things to do
Lake Louise
One of Banff's most iconic lakes. The Banff Springs sister hotel, Chateau Lake Louise, sits right at the edge of the lake. It will be the height of tourist season when you visit so you'll want to plan ahead on how to get there. Here are a few options to get to Lake Louise: • Driving. Parking will be extremely limited so we recommend going at sunrise or sunset. • Shuttle. We recommend this option. Book your roundtrip tickets in advance! Drive to Lake Louise Park & Ride and take your booked shuttle to Lake Louise. If you're planning on going to Moraine Lake as well, book to go there first, then Lake Louise (way less people go to Moraine first). Booking will open April 13, 2023. Go to the link above and select Day Use tab to book the shuttle. • Bus (Route 8X). A tourist friendly option. The bus runs from Banff High School Transit (located in Downtown Banff) to Lake Louise Lakeshore. You can book your roundtrip bus ticket here: https://roamtransit.com/reservations/
Moraine Lake
Another one of Banff's most iconic lakes. It will be the height of tourist season when you visit so you'll want to plan ahead on how to get there. NOTE YOU CAN NO LONGER DRIVE PERSONAL CARS TO MORAINE LAKE. • Shuttle. We recommend this option. Book your roundtrip tickets in advance! Drive to Lake Louise Park & Ride and take your booked shuttle to Moraine Lake. If you're planning on going to Lake Louise as well, book to go to Moraine Lake first, then Lake Louise (way less people go to Moraine first). Booking will open April 13, 2023. Go to the link above and select Day Use tab to book the shuttle. There is an option for a short but semi-difficult hike to get the views you see in this picture above. Wear appropriate footwear.
Peyto Lake
One of our favorite spots in Banff National Park! There is a big parking lot so we recommend driving here. There is a short, easy hike to get to these amazing views.
Free Banff Springs Hotel Tour
Ask about the free hotel tour when you arrive! They run daily.
Downtown Banff
Banff is one of the most beautiful places on in the world. Downtown Banff is the cutest mountain town with plenty of shops and restaurants. See link below for all the happenings in and around Banff! Some of our favorite restaurants in Downtown Banff are.... • Park Distillery (where the Wedding Celebration will be held on Thursday night) • Earls Kitchen + Bar • Waldhaus Pub (located at the Banff Springs Hotel) • Tooloulous (great breakfast spot)
Banff Gondola
Check out the amazing views of Banff and walk the boardwalk! Because it's the height of tourist season, pre-purchase your tickets ahead of time. There is a bar at the top of the gondola so you can enjoy the views with a drink! The Banff Gondola website states, "FREE BANFF GONDOLA SHUTTLE. The free Banff Gondola shuttle runs...daily from June 13 to October 9th to and from Downtown Banff. The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel shuttle will run daily from June 13th to October 9th." For more info see link below.
Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Banff Springs
Afternoon Tea at the hotel is one of the best in North America! Book online with the link above.