The Canmore/Banff area is beautiful. We hope you enjoy it!!!

Pro Tips for Visiting

- Book popular tourist spots early

- Weather changes fast (layers are key)!

- Wildlife is common—please keep your distance

- Arrive early — parking and trailheads often fill up by 8:00am–9:00am in peak season!

- Moraine Lake is shuttle/reservation-only — you cannot drive there and park. Get there via the Parks Canada Shuttle. Reservations typically open a couple months ahead, so plan early.

Must-Do Iconic Experiences

These are the "you came all this way—you should see this" activities:

- Lake Louise & Moraine Lake – Famous turquoise glacier lakes with unreal mountain backdrops. Note: Accessible only via Parks Canada shuttle or Roam transit — no private vehicle access.

- Lake Minnewanka – Glacier-fed lake ideal for boat cruises, kayaking, and mountain views

- Johnston Canyon – Scenic walk with waterfalls and suspended catwalks through a canyon

- Banff Gondola (Sulphur Mountain) – Easy ride to panoramic views of six mountain ranges

- Icefields Parkway Drive – One of the most beautiful drives in the world (lakes, glaciers, wildlife)

Worth the Extra Drive

A little farther out, but worth it if you have the time:

- Peyto Lake Viewpoint – Striking wolf-head-shaped turquoise lake along the Icefields Parkway. It is ~1–1.5 hours from Banff. To find parking, it's best to arrive before 8:30am or after 6:00pm.

- Takakkaw Falls – One of Canada's tallest (and easily one of the most dramatic) waterfalls. It's located in Yoho National Park, just over the British Columbia border (~1–1.5 hours from Banff).

Outdoor Adventures (All Levels)

Easy/Casual

- Stroll Cascade Gardens

- Policeman's Creek boardwalk

- Bow River walk/Bow Falls viewpoint

Moderate

- Grassi Lakes hike – Stunning, family-friendly 2.3 mile loop trail in Canmore

- Tunnel Mountain hike – Not the same spot as our ceremony at Tunnel Mountain Reservoir

- Lake Agnes Tea House hike – Leave from Lake Louise parking lot, cash only

More Adventurous

- Mountain biking

- Whitewater rafting

- Via Ferrata climbing

Unique and Memorable Experiences

- Guided wildlife safari tours

- Horseback riding thru the Rockies

- Canoeing on Lake Louise or Moraine Lake

- Columbia Icefield glacier tour / Skywalk

- Stargazing tours in the mountains

- Golf with mountain views

Food, Drinks, and Town Vibes

- Guided food tours

- Brewery hopping in Canmore

- Explore the towns of Canmore & Banff

- Afternoon tea at the Fairmont Banff Springs

- Casual cafés with mountain views

Relax and Scenic

- Spa day at Fairmont Banff Springs or Lake Louise

- Banff Upper Hot Springs – Soak with mountain views!!!

- Scenic drives + viewpoints – Vermilion Lakes, Surprise Corner