggest you plan your Banff itinerary during the pleasant summer months.

Not only will the lakes show off their distinctive gleaming turquoise colors, but you’ll be greeted with very, very long days! The sun doesn’t set until almost 10pm in the peak of summer over here, meaning lots of time for explorations! 

Do note that the weather in Banff is quite temperamental (this is the mountains afterall!), so you’ll want to pack a light jacket for the cool mornings and chilly evenings.

Spring/Fall

The Canadian Rockies see over 4 million visitors a year, and I bet at least 75% visit from June-August. With that being said, a visit in late Spring or the fall may be your best bet if you’re not a fan of the masses. 

Do note that many lakes don’t fully thaw until late June, so expect icy bits in the spring, with possible snowfall as early as late September/October! Bring a bunch of different clothes (the weather is wacky up here), check the weather forecasts before your trip, and you’ll be fine!

Looking to visit when the leaves turn colors? The larches are absolutely stunning in late September – a visit to Banff in fall is so high on my bucket list.

Winter

If you’re planning to visit Banff in the frigid winter months, head on over to THIS POST for lots of pre-planning info. I visited Banff and the surrounding areas in February, and most definitely learned a lot! 

Let’s just say I was way colder than expected, despite packing layers upon layers for the snow and below 0 temps. But frolicking in a permanent snow globe is one of my favorite things, so I can’t be mad about that!

Remember – the lakes will be completely frozen over come mid-November or so. If you’ve got your heart set on those glistening glacial waters, come in summer.

Is 3 Days in Banff Enough?

3 days in Banff will probably satisfy your desire for mountainous landscapes and glacial lakes. BUT you’ll be planning another trip back before you even leave your first! Trust me – I’ve been three times and it’s still not enough.

With three full days in Banff, you can easily see all the area’s highlights. If you’re planning on doing a longer hike or two, plan an extra day or so in the park (or skip a few shorter walks/activities). And remember to bring along some bear spray, sold at numerous shops in town (better to be safe than sorry!).

Do note that I typically don’t include long, strenuous day (or multi-day) hikes into my travel plans. They just aren’t my thing (while I’d love to say I’m an avid hiker, my legs give out after a few miles). If you’re planning to spend a few days hiking and want to see the bulk of activities on this 3 day Banff itinerary as well, I’d add a few extra days to this pre-planned itinerary.

You’ll also be exploring Lake Louise and Yoho National Park in this Banff itinerary – two other spots you definitely don’t wanna miss. You can probably also squeeze in a short visit to Canmore as well during your 3 days in Banff if you plan it right.

How to Get Around During Your 3 Days in Banff

Driving in Banff

While you don’t necessarily need to rent a car, if you wanna check out all the things on this Banff itinerary, you’ll find having a car much easier. Renting a car gives you ultimate flexibility, and you don’t need to rely on the bus. Parking is a challenge in and of itself… but we’ll get to that later.

Plus, if you’re planning to take a longer Canadian Rockies road trip, you’ll undoubtedly need a car. Because, well, it’s a road trip!

The three times I’ve been to Banff we’ve rented a car at the Calgary Airport. Renting a car in Calgary is pretty straight forward, as there are numerous car rental agencies both at the airport and right outside. We typically book here and find great deals → for this particular trip to Banff, we saved over $100! 

For the lowest price, make sure to only input the times you actually need the car, and consider renting from a company not within the airport itself (we took a free shuttle to an outside company to get our car).

A few things to know about driving:

Many (if not all) car rental agencies in Calgary will ask for proof of insurance upon pick up. Be prepared to show your own, or pay up at the counter for over priced insurance through the rental company. If you’ve got a travel rewards credit card (like my favorite, the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve), it most likely includes car rental insurance – but of course confirm beforehand.

Parking absolutely sucks. This is the biggest negative to driving yourself – you’ll need to find a place to park your car. And in a wildly popular destination like Banff? Way easier said than done. 

As noted above, parking at the most popular spots (like Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon) will be crazy difficult. Parking even got so insane at Moraine Lake that Parks Canada decided to stop letting people drive there themselves!

Even if you have a car, you may want to use the bus or shuttle service at times. Ask your hotel and they’ll be able to help you out with public transit!

Public Transit:

Within Banff Town and nearby: No car? No problem. There’s plenty of hotels right in downtown Banff, and you can get almost anywhere in town with Roam Transit, the local bus system. The bus also goes to popular destinations like Banff Upper Hot Springs (Route 1), the Banff Gondola (Route 1), Bow Falls (Route 2), Cave & Basin (Route 4), Johnson Lake and Lake Minnewanka (Route 6).

Lake Louise: I recommend taking the shuttle to Lake Louise, especially if you’re visiting in the (exceptionally) crowded summer months. And yes, this means you won’t have to deal with parking, which is an absolute nightmare… just trust me on that. Get way more info about driving/parking at Lake Louise and the Lake Louise shuttle service here. 

To Moraine Lake: Oh, how things have changed. You used to be able to drive yourself to Moraine Lake, but Parks Canada closed the Moraine Lake Road to personal vehicles in 2022 (and yes, no matter how early you get there). It’s kinda a bummer, but this means its not absolutely imperative to get to the parking lot at 3:30am like in the past!

With no access to private vehicles, you’ll need to find another way there.

• From the town of Banff: take the Moraine Louise Express (Roam Route 10) for $10
• From Lake Louise: take the Parks Canada Shuttle (direct from the Park and Ride at the Lake Louise Ski Resort) for $8

Or make things easier and book this double-decker shuttle – it takes you to both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake!

Small-Group Bus Tour

I’m not always a fan of those pre-packaged bus tours, but sometimes they really come in handy. And Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are two of those places. 

You’ll be able to visit both stunning lakes, and not have to worry about parking (or waking up at the crack of dawn) at either! Remember – parking’s a nightmare at both, so having someone else do the driving/parking sounds really appealing. The bus is even allowed in when the road is closed to cars!

And this tour is actually a small-group tour, so you won’t be with dozens and dozens of others in the bus. If this sightseeing tour to both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake was offered when I visited, I would have 100% signed up. I literally can’t think of any cons!

Read reviews and sign up here! If you book one activity in Banff, I’d make it this one.

Where to Stay in Banff

There’s actually 3 possible areas to stay when visiting Banff National Park, depending on where you wanna base yourself: 

1. Downtown Banff
2. Lake Louise
3. Canmore

All areas have their positives and negatives, and you can’t go wrong with any.

No matter where you choose to stay, plan to book in advance. If you’re traveling during the popular summer months of June – September, you’ll NEED to book accommodation at least 2-3 months out. You may have some luck with last-minute bookings in May or October, but don’t count on it. 

Downtown Banff

The town of Banff is a super central and super lively location, with lots of bars and restaurants in the cutest little downtown area. It’s even walking distance to a whole bunch of walking trails, Banff Avenue (the main street), and some fun microbreweries and distilleries. 

There’s a whole bunch of accommodation options in the town of Banff itself, ranging from simple shared hostel rooms to an opulent and luxurious castle. Yes, an actual castle. Plan to book in advance regardless of where you wanna stay – the hotels in downtown Banff get sold out months in advance. 

A few I recommend:

Moose Hotel & Suites: One of the best value hotels in downtown Banff, although with the two rooftop hot tubs, an indoor pool, and a spa, it feels a tad more luxurious. And it’s located right on Banff Avenue, meaning you can walk to all the bars and restaurants! The rooms are pretty basic, but the location and extra amenities can’t be beat!

The Rundlestone Lodge: With views of the Canadian Rockies and less than a 15 minute walk from downtown Banff, Rundlestone’s not a bad option! There’s even an indoor pool, perfect in the winter when it’s all snowy and chilly.

Fairmont Banff Springs: This wouldn’t be a complete Banff itinerary without at least mentioning the Fairmont Banff Springs. I mean, it’s a castle, y’all! What’s not to love?! A luxury mountain resort right in the middle of town? Sign me up! 

And plus, there’s a championship golf course during the summer and unparalleled skiing in the winter! I promise you I’m staying here next time I visit Banff. 

Yes, it’s beyond pricey, but if you can score a deal, it’s the ultimate splurge for a special occasion! 

During my winter visit to Banff I had the pleasure of taking a dip at the Willow Stream Spa (located within the hotel), and if that’s any indication of the level of class of the hotel, you know I’m there. Definitely worth the splurge for a night or two!

Samesun Backpackers Banff: There’s no way around it – accommodation in Banff is expensive. One way to combat the crazy price tags is by staying in a hostel with other visitors. If you’re looking for cheapie-won’t-break-the-bank accommodation options, Samesun is it.  I’ve stayed here twice so far, and have to say, it’s not terrible at all. The hostel is located a few minutes from the center of town, with a fun bar environment, daily local activities, and helpful staff.

Find more hotel options in Banff here.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise is easily the crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies. It’s absolutely breathtaking, and once there, you’ll probably never wanna leave. 

BUT it gets crowded, like insanely crowded. By staying at Lake Louise you’ll be able to get to the lake early in the morning before the buses start arriving and the entire place turns to total chaos. And who doesn’t like to wake up with the Lake at their doorstep?

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: There’s a reason this hotel is on everyone’s bucket list. It’s located directly on the lake and most of the hotel rooms feature absolutely stunning views of either the mountains or lake below. 

Imagine waking up and seeing that glistening turquoise water before you even brush your teeth. That’s my kinda luxury. Even if you’re not staying here, I urge you to wander around and have a meal or two.

Canmore

Canmore’s another mountain town (actually a small former coal mining town), about 20 minutes southeast of Banff. Many people prefer to stay in Canmore – it’s less expensive than staying in Banff itself, and the town has a more local vibe. 

Note while it’s not terribly far from the attractions in Banff, staying in Canmore means you’re farther from Lake Louise and the glacial lakes up north. You’ll pass Canmore on your way to Banff from Calgary, so you can always swing by for a walk/meal on your way to/from the airport if you don’t wanna stay here! 

A few recommended hotels:

• Lamphouse Hotel (a rustic, country lodge that’s also super stylish)
• Canmore Downtown Hostel (no frills, and best budget accommodation in Canmore)
• The Malcolm Hotel (luxury with an outdoor swimming pool, hot tubs and BBQ facilities)

Calgary

Have an early morning flight out of Calgary after your 3 days in Banff? You may wanna stay at an airport hotel in Calgary. We’ve stayed at Hyatt Place Calgary Airport – it was your typical Hyatt – very clean, staff very friendly, and a free breakfast buffet, all at an affordable rate. Would recommend if your travel plans see a relatively early flight like ours did! 

We Ubered into town the night before and I don’t remember it costing too much. Find more hotel options in Calgary here.

If you have longer than 3 days in Banff, I recommend splitting your time staying between Banff and Lake Louise. Early mornings are oh so peaceful at the lake, especially if you’re visiting in shoulder season.

Other Important FAQs To Plan Your 3 Days in Banff

Banff is a National Park. I don’t think everyone realizes that! Meaning you’ll need to purchase a National Parks pass in order to visit (and no, your America the Beautiful Pass will not get you into parks in Canada, sorry!).

The cost of entry into the National Parks (Banff, Jasper, Yoho) is determined by how many days you’ll be in the parks, as well as how many people are in the car. For example, the cost of a day pass is $10.50CAD, meaning if you’re in the parks for 4 days, it’ll be $42CAD per person. 

However, if you’ve got more than 2 people in your vehicle, there are savings to be made (a pass for 2 people vs 4 people is the same price – $84CAD). So gather up all your travel besties!

Depending on how long you’re visiting the parks for, how many people you’re traveling with, and if you’re pretty sure you’ll be returning within the year, it may make sense to purchase an annual Discovery Pass for $145CAD. This website will recommend the best value option for your group. 

In addition, be sure to purchase passes ahead of time so you don’t waste precious minutes waiting for them upon arrival, as the lines can get mighty long (especially in the popular summer months).

There will be animals – keep them wild. With that being said, never do anything that may harm yourself or the animals. This includes petting/feeding/chasing/touching any animal. If you see an animal, stay in your car. Hiking? Carry bear spray with you. More info below.

Be prepared for all kinds of weather – no matter the season. Banff lies in the Canadian Rockies, and has typical mountain weather (like Denver, Colorado and Jackson Hole, Wyoming in the states). Snow can fall as early as September (yes, it’s happened!), while intense thunderstorms are not uncommon in summer.

Be aware of gas stations and your gas meter. Although there are plenty of gas stations in Calgary, there’s not as many along the road once you leave the city. There are a few in Banff and just one in Lake Louise. If you’re headed up the Icefields Parkway, there’s one at the Saskatchewan Crossing (avoid using this as it’s crazy expensive), and then a few up in Jasper. 

To be on the safe side, I’d always make sure you’ve got at least a ¼ of a tank — especially if you’re visiting in winter. 

Parking sucks. We already went over that – but I want to make sure you really understand just how bad it can get.  Parking’s an absolute nightmare, especially in summer. You gotta get to places early in order to grab a coveted parking spot. Plan to start your day on the earlier side to see the most popular places (Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Johnston Canyon), then relax later on in the day.

An important note on wildlife

You’re in the wilderness out here → expect to see some wildlife. Always carry bear spray with you and always go hiking in groups (at least 2 people). Always be alert for wildlife, as they may surprise you, especially while hiking (always stay on the trails) and even while driving around the parks. 

Be sure to educate yourself before you run into wildlife, and always keep a safe distance. NEVER attempt to pet/feed/chase/touch any animal, no matter how harmless or cute or docile they may look. And never step out of your car when bears are present, promise me that. Photos are great – but never at the expense of your life.

Remember, bears are living creatures, and can/will attack when threatened. Keep your distance and if you feel the need for better photos, bring along a zoom lens and crack open the window (when safe).

On my few visits to the Canadian Rockies, I’ve seen bighorn sheep, a bunch of black bears, elk, and even a few grizzlys. With just a few days in the area, you’re bound to see some wildlife. Be on the lookout and stay safe. And don’t go out of your vehicle when bears are present – just don’t do it! I can’t stress that last point enough!

There’s typically more wildlife on the Icefields Parkway and up north in Jasper National Park, but you always wanna be prepared no matter where you are. If you’re doing any hiking, carry some bear spray with you (sold at all shops in Downtown Banff, although they do seem to run out…).

If you’re really interested in seeing some bears (in the wild) and wanna learn about the different animals in the area, I highly recommend booking an evening wildlife safari! The guides know the best spots to look for wildlife!

Finally, what you came here for – the perfect 3 days in Banff itinerary!

Psst: This Banff itinerary assumes you have 3 full days in the area. Meaning you got here the night before and can start your first full day in the morning. You can probably squeeze everything in on Day 1 if you arrive in the AM, but depending on your travel style, you may feel kinda rushed.

This is technically a summer Banff itinerary, as the lakes will be frozen come November/December. Visiting in the winter? There’s tons to do here – and sipping hot chocolate by the fire with a view of the snowy mountains is oh so magical. Check out my full Banff winter guide – full of everything you need to know, plus all my favorite winter activities.

Rocky mountain peaks, a picturesque (albeit crowded) mountain town, glistening glacial lakes, and an abundance of wildlife – coming right up! Banff is quite possibly one of my favorite places in the entire world. And I’ve been lucky to visit some pretty epic destinations. Let’s get to it!

Best 3 Days in Banff Itinerary

Day 1: Waterfall Hike, Gondola, and Hot Springs

Stop 1: Johnston Canyon Hike

If rushing waterfalls, limestone cliffs, and turquoise pools get you going, plan a morning at Johnston Canyon. Note that the farther you venture, the more you’ll see. You can hike to the lower falls in 1 easy mile (round trip), upper falls in 3 miles (round trip and a bit more strenuous), and the ink pots in 6.5 miles (plan at least 3 hours for this roundtrip trek).

We managed to trek to the lower and upper falls in roughly 2 hours or so, and most definitely recommend this! The hike to the falls is relatively easy, partially on wooden/steel catwalks and paved roads. In winter, it’s covered in snow and a whole different spectacle. Think ice crystals and frozen waterfalls at every turn; it’s like stepping into Narnia. 

You’ll want to get here early if visiting in summer (yes, we already established it’s busy, busy, busy this time of year), as the parking lot gets filled up quite early, as in we arrived at 9am and it was full. There’s extra parking down the road, don’tchu worry.

In order to get to Johnston Canyon you’ll be taking the Bow Valley Parkway (1A), which is known to be filled with wildlife – be sure to keep a close eye out for any animals on the road! 

Stop 2: Sunshine Village Gondola or Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake

Depending on your preferences, and how long you hiked at Johnston Canyon for, you may even be able to get in both these activities! 

Sunshine Village Gondola: Continue the day at Banff Sunshine Meadows, a ski resort on the outskirts of town, known for its intense ski trails come winter and moderate hikes once ski season is over. This place is pretty jam-packed come winter, but you’ll find it relatively quiet in the hot, summer months.

We took the gondola up, and loved walking throughout the wildflowers. We almost decided to take a short hike to one of the lakes for closer views, but quickly decided against it once we heard there’d been a grizzly sighting near the path just the day before (and we had no bear spray with us!). 

The view from the lookout point was satisfying enough – just check out that photo! And don’t be like us – be sure to bring along some bear spray if you’re planning a hike!

Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake: Our first set of lakes in Banff – I mean, that’s a huge reason you’re coming to this region, right?! And PS – some even prefer these two lakes to Lake Louise (although I’m semi-obsessed with the latter).

The way the mountain reflects in the glacial water is absolutely mesmerizing, and luckily, there’s boats that can take you out on the lake! Be sure to book online in order to bypass the (possibly very-long) cue. It’s a favorite activity during the warm, summer months! 

If you don’t have time for a boat ride, just stroll along the shore (minimal physical effort required). Wanna stretch your legs? There’s a great trail – be sure to watch out for the mountain goats and chipmunks! 

Visiting in the popular summer months? Consider taking the bus straight from Banff Town, as it’s exceptionally easy (and parking can get quite difficult due to crowds). Do note the lake will be frozen over if you’re visiting in the (beyond)-chilly winter months – still beautiful nonetheless.

Stop 3: Banff Town Center and Activities

Banff is the epitome of a true mountain town – with peaks dominating its skyline, chateau-style hotels, lots of souvenir shopping, and tons of wildlife (yes, bear spray is much-needed over in these parts).

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Just walk up and down the side streets – you’ll find BeaverTails (don’t miss this iconic greasy treat), homemade fudge, ice cream, and possibly even a few deer! Just be aware you won’t be the only one going for a stroll – summer sees a swarm of visitors, so be prepared to dodge some crowds along the way. 

Don’t miss out on the poutine, cheese (and chocolate) fondue, and my favorite breakfast/coffee spots – Whitebark Cafe, Wild Flour, and Good Earth Coffeehouse.

Some of the best activities in and around Banff Town:

Bow Falls Viewpoint: This scenic spot is so close to the town of Banff it’d be just plain old silly to skip it (a quick 5 minute drive or a lovely 20 minute walk if the weather’s nice). And get this – the waterfall has even been featured in several 1950’s films; remember Marilyn Monroe in River of No Return (yup, that’s Bow Falls!).

It’s peaceful with sounds of the soothing water (with the roar of the water over the falls as well); a great place to enjoy nature! Yes, most of Banff is just that, as the entire area’s full of scenic beauty. There’s benches and tables around the park, making it the perfect spot for a late afternoon picnic. Visiting in winter? → expect the falls to be frozen (only making them even more spectacular)!

Surprise Corner: You’re driving and driving along Tunnel Mountain Road, and then, BAM! There’s the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (and Sulphur Mountain) in the distance. You’ll only need a few minutes over here to check out the view, but boy, is the short drive worth it. There’s no sign here, so just follow your Google Maps and you’ll see it straight away.

Tunnel Mountain: Lace up your boots, we’re going hiking! No really though, Tunnel Mountain is one of the best day hikes in the Banff area – and you can access it right from downtown Banff! There are a bunch of switchbacks, and you’ll likely be breaking a sweat, but the views from the summit are worth the effort.

Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain: One of the most popular things to do around here is the Banff Gondola, a scenic cableway heading to the summit of Sulphur Mountain to reach its 360 degree rooftop observation deck. 

From up here you’ll get panoramic views of the town of Banff, stunning Bow River, and the surrounding mountains. We were in such awe the entire time; pictures do not do this place justice (take my word for it). 

We found the best views by walking a bit further along the path, on the Banff SkyWalk Vista Trail, where thankfully the crowd dispersed quite a bit. We even saw a few bighorn mountain sheep up here, casually strolling around and posing for photos. 

Do note that it’s kinda expensive to take the Banff Gondola, with prices starting at $55CAD. If you wanna slash the cost of that admission ticket, plan a 2 hour hike up the summit of Sulphur Mountain, and get the same views fo’ free! Make sure you buy tickets well in advance, as they sell out fast in the busy summer months. It’s one of the most desirable Banff activities for a reason – great views and no hiking!

This moderately-strenuous hike (6.8miles of a series of switchbacks) provides stunning views of Bow Valley almost the entire way, but it’s not for the faint of heart. On my first visit to Banff, I hiked up (wanting to save the cash for things like poutine and beaver tails), while I took the gondola the last two times.

Depending on what month you visit, the gondola and parking lot may be exceptionally crowded (especially in prime summer months). We had to park a bit far, but trust me – no matter the season, the gondola is one activity you don’t wanna miss (if you like nice views and all…).

Insider Tip – it gets chilly up here! Expect the temps to drop quite a few degrees once you reach the top of the gondola (yes, in both winter and summer). Had I known that, I may not have worn a dress, as I got goosebumps quite quickly!

Stop 4: Banff Upper Hot Springs 

Finish off your first of 3 days in Banff with a relaxing soak in the hot springs (about 2 minutes away from the Banff gondola). I mean, what could be better than soaking in a warm bath with 63,537 of your closest friends? Nothing, as long as said bath is nestled in the Canadian Rocky Mountains with views of Mt. Rundle across the valley. 

I’ve visited twice (once in winter and the other in the heat of the summer), and have to say that the Upper Hot Springs are even more spectacular when the temps are below zero (and yes, your hair will freeze and turn gray – it happens to everyone, and returns back to its normal state quickly after leaving).

Be prepared to wait in line, as the hot springs are a popular attraction no matter the weather. Bring your own bathing suit if you aren’t keen on donning one of their 1950’s vibes bathing costumes (but do know this is an option if you decide you spontaneously need a dip).

Stop 5: Dinner in Banff Town

There are a ton of restaurants right in downtown Banff on Banff Avenue. Here’s a few I recommend:

• Sky Bistro: Located on the top of Sulphur Mountain, you’ll need to either hike or take the gondola up! But this just means ridiculously amazing views!

• The Bison: Expect a seasonal menu with high-quality farm-to-table food. It’s easily the best spot for brunch in Banff on Sundays.

• Park Distillery: A modern mountain interior serving modern camp food with a twist. Think short ribs, burgers, cornbread, baked beans, and even s’mores! The spirits are even distilled with Rocky Mountain water – so cool!

• The Grizzly House: You come to The Grizzly House for one thing and one thing only – FONDUE! Traditional Swiss cheese fondue, beef and lobster fondue, Toblerone chocolate fondue, and they’ve even got exotic meats if you wanna try some.

And whatever you do, save some room for dessert!  My two top choices:

• BeaverTails: essentially fried dough with a whole lotta sugar (and toppings of your choice), hand pulled to resemble the long, flat tail of a beaver
• Ice cream from COWS: the most famous ice cream in Banff! It’s super creamy; try the Nanaimoo Bar flavor! 

Day 2: Glacial Lakes Galore

Psst – if you don’t wanna wake up at the crack of dawn for sunrise at Moraine Lake, you could easily switch some things around on Day 2 of this Banff itinerary. Just make sure you purchase your shuttle ticket in advance (more info below).

Stop 1: Sunrise at Moraine Lake

Ohhh – Moraine Lake. I get giddy just thinking about those majestic turquoise views and craggy peaks in the distance.

Out of all the glacial lakes in Banff National Park, Moraine Lake is by far the most picturesque (and many even call it more spectacular than Lake Louise, myself included). BUT it’s kinda a b*tch to visit (you heard that right). 

Moraine Lake isn’t a lake you can just decide to visit on a whim – you need to plan in advance. Thankfully, there’s quite a few ways to get there (just be sure to book ASAP if you wanna snag a bus ticket for sunrise).

• Early Bird Bus: There’s another way to visit without the parking nightmare, although it’ll still be a very early morning wake up call. Not many take advantage of this, but there are early bird buses departing from the overflow parking lot of Lake Louise right off the main road. 

These buses will take you directly to Moraine Lake for just $8 (running every half hour from 6 AM to 8 AM starting on June 24; be sure to check the schedule in advance). This way, you don’t need to get there at 4am, and don’t even need to worry about parking in the Moraine Lake lot at all.

• Shuttle Bus from Lake Louise: Not up for that 5am wake-up call? Don’tchu worry – there’s another way! You can plan to take the shuttle bus from Lake Louise (direct from the Park and Ride at the Lake Louise Ski Resort) to Moraine Lake, but be sure to get your ticket in advance. 

• Shuttle Bus from downtown Banff: Walk down Banff Avenue and you’ll undoubtedly run into the bright banners for shuttle tickets to Moraine Lake. They couldn’t make it simpler than that! You’ll take the Moraine Louise Express (Roam Route 10) for $10.

• Small-Group Bus Tour: As mentioned before, there’s a sightseeing bus that’ll take you to both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Since parking’s a nightmare at both, you won’t have to worry about finding a spot when you book this tour. The bus is even allowed in when the road is closed to cars! That’s worth the cost of the tour alone! Read reviews and sign up here.

• Drive: Note that as of 2022, you CANNOT access Moraine Lake in a private vehicle. Yes, this means you CANNOT drive there yourself, no matter how early you get there. The parking lot is closed to all personal cars/vehicles. You’ll need to take a bus — plan this in advance.

Once you arrive at Moraine Lake, plan to climb up the large rock pile, as that’s where the famous lookout spot is located (and where these photos were taken). This view, the lake surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks, is actually one of the most photographed images of nature in the world. The world. Aka don’t snooze your alarm!

The hike only takes a few minutes (15 minutes tops), and despite what others say, the path is pretty well-marked and clear. I climbed up in Converse and was just fine.

You can also rent a kayak over here, but in my honest opinion, the most rewarding views are from up above. From up here, you’ll get to witness the snowy peaks of the mountains mirrored in the still turquoise waters below; it’s an absolutely mesmerizing sight. Promise me you won’t forget your camera.

Stop 2: Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park

Ohhhh, Emerald Lake. Possibly my favorite of all the alpine lakes in all of Canada, even more so than the stunning Lake Louise (bold statement, yes I know). A few hours will be sufficient, but make sure to get an early start to the day to reach the lake before the masses arrive (and they do so in bus loads)! 

Trust me, after seeing the glistening, emerald waters with the greenest pine trees reflecting in the water, you’ll never want to leave. Happened to us! My friends had to literally drag me to the car, that’s how much I loved it.

Be sure to take a walk around the perimeter, as you’ll find yourself away from the crowds with the place almost to yourselves. 

And plus, despite the high price tag, renting a canoe and paddling the lake is high on my bucket list. We hadn’t accounted for the time we’d need to do so, so unfortunately missed out on this (there’s always a next time for us)! 

You can also make a short stop at Takakkaw Falls in Yoho, although we did not have time for this (we spent too much time gawking over the water at Emerald Lake – figures).

A stay at Emerald Lake Lodge, a peaceful resort overlooking the lake, is high on my bucket list.

Stop 3: Peyto Lake (Icefields Parkway)

I’m sure you’ve seen photo after photo of this stunning glacial lake, as Peyto Lake is alllll over social media. You won’t wanna miss this spot, I can promise you that! It’s easily one of the most famous lakes in Banff National Park – and for good reason!

After being closed for over 2 years, and with over $2.9 million CDN invested by the Government of Canada to support infrastructure work at Peyto Lake, it’s finally reopened to the public! This means easier parking, new restrooms, more signs, and a larger viewing platform. 

Peyto Lake is by far one of the best views in all of the Canadian Rockies in my opinion (with the water glistening against snow capped mountains and deep, green trees), and a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. 

And no, it’s not filled with electric blue Gatorade, although it sure looks like it! The distinctive blue color is oh so real, and is due to rock flour particles from nearby glacial melt. Make sure to notice the shape of the lake – it actually looks like a wolf head! And ohhh, it’ll be crowded.

In order to get to Peyto Lake, you’ll need to drive a portion of the Icefields Parkway. AND it’s stunning, with tons of waterfall hikes and so much wildlife. But if you’ve only got 3 days in Banff National Park, save that long drive for another time. Trust me, you’ll be back.

When inputting a location into your GPS, be sure to put in “Bow Summit”, as this is where the Peyto Lake overlook is. Do note you’ll need to take a short, 15 minute uphill hike from the lower parking lot to reach the Peyto Lake viewpoint. 

There is another parking lot (the upper parking lot), but this is reserved for tour buses and those with handicapped stickers, which is about a 2 minute walk to the overlook.

Be extra careful taking pictures here if you venture off the path (do so at your own discretion). I’ve read that there are additional (albeit unmarked) trails leading to a spot slightly lower than Bow Summit, where you can find some peace and quiet and even more stunning views. 

Stop 4: Columbia Icefield Adventure at Athabasca Glacier (Time Permitting)

Ever step foot on a 10,000 year-old sheet of ice before? Well, today’s your chance to get up close and personal with Athabasca Glacier and do just that! Before visiting, I didn’t even realize that this part of Canada had glaciers, whoops – I just expect them to be in places like Alaska, Patagonia in Argentina, and Iceland. The more you know!

In order to get directly on the ice, you’ll need to take a tour organized by the Columbia Icefield Discovery tourist center. On the tour we traveled a few minutes to the Athabasca Glacier via snow-coach (an all-terrain vehicle with tires bigger than me!), drank the pure glacial melt water (bring a water bottle for this), learned all about the history of glaciers in the area, and walked on the crunchy ice. 

Do note that it’s practically freezing on the glacier (yes, even in the middle of summer), so be sure to bundle up! You’ll have roughly 20 minutes on the ice, which doesn’t sound like long, but we froze in a matter of minutes!

Is the Ice Explorer Tour worth it? I say yes, but it is quite expensive (around $90CAD). The only way you’ll really be able to experience the ice is by getting bussed directly onto the glacier. Do note that you are able to observe the glacier from afar and even walk on its edges, but it’s NOTHING like stepping foot in the middle of it.

Unfortunately, the glacier is receding at an alarming rate, which is a clear indication of global warming. So go now before it completely melts.

The Skywalk, a jaw-dropping walk along a glass floor 918 feet above Sunwapta Valley with breathtaking vistas every which way you look, is included in the ticket price as well. The real star of the show is the Ice Explorer though.

Day 3: Lake Louise and Canmore

Get ready, because today is full of more striking turquoise-colored lakes, snow-covered mountain tops, those famous red canoes, and loads and loads of people (face it, this is a sought after part of the world). You’d be downright silly to skip out on Lake Louise during your 3 days in Banff.

You’ve seen Lake Louise all over social media – now it’s your turn!

Stop 1: Lake Louise

Ohhhh Lake Louise. The crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies. I promise you, a stop over here will be one of your favorites on this 3 day Banff itinerary. 

She’s an absolute stunner, known for her chilly, turquoise waters with Victoria Glacier and the soaring mountains overlooking the lake (with the beautiful Fairmont Lake Louise on her shoreline). 

You’ll want to plan at least a few hours here, if not a whole day, as you’ll find yourself in awe at every corner and with enough activities to last quite a while. 

However (yes, of course there’s a however), the time of year you visit Lake Louise makes a hell of a difference. Note that the waters of Lake Louise do not fully thaw until late May or early June, so if you’re hoping to witness the lake in all her stunning glory, wait until mid-late summer for a visit to the Rockies. 

April and May will bring more tranquility and solitude, but no one can promise those striking turquoise waters until July. And, as expected, the lake will be iced over in the freezing winter months.

Don’t fret though, each season comes with an abundance of activities. There’s a canoe dock in the summer (with those famous red kayaks for rent), along with numerous hiking/sunbathing opportunities, while a skating rink on the frozen lake and an ice bar await in the chilly winter months of Banff.

Main highlights and activities at Lake Louise in the summer 

Walking around the lake: Obviously, the main draw of Lake Louise is the lake itself! But don’t just stay with all crowds at the part of the lake closest to the parking lot, walk around it! Yes, Lake Louise is crowded beyond disbelief. However, if you stray from the area near the hotel, you’ll find much more peace and quiet. 

Plan to walk around the lake on the Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail (at least part-way), and you’ll encounter tons of milky-blue creeks and picturesque meltwater along this easy and super-scenic trail. Look back and you’ll even get great views of the grand Fairmont Lake Louise, which is a stunner in its own way.

Rent a canoe: Have you ever seen those famous red canoes? Those are here at Lake Louise! Many visitors want that iconic Canadian experience of paddling around the stunningly scenic turquoise lake (and yes, I was one of them). However, do note that renting a canoe is quite pricey, and will set you back around $125CAD per hour.

Like all things Lake Louise, it can get quite crowded. If you’ve got your heart set on paddling around, head to the boathouse first thing upon arrival – the other activities can wait. I rented a canoe with 2 friends (max 3 adults or 2 adults/2 small kids), which helped decrease cost per person quite a bit).

Go for a hike: Wanna see Lake Louise from above? What about burning off some of those BeaverTail-induced calories? There are numerous hikes to mountain top tea houses above Lake Louise, including Lake Agnes Tea House (4.4miles/6.2km) with the additional extensions of Little/Big Beehive (+2/3 km), and the Plain of Six Glaciers (8miles/13km). 

You’ll want to set aside a few hours for each of these hikes, and expect the tea houses to be fairly crowded in the summer months. While I haven’t made any of these treks myself, a bunch of my friends have, and their pictures look absolutely unreal. One day for me!

Wander around Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: This is a castle y’all! Even if you’re not staying at the stunning chateau, plan to spend a bit of time in and around the hotel. Elegance and sheer beauty at its best! 

Admire the architecture. Make sure to stop by the terrace, as you’ll get fantastic views of the lake from here. And if you can’t bear to take your eyes off the lake, plan for lunch at the Lakeview Lounge (and ask for a window seat!). Afterwards, browse through the stores and grab some dessert at the cafe.

Stop 2: Explore Canmore and Enjoy Dinner 

It’s your last night in Banff! After thoroughly exploring downtown Banff, all the glacial lakes, and nearby hikes, I recommend checking out the nearby mountain town of Canmore.  It’s known for its craggy summits like the Three Sisters and Ha Ling Peak, the Grassi Lakes Trail, and cross-country skiing and mountain biking. 

But if you’ve already filled up your 3 days in Banff, a quick wander around downtown will suffice! Stroll down Main Street and you’ll find colorful mountain homes with unparalleled views of the Rockies.

A few of the most popular restaurants in Canmore:

• Sauvage (Chefs’ Tasting Menu)
• Mumbai Local (Indian)
• Gaucho (Brazilian Steakhouse)
• Communitea (cafe and tea)

Stop 3: Evening Wildlife Safari Guided Tour

Wanna leave Banff with a bang? Book yourself on an evening wildlife safari!  You’ll not only check out some of Banff’s beautiful landscapes, but you’ll of course see some animals in their natural environment! Think mule deer, elk, black bears, white tailed deers, cute little red squirrels, bighorn sheep, and even a grizzly!

If you wanna ensure you see a bear during your time in Banff, this is the tour to book. 

Why a wildlife safari at night? As the daytime temps cool down, and dusk approaches, the animals in Banff National Park become more active. This means you’ve got a greater chance of spotting them! Imagine spotting an elk sauntering across a clearing or a bighorn sheep grazing in an alpine meadow. And what about a grizzly bear in a berry bush?! You never know what you’ll find!

Remember – while the guides do their best to find the animals, they’re wild! That’s the fun in it; this isn’t a zoo!

Hope this helps you plan out your ultimate 3 days in Banff itinerary! Visiting anytime soon?! If you’ve got any questions, feel free to ask away down below in the comments!

The post 3 Days in Banff National Park: The Best Banff Itinerary Out There appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

Most people visit Calgary as the starting point of their trip to the Canadian Rockies. And I totally get it – the rockies are stunning and then some. BUT make sure to spend a few days exploring the busy city as well! I promise you there’s tons of scenic views, delicious foodie spots, and oh so much more!

Regardless of what you’re here for, I gotchu! Everything you need to know from where to stay, to where to eat, to what to see is all here in this post, so keep on scrolling to start planning your Calgary trip!

Before we get into all the fun things to do in Calgary, lemme answer a bunch of questions first! Curious about something else related to Calgary tourist attractions? Ask me down below in the comments!

Psst: Planning a trip to Banff and Jasper? Check out my ultimate Canadian Rockies Itinerary – exactly how I spent my week in Alberta! You’re gonna love those glistening glacial lakes!

When Should I Come to Calgary?

The short answer: between May and September

The much longer answer: Many people don’t realize this, but Calgary is actually known as the sunniest city in all of Canada! Does that surprise you? Well indeed it is! And it’s not a myth – Calgary experiences the most sunlight out of every Canadian city!

Yes, we see some cold and long winters, with temperatures dropping below -20C (-4F), but our summer days are long (16+ hours of day length June to mid-July) and warm with temperatures above 20C (68F). 

Calgary’s coldest months are January and February, spring doesn’t bloom until May, and autumn is typically short-lived, so ultimately the best time to visit Calgary is May to September. We do see some showers in May and June (I’m sure you might’ve heard of our flood back in June 2013), but it’s rare to see this day after day. 

Calgary’s high season is July-August, and you’ll find tons of fun things to do in Calgary during this time (as well as a whole slew of holidays and festivals). 

Canada Day (which is oh so much fun) and Stampede occur during this time, which make the city extra, extra busy. Just so you’re aware, Canada Day is on July 1st and Stampede is always the first Friday of July to the Sunday of the following week, lasting ten full days.

It’s only a short two weeks of the year when literally everyone (Grandma, your boss, and every kid on your block) is out and about. So, yup, if you’re planning a visit during these few weeks, just understand it may be crowded beyond belief (so book accommodation early)!

Stampede doesn’t just occur at the Stampede grounds. It’s an entire festival that gets people out of their homes and offices, and nearly every restaurant, bar, pub, and club is packed with people conglomerating for their Stampede-themed gatherings. The streets also flow with an endless number of people dressed in Stampede attire (kids included!). It’s a hoot! For some, not for all. 

With all this being said, if crowds and Western culture aren’t your thing, avoid coming in July. Best to save your trip for the shoulder months: mid-May to June, or late August to September.

How to Get Around Calgary

Walking

Some argue that Calgary’s City Center is one of the most walkable cities in the world, and it’s easy to understand why. The city center is only about 4km wide, meaning you can walk from one end to the other in under an hour (and pass by a bunch of fun things to do in Calgary).

Plus  – it’s flat, flat, flat (unlike the strenuous hills in San Francisco), making a thankfully easy walk. And getting over the Bow River? Easy peasy with the numerous pedestrian bridges

Public Transportation

If you’re exploring outside the city center for more Calgary tourist attractions (which you absolutely should!), you’ll want to learn a bit about Calgary’s public transportation.

Psst- it’s super easy and the C-Train is your best friend. Two lines make up the C-Train routes, with the Red line running NW (Tuscany station) to SW (Somerset-Bridlewood station) and the Blue line running W (69th St SW station) to NE (Saddletowne station). 

Both the Red and Blue lines come together downtown on 7th Ave SW between 8th St SW and 1st St SE. This is what’s called the “Free Fare Zone” – meaning you can hop on and hop off within this zone for free! 

Here’s where some confusion comes in. On 7th Ave, you’ll see stations on the north and south side of the avenue. City Hall is the only station that is on both the north and south and is a major spot for people getting on and off. 

The stations on the north side are: 1st St, 4th St and 7th St stations. The ones on the south side are: Centre St, 3rd St, 6th St and 8th St stations. The trains going westbound (Red towards Tuscany & Blue towards 69th St) will stop at the north side stations and the trains going eastbound (Red towards Somerset-Bridlewood & Blue towards Saddletowne) will stop at the south side stations.

Make sense? It’s kinda confusing I know, but you’ll get the hang of it quickly! 

I recommend keeping the Google Maps app handy on your phone as it’s extremely helpful when it comes to planning your transit route.

A bit more info about the trains: 

• When you purchase transit tickets, there are ticket machines at every station. To purchase tickets, you can use cash, coins and credit card! 
• You’ll have a number of options available but the two you’ll focus on are the single-use ticket and the day pass ticket. 
  • The single-use ticket lasts 1.5 hours from the time it’s validated, which means you can ride the LRT and BRT (bus rapid transit) anywhere you want and for as many rides as you need until the time runs out. 
  • The day pass is typically about 3x the price of a single-use and you can evaluate which is better for your circumstances. 
  • Make sure to keep your ticket safe!! This is the only way to verify that you paid for your ride and the last thing you want is to get caught by a peace officer on the train without it. 

If you’re staying in Calgary for a long period of time, a monthly train pass might be something you’ll want to invest in. You can get them at many locations including convenience stores, grocery stores, etc. Here’s a full list of where to get your monthly pass.

Cars and RideShares

Of course, there might still be places you need to get to by car, and if you don’t have one while you’re here, don’t worry! Calgary’s got a number of rideshare apps available now, which you can check out here (and yes, Uber’s on the list). I definitely recommend going with a rideshare app when you can as they’re usually (not always) the cheaper alternative to taxicabs.

Where Should I Stay in Calgary?

Downtown Calgary

Calgary is a newer and growing city – it was only established in 1875 – so the core of where you want to be when you visit only stretches across the city’s downtown area. Downtown is very central; in fact, Centre Street is where most significant places and landmarks are situated. 

The Calgary Tower, for example, sits right on Centre Street and 9th Ave South! Staying at a hotel or Airbnb within the boundaries of 9th St SW, 1st St SE, and between 12th Ave South and Eau Claire is the most ideal location to get around the city without a vehicle. 

The reason why you’d want to stay in this vicinity is because this is where the major Calgary attractions and sites are located. And you want to be near all the fun things to do in Calgary, right?! 

On top of that, the C-Train runs straight to Downtown Calgary, making this area an ideal spot if you wanna explore other parts of the city.

You can’t go wrong with the following hotel accommodations, and the great thing about Calgary is that hotel pricing isn’t steep like countless other cities. So you can feel like a baller on a budget, woo!

• Hyatt Regency Calgary, 700 Centre St SE (business, modern)
• Fairmont Palliser, 133 9 Ave SW (historical, luxurious)
• Sheraton Suites, 255 Barclay Parade SW (relaxing, family-friendly)
• Residence Inn by Marriott, 610 10 Ave SW (extended-stay, young adult-oriented)
• Hotel Arts (creative, party-friendly)
• Le Germain, 899 Centre St SW (upscale, modern)

All of these are top-rated hotels, each with their unique features and amenities. 

You’ll know the Fairmont when you see it: historical grandiose, classy, situated right by the Calgary Tower, with red carpet steps to the entrance (whoa Nelly!). 

The Sheraton Suites and Marriott Residence Inn are oriented towards people who have plans for a longer stay in Calgary, as they are all-suite hotels. The Marriott in particular has floors designated for workspace areas and meeting rooms, making it great for folks traveling for business. 

Though only ranked as a 3-star hotel, Hotel Arts is definitely a fun place to be, especially with their all-year-round pool parties and events. It’s incredibly modern, has a fine luxurious touch and its restaurants are also high-ranking in Calgary’s culinary world (see more below!). Oh! And I almost forgot to mention – Fargo was filmed here! 

Le Germain is Canada’s first ever boutique hotel brand and it has all the charming qualities of one. It’s also perfectly situated by Calgary Tower just like the Fairmont.

But the Hyatt Regency is one of my all-time favorites in Calgary (read more about my stay at the Hyatt here). Not only does the hotel deliver on its customer satisfaction, Canadian history, food, spa, but its new room and suite renovations are top-notch! Oh, and did I mention the views?

The hotels in Calgary’s downtown area are all within reasonable and similar price ranges and you can’t go wrong with any of them.

Eau Claire

This rich neighborhood is home to the Sheraton Suites, one of Calgary’s most upscale hotels with gorgeous views of the city and river. 

Other Locations

Personally, I don’t recommend staying north of Eau Claire/Riverfront. Past the Bow River (which is directly north of Eau Claire), there’s not many hotels or Airbnb’s to choose from. And plus, you’ll be much farther away from all the things to do in downtown Calgary, which is where most of Calgary’s attractions are located.

But if you don’t care much about the distance, other trendy and nearby neighbourhoods, apart from Eau Claire, that I highly suggest staying in are:

• East Village (east of downtown)
• Victoria Park (southeast of downtown)
• Beltline (southwest of downtown)
• Kensington/Sunnyside (northwest of downtown, north of the river)

These are all bumping neighbourhoods for homestays and you’ll understand why when you come! There’s quick access to foodie hubs, public transit, parks and shopping. 

If you’re thinking of accommodations on the outskirts of downtown (in the neighborhoods listed above), the first hotel you should consider is Hotel Arts Kensington. Similar to its sister Hotel Arts, the one in Kensington is luxurious, contemporary and much like its name suggests, artsy. It’s designed to host people who love to have a relaxing time and enjoy the trendy and hipster vibes that Kensington has to offer. 

The original Hotel Arts and the Residence Inn by Marriott that I mentioned above are actually within the Beltline District, but just a few short blocks from downtown that they pretty much are in the downtown Calgary area. 

East Village is very much an up-and-coming part of the city, with new hotels (3-star, relatively inexpensive, but very modern) on the rise. This is where you’ll spot the Hilton Garden Inn, the Homewood Suites by Hilton and the Alt Hotel. Not too shabby, eh? A quick minute north of East Village and you’re right at the riverfront pathway, or a short walk west and you’re at City Hall/east edge of downtown! 

And finally, what you probably came to this Calgary blog post for – all my favorite fun things to do in Calgary!

Fun Things to do in Calgary

As I mentioned before, most of Calgary’s life and breath is within its core. There are three areas of the heart of Calgary that you need to check out to fully enjoy this city. Of course, if you’re here for Stampede then make that four places! But for the rest of the year, you’ll want to spend most of your time:

• on Stephen Ave (i.e. 8th Ave South)
• at Eau Claire (Eau Claire again?! Yes, seriously!)
• on 17th Ave (South)

This is where a lot of the shopping, food, and all-around entertainment goes on. I’ve organized this list of fun things to do in Calgary by neighborhood, as it just makes sense to keep the Calgary tourist attractions in order.

Psst – Scroll down to the end of this Calgary blog post for a list of major festivals that happen in these areas too!

Stephen Ave

Stephen Avenue is one of the oldest streets in the city and is the only road that turns into a pedestrian walkway during the day (6am to 6pm). It stretches from 4th St SW to 1st St SE as a portion of 8th Ave and is a major part of Calgary’s historic district.

Nearly all the low-level buildings that sit on this avenue are still standing since they were built in the late 1800’s/early 1900’s, during the Sandstone Era. 

Fun fact: the Hyatt Regency was actually built with parts of the old sandstone foundation as well, maintaining bits of Canadian history within its walls. 

Tons of restaurants and bars with outdoor patios line this avenue, with entrances to individual retail stores and to the two main malls of downtown: CORE Shopping Centre and Scotia Centre. You can really spend a whole day just walking up and down the walkway, shopping and eating away.

I just love how everything you need is right here! Banks, major restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs, theatres, retail stores, gyms and much more. 

You can get a workout in at the most beautiful gym on the planet (what..? Yeah, you heard me right), the GoodLife Fitness which is located within the space of the oldest bank in the city. Then go do some shopping at the historical Hudson’s Bay (right across the street from GoodLife) or at the CORE. 

While you’re there, check out the Devonian Gardens, the city’s indoor botanical garden, on the top floor of the mall. Maybe you’ll head back down to street level and grab a bite to eat at the Cactus Club Cafe (the Rocket Salad is amazing!) while sitting on the patio, enjoying some people-watching as the suits walk along the streets to and from Bankers Hall.

Then you’ll go to DavidsTea for a delicious tea sample and sip on it as you sit at one of the old benches of Stephen Ave – and once again, do some more people-watching. 

At night on Stephen Ave, you’ll see lineups to Palace Theatre and wonder which DJ is taking the stage for there to be a line so long it curves around the block. Cars will start rolling through the one-way narrow street with loud laughter coming from every bar and restaurant. 

Maybe you’ll decide to hit up National On 8th’s rooftop patio for some drinks, music and dancing, especially if you’re here in the dead of summer when the sun doesn’t fall till 10:30pm. 

Or perhaps you’re planning on a dinner and show? Well in that case Jack Singer Concert Hall is your oyster and hosts everything including comedy shows, theatre pieces, operas, symphonies, magic shows and concerts!

But let’s not forget that the Calgary Tower is right here too! A visit to Calgary is incomplete without seeing the city from the top (it is one of Calgary’s top tourist attractions afterall). 

If you want to head up to the 360 degree, rotating skydeck, general admission tickets (ages 13-64) are $18 CAD. You can also test your fear of heights here by standing on the glass floor and peering through to the base of the tower. 

BUT if you’re planning on having a classy brunch, lunch or dinner at the Sky 360, you’ll be happy to know that your ticket up, to both the restaurant and the observation deck level, is FREE for everyone in your reservation party! 

Olympic Plaza is an urban park situated right in front of Jack Singer Concert Hall you’ll want to check out as well. It looks much like an amphitheatre and is often used as one in the summer months for cultural festivals like Heritage Day and Fiestaval. The flat open area is also turned into a water park when it’s not used as a venue (say what?!). 

In the winter, Olympic Plaza is dressed in thousands of lights on the columns and trees and the park is made into an outdoor ice skating rink, so you’ll definitely wanna check this place out if you’re visiting during the holiday season.

Eau Claire

Eau Claire is Calgary’s nature’s grove! Yes, it’s a place with rich riverfront condos, but aren’t some of the wealthiest neighbourhoods of Manhattan also directly across from Central Park?

Eau Claire is where you’ll find the iconic and architecturally intricate Peace Bridge that crosses the Bow River, Eau Claire Market – which is likened to Granville Island in Vancouver – and Prince’s Island Park. 

The area right outside of Eau Claire Market is oftentimes an area used for outdoor markets, street performances, and even race start lines! 

Directly north of Eau Claire Market is the Bow River Pathway, a pedestrian bridge that gets you to Prince’s Island Park and across to north of the river. Prince’s Island separates the Bow River and is a large park where massive festivals like Folk Fest and outdoor concerts are held.

The River Cafe is the one restaurant that sits on this island if you want to enjoy a lunch here!

And there’s a long riverfront bike path/walkway that stretches west of the Peace Bridge all the way past East Village and is seriously the best place to spend a sunny afternoon biking, walking or rollerblading.

You might be wondering right about now where Calgary’s Chinatown is. It’s actually directly east of Eau Claire and north of downtown! Centre St Bridge runs right into Chinatown from the north and for you photographers out there, Centre St Bridge makes for a gorgeous photo op.

It’s a two-level bridge, with vehicles only below, and both vehicular and pedestrian paths above. This is also where the Canada Day fireworks are launched!

17th Ave

17th Ave is much like Stephen Ave, but unlike Stephen Ave which is a pedestrian street in the day, 17th Ave is a major road. It’s a highly commercial avenue with retail shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, nightclubs lining each side.

Having a direct line to Stampede and Victoria Park on the east makes 17th Ave even more of a hub than it already is. The avenue has actually been designated as a Business Revitalization Zone and when you come to Calgary, you might be able to spot the strides taken to beautify the streets and buildings.

When visiting 17th Ave, you’ll want to stay within the bounds of 14th St SW and 2nd St SW as you don’t need to go anywhere else. A few blocks east of that will be the walkway bridge in Victoria Park that gets you across MacLeod Trail to reach the Stampede grounds. So I guess that’s the one and only reason to go east of 2nd St W on 17th!

Bonus Location! 16th Ave

16th Ave N is another arterial road besides 17th Ave S that has been revitalized over the years. It’s one of the oldest roads of Calgary and it’s in fact a section of Highway 1, i.e. the TransCanada Highway.

So if you’re going out to Banff, Jasper and Yoho National Parks, you’d take 16th Ave N to get out of the city!

You’ll find the McMahon Stadium on 16th if you care to watch a Stampeders game, as well as SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology), home of the Jubilee Auditorium.

16th Ave is known for being the home of older yet extremely popular food places like Peter’s Drive-In. Students from SAIT, ACAD and U of C make their way to 16th Ave for lunch and you won’t see a day where there isn’t a lineup for a Peter’s burger & fries or triple milkshake.

Highly popular foreign cuisine eateries makeup most of 16th Ave as well, especially Asian and Middle Eastern like Bubblemania, Shibuya Izakaya and Jimmy’s A&A Mediterranean Deli.

Where To Get the Best Views Of Calgary

Apart from the Calgary Tower, you have to see the city’s skyline from completely free and accessible viewpoints and get a taste of what some fortunate folks get to wake up to every morning.

The best place to capture these views is within the McHugh Bluff. Situated north of the Bow River, McHugh Bluff is a widespread patch of hillside green space where you’ll be able to capture the skyline and Bow in one glance.

This clifftop park has two viewpoint locations you’ll want to checkout, to get gaping views in the day, orange sunsets across the city at night, or catch seasonal fireworks:

• Crescent Heights Lookout Point
• Mount Please View Point

But another notable lookout location is on the east side of the Stampede Grounds at Scotsman’s Hill. The one thing about getting to these viewpoints is that public transit won’t get you there, so Uber or a taxi will be necessary if you don’t have a car!

Other Significant Landmarks in Calgary

IN DOWNTOWN AREA

You’ve probably seen that weird mesh head in photos before right? That’s the Wonderland Sculpture and it sits right in front of The Bow. Not to be confused with the Bow River, The Bow is currently the second tallest office tower in Calgary. You’ll find it at 500 Centre St S.

East Village has got two iconic buildings that were built in the last five years that you won’t just want to glimpse from the outside – these are definite must-sees on the inside! Calgary’s top historic site also belongs here too, connecting the neighbourhoods of East Village and Inglewood:

• Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre is not just a museum showcasing music history exhibits. It’s an architectural marvel with crazy acoustics for their auditoriums and interactive areas where you can actually get hands-on with instruments. (850 4th St SE)

• Central Library is also a beautiful piece of architecture and this public library is on a whole new level. It has interactive areas for kids, work rooms, meeting rooms and much more, but the thing that draws people in is the intertwining ovular shapes of the atrium. (800 3rd St SE)

• Fort Calgary is a national historic site and a perfect place for history junkies. It contains historic displays and provides tours as well, for those who want to dive further into 1875. (750 9th Ave SE)

IN OTHER PARTS OF THE CITY

You’ll definitely want to check out these next three locations if you have extra time in the city because they’re not only prominent places in Calgary that are loved by locals, but fun family activities are hosted here.

Calgary Zoo

The zoo is well known for its pandas! They were all the rave when they first arrived and still are. But if you’re not much into seeing the animals, you can still check out the botanical and conservatory in-door gardens as well as the butterfly enclosure. A popular annual event here is Zoo Lights, where the zoo becomes the north pole for a month and a half (November to January) and dresses the entire grounds with thousands upon thousands of LED lights.

How to get here: by foot, you can get here from East Village via the Bow River Pathway (30-minute walk). By public transit coming from downtown, you can hop on the Blue C-Train line going NE towards Saddletowne and get off at the Zoo station. It’s only two stops away from City Hall station.

Telus Spark

An interactive science, engineering and art centre for people of all ages and abilities to dive into further discovery of creativity and technology. They host events here like Date Night, where you can come with your boo, enjoy yummy cocktails and hors-d’oeuvres and get right into the exhibits that are turned into a playground for adults. Telus Spark also has a massive Dome Theatre where you can watch live planetarium shows and movies.

How to get here: With public transit, you can take the Blue C-Train line eastbound and get off at the Zoo station, but there is a walking distance (12 minutes) heading north from the train station to Telus Spark. I would recommend not walking here as it’s an unmarked, unnamed road in an industrial area. It would probably be safer to catch an Uber or taxi!

Heritage Park Historical Village

The largest living indoor/outdoor history museum in Canada, this place is notably fun for families! It’s like a late 19th century village with rides and dining cars, and one thing people love to do here is ride the S.S. Moyie ferry boat, which cruises around Calgary’s Glenmore Reservoir.

How to get here: From downtown, hop on the Red C-Train line going SW towards Somerset-Bridlewood and get off at Heritage station. Take the #20 or #306 bus and get off at the Heritage Park bus stop, which is a short five minute ride from the station, and walk west into the Village.

Did you know you could also go on a Fargo tour and see all the major places significant to the show? You’d be able to go see Lester’s House and other on-screen locations in Inglewood, check out the Hotel Arts I was raving about earlier, The Plaza Theatre in Kensington that was meant to depict places in Kansas City and Sioux Falls… Would be a pretty awesome tour if you’re a cinephile!

Hiking in and around Calgary

Calgary can offer so much to our tourists within the city, but if you’re coming to Calgary to enjoy Alberta’s pick of the Rockies, you might want to check out some of the best hikes near the city!

For a range of easy, moderate and hard hikes, check out my top 10 hikes near Calgary that are a must to mark your flag on some of the most awe-inspiring mountains on the planet! You can really say you’ve been to the Canadian Rocky Mountains if you set foot on any of these gorgeous trails.

Stay safe and always carry a can of bear spray with you!

Where to Eat in Calgary

Between all the fun things to do in Calgary, you’ve gotta eat, right?! Calgary’s really climbed the ladder in the world of gastronomy in the last few years, meaning tons of choices! So my fellow foodies, take your pick (or two or three), and get eating!

Brunch

Calgarians are HUGE on brunch (my kinda people). Thankfully, there’s quite a few glorious options out there for all of our gluttonous selves. Here are my top choices!

• OEB. Classy, traditional brunch and a culinary arts queen
• Red’s Diner. Hearty breakfast with fantastically substantial flavours
• Monki Bistro. Innovative twists on traditional favourites
• Diner Deluxe. Fancy and gorgeously appetizing dishes
• Madison’s 12|12. Best all-around-the-world breakfast nachos and $1.50 mimosas for Sat/Sun brunch!

Fancy Schmancy Date Night

• Sky 360. As I talked about before, Sky 360 is the rotating restaurant at the top of Calgary Tower and provides breathtaking 360 views throughout the day. It’s a perfect place to get dressed up for a memorable date night and indulge in delicious food and drinks!

• Teatro. Elevated Italian & Mediterranean cuisine in a romantic setting. Teatro pays homage to the performing arts area of Calgary, where it’s located. My partner and I had an exceeding fine dining experience here for Valentine’s Day and their multi-course was absolutely excellent.

• The Lake House. Situated in the south of Calgary, this one is a distance away from downtown but worth the trip to get a gorgeous sunset view over the vast Lake Bonavista. The food is excellent and the service is superb! If you’re celebrating something, let them know and they’ll treat you to something special!

Canadian Cuisine

Find your contemporary Canadian favourites at these three restaurants! Their chefs’ culinary skills are top notch and they never disappoint with their service and atmosphere in ultra chic dining rooms and lounges.

• Thomsons Kitchen & Bar. (Stephen Ave – 112 8th Ave SE)
• Klein / Harris. (Stephen Ave – 113 8th Ave SW)
• The Nash. (Inglewood – 925 11th St SE)

Modern Asian Cuisine

• Raw Bar. Specializing in modern Vietnamese, this one is located within Hotel Arts (119 12th Ave SW).
• Foreign Concept. Specializing in modern Pan Asian (particularly Chinese), this one is located in Beltline (1011 1st St SW).
• Anju. Specializing in modern Korean, this one is located on 17th Ave (344 17th Ave SW).
• Shokunin. Specializing in modern Japanese, this one is located near 17th Ave (2016 4th St SW).

Bars & Pubs

I have to say: Calgarians love their craft beer almost as much as they love their brunch! We’re big on breweries and have tons of pubs and bars that bring these crafted beers to the table. 

My top favourite bars don’t just have good tasting drinks though. They’re also excellent for entertainment and environment. 

• Barcelona Tavern
• 1410 World Bier Haus
• National
• Craft
• Bonus! For the best cocktail & whiskey lounge, check out ONE18 EMPIRE

National is definitely my preferred location to grab drinks with friends at either their 10th Ave or 8th Ave locations. Why?

A few reasons! The one on 10th has a dance floor and bowling alley PLUS rooftop patio. And the one on 8th has a VERY LARGE rooftop patio amidst all the tall, surrounding office buildings. Don’t get me wrong though, the other pubs are still exquisite locations, all downtown!

Cafes

We’ve got a lot of coffee drinkers (and snobs, myself included) here in Calgary! True story! Thankfully, our local coffee roasters have managed to import the best premium coffee from all over the world to this very city! And of course it’s all served while implementing luxurious elements to their contemporary spaces.

The top cafe brands I listed below are all Calgary-owned and loved! You’ll find different locations of these four Calgary chains all over central Calgary and in upscale neighbourhoods.

• Deville
• Monogram
• Phil & Sebastian
• Rosso Coffee Roasters

Boba Tea

All of the following boba shops are unique in their own sense. You’ve probably already heard of or spotted them in other cities around the world. If you haven’t then you should definitely try them here in Calgary!

There are a number of other bubble tea brands across the city, but these are hardcore local favorites and are most true to Taiwanese style.

• The Alley
• Coco Fresh Tea & Juice
• Gong Cha
• Chatime
• YiFang Taiwan Fruit Tea

Ice Cream

• Village Ice Cream. A Calgary favourite, this one delivers on ice cream classics, vegan options and innovative flavours.
• Made By Marcus. Also a Calgary favourite and rivals with Village. Made By Marcus specializes in handcrafted ice cream made with egg yolks, has great vegan options, and is constantly inventing new flavours.
• Uzu Taiyaki. Specializes in its namesake, the Japanese waffle cake cone is filled with soft-served ice creams (popular Asian flavors)! And then you can load it up with fun toppings.
• Sweet Tooth Ice Cream. This one is a notable rolled ice cream shop with toppings as their forte as well.
• Amato Gelato. A traditional Italian gelato and sorbet shop with a gazillion different flavours.
• My Favorite Ice Cream Shoppe. A classic 1950’s style ice cream parlour, also with a gazillion different flavours.

More Fun Things to do in Calgary – Annual Festivals!

• YYC Hot Chocolate Fest (all of February). Local restaurants and cafes bring out their best creativity skills to curate fantastic hot chocolate (boozy or non-boozy). As a participating customer, you get to vote which hot chocolate is your fave. And one of the best parts? All proceeds go to the Meals On Wheels charity.

• GLOW Fest (Family Day long weekend, mid-February). GLOW fest is a winter lights show that happens outdoors on Stephen Ave. You can vote on your favourite ice sculptures after watching the carvers create their masterpieces, enjoy live music, spend some time at ice lounges, and even take a ride down the ice slide! SO fun!

• Lilac Festival (June). The Lilac Festival is a fun (late) start to Calgary’s spring, encompassing 13 blocks within the Beltline and Mission districts. It’s a vibrant event (hosted along 4th street) with music, talent and artisan vendors.

• VegFest (June or September). VegFest is all about vegan awareness. Like many other festivals, it’s got live music and entertainment, but it’s highly focused on bringing exposure to food, apparel, skincare and other industries that are all vegan and cruelty-free. The food trucks here are such a big hit! Ever since my friend Janel and her team started VegFest in Calgary, the vegan food trucks and restaurants have taken the streets more and more.

• Fiestaval Latin Festival (July). This one’s pretty self-explanatory in that it’s a celebratory event of Latin culture. It’s hosted in Olympic Plaza and has amazing performances by our city’s best Latin dancers, musicians, and all sorts of talent.

• Folk Fest (late July). Folk Fest is a music festival centering on (you guessed it) folk music. It’s held at Prince’s Island Park each year which makes for a well-rounded experience for a folk festival.

• Chasing Summer (Civic Day long weekend). This one’s for you ravers out there. I’ve been 4 times so far and they’ve all been crazy fun shows with world renowned artists taking the stage. They’ve taken place at Max Bell Arena’s massive parking lot since 2016. I hope Martin Garrix, Marshmello, and Steve Aoki make it back someday soon!

• Taste of Calgary (August). This is the most appetizing festival in Calgary. We get a chance to sample the local eateries and try items never before seen on Calgary’s menus.

• Marda Gras (August). Not Mardi Gras but Marda Gras. This is because it’s hosted in Marda Loop, another popular and trendy neighborhood in the city. This is where I grew up throughout my teen years! It was a lot of fun to check out the vendors, face painting, and all the indulgences of “Fat Tuesday”.

• GlobalFest (late August). GlobalFest is a cultural celebration lasting ten days at the end of August, with daily fireworks displays harmonizing with music. It’s the perfect time for long-exposure photographers to get out towards the Peace Bridge and capture the amazing pyrotechnics.

• International Film Festival (September/October). Hey you, film junkies! If you’re here in the fall, why not check out a showing during the film festival?

• Other outdoor concerts like Oxford Stomp and Bluesfest are held in the summer months at Shaw Millennium Park.

Well, that’s it y’all! Have an awesome time when you come visit Cowtown. If there’s anything you’d like to add, comment to this post, be sure to leave your feedback below!

Which of these fun things to do in Calgary will you be adding to your list?! Special thanks to Lauren from Lauren’s Lighthouse for sharing this complete guide to Calgary tourist attractions!

Photos were taken by Jason Meng (@jasonmengvisuals) and Lauren Neves (@laurenmneves). Others are sourced from Pixabay.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Calgary, Canada (All the Best Local Spots) appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

If you’re planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies, you’re in for a real treat. The whole area is full of jewel-toned glacial lakes, cascading waterfalls, majestic mountainous terrain, and jagged snow-covered peaks. Picture perfect postcard views everywhere you look.

And that includes wildlife on the side of the road, such as bighorn sheep, moose, elk, mountain goats, and the occasional bear (yes, I just said bear)!

pin for later:

This road trip through the Canadian Rockies was one of the most impressive drives of my life, and I’ve been on my fair share of road trips over the years (Iceland, Norway, California, Hawaii, etc, I’m looking at you). I found the gorgeous Canadian province of Alberta to be just so special that I did this trip, not once, not twice, but three times (twice in summer and once in winter). 

Read Next: The Best 3 Days in Banff Itinerary (all my favorite activities and lakes to see!)

When to take this Canadian Rockies road trip:

The scenery’s stunning year round, but frigid winter conditions mean some activities are closed. As noted above, I’ve visited in both seasons and loved both just as equally (for different reasons of course).

Summer: While the most crowded (and therefore expensive), if this is your first time to the area, I highly suggest you plan your Canadian Rockies itinerary during the pleasant summer months.

Not only will the lakes show off their distinctive gleaming turquoise colors, but you’ll be greeted with very, very long days! The sun doesn’t set until almost 10pm in the peak of summer over here, meaning lots of time for explorations!

Do note that the weather in the Canadian Rockies is quite temperamental, so you’ll want to pack along a light jacket for the cool mornings and chilly evenings.

Spring/Fall: The Canadian Rockies see over 4 million visitors a year, and I bet at least 75% visit from June-August. With that being said, a visit in late Spring or the fall may be your best bet if you’re not a fan of the masses.

Do note that many lakes don’t fully thaw until late June, so expect icy bits in the spring, with possible snowfall as early as late September/October! Bring a bunch of different clothes, check the weather forecasts before your trip, and you’ll be fine!

Winter: If you’re planning to visit the Candian Rockies in the frigid winter months, head on over to THIS POST for lots of pre-planning info. I visited Banff and the surrounding areas in February, and most definitely learned a lot!

Let’s just say I was way colder than expected, despite packing layers upon layers for the snow and below 0 temps. But frolicking in a permanent snow globe is one of my favorite things, so can’t be mad about that!

How long should this Canadian Rockies itinerary take?

I’ve driven from Calgary to Jasper and then back to Calgary in as little as 5 days, and lemme tell you, we felt ridiculously rushed. Thankfully I had already been to the area numerous times before, so I didn’t feel upset missing out on a few things.

If this is your first time to the area (and you have no clue when you’ll be back), I’d highly suggest carving out at least a week to drive from Calgary to Jasper, if not even a few days longer. The Banff itinerary I have provided here covers 9 full days, which you can shorten to 7 if need be. 

If you have way less time, don’t fret — you can still see tons with only 3 days in Banff (I’d stick to Banff and the surrounding areas, save Jasper for another time).

Do note that I don’t typically include long day (or multi-day) hikes into my travel plans. They just aren’t my thing (while I’d love to say I’m an avid hiker, my legs give out after a few miles). If you’re planning to spend a few days hiking and want to see the bulk of activities on this Canadian Rockies itinerary as well, I’d add a few extra days to this pre-planned week-long itinerary.

Calgary to Jasper Itinerary Overview

Rough Route: Calgary (1 night) → Banff (2 nights) → Lake Louise (2 nights) → Icefields Parkway → Jasper (2 nights) → Calgary/Edmonton (1-2 nights)

Do note that you can choose to drive roundtrip (essentially backtracking back to Banff and Calgary once you’re done exploring Jasper), or you can end in Edmonton which is a tad closer than driving back to Calgary. 

In addition, I’ve planned this Canadian Rockies itinerary from Calgary to Jasper (as that’s likely where most people will start from), but do know that you can actually start in Edmonton and do the entire route in reverse.

I typically find cheaper airfare going to/from Calgary, but depending on where you’re home airport is, you might as well check both (Calgary as well as Edmonton).

Reverse Route: EDMONTON → JASPER → LAKE LOUISE → BANFF → CALGARY

How to Get to the Canadian Rockies?

If you’re coming from the US, getting to the Canadian Rockies is quite simple. You can easily hop on a flight to Calgary (YYC), then make the short drive to your first stop of either Canmore or Banff in roughly an hour and a bit.

For reference, from my home airport of San Francisco (SFO), the flight takes roughly 3 hours, while flights from other parts of the country will obviously be longer due to longer distances traveled.

Check out my post on Banff in winter for lots of driving tips should you be planning your visit during the icy snowy months.

Renting a Car:

Renting a car in Calgary is pretty straight forward, as there are numerous car rental agencies both at the airport and right outside. We typically book here and find great deals → for this particular trip, we saved over $100!

For the lowest price, make sure to only input the times you actually need the car, and consider renting from a company not within the airport itself (we took a free shuttle to an outside company to get our car).

Do note that many (if not all) car rental agencies in Calgary will ask for proof of insurance upon pick up. Be prepared to show your own, or pay up at the counter for over priced insurance through the rental company. If you’ve got a travel rewards credit card (like my favorite, the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve), it most likely includes car rental insurance – but of course confirm beforehand.

→ Find the cheapest car rentals over here.

Accommodation Options in the Canadian Rockies:

Ohhh, if you’re traveling during the popular summer months of June through September, you’ll NEED to book accommodation at least 2-3 months in advance. You may have some luck with last-minute bookings in May or October, but don’t count on it. And thankfully, there are lots of hotel options along the way from Calgary to Jasper, with all different budgets in mind.

When we were finally ready to finalize accommodation in Banff and Jasper, a lot had already been sold out and we didn’t have many hotels to choose from. Plan (and book) early to get the greatest flexibility when it comes to accommodation, in terms of budget and location.

Here’s where I’ve stayed on my numerous trips, and where I wish I could have stayed:

Calgary: 

Hyatt Place Calgary Airport

We wanted some place close to the airport since our flight was leaving early the next morning. It was your typical Hyatt – very clean, staff very friendly, and free breakfast buffet, at an affordable rate. Would recommend if your travel plans see a relatively early flight like ours did! We ubered into town and I don’t remember it costing much.

Find more hotel options in Calgary here.

Banff: 

Samesun Backpackers Banff 

I’ve stayed here twice so far, and have to say, it’s not terrible at all. If you’re looking for cheapie-won’t-break-the-bank accommodation options, Samesun is it. Located a few minutes from the center of town, with a fun bar environment, daily local activities, and helpful staff.

Irwin’s Mountain Inn

Honestly, nothing too special about this place, but it was one of the lower cost options in Banff Town and had free parking. Once we were ready to book hotels, most were either sold out or waaaaay outta our price range ($300+/night). Irwin’s was affordable and in a good location. Check out their sister property, The Rundlestone Lodge as well.

Fairmont Banff Springs

My dream finally came true and I stayed at the Fairmont Banff Springs during my visit to Banff in November. I mean, it’s a castle, y’all! What’s not to love?! During my first winter visit to Banff (in February) I had the pleasure of taking a dip at the Willow Stream Spa (located within the hotel), and if that’s any indication of the level of class of the hotel, you know I’m there.

Find more hotel options in Banff here.

Lake Louise: 

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Soooo, I’ve never technically stayed in Lake Louise (I always base myself out of Banff), but next time I visit, I’m making it a top priority to stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. I mean, it is technically a castle afterall.  And it’s located directly on the lake… what’s not to love?! Hold me to it!

Jasper:

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

If you haven’t figured it out by now, the Fairmont wins in Jasper as well, being the most popular place to stay in the National Park. It’s an upscale, rustic retreat, with not only a spa and suites, but golf courses as well. 

Tonquin Inn Jasper

Since we booked unfathomably late (and by that I mean a month ahead of time), the only accommodation I could find available was at the Tonquin Inn, which ended up being a perfectly fine place for a few nights.

Other options include The Astoria Hotel (lodging with lots of character and charm), Whistler’s Inn (surrounded by mountains), and HI Jasper (hostel just a short walk from downtown). 

Find more hotel options in Jasper here.

Getting a National Parks Pass:

Yes, Banff is a National Park (I don’t know if everyone realizes that), and yes, you need to pay to get in (even if you’re staying in the nearby town of Canmore). 

When visiting the Rocky Mountain National Parks, (which you’ll do quite often on this road trip from Calgary to Jasper), you’ll need a valid parks pass to enter any of them, including Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, or Yoho National Park.

The cost of entry into the National Parks is determined by how many days you’ll be in the parks, as well as how many people are in the car. For example, the cost of a day pass is $9.80CAD, meaning if you’re in the parks for 4 days, it’ll be $39.20CAD per person.

However, if you’ve got more than 2 people in your vehicle, there are savings to be made (a pass for 2 people vs 7 people is the same price). So gather up all your travel besties and maybe rent a van? :p

Depending on how long you’re visiting the parks for, how many people you’re traveling with, and if you’re pretty sure you’ll be returning within the year, it may make sense to purchase an annual Discovery Pass for $136CAD. This website will recommend the best value option for your group. 

In addition, be sure to purchase passes ahead of time so you don’t waste precious minutes waiting for them upon arrival, as the lines can get mighty long (especially in the popular summer months).

An important note on wildlife:

You’re in the wilderness out here → expect to see some wildlife. Always carry bear spray with you and always go hiking in groups (at least 2 people). Always be alert for wildlife, as they may surprise you, especially while hiking (always stay on the trails) and even while driving around the parks. 

Be sure to educate yourself before you do run into wildlife, and always keep a safe distance. NEVER attempt to pet/feed/chase/touch any animal, no matter how harmless or cute or docile they may look. And never step out of your car when bears are present, promise me that. Photos are great – but never at the expense of your life.

Remember, bears are living creatures, and can/will attack when threatened. Keep your distance and if you feel the need for better photos, bring along a zoom lens and crack open the window (when safe).

On my few visits to the Canadian Rockies I’ve seen bighorn sheep, a bunch of black bears, elk, and even a few grizzlys. With just a few days in the area, you’re bound to see some wildlife. Be on the lookout and stay safe. And don’t go out of your vehicle when bears are present – just don’t do it! I can’t stress that last point enough!

What to Pack

When you visit really determines what you’ll need to bring, but you’ll always need: bug spray, bear spray (yes, bear spray), binoculars, a raincoat (yes, even in summer), sunscreen (yes, even in winter), hiking layers, a camera, and reusable water bottle.

→ Psst – check out this (very) in-depth road trip packing guide to ensure you don’t forget anything!

Driving times from Calgary to Jasper:

The entire drive from Calgary → Canmore → Banff → Lake Louise → Jasper is roughly 5 hours. Just remember you’ll need to drive back to Calgary if you’re flying home outta there (another ~5 hours), or to Edmonton if you choose two, one way flights (~3 hours, 45 minutes).

While the drives aren’t necessarily super long, you’ll probably wanna stop every 15 minutes or so to take photos along the way. Be sure to factor that into driving times if you’ve got pre-planned activities to get to. There are so many pull offs and lookout points along the highway, it’s hard to decide which ones to stop at. And if you unfortunately miss one, just keep going: they’ll be more soon.

Tips for a successful road trip from Calgary to Jasper and beyond:

1. Stock up on road trip snacks: Before making the drive, stop at a grocery store upon arrival in Calgary to pick up some non-perishables. Snacks will be significantly cheaper over here than in the nearby National Parks. We headed to a Walmart right near the airport for some honey wheat pretzels, kettle corn, chips, and even some goods for lunches – a loaf of olive bread and some salami.

You may want to bring along a packable cooler for some perishable stuff if you’ve got a family to feed. We didn’t feel the need to, but if you’ve got a big family/bunch of friends in your car, it may be worth it to keep some food items in there to reduce the cost of food in the National Parks.

2. Be aware of gas stations: Although there are plenty of gas stations in Calgary, there’s not as many along the road once you leave the city. There are a few in Banff, one in Lake Louise, one at the Saskatchewan Crossing, and a few in Jasper.

I’d suggest always having at least half a tank of gas while on the road traveling between Banff and Jasper, and plan to avoid using the Saskatchewan Crossing petrol station as it’s much more expensive. I like using the GasBuddy app to find stations and their prices, although Google Maps now has this function as well.

3. Be on the lookout for wildlife: As noted above, the Canadian Rockies are filled to the brim with wildlife, especially along the Bow Valley Parkway (highly recommended) and in the more rugged Jasper National Park. Stay safe and never exit your vehicle to get closer to animals. They’re called WILD animals for a reason!

And now, let’s get this Canadian Rockies road trip from Calgary to Jasper started!

Day 1: CALGARY

Let’s face it, this Canadian Rockies trip will most likely be starting in Calgary, so if you’ve got the time, may as well explore (at least for a little while!). We chose to get a move on it and started off driving directly to Banff, so you could totally leave Calgary towards the end of your trip (like we did) if you’re planning on driving round trip.

OR you can totally skip out on Calgary altogether (if you’d like the extra time in the mountains), but it’s such a vibrant little city it’d be a shame to miss it!

However, in order to save time (or if you just wanna tack on another city to your Canadian Rockies itinerary), you may want to fly back home out of Edmonton, which is slightly closer to Jasper than Calgary is. With that being said, choose to see Calgary before making your way to Banff if you’ve decided not to back track to Calgary after your week in the Canadian Rockies is over.

If you’ve only allotted one day in Calgary, pick and choose from the following attractions: Calgary Tower (for city vistas with a revolving restaurant), Calgary Zoo, Glenbow Museum (artworks and local history on display), Heritage Park Historical Village, Prince’s Island Park, Canada Olympic Park, RiverWalk (go for a stroll or bike ride), and walk over the Peace Bridge.

We only had time for a quick stroll and some food, and chose to eat at Native Tongues (my cucumber pineapple agua fresca was perfect on a warm, sunny day), and of course grab some cones at Village Ice Cream (wildly popular).

On our walk we checked out the Central Library (really interesting architecture) and saw the Calgary Tower from afar. I obviously need to get back to Canada and spend more time in Calgary.

Read Next: The Complete Guide to Calgary (my friend living in Calgary wrote this for me, so this guide is from a local and include lots of secret tips!)

Where to Stay in Calgary: As noted earlier, we opted to stay at the Hyatt Place Calgary Airport, but if you’re spending time in Calgary at the beginning of your trip, stay downtown! The Hotel Arts Kensington, Hotel Fairmont Palliser, and Aloft Hotel all look like great options!

Day 2: CANMORE

Depending on how much time you’ve got, I highly recommend making a short stop in Canmore Town, whether it be for a few quick hours or for the night. This picturesque mountain town is often overlooked by tourists, meaning it’s usually not as crowded as Banff (although it’s been getting more popular in recent years).

Canmore’s got much more of a local vibe, tons of craggy mountain views (it’s known for summits like the Three Sisters and Ha Ling Peak), and a bunch of turquoise blue lakes. 

P.S. If you’re hoping to take a helicopter tour of the Canadian Rockies (highly recommended, FYI), it’ll likely take off in Canmore (as did our dog sledding tour when we visited Banff in the winter). 

Early Morning: Start the morning off by making the quick 1-hour drive from Calgary to Canmore. Sure, you could drive all the way to Banff today (it’s just another 30 minutes or so), but why not make a pit stop in another cute mountain town along the way?

At first, the drive from Calgary to Canmore will seem boring and lackluster, but once you get a bit closer to the Rockies, BAM, those mountains will be all you see. The scenery will drastically change the closer and closer you get to Canmore/Banff; you’ll quickly see what I mean after your first mountain peak view.

Mid-Morning/Afternoon: Start off your time in the Rockies with a BeaverTail in Canmore (essentially fried dough with a whole lotta sugar), and then pick and choose a few of these highlights of Canmore. 

Main Highlights of Canmore:

1. Helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies: I loved this oh so much, I did it twice – once in the lush summer months, and once in the frigid winter temps. We flew over the Three Sisters mountain range, the Goat Mountain range, Spray Lakes, and oh so much more.

You may need to keep your itinerary quite flexible if you’re planning to head up in the skies during winter time, as difficult weather can unfortunately cancel many heli rides.

Visiting during the summer? There’s a much better chance you’ll encounter optimal helicopter ride weather! It’s from up there in the skies that you realize just how massive, awe-inspiring, and unbelievable the Rocky Mountains actually are. Super scenic, undeniably smooth, and somewhat thrilling. If you’re looking for a bucket list check, I highly recommend a heli ride over the mountains. 

2. Walk around the mountain town of Canmore: Sure, you’ll most likely be walking around Banff Town as well, but the town of Canmore has a slightly different vibe. Here in Canmore you’ll find more trendy boutique shops (instead of the tacky tourist shops in Banff), and more local dining options (instead of the chain restaurants found in Banff).

I like to grab a beaver tail and indulge while admiring the mountain views all around town. 

3. Meal at Communitea: If you happen to be hanging out in Canmore when hunger strikes, I highly recommend grabbing some food at Communitea (my favorite!). The second we stepped inside this vibrant cafe I totally understood all the hype – this place has a huuuge variety of hot teas (because tea’s always a good idea) and a great selection of health-related eats.

Note that they close around 6/7ish, so plan to eat an early dinner if you’re coming in on the later side of the day. Psst – not sure what to order? Get any of the buddha bowls or the pad thai – allll phenomenal choices.

4. Go for a hike: As there are so many hiking trails in Canmore, it’s hard to choose just one (lucky you if you have more time in the area!). The most popular ones include the Grassi Lakes Hike (a 4.3km hike full of stunning pristine mountain lake views), Quarry Lake Loop (a super short 1.2km walk around the lake), and the East End of Rundle Hike (a much more strenuous uphill 5.6km trek – a great leg burner)!

Where to Stay: Tonight, either finish the drive to Banff (roughly 30 minutes or so), and sleep/eat in Banff, or book a hotel in Canmore (for either just tonight or for the duration of your stay in Banff*).

*You can opt to stay in Canmore in order to save a bit on accommodation when touring Banff, but do note that it’s roughly 30 minutes away, and with summer traffic, you’re likely looking at longer drives. Decide for yourself if the cost savings are worth the potential extra driving.

Highly rated accommodation options in Canmore include: Malcolm Hotel, Basecamp Resorts Canmore, and the Solara Resort & Spa.

Days 3-4: BANFF NATIONAL PARK

Next up, Banff National Park; the real reason for this drive from Calgary to Jasper, am I right? Rocky mountain peaks, a picturesque (albeit crowded) mountain town, glistening glacial lakes, and abundant wildlife. Banff is quite possibly one of my favorite places in the entire world. And I’ve been lucky to visit some pretty epic destinations.

With two full days in Banff, you can easily see all the area’s highlights. If you’re planning on doing a longer hike or two, plan an extra day or so in the park. And remember to bring along some bear spray, sold at numerous shops in town (better to be safe than sorry!).

Technically, Banff National Park includes Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, but as they’re located a bit north, we’ll cover them in the next few days. No need to rush as long as you’ve got the time!

Grab a digital map of Banff National Park here.

Honestly, you can do the activities listed below on either day in any order, but the plan I wrote out below just makes sense geographically and crowd-wise (although expect crowds in summer regardless of when you visit). Best to start the day as early as possible!

Day 1 in Banff:

1. Sunshine Village Gondola at Banff Sunshine Meadows: Start the day at Banff Sunshine Meadows, a ski resort on the outskirts of town, known for its intense ski trails come winter and moderate hikes once ski season is over. This place is pretty jam-packed come winter, but you’ll find it relatively quiet in the hot, summer months.

We took the gondola up, and loved walking throughout the wildflowers. We almost decided to take a short hike to one of the lakes for closer views, but quickly decided against it once we heard there’d been a grizzly sighting near the path just the day before (and we had no bear spray with us!).

The view from the lookout point was satisfying enough – just check out that photo! And don’t be like us- be sure to bring along some bear spray if you’re planning a hike!

2. Banff Town Center: This town is the epitome of a true mountain town – with peaks dominating its skyline, chateau-style hotels, lots of souvenir shopping options, and tons of wildlife (yes, bear spray is much-needed over in these parts).

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Just walk up and down the side streets – you’ll find BeaverTails (don’t miss this iconic greasy treat), homemade fudge, ice cream, and possibly even a few deer! Just be aware you won’t be the only one going for a stroll – summer sees a swarm of visitors, so be prepared to dodge some crowds along the way.

Don’t miss out on the poutine, cheese (and chocolate) fondue, and my favorite breakfast/coffee spots – Whitebark Cafe, Wild Flour, and Good Earth Coffeehouse.

3. Banff Gondola: One of the most popular things to do around here is the Banff Gondola, a scenic cableway heading to the summit of Sulphur Mountain to reach its 360 degree rooftop observation deck.

From up here you’ll get panoramic views of the town of Banff, stunning Bow River, and the surrounding mountains. We were in such awe the entire time; pictures do not do this place justice (take my word for it).

We found the best views by walking a bit further along the path, on the Banff SkyWalk Vista Trail, where thankfully the crowd dispersed quite a bit. We even saw a few bighorn mountain sheep up here, casually strolling around and posing for photos. 

Do note that it’s kinda expensive to take the Banff Gondola, with prices currently around $55CAD. If you wanna slash the cost of that admission ticket, plan a 2 hour hike up the summit of Sulphur Mountain, and get the same views fo’ free!

This moderately-strenuous hike (6.8miles of a series of switchbacks) provides stunning views of Bow Valley almost the entire way, but it’s not for the faint of heart. On my first visit to Banff, I hiked up (wanting to save the cash for things like poutine and beaver tails), while I took the gondola the last two times.

Depending on what month you visit, the gondola and parking lot may be exceptionally crowded (especially in prime summer months). We had to park a bit aways away, but trust me- no matter the season, the gondola is one activity you don’t wanna miss (if you like nice views and all…).

We stayed for sunset and the golden hues on the mountains and surrounding trees left me speechless. 

Psst- it gets chilly up here! Expect the temps to drop quite a few degrees once you reach the top of the gondola (yes, in both winter and summer). Had I known that, I may not have worn a dress, as I got goosebumps quite quickly!

4. Banff Upper Hot Springs: Finish off the day with a relaxing soak in the hot springs (about 2 minutes away from the Banff gondola). I mean, what could be better than soaking in a warm bath with 63,537 of your closest friends? Nothing, as long as said bath is nestled in the Canadian Rocky Mountains with views of Mt. Rundle across the valley. 

I visited twice (once in winter and the other in the heat of the summer), and have to say that the Upper Hot Springs are even more spectacular when the temps are below zero (and yes, your hair will freeze and turn gray – it happens to everyone, and returns back to its normal state quickly after leaving).

Be prepared to wait in line, as the hot springs are a popular attraction no matter the weather. Bring your own bathing suit if you aren’t keen on donning one of their 1950’s vibes bathing costumes (but do know this is an option if you decide you spontaneously need a dip).

Day 2 in Banff: 

1. Johnston Canyon Hike/Bow Valley Parkway: If rushing waterfalls, limestone cliffs, and turquoise pools get you going, plan a morning at Johnston Canyon. Note that the farther you venture, the more you’ll see. You can hike to the lower falls in 1 easy mile (roundtrip), upper falls in 3 miles (roundtrip and a bit more strenuous), and the ink pots in 6.5 miles (plan at least 3 hours for this roundtrip trek).

We managed to trek to the lower and upper falls in roughly 2 hours or so, and most definitely recommend this! The hike to the falls is relatively easy, partially on wooden/steel catwalks and paved roads. In winter, it’s covered in snow and a whole different spectacle. Think ice crystals and icicles at every turn; it’s like stepping into Narnia. 

You’ll want to get here early if visiting in summer (yes, we already established it’s busy, busy, busy this time of year), as the parking lot gets filled up quite early, as in we arrived at 9am and it was full (there’s extra parking down the road, don’tchu worry).

In order to get to Johnston Canyon you’ll be taking the Bow Valley Parkway (1A), which is known to be filled with wildlife – be sure to keep a close eye out for any animals on the road! 

2. Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake: Our first set of lakes in Banff – I mean, that’s a huge reason you’re coming to this region, right?! And PS – some even prefer these two lakes to Lake Louise (although I’m semi-obsessed with the latter).

The way the mountain reflects in the glacial water is absolutely mesmerizing, and luckily, there’s boats that can take you out on the lake! Be sure to book online in order to bypass the (possibly very-long) cue. It’s a favorite activity during the warm, summer months!

If you don’t have time for a boat ride, just stroll along the shore (minimal physical effort required). Wanna stretch your legs? There’s a great trail – be sure to watch out for the mountain goats and chipmunks! 

Visiting in the popular summer months? Consider taking the bus straight from Banff Town, as it can be exceptionally easy (and parking can get quite difficult due to crowds). Do note the lake will be frozen over if you’re visiting in the (beyond)-chilly winter months – still beautiful nonetheless.

3. Surprise Corner: You’re driving and driving along Tunnel Mountain Road, and then, BAM! There’s the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (and Sulphur Mountain) in the distance. You’ll only need a few minutes over here to check out the view, but boy, is the short drive worth it. There’s no sign here, so just follow your Google Maps and you’ll see it straight away.

4. Bow Falls Viewpoint: This scenic spot is so close to the town of Banff it’d be just plain old silly to skip it (a quick 5 minute drive or a lovely 20 minute walk if the weather’s nice). And get this – the waterfall has even been featured in several 1950’s films; remember Marilyn Monroe in River of No Return (yup, that’s Bow Falls!).

It’s peaceful with sounds of the soothing water (with the roar of the water over the falls as well); a great place to enjoy nature! Yes, most of Banff is just that, as the entire area’s full of scenic beauty. There’s benches and tables around the park, making it the perfect spot for a late afternoon picnic. Visiting in winter? → expect the falls to be frozen (only making them even more spectacular)!

Where to Stay in Banff: Thankfully, there are a great deal of hotels/motels/lodges in Banff Town to choose from – at all price points (ranging from a few bucks a night all the way to hundreds and hundreds). I’ve stayed in a few different spots in Banff, namely Irwin’s Mountain Inn (typical mountain lodge), Samesun Banff (hostel in a great location), and the Moose Hotel & Suites. 

Everyone raves and raves about the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, and in all reality, what’s not to love? It’s a castle, after all. Next time I visit Banff, I’m staying here (even if I have to convince my travel partner it’s worth it). Do note that hotels in Banff get booked up waaaay in advance for the high summer season, so if you have a particular hotel in mind, be sure to plan ahead (like 5-6 months).

Find more hotel options in Banff here.

Days 5-6: TURQUOISE LAKES AND MOUNTAIN VIEWS 

When people think of Banff, the activities on today’s agenda are what they typically think of! Prepare your eyes for some of the bluest glacial water you’ve ever seen – I’ve been a few times and I’m still just as blown away as during my first visit.

FYI – you can switch around Days 5 and 6 if you’d like.

Just remember, if you’re visiting during the busy summer season, all three lakes will be exceptionally crowded. Plan to arrive as early as you possibly can, not only to dodge some crowds, but to ensure parking as well (the lots fill up fast).

You can easily visit all 3 lakes in 2 days, just understand with only 2 mornings for 2 lakes, you’ll definitely find lots of crowds at the 3rd.

My recommendation: do Moraine Lake first thing one morning (like, super early), and Emerald Lake the other. Plan to hang around Lake Louise both days, possibly kayaking around the lake one day, and going for a hike on the other. Plus, 2 afternoons at Lake Louise gives you better chances for that picture-perfect postcard weather. 

And if you’re suuuuper short on time, you can squeeze all three in during just one day! Plan to arrive at Moraine Lake around 5am, visit Lake Louise for the rest of the morning/early-afternoon, then spend the remainder of the day at Emerald Lake. It’ll be a long and crowded day, but worth it to see all three. 

Keep in mind that if you’re visiting Banff in the snowy winter months, these lakes will be frozen over. I enjoyed Lake Louise in the winter just as much as during the summer, although did not make it to Moraine Lake or Emerald Lake.

The road to Moraine Lake (Moraine Lake Road) actually closes from mid-October to mid-May (dates change slightly every year) due to avalanche risk, although snowshoeing and cross country skiing is available at Emerald Lake during the winter.

Find additional and up-to-date restrictions and road closures on the official Parks Canada website. 

Lake Louise

Get ready, because today is full of striking turquoise-colored lakes, snow-covered mountain tops, those famous red canoes, and loads and loads of people (face it, this is a sought after part of the world). You’d be downright silly to skip out on Lake Louise during your Canadian Rockies road trip.

Ohhhh Lake Louise. The crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies. I promise you, a stop over here will be one of your favorites on this Calgary to Jasper itinerary. She’s an absolute stunner, known for her chilly, turquoise waters with Victoria Glacier and soaring mountains overlooking the lake (with the beautiful Fairmont Lake Louise on her shoreline).

You’ll want to plan at least a few hours here, if not a whole day, as you’ll find yourself in awe at every corner and with enough activities to last quite a while. 

However (yes, of course there’s a however), the time of year you visit Lake Louise makes a hell of a difference. Note that the waters of Lake Louise do not fully thaw until late May or early June, so if you’re hoping to witness the lake in all her stunning turquoise glory, wait until mid-late summer for a visit to the Rockies.

April and May will bring more tranquility and solitude, but no one can promise those striking turquoise waters until July. And, as expected, the lake will be iced over in the freezing winter months, with part of the snow cleared for ice skating! 

You could easily spend multiple days at Lake Louise, taking in it’s sheer beauty and just admiring the Victoria Glacier in the distance. With two half days, you can most definitely get in the highlights below:

Main Highlights of Lake Louise:

Walk around the lake: Yes, Lake Louise is crowded beyond disbelief. However, if you stray from the area near the hotel, you’ll find much more peace and quiet.

Plan to walk around the lake on the Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail (at least part-way), and you’ll encounter tons of milky-blue creeks and picturesque meltwater along this easy and super-scenic trail. Look back and you’ll even get great views of the grand Fairmont Lake Louise, which is a stunner in it’s own way.

Rent a famous red canoe: Many visitors want that iconic Canadian experience of paddling around the stunningly scenic turquoise lake (and yes, I was one of them). However, do note that renting a canoe is quite pricey, and will set you back around $125CAD per hour.

If you’re a guest of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, you are eligible for a decent discount which definitely helps (cost would be $85CAD per hour).

It can get quite crowded, so if you have your heart set on paddling around, head to the boathouse first thing upon arrival – the other activities can wait. I rented a canoe with 2 friends (max 3 adults or 2 adults/2 small kids), which helped decrease cost per person quite a bit).

Wander around the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: Even if you’re not staying at the stunning chateau, plan to spend a bit of time in and around the hotel. Elegance and sheer beauty at it’s best!

Admire the architecture. Make sure to stop by the terrace, as you’ll get fantastic views of the lake from here. And if you can’t bare to take your eyes off the lake, plan for lunch at the Lakeview Lounge (and ask for a window seat!). Afterwards, browse through the stores and grab some dessert at the cafe.

Go for a hike: Wanna see Lake Louise from above? What about burning off some of those BeaverTail-induced calories? There are numerous hikes to quaint mountain top tea houses above Lake Louise, including Lake Agnes Tea House (4.4miles/6.2km) with the additional extensions of Little/Big Beehive (+2/3 km), and the Plain of Six Glaciers (8miles/13km).

These have quite the view to effort ratio (meaning phenomenal views for only moderate activity). You’ll want to set aside a few hours for each of these hikes, and expect the tea houses to be fairly crowded in the summer months.

Moraine Lake 

Moraine Lake is by far the most picturesque of all the hotspots in the area (and many even call it more spectacular than Lake Louise, myself included). BUT it’s kinda a b*tch to visit (you heard that right).

You need to plan your timing right if you actually wanna see the lake in all its glory, since you need to visit very early in the morning (and I mean early). The parking lot gets filled up by 6-7am at the absolute latest (and, yes, I’m dead serious), meaning in order to ensure a spot, you’ll want to arrive no later than 5am. Yupppp, insane, right?!

There’s another way to visit without all the crowds, although it’ll still be a very early morning wake up call. Not many take advantage of this, but there are early bird buses departing from the overflow parking lot of Lake Louise right off the main road.

These buses will take you directly to Moraine Lake for just a few bucks (departing from 6-7:30ish, be sure to check the schedule in advance). This way, you don’t need to get there at 5am, and can easily park in a lot.

Really have a thing against early mornings (I hear ya). You can plan to take the shuttle bus from Lake Louise to Moraine Lake a bit later in the morning, but be sure to get your ticket as soon as you arrive (tickets were sold out once we finished exploring Lake Louise and wanted to head to Moraine Lake).

We thought we could casually walk up to the shuttle line and snag a ticket – no siree! For this option, plan to drive directly to Lake Louise, and you’ll see buses for Moraine Lake in the parking lot. Just remember, get your timed ticket as soon as you arrive!

Once you get to Moraine Lake, plan to climb up the large rock pile, as that’s where the famous lookout spot is located (and where these photos were taken). This view, the lake surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks, is actually one of the most photographed images of nature in the world. The world. Aka don’t snooze your alarm!

The hike only takes a few minutes (15 minutes tops), and despite what others say, the path is pretty well-marked and clear. I climbed up in Converse and was just fine.

You can also rent a kayak over here, but in my honest opinion, the most rewarding views are from up above. From up here, you’ll get to witness the snowy peaks of the mountains mirrored in the still turquoise waters below; it’s an absolutely mesmerizing sight. Promise me you won’t forget your camera.

Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake is actually located within Yoho National Park in nearby British Columbia, and is unfortunately overlooked by so many tourists. Don’t be one of them! Make sure you include Emerald Lake into your Banff itinerary (once you see the photos you’ll see why).

Trust me, after seeing the glistening, emerald waters with the greenest pine trees reflecting in the water, you’ll never want to leave. It’s just that gorgeous. Be sure to take a walk around the perimeter of the lake, as you’ll find yourself away from the crowds with the place almost to yourselves.

This is another spot where you can rent a canoe, and thankfully it’s a tad bit cheaper than over at Lake Louise, although will still cost you a pretty penny (worth it, yes!).

You can also make a short stop at Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park, although we did not have time for this (we spent too much time gawking over the water of Emerald Lake – figures).

Where to Stay near Lake Louise: There are a few accommodation options in the Lake Louise area, although you could choose to spend an additional night in Banff instead. My top choice – stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Yes, it’s pricey, and yes, it can be crowded mid-day, but one look at it and you’ll be wishing you were staying there.

If you still wanna be right near the lake but not shell out crazy money, the Deer Lodge is a great option as well. In addition, Emerald Lake Lodge, a peaceful resort overlooking, you guessed it, Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, is a great choice as well if you wanna stay away from all the hustle and bustle (finally checked this off my bucket list when we visited Banff in November!).

Day 7: ICEFIELDS PARKWAY

Say goodbye to those stunning glacial lakes, because we’re continuing on with this Canadian Rockies road trip on the Icefields Parkway!

Head on up to Jasper National Park via the impressive Icefields Parkway (this wouldn’t be a very thorough Banff travel blog without mentioning this)! Whatever you do, you absolutely cannot miss this stunning drive.

It’s full of lush pine forests, jagged snow-covered peaks, and tons of wildlife spotting opportunities (bighorn sheep, mountain goats, moose, and bears are known to frequent the highway – watch out!), making it one of the world’s most spectacular driving routes.

This will be a very full, action packed drive, so plan to start early and be thankful for that extra light if you’re visiting in the summer. The entire drive should take roughly 3 hours from Lake Louise to Jasper (without stopping), so dedicate the whole day so you don’t feel super rushed.

Plan for some traffic in the busy summer months, and note that in some spots along the highway the speed reduces to a slow 50km/hr.

You’ll want to pack a picnic lunch (we had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and a few snacks like pretzels, granola bars, etc) since there’s not many options for decent food along the road. Also – make sure to fill up your gas tank in Banff/Lake Louise, as there’s really only one gas station along the way, and the prices are exorbitant.

We did the following in one day and found it a great use of time:

Stop 1: Bow Lake

Driving northbound (coming from Banff/Lake Louise), Bow Lake will be the first stop you want to make along the Icefields Parkway. Known for its delicate glacial blues and fantastic reflections (and fewer crowds), it’s not one to miss. 

However, reflections and water color is highly dependent on the weather. The first time I visited the water was especially calm and serene, and I got the most gorgeous mountain reflections, but during the next visit there was some wind, resulting in small ripples forming in the water, with zero reflections. You’ll probably have the best luck with reflections in the early morning.

No matter the weather, look out for Bow Falls and Bow Glacier in the distance. Take some time to go for a walk along the shoreline, and check out the historical Num-Ti-Jah Lodge!

Psst – the lake is very easy to access as it’s right off the road, and parking is very convenient.

Stop 2: Peyto Lake

I’m sure you’ve seen photo after photo of this stunning glacial lake, as Peyto Lake is alllll over social media. You won’t wanna miss this lake, I can promise you that! It’s by far one of the best views in all of the Canadian Rockies in my opinion (with the water glistening against snow capped mountains and deep, green trees), and a wonderful way to spend a mid-morning. 

And no, it’s not filled with electric blue Gatorade, although it sure looks like it! The distinctive blue color is oh so real, and is due to rock flour particles from nearby glacial melt. Make sure to notice the shape of the lake – it actually looks like a wolf head! And ohhh, it’ll be crowded.

When inputting a location into your GPS, be sure to put in “Bow Summit”, as this is where the Peyto Lake overlook is. Do note that unlike Bow Lake which can be accessed right from the parking lot, you’ll need to take a short, 15 minute uphill hike from the lower parking lot to reach the Peyto Lake viewpoint. 

There is another parking lot (the upper parking lot), but this is reserved for tour buses and those with handicapped stickers, which is about a 2 minute walk to the overlook.

Be extra careful taking pictures here if you venture off the path (do so at your own discretion). I’ve read that there are additional (albeit unmarked) trails leading to a spot slightly lower than Bow Summit, where you can find some peace and quiet and even more stunning views. 

Stop 3: Athabasca Glacier/Columbia Icefield Adventure

Ever step foot on a 10,000 year-old sheet of ice before? Well, today’s your chance to get up close and personal with Athabasca Glacier and do just that! In order to get directly on the ice, you’ll need to take a tour organized by the Columbia Icefield Discovery tourist center. 

On the tour we traveled a few minutes to the Athabasca Glacier via snow-coach (an all-terrain vehicle with tires bigger than me!),  drank the pure glacial melt water (bring a water bottle for this), learned all about the history of glaciers in the area, and walked on the crunchy ice.

Do note that it’s practically freezing on the glacier (yes, even in the middle of summer), so be sure to bundle up! You’ll have roughly 20 minutes on the ice, which doesn’t sound like long, but we froze in a matter of minutes!

Is the Ice Explorer Tour worth it? I say yes, but it is quite expensive (at $87CAD at the time of this writing – January 2020). The only way you’ll really be able to experience the ice is by getting bussed directly onto the glacier. Do note that you are able to observe the glacier from afar and even walk on it’s edges, but it’s NOTHING like stepping foot in the middle of it.

Prebook your SnoCoach tickets ahead of time to bypass the (usually-very-long) line at the Icefield Discovery Centre. The Skywalk, a jaw-dropping walk along a glass floor 918 feet above Sunwapta Valley with breathtaking vistas every which way you look, is included in the ticket price as well. The real star of the show is the Ice Explorer though.

If walking on a glacier is on your bucket list, don’t miss out. Unfortunately, the glacier is receding at an alarming rate, which is a clear indication of global warming.

Thankfully, the folks at Columbia Icefield take as much precaution as they can to slow the melting of the glacier as best they can (I.e using special snow-coaches which are careful not to crack the ice, limiting the # of visitors per day, etc).

Other spots along the Icefields Parkway you may want to stop at include Herbert Lake, Mistaya Canyon, Weeping Wall (Cirrus Mountain), Parker Ridge Trail for a bit of hiking (~5km round trip), and Wilcox Pass Trail for a longer trek (~10km).

Grab a digital map of the Icefields Parkway here.

Where to Stay the night: I highly recommend that you continue the drive on the Icefields Parkway until you reach your hotel in Jasper (another hour or so north, depending where you’re staying obviously).

This way, you can start your first day in Jasper bright and early the next morning. And honestly, there’s really no reason to stay anywhere along the Icefields Parkway, as 8-10 hours will give you sufficient time to enjoy all the must-see sights. 

*And plus, if you’re planning to drive back to Banff after visiting Jasper, you’ll have another day (or partial day) to see the scenic stops on the Icefields Parkway. Jasper hotel recommendations below.

Days 8-9: JASPER NATIONAL PARK

Jasper is like Banff’s more rugged, less-crowded little sister, despite being larger in size and offering if not even more scenic beauty. The area is full of glaciers, lakes, and more peaks than you ever thought imaginable, with Mt. Edith Cavell towering over the town at 11k+ feet.

And due to its more remote area (5+ hours from Calgary instead of a mere 1.5 to Banff), you’ll find less visitors to Jasper (although the prime summer months still see an influx of out of towners).

You could easily spend weeks exploring all that Jasper National Park has to offer, but if you’re tight on time like I was, 2 days will suffice.

And if you haven’t seen much wildlife on your Canadian rockies road trip just yet, don’t fret – you’re bound to see lots in Jasper. 

Fewer crowds to Jasper mean a higher bear population, so be sure to take along your binoculars and bear spray and always practice bear safety (never get out of the car with a bear present, no matter how far away and when hiking, make noise and never go alone).

Native wildlife to the area include elk, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, white-tail deer, and, as mentioned, lots (and lots) of bears (grizzly and black) in the vast wilderness that is Jasper National Park. 

Really wanna ensure you see some wildlife?! → sign up for an organized evening or morning wildlife search (when the animals are most active)! Your guide will select the route based on seasonal wildlife movements, ultimately giving you the best chance of seeing the animals. Read reviews and Sign up here.

Grab a free digital map of Jasper National Park here ahead of time to get your bearings!

First day in Jasper: 

Stop #1: Maligne Lake and Spirit Island

You cannot drive all the way to Jasper National Park and not visit Maligne Lake. It’s by far one of the most photographed locations in Jasper, (well, in all of Canada, actually), thanks to Spirit Island (only accessible by boat tours), it’s stunning azure colors, and views of the three glaciers.

And plus, it’s the largest natural lake in all of the Canadian Rockies (and we know how many of them there are!).

I recommend heading to Maligne Lake first thing in the morning, as this large lake is popular for a reason. It’s the furthest spot on the list for today (~1 hour), but you’ll be backtracking the rest of the day towards the town of Jasper, so it’s not so bad!

You’ll want to set aside some time for the ever-so-popular scenic boat cruise around the lake, which makes a quick (20 minute) stop at Spirit Island. And once you get off at Spirit Island, the time goes extra fast, so be sure to take all your photos right away!

I’ve done the boat tour twice, and it’s probably an activity I’ll be doing on all my trips to Jasper. Yes, it’s on the expensive side ($75CAD for 90 minutes and $110CAD for 120minutes), but well worth it in my opinion.

Canoes and kayaks are available from the boat house if you don’t want to take a scenic cruise around the lake and to Spirit Island.

Note that you CAN paddle to Spirit Island yourself, but it’s quite far at 14km from the Curly Phillips boat house (anyone up for an epic, yet tiresome paddle?). And just FYI, the water is quite chilly (like all other lakes in the Canadian Rockies), so you probably won’t wanna swim (or fall) in it.

You’ll also find a visitor center, the pier where the boat tours launch from, and a cafeteria-style restaurant at Maligne Lake (although I recommend making your own sandwiches).

Stop #2: Medicine Lake (The disappearing lake)

A relatively short stop, but may as well park for a few minutes since it’s kinda on the way to Maligne Canyon (our next stop)! Medicine Lake, known as the Disappearing Lake to some, does just that – the water vanishes (and then reappears) each year, making it a quite unique body of water. And how does this happen? By continuous draining through a network of underground caves. How cool is that?!

If you want to actually see the water, be sure to visit before late Fall, as by then the lake is gone, leaving behind a giant mudflat (where you’ll sometimes see moose grazing). The water refills in the spring when the snow melts from the surrounding mountains (I think…).

Look around, you may even see mountain goats, a bunch of Pika (a small furry animal), and/or a bald eagle or two (we saw one in a nearby nest!).

Stop #3: Maligne Canyon

I stopped to hike Maligne Canyon both times I was in the area (this past summer and a few summers ago), and highly recommend it! Being the deepest slot canyon (a whopping 50 meters!) in Jasper National Park, Maligne Canyon is not to be missed!

And get this – it’s narrow enough in some places that squirrels can safely jump across (brave little guys if you ask me – it’s a looooong way down).

If you want to do the entire hike across all six bridges it’ll take you a few hours, but many (including myself) opt to take in the views from the first few bridges. We started the hike from the First Bridge, which is where most people begin as well. There are fantastic viewpoints along the trail (did someone say waterfalls), pleasant strolls through the forest, and oh so many photo opps of the narrow canyon.

It’s downright fascinating to think how the gushing water has eroded the rocks and carved the gorge over thousands and thousands of years. Oh, Mother Nature, you’re pretty wild.

Don’t feel like getting around yourself on stops #1-#3? Neither did we (exploring in the Canadian Rockies is hard work :p). We actually chose to sign up for this full-day Jasper Wildlife and Waterfall tour, which stopped at Medicine Lake and Maligne Canyon, and included a 90-minute boat ride at Maligne Lake to Spirit Island.

The tour also included plenty of wildlife searching, and we saw quite a few bears right alongside the coach and plenty of curious pika! Sign up here for the exact tour we did!

If you prefer to get your hiking on instead of cruise along on a boat tour of Maligne Lake, opt for this tour instead (psst – it’s cheaper but doesn’t include that highly coveted stop at Spirit Island).

Stop #4: Pyramid and Patricia Lakes

If you have more time and haven’t had enough of the lakes just yet, Pyramid and Patricia are your answer. Go on a walk around this pair of lakes (complete with beautiful reflections) – but don’t forget your bear spray! Both are much quieter than all the previous lakes on this Canadian rockies itinerary, so be sure to talk loudly or even sing every few minutes to alert the bears to stay away. 

Not up for a long walk? Go kayaking instead! Don’t expect the same wow factor of Emerald Lake or Lake Louise, but you’ll be surrounded by mountains – what more do you need?!

Although we didn’t make it here ourselves, I heard it’s a great place to watch the sunset! Which I will be doing on my next trip to Jasper (hopefully sooner than later). And technicallyyyy you could walk here from town since the paths are clearly marked, but it’d likely take you the better portion of the day (your choice!).

Second day in Jasper:

The activities on today’s list are technically along the Icefields Parkway, but are waaaaay closer to Jasper than Banff. We chose to check out of our hotel early after our second night in Jasper, threw our luggage in the trunk, and hit the ground running for Calgary (via Banff), making the following stops along the way.

And just FYI, we arrived back in Calgary in late-afternoon, just in time to head into town for some dinner and a short walk around town. As noted earlier, you can opt to head to Edmonton (a 4 hour drive from Jasper) if you’d like to explore a new area the next few days instead!

Morning: Edith Cavell Meadows hike

The Edith Cavell Meadows hike was recommended to us by a shop owner in the town of Jasper (while shopping for binoculars), and we cannot thank him enough. It’s apparently the #1 hike in Jasper – how had we not even heard of it before?!

The hike takes visitors to a lake full of frosty icebergs and the mindblowing Angel Glacier, and only takes about 30 minutes to reach (via the Path of the Glacier Trail; an easy 1.6km walk).

If you want to see the glacier from above, you can continue on to Cavell Meadows Summit via the Cavell Meadows Trail (about 7km with some steep inclines). You’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of Mt. Edith Cavell, Angel Glacier, Cavell Glacier, and Cavell Lake below.

Due to our time constraints and wanting to see other attractions in the area, we walked to Cavell Pond via the Path of the Glacier Trail. It was misty and a tad rainy on the morning we went, meaning we had the trail mostly to ourselves (we saw just one other couple on our way down).

I suspect there’d be a much larger crowd in better weather, so be sure to arrive early since the parking lot is pretty small. I definitely want to do this short hike again in clear weather!

Afternoon:

Horseshoe Lake: Despite being a relatively small lake (compared to some of the much larger ones we’ve already seen), it’s quite scenic and offers a short trail around the perimeter. Apparently it’s a top cliff-jumping spot, so if that’s your thing, be sure to bring your bathing suit!

Full disclosure: the trail was pretty muddy and a bit flooded (with patches of knee deep water) when we were there, so we opted to head straight back to the car since we weren’t wearing appropriate clothing. 

Athabasca Falls: Thankfully I got to witness the force of the water of Athabasca Falls on my first visit, as it was unfortunately pouring on my latest visit! A picturesque and powerful waterfall with mountain views behind – what can be better?! It’ll undoubtedly be crowded with tourists, but still worth it in my opinion.  

A super easy and quick spot to visit, even with only a short amount of time. There are self-guided trails and bridges, and a large parking lot, making for easy access! You can even get close enough to feel the spray of the water, providing some nice relief in the hot summer months.

Next time I treat myself to another Canadian Rockies road trip, I wanna visit in winter (it looks downright magical with the frozen falls against the turquoise waters).

Sunwapta Falls: Yeah, yeah, yeah, I hear you – another waterfall? This twin pair of waterfalls (one upper and one lower) are fed by the Athabasca Glacier – yup, that ice we stood on along the Icefields Parkway!

The upper falls are super easy to get to (literally a few steps from the parking lot), but you’ll need to head down 1.3km to reach the lower falls. And if you’re feeling brave – walk across the footbridge for a better view!

And if you’ve got extra time (or would rather skip out the Mt. Edith Cavell hike in the AM), there’s loads of additional hikes in the area to choose from. Some of the most popular ones include: the Wilcox Pass Trail, Valley of the Five Lakes, and the Sulphur Skyline Trail. I’ll be packing my hiking boots for those next time.

Where to Stay in Jasper:

By far the most popular place to stay in Jasper National Park is the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. It’s an upscale, rustic retreat, with not only a spa and suites, but golf courses as well. Not looking to live a life of luxury in the mountains (nor pay a pretty penny for it)? 

Other options include The Astoria Hotel (lodging with lots of character and charm), Whistler’s Inn (surrounded by mountains), and HI Jasper (hostel just a short walk from downtown). Since we booked unfathomably late (and by that I mean a month ahead of time), the only accommodation I could find available was at the Tonquin Inn, which ended up being a perfectly fine place for a few nights.

Find more hotel options in Jasper here.

I hope this (massive) guide to a Calgary to Jasper Canadian Rockies itinerary was helpful! Is a Canadian Rockies road trip on your bucket list?! If not, add it ASAP!

The post An Epic Canadian Rockies Itinerary: From Calgary to Jasper and Beyond appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

Continue reading for recommended stops on any Vancouver to Banff road trip, as well as what to do (plenty), what to eat (lots), and where to stay (tons of options).

Psst – you may wanna grab a pen and take some notes: this is a long post we’re about to dive into!

Ohhh, Canada, and the Rockies in general (no, I won’t start singing the national anthem). I’ve been to this part of the country quite a few times now in the last 2 years (4 to be exact), and I have to say, British Columbia and Alberta are places I can see myself heading back to for years to come.

I’m usually all about that “new-place, new-experience” mindset, but Canada keeps calling me back. And I’m a-okay with that.

I took a 2 week road trip throughout the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta not too long ago, and whoa. WHOA. I had seen a few photos of this area on Insta and Pinterest before (okay, who am I kidding, I’ve basically stalked Explore Canada’s feeds for ages), but was not expecting what I saw firsthand.

So much raw beauty it was un-f***king-believable. I swear, every day was better than the last, and I left with a newfound appreciation (and unsatiated lust) for my neighbor up north. 

Planning other travels in Canada? Check out my top recs in Montreal (summer and winter), Fernie (summer), Vancouver, Toronto (winter), and Niagara Falls.

If you follow this Vancouver to Banff road trip itinerary, I can promise that you’ll discover more rugged natural beauty, towering trees, glistening glacial lakes, and tasty treats (hellooooo Nanaimo bars) than you thought possible along the way.

This trip to the Canadian Rockies will have you wondering why you haven’t explored the region before, and you’ll quickly see why! 

Over the course of the road trip, expect to drive approximately 12 hours (one way) and around 600 miles (or 950 km – and yes, they use km in Canada!).

In order to drive from Vancouver to Banff in a reasonable amount of time and still do all the things (besides just drive), you’ll want to allocate at least a week for this trip, preferably a bit longer (10 days would be absolutely ideal so you don’t have to rush around like a madman).

If you have any long hikes on your wish-list, you may want to plan a few extra days into your itinerary so you don’t miss the top tourist sites as well. And thankfully, there’s only a few bouts of driving longer than a few hours, as many of the stops are relatively close to each other. 

→ Check out my road trip packing guide for must-have items and other handy tips and tricks (helpful even if you’re an experienced road tripper, promise!)

Overview of this Vancouver to Banff Drive

Estimated Driving Time (scenic route): 12 hours

*Note that you can drive directly from Vancouver to Banff in a mere 9 ½ hours (okay, so it’s actually not much shorter time wise), but what’s the fun in that?! May as well spend a few extra days exploring on the road. 

• Stop 1: Vancouver
• Stop 2: Squamish 
• Stop 3: Whistler 
• Stop 4: Kamloops 
• Stop 5: Glacier National Park of Canada 
• Stop 6: Golden 
• Stop 7: Emerald Lake
• Stop 8: Lake Louise 
• Stop 9: Banff 

Getting to Vancouver

First things first, if you’re not a resident of Vancouver, you’ll of course need to get yourself there! Since Vancouver International Airport (airport code VYR) is a major international airport, (it’s actually the second busiest airport in Canada), you can easily find cheap airfare within the states, especially from the West Coast.

Coming from SFO, I can typically find flights for as little as $250 (roundtrip), dependent on the time of year and how much flexibility I’ve got of course. 

I swear by Skyscanner and Google Flights whenever searching for airline tickets, and more often times than not, find the cheapest prices on one of them. The ability to track prices (and get email notifications whenever there’s a price drop) is top notch and one of my favorite features. Take advantage of Skyscanner, you guys!

If you’ll be following this Vancouver to Banff itinerary and heading east (without driving the direct 9+ hours back to Vancouver), you’ll want to book two one-way tickets. 1) HOME → YVR (Vancouver), 2) YYC (Calgary) → HOME.

Make sure to search for one-way flights when booking tickets. ? They’re not always more expensive compared to roundtrip as many think, and I frequently choose this option when it saves me a great deal of time (especially helpful for us folks who have full-time jobs and all).

Renting a Car

Since this is in fact a road trip, you’ll need a vehicle to get you from place to place! Worth mentioning so you don’t forget to account for the cost of a rental car when following this Vancouver to Banff drive! I like to search via this site in order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price. 

Note that many rental car shops charge extra for returning their cars at different pick up/drop off locations – just something to keep in mind (worth the extra cost to me – I would rather pay an extra fee than drive an extra 9+ hours (with gas!), plus the cost of a possible hotel on the way back depending how you time your trip).

And if you’re thinking of driving roundtrip, consider stopping at a few places en route to Banff, and save the rest for the way back to Vancouver. Basically, break it up so you’re not seeing all the things on the way to Banff, and then nothing on the boring ride home.

Do note that many car rentals in Canada require proof of insurance. My credit card includes car rental insurance, so I book with that and it’s automatically covered. Be prepared to show proof, or pay up for the over priced insurance through the car rental agency once you get there.

→ Search for the best car rental prices here. I bet you’ll find a great deal! We saved over $100 on our last rental just by quickly using this site.

When to Take this Vancouver to Banff road trip: 

This post assumes you’ll be driving during the warm summer months of June-September, although anytime between April and October will do. 

Summer

Summer (June-September) in the Rockies and this part of Canada in general is absolutely glorious. It doesn’t get ridiculously sweltering like it does in parts of the states, with a good amount of cool nights and fresh mornings. I took this trip in July (and then re-visited Banff/Jasper again the following year in mid-August), and the temps were just right. 

Do note that the summer months of June-August are the most popular, and therefore the most crowded, but well worth it to have the greatest chance of picture-perfect weather.

There will still be snow on the ground in some parts (especially in the mountains of Whistler), and as you veer away from July/August it’ll be cooler. Plan to take a jacket or two during summer as it gets quite chilly at night and in the early morning.

Winter

October through March will be cold and rainy/snowy throughout much of both BC and Alberta. While Banff in winter is absolutely gorgeous, unless you’re a super experienced driver or absolutely die-hard love the snow, I wouldn’t suggest driving from Vancouver to Banff in the dead of winter.

If you’re set on visiting the area then, I highly recommend just flying from Vancouver to Calgary and making the 1.5 hour drive to Banff. Alternatively, there are 2-day sleeper trains that go directly from Vancouver to Banff, if you’d rather stare out the window admiring the snowy flakes instead of missing out on them from above. 

However, do note that the drive is possible as long as you use caution (the Trans-Canada highway is as good as it’s gonna get), but you can never predict the winter weather (which may cause driving to be difficult/unsafe).

Always use caution when planning to drive in the winter months, and stock up on necessities (water, extra tire, etc) just in case you somehow get stranded on the road (highways shut down/flat tire/etc).

Where to Stay Along the Drive from Vancouver to Banff:

If you’re following all the stops on this Vancouver to Banff road trip itinerary, you’ll want to make hotel reservations in advance, especially if you’re visiting from May to October.

We 99.99% book accommodations beforehand (minus that one time we booked day of during our cross-country road trip), and this is one of those trips where I feel it’s necessary to get everything squared away early on during planning.

It should be noted that hotels book up exceptionally fast in the Lake Louise/Banff/Jasper area, so if you’re planning on spending the night over in those parts, plan to book at least a few months out.

When we were finally ready to finalize accommodation in Banff and Jasper, a lot had already been sold out and we didn’t have much to choose from. Plan (and book) early to get the greatest flexibility when it comes to accommodation, in terms of budget and location.

For a 10-day road trip, I recommend staying in the following areas with preferable number of nights: 

• Vancouver (2 nights)
• Squamish (1 night)
• Whistler (2 nights)
• Kamloops or Golden (1 night)
• Lake Louise (2 nights)
• Banff (2 nights)

And if you’ve got an extra two days or so, head up north via the Icefields Parkway en route to Jasper! I mean, if you’re already all the way over here, it’d just be plain silly to miss out on these two stunning additions.

If you have your heart set on visiting Jasper as well, it may make sense to book a flight home out of Edmonton, just FYI, as it’s closer to Jasper than driving back to Calgary or Vancouver.

Enough jibber jabber! Now let’s get this Vancouver to Banff road trip under way!

The Complete Vancouver to Banff Road Trip Itinerary

*Note that distances are approximate only. If you’re visiting in the busy summer months, expect some traffic. And if you’re visiting in the winter, you’ll need to account for unfavorable weather and possible road closures.

It’s wise to start your mornings early to not only beat some traffic, but to arrive at destinations before the intense crowds start to take over the place. Plan to begin any long hikes early on in the day as it gets extremely hot once the summer sun gets high in the sky!

Stop #1: Start in Vancouver

Vancouver to Banff trip officially begins! | Stay 2-3 days

Get ready, because this west coast seaport city is your starting point for your entire Vancouver to Banff road trip! And depending on whether you live in Vancouver or not (which I’m most likely guessing not), you’ll want to make sure to spend a few days in the area before setting off for Banff! 

First things first – Vancouver is absolutely gorgeous (as you’ll see with the bulk of the stops on this itinerary). Let’s just say, despite Vancouver being a city and all, you’ll never feel deprived of nature – it’s got snow-capped mountains to the north and that deep blue Pacific Ocean to its left.

It’s beauty has even made it on multiple “Most Beautiful Cities of the World” – including Forbes and Buzzfeed. And all that nature just gives way for tons of outdoor recreational activities – from skiing and snow sports in the winter to kayaking, hiking, camping, and biking most months outta the year. 

Besides getting into nature (green space within the city included), Vancouver’s got a thriving art, theatre, and music scene, some of the freshest seafood you’ll find around (salmon lovers won’t leave hungry), and a local fave – BC Bud (yup, apparently marijuana is a big thing here). 

With two days in Vancouver, you can easily fit in these activities:

Stanley Park: Now here’s a public park you shouldn’t miss (along with it’s 8 million annual visitors). Since the park covers a great deal of land (I mean, it is over 1,000 acres), plan to rent a bike so you can really see all it has to offer. Lovely beaches, miles of trails, ever-blooming gardens, and even a pool and an aquarium.

Many bike the Stanley Park Seawalls, a 10km seawall loop around the park, which passes by Coal Harbour, Siwash Rock, Brockton Point, Lumberman’s Arch, the Totem Poles (don’t miss these), and much more.

Hit up the Beach: Betcha didn’t realize that Vancouver is actually a city full of beaches. There’s swimming at English Bay within Stanley Park, volleyball and a heated outdoor pool at Kitsilano Beach (known as Kits Beach to locals), and tennis, volleyball, and fishing at Jericho Beach.

Locarno’s quite quiet, Second Beach boasts an outdoor pool (like Kits), while Third Beach is great for sunset barbecues. Do note that the ocean water stays rather chilly around 60F (yes, even in summer), so don’t count on swimming for long. Steer clear of Wreck Beach if nudes aren’t your thing – it’s Canada’s first (legal) clothing-optional beach!

Check out the Waterfront/Canada Place: Sure, Canada Place is technically a convention center, but one visit will prove way more than a hotel and ferry terminal. Built to look like a ship, you’ll find sweeping views of the Vancouver Harbour as well as tons of restaurants, shops, and bars.

Stop by the Digital Orca, a lego-ized sculpture of a killer whale located right next to the Vancouver Convention Centre for some fun photos.

Grouse Mountain: Grab your hiking boots, because we’re going hiking! This vast alpine playground is just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, and is the perfect place to get in your steps (it ain’t called “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster” for nothing)!

The Grouse Grind has a steep grade and tons of elevation gain (2,800 feet!!!), making for an intense 90-minute morning trek.

But once at the top, be prepared for stunning panoramic views of the area below – including the Pacific Ocean, Gulf Islands, the city of Vancouver, neighboring mountain peaks, and nearby inlets and bays. Thankfully, if you don’t want your thighs to hate you, there’s a gondola which takes visitors up the mountain wilderness, offering the same views as the grueling hike.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: Get high above the treetops, and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the rainforest and canyon below. Included in the price of admission is three, heart-wrenching activities: the world-famous Capilano Suspension Bridge (spanning over the Capilano River), 7 bridges of Treetops Adventure, and the thrilling Cliffwalk (sitting 700ft above the granite cliffside).

P.S. If the descriptions didn’t give it away, this may not be the best place for those with a fear of heights. Despite being one of the most popular tourist attractions in Vancouver, I honestly found it a bit underwhelming and theme-park like.

The gals I were with loved it; pretty sure it has something to do with having redwoods and other larger-than-life trees right near me in The Bay Area of California.

Do note that it gets rather crowded, which may unfortunately distract from enjoying the nature and grounds.

Granville Island: This old industrial district has been transformed into a little oasis of unique shops (think brooms and artisanal chocolate) and restaurants. There’s also the Granville Island Brewing Company (cold beer, anyone?), a distillery, a sake house, and a fabulous indoor market filled with treats for lunch or for later on in the trip.

You’ll find a tour through Granville Market to be one of the most authentic ways to experience Vancouver.  Plus, who doesn’t love fresh, local, seasonal produce? I visited the market but was completely overwhelmed and really wish I had hopped on a quick tour to actually learn about the area.

And no, Granville’s not technically an island, but a little patch of land poking out into the inlet (which makes it, in fact, a peninsula). 

Gastown: This lively neighborhood in Vancouver, full of cobblestoned streets, beautiful Victorian buildings, and dramatic ocean views would be worth the visit even without the myriad of fantastic coffee bars, indie art galleries, and hip eateries.

Besides checking out the whistling Steam Clock (yup, don’t miss this quirky attraction right on the street), spend an afternoon walking along Water Street.

You’ll want to loop around and walk back up Cordova Street, stopping off at Blood Alley for some tacos or L’Abattoir for a fancy feed. If you’re in the mood for some food, hop on a Gastown food walking tour for some of the best delights in the area! 

→ Read Next: Top Things to do in Vancouver

A few other things Vancouver’s got going for it: 

• That sweet, sweet fresh mountain (and ocean, and forest, and beach) air. Vancouver’s surrounded by mountains and located practically next to the sea. You definitely won’t be missing nature, that’s for sure!

• You can walk almost everywhere in Vancouver! There’s no freeways, which must mean it’s quite compact, right? Psst – no need to rent a car just yet! Biking is the way to go around these parts. However, do note if you wanna get to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, you’ll need to catch a bus or taxi (Uber’s banned in Vancouver, just FYI), as it’s not within walking distance in the least bit. 

• Vancouver as a whole is regarded as a very safe city. Just be aware of petty crime – it’s unfortunately quite the problem in Vancouver (surprisingly, since this is Canada we’re talking about).

• Vancouver’s actually one of Canada’s most ethnically diverse cities, which I love considering the fact that I grew up right outside of New York City and worked in Harlem for a bunch of years. 

So basically, yeah, Vancouver is kinda awesome. You just might not wanna leave (but then you’ll miss out on all the beauty in Banff – and that’s my absolute favorite place in all of Canada – so keep moving!).

Where to Stay in Vancouver: There are quite a few neighborhoods in Vancouver and it can get overwhelming to say the least. I recommend staying in Downtown Vancouver (in either Gastown/Chinatown, Yaletown, or along the Waterfront) at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Rosewood Hotel Georgia, L’Hermitage Hotel, or Wedgewood Hotel and Spa.

Stop #2: Squamish 

TOTAL DRIVE TIME: 1 hour from Vancouver | Stay 1-2 full days, dependent on desired hikes

*As you make your way from Vancouver to Whistler, you’ll be driving on the awe-inspiring Sea-to-Sky Highway (officially known as BC Highway 99). “Sea” for Vancouver’s location next to the ocean, and “Sky” for the grandiose height of the Pemberton mountains a bit north of Whistler.

The route through Squamish I’m suggesting is just this, so you won’t miss any of the sites! And while the stops I’m suggesting are the most popular, feel free to explore further if you just can’t part with the views (although the whole trip will be filled with ‘em, you’ll see).

Be sure to make a few stops, favorites being Porteau Cove Provincial Park for it’s stunning blue views, Shannon Falls Provincial Park (to witness this 335 meter waterfall), and the ever-so-popular Sea to Sky Gondola.

You’ve gotta head north anyways, so you may as well make a stop at Squamish, better known as Canada’s outdoor adventure capital! It’s an absolute mecca for rock climbers, mountain bikers, and kite surfers, with white water rafting, paddle boarding, kayaking, and windsurfing available as well.

Hikers will find tons of famous, awe-inspiring trails, leading to turquoise-colored, glacier-fed lakes and through flower-filled meadows. But if you’re not a professional athlete (I sure ain’t one), don’t fret – there’s still a bunch to do for us not-as-physically-gifted common folks.

This authentic West Coast mountain town, built around mining and forestry, features farm to table dining, sidewalk cafes, and even driftwood beaches.

Sea to Sky Gondola: If there’s just one thing you do on your drive from Vancouver to Whistler, make it be this one. This dramatic gondola over the Howe Sound is as stunning as it sounds – views from both the gondola and lookout platforms are incredible.

Over the course of the 12-minute ride, the spectacular views gradually unfold, and don’t stop once you arrive at the summit! Besides the snow-capped mountains and ocean inlets to photograph, you’ll also find some great walks starting at the summit, a rocky (yet perfectly safe) suspension bridge, and a cafe/restaurant.

Shannon Falls Provincial Park: As the 3rd largest waterfall in British Columbia, and towering above Howe Sound at 335m, Shannon Falls is one of the most popular sights on the Sea-to-Sky Highway.

And since it’s only a 15-20 minute walk to reach the falls (along the Shannon Falls trails) from the parking lot, this provincial park is well worth the short stop on your Vancouver to Banff drive.

Please, oh please, if you’re heading near/in the water, be extra careful over there – a few vloggers were swept to their deaths not too long ago. We only hiked to to the viewpoint and didn’t make it in the water, but I heard the slick rocks closer to the falls make this pretty dangerous. Use your judgement and never risk your life for a photo/video. Just please.

Mount Garibaldi and Garibaldi Lake: Seen from so many vantage points in the area, this massive (still-active) volcano is monstrously huge (with peaks up to 8786 feet high), with Garibaldi Lake below.

If you wanna get in a long hike, check out Panorama Ridge, a 28.3km (18 mile) heavily trafficked loop trail, complete with a stunning turquoise lake, deep forests, idyllic streams, and flower-filled meadows.

You’ll definitely need to account an entire day (or longer) for this trek, as many choose to camp out along the way since it takes between 9-12 hours (making for an exceptionally long day hike). But those pristine views of Garibaldi Lake are well-worth the exhausting effort.

But thankfully, if you’re not up for a super-strenuous day, you can still get great views of Mount Garibaldi from elsewhere, such as Brandywine Meadows high up in the mountains.

Hike The Chief: Not up for a multi-day hike, but still wanna get your legs moving? The Stawamus Chief hiking route, a classic hike in the Squamish area, may be just what you’re looking for.

It’s still considered an intermediate hike (just wait for those challenging uphill sections), taking roughly 90 minutes or so to reach Peak 1 (with an elevation gain of 500m), and slightly longer/higher to reach the other two peaks. And you can even begin this trek right off the Sea to Sky Highway.

Breweries: Beer lovers, you’re in luck – Squamish is full of local craft beer, with its trio of local breweries (affectionately dubbed the Squamish Ale Trail): Howe Sound Brewing, A-Frame Brewing, and Backcountry Brewing. You’ll find brewpubs, rustic tasting rooms, and a large range of beers, and on-site pizza, in addition to two cideries and a spirit distillery in town as well. 

Where to Stay in Squamish: You’ll find accommodation of all shapes and sizes in Squamish, from charming riverside cabins and budget-friendly motels to fully equipped suites and luxurious hotels.

My top picks include:

• Sea to Sky Hotel (with a great view of Mount Garibaldi)
• Sandman Hotel & Suites (conveniently located right off the highway)
• Mountain Retreat (for a bit of log-cabin romance alongside the picturesque Howe Sound).

Stop #3: Whistler

TOTAL DRIVE TIME: 45 minutes from Squamish | Stay 2-3 Days

Whistler is mostly known to be a winter destination, having one of the largest ski resorts in all of North America (and that my friends, is the famous Whistler Blackcomb). And although it’s claim to fame is it’s freezing winter months, I ended up visiting Whistler during the summer, and still found enough activities to fill two entire days.

If you’ve only allotted one day in this mountain town when driving from Vancouver to Banff, do the following: head up the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, go for a short trek (the Train Wreck Hike or Snow Walls have my vote), and go for a little stroll around Whistler Village (ice cream from COWS in hand).

However, with two-three days in Whistler, you can easily do all the activities below if you plan properly. Pick and choose your favorites if you’ve got less time.

Wander around Whistler Village: Nestled at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, Whistler Village has a sort of European charm that you’ll instantly feel after only spending a few hours in the area. It’s compact, super pedestrian friendly, and full of cute chalets.

And trust me, it’s one of the most authentic alpine villages you’ll ever visit with stone walkways, little bridges, lots of nature, and tons of shops, restaurants, bars, and activities.

Peak 2 Peak Gondola: The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola (which links the side-by-side mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb) provides an awe-inspiring scenic experience in Canada’s coastal mountains. We’re talking views for days (and days and days and days).

It was one of my favorite activities during my few days in Whistler (although, surprise, surprise – I kinda enjoyed everything we did).  And if you’re really feeling it (and don’t mind shelling out a few more bucks), you can ride the special silver glass-bottom gondola (hello tree tops and valleys and glaciers and mountains). 

Note that a ticket on the PEAK 2 PEAK gondola not only gives you a birds eye view of all that impressive nature stuff below you, but provides access to all the mountain attractions in one day (snow walls, dining on the rooftop, numerous hikes, etc).

You may even see (or hear) a marmot, a stocky creature commonly found sunning themselves on nearby rocks (sounds like my kinda afternoon).

Whistler ziplining: If (literally) flying through the forest sounds like your idea of fun, you’ve gotta book yourself on a zipline tour in Whistler.

Be one with nature and soar over ancient, lush rainforests, spectacular creeks and through majestic old-growth trees on plenty of lines (including The Sasquatch, which just so happens to be North America’s longest zipline #truestory).

I’ve ziplined in Belize and Croatia as well, and always love the adrenaline rush of zipping above the trees (while being strapped in the harness of course).

Go Inukshuk hunting: Inuk what?! That was exactly my question when I first heard of them. I quickly learned that inukshuk are structures of rough stones stacked in the form of human figures, used traditionally by the Inuit people. Today, they are known as symbols of hope and friendship.

Psst – they won’t be hard to find (we found inukshuks almost everywhere we went in Whistler).

Train Wreck Hike: Ever thought you’d be trekking to old derailed train cars scattered next to the Cheakamus River? Yeah, neither did I, until a few friends coaxed me into getting my fitness on one morning (good thing, because I was throwing back a few too many nanaimo bars).

And being only 3 miles roundtrip on mostly flat terrain with only a handful of hilly sections, there’s a reason this trek is a long-time favorite among hikers and mountain bikers.

Once we got there, we couldn’t stop taking photos of the cars, climbing on the cars, exploring the graffitied cars, and walking around/under/over the seven train cars.

Hike the snow walls on Pika’s Traverse: Imagine walking between two giant walls of piled-high snow over 10 feet high. Yup, it’s possible on Whistler Peak. Do note that a walk between the snow walls is only possible select months of the year, particularly in early summer, once the previous winter snow has started to melt.

I honestly didn’t know what to expect, and wow, it’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced. Psst – this short(ish) trek is relatively easy on flat land, and will take roughly 60-90 minutes. You’ll need to take the gondola up Whistler Mountain to find Pika’s Traverse and the labyrinth of snow walls. A must stop on any Vancouver to Banff drive!

Brandywine Falls Provincial Park: One last thing not to miss – another waterfall (I mean, this is the place for it). And thankfully, this one’s as easy as it gets – you can reach the viewing platform (which overlooks those spectacular 70meter high falls) in a mere 15 minutes from the parking lot. On flat terrain I might add – aka no climbing!

Where to Stay in Whistler: While there’s lots of choice in the area, I recommend staying directly in Whistler Village, the main hub with access to lifts, a great variety of restaurants, shopping, and oh so excellent people watching along the Village pathway (pedestrian only). 

Check out Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside (with a prime location at the base of Whistler mountain), Summit Lodge Boutique (who can say no to a hot tub for a great value!?), and the Pinnacle Hotel Whistler (affordable luxury).

Stop 4: Kamloops 

TOTAL DRIVE TIME: 4 hours from Whistler | Stay: 1 day (including morning drive from Whistler)

Today’s a bit of a longer drive, so either get out early and start making your way to Kamloops, or spend some extra time in Whistler and choose to spend the second half of the day on the road.

I mean, you could technically skip Kamloops and drive the 7 hours straight to Glacier, but if you’ve got time, might as well stop, at least to stretch your legs and throw back a glass of wine (or two).

And hey, the locals of Kamloops are known as “The friendliest in BC”, so you’re bound to run into a good time or two.

Speaking of vino, Kamloops boasts BC’s newest wine region, with a handful of vineyards and wineries along the Kamloops Wine Trail. It’s nowhere near as large as Napa, but its emerging –  so expect new tours among the grapes to be popping up every year. Lots of tastings available in this little city, so be sure to come thirsty.  

Kamloops is not as well known as it’s neighboring cities of Whistler and Glacier National Park of Canada, but it’s worth a stop as it’s surroundings aren’t any less stunning. As you’ll see on this Vancouver to Banff road trip that basically all of Canada is just as impressive as your last stop, even the places you’ve never heard of.

*I don’t recommend spending the night in Kamloops, unless there’s a dire need for it. Not to say that it’s unsafe or anything, but you won’t find too much to do in terms of nightlife. I suggest making your way over to Glacier, stopping for a quick bit, then spending the night in Golden.

Stop #5: Glacier National Park of Canada

TOTAL DRIVE TIME: 3 hours from Kamloops | Stay for afternoon at Rogers Pass, longer for hiking

Don’t let its name confuse you; Glacier National Park has no affiliation with its name twin over in Montana. But yes, it’s still rich in natural wonders and steeped in history like you’d expect.

Although Glacier National Park of Canada doesn’t have the same fame of Banff or Jasper, it’s still worthy of a quick visit (and less crowded to boot)!

Don’t miss Rogers Pass (a mountain pass with history exhibits), hiking to the toe of Illecillewaet Glacier (you’ll need more than a quick visit for this), checking out 360 degree views from Glacier Circle, and taking a 1-hour stroll on the short yet streep trail down to Bear Creek Falls.

For full transparency, we just made a super quick stop here, getting out to stretch our legs and learn a bit of history at Rogers Pass.

Stop #6: Golden

TOTAL DRIVE TIME: 40 minutes from Glacier NP | Stay 1 night and 1 day

The friendly mountain town of Golden, surrounded by mountain ranges and historic rivers, is a great place to break up the drive from Kamloops and Yoho National Park. You won’t find many accommodation options in Glacier National Park, so may as well sleep in Golden (for a lot less money than in Lake Louise or Banff for that matter). 

Golden is known as the “Heart of the Parks” (makes sense since it’s surrounded by six of Canada’s national parks), so you’re well connected and not terribly far from anything in the area.

But before you rush outta town, check out the Northern Lights Wolf Centre (a wildlife preserve dedicated solely to wolves), Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge (Canada’s longest freestanding timber frame bridge), the Art Gallery of Golden, and possibly even go on an alpine rafting adventure.

Golden’s claim to fame is Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, with tons of ski runs (perfect right after some fresh powder), in addition to an on-site grizzly bear named Boo (who was rescued as a baby when his mother was hit by a car).

And if you’re into white water rafting, Golden is the perfect spot for some intense Class 3/4 rapids on the Kicking Horse River. Be aware that the water is never warm, so you’ll need to get all bundled up in dry and wet suits (which companies thankfully provide – no one keeps a spare wetsuit in their trunk, right?).

We chose to sleep in and get some much needed rest, so we skipped out on the rafting and decided to walk along the Columbia River instead. Plus, I know for a fact I would have fallen riiiight into the water, oars and all. Some of my friends went rafting and loved it, so know that if you’re less clumsy than me, you’ll probably have a grand old time.

Visiting during winter? There’s skiing (downhill and cross-country), snowmobiling, apres ski, and snowshoeing, just to name a few of its namesakes.

Where to Stay in Golden: If your funds don’t allow you to stay at the iconic Kicking Horse Mountain Resort (or it’s all booked up), plan to stay at either Mount 7 Lodges (with private hot tubs and mountain views), Winston Lodge (luxurious and intimate), or Glacier Mountaineer Lodge (more great views!)

Stop #7: Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park 

TOTAL DRIVE TIME: 50 minutes from Golden | Stay ½ – 1 day

Ohhhh, Emerald Lake. Possibly my favorite of all the alpine lakes in all of Canada, even more so than the stunning Lake Louise (bold statement, yes I know). A few hours will be sufficient, but make sure to get an early start to the day to reach the lake before the masses arrive (and they do so in bus loads)!

If you plan to sleep in Golden the night before, you’ll be under an hour from Yoho National Park, and Emerald Lake in particular.

Trust me, after seeing the glistening, emerald waters with the greenest pine trees reflecting in the water, you’ll never want to leave. Happened to us! My friends had to literally drag me to the car, that’s how much I loved it.

Be sure to take a walk around the perimeter, as you’ll find yourself away from the crowds with the place almost to yourselves. 

And plus, despite the high price tag, renting a canoe and paddling the lake is high on my bucket list. We hadn’t accounted for the time we’d need to do so, so unfortunately missed out on this (there’s always a next time for us)! 

You can also make a short stop at Takakkaw Falls in Yoho, although we did not have time for this (we spent too much time gawking over the water at Emerald Lake – figures).

Some plan to spend a few nights at Emerald Lake Lodge, a peaceful resort overlooking the lake, but I think one night is more than enough (although entirely not necessary). However, I can’t even begin to imagine how peaceful it must be waking up to those emerald green lake views below.

Stop #8: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake 

TOTAL DRIVE TIME: 30 minutes from Emerald Lake | STAY 1-2 days, dependent upon hikes you choose

Get ready, because today is full of striking turquoise-colored lakes, snow-covered mountain tops, those famous red canoes, and loads and loads of people (face it, this is a sought after part of the world). You’d be downright silly to skip out on either of these during your Vancouver to Banff drive.

MORAINE LAKE

Moraine Lake is by far the most picturesque of all the hotspots in the area (and many even call it more spectacular than Lake Louise, myself included). BUT it’s kinda a b*tch to visit (you heard that right).

You need to plan your timing right if you actually wanna see the lake in all its glory, since you need to visit very early in the morning (and I mean early).

The parking lot gets filled up by 6-7am at the absolute latest (and, yes, I’m dead serious), meaning in order to ensure a spot, you’ll want to arrive no later than 5am. Yupppp, insane, right?!

There’s another way to visit without all the crowds, although it’ll still be a very early morning wake up call. Not many take advantage of this, but there are early bird buses departing from the overflow parking lot of Lake Louise right off the main road.

These buses will take you directly to Moraine Lake for just a few bucks (departing from 6-7:30ish, be sure to check the schedule in advance). This way, you don’t need to get there at 5am, and can easily park in a lot.

Really have a thing against early mornings? You can plan to take the shuttle bus from Lake Louise to Moraine Lake, but be sure to get your ticket as soon as you arrive (tickets were sold out once we finished exploring Lake Louise and wanted to head to Moraine Lake).

We thought we could casually walk up to the shuttle line and snag a ticket – no siree! 

Once you arrive to Moraine Lake, plan to climb up the large rock pile, as that’s where the famous lookout spot is located (and where these photos were taken). This view, the lake surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks, is actually one of the most photographed images of nature in the world. The world. Aka don’t snooze your alarm!

The hike only takes a few minutes (15 minutes tops), and despite what others say, the path is pretty well-marked and clear. I climbed up in Converse and was just fine.

You can also rent a kayak over here, but in my honest opinion, the most rewarding views are from up above. From up here, you’ll get to witness the snowy peaks of the mountains mirrored in the still turquoise waters below; it’s an absolutely mesmerizing sight. Promise me you won’t forget your camera.

LAKE LOUISE

Psst – If I had all the time in the world, I’d choose to visit Lake Louise twice. Once right after Emerald Lake in Yoho, and then again so the following day after Moraine. One day will suffice if you aren’t planning on tackling too many hikes in the area.

Ohhhh Lake Louise. The crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies. I promise you, a stop over here will be one of your favorites on this Vancouver to Banff road trip.

She’s an absolute stunner, known for her chilly, turquoise waters with Victoria Glacier and soaring mountains overlooking the lake (with the beautiful Fairmont Lake Louise on her shoreline).

You’ll want to plan at least a few hours here, if not a whole day, as you’ll find yourself in awe at every corner and with enough activities to last quite a while. 

However (yes, of course there’s a however), the time of year you visit Lake Louise makes a hell of a difference. Note that the waters of Lake Louise do not fully thaw until late May or early June, so if you’re hoping to witness the lake in all her stunning glory, wait until mid-late summer for a visit to the Rockies.

April and May will bring more tranquility and solitude, but no one can promise those striking turquoise waters until July. And, as expected, the lake will be iced over in the freezing winter months.

Don’t fret though, each season comes with an abundance of activities. There’s a canoe dock in the summer (with those famous red kayaks for rent), along with numerous hiking/sunbathing opportunities, while a skating rink on the frozen lake and an ice bar await in the winter.

I’ve visited Lake Louise in both summer and winter, and have to say, choosing between seasons is no easy task (they’re both downright stunning in their own way).

Once you arrive, you’ll see that everyone and their mother (and grandmother, sister, uncle, nephew, etc) wants to take photos on the boulders at the shoreline, and people actually line up to do so. All for the same rock!

Little do they know, there’s large rocks bordering the entire shore, so if you just walk 2 minutes, you’re bound to find another worthy boulder to stand on for your insta-photo. TL;DR: there’s no reason to wait in line for photos here.

And on that note, yup, it’s crowded beyond disbelief. However, if you stray from the area near the hotel, you’ll find much more peace and quiet. Plan to walk around the lake on the Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail (at least part-way), and you’ll encounter tons of milky-blue creeks and picturesque meltwater along this easy and super-scenic trail.

Look back and you’ll even get great views of the grand Fairmont Lake Louise, which is a stunner in it’s own way.

Wanna see Lake Louise from above? What about burning off some of those BeaverTail-induced calories? There are numerous hikes to quaint mountain top tea houses above Lake Louise, including Lake Agnes Tea House (4.4miles/6.2km) with the additional extensions of Little/Big Beehive (+2/3 km), and the Plain of Six Glaciers (8miles/13km).

These have quite the view to effort ratio (meaning phenomenal views for only moderate activity). You’ll want to set aside a few hours for each of these hikes, and expect the tea houses to be fairly crowded in the summer months.

Where to Stay in Lake Louise:

Many opt to spend the night at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, and after checking it out a few times, I can honestly say I’ll be booking a night (or two) here with my husband on my next visit (it was all sold out last time – we planned our trip kinda late).

Thankfully, non-guests are allowed inside the resort, so we can all just swoon with jealousy (hahaha, but no, really, the resort is just gorgeous and I get why it’s high on everyone’s bucket lists).

If handing over your first born child isn’t your idea of fun (but in all honesty, now’s a great time to visit since the US dollar is oh so strong – you’ll essentially save ~25% if you go now when the conversion rate is to our advantage), check out other hotels in the area, including Lake Louise Inn, Deer Lodge, and HI Lake Louise Alpine Center (great hostel for those of us on a more budget option).

Do note that there isn’t really much “budget” accommodation around here – hotels know they’ve got prime real estate and aren’t afraid to make you pay for it.

Stop #9: Town of Banff and Beyond

TOTAL DRIVE TIME: 40 minutes from Lake Louise | STAY 2-3 days

We made it to Banff! Phew! It seems like a whole lotta driving, but in reality, it’s not terribly long. This town is the epitome of a true mountain town – with peaks dominating its skyline, chateau-style hotels, lots of souvenir shopping options, and tons of wildlife (yes, bear spray is much-needed over in these parts).

Technicallllyyy, Banff National Park includes Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, but we’ve already visited those on our drive from Vancouver to Banff. You can choose to spend these nights in Banff Town and visit the lakes from here, as the accommodation options are sparse and/or more expensive the closer you get to Lake Louise.

With two days in Banff proper, you can easily fit in these activities:

Johnston Canyon Hike: If rushing waterfalls, limestone cliffs, and turquoise pools get you going, plan a morning at Johnston Canyon. Note that the farther you venture, the more you’ll see. You can easily hike to the lower falls in 1 mile (roundtrip), upper falls in 3 miles (roundtrip), and the ink pots in 6.5 miles (roundtrip).

We managed to trek to the lower and upper falls in roughly 2 hours or so, and most definitely recommend this! The hike to the falls is relatively easy, partially on wooden/steel catwalks and paved roads.

In winter, it’s covered in snow and a whole different spectacle. Think ice crystals and icicles at every turn; it’s like stepping into Narnia. You’ll want to get here early if visiting in summer (yes, we already established it’s busy, busy, busy this time of year), as the parking lot gets filled up quite early.

Banff Gondola: One of the most popular things to do around here is the Banff Gondola, a scenic cableway heading to the summit of Sulphur Mountain to reach its 360 degree rooftop observation deck. From up here you’ll get panoramic views of the town of Banff, stunning Bow River, and the surrounding mountains.

We were in such awe the entire time; pictures do not do this place justice (take my word for it). We found the best views by walking a bit more, along the Banff SkyWalk Vista Trail, where thankfully the crowd dispersed quite a bit. We even saw a few bighorn mountain sheep up here, casually strolling around and posing for photos.

Do note that it’s kinda expensive to take the Banff Gondola, with prices currently around $55CAD. If you wanna slash the cost of that admission ticket, plan a 2 hour hike up the summit of Sulphur Mountain, and get the same views fo’ free!

This moderately-strenuous hike (6.8miles of a series of switchbacks) provides stunning views of Bow Valley almost the entire way.

Sunshine Village Gondola at Banff Sunshine Meadows: This place is pretty packed come winter, but you’ll find it relatively quiet in the hot, summer months. Banff Sunshine Meadows is a ski resort on the outskirts of town, known for its intense ski trails come winter and moderate hikes once ski season is over.

We took the gondola up, and loved walking throughout the wildflowers. We almost decided to take a short hike to one of the lakes for closer views, but quickly decided against it once we heard there’d been a grizzly sighting near the path just the day before (and we had no bear spray with us!).

The view from the lookout point was satisfying enough – just check out that photo! And be sure to bring along some bear spray if you’re planning a hike!

Walk along Banff Avenue and in town: Banff has got to be one of the cutest mountain towns I’ve encountered in a very long time, and this bustling main street can’t be beat. You’ll find dramatic mountain views while walking down the popular street, in addition to tons of shops, restaurants, art galleries, and more.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Just walk up and down the side streets – you’ll find BeaverTails (don’t miss this iconic greasy treat), homemade fudge, ice cream, and possibly even a few deer! Just be aware you won’t be the only one going for a stroll – summer sees a swarm of visitors, so be prepared to dodge some crowds along the way.

Banff Upper Hot Spring: I mean, what could be better than soaking in a warm bath with 63,537 of your closest friends? Nothing, as long as said bath is nestled in the Canadian Rocky Mountains with views of Mt. Rundle across the valley.

I visited twice (once in winter and the other in the heat of the summer), and have to say that the Upper Hot Springs are even more spectacular when the temps are below zero (and yes, your hair will freeze and turn gray – it happens to everyone, and returns back to its normal state quickly after leaving).

Be prepared to wait in line, as the hot springs are a popular attraction no matter the weather. 

Surprise Corner Viewpoint: You’re driving and driving along Tunnel Mountain Road, and BAM! There’s the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (and Sulphur Mountain) in the distance. You’ll only need a few minutes over here to check out the view, but boy, is the short drive worth it. There’s no sign here, so just follow your Google Maps and you’ll see it straight away.

What/Where to eat in Banff:

• Indulge in some fondue: Creamy, cheesy, deliciously-indulgent fondue. No matter the season, make sure you spend a night stuffing your face with some of the good stuff. I’ve had the fondue at both Waldhaus at the Fairmont ($$$) and Ticino ($), and can honestly say I left wishing for more (although my stomach definitely couldn’t handle another bite). Don’t miss the chocolate fondue – great at both spots as well!

• Grab yourself a BeaverTail (or two): Craving a sweet, sweet, sugary midday snack? Stop by and pick up one of these greasy goodnesses – they’re kinda like a Canadian institution around these parts. Five parts fried dough, two parts toppings of your choice (I opted for the nutella and reese’s pieces), and 6,371 calories (kidding of course, but you’ll see what I mean after you stuff it down your throat).

• Poutine: Fries with cheese curds and gravy; enough said. 

• Breakfast spots: A hearty breakfast is extra important if you’ll be out exploring all day. I particularly enjoy Whitebark Cafe, Wild Flour, and Good Earth Coffeehouse.

Where to Stay in Banff: I recommend staying as close to Banff Ave as possible, as there are numerous hotels directly on this long road. By doing so, you’ll be within walking distance to a wide array of restaurants, so they’ll be no need to park your car over here (many hotels have at least some parking).

Be sure to book your stay WAY in advance should you be visiting during the prime tourist season of summer.

A few recommended options: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (it’s literally a castle and absolutely breathtaking, so of course I have to suggest it), Elk + Avenue Hotel (hip and trendy with mountain views), Moose Hotel & Suites (super stylish), and Samesun Banff (centrally located hostel).

After quite a bit of a drive, the road trip is officially over! Unless you want to continue on up north via the Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park (plan an additional 2-3 days for this). More info on these spots coming up shortly – be on the lookout for those!

Are you planning an upcoming road trip from Vancouver to Banff?! Bring me home a few BeaverTails, please and thank you!

The post The Ultimate Vancouver to Banff Road Trip: An Epic Drive through Alberta and BC appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

You’ll want to save this guide of the best things to do in Banff in winter for your next trip to the snow!   

I was lucky enough to experience Banff National Park on a whirlwind of a trip up north a few summers ago, and have been longing to go back ever since. The pristine glacier fed lakes, snowy mountains in the distance, and allllll the beaver tails (don’t even get me started).

So when the opportunity to visit Banff in winter arose, it wasn’t even a question. We packed all our winter gear, planned out a whole bunch of fun Banff winter activities, and got ready for an adventurous (yet chilly) few days in one of the most gorgeous national parks we’ve laid eyes on. 

However, after visiting Banff in the summer I was sure I’d be missing the glimmering turquoise lakes and brilliant hiking opportunities. BUT Banff in winter completely blew all my expectations out of the water. To be completely honest, I’m having a hard time coming up with adequate adjectives to describe the place.

Pristine, rugged, sparkling, icy, wild; all that and more. Can you tell I’m now low-key obsessed with the place?

I’m now officially a winter person. Banff transformed me.  I don’t dread the freezing temps and I’m proud to say the thought of driving in snowy/icy conditions doesn’t terrify me anymore. I never truly appreciated the chilly winter months until my long weekend exploring Banff National Park.

So, you’re planning your own frozen trip to Banff, Alberta? I’m 100% absolutely thrilled with that idea (can you stow me in your suitcase, pretty please?). This dreamy part of the world has it all: think dog sledding rides, hot tubbing in the snow, fancy hot chocolates, castles for hotels (yup, you read that right), snowy mountains, glistening frozen lakes, and much, much more.

If you’re ready for all your wild winter fantasies to come true, head on over to this Canadian winter wonderland ASAP!

So without further ado, here are the best things to do in Banff in winter (in my humble opinion), all included on this Banff winter itinerary. Feel free to mix and match activities, but we found our timing and varied daily activities were pretty much perfect.

Quick Travel Guide to Banff in Winter

• Best Time to Go: December through March (however, go during January if you want to be around for SnowDays, the Banff winter festival which is a highlight of the entire season). 
• Visit For: 5 to 7 Days
• Getting Around: Rental Car
• Where to Stay: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Fairmont Lake Louise, Moose Hotel & Suites
• What to Do: Dog sledding, helicopter tour, Johnston’s Canyon, Upper Banff Hot Springs, Banff Gondola, towns of Banff and Canmore, spa day at Willow Stream Spa 
• Eat/drink: Poutine, beavertails, fondue, hot chocolate

Before we get into all the fun things to do in Banff in winter, I’m sharing some additional information to help make your trip planning as easy as possible!

Pre-Travel Guide to Banff in Winter

First off, where is Banff exactly?

Banff National Park, Canada’s first and actually most visited, is about 120 km west of Calgary in the Rocky Mountains. It’s located on Alberta’s western border with British Columbia. If you’ve never been to Canada before, just know that it’s on the left side of the country, although not on the coast.

It’s opposite sides from Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City, in case you’re thinking of jamming a bunch of Canadian cities together. I’d plan to see Banff, the stunning Icefields Parkway, Jasper, Calgary, and Edmonton together if you’ve got more time and want to explore additional areas in Canada.

How to Get to Banff:

If you’re coming from the states, you can easily hop on a flight to Calgary, Alberta (YYC). For reference, it’s approximately 3 hours in the air from San Francisco (SFO), where we were departing from, 5 ½ hours from New York City (JFK), and 8 ½ hours from Miami (MIA).

Upon arrival, you’ll need to drive approximately 1½ hours to Banff National Park. Sure, it kinda sounds like a hassle, but I PROMISE you the travel is so worth it.

If the potentially hazardous roads are of concern, just know that the cities do such a good job of clearing any remaining snow and ice off the highways. We had no problems making the short drive from Calgary to Banff, and that’s coming from two California girls who hardly ever see (let alone drive in) snow!

How to Get Around Banff in the winter and the Surrounding Areas:

Walk: If you’re just planning on roaming around Banff Town, you can get by on foot (just be cautious when walking on ice!). HOWEVER, it’d be such a shame to limit your explorations to the town center, hence the need to get around on wheels.

Drive: For max flexibility, you’ll most definitely want to rent a car with snow tires and AWD, and follow precautions for driving in less than favorable conditions. This means keeping extra water/food in the car (juuuuust in case), having an ice pick/snow brush handy, and reading up on safe driving tips ahead of time.

Don’t let driving in Banff during the winter scare you, just be prepared to go extra slow and leave spare time when getting to nearby attractions and destinations.

A quick note on rental cars: You may have to wait a few hours in Calgary for a car. Yes, I just said hours. We were shocked when the receptionist informed us it’d be at least an hour to receive our SUV (which actually ended up being more like 2 hours).

Because most renters are driving to the same location (the Banff area), if there’s a winter storm, almost everyone gets stuck and ends up returning their car in Calgary later than anticipated.

Because of this, it’s a good idea to keep your first day in Banff free of any scheduled activities, as it’s hard to say exactly when you’ll end up making it to town. There is a Tim Hortons where you can stock up on tim bits and/or coffee if you find yourself exceptionally hungry while waiting for your car rental.

And if you wanna fork over some cash for an Uber/taxi to the city of Calgary, lemme know how Deane House, Buttermilk Fine Waffles, and Jinya Ramen Bar are (I heard those are all amazing spots).

Planning to spend a few days in Calgary before heading to the winter wonderland that is Banff in winter? CHECK THIS OUT.

Shuttles: Luckily, if driving realllllly ain’t your thang, there are numerous shuttles that can zip you around by catching the “Roam” hybrid buses. These buses visit popular attractions like Sulphur Mountain (for the Banff Gondola and Upper Hot Springs), the nearby town of Canmore, Tunnel Mountain, The Banff Centre, Lake Louise, and much more.

Note that you’ll be limited by the shuttle schedules, although they do run quite frequently. Check out the Banff winter shuttle schedule here.

During the winter, many hotels provide guests complimentary shuttle services to the three ski hills: Lake Louise Ski Resort, Mt Norquay, and Sunshine Village. Might as well take advantage if you’re not renting a car!

Note that the hop-on hop-off bus does not run in the winter months (it’s only available May through October), so don’t plan on using that to get around.

Where to Stay:

There are a whole slew of Banff hotels to choose from, and luckily, winter isn’t as crowded than during the warm, summer months. 

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel: Everyone raves and raves about the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, and in all reality, what’s not to love? It’s a castle, after all. Despite being a pretty penny, the hotel is most definitely on my Canada bucket list — it was built over a century ago and holds so much history. And plus, it looks absolutely amazing; expect to get pampered. Perfect for your trip to Banff in winter. Check prices here (less expensive in the winter, and just as magical (if not more!).

Moose Hotel & Suites: Looking for something a bit more rustic and less fancy? And less expensive? Check out the Moose Hotel in downtown Banff (located right on the main avenue!). There’s outdoor hot pools, a spa and gym, and even an Italian restaurant if you don’t wanna brave the cold one night! Check prices here.

The Rimrock Resort Hotel: Another great option for a winter trip to Banff — you’ll even be able to see the winter wonderland straight from your hotel window! With upscale rooms & suites, two cocktail lounges (!!!), and a spa, this spot really has it all. Check prices here.

Weather in Banff in Winter

I hate to break it to ya, but Banff winter temperatures are a bit harsh. However, if you’ve stumbled upon this Banff blog post, there’s a good chance you already realize that Banff in winter is drastically different than during the summer season.

And yes, this means that those glistening turquoise lakes will likely be frozen over once the temps reach below freezing (not the best time to visit Banff if you’ve got lakes on your mind — you’ll need to visit in summer for that). But fear not. The snow just makes the entire landscape even that much more stunning.

Winter in Banff (December to March) experiences freezing cold temperatures, with buckets of snowfall falling every few days or so (although snow can begin as early as mid-September and last until late-May). November in Banff is a transition month from fall to winter, but you can expect a good coating of snow in mid-late November.

January is the coldest month of the year (with average temps being -15°C/5°F), although wind chill can make the air feel even colder. And just remember, as you climb higher and higher, the temperature will fall (about 1°C for every 200m of elevation gain).

We visited in mid-February and experienced -21°C/-5°F to -6°C/20°F, with a mixture of beautiful snowy days and equally stunning bluebird days. A fresh coat of powder fell on our first night which made the entire area just that much more beautiful.

We found it even chillier at Lake Louise, and later learned that the mercury drops even lower here, as well receiving tons more snowfall despite being only 55 km away from the town of Banff!

TL;DR: Banff in winter is cold, ya’ll. Take all your winter-weather gear and stock up on hot hands (more on that below). It was frigid, frosty, windy, chilly, and absolutely perfect all at once. I guess I can say Banff took my breath away, both literally and figuratively.

What to Pack + How to Dress

With daily highs of -5°C in Banff during the winter months, you’ll need to pack appropriately if you don’t want to turn into an icicle. Living in NY for the better portion of my life (I just moved to California about 4 years ago), I already had a ton of winter weather items.

With that being said, most of it was old and from the 90s, so I chose to get a few new pieces, including this ultra-warm beanie (here’s a fleece lined one that I’m eyeing for my next winter trip), snow boots (similar here because mine are out of stock and honestly not as good as Shem’s), and cozy white plaid scarf.

In addition, I think I’ll be buying Shem’s super cute earmuffs next time I’m off to the tundra- they kept my ears all snuggled up and out of the frigid cold on more than one occasion (we shared winter accessories this trip, ya know, for photos)!

Piece of advice #1: invest in warm and waterproof snow boots with a proper grip. When ordering, opt for a size slightly larger than normal, as you want to allow for thick socks and toe warmers. If your boots are too tight (and your toes are crammed together), your feet will never stay warm enough.

Piece of advice #2: HOT HANDS. Enough said. But in all honesty, hot hands saved our frosty fingers on more than one occasion. What are they, you ask? They’re these magical dry packets filled with iron (among other scientific things) that intensify in heat once activated.

Basically – super technological hand warmers that stay warm for up to 10 hours. And they are a godsend. You’ll want at least 1 pair a day. Buy on amazon here.

How to dress: wear multiple layers on both top and bottom. HOWEVER, not all layers are created equal. You’ll want to layer up on breathable fabrics and waterproof bottoms. I learned on the trip that it’s actually the space between the layers that adds warmth (I don’t actually understand all that, but science shmiance, amIright?).

Here was my uniform of sorts that I wore basically everyday:

• Bottom: ankle socks, high woolen socks, snow boots, leggings, jeans or yoga pants, snow pants (for dog sledding)

• Top: heat-tech tank top, long sleeve tee or bodysuit, sweater, packable jacket, parka

• Winter Accessories: snow gloves, hot hands (a must!), beanie or earmuffs, oversized scarf (to use as face protection as well during bouts of wind), hood of parka

Tips for Traveling to Banff in winter

• Hydration is key. Due to Banff’s chilly temps and resulting dry air, you’ll need to make sure to drink lots of water. We kept a few bottles in the trunk, and graciously sipped them when they weren’t frozen.

• Re-apply Chapstick multiple times throughout the day. My lips got majorly chapped, and I almost guarantee yours will too. Do yourself a favor and bring along a few chapsticks (just in case one gets lost).

• Bring along a thick moisturizing lotion. Along with chapped lips, you’ll find that your skin will get rather dry. I put on some thick hydrating lotion every morning and night and my skin was perfectly fine. My favorite here and what saved my skin each day. If you’re looking for a low-cost option, this one got raving reviews.

• I can’t urge you enough to bring along a few packs of hot hands before you arrive. While they’re found all over the area in basically every store imaginable, we kept forgetting to grab some. Unless you’re planning to hit up the shops/stores as soon as you get into town, just bring a few along, and you can buy a few more as needed.

• Since Banff is a technically a National Park, you’ll need a parks pass to enter the area. You can either purchase a pass online or upon entering the park. If you think you’ll be visiting multiple national parks over the course of a year, it’s a good idea to snag the Discovery Pass from Parks Canada as this will waive daily admission fees to over 80 Parks Canada places throughout the country.

• Days will be relatively short, with approximately 8-10 hours or so of daylight during the winter. In mid-February when we visited, the sun rose at around 8am and set just before 6pm, giving us about 10 hours to fill up our days with all the Banff winter activities we could handle.

General Tips for traveling to Banff and Canada

• English and French are the main languages spoken in Banff, and you’ll see most signs and informational tourists pamphlets in both. Canadian English, very similar to British English, with tons of unique expressions, is widely spoken around town. But who am I kidding? You’ll probably hear more Australian accents than Canadian. I wasn’t surprised to hear that young Aussies flock to Banff for a few months at a time, who just add to the overall vibrancy of the small mountain town.

• Currently, the Canadian dollar is CA$1 to $0.79USD, or $1USD to CA$1.27. If you’re coming from the states, you’ll be pleased to know that the US dollar is quite strong, meaning everything will cost approximately 25% less than it seems!

Things To Do in Banff in Winter: A Complete 5-Day Itinerary

Note about any Banff winter itinerary: you’ll NEED to keep your days flexible due to weather.

We had originally planned for a helicopter ride on our first full morning, but had to cancel twice until Mother Nature blessed us with clear skies. Don’t let it ruin your trip, just be mindful that weather can and will change from day to day. Therefore, you may need to rearrange a few items on this Banff winter itinerary below, but it shouldn’t drastically make a huge difference.

The suggested itinerary below is what I’ve come up with after spending a few days in the area and taking into account proximity and location of activities.

Day 1: Fly into Calgary, drive to Banff (1 ½ hours away)

As noted above, you’ll need to fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC) then make the 1 ½ hour drive to Banff National Park. Remember that it may take a while to get your rental car, so hit up some airport shops for lunch.

Once on the road, we found them to be exceptionally clear of snow and ice, and driving to Banff was a great introduction to adjusting to our SUV rental car, which we were both quite nervous to drive. You’ll pass more mountain peaks than you’ll know what to do with, and you can stop in Canmore along the way if you’re feeling extra hungry.

Once you reach the town of Banff, it’s time to explore town and eat some dinner! There are tons of cute shops and restaurants to choose from, and lucky you – I listed out our favorites at the bottom of this Banff winter itinerary!

If you’re not tired from all that traveling, why not catch a show at the Banff Centre (depending on the schedule and your interest). Numerous performances and other entertainment occur on a weekly basis, and it’s a for-sure way to get outta the cold (especially on the first night as your body adjusts to the freezing temps).

Day 2: Helicopter Views and Dog Sledding in the Forest

I mean, what’s better than a heli ride above some natural stunning scenery, and then learning how to mush with the cutest dogs around in Canmore (roughly 30 minutes southeast of Banff)? If this doesn’t sound like the absolute best day ever, than I don’t know what it is.

But first, grab some coffee or tea in Canmore or Banff, as there are tons of super cute bakeries and breakfast eateries in both spots (listed below).

Morning: View Banff from Above via Helicopter (Canmore)

Bucket list check #1! They’ll be a lot of these during your time in Banff, so get used to it.

If this is your first ride in a helicopter, there’s no better place to do it. With snow-covered mountains jutting out amongst Alberta’s bright blue skies, our heli ride was an absolute dream come true. We witnessed so much extraordinary snowy scenery from above, which would otherwise have been completely unreachable any other way!

Floating through the crisp winter morning air weaving between mountains and over the town provided tons of fantastic photo opps – I couldn’t put my camera down! It’s from up here that you realize just how massive, awe-inspiring, and unbelievable the Rocky Mountains actually are.

I’m no stranger to heli rides, as we’ve taken a bunch in Hawaii (Maui and Kauai), and actually in Canada a few years ago, and they’re always my favorite part of our trips! So when we had the opportunity to jump on board in Banff, I just couldn’t say no.

The company we flew with, Alpine Helicopters, offers a few different heli tours differing in length of time and therefore epic scenic views. We took the 12-minute Three Sisters Peaks Tour, and the only thing I would have changed was the length (I would have gladly stared at those mountains all day long).

Here’s what to expect (besides all those sensational views I’ve been nonchalantly gushing about nonstop):

• After a quick and easy sign in (complete with complimentary coffee and tea), we met our pilot from Alpine Helicopters who calmed all our fears and explained how our flight would go.
• We then watched a 5-minute safety instruction video, and had the opportunity to ask the staff any questions/concerns we may have had.
• Our group then stood on a 4-person scale and we received our boarding numbers (where we would sit on the flight).

This was one of the Banff winter activities I was most looking forward to by far, so I was absolutely enthralled when I learned I would be sitting next to the pilot! And, just like that, it was go time!

Snow-laden trees glistening down below us, more mountainous peaks than I could ever have imagined (right in front of our faces), and the frosty Spray Lakes made for a ridiculous amount of beauty.

I’m prettyyyy sure I flew with Alpine a few summers ago when I visited Banff in mid-June, and lemme tell ya, the views in winter were just as stunning, if not more so. With snow-capped mountains in all directions, perfect visibility, and the sun shining down on us, our flight in the Canadian Rocky Mountains couldn’t be more marvelous.

It was an absolutely wonderful way to see the Rockies close up, and most definitely one of the most action packed 12 minutes of my life. Super scenic, undeniably smooth, and somewhat thrilling. Note that you can leave some of your tundra gear in the car as you’ll be all toasty and warm inside the chopper – we wore jackets and left the rest of our winter accessories behind and were just fine.

Something to keep in mind: heli tours often get cancelled due to poor weather conditions, so don’t be alarmed if you need to reschedule for another day. The other activities on this Banff itinerary can easily be swapped around, so don’t fret if you need to do a bit of rearranging. Better safe than sorry, am I right?

Our original flight got cancelled, but I urge you to book a spot on your first official day juuust in case it needs to get rescheduled for later in your trip.

Before your next Banff winter activity, you may have some time to walk around the cute town of Canmore and have some lunch at Communitea (our favorite place in Canmore). Psst – not sure what to order? Get any of the buddha bowls or the pad thai – allll phenomenal choices.

Afternoon: Go dog sledding in the snowy forest (Canmore)

Learning how to mush with Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours was an absolute dream come true. I was thrilled when I learned we’d not only be pulled around along the pristine mountain trails, but would actually learn how to guide the dogs as well!

If this has been on your bucket list for quite some time, it’s time to check it off once and for all – head on over to the website to read more about their tours and options.

The pups were oh so playful, and they were so excited to run and take us around through the stunning vistas of Spray Lakes! I worried a bit before participating if the dogs were well-treated and if they actually enjoyed all the running, but my worries quickly vanished the moment I saw the huskies.

Not only are they ridiculously cute and fluffy, but they love a good run as well! It was apparent the dogs knew exactly what was coming, and would jump and bark in anticipation!

We learned how to control the dogs with commands (hike, ahhh, etc). We also learned that the dogs only have an on and off switch, so understanding how to use the brake pedal was absolutely necessary. One step off the brake and off the dogs would go!

Being all snuggled up in the sled with the only sounds being the soft thuds of their little husky paws, the jingles of their collars, and our commands was so incredibly peaceful. The huskies whisked us around the beautiful surroundings, gliding through frozen landscapes and into an icy fairytale.

Snow-laden trees, white glittery landscapes, the most adorable pups around, and steaming hot apple cider. This snow-accented forest-scape right outside of Banff is beyond what I initially thought it would be, in the best way possible.

Note that you’ll need to get allll bundled up while dog sledding, as the extreme cold and wind chill will feel even more tundric when you’re sitting still in the sled. Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours does provide snow pants for a nominal fee, which we gladly accepted. Thankfully once the furry four-legged team is done for the afternoon, you’ll get to warm up by the fire with a bit of hot apple cider.

Vermillion Lakes

If you’re still up for another quick jaunt, head on over to Vermillion Lakes for sunset. We chose to wander around on the frozen lake and take a whole slew of photos, with the sun changing colors every few minutes before we ultimately had to leave in the dark. One of my only gripes with Banff in the winter – it gets dark way too early!

Day 3: Lake Louise

Ohhhh Lake Louise. How can you visit Banff National Park and not make the short trek up north to this famous body of frozen glistening water? You’ll want to plan at least a few hours here, if not a whole day, as you’ll find yourself in awe at every corner and enough activities to last a while.

A quick word on Lake Louise in the winter: It’s frozen. If you’re hoping to see Louise in all its glory, be aware that the lake usually begins to freeze in November and is transformed into a completely different spectacle come December. Gone is the turquoise water, but this doesn’t mean it’s any less beautiful.

The thawing cycle begins in late spring, so don’t plan to visit until mid-May (or even later depending on the year) to view that popular greenish-blue color everyone (and myself) raves about. HOWEVER, after visiting in both seasons, I can honestly say that I found Lake Louise to be even more stunning in the winter, without the crowds! Didn’t see that coming, now did you?!

And thankfully, even though the lake is frozen over and therefore those famous red canoes are unavailable for rent, there’s tons of other Banff winter activities in the area.

Find the Famous Boat House

Okay, so maybe it was just us, but we were slightly obsessed with the thing. And dontchu worry, you can’t miss it – while looking at the frozen lake it’s right off to the left hand side. Be prepared to walk in some deep deep snow to reach it, or walk around instead. With the mountains and glistening snow-covered trees right behind it, and glacier in the background, it’s straight outta a winter fairytale.

Go Ice Skating on Lake Louise

As noted above, come winter time, the silver blue lake freezes over and allows for a whole slew of different things to do in Banff. So lace up your skates, and get over the fact that you’ll be skating on (literal) thin ice. Haha but really, the ice is thick enough and only a few people fall in each year (I’m kidding, obviously, no one falls in, ever).

I have to admit I was a wee bit skeptical of the thought of skating on a frozen lake, but after watching others glide peacefully over the ice, my nerves were slightly calmed. Yolo, am I right? We actually decided not to partake in all the fun because it was rather windy and we were already frozen to the bones, but at least I know I won’t wimp out next time (fingers crossed).

It’s important to realize that despite the chilly temps, the lake isn’t solid enough for skating until early December. So if ice-skating on Lake Louise with a magnificent backdrop of Victoria Glacier is on your Banff bucket list, better to wait until mid-late December for a visit, juuuust in case. Be sure to check out/watch the hockey rink that sits adjacent to the skating area, as this is Canada afterall!

All the practical information:

• Skates are available for rental inside the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for a bargain of 15CAD for 2 hours.
• You’re welcome to use the rink at no charge if you have your own skates.
• Hockey sticks and pucks are also available for rent as well.

When we were there it looked like the skating was going on all day until 10pm, but numerous websites claim that the rental office closes for a time being during the day.

Sip Mulled Wine at the Ice Bar 

In the winter, something unusual happens at the Fairmont Lake Louise. Instead of ordering a drink at your average hotel bar, you can do something much “cooler” (literally) – grabbing a drink at the Ice Bar! On weekends in the winter, you can head to the hotel’s amazing Ice Bar, which is made out of over 6,000 pounds of ice!

The Fairmont commissioned some Calgary-based ice carvers to design the structure, which is an impressive feat in itself. Their signature drink, the delicious warm mulled wine, looked divine, but they’ve got an extensive menu of cocktails and hot drinks that you can enjoy amidst this amazing ice structure.

Marvel at the Ice castles and Sculptures 

Every year in the winter, Lake Louise hosts the international Ice Magic Festival in mid-January, an event where professional ice carvers from around the world come together to build ice castles, sculptures, and decorations all around the famous Lake Louise.

It’s an absolutely magical sight to see, if you happen to be in Banff during the festival or a few weeks afterwards (it takes a while for the ice to melt thankfully).

If you do end up crossing paths with the festival timeline, be sure to head to Lake Louise to experience this amazing winter wonderland. You’ll get to walk through what seems like a small city of ice sculptures, from actual houses and castles to human-sized sculptures.

It’s amazing to see the work these artists do with the ice, and to be able to walk through it is even more magical.

Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides at Fairmont

At the Fairmont Lake Louise, you can literally go dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh. Yes, just like the song! A horse-drawn sleigh ride is the perfect way to bring out the giddy kid in you on a cold winter day.

Your driver will wrap you up in cozy blankets and take you for a spin around Lake Louise, where you’ll marvel at the snowy mountaintops as the flurries melt on your nose. This is one of those must-do things to do in Banff in winter – it’s like the winter dream you always had as a kid is finally coming true!

Indulge in Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

What could be more perfect than indulging in a huge assortment of cute little finger sandwiches, buttermilk scones, and mini desserts, all while staring out the window at the beautiful Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier?

We decided to warm up with some fancy hot chocolates as we didn’t want to spoil our appetite for our early dinner. Next time, next time. Gimme allll the reasons to return to Banff in winter, please! Be sure to make a reservation because this place gets crowded, no matter the season!

Lake Minnewanka

If you have some time after your morning and afternoon at Lake Louise, why not check out another frozen lake? Lake Minnewanka is one of the most famous landmarks in Banff – it’s a lake surrounded by stunning rocky peaks. In the winter, it’s all the more beautiful, with the mountains covered in snow and seemingly no one else around.

We visited when visibility was quite low, so fingers crossed you get clearer skies! In addition, if the lake isn’t covered in snow (it was when we were there), you may be able to see the ice bubbles! Send me photos if you get to witness this!

Although the lake sometimes closes when the weather has been bad, it’s still worth going and seeing this incredibly beautiful place, especially at sunrise or sunset. There are lots of rocks along the lakeside and there’s also a loop trail that you can wander around (if it’s not too icy!). And, if you get a clear night, stargazing at Lake Minnewanka is one of the best Banff winter activities anyone could ask for.

Day 4: Hiking, Views, and Hot Springs

Morning: Ice Hiking to Frozen Waterfalls at Johnston Canyon

Get ready to bundle up, because we’re going on an ice walk to marvel at frozen waterfalls! Johnston Canyon is one of Banff’s most popular hikes year-round, and it’s also one of the best things to do in Banff in winter. I’m so glad we made time for this, as we almost cut it out of our itinerary completely (would have been a major mistake!)

With frozen waterfalls lining the canyon walls and a thick layer of ice topping the typically metal pathways, our short hike was most definitely a memorable one. Personally, I thought it looked like a scene straight out of Frozen, minus the singing and the ice castles (which you’ll hopefully check out in Lake Louise).

The entire way, you’ll crunch through the ice and snow to get to some of Johnston Canyon’s magical landmarks, like the Lower and Upper Falls and the Ink Pots, as well as the canyon itself. We only allocated enough time to trek to the Lower Falls, which are only 1.1 km away, and took us roughly an hour round trip (with stops for photos of course), which was downright stunning and out of another world.

However, if you’ve got time to spare, head to the Upper Falls and the Ink Pots which are 2.6km away (we desperately wanted to do this but time was not on our side unfortunately).

While the hike itself is relatively easy, it’s more difficult in the winter because of the thick ice and frigid weather, and therefore should be treated like a serious adventure that requires some preparation (more on that below). One of the better Banff winter hikes out there, so dedicate more than a quick morning if you wanna get your steps in.

To hike in Johnston Canyon in the winter, you’ll need some special gear. First off, you’ll want to bring lots of thick, warm clothing because it gets extremely cold (but you already knew that, right?) We’re talking wool base layers, thick sweaters, a parka, and of course, gloves and a hat. Banff in winter is no joke, and it’s definitely better to come over prepared than underprepared.

Then, there’s the shoes. Besides some serious waterproof hiking boots and a couple layers of wool socks, you’ll also need crampons and/or spikes to help you stay upright in the ice. You cannot hike in Banff in winter without these.

If you don’t own a pair of crampons, you can rent them at one of the outdoor outfitters in Banff’s city center. I will admit that I didn’t wear/use any spikes when hiking Johnston Canyon, and therefore felt the need to hang on to the ledges in fear of falling. We saw a few people slip and fall, so I say, better be safe than sorry. 

Another option for hiking in Johnston Canyon in the winter is by taking a guided tour. This is the safest and most comfortable option, especially if you’re traveling solo or if you’ve never gone on an ice walk before. There are several tour operators that offer winter ice hikes in Johnston Canyon – I recommend this one if you’re planning on booking a tour. It’s one of the best Banff winter tours by far. 

Wildlife Note: We saw a whole family of bighorn sheep on Bow Valley Parkway en route to Johnston Canyon, so be prepared to stop along the way should you see any movement on the street. Although they’re kinda cute, be sure to keep your distance as yes, they’re wild animals and can become skittish/afraid if you get too close!

Afternoon: Ride the Banff Gondola

For non-hikers, the Banff Gondola is an amazing place to snag some of the most stunning snowy views of Banff in winter time. In just a few minutes, you’ll go from the foothills near Banff’s town center all the way up to the top of Sulphur Mountain (which is downright stunning, even from below). Don’t forget to turn on your camera in the gondola on the way up to the top – the views from the cable car itself are just as phenomenal.

Once you reach the top after your ~10 minute ride, there’s an open air observation deck and an eating zone where you can grab a variety of refreshments ranging from snacks and soda to wine/hot chocolate and dinner. There are actually several packages you can get at the Banff Gondola that include tickets and a meal or drink, which is especially useful for special occasions or surprising your loved ones.

We were oh so lucky to be visiting on a clear day, as we were able to see the entire valley near Banff Town, including the surrounding mountains and snow-covered evergreen forests.There’s a boardwalk connecting two different viewpoints, giving you a lot of different perspectives to see the views below, but since we found ourselves in a windstorm at the top, we didn’t venture too far.

Looking for something a bit different? On Wednesday through Sunday evenings, stargazing is available at the top of the Banff Gondola viewpoint. Make sure the night is clear and cloudless before you go up, and if the weather does cooperate, you may be rewarded with tons of stars, constellations, and if you’re lucky, maybe even the northern lights (say, what?!).

You can go up to the top of the Banff Gondola starting at 10 AM, and it runs all day. The last gondola of the day goes up at 4 PM on Monday and Tuesday, and around 8 PM on Wednesday through Sunday, but even if you do take the last one, you’ll have about half an hour to wander around the observation deck and take a few photos before heading back down on the last gondola at 4:30 PM and 8:30 PM respectively.

Don’t miss the Banff Gondola if you’re on the hunt for snowy views for days- it’s arguably one of the most beautiful things to do in Banff National Park in winter.

Sunset/Night: Banff Upper Hot Springs at Sunset

Looking to warm up your body with undeniable views of those Rocky Mountains you’ve been eyeing all week? Insert the Banff Upper Hot Springs, one of my absolute favorite Banff winter activities, and something you just can’t miss.

To be completely honest, I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect. I had visited the Miette Hot Springs in Jasper National Park a few summers ago, and it was more like a glorified pool (i.e. not that impressive).

I’m not sure if it was the fact that we were visiting Banff in winter, but the Upper Hot Springs in Banff were an absolute dream come true. I was worried that the frigid temps would be a problem, but lemme tell ya – the hot 100 degree F waters feel that much sweeter against your skin when the air outside is subzero.

We ended up going right around sunset, which not only provided us with mountain views during the last few moments of daylight, but we got to experience the hot springs in the brisk night air as well.

For a mere 7 bucks (CAD), you can spend as much time as you want bathing in the hot springs, and even rent a traditional swimsuit for $1.90 CAD if you’re visiting on a more spontaneous note. I recommend keeping a towel and suit in your trunk so you’re always prepared (because nothings better than the Upper Hot Springs after a day out in the snow).

And don’t worry – if your hair freezes and turns white, that’s completely normal (yup). It happened to both of us and our hair returned to its original state once out of the hot springs and back in the car.

Day 5: Spa Morning, Beaver Tails, depart for Calgary Airport

Morning: Spa Day at Willow Stream

If you’re tired of the frigid weather and are wondering what to do in Banff, get ready to soothe your body at the Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Banff Springs! This spa is absolutely incredible – it’s no wonder it was voted in the Top 25 Spas in Canada.

I loved practicing some self-care by treating myself to a spa morning here (which is super important when you’ve been outside hiking and adventuring in the winter cold for a few days!). Even if you’re not staying at the Fairmont Banff Springs, you can hop over for the day to enjoy the spa and its many amenities.

The Willow Stream Spa is like a dreamy paradise in the middle of a winter wonderland. You can request a variety of services, from facials to body wraps to massages and manicures and more. I loved the fact that their services are all glacier-themed, with names like “Glacial Reflections Facial” and “Majestic Blue.”

I mean, what’s more incredible than putting on a luxurious bathrobe while being pampered in an award-winning spa in one of the most beautiful mountain areas of the entire world? Spoiler alert – not much.

Not only does Willow Stream offer a wide variety of spa services, but there’s also gorgeous heated mineral pools of varying temps with LITERAL WATERFALLS (not the frozen kind, luckily). Ahhh, I could have stayed in that 100 degree pool all day, and surprisingly, our bodies got used to the cold pool.

There’s also a sauna, fitness center, and whirlpool you can enjoy. And yup, access to all of the spa’s amazing amenities is included in the price of any service, so you can dive right in when you’re done with your spa treatment.

I know it’s tempting to want to take all kinds of photos of yourself in this world-class luxury spa, but to respect the privacy of the guests, cameras and photos are prohibited. Think of it as a good thing: you’ll be completely disconnected from the ‘gram so you can fully relax and rejuvenate instead.

We found a relaxing morning at the spa was the perfect goodbye to Banff, and I highly suggest you do the same! On our way to the airport we made a pitstop in Canmore for some Beaver Tails (an absolute must) and hot tea.  Remember, the airport is approximately an hour and a half away from Banff, so you’ll want to leave about 4 hours or so before your flight.

Additional things to do in Banff in the winter if you’ve got more time:

Skiing/snowboarding in Banff at Big 3

Skiing the “Big 3” is one of the most adrenaline-inducing things to do in Banff National Park in winter. For people who love to ski (or people who want to learn) there’s no more beautiful or picturesque place to do it than in Banff.

We aren’t skiers so therefore didn’t take advantage of the fresh powder, but if you’re a hot shot on the slopes, go show off your skills! Renting equipment couldn’t be easier with Wilson Mountain Sports right off Highway 1 near Lake Louise. And lucky you, there’s 3 major ski resorts in the Banff area:

• Lake Louise: The Lake Louise ski area is the largest of the three, and is home to a wide range of slopes from beginner to expert-level. If you’re hoping to learn how to ski or snowboard, this is a great place to do it.

• Mt. Norquay: The Mt. Norquay resort is best for intermediate to advanced skiers, although about ⅕ of the slopes are approved for beginners. This is the only place in Banff where you can go night skiing.

• Banff Sunshine: Largely for intermediate skiers, Banff Sunshine is a wonderful place to level up your skills as a skier. With 137 trails to try out, you definitely won’t run out of terrain to explore!

Peyto Lake: 

This gorgeous alpine lake located north of Banff is quickly growing in popularity due to its photogenic beauty. You’ll need to drive to get here, but once you arrive, you’ll be greeted with stunning snowy views of the turquoise lake below and the surrounding mountains capped with snow.  Do note that there’s a verryyyy good chance the lake will be frozen by mid-December, so just keep that in mind. (~100 km from Banff)

Abraham Lake: 

In the winter, a strange phenomenon occurs at Abraham Lake – the ice bubbles. As the water is freezing, bubbles form under the surface and freeze in place along with the ice. If you get the chance to go, it’s an otherworldly experience to see the bubbles. However, make sure that there wasn’t any snowfall recently, or they may be covered! (~185 km from Banff)

Marble Canyon: 

If snowshoeing is something you’re interested in, strap them on and head to Marble Canyon, which is located in another National Park called Kootenay. Here, you can see amazing rock formations, evergreen forests, and turquoise pools frozen over with a fresh layer of snow. (~50 km from Banff)

Sunshine Village Gondola

Imagine soaring over gorgeous, snow-covered valleys amidst rocky mountaintops. Yep – there’s nothing like the feeling of flying, and the Sunshine Village Gondola will definitely give you that feeling amongst some of the most stunning landscapes in Banff.

Bundle up and head to Sunshine Village, where you can catch this sightseeing cable car to ride around and explore even more of Banff in winter.

Tubing

Many of the ski resorts in the area offer tubing for people who want to enjoy the snow but don’t want to hit the slopes on skis or a snowboard. If you’ve never done tubing, it’s basically sliding down a mountain on an inflatable inner tube. (And it’s hilariously awesome!)

Both Mt. Norquay and Lake Louise have slopes dedicated to tubing – you can try it once or head down a few different ones for some variety.

Where to Eat in Banff (and surrounding areas)

Coffee and Breakfast:

• Good Earth Coffeehouse: Looking for a cozy spot to grab some brekkie (Aussie lingo courtesy of all the Australians on the trip :-p), head to this fantastic little coffee house located within the Elk and Avenue Hotel. It gets pretty crowded during the morning rush, so don’t plan to get out quick. Great selection of cold and hot items though!

• Whitebark Cafe: Another super cute breakfast spot located right in Banff Town. We both ordered the yogurt with homemade granola, and loved it so much we bought small bags to bring home to our husbands (and ourselves, of course). Shem was mildly obsessed with the flat white; we went back on our last day to indulge once more.

• Wild Flour:  While known for their perfect sourdough loaves, the other breakfast items are brilliant as well. We ended up coming here twice for breakfast it was that good. Psst: if they’re offering the cinnamon raisin toast, order it ASAP and add a side of berry compote. The loaded grilled cheese (complete with apples and brie) was rather tasty as well.

Lunch and Dinner:

• The Bear Street Tavern: Did someone say pizza? To my tasty surprise, all the pies come with a side of honey and chili oil for your dipping pleasure. With so many fun pizza combos (!!!) and $10 beer steins every Sunday, you’ve got to make some time to visit. Because they’re quite popular, you’ll undoubtedly need to wait a bit, so put your name down and walk around town until the frosty air gets to you.

• Waldhaus at the Fairmont: You can’t come all the way to this snowy mountain town and not indulge in some cheese fondue. We opted for the truffle cheese and chocolate fondue for 2, and it was one of our best decisions all week. FYI you can park on Spray Avenue and get shuttled to the restaurant since it’s not located in the main building.

• Communitea (Canmore): The second we stepped inside Communitea I totally understood all the hype – this place has a huuuge variety of hot teas (perfect for a chilly winter’s day) and a great selection of health-related eats. Shem ordered a beautiful looking buddha bowl, and I had their pad thai inspired noodles, and we decided that both were top notch. Note that they close around 6/7ish, so plan to eat an early dinner if you’re coming in on the later side of the day.

• Nourish Bistro: We got this recommendation a few times on our trip, but didn’t have time to go! If you’re a vegetarian you’ll love this place as it’s listed as a “quirky eatery featuring inventive vegan and vegetarian dishes, plus cocktails”! On my list for next time!

Not to Miss Snacks:

• Poutine: Fries with cheese curds and gravy. Enough said.  

• BeaverTails: These greasy goodnesses are kinda like a Canadian institution around these parts, and you have to PROMISE me that you’ll feast on at least one during your time in Banff (no matter the season). And what are they exactly? A fresh and crispy fried dough treat cooked right in front of you loaded with sugar and calories (but calories don’t count out of country, right?) Basically, all the unhealthy stuff you can imagine heaven to be. A sugary madness complete with whatever toppings you prefer (I picked Nutella and bananas). And you guessed it, they’re as messy as they are mouthwatering.

Are you planning a winter trip to Banff this season or next? Take me with you, pretty please?

I can’t wait to experience another Banff winter and be wowed again and again (hopefully next year)! It really was all that magical, for lack of a better word.   

Special thanks to Travel Alberta, Banff Lake Louise, Tourism, Banff Centre, Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours, Alpine Helicopters, Willow Stream Spa, and Hecktic Media for making this winter trip to Banff one for the books. All dog sledding freak outs and hot chocolate guzzling my own.

The post The Ultimate Banff Winter Activities Guide: A Perfect 5 Day Itinerary appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

Toronto, sometimes referred to as “The 6” (thanks, Drake), is the ultimate year-round destination, but can be particularly pretty (albeit chilly) during the winter time.

But don’t fret – if your plans have you visiting Toronto in the winter, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this beautiful city, both out in the frigid temps as well as inside to stay warm.

Regardless of the season, if this is your first time visiting Toronto, plan to check out the top city spots (trust me – they’re even more beautiful with a fresh coating of the powdery white stuff… we’re talking about snow here).

I’ve visited Canada quite a few times during the warmer summer months (Montreal, Quebec City, Banff, Whistler, Jasper, Vancouver, Niagara Falls, and even Toronto), but have never dared to step foot in the winter wonderland that is Canada once the air’s turned frigid. Well, besides a snowy few days in Banff, and I have to say it’s my newest obsession.

But lucky us, we have Diana (a native Torontonian) from Diana’s Healthy Living to share with us her favorite things to do in Toronto in winter, from exploring nearby islands (yes, even in winter) to indulging in peameal bacon sandwiches. Take it away, Diana!

Psst – looking for more Canadian wintery fun? Go check out Banff in winter, I just visited last year and it’s one of my new favorite snowy spots!

And psst – you may hear Torontonians referring to our beautiful city as Toronno.  If you pronounce it ToronTo, you’re screaming tourist from the top of your lungs.  Just FYI if you wanna blend in with the locals a bit more.

Weather in Toronto during the Winter Months

It’s always a good time to travel to Toronto (although I may be biased- I’m from the city!), but a winter visit really shows off the extra magical flair you’ll see showcased around the area. From Christmas markets, ice skating, and other holiday festivities, don’t forget about winter in Toronto just because of the cold weather!

And while Toronto is known for its chilly temps, it’s not aaaassss cold as one may think. Average January temperatures (the coldest month of the year) hover around 30 degrees F, which, while slightly below freezing, isn’t allll that bad if you bundle if correctly!

However, do note that temperatures may reach 14 degrees F on occasion, with night time temps below -4 degrees F (especially in the northern suburbs). And let me tell ya, that wind chill will kill you – making it feel like -22 degrees (and no, that — is a not a typo).

Plan your indoor activities once the sun sets in order to keep your outside exploring when the sun’s high in the sky.

As far as snow goes, expect the first snowfall to occur around November, but don’t be alarmed if it’s snowing in October (this happens more frequently than not). Snow lasts up until around March or April. With all this being said, you can expect a winter wonderful full of fluffy white snow between the months of October through April. Be sure to pack and dress appropriately! More on that below.

→ Want to expand your winter trip to Canada? Have a few more days? Read this next: Things to do in Montreal in the Winter (tons of maple everything involved)

Important things to pack for a Toronto Winter:

As you probably suspected, if you’re traveling to Toronto in the winter there’s a few clothing items that come highly recommended.

If you haven’t heard (or read the weather report up above), Toronto gets a decent amount of snow and thus can be fairly cold; however, don’t let the cold scare you away.  Dress warmly in a winter coat, tuque (that’s Canadian for winter hat), gloves, and winter boots, and you’re all set to explore the city with hot chocolate in hand!

Thankfully with the right stuff, you can stay warm and dry even when it’s wet and chilly outside! No one likes wet feet – that’s the absolute worst! After going on quite a few snowy weather winter getaways, I’ve kinda perfected the ultimate packing list. But first, a few tips:

Piece of advice #1: Invest in warm and waterproof snow boots with a proper grip. When ordering, opt for a size slightly larger than normal, as you want to allow for thick socks and toe warmers. If your boots are too tight (and your toes are crammed together), your feet will never stay warm enough.

Piece of advice #2: HOT HANDS. Enough said. But in all honesty, hot hands saved our frosty fingers on more than one occasion. What are they, you ask? They’re these magical dry packets filled with iron (among other scientific things) that intensify in heat once activated. Basically – super technological hand warmers that stay warm for up to 10 hours. And they are a godsend. You’ll want at least 1 pair a day. Buy on amazon here.

Here’s my winter weather recommendations for what to pack for Toronto in the winter:

• Warm Winter Coat: For those frigid winter days, you’ll really wanna invest in an insulated parka. I’ve got my eye on this North Face parka (I currently wear one from 10+ years ago – it’s about time for a new jacket). Looking for one a bit less expensive? This one’s crazy popular on social media, and with the length and sherpa-lined hood, I can totally see why. However note that it’s only water resistant, not waterproof, so not the best choice for those crazy snowy days.

• Packable Puffer Jacket: I wear this one – it’s lightweight and water resistant, plus comes in a bunch of fun colors and the pockets are super deep (perfect for storing your phone). It packs down to almost nothing in the little included pouch – perfect for travel! 

• Fleece Zip-Up: On those absolutely frigid days when you need a little something between your sweater and warm winter coat, a fleece zip-up (like this Columbia full-zip) will come in handy. There’s a reason it’s got 45k positive reviews!

• Base Layers: I’ve been wearing heat tech long sleeve tees ever since I went to Banff a few years back, and they’ve saved me from those frigid temps! They’re super lightweight and perfect to wear under a sweater, and leave you feeling dry and warm without the bulk!

• Fleece-lined leggings: I used to layer two pairs of regular leggings, but now that fleece-lined leggings are a thing, I only wear those! They’re just as comfy as regular leggings, but keep your legs staying warm and toasty. I’ve worn these pairs a few times and they’ve been great, and come in a bunch of fun colors! If you’re looking for something to wear under jeans or snow pants, these come highly recommended (although too thin to wear on their own; more like a base layer).

• Chapstick: Cold and dry air make your lips susceptible to chapping super easily. Ugh, the worst! I’m low-key obsessed with this cocoa butter swivel stick – it makes your lips so super soft and it smells a tad like chocolate! My favorite! It also works wonders on dry, chapped skin. You’ll wanna reapply multiple times throughout the day. Psst – not all chapsticks are created equal, and some will even make your chapped lips worse (true story). Avoid any containing ingredients like phenol, menthol, and/or salicylic acid; these actually make your lips drier. I always stick to Vaseline (these mini pots are small enough to throw in your purse) or a cocoa butter stick.

• Thick Moisturizing Lotion: My skin gets crazy dry in the cold weather, and this thick moisturizing lotion always does the trick! Great for cracked, dry skin.

• Power Bank: After relying on friends’ spare batteries for far too long (thx friends), I finally invested in power banks of my own, haha. Batteries die out faster in the cold, so come prepared with a power bank to recharge your stuff on the go. This compact power bank gives up to 10 full charges! I always throw this tiny one in my bag also, just in case, as a backup. My phone is my life-line (especially when traveling solo), so I like to be extra prepared!

• Beanies: I’ve got this fleece-lined beanie (pom pom included) in a few colors, and always bring a thick headband along too for when I want to put my hair up.

• Warm Gloves: I like to take a few pairs of gloves with me – loving these wool-blend mittens and this pair that’s super lightweight and waterproof (good enough to go skiing in).

• Scarves: I tend to bring a few, since they’re so easy to accessorize with! This blanket scarf is one of my faves (a great neutral option that matches everything), and chunky-knit infinity scarves are oh so cozy!

• Waterproof Snow Boots: Gotta keep your feet warm and dry! And THESE Sorel waterproof boots are easily the best ones out there – they’re 100% waterproof, seam-sealed, and actually look pretty cute (unlike most snow boots out there).

• High Socks: Choose wool ones that wicker moisture and keep your feet dry all day long. Synthetics are a no-go, especially in winter. These merino wool socks are super warm and so incredibly soft (and nope, not itchy at all contrary to popular belief) and perfect under snow boots. You’ll never wanna take them off… just buy a few pairs! I recommend layering your socks and actually wearing 2 pairs at all times (I typically do one shorter, ankle length merino wool sock underneath, and a longer, mid-calf merino wool pair on top).

• Polarized sunglasses: Since the sun reflects off the snow, you’ll need some polarized sunglasses – I’ve been wearing these exact ones for years and I just love ‘em!

How to Get Around

If you are traveling from the airport there is the UP Express that leaves from Toronto Pearson Terminal 1 every 15 minutes and takes you directly to Union Station.  You can also take an airport limousine, taxi, Uber, or Lyft.

A great way to get around the city and take in some of the famous sights is a Hop on Hop Off Bus as it will help you see the highlights quickly especially if you are on a time constraint.  

The TTC  (subway- the bullet) isn’t the most luxurious way to travel and you may be crammed during rush hour but it is clean (most of the time) and safe.  Fares cost $3.25. You can also buy tokens for a Presto Card.

If you’re driving in the city I would recommend that you pack your patience and budget for the fairly expensive city parking. Be sure to watch out for the bikers as they are pedaling on the roads year round. Yes, even in winter. The cold’s got nothin’ on the locals.

Where to stay:

Hotels in Toronto

There’s an abundance of hotel choices in Toronto. If you are looking to stay in the heart of the city and cost is not an issue, then I would recommend the new Toronto St. Regis Hotel.  If you want a hotel with a magnificent view of Lake Ontario, then I would recommend the new Hotel X Toronto by Library Hotel Collection. Can’t go wrong with either choice!

Check out prices and reviews of hotels in Toronto here.

Useful Phrases while in Toronto

Just like we pronounce Toronto “Toronno” you may hear some other odd phrases.  To help you fit right in.

• Eh?: this word is used to indicate that you don’t understand something, can’t believe something is true or if you want the person to respond or we generally say this at the end of every sentence.
• A Loonie: a $1 Canadian coin.
• A Toonie: a $2 Canadian coin.
• Double-Double: refers to a coffee (often from Tim Hortons) with two creams and two sugars.
• Timmies: it refers to the much-loved fast-food coffee chain, Tim Horton’s. If you don’t know or love Timmies, you’re not a true Canadian.
• The 6ix: Toronto’s nickname.
• Two-Four: commonly used to refer to a case of 24 beers.
• Pop:  commonly used to refer to soda
• Canuck: a slang term for Canadians.
• Caker: another slack term for Canadian

Extra Tips For Your Visit to Toronto:

• Language: English or Canadian
• Electricity: 110V (same as the USA)
• Currency:  The Canadian currency is the Canadian Dollar. Canadian currency is colorful – the five dollar bill is blue, ten dollar bill is purple, fifty dollar bill is red, and the one hundred dollar bill is brown.  We also have Loonies (one dollar coin) and toonies (two dollar coin).
• Tax: When buying anything in Toronto, including food, drink, clothes, anything really, you have tax on top. This is 13% and the price you see of items on the shelves, in menus etc, will normally be before tax.

Things to do in Toronto in Winter

CN Tower

Toronto’s most prominent attraction is the CN Tower, the tallest free-standing structure in the western hemisphere and it now includes EdgeWalk (seasonal), a thrilling hands-free walk around the outside ledge of the tower.  

Standing at 1,815 feet tall and designated as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, it is a must visit as it’s a Canadian icon and a symbol of Toronto.

You can eat dinner at the revolving restaurant, walk on the glass floor, take in the 360 degree views of Toronto from inside and out, enjoy a virtual reality ride, learn about the making of the CN Tower and for a real thrill, head outside and lean over the edge of the tower on the exciting Edge Walk. If you are brave enough to dangle off the CN Tower double check the dates of operation.

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

If you are a history buff then visiting the Royal Ontario Museum is a must as it is Canada’s largest museum of world cultures and natural history.   There are extensive galleries and interactive exhibits from dinosaurs to ancient Egypt located right in the heart of Toronto.

Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

The Art Gallery of Ontario is among the most distinguished art museums in North America.  View the works of the Group of Seven to masterpieces of European art.

St. Lawrence Market

St. Lawrence Market has been ranked by National Geographic as the world’s best food market.  It is located in Old Town Toronto where you can taste your way through the food stalls, and restaurants.  Make sure to try the famous peameal bacon sandwich at Carousel Bakery. I would drive into the city just to sink my teeth into this sandwich.

Hockey Hall of Fame

I’m sure when you think of Canada the first thing that comes to mind is Hockey.  Hockey is more than a game to Canadians. Hockey is a symbol of Canada, and even a way of life.  

The Hockey Hall of Fame features the most elaborate collection of hockey memorabilia and gear from across the globe, as well as interactive games, multimedia stations and exhibits on the game’s greatest players, there’s something for everyone at the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Toronto Eaton Centre

The Toronto Eaton Centre is one of the city’s most popular attractions located in the heart of downtown Toronto.  There are over 250 retailers so you are sure to find something to satisfy your shopping addiction.

Casa Loma

Betcha didn’t think you’d have the opportunity to visit a castle while in Toronto.  Casa Loma was built as a private home by Canadian financier Sir Henry Pellatt in 1914 that features elegant rooms, secret passageways, sweeping staircases, stables and lush gardens. Casa Loma is Spanish for “Hill House,” and attracts guests from all over the world to view the beautiful grounds.

Ontario Science Centre

The Ontario Science Centre is home to more than 500 interactive experiences, spread across eight exhibit halls. It also boasts Ontario’s only IMAX® Dome theatre, a state-of-the-art planetarium, an authentic rainforest environment and a discovery area just for kids eight and under.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

Located at the base of the CN Tower in the heart of the entertainment district, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada  is 135,000 square feet of interactive, underwater exhibits, the country’s largest indoor aquarium.  This is especially a popular spot for families over the weekend and holidays.

Toronto Islands

Take the scenic ferry ride over to the Toronto Islands, which provides a wonderful view and photo opportunity of the city skyline.  It is only a 10-minute ferry ride from downtown Toronto. It makes for a great winter excursion if you love outdoor activities. Only the Ward’s Island ferry operates during the winter season and will take you to the eastern part of the islands.

See a winter light show at Ontario Place

Part of Ontario Place’s recent rejuvenation movement includes an impressive and free winter light exhibition that’s coupled with skating fire pits, and food vendors. It’s open all winter long.

Go for a skate

Skating seems to be Toronto’s favourite winter activity, and there are plenty of magical skate trails to explore throughout the city along with a long list of public skating rinks. Some rinks are even open late into the night.  Be sure to bundle up – you will find outdoor skating a lot more pleasurable if dressed warmly.

Visit the Distillery District for more lights

The Distillery District is great to visit over the Christmas holidays as it Toronto’s Christmas Market.   The Toronto Light Festival will start on January 19 that will transform the Distillery District back into a magical exhibit of light and art.

The Toronto Sign

The TORONTO sign, originally installed as part of the Pan American Games in 2015, was such a hit with residents and visitors that it’s stayed. See it in Nathan Phillips Square in front of City Hall that is lit up at night.  

Road Trips From Toronto in Winter

If you are still looking for things to do in Toronto in the winter then there are some great road tips.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, Ontario, is a Canadian city at the famous waterfalls of the same name, linked with the U.S. by the Rainbow Bridge. You can make it to Niagara Falls from Toronto in under two hours making this a great destination for a day trip or stay the night to enjoy the nightly light show.  

The Falls are beautiful but even more so during the winter as some sections freeze up. A great way to see the falls is through the nightly free illumination. Every year the Winter Festival of Lights takes place from early November continuing until the end of January. The festival boasts over two million lights and over 125 animated light displays along the Niagara Parkway.

It is free and great for the entire family.  Make sure to bundle up as it can be fairly cold during the winter months.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a town in southern Ontario. It’s known for its wineries and the summer Shaw Festival, a series of theatre productions. You can make it to Niagara-on-the-Lake in under two hours from Toronto. There are also helicopter packages from Toronto with Flygta.   It is wonderful day trip or weekend trip from Toronto.

During the winter months you can enjoy some of the various winter events such as the Niagara Icewine Festival that runs from January 18 – 28.

Blue Mountain

If you love the outdoors then I would recommend heading up North to the Blue Mountains region , about a two hour drive from Toronto, where you can ski, snowshoe, go caving, skating.  The activities are endless and there is something for everyone.

So there ya have it, a whole slew of things to do in Toronto in winter time! What are you most excited about?!

The post 17 Things to Do in Toronto in Winter: Full Guide to the City appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

Did you know that the winter in Montreal stretches from November to the early weeks of April? That’s surely a looong time! Yup, it’s safe to presume that a blanket of snow covers the City of Festivals for almost half the entire year.

But unsurprisingly, the city lives up to its nickname and doesn’t disappoint festival lovers by going into hibernation in the winter, providing it’s visitors a bunch of things to do in Montreal in the winter! In fact, many travelers say that the best time to visit Montreal is absolutely in it’s snowy season after all!

This isn’t hard to believe, I mean winter brings with it tons of magic-inducing things- from breathtaking icy landscapes and hard-core winter activities, to warm comfort food and loads of joy, a visit to Montreal in the winter season can’t be beat. This is probably why the festivities don’t end even when the temperature hits sub-zero!

Hence, despite the cold, you will see hundreds of tourists out and about in the city, partaking in all the Montreal winter activities available to us all!

Planning a Montreal Winter Weekend Getaway

Weather in Montreal during the winter

Get ready to bundle up, because things can pretty dang chilly in Montreal in winter.  Temperatures vary between -2°C/28°F to -15°C/5°F (yikes!) with January being the coldest month. On average, it snows on half the days between December-February.

There’s pretty much always a thick blanket during the winter months; it’s estimated that Montreal has over 1 cm of snow on the ground for 109 days of the year. In December, there tends to be around 8 cm, which increases to 15 cm in January and a whopping 18 cm in February. Talk about snowed under!

Occasionally, Montreal also experiences freezing rain during the winter time, which can be very unpleasant to be out and about in, so if that happens make sure you stay inside with some hot cocoa and poutine!

→ Read Next: A Summer Weekend in Montreal

How to get around the city in winter

• Montreal’s Metro system is fast, well-connected, and most importantly much warmer than travelling on foot! There are several options for multi-trip and multi-day passes for extra ease. A three-day pass costs C$19 ($14 USD).
• Much of Montreal’s downtown centre – including many metro stops – is connected by the Underground City so you can walk from A to B without having to endure sub-zero temperatures.
• It’s also pretty easy to hail a cab in Montreal. Teo Taxi is regarded as one of the most reliable firms and their cars are all electric, so they’re environmentally friendly, too!

What to Pack for Montreal in the Winter

As expected, Montreal in the winter gets pretty damn chilly. You’ll wanna prepare for the cold temps and pack the necessary gear! Thankfully with the right stuff, you can stay warm and dry even when it’s wet and chilly outside! No one likes wet feet – that’s the absolute worst!

After going on quite a few snowy weather winter getaways, I’ve kinda perfected the ultimate packing list. But first, a few tips:

Piece of advice #1: Invest in warm and waterproof snow boots with a proper grip. When ordering, opt for a size slightly larger than normal, as you want to allow for thick socks and toe warmers. If your boots are too tight (and your toes are crammed together), your feet will never stay warm enough.

Piece of advice #2: HOT HANDS. Enough said. But in all honesty, hot hands saved our frosty fingers on more than one occasion. What are they, you ask? They’re these magical dry packets filled with iron (among other scientific things) that intensify in heat once activated. Basically – super technological hand warmers that stay warm for up to 10 hours. And they are a godsend. You’ll want at least 1 pair a day. Buy on amazon here.

Here’s my winter weather recommendations for what to pack for Montreal in the winter:

• Warm Winter Coat: For those frigid winter days, you’ll really wanna invest in an insulated parka. I’ve got my eye on this North Face parka (I currently wear one from 10+ years ago – it’s about time for a new jacket). Looking for one a bit less expensive? This one’s crazy popular on social media, and with the length and sherpa-lined hood, I can totally see why. However note that it’s only water resistant, not waterproof, so not the best choice for those crazy snowy days.

• Packable Puffer Jacket: I wear this one – it’s lightweight and water resistant, plus comes in a bunch of fun colors and the pockets are super deep (perfect for storing your phone). It packs down to almost nothing in the little included pouch – perfect for travel! 

• Fleece Zip-Up: On those absolutely frigid days when you need a little something between your sweater and warm winter coat, a fleece zip-up (like this Columbia full-zip) will come in handy. There’s a reason it’s got 45k positive reviews!

• Base Layers: I’ve been wearing heat tech long sleeve tees ever since I went to Banff a few years back, and they’ve saved me from those frigid temps! They’re super lightweight and perfect to wear under a sweater, and leave you feeling dry and warm without the bulk!

• Fleece-lined leggings: I used to layer two pairs of regular leggings, but now that fleece-lined leggings are a thing, I only wear those! They’re just as comfy as regular leggings, but keep your legs staying warm and toasty. I’ve worn these pairs a few times and they’ve been great, and come in a bunch of fun colors! If you’re looking for something to wear under jeans or snow pants, these come highly recommended (although too thin to wear on their own; more like a base layer).

• Chapstick: Cold and dry air make your lips susceptible to chapping super easily. Ugh, the worst! I’m low-key obsessed with this cocoa butter swivel stick – it makes your lips so super soft and it smells a tad like chocolate! My favorite! It also works wonders on dry, chapped skin. You’ll wanna reapply multiple times throughout the day.

Psst – not all chapsticks are created equal, and some will even make your chapped lips worse (true story). Avoid any containing ingredients like phenol, menthol, and/or salicylic acid; these actually make your lips drier. I always stick to Vaseline (these mini pots are small enough to throw in your purse) or a cocoa butter stick.

• Thick Moisturizing Lotion: My skin gets crazy dry in the cold weather, and this thick moisturizing lotion always does the trick! Great for cracked, dry skin.

• Power Bank: After relying on friends’ spare batteries for far too long (thx friends), I finally invested in power banks of my own, haha. Batteries die out faster in the cold, so come prepared with a power bank to recharge your stuff on the go. This compact power bank gives up to 10 full charges! I always throw this tiny one in my bag also, just in case, as a backup. My phone is my life-line (especially when traveling solo), so I like to be extra prepared!

• Beanies: I’ve got this fleece-lined beanie (pom pom included) in a few colors, and always bring a thick headband along too for when I want to put my hair up.

• Warm Gloves: I like to take a few pairs of gloves with me – loving these wool-blend mittens and this pair that’s super lightweight and waterproof (good enough to go skiing in).

• Scarves: I tend to bring a few, since they’re so easy to accessorize with! This blanket scarf is one of my faves (a great neutral option that matches everything), and chunky-knit infinity scarves are oh so cozy!

• Waterproof Snow Boots: Gotta keep your feet warm and dry! And THESE Sorel waterproof boots are easily the best ones out there – they’re 100% waterproof, seam-sealed, and actually look pretty cute (unlike most snow boots out there).

• High Socks: Choose wool ones that wicker moisture and keep your feet dry all day long. Synthetics are a no-go, especially in winter. These merino wool socks are super warm and so incredibly soft (and nope, not itchy at all contrary to popular belief) and perfect under snow boots. You’ll never wanna take them off… just buy a few pairs! I recommend layering your socks and actually wearing 2 pairs at all times (I typically do one shorter, ankle length merino wool sock underneath, and a longer, mid-calf merino wool pair on top).

• Polarized sunglasses: Since the sun reflects off the snow, you’ll need some polarized sunglasses – I’ve been wearing these exact ones for years and I just love ‘em!

Ready to make all your winter wonderland dreams come true? Here’s a brief glance at all the things you can do in Montreal in winter:

Things to do in Montreal in the Winter:

Stuff yourself silly on an Old Montreal Food Tour

Wondering what to do in Montreal in the winter? Well, my glutinous friends, sightseeing and stuffing your face isn’t a bad place to start! Since your body totally needs some extra fuel in the face of these freezing temperatures, eating is one of the best things to do in Montreal in winter (no judgments here, heck, I’m even endorsing it!). And a Montreal food tour is a great place to start!

During this three-hour, 2.3 km walk you’ll see iconic Montreal monuments, such as the Notre Dame cathedral and the Old Port, as well as enjoying cosy sit-down restaurants and even a brewpub for some well-earned craft beer. With its winding streets and historic buildings, the Old Town is an enchanting district to ramble around on a snowy day and you get to learn about Montreal’s history and food culture as you do it.

Plus, the food is perfect warming-winter grub. This tour will leave you feeling cosy, cultural, and content (although your pants may feel a little tight…). Don’t blame the messenger though! Read more and sign up here to lock in your spot!

Winter Activities on Mount Royal

Fun fact – Montreal is actually named after Mount Royal! This small mountain lies just west of downtown Montreal and it’s an outdoor sports hub at all times of year. For outdoor adventurers, all of the best Montreal winter activities can be found here! During January and February you can go cross-country skiing, and even take lessons if you’re new to the sport.

From December until early March you can ice-skate on beautiful Beaver Lake – providing it’s completely frozen over, of course. Tubing tends to open in mid-December and the lanes overlook Beaver Lake, so you can take in the scenic views as you scream and holler your way down the mountain. You can also enjoy a snowy hike up the mountain but again, it’s weather-dependent.

Indulge in a beaver tail and some warm maple taffy

No, not the actual tail of a cute furry animal. BeaverTails are popular Canadian donuts made of fried, stretched-wheat pastry, covered with all kinds of delicious gooey messes. These treats are so iconic that the word is even an official entry in the Canadian Oxford dictionary! You can choose from a variety of toppings including cinnamon sugar, nutella, and, of course, maple spread.

Since a sugar-fix is key to enjoying Montreal in the winter, you’ve also got to try some warm maple taffy! This quintessentially Canadian candy is a sweet, thick, chewy treat which, when served warm, is just what you need on a cold day.

Maple taffy is best enjoyed at one of Montreal’s sugar shacks – cabins where maple sap is boiled to make Canada’s iconic syrup, often with adjoining cafes and restaurants. L’Érablière Charbonneau is regarded as one of the best!

Dance away at the Igloofest

Igloofest has to be one of the coolest (or should that be coldest?) electronic music festivals around! Held in Montreal’s Old Port, the festival spans three weekends, usually the last two in January and the first one in February (but make sure you double check!)

The festival plays host to some of the biggest names in the EDM world – 2019’s lineup includes Diplo and Gramatik. Despite the cold, this wintery festival is one of the hottest events of the year and attracts thousands of attendees. Dancing under the stars to world-famous DJs is definitely one of the best ways to stay warm in Montreal in the winter.

Stay warm and museum hop

Baby it’s cold outside, but it’s warm within the walls of Montreal’s many museums. Visit the Maison Saint-Gabriel Museum to learn about the city’s French colonial past and get a glimpse of what daily life was like in the city during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Learn even more about Montreal’s past at the McCord museum, which houses extensive collections dedicated to preserving the city’s history, as well as wider Canadian heritage.

Art lovers should definitely head to the celebrated Montreal Museum of Fine Arts – it’s one of the most visited museums in North America thanks to its impressive collections. Meanwhile, the Redpath Museum is a must-visit for those interested in natural history.

And even if you’re not gung ho for museums, you may find it a nice respite from the chilly outdoor temps.

Play at Fete des Neiges

There are so many things to do in Montreal in winter at Fete des Neiges, aka Montreal Snow Festival. The festival takes place over four weekends in January and February, from 10am – 8pm on Saturday and 5pm on Sunday. It’s a family-oriented event in Parc Jean-Drapeau where people of all ages can enjoy a ton of Montreal winter activities – and I mean a TON.

As well as skiing, snowshoeing, and ice-skating, there are hockey tournaments, sled races, workshops, and live shows. Seriously, you could spend days here without getting bored. It’s very well-equipped for families with lots of kid-friendly facilities available. What’s even better is that admission and many of the activities are completely free! Hurrah! A late holiday gift to all!

Wander around the markets

Montreal is home to some truly awesome markets. Since we’ve established that stuffing your face is one of the best Montreal winter activities, head to the Jean Talon market in Little Italy for fruit, cheese, chocolate, pastries, and more!

Atwater Market in the Saint-Henri area is also home to a ton of local specialties as well as some excellent butcher stalls. There are also lots of fairs and holiday markets in Montreal in the winter, such as the Nutcracker Market and Merry Montreal (the latter also hosts a pretty awesome NYE party!) Head here for gift ideas and Christmas trinkets galore!

Go underground

When things get too chilly above ground, head to Montreal’s Underground City to stay warm. Many venues in the heart of Downtown Montreal, such as offices, hotels, malls, and Metro stations, are linked below-ground by a series of interconnecting tunnels.

It’s a pretty genius solution to the bitter winter temperatures. Over half a million people use this network every day to get around during the winter months, so exploring it is a great way to experience Montreal like a local!

There are tons of shops and cafes in the City – it almost feels like a giant underground mall! Spending a couple of hours exploring the Underground City is definitely one of the best things to do in Montreal in winter – and a great excuse for a little retail therapy. There’s even a piece of the Berlin Wall located inside! It’s pretty vast, so make sure you pick up a free map from one of the connected Metro stations.

Marvel at the Notre-Dame Basilica

The snow-covered Notre-Dame Basilica is hands down one of the most impressive sights in Montreal in the winter. You’ll feel teeny-tiny as you stand outside this Gothic revival church and even more so when you venture inside.

Its opulent, richly colorful interior is truly a sight to behold, especially the vaulted ceilings which are painted deep blue and scattered with stars to resemble the night sky.

The Aura light show takes place inside the church most evenings at 6pm but there are slight variations, so check their website beforehand.* It’s a truly extraordinary show, so try to catch it if you can! When I last visited the city, I was so mesmerized by the basilica the first time that I visited again the next day – it’s impressive to say the least.

Ice skate and hang around the Old Port

The Natrel skating rink in Montreal’s Old Port will have you feeling super festive from the second you set foot on the ice. Lots of fun events take place on the rink, such as cardio training sessions on Wednesdays, ‘Skate and Mingle for Singles’ on Valentines’ Day, and Karaoke on Ice at the start of March!

The highlight, however, has to be the Natrel Fire on Ice spectacle which takes place on four consecutive Saturdays in December and January.

You can enjoy it stationary or skate around the rink as you ooh and aah at the amazing fireworks. Catching the show is hands-down one of the best things to do in Montreal in winter so don’t miss it!

Montreal High Lights Festival

Also known as Montreal en Lumiere, this eleven-day festival has been lighting up the city since the year 2000 and it gets bigger and better every year! Designed to add a little magic to Montreal in the winter, the festival comprises over 200 cultural activities across the city, including dazzling light shows, live performances and even a giant, neon-lit maple ferris wheel!

Much of the action takes place in the Place des Festivals of the Quartier des Spectacles, Montreal’s main entertainment district. You can even zipline across the site to enjoy aerial views of the festivities. The festival usually takes place during the last week of February, and many activities and performances are completely free. Yay!

Watch a hockey game

Ask any Montrealer what to do in Montreal in the winter and they’ll probably tell you to head to a hockey game. It’s an iconic Canadian sport, after all. The Montreal Canadiens are one of Canada’s seven NHL teams, so don a jersey and see if you can get tickets to a game!

Lots of major games take place in the Bell Centre and the atmosphere is always buzzing. If you don’t manage to make it rinkside, there’s always the option of cheering on your team of choice from one of the city’s many sports bars. There’s always a rocking party (replete with a mechanical bull) at Chez Serge if hockey really gets you hyped up, or enjoy some no-frills fun at Bar Saint Laurent Frappe.

If you’re looking for a great way to spend a weekend in Montreal, check this out.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg, there is a lot more in store for anyone who visits Canada’s beautiful city.

Montreal in the Winter In a Nutshell

Montreal is certainly one of the best places to be this winter. It’s absolutely sprawling with winter-centric activities that everyone can enjoy. Thus, you can round up your loved ones to make sweet memories, or if you are a solo wanderlust then you can jet off alone to set off some envy amongst your homebound friends.

All we suggest is that you don’t be a Grinch and spend winter all cooped up. Rather you should head over to the magical Montreal to end your year with a bang!

Which of these things to do in Montreal in the winter will you be adding to your list of must-do’s in Canada?!

The post A Canadian Winter Wonderland: Things to Do in Montreal in Winter appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

Chic coastal villages. Remote mountain towns. Waterfalls spilling into the Pacific. Those are just some of the weekend trips from San Francisco you’ll find on this curated list of my favorite spots!

The world is a phenomenal place, and it’s better to explore (even if only for a few days) than sit around on your couch (#duh).  Since quitting my full-time job isn’t a possibility, nor would that be something I’d actually long for, I satisfy my travel cravings by taking long weekend trips around my new home city of SF.  And thankfully, there are a ton of long weekend trips from San Francisco and Northern California in general!

Not feeling air travel lately? Consider a road trip! I have a whole post on road trips from San Francisco if that’s what you’re actually looking for. Find that HERE.

When considering taking off on any of these bay area weekend getaways, (or anywhere, really), I have a few simple tips to make the most of your time:

• Stay within 1 time zone of your home city (2 at the absolute MOST, but not recommended)!
• Help combat minor jet lag early by drinking a lot of water on the plane.
• Plan your activities/must-see’s in advance so you aren’t wasting precious time once you arrive.
• Make a list of your must-see’s and your would-like-to-see-if-time-allows (#priorities)
• If driving, 4-6 hours away should be your max.
• Understand you most likely will not be able to see eeeeeeverything you want, so prioritizing is the name of the game

By taking one day off of work (either Friday or Monday) and flying out on the last possible flight (late Thursday night or Friday night, depending on what day you take off), you get two full days in your destination (excluding travel days).  Plan accordingly.

Note that you will need a car for some of these weekend getaways from SF, since some of them are in fact mini road trips! So if you’re visiting (or live in the city and don’t have access to a car), a car rental will be a necessity! I like to search via this site in order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price. They check out all the major websites, and you can customize what you need as well!

Search for the cheapest car rentals over here!

Here are, (in my opinion), the 25 best long weekend trips from San Francisco. Now, go start checking some off your list.  And if you’ve got other weekend trips from San Francisco that you recommend, let me know in the comments!  I’m always hunting for more scenic spots to spend a few days!

Psst: Have less time? Check out these popular San Francisco day trips (all 30+ of them!) for more ideas!

So without further ado, here are the best Bay Area weekend getaways, coming right up!

Long Weekend Trips from San Francisco

1 | Salt Lake City/Antelope Island, Utah

We first visited the Salt Lake City area on our road trip across the USA from New York to San Francisco.  The city is set in a beautiful location with the mountains appearing every which way you look.  The craft beer scene is top notch, and make sure to check out the Salt Lake Temple, Assembly Hall, Red Butte Garden, and take the tram to Hidden Peak.

Definitely make your way to Antelope Island, the amount of Buffalo we saw roaming the wild was insane and the views of the Lake were second to none.   

• Already been to SLC?  Head on over to Park City, a winter wonderland come November/December!

Travel Time: Fly into SLC in roughly 1 hour 50 minutes  // Check flight prices // Check hotel prices in Salt Lake City

2 | Mendocino, California

What a quant little town Mendocino is.  We recently spent a long weekend in Mendocino and Fort Bragg, checking out the Glass Beach, eating too much ice cream, and exploring all of the parks.  The drive along Highway 1 is top notch, and we made sure to make lots of little pit stops.  

Be prepared for lots of starry nights and chilly, refreshing mornings. There are tons of weekend getaways in California and this is just one of them!

Travel Time: 3 1/2 hour drive north on the 101, or take the scenic Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) for a longer 5-6 hour drive north // Check hotel prices in Mendocino

3 | Big Sur/Monterey/Carmel

You could easily spend weeks exploring the California coastline, and I highly advise you to not cram in all 3 destinations into one long weekend.  Each place truly deserves it’s own few days, but I know – there’s never enough time!  

The California coastline just gets me each and every time!  Don’t miss Canary Wharf, shopping in Downtown Carmel, and Julia Phieffer State Park.  The 17-mile drive and Pebble Beach are favorites in the area as well. And for the most dramatic views you’ll see in a long time, head on down to Big Sur (my absolute favorite!)

Travel Time: 4 hour drive south of San Francisco via Highway 1, but much longer with stops // Check hotel prices in Monterey

4 | Catalina Island, California

A little tricky to get here depending on how your timing works out – but Catalina Island definitely deserves a spot on this list.  You’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto a Mediterranean Island the moment you arrive, and the weather is just that!  Spend some time in Avalon, and then save the rest of the weekend for hiking, swimming, and touring.

Travel Time: Fly into either LAX (Los Angeles) or LGB (Long Beach) in roughly 1 hour 30 minutes, then board the boat for a 1 hour ride to Catalina Island // Check flight prices // Check hotel prices in Catalina Island

5 | Seattle, Washington

Seattle makes for a wonderful long weekend trip from San Francisco, and I did just that last year!  I fell in love with the cities easy vibe, plentiful coffee shops, and green spaces.  Make time for lots of eating, a seaplane tour above the city, and a day trip to Mt. Rainier.  Loved this place! Just one of the many weekend getaways from San Francisco! Read More: Seattle Over A Long Weekend

Travel Time: Fly into SEA in roughly 2 hours, 10 minutes // Check flight prices // Check hotel prices in Seattle

6 | Vancouver, Canada

So much natural beauty you won’t know where to look. Check out the Granville Island Public Market, Chinatown, Grouse Mountain, and the Capilano suspension bridge.  Did you really think you could visit a different country during a long weekend trip from San Francisco?!  

Come in the winter for awesome skiing, and the summer for warm-weather activities. Read More about Vancouver here.

Travel Time: Fly nonstop to YVR in roughly 2 hours, 30 minutes // Check flight prices // Check hotel prices in Vancouver

7 | Austin, Texas

Although Austin is technically 2 time zones away from San Francisco, I couldn’t not include it on the list!  After visiting a few months back, I can safely say Austin is one of my all-time favorite cities in the USA.  

So hip and funky – be sure to check out Torchy’s Tacos, Gordoughs Donuts, Rainy Street at night, and leave some time for mural hunting.  The food scene is top notch, and make sure you try some barbecue! Read More about Austin here.

Travel Time: Fly nonstop to AUS in roughly 3 hours, 20 minutes // Check flight prices // Check hotel prices in Austin

8 | Yosemite National Park

Waterfalls, hiking, and wildlife galore!  This is a place where you want to bring your comfy sneakers/hiking boots.  A few must-see spots: Glacier Point (only open during the summer), Tunnel View, Mirror Lake, and Sentinel Dome.  If you’re really up for it, consider hiking Half Dome (permit needed).  

I’m a bit crazy and did Yosemite in just a day last year… I went back for more the second time around.  It warrants waaaay more than just one day! Can’t decide between visiting Yosemite in the spring, summer, or winter?

• We just returned home from a visit to Yosemite in the winter and it was absolutely gorgeous (go check out the photos pronto!)

Travel Time: 4 hour drive East (longer with traffic) // Check hotel prices in Yosemite

9 | Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

Lake Tahoe is one of the prettiest lakes you’ll see in your lifetime, I can promise you that.  Not only is there wonderful skiing at Heavenly, but there’s tons of stuff to do for you non-skiiers as well (myself included).  Including driving around the entire lake for plenty of vista points and fun stops!

Take the gondola up for heavenly views of the lake, stuff your face with donuts, and go for a drive around the lake.  Lake Tahoe is a destination for any time of year, and we’ve visited in both summer and winter – and would go back again during each!

If you’re looking for a last minute getaway from San Francisco, Lake Tahoe may be just the answer!

Travel Time: 4 hours, 30 min drive Northeast (but watch out for traffic) // Check hotel prices in Lake Tahoe

10 | Las Vegas, Nevada

With super cheap tickets (we found flights for $74 roundtrip once from SFO… true story), Sin City is a must when you’re itching to get away for the weekend.  

Choose to spend your time in the casinos, or opt to get a little outdoorsy at the Grand Canyon and/or The Valley of Fire, both easily accessible day trips from Las Vegas.  

And plus, who can resist all-you-can-eat buffets and day time pool parties?!  Read Next — My HUGE Las Vegas Bucket List (with over 100 things to do here!)

Travel Time: Fly direct to LAS in just over 1 hour, 30 minutes // Check flight prices // Check hotel prices in Las Vegas

11 | Crater Lake, Oregon

Okay, so this one’s pushing it, and I don’t recommend making this ~7 hour drive to Oregon unless you A) have multiple drivers who don’t mind driving in the wee hours of the morning or late at night or B) are able to take 2 days off from work.  

But once you make it there – just look at all that nature waiting to be explored.  Looks like a painting!  I finally had the chance to go with a friend last year, and I’m currently begging my husband to go back!

Read Next: The Perfect Weekend in Crater Lake

Travel Time: 6.5 hour drive North // Check flight prices // Check hotel prices in Crater Lake

12 | Portland, Oregon

One of my friends/coworkers just moved up north to Portland, and with cousins in the area as well, I finalllly made it up to the beloved Portland! Trust me, the donuts are divine, as are all the waterfalls and other nature hotspots to check out.

Three days in Portland is the absolutely perfect amount of time – please oh please send me a donut from Blue Star! Plus, who can resist the cute downtown area?!  One of the many long weekend trips from San Francisco you can easily take!

Travel Time: Fly nonstop to PDX in 1 hour, 45 minutes // Check flight prices // Check hotel prices in Portland

13 | Glacier National Park, Montana

Montana?!  Who’d ever thought of heading to Montana before?  Well, get ready for some serious snow and stunning hiking opportunities, because Glacier National Park is one you won’t want to miss.  Be prepared for snow any time of year, and be sure to check out St. Mary Lake and Going to the Sun Road.

Travel Time: Fly to Kalispell, Montana (FCA) in roughly 5 hours (connection needed from SFO) // Check flight prices // Check hotel prices in Glacier National Park

14 | Los Angeles

Chilly and foggy up in San Francisco?  You can almost bet the weather will be sunny and comfortable down south in LA.  

You really can do so much in even just one day in LA, although I definitely recommend spending a bit more time here.  We spent my birthday down here a few years ago, and the sun was shining even in the dead of winter (late January…)

Be sure to check out the Griffith Observatory for some of the best views of entire city (photo above), and hike Runyon Canyon for another perspective of the city.  If you’ve got time, you can even add in Laguna Beach and Santa Monica — both just marvelous. Read lots more about Los Angeles and Santa Monica here.

Travel Time: choose to either drive down the PCH making stops along the way, or preferred: fly direct to LAX in 1 hour, 30 minutes // Check flight prices // Check hotel prices in Los Angeles

15 | San Luis Obispo

Check out the elephant seals, bubblegum alley, and Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa complete with botanical garden.  If you’re up for it, do some hiking at Bishop Peak for some unparalleled panoramic views of the area.  San Luis Obispo is great for a weekend of relaxing; they don’t nickname it SLO for nothing!

Want to stay an iconic hotel?  Choose the Madonna Inn – each room is decorated differently and will surely be a good conversation starter with any friends heading up/down the coast.  

If you’re driving down from San Francisco, be sure to stop at Hearst Castle near San Simeon – it’s ridiculously beautiful.

Travel Time: drive south 4 hours, or fly nonstop to SBP in 1 hour // Check flight prices // Check hotel prices in SLO

16 | Santa Barbara

What a beautiful beach town to spend a long weekend in!  We recently perused the area for just a few hours, and are already planning a return trip here.  Make sure to stop at Mission Santa Barbara, Stearn’s Wharf, and the Santa Barbara Courthouse for fantastic views of the city.  Looking for ice cream?  Don’t miss McConnell’s!

The Santa Ynez Mountains make a dramatic backdrop to the small city, which you can see from so many spots in the area.  Head downtown and you’ll instantly feel relocated to the Mediterranean, with the areas white stucco buildings with red-tile roofs, absolute heaven!  Have some extra time?  Head over to Solvang, a super cute Danish town complete with windmills!

Travel Time: drive south 6 hours, or fly nonstop to SBA in about 1 hour // Check flight prices // Check hotel prices in Santa Barbara

17 | Disneyland

Definitely one of the great long weekend trips from San Francisco to take if you’ve got kids! Or if you want to feel like a kid yourself for a few days!  

We’ve only checked out Downtown Disney before my husband ran the Disneyland Half Marathon, and can’t wait to head back to properly explore the park (and ride all the coasters, duh!).  And plus, who can resist hanging around in Mickey ears all weekend?

Travel Time: Fly nonstop to LAX, then head to Anaheim in just over an hour (+/- a bit depending on horrible LA traffic…) // Check flight prices // Check hotel prices in Anaheim

18 | San Diego

Looking for a bit of sunshine? You’re lucky that California spans almost the entire height of the US (meaning tons of options for that ray of sun you’re begging for).

While you’re here, make sure to check out Balboa Park (beautiful and over 1,200 acres!), the famous Hotel del Coronado (have dinner here!), Old Town, the Cabrillo National Monument, and Belmont Park (a beachside amusement park with a cool retro vibe)!

And my absolute favorite? La Jolla Cove! I recently went three times in the last year — you can say I’m a tad obsessed! Peep my perfect San Diego itinerary, San Diego bucket list (with over 125 things to do and eat!), and my favorite photo spots in San Diego!

Travel Time: Fly nonstop to SAN in about an hour and a half // Check flight prices // Check hotel prices in San Diego

19 | Palm Springs

I’ve been wanting to check out Palm Springs for so long I can’t even remember when my initial obsession began. With all the colors, it just looks so instagram-worthy! Glad to say I finally made it down, and it was everything I expected it to be and more. Such a fun chic, desert vibe!

Want some awesome desert views? Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Looking for something a bit weird? Head to the cabezon dinosaurs (yes, they’re life size).

There’s also lots of hiking and outdoor everything down here. Don’t miss the pink door (and all the colorful doors in Palm Springs) and the Saguaro Hotel if you’re looking for that color like I am. AND if you have a few extra days, go check out Joshua Tree National Park!

Travel Time: Fly nonstop to PSP in just under an hour and a half // Check flight prices // Check hotel prices in Palm Springs

20 | Los Cabos

Itching for a weekend of pure relaxation and bliss?  A dip in the pool tickle your fancy?  Cabo has got you covered.  We spent a long weekend in Cabo for my husband’s 30th birthday (AH we’re getting old!) and we’re already scheming how we can get back sooner than later.  I recently spent another few days in Cabo for a friends birthday — you can say it’s the perfect place to celebrate!

For an even more serene experience, consider staying at an adults-only resort — my kinda weekend. Oh, and you’ve got to either take a snorkeling trip or a sunset cruise to the famous Arch de Cabo! Make it a crystal clear boat to El Arco for a bucket-list worthy experience!

Read Next — my HUGE guide to San Jose del Cabo (with all my recommended eats and things to do!)

Travel Time: Fly nonstop to SJD in just over 3 hours // Check flight prices // Check hotel prices in Los Cabos

21 | Scottsdale/Phoenix

When I first pictured Scottsdale, I instantly thought of a barren desert with not much to do.  Boy, was I wrong. Scottsdale has everything you’ve wished for and more – from hot air balloons and jeep tours of the Sonoran desert to a booming culinary scene and world renowned spas, you’ll find yourself wishing you had more than a long weekend here.  

• Read more: A Long Weekend in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Travel Time: Fly nonstop to PHX in just about 2 hours // Check flight prices // Check hotel prices in Scottsdale

22 | Napa Valley/Sonoma

You can see so much in a day visiting Napa and/or Sonoma from San Francisco since the drive out isn’t too long, and they vineyards are relatively close together, but I suggest staying overnight to get the true experience.

While there are literally dozens to choose from, I have a few favorite wineries in Napa that I always bring visitors to.  Wine-ing not your thing?  Don’t fret – there are so many other things to do in Napa besides drink wine – consider a hot air balloon over the vineyards or a bubble bath at the Andaz!

Travel Time: drive north 2 hours // Check hotel prices in Napa Valley

23 | Malibu

Malibu, located west of Los Angeles, California, is mostly known for its celebrity homes and beaches, including wide and sandy Zuma Beach.

To the east is Malibu Lagoon State Beach, known as Surfrider Beach for its waves. Nearby is the Spanish Revival–style Adamson House, with local history displays in its Malibu Lagoon Museum.

Inland, trails weave through canyons, waterfalls and grasslands in the Santa Monica Mountains which is a fantastic spot for hiking if you’re up for a sweat.

Travel Time: 6 hours drive south, or fly to LAX in 1 hour, 20 min and drive 45 west // Check flight prices // Check hotel prices in Malibu

24 | Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park is in northern California, and is rich in hydrothermal sites like Bumpass Hell.  These acres of bubbling mud pots will sure be something to talk about.

The summit of Lassen Peak Volcano offers views over the surrounding wilderness. Nearby, the Devastated Area is littered with lava rocks from its last eruption. A network of trails through forest and around several lakes connects with the Pacific Crest Trail in the north. Read More about Lassen National Park here.

Travel Time: drive north 4.5 hours // Check hotel prices near Lassen Volcanic National Park

25 | Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta is a potentially active volcano at the southern end of the Cascade Range in Siskiyou County, California. At an elevation of 14,179 feet, it is the second highest peak in the Cascades and the fifth highest in California.  

This alpine community offers something for everyone – from world-class skiing and snowboarding to dog sledding and snow mobiling in the winter.  Water from five glaciers provide moisture for wildflowers, great pine and red fir forests, making dramatic backdrops for summer hiking and frolicking.  

When in the area, be sure to make a visit to Burney Falls – those absolutely stunning waterfalls you’re drooling over in the photo above. Read more about Mount Shasta and Burney Falls here.

Travel Time: drive north 4 hours // Check hotel prices in Shasta

26 | Denver, Colorado + Rocky Mountain National Park

I recently visited a friend in Denver and we ended up spending the majority of our time together exploring Rocky Mountain National Park. We spent our days hiking on the trails on the lookout for wildlife.  Be sure to visit in October in order to witness the yearly antelope migration.  Also, watch out for bears and moose while hiking – we almost got attacked (no joke)!

This past fall, we headed back to Denver and spent a wonderful day in Denver along with a few day trips to Colorado Springs and back to the national park. Highly recommended!

Travel Time: fly from SFO to DEN in 2 hours, 35 minutes // Check flight prices // Check hotel prices in Denver

Have you taken any long weekend trips from San Francisco lately? Which ones are on your bucket list?

Photo Credits: Catalina Island (edits by me) / Disneyland 

The post The 25 Best Long Weekend Trips from San Francisco appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.