Oh Banff, How I love you.
FOODIES Unite Here
The Block – This hole in the wall was recommended to us by a local. Cruising the streets before dinner we were thrilled to find this gem for the cocktails in peticular. This trendy addition just off Banff Ave takes their tapas-inspired menu to the top. We’re talking the finest in small bites, mouthwatering flatbreads, and unique yet hearty dinner mains. With a rustic urban feel to the intimate space, it’s the perfect little niche to relax and enjoy with a craft cocktail in hand.
Park – The Best Prime Rib. Yum
Grizzly House – The Grizzly House is a swanky fondue and hot rock restaurant located on Banff Avenue across from Banff Avenue Square. The restaurant has withstood the test of time, established originally in 1967 as a swingers club.
BANFF GONDOLA
Explore Banff’s most scenic mountaintop adventure, featuring spectacular 360 degree views, open all year round
Holy moly this expedition blew me away. The Banff Gondola is considered to be Banff #1 attrition, and for good reason. The gondola ride is a quick 8 minute ride that takes you 2,292 feet to the summit of the Sulphr Mountain. To be completely honest my face turned pale as we were soaring over the treetops but it was worth it once we reached the top. We went in the beginning of high season and the wait wasn’t too long. We were in and our very quick.
How to get there: As a group of friends who wanted to go relax and have drinks, we decided that no one wanted to be the responsible driver. I found a buss that left outside our hotel every 30 minutes and it only took about 15 minutes to get to the Banff Gondola loading area. Highly recommend doing this has parking can be quite far away from the attraction during busy hours.
ACCESSABLE WALKS FROM TOWN
Bow Falls Trail:
Time: 20 minutes return, can be extended to 45 mins.
Key features: flat, paved part way, scenic water fall.
The trail starts at the south end of the Bow River bridge and continues paralleling the river for 1.2 kms to the Bow Falls parking lot, nice short morning hike.
Tunnel Mountain:
Time: 1 hour round trip to the summit
Key features: Steepish, well maintained, popular, switchback hiking trail. Great views along the way and from the summit.
This is a great taste of what hiking is all about in the Canadian Rockies. The terrain gives you a proper sense of what it’s like to hike up a real mountain. With a relatively short distance to the summit, this hike allows for a quick fix and real sense of achievement in a short amount of time (like it’s pretty hard if your not a seasoned mountain hiker). Even on this relatively short hike always come prepared with proper walking footwear, water and a windproof jacket.
ACCOMMODATIONS (Pet Friendly)
As you may have noticed we bring our dog 99.999% of the time wherever we go. This particular trip we stayed at The Moose Hotel right in the heart of Down Town Banff. We found ourself eating there a lot for lunch or to enjoy a quick cocktail as their patio was pet friendly, servers were so friendly and offered water on hot days after our walks.
a few tips:
– Lake Louise is actually located in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada which is a 40(ish) minute drive fro Banff National Park downtown. Account the drive time there and back when planning your day !
– During our time there, unfortunately, Moraine Lake was closed due to the amount of snow but if you visit during warmer months absolutely pair your visit toLake Louis with a stop at Moraine Lake since it’s nearby.
– The best time to visit the lakes is either first thing in the morning or in later in the evening. People travel from all over the world to experience the magic of these lakes and if you’re anything like me, you’d rather take in the sights without a flood of tourists.
– There is a lovely paved pathway around the perimeter of Lake Louise that is perfect for taking a stroll. Since you’re there, you mind as well get the full experience – right?! Hop on the path and get ready for even more stunning views from every angle.
– If you are there during the summer months, get yourself in a canoe and paddle around the lake ! Lake Louise was completely frozen over when we visited and I’d love to see it during summertime so tag me in your photos!
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