31 &nbs-06:00; 05 &nbs-06:00; 2018

Guest Activities & Top Sights
Banff & Canmore Weddings

Chances have it your guests will be making a bit of a vacation out of their wedding attendance. While you are wrapping up last minute details the days leading up to your mountain wedding you’ll likely find yourself fielding a lot of questions about what to see and do in the area. So here we have it, a local’s guide to wedding guesting in the Canadian Rockies. Suggestions for the adventurous and those that wish to relax.

Team Relaxation

Activities for those guests who want to experience the mountains on their own time without breaking a sweat, and channel the original purpose of the Banff townsite, relaxation and rest.

Spa Day at the Fairmont Banff Springs | Whether it’s a manicure, facial or massage the Willow Stream Spa is renowned for its service and experience. A corner of the mountains where you can lose track of time completely as you soak in their mineral pools.

Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies | Just one block from Main Street is the Whyte Museum, with a collection of artwork and exhibits that rival the best for $10 a ticket

Gondola to the Summit | Want the mountaintop views without the hike? Take the Banff Gondola to the newly renovated Sky Bistro. The price is admittedly quite steep, but when paired with the Northern Lights Breakfast Package for a few dollars extra it’s quite palatable. For half the price go across the valley to the Norquay Chairlift to the Cliffhouse Bistro.

Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary | Located closer to Cochrane than Canmore is the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary. A marvellous facility to interact and learn about wolf dogs from people that are passionate about them. Those older than 15 can meet some of the dogs.

Lake Minnewanka Cruise | Enjoy a one-hour interpretive cruise on one of the most scenic lakes within fifteen minutes of the Banff townsite. (Note: Tickets can be purchased with the gondola for savings)

Sunbathe at Quarry Lake | For those warm summer days take your towel and swimsuit to Quarry Lake in Canmore

Sled Dog Kennel Tour | Learn more about the different types of sled dogs and interact with them (and mayhaps even some puppies if they have a litter that year) at Snow Owl.

Tour the Rocky Mountain Soap Company | There are very few companies I hype up but the Rocky Mountain Soap Company is one of them. Whether it is their sugar scrubs, ever-changing selection of soaps or lip balms their products deliver. All natural and local you can tour their facility to learn more.

Team Sightseeing

This is for guests who want to go a bit off the beaten path, who want to perhaps experience the area a bit more viscerally. For those that want to wake up the next morning with a few more aches and stories.

Sunshine Meadows | Keen on a gondola with a bit more venture at the top? Take the gondola (or chairlift, or alpine bus) to Sunshine Meadows. Go on a hosted trail walk, doable for all older than 6.

Float the Bow River with Canmore Raft Tours | Rather than seeing the peaks fly by from your car, hop on a raft in Canmore leaving all the crowds behind and perhaps spot some wildlife. Dog-friendly!

Bowling in Banff | With a whole bunch of retro vibe located in a basement off Main Street is one of our favourite friend pasttime. Grab your people, play a few games, chose from their selection of beers and pizza and make it a memorable night at High Rollers.

Hikes for the Whole Family | Later this summer I will be putting together a list of hikes for various hiking abilities but for the littlest and the wisest guests, the following are all accessible and enjoyable in the Banff and Canmore area. Grassi Lakes, Johnston Canyon, Ptarmigan Cirque, Back of Lake Louise, and Fenland Trail.

Trivia Night! | This one varies by season and night of the week but whether it be at a local pub, a bowling alley or the legion trivia nights are a marvellous way to spend an evening. Check Hogshead, High Rollers, and Tavern 1883 schedules.

Road Trip the Icefields Parkway | Catch sunrise at Moraine Lake, swing by Lake Louise, then continue up the Icefields Parkway and the quiet hours of the morning for all of the iconic sites and none (well, fewer) of the people.

Food Tour in Canmore | With Alberta Food Tours discover downtown Canmore and the ever-growing food and drink scene

Canoe to Vermilion Lakes | Head to the Banff Canoe Club dock and rent a canoe or kayak. It’s a great relationship builder (alright, maybe a bit frustrating if it is your first time in the canoe but no one except the elk are judging you zig-zagging your way down the creek). If you are lucky you may spot a busy beaver at the turnoff from the creek to the lake as well. Also dog-friendly.

Live Music at the Banff Centre | Year-round check the schedule at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity for world-class performances and shows

Team Adventureful

For those that are all in and want to get their hands dirty, who embrace early mornings and experiences that may be a touch challenging.

Via Ferrata at Mt Norquay | An enjoyable and safe way to experience the world of hiking and mountaineering. A guided hands-on tour of a mountain that takes you across suspension bridges, mountainsides and ladders at Mt Norquay Ski Resort.

Ice Walks Tour on the Athabasca Glacier | Forgo the bus and take a walking tour instead. Learn how glaciers were formed and where they are going. Layer up as the winds off the glacier can be frigid even in summer!

Cave Tour at Grotto Mountain | While perhaps not for the claustrophobic guests, chose from a variety of tours and courses for all adventure levels at Canmore Cave Tours.

Stand Up Paddle Board on a Mountain Lake | Whether you are looking to just rent gear or doing it for the first time Bow Valley SUP will ensure you have a marvellous time.

Hikes that Justify All the Food | Here are some hikes that are for more of the moderately fit. A full post on hiking in Banff coming later this summer.Ha Ling, Rawson Lake, Lake Agnes Teahouse and Plain of Six Glaciers, and Parker Ridge. Don’t forget your bear spray (which you can rent from numerous places in town!)

Bike the Legacy Trail | Connecting Canmore and Banff is a paved 21km recreation trail that grants you glorious vistas. Rent a bike from Sports Express or Gear Up.

Mountain Biking at Nordic Centre | Love bikes but want something a bit more mountainous? Explore the trails at the Nordic Centre.

Team…It is Winter

I tell friends and family they really have to visit Banff twice, once during the warmer months and again in winter. It’s a completely different experience and a whole new landscape. Here are the winter-specific Banff activities.

Learn to Curl | Quite honestly a must do if you are in the area on a Wednesday as Canada’s other, other national sport. Clean off your shoes, hop on the ice and learn to curl with the Banff Curling Club.

Cross-Country Skiing at the Nordic Centre | For those that aren’t keen on hurtling down a hill is cross-country skiing. That magical combination of coordination and strength I surely cannot master.

Dog-Sledding | Bundle up and practicing calling out Hike! Be pulled by a team of dog sleds across frozen lakes, with all the dog snuggles afterwards with Snowy Owl Sled Dogs.

Skiing the Slopes | You can hardly visit Banff in the winter and not at least try skiing. Visit Norquay, Lake Louise, or Sunshine.

Snowshoeing at Engadine Lodge | Rent some snowshoes from Gear Up in Canmore and head down the highway to Engadine Lodge. Enjoy the trails there are head on up to Chester or Rummel for some elevation gain.

Northern Lights | While they may be fickle download an app and keep an eye on their activity. Head on over to Lake Minnewanka or up the Icefields Parkway for nature’s greatest show.

Tubing at Mt. Norquay | Fun for all ages! Hurtle down the slopes in a tube that feels much like a mattress then do so ad nauseum until your inner child is content.