Put the Banff Upper Hot Springs at the top of your list of things to do in Banff. Soak in the steamy hot mineral water where travellers have come to ‘take the waters’ for over a hundred years. Banff National Park’s only hot springs pool welcomes you for an authentic heritage experience that is a favourite among visitors. When in Banff do as the locals do - come in the morning for the most relaxing visit.
Your adventure begins with an eight-minute journey to the summit of Sulphur Mountain in a modern, fully enclosed four-passenger gondola cabin. Glide up over the treetops to the crest of a steep-sided Rocky Mountain peak and step out into a jaw-dropping mountaintop experience. Stroll along the ridgetop boardwalk leading to a national historic site where the views get better with every step. From fantastic views of the Banff townsite to glimpses of local wildlife, there’s no shortage of beauty to take in.
Fondue!!! Stay warm and get your cozy on! Innovative European alpine cuisine is featured nightly at the intimate Walliser Stube restaurant and wine bar. Choose from a tempting variety of classic Swiss, German and Alpine dishes influenced by regional styles, or experience our authentic Swiss Fondue - an homage to our Swiss Mountain Guide heritage.
Experience the wonderful tradition of Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, while enjoying our spectacular views of Lake Louise and the Victoria Glacier. Featuring an assortment of our Fairmont signature teas accompanied by delectable pastries and traditional North American and European style finger sandwiches, Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Banff National Park, is a truly delightful way to spend the afternoon.
Embark on a personal journey that begins the moment you enter the Spa and remains long after you leave. Whether you are short on time and want to sample one of the express 45 minute treatments or stay a little longer, the Fairmont's expertly trained spa therapists aim to personalize your spa experience while you enjoy some well deserved “me time.”
ATV Tours for the adventurous traveler! Absolutely stunning mountain vistas and beautiful local flora & fauna come together to blow your mind. Single track trails are available for advanced riders. Leave your stress at home and come and play in the dirt. Experience the natural beauty that Golden has to offer. Soak up forest views, while riding around on your very own all-terrain vehicle.
Shop for the perfect souvenir and explore downtown Banff in the process! Branches Marketplace is the 'bricks and mortar' version of a community marketplace where Canadian makers and their carefully crafted goods are showcased with pride. Each made-by-hand item has a unique and personal backstory and is thoughtfully chosen to provide all visitors, whether from nearby, far away or fellow locals, with an authentic, made in Canada, Rocky Mountain experience.
Absolutely AMAZING food. Joe and Sam recommend the duck wings and the Alberta steak, which are both out-of-this-world.
A funky and fun joint for once-in-a-lifetime fondue. Try elk, caribou, bison, or even alligator! Oh, and the cheese fondue is pretty incredible too...
The Tourism Departments in Banff and Lake Louise have this handy website filled with ways to spend the time. Click below, and be inspired!
And, for even more inspiration, the Fairmont Chateau has compiled an Autumn Activity Guide, which can be found here:
Last, but certainly not least... Explore the lake and enjoy the view! With its breathtaking turquoise water ringed by snow-capped mountains, it's easy to see why Lake Louise is one of the most photographed glacial lakes in the world.