Heaven on Earth

Banff & Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada.

Just 80 miles outside of Calgary, Alberta is one of the most spectacularly beautiful recreational areas in North America. Banff National Park is shaped by cascading peaks, beautiful untouched forests, dozens of mountain streams, rivers, and lakes, a plethora of hot springs and countless areas to explore by foot, bike, skis, sled, or vehicle in any season.

Consistently one of the most visited parks in Canada, Americans living in the west have also been flocking here for years to take in its beauty. The drive from North Idaho should take about six hours, or you can fly into Calgary. From there you can take a tour bus or rent a car to get to your final destination of either Banff or Lake Louise. Expect about an hour to an hour and a half drive from the airport.

Accommodations vary from budget to extravagant in both beautiful cities, but if you want an exquisite stay choose one of the two Fairmont properties. The Fairmont Banff Springs is like stepping into a European castle. The 125 year old hotel is just steps from downtown Banff and also boasts a championship golf course in the summer and ski packages during winter. A little more secluded is the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise which offers guest suites with incredible views of the lake and its surrounding peaks. Guests can explore the entire length of the lake on foot or by horse during the summer and horse drawn carriage in the winter. When the lake freezes, a skating rink is set up, and in traditional Canadian fashion a pickup hockey game always seems to pop up.

Back in Banff, you’ll find a vibrant and eclectic downtown filled with galleries, museums, culture, and of course plenty of food and drink. Despite being one of Canada’s most popular tourist destinations, the town’s population remains under 10,000 keeping the small town charm alive and well. The town itself is 4,600 feet in elevation, but the surrounding peaks climb to nearly 10,000 feet. Seemingly everywhere you turn you’ll find a peak or body of water. Banff plays home to a popular film festival, winter carnival, Rocky Mountain Music Festival and plenty of mountain biking competitions.

If you go during winter, be sure to make time for one of the three ski resorts. Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise each offer its own challenge. You can learn to ski here, but frankly it’s for the experts. Sunshine Village and Lake Louise especially offer an incredible amount of double black chutes and bowls, challenging even the most advanced skiers and riders. To get away from the crowds you can find operators who will take you by snowcat or helicopter for your own private ride down the mountain. After a long day on the hills, a soak in one of the many hot springs is the perfect way to cap your day.

Any time of year you’ll find adventure here and experience a landscape rarely seen by most of the world. Spend a weekend and then plan on another; you’ll definitely want to come back.

#adventure