Canada 

Set in the spectacular lobby and an adjacent outdoor terrace of the iconic Fairmont Lake Louise Chateau, getting a drink or bite to eat while looking over the turquoise waters of Lake Louise and the alpine peaks of the Canadian Rockies is an experience not to be missed.

Boasting innovative cuisine this is a great place to eat. It’s also low-key which adds to the experience. On the menu you’ll find regional Canadian dishes along with locally-famous desserts. Enjoy the view of the nearby mountains.

Even if you don’t want to splurge by staying at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, you can enjoy its dining. This restaurant inside has a ton of German and Swiss dishes, and is especially known for the fondue. The views from the restaurant are stunning.

This hotel has the nickname the “Castle in the Rockies,” and has been a legendary resort for more than 125 years. The food is just as excellent with a commitment to local fare. The hotel has an in-house butchery program where they make their own sausages, cure their own meats, and use every single part […]

Upscale Canadian farm-to-table dining in downtown Banff. If the weather is cooperative there’s a lovely outside terrace, however the inside is rustic chic and equally appealing. There are windows on 3 sides of the restaurant with fantastic views of Rundle Mountain. Bison is the signature meat – so providing you eat meat, here’s the place […]

Takakkaw Falls is the second highest waterfall in Canada, reached by a turn off on the road between Lake Louise and Emerald lake lodge.

This is the last hot spring in Banff where you can actually get in and take a soak. At an elevation of over 5000 feet, this is also Canada’s highest natural hot mineral springs, Banff Upper Springs.

This is an impressive waterfall just before the junction of the Boy and Spray Rivers. You can take a nice short trail (1.2km) to get there from Bow River Bridge though it’s also accessible by car.

Banff started as a tourist site with this historic hot springs complex. This was the first Canadian National Park and led to the creation of the Banff Springs Hotel, the arrival of the railroad, and really put Banff on the map. Take the interesting tour then head to the upper springs where you can take a soak.

This is a seriously cool hike along a canyon to a couple of waterfalls. The trail is literally clinging to the canyon walls but it’s easy. Don’t miss it.

In the 1920s, tea houses were built for folks to hike from Lake Louise to nearby scenic sites. The closest is the Lake Anges tea house. The more scenic and less travelled one is the Six Glaciers tea house. This is a fantastic hike through awesome scenery to fresh baked food and tea at the end.

The 144 mile drive from Lake Louise to Jasper is one of the most beautiful in the world. Allow all day; there are multiple stops, including Crowfoot Galcier viewpoint, Bow Lake viewpoint, Peyto Lake viewpoint, Columbia Icefield, Sunwapta falls, and Athabasca falls.

Climb on a special bus and drive out onto a glacier, part of the enormous Columbia Icefield. Not cheap but where else can you do this?

This is a spectacular slot canyon full of waterfalls and makes an interesting loop trail. There are 4 bridges across the gorge, each with a great view. If you opt for a longer trail, you’ll exit at a sixth bridge lower down. From Parks Canada: “Waterfalls, fossils, potholes, underground stream outlets, the nests of ravens […]

A gorgeous boat trip on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island, which is one of the most photographed locations in the Canadian Rockies (for a good reason).

This facility was in a gorgeous setting with fantastic cabins. The food at the resort was equally spectacular. Be sure and take the 3 mile walk around the lake – and/or rent a canoe.

A four star hotel in a great location in downtown Banff.

This is the classic lodging in Banff. It’s 130 years old and nicknamed the “Castle in the Rockies” which should tell you something about the ambience. It’s the hotel that put Banff on the map. The upside is the amazing views and beautiful building, the downside is it’s pricey and not close to town.

Lovely cabins on the Bow Valley Parkway between Banff and Lake Louise. Cabins are great – not super close to anything (but that might be a good thing?).

Nice cabins in a meadow in Jasper. The rooms are large, comfortable, and well equipped (full kitchens) and just a short walk to the river. A herd of Elk wandered through the grounds in the evening.

This is one of the most spectacularly set hotels in the world (with prices to match). If the prices scare you off, stop by after your hike for a drink. If money is no object, it’s really nice.