Luxury & Adventure: The Ultimate Guide to Banff National Park

Banff Gondola: A must-do to see the best views of Banff. There is a boardwalk around the top as well as a viewing deck. Dine at the Sky Bistro for dinner with a view! Taking the gondola up is such a fun activity, but if you're an adventure lover, opt for the 6.7-mile round-trip hike. This is a great first night activity for anyone staying at the Rimrock, as it's a five-minute walk down the street.

Moraine Lake: Moraine Lake is a hidden gem. Some of the most beautiful views I’ve ever seen. Kayak the lake, check out the boulders viewpoint, walk along the water on Lakeshore Trail, or go for a longer hike up the Eiffel Trail. There is no public parking and the lake is only accessible by affiliate bus. I used Moraine Lake Bus Company which was super reliable, but there are also tons of other options such as guided and private tours.

Lake Louise: A famous lake in Banff, known for its iconic blue waters and castle-like Fairmont Chateau. It tends to be very touristy, so stop by if you have time, and skip the crowds by heading up on the Lake Agnes Teahouse hike (add on the Little Beehive) or grab tea inside the Fairmont.

Athabasca Glacier: There is so much to see and learn at the Athabasca Glacier! The lodge offers tons of tours that actually take you onto the glacier. You can walk around the icefield and even get a “glacial facial” if you’re feeling brave. For a more intimate tour, they offer small group tours in an “amphibian-like vehicle” that doubles as a Land Rover and boat! There is something for everyone at the glacier and tons of options for accessible travel.

Icefields Parkway: Spend a day driving the Icefields Parkway, famously known for unreal views for three straight hours. There are hundreds of places to pull off the road and enjoy the views. With lakes, glaciers, valleys, and sharp cliffs, it is a diverse experience. Some of my favorites include Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Panther Falls, and Sunwapta Falls.

Peyto Lake: Peyto Lake looks straight out of a postcard with glowing blue water and rugged cliffs in the distance. If you’re a hiker, there’s plenty to do here such as the Peyto Lakeshore Trail or the Sunset Lookout Trail. If you just want to view the lake from the viewpoint, there’s a very accessible trail (Bow Summit Trail) that takes you to a boarded viewing point (accessible parking and route available).

Johnston Canyon: Stop by Johnston Canyon to get a view of the rugged canyon and lush waterfall. You can choose to do the Upper Falls Trail, which is around 3.4 miles with a view of the waterfall from the top, or the Lower Falls trail, which is around 1.5 miles and has views of the waterfall through a small cave. The area has plenty of suspension bridges and guardrails for ultimate safety.

E-bike to Vermillion Lakes: One of my favorite inclusions at the Rimrock Resort was the complimentary e-bike rental! You get two hours, which is plenty of time to bike around town and to a nearby lake or two. We biked to the Vermillion Lakes a little out of town. I also highly recommend biking to the Bow Point Falls Viewpoint in Banff–it was absolutely beautiful.

Banff Town: Downtown Banff has so much to offer. Whether you're dining, shopping, or checking out the history, it’s a great time. Banff has really great public transit around town and to and from some of the hotels, as they are looking to make their city more eco-friendly. Another highlight of the Rimrock Resort was included bus passes for the stay, which really came in handy going into town for dinner.

Golf at Banff Springs: If you’re a golfer, the Banff Springs Course is a must! It is a 27-hole course with the most surreal views. I can attest as my dad said it was his favorite part of the trip!

Lupo: Lupo serves up some of the best Italian food, and the mozzarella sticks are a must! Come here for authentic dining in an aesthetic atmosphere.

Bluebird: Bluebird knows fine dining. This is a great spot for a steak dinner. They also have a cute patio.

Three Bears Brewery: Some argue this is the best pizza in Banff. They also brew all of the beer sold in the Banff area.

Brazen: If you don’t stay at a hotel with breakfast, I’d recommend grabbing brunch at Brazen. It’s in the heart of Banff and has the best banana French toast!

Hello Sunshine Sushi: If you’re craving sushi, you have to go to Hello Sunshine Sushi. They have an indoor/outdoor patio with some of the best sushi in the area.

Tea at Fairmont Lake Louise: If you want to opt out of the Lake Louise hiking scene, head to the Fairmont Chateau for tea in their tea room. They offer fixed menu packages that include teas, snacks, and champagne.

Breakfast at the Rimrock (included with Fora perks!): The best part of my trip to Banff was waking up every morning and heading down to breakfast at the Rimrock Resort. Fora perks include the breakfast buffet (10/10) or an item from their à la carte menu. And did I mention the dining room has insane views of the valley and property?