I will start out by saying that Banff is one of the most beautiful places in the world.
I am talking “jaw dropping” magnificent scenery like a picturesque postcard but in real life! The Canadian Rocky Mountains, many gorgeous lakes, rivers, and glaciers, caves, outdoor activities, and a must ride gondola.
We had the privilege of spending 3 full days and nights in Banff, Canada. We visited just before the start of the ski season and to our delight, there were still so many things to do in Banff during our stay. There is something for everyone to enjoy in Banff year round.
On day one, we got settled into our accommodations, the Canalta Lodge in Banff National Park. We then explored the town on our own.
On day two, we took the “Discover Banff National Park – Premium Day Trip” tour that turned out to be the best decision ever. It was the most ideal way to see as much of Banff as possible and let someone else guide us around the must-see attractions. I can truly say we visited every Banff highlight that we wanted to see and even more.
On day three, we opted for a more relaxing type of day. We took a gondola ride to the top of the mountain and then enjoy a marvelous lunch.
Trip Favorites: Banff Gondola Ride and “Discover Banff National Park” Tour
Thrills and views is what you’ll get on the Banff Gondola ride! The gondola ride ($83) takes you up to the top of Sulphur Mountain to view breathtaking mountain peaks. I highly recommend that you plan the gondola ride with a timeframe that allows you to stay at the top and grab a meal at Sky Bistro. For lunch, we shared the Ernest Meats’ British Bangers with Caraway Kraut, Bacon, Caramelized Onion Gravy, and Parsnip Chip. One word: Delicious!
“Discover Banff National Park” – Premium Day Trip Tour
The Canadian Rockies are an amazing, scenic location. The guided bus tour took us to several must-see areas, and we had just the right amount of time at each stop to explore. The guide was knowledgeable and personable, making it not only informative but fun as well. It was a perfect tour that covered most of the tourist attractions, and the $86 per person fee was well spent. If we had ventured out on our own, we would not have seen half of what we saw. We wouldn’t have learned as much as we did either.
Here is the tour itinerary that gave us a comprehensive overview of Banff National Park. Note that the stops and the duration of stops change based on the season. I just wanted to give you an idea of what we had the pleasure of seeing.
Stop 1: Canmore – 15 minutes
It’s a scenic drive to Canmore with breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies, forests, meadows, and lots of wildlife. Canmore is in the heart of Bow Valley.
Stop 2: Two Jack Lake – 20 minutes
Two Jack Lake in Banff National Park, is a serene body of water framed by Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain. The mountain reflections in the lake are amazing. My dozens of photos do not do the actual beauty justice.
Stop 3: Lake Minnewanka – 40 minutes
Lake Minnewanka is a glacial lake known as the “Lake of the Spirits.” Its landscape is untouched, offering new and breathtaking scenery for every season.
Stop 4: Banff Avenue – 2 hours (duration varies)
Downtown Banff combines outdoor adventure, serene relaxation, and streets brimming with charming shops, cozy cafes, and restaurants. We had plenty of time to eat, shop, and enjoy the views. The Saskatoon Bison Burger at the Maple Leaf Grille with gouda, garlic aioli, and bacon jam was outstandingly delicious.
Stop 5: Surprise Corner – 15 minutes
Surprise Corner, perched high above the Bow River, provides outstanding panoramic views of Banff’s rugged beauty. I won’t give it away but “surprise” corner will show you a stunning visual surprise that will leave you in awe.
Stop 6: Lake Louise – 75 minutes
Lake Louise in Banff National Park is fed by melting glaciers. The lake’s radiant blue produces a beautiful reflection of the sky and surrounding greenery. Seeing the lake, glaciers, mountain top tea houses, along with ice skating and world-class skiing locations, makes Lake Louise a special stop on the tour.
Before stop 7, the tour passes by Valley of the Ten Peaks, another spectacular mountain view.
Stop 7: Moraine Lake Rockpile Trail – 50 minutes
Moraine Lake in Banff National Park is another glacier-fed lake, best known for water color that can only be described as the most vivid blue-green turquoise ever.
The tour concludes with a pass by Vermilion Lakes on the way to returning to the starting point.
Our Stay at the Canalta Lodge Located in Banff National Park
We selected the Canalta Lodge, located in the center of Banff National Park, based on what we considered a reasonable room rate compared to the other more pricey hotels in Banff. We also thought that the “lodge” feel would provide a cozier mountain atmosphere since we were visiting the Canadian Rockies.
Canalta Lodge offers many fun and unique amenities to provide a bit of adventure. We felt right at home yet spoiled thanks to the daily housekeeping and free hot breakfast buffet every morning of our stay.
Hotel amenities include:
:: Complimentary High-Speed Wi-Fi
:: Fitness Center
:: Glacier Plunge Tub
:: Outdoor Hot Tubs
:: Outdoor Sauna
:: Happy Camper Coffee Shop
:: Ski Lockers and Tuning Bench
:: Stylish Bicycles for Rent
:: Guest Laundry Facility
:: Underground Parking
Canalta Lodge Guest Rooms, Lofts, and Suites
We stayed in a King Bed Balcony room that featured a king bed, desk, fridge, microwave, coffee maker, iron, ironing board, hair dryer, HDTV, high-speed Wi-Fi and complimentary breakfast. Canalta Lodge also offers guest rooms that feature a traditional loft layout with a fireplace, and some loft rooms are designed as a full suite with full kitchen, dining area, and fireplace.
Unique Amenities at Canalta Lodge
The Canalta Lodge Courtyard features hot tubs, fire pits, a cold plunge tub and a dry barrel sauna. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day exploring the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The Glacier Plunge Tub is for guests that want to take advantage of the health benefits of plunging in frigid 9° C water. Many believe the intensely cold water helps to reduce inflammation, improves circulation, boosts immunity, improves mood and deepens sleep. Warning: not an activity for everyone. As per the lodge’s site, “if you have a heart condition or high blood pressure, we suggest consulting a physician before taking the plunge.”
The Happy Camper Cafe & Bar is located in the lobby of the Canalta lodge. Stop by for some light food options like nachos, chicken wings, and flatbread pizzas, refreshing hot and cold beverages including the most delicious hot chocolate, or have a cocktail or a beer. And don’t miss the complimentary S’mores station during the 4pm – 7pm happy hour.
Banff National Park in Alberta Canada: The Most Natural Beauty That You May Ever See
Downtown Banff with the surrounding Canadian Rockies, makes for the most picturesque photo spots. The Canalta Lodge is such a charming and inviting place to rest after a day exploring Banff National Park. The lodge offers so many fun amenities and easy access to many local Banff attractions. The cozy mountain lodge décor and comfortable guest room was an added bonus. It was a wonderful stay due in part to the friendly, helpful staff. Our room was spacious, clean, and comfortable … with spectacular view from our balcony.
A few notes:
I can’t describe the lodge’s atmosphere as quiet because on one side of the hotel is the popular courtyard area and the other side faces a noisy street. The fitness center is small, but the mountains surrounding the lodge – with an abundance of activities – should give you all the exercise you need.
Food in Banff is very expensive so share meals when you can and, as we did, grab snack-type foods here and there instead of dining in fancy restaurants.
Regardless of the travel expenses, we loved Banff, Canada and look forward to returning so we can continue exploring the beautiful sights.