Things to Do and Eat
Activities: Moraine Lake and Lake Louise
Moraine Lake and Lake Louise are two of the most beautiful lakes in the area, and well worth a visit. They are often done together on the same day. There is no public parking at Moraine Lake, and very limited and expensive parking at Lake Louise, so you will need to book a shuttle to get there. Parks Canada offers the best value for the shuttles, but getting spots fill up very quickly. There are also private shuttle providers that cost a little more, but are easier to secure if you miss out on the Parks Canada shuttles. You can also rent e-bikes from Lake Louise and cycle - booking in advance recommended. Parks Canada Shuttles: Bookings are available 2 days prior to the date of visit at 8am MDT. https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/parkbus/louise Private Shuttles: There are many companies that provide private shuttles, including: Moraine Lake Bus: https://morainelakebus.com/ Via Via: https://viaviamorainelake.com/ E-Bike Rental: https://www.wmsll.com/road-biking.html
Activities: Banff Canoe Club
Take a canoe out on the gorgeous, blue Bow River. If you're lucky, you might see some wildlife along the way!
Activities: Banff Sunshine Meadows
For gorgeous mountain vistas with minimal effort required, take a visit to Sunshine Meadows. Experience the scenic gondola ride, followed by a chairlift with the fresh mountain breeze and make your way to the viewing deck for some stunning sights of alpine lakes. There are many hiking trails in the area if you want to get up close with the lakes and flora.
Hikes: Emerald Lake Trail
Emerald Lake is another stunningly beautiful lake in Yoho National park. You can go just for a visit, complete an easy hike around the lake or rent a canoe. On your way there or back, consider visiting the mighty Takakkaw Falls, or having a bite to eat at the tasty Truffle Pig Bistro in Field. We ate at the Truffle Pig the evening we got engaged, and it's a real favourite of ours. Emerald Lake Loop Hike: Difficulty: Easy Distance: 5.3km Elevation Gain: Minimal
Hikes: Cirque Lake Hike
This is where we got engaged! It's one of the best-kept secrets in the area, and it's a fairly easy hike. Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 9.2km Elevation Gain: 370m
Hikes: Smutwood Peak Hike
Hike through beautiful meadows, up rocky outcrops, and scramble to the summit, in view of the imposing Mount Birdwood. Smutwood Peak is one of the most stunning hikes in the area. This one is more challenging, but for those who are comfortable scrambling on steep and loose rock, it will certainly deliver. Difficulty: Hard Distance: 18.3km Elevation Gain: 964m
Other Activities
There is so much to see and do in the area. For more recommendations for sightseeing, activities and hikes, reach out to Annie and Eliza! You can also reach out to the staff at Banff Lake Louise tourism: https://www.banfflakelouise.com
Food: The Juniper Bistro
Brunch with a view! One of our favourite brunch stops in the area. Delicious food with an incredible vista. Both indoor and outdoor seating. Dinner menu is also worth a look!
Food: Maclab Bistro
Tucked away in the Banff Center on Tunnel Mountain, this restaurant has delicious food, with stunning views and chance to escape the crowds. You can also catch an art exhibition, or maybe even a concert while you visit!
Food: Elk & Oarsman
With one of the best rooftop views in Banff, it's a great place to be on a summer afternoon! Decent food at reasonable prices - Eliza's favourite dish is the elk poutine, for those who want to try a Canadian novelty.
Food: The Fat Ox
The finer side of Italian dining. Expect a cut above from the average Italian restaurant. They also have a great happy hour from 1pm - 4pm!
Food: Storm Mountain Lodge & Cabins
Tucked away in the woods, full of history and charm, Storm Mountain Lodge is a favourite spot of ours. During the summer, the lodge is open in the evening for a hearty dinner, or a quick hot chocolate by the fire.
Treats: BeaverTails
A classic Canadian mountain treat! Similar to a donut or churro, in the shape of a beaver. Choose your favourite toppings - Eliza recommends the Killaloe Sunrise! Found in both Banff and Canmore.
Treats: Lovely Ice Cream & Treats
It cannot be overstated how much we love Lovely! Best known for their delicious ice cream and ice cream sandwiches, but they also make delicious deserts, including tiramisu (with housemade marscapone), cream puffs and opera cake. Good to know: Everything is sneakily gluten and nut free! They don't advertise it, and we promise that you won't miss either!