Peaks & Peace: 4 Winter Days in Banff

Trip begins in Calgary

If you’re flying into Calgary International Airport, I recommend either arriving late the night before and staying at a nearby hotel (like we did), or taking an early morning flight to make the most of your day.

• Stop at Johnson Lake and Lake Minnewanka

• Grab lunch at Wild Flour Bakery in Banff

• Take the scenic Bow Valley Parkway to Johnston Canyon for a beautiful hike

• Stop at the iconic Morant’s Curve viewpoint

• Continue along the Icefields Parkway to the Peyto Lake Viewpoint—this might be one of the most breathtaking drives I’ve ever experienced!

• End your day with a cozy dinner at Timberwolf Pizza & Pasta Café

If you ski or snowboard, this is your day to hit the slopes at Lake Louise Ski Resort. If not, you can spend the day exploring the area and maybe even squeeze in a spa treatment. Our group did a bit of both: my fiancé and one of our friends spent the day on the mountain, while another friend and I explored from below at a more relaxed pace.

Option 1: Adventure on the slopes

• Ski or snowboard at Lake Louise Ski Resort

Option 2: Scenic exploration & relaxation

• Stroll along the Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail

• Drive ~30 minutes to Yoho National Park

• Stop at Natural Bridge Lower Falls on your way to Emerald Lake

• Enjoy lunch at Mount Burgess Dining Room in Emerald Lake Lodge

• Head back to Lake Louise for a treatment at the Fairmont Spa

End the day by regrouping for dinner at Alpine Social at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Drive from Lake Louise to the town of Banff, making time to stop at these stunning viewpoints along the way:

• Vermilion Lakes Viewpoint

• Hoodoos Viewpoint

• Surprise Corner Viewpoint

• Bow Falls Viewpoint

Grab lunch at Añejo Restaurant, then take the Banff Gondola up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views.

End your day with dinner at LUPO Italian Ristorante.

Similar to Day 2, if you ski or snowboard, today’s your chance to hit the slopes again—this time at Banff Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort. If not, treat yourself to some well-earned R&R at Banff’s Fairmont Spa.

Option 1: More mountain time

• Ski or snowboard at Banff Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort

Option 2: A relaxing finale

• Enjoy brunch at Sudden Sally

• Head to the Fairmont Spa at Fairmont Banff Springs for a treatment and hydrotherapy session

In the evening, regroup for dinner at Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant, followed by drinks and a fun round of bowling at High Rollers Bowling & Beer Hall—the perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable trip.