Things To Do
Banff
Shopping/Dining-Banff Ave has many shops, cafes and restaurants to visit. Some nice places to dine are Park Distillery and Maple Leaf Grill. Gondola-Take a ride up the famous Banff Gondola and enjoy lunch on the mountaintop at Sky Bistro. This amazing restaurant has floor to ceiling windows with sweeping views over Banff and the surrounding peaks. Other Sights-Bow Falls, Vermillion Lakes, Banff Springs Hotel (castle), Lake Minnewanka. All these can be seen with almost no walking involved. Hiking-Sunshine Meadows
Lake Louise
Driving/Hiking-Take the scenic 1A to Lake Louise rather than the highway 1. Enroute you can visit Johnston Canyon. This hike is paved and moderately steep, and leads up to a spectacular waterfall that cuts right through a narrow canyon. 1.5 hour round trip to the lower waterfall or continue on to the upper fall for an alternate view and another 30 minutes of hiking.Then continue on to Lake Louise and be sure not to miss Moraine Lake. This is quite likely the most stunning lake and views in all the rockies!! Shopping/Dining-Lake Louise is limited for shopping and dining. Station Restaurant however is worth checking out (old train station converted to a quaint diner). A cocktail and snack in one of the lounges at the Chateau Lake Louise is also a memorable experience with breathtaking lake views from the oversized picture windows.
Yoho National Park
Driving/Hiking-Emerald Lake, the Natural Bridge and Takakaw Falls are located just 30 minutes past Lake Louise in Yoho National Park. These 3 sights are located a short distance from one another and each of them is worth the stop! Dining-At Emerald Lake stop in and dine at the historic lodge. They have a nice menu with an excellent charcuterie and impressive wine list!
Canmore Main Street
Shopping/Dining-Main Street boasts many nice shops, cafes and restaurants to fill up an afternoon. At the end of Main Street you can hop on a trail to walk along the scenic Bow River and cross the old engine bridge (great spot for photos).
Canmore- Hiking/Driving
Grassi Lakes Trail is a short and moderately steep hike up to a beautiful pair of mini lakes with gorgeous colour. After this hike you can continue along the Spray Lake Road which will take you up the side of Rundle mountain into the peaks. Up here you can see over all of Canmore. If you like to continue on you can drive through Kananaskis enjoying beautiful up close mountain and lake views. Spray Lakes Road ends at highway 40 which you can take back to highway 1 and into Canmore. The entire loop is 2 hours driving time. There are many hikes you can do along this drive such as Chester Lake, Rummell Lake, Rawson Lake, Galatea Lake, Troll Falls (easiest of all these hike and only 1,5 hour round trip). Also for a really special experience stop in at the Nordic Spa at Kananaskis Lodge which features several outdoor hot pools, cold plunge pool and saunas and steam rooms. The lodge also features a number of fine restaurants.
Icefields Parkway to Jasper
Driving/sights-The famous road to Jasper National Park is one of the most scenic drives in the world. Some of the highlights of this 4 hour drive (one way, 8 hour return) are Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Falls, Sunwapta Falls. Each sight is only a few minutes walk from the parking area with little to no hiking required. This is a must do for anyone who can dedicate an entire day to it!!!! Depart Banff early and you will return late the same day. Or spend a night in Jasper and return to Banff the next day. Jasper National Park-More canyons, lakes, and majestic mountains as well as a cute downtown area with shops and restaurants. More wildlife to be spotted out here as well! Dining- Along the Icefields Parkway dining is very limited and a packed lunch is recommended. Once you reach Jasper there is a Main Street with a variety of shops and restaurants to enjoy.
