Kick back post-slopes at a backcountry lodge deep in the heart of princely Banff, Alberta. There’s nothing cozier than a sea of quilts in front of a floor-to-ceiling fireplace while loaves of sourdough bread, whipped garlic butter, and a kettle of specialty coffee roast on a wood burning stove. Banff is like a robust banquet offering generous helpings of Canadiana splendor, while revitalizing minds and soothing souls for over a century.
the romance
Enrich your bloodstream (and libido) with an iron-rich seven ouncer at some of the finest steakhouses in the country. Enjoy a decadent view from a rooftop cedar patio while being spoon-fed dark chocolate from a pool of hot vanilla sauce. Afterwards, be sure to visit the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Here you can divulge your love with skin-nourishing minerals and a single malt Scotch in the misty glow of the gloaming p.m. hours.
the scenery
Banff is the largest town in Banff National Park, located in Canada’s fantastically rugged Rockies. The land consists of snow capped mountains, ice fields, caves, glaciers, and meadows – making for breathtaking scenery any time of the year. Check out Ten Peaks Mountain Range, Mount Norquay, or the shores of the Vermilion Lakes for a heart-stopping mise en scène.
Check out the Banff Gondola Ride for some gloriously luminous heights and sights. The area is teeming with wildlife so keep your eyes peeled for grizzly, black bear, elk, and mountain goats.
the adventure
Practically every outdoor activity imaginable is available through Banff. Try your hand at hiking, mountain biking, skiing, or snowboarding. If you’re snow-bunnied out, test the elements with a white-water rafting excursion down Bow River, a rip-roaring snowmobile rental, or a stimulating canoe trip. Thanks to the construction of a suspended steel walkway, test your footing with an ice walk over a gorge where you’ll find examples of authentic Aboriginal rock paintings.
Be sure to book a helicopter tour for a snow-goose view of the world that’s second to none. For the really audacious dame, there’s the engrossing Grizzly Bear Refuge. Top off the whole experience with a glass of shiraz and side of seasoned caribou.
the secrets
Have a corner cafe put together a picnic lunch before venturing off on a sunny hike along the cascades and mossy cavern walls of Johnston Canyon. Discover the mysticism of Lake Minnewanka – scout out bighorn sheep roaming the rock outcroppings, or stop to feast on a brunch of Arctic char and shallots.
Come winter, get back to the land with the help of man’s best friend on a real-life dog-sledding expedition. Or visit Bankhead, a mining ghost town where whispers of local lore still linger to this day. For a little jingle-jangle, a private sleigh ride makes for the perfect rendez-vous. Snuggle up in the buffalo robe provided, and help yourself to truffles and liqueurs as you cross the great expanse that is Banff.
the attractions
For some of the best powder skiing this side of the Atlantic, head on down to Lake Louise. Other Banff gems include Tunnel Mountain, Takakkaw Falls, Grotto Mountain, and Kicking Horse Canyon. Warm up at a nearby pub before discovering the stuff of legends within the archives of The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies.
For a little haute couture, give the Mountain Film Festival a whirl or the Banff Centre for the Arts. Here you’ll find a celebration of all mediums of art - from dance to theatre to new media – with a passionate emphasis on artistic integrity and cultural diversity.
before you go
What to Expect
Summer: June through September are the warmest months (with temperatures ranging from 10-25°C/50-77°F) and are the best for scenic hiking tours. July and August are the peak tourist months.
Fall: September to November are the cooler, colorful fall months (-5-10°C/23-50°F). It’s after the busy summer season and before the skiing season begins, so it’ll be quiet and less crowded.
Winter/Spring: December to May are cold and snowy months (-15-10°C/5-50°F) – ideal for winter sports. Peak season is from December to February, when downhill skiing conditions are in their prime.
Clothing
Bring lots of warm clothing in the winter months and casual clothing for the rest of the year. A good pair of shoes is a must.
Currency
Canadian dollar
The Lingo
English
Documents
A valid passport
Local Delicacies
Rainbow trout
Bison steak
