Seven Mesmerizing Days in the Breathtaking Banff National Park

A Symphony of Opulence and Nature

Embark on your Banff adventure by landing at Calgary International Airport, where the allure of Banff National Park awaits. Traverse the Trans-Canada highway, and with a pre-purchased Canada Discovery Pass, immerse yourself in the grandeur of the park. Once you enter the park, feast your eyes on the amazing scenery surrounding you.

Luxuriate at the opulent Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, the sole hotel gracing the shores of Lake Louise. Spend the day soaking in the natural beauty around you. Lake Louise is considered the crown jewel of Banff National Park, and it is nearly impossible to describe its majestic beauty. Witness the indescribable turquoise hues of the glacier-fed lake, surrounded by majestic mountains. The mountains surrounding Lake Louise are stunningly reflected onto the water. In the background, you will be mesmerized by the regal Victoria Glacier.

Take a stroll around the lake and enjoy the smell of the fresh pine trees that permeate the air. Rent a canoe and enjoy the serenity as you float through the water or grab a signature cocktail on the patio bar. Indulge in a quintessential afternoon high tea at the Fairmont, offering a regal experience complemented by panoramic views. Enhance your experience with a glass of champagne while you gaze at the panoramic views through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

A Symphony of Heights and Serenity

Lace up your hiking boots for the Plain of Six Glaciers trail, a four-to-five-hour ascent from the base of Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Traverse through a glacier valley, relishing panoramic views of Lake Louise. After about three miles of uphill hiking, you’ll reach the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse. It was constructed in 1927 and has been owned and operated by the same family since 1959. The twin level stone and log chalet is very charming and rustic. It has no electricity, so make sure to bring cash since they don’t take credit cards. Magnificent homemade sandwiches, cakes and gourmet teas and hot chocolate are made fresh daily on site on propane stoves. They are a welcome treat during the arduous hike.

Once you pass the teahouse, continue hiking for another mile uphill until you reach the Plain of Six Glaciers. In front of you will be the magnificent Victoria Glacier. Behind you in the distance, you will get a full view of the lake, and you can see Chateau Lake Louise in the distance.

A Symphony of Rivaling Beauties

If you think a lake cannot be more spectacular than Lake Louise, think again! Lake Morine certainly rivals it in beauty. This glacier lake also shares the indescribable blue color of its rival, Lake Louise. Get to the gates early. Strive to be there at least an hour before the gates open since parking is extremely limited, and they close all parking once the lot fills up. The Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass is a four to five hour round trip hike with spectacular views of Lake Moraine. Start at the base of Lake Moraine, and hike through a larch forest and alpine meadows. The wide-open meadows of Larch Valley are famous for their wildflowers.

Your hike will give you views of the lake, and wonderful views of the Valley of Ten Peaks. If you have energy, hike up and over Sentinel Pass, one of the highest maintained passes in the Canadian Rockies.

A Symphony of Glacial Grandeur

Give your legs a break today. Embark on a scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway, a three-hour spectacle paralleling the Continental Divide between Lake Louise and the town of Jasper. You will be surrounded by glorious mountains, spectacular lakes and tremendous waterfalls. Pause at Peyto Lake and take a short walk down to Bow Summit Lookout. This magnificent glacier lake is in the shape of a fox's head! As you make your way to the Columbia Icefields, take a quick detour and hike Parker Ridge.

This two-hour round-trip hike leads to one of the most impressive lookouts. You’ll have a view of Mr. Saskatchewan, Mt. Athabasca and the magnificent Saskatchewan Glacier. As you continue your drive, stop at the Athabasca Glacier. The tongue of the Athabasca Glacier runs from the Columbia Icefield to within walking distance of the road opposite the Icefield Center. It’s a great place to stop and see a glacier up close. Next, take the Columbia Icefield Adventure tour. A large hybrid bus-truck will take you up to the glacier, where you can walk on a glacier, take spectacular pictures and drink pure glacier water.

Conclude with the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. It’s not for the faint of heart. This glass-floored, glass-sided semi-circle walkway hovers extremely high above the Sunwapta River opposite Mt. Kitchener. It’s an adrenaline-filled experience looking down at the river as you’re suspended high above it, with only a glass floor separating you!

A Symphony of Elegance and Heritage

Journey from Lake Louise to Banff and indulge in the five-star experience at the historic Fairmont Banff Springs, Canada’s Castle in the Rockies. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of this iconic castle, dating back to the 1920s. It is a grand hotel and one of Canada’s most iconic buildings. Delve into its rich history through a hotel tour. The second floor has a small museum detailing its history, along with pictures chronicling visits from famous guests, including the British monarchy. You may even encounter one of the hotel’s most famous guests, the ghost of “The Bride.” There are several wonderful onsite restaurants, along with my favorite bar, the Lookout Bar. It is located on the second floor towards the back of the hotel and has a balcony overlooking the beautiful valley towards Mount Rundle.

After you’ve had some time to explore the hotel, treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa experience at Willow Stream Spa. After your treatment, enjoy the spa’s famous mineral pool, along with the three waterfall whirlpools, ranging from ice cold to steaming hot. Afterwards, head out to the terrace with a glass of champagne to bask in the sun and marvel at the surrounding mountains. One of our favorite restaurants is the Grizzley House, which has been Banff’s most famous fondue house in operation since 1967. Located in the center of town, make sure to call ahead of time to make a reservation. For a change of pace, ask for their sizzling hot rocks. You will personally cook your own selections of beef, buffalo, chicken, rattlesnake, lobster, shark and seasonal wild game. Save the fondue for the melted cheese appetizers and decadent chocolate desserts.

A Symphony of Waterfalls and Geological Wonders

After two relaxing days, it’s time to hike again! Johnston Canyon and the Ink Pots is a phenomenal and exhilarating four hour roundtrip hike. You will hike past spectacular waterfalls, through the center of a lush canyon and traverse several suspended catwalks above the surging waters of Johnston Creek. At the Lower Falls, you can explore a natural canyon and get sprayed by the waterfall – prepare to get wet! Hike up to the Upper Falls to get a full view of the waterfall. While most people turn back at this point, don’t! Continue hiking to the six Ink Pots. These natural geological wonders are bright blue-green ponds that bubble up from natural springs deep inside the surrounding mountains. Throughout the hike, the surrounding scenery is nothing short of spectacular. Towering cliffs, dense forest and the vibrant blue-green hues of Johnston Creek create a visual feast that showcases the natural beauty of Banff National Park.

In the evening, stroll down to Banff’s main street to enjoy a plethora of fantastic restaurants.

A Symphony of Wildflowers and Panoramas

Conclude your trip by hiking in the astonishing areas surrounding Sunshine Village. Sunshine Village is the boundary between the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. One of the highlights of hiking at Sunshine Village is the renowned Sunshine Meadows. During the summer, these meadows burst into a kaleidoscope of wildflowers, creating a vibrant tapestry against the backdrop of rugged peaks. The expansive meadows are accessible by well-maintained trails, providing opportunities for both short walks and longer hikes. Some of the trails at Sunshine Village take you to higher elevations, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.