We finally were able to mark Lake Louise & Banff, Canada off our bucket lists! And let me tell you—the views were extraordinary, the people were so friendly, and it actually exceeded our very high expectations.
From what we’ve heard, we visited both Lake Louise and the city of Banff at the most ideal time, mid-October. Apparently, if you try to visit these charming places in peak season (June-September) it’s a madhouse and almost impossible to find a spot anywhere — especially on Lake Louise — without being elbow to elbow with others. So, I recommend taking that into consideration if you’re planning a trip!
OUR ITINERARY:
October 15: Flew into Calgary, rented a car, drove 2 hours to Lake Louise
October 15-18: Lake Louise
October 18-20: Banff
October 20: Flew out of Calgary International
*Highly recommend renting a car!
WHERE TO STAY:
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: Not only does this hotel provide the most breathtaking views of Lake Louise, but it’s perfectly elegant, polished, and inviting. The rooms were exceptionally clean, the beds were oh so cozy, and the staff was always friendly and informative.
Waking up every morning and looking out our window to see the stunning turquoise water of Lake Louise was an unforgettable highlight of the trip. The water is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before and no matter how long you stare, you’ll never get used to it’s beauty.
Plus, the Fairmont Chateau is the only lodging option that actually overlooks the infamous lake!
Fairmont Banff Springs: Our second hotel was a stunning historic castle nestled in the Rockies right in the heart of Banff. With a totally different vibe than the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, it’s historic beauty shows through in every room and makes you feel right at home. The property itself is so large, but that doesn’t take away from the genuinely warm hospitality of each staff member.
In addition to it’s inviting property, the city of downtown Banff is only a 10-15 minute walk away. Sure, you could drive, but then you’d miss the stunning views and crisp Canadian air on the way!
WHAT TO DO:
Activities range depending on what time of year you go, but below are a few activities we enjoyed doing while visiting in October.
LAKE LOUISE
– Hike: There are a handful of great hiking trails right on Lake Louise. We opted for the Lake Agnes and Tea House hike which is a little under 4.5 miles total. As you can imagine, the views were absolutely stunning and nothing beats fresh mountain air!
– Canoe: We, unfortunately, missed the cutoff date for canoeing by 2 days, but this is definitely on our list for next time we go. Be sure to check the availability before your trip.
– Outdoor Fireplace: The hotel is equipped with outdoor fireplaces that overlook Lake Louise. It’s the perfect way to unwind and cozy up after your day.
BANFF
– Explore Downtown: One of our favorite things to do was walk downtown from our hotel (~15 minute walk) to explore. Not only was the walk through the town so charming, but the city itself was so quaint and inviting. There are tons of shops you can pop into along with cozy bars and restaurants. We, of course, stocked up on the tourist sweatshirts and t-shirts, because how could you not?
– Fly Fish: We opted to try fly fishing out for the first time and what a place to begin. First of all, the scenery was absolutely breathtaking and our guide from Canmore Fishing was so knowledgable and friendly. This is a perfect activity for the outdoorsman in your life!
WHERE TO EAT:
LAKE LOUISE
Walliser Stube: Friendly and intimate, with lots of dark wood and big views, it feels much like an upscale pub nestled in the alps. Critics call the deliciously gooey traditional cheese fondue the best outside Switzerland, and I concur! Beautiful and cozy environment for a romantic evening.
Fairview Bar & Restaurant: The most beautiful spot to snag a cocktail and appetizer while you look out over Lake Louise.
BANFF
Park Distillery: Wood-fired. Spit-roasted. Smokey-savoury. Locally sourced campfire-inspired cooking & small-batch spirits distilled in-house. An ideal spot to hang out for delicious and casual food, paired with delicious spirits.
The Maple Leaf: Located on Banff Avenue’s busiest corner, The Maple Leaf has become an iconic landmark in downtown Banff. The Maple Leaf features Canadian cuisine including Alberta beef, game, fresh fish and seafood. Everything was aaamazing!
PACKING TIPS:
Layers, layers, layers!
I know that’s a cliche thing to say, but the days can get quite warm, and mornings and evenings will require a coat. This is all dependent on which month you go, but while we there in October, we received warm sunny days as well as full-blown snow days!
Just ensure you check the weather often while packing as their temperatures can change quickly.
Are Lake Louise & Banff, Canada on your bucket list? If they aren’t, they definitely should be! This was such a magical trip and I know we’ll visit again soon.
*Please note this post went live almost a year late. Due to the current state of the nation with the COVID-19 pandemic, I didn’t know when the “right” time to post would be. I’m not sure there will ever be a perfect time, so today, I’m publishing. Please feel free to reach out directly with questions.
paula scott says
what a truly God inspired destination. Thank you for sharing these invaluable tips and so good to think about travel again. I appreciate you uplifting your followers spirits with these breathtaking pictures. One can dream, let us never forget.