Banff was truly one of the best places I have been to. The entire time we were there I could not get past how beautiful everything around me was. And how cheap! I guess thats the dollar conversion for ya though. We got lucky and experienced both Fall and Winter in the same trip which made for some amazing adventures in the great outdoors. We cannot wait to go back♥
How we got there
We flew into the Calgary airport and then rented a car to head to Banff. It was such a beautiful drive and only about an hour long-so easy peasy! We got upgraded to a nice BMW at check-in because the attendant found out it was cHase’s birthday. This was super nice but looking back we should have definitely rented an SUV since Winter came early and we got snowed in on the highway lol.
Where we stayed
The Moose Hotel! I am super picky about choosing my hotel stays. I always try to find the best quality for the best price when it comes to hotels and the Moose was PERFECT. I booked about two months out using Hotels.com and my Capital One card (10x points baby!). We got a suite with a kitchen, living room etc. for around $300 a night which was such a good deal considering all the amenities the hotel comes with. First best thing about the hotel was the rooftop hot tubs- SO DREAMY in the snow. Second best thing was how close everything was to the hotel. Every shop and restaurant was within 5-10 minute walking distance, which was great because we did not have to worry about enjoying ourselves too much out (wine anyone?) and uber-ing back home.
Where we adventured
So many good adventure spots! We planned a lot of the stuff the day of which apparently does not happen very often in Banff lol, but we did it anyways. We were told by several people that Sept/Oct was the ‘down season’ between the crazy busy Summer tourists and the Winter skiers so maybe thats why we lucked out when we winged it.
Guys, this is the most beautiful lake I have ever been to. I am still speechless when I look back at our photos. The water is the most outstanding turquoise color and it is so clear. We got there in the morning and found parking about 1/2 mile from the lake. There was a nice trailhead at the parking lot so we took that towards the lake and had a beautiful scenic stroll all to ourselves.
Canoeing-No, it was not free, but it was 100% worth it you guys. You rent them for an hour (again I do not joke when I say Chase is the luckiest person in the world because the canoe guy gave us an extra half hour on the lake no charge). It was so fun and peaceful and it even started snowing on while we were out there-a dream! Suggestion- bring your layers if you are going in the Fall/Winter. It was chilly on the water and I was so glad I had my hat and cozy scarf.
Fairmont Chateau Hotel– we stopped in and awed at the place and then grabbed some treats and warm drinks to go. Then we headed back outside because honestly why hide in a fancy hotel when you have that view to take in.
This is another glacial lake we went to and the 2nd largest in the Canadian Rockies. It was stunning! We went on a snow day and the hike was so surreal with the snow falling all around. Bring your hiking shoes no matter what season you visit so you can hike up the trail to the old wooden bridge. We made sure to spend some time down by the water too-they had the cutest chairs set up all around the lake to take in the view.
Again, only about a 20 minute drive from Banff, this was a great easy day hike. We hiked to the top on the canyon to see the upper falls, but you can do the half hike to the lower falls as well. The water here was gorgeous, I was so surprised to see the green water here too. Make sure not to miss the cave leading to the lower falls or the giant boulder that has been carved out by the water in the canyon. You can’t hike down to the boulder anymore because of newly enforced environmental laws, but still worth the stop to snap a pic from above!
The gondola is $58/person, rather pricey but worth it! Its about a 5 minute ride up 7,500 feet. Once you arrive you can tour the indoor visitor center, or take a walk outside onto the rooftop observation deck. It is cold and windy up top so make sure to bring your warmest winter coat. On the deck you have access to fire pits and lounge chairs and you can take a 20 minute round trip hike to the top of the summit by bridge. I did not wear the right shoes and it was snowing pretty good so we passed on that lol. After we explored the upper decks, we went and dined at the Sky Bistro (more details below)
This was hands down the best thing we did the entire trip! I am not exaggerating when I say I was smiling and shocked with wonder the entire excursion. So educational and fun! I am a huge dog lover so basically I was in heaven here. The wolves were incredible. We purchased the encounter tickets which allow you to go into the exhibits and see the wolves up close and even feed them! The guide we had was super informative, I had a million questions about the animals and he answered every single one of them (patiently I should add). PRO TIP-don’t wear any furry hats, fur lined coats, gloves etc. because the wolves will more than likely attack your garments lol.
Where we ate
Bear Street Tavern– such good pizza and bar grub! The drink selection was the best and it was so affordable for everything we got. Try the pulled pork nachos and peach sider-so delicious!
The Grizzly House– the is basically a landmark in Banff and a must for everyone! The restaurant used to be an old swingers bar (hilarious) in the 70s. They even still have the phones at each table so you can call any guest in the restaurant and chat while you wait to eat. So unique! We got two fondue dinners which included lobster, beef, buffalo, wild boar and venison. The fondue dinners all come with a starter cheese fondue and chocolate dessert fondue so be hungry when you arrive.
Melissa’s Missteak– we were told by our waiter at Bear Street that this was the best breakfast for your buck-he was straight on. Chase got the Eggs Benedict and I got the Swiss Apple Pancakes- massive and the BEST warm meal on a snowy morning.
Banff Ave Brew Co.- Like craft beer? So do we and this place was full of it. They have a huge selection of taps. We hung out here for hours, trying different drinks and playing games from their large selection of board games. I would say this is the place to go to meet and chat with the locals.
Moose Hotel- We had breakfast downstairs in the Pacini Restaurant and oh my it was so good. First off, they had a bread bar… a bread bar! With tons of breads and spreads. You even toast it yourself on a giant grill in the middle of the restaurant. I don’t know why I was so excited about this but it was awesome. This was one of Chases favorite breakfast spots. He had the Pizza Alla Pacini (breakfast pizza with an egg on top) and it was giant so be prepared.
Sky Bistro– This restaurant sits on top of the clouds…literally. It is on the third floor of the Banff Gondola Summit. We got lucky and were able to get a table close to the windows without a reservation but if you’re going on the weekend definitely call ahead! We ordered a cheese board and lots of wine and watched the sun go down over the mountains and the clouds roll in. I highly recommend it!
Aw I love this! I went to almost all the same places 10 years ago.
Such a beautiful place! I can’t wait to go back😊