Guide to Planning the Most Romantic Honeymoon in Banff & Lake Louise

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Banff, Canada is one of the most romantic places on earth! This makes choosing Banff for your honeymoon destination a no-brainer – it’s the perfect place to enjoy your special week away!

Banff town, the nearby Lake Louise, and Banff National Park are the most ideal honeymoon destinations in the world in my eyes!

In fact, I recently got engaged in Banff (she said yes…YAY!) and enjoyed an amazing few days visiting beautiful locations and enjoying romantic activities with my new fiancée, Bailey. It was a dream come true that left us with memories we’ll remember for the rest of our lives!

But it wasn’t easy. In fact, it actually took a lot of research to plan the perfect romantic Banff holiday (partly because I was so nervous).

So, if you’re planning your honeymoon in Banff, or if you’re also planning to pop the question, then this blog is perfect for you! After much research and planning, I executed the perfect romantic holiday and I’m going to show you how to as well.

7 Most Romantic Honeymoon Hotels in Banff

The first step, and likely the most important, to planning your honeymoon in Banff is to pick the right hotel. Luckily, Banff is filled with amazing places to stay to suit every budget.

In no particular order, here are the best honeymoon hotels in Banff including what makes them ideal for your romantic getaway:

Heading to Banff from Calgary? Check out our road trip guides about driving from Calgary to Banff and Calgary to Lake Louise to help plan your epic road trip!

1. Fairmont Banff Springs

• Location: 1.7 km (1 mi) from Banff town center
• Price starting from: $450 CAD (370 USD) during low season
• Romantic Honeymoon Features: Spa, indoor pool, outdoor pool, stunning location, restaurant, fitness center, restaurant, room service, bar.

The Fairmont Banff Springs is a beautiful hotel located in the foothills of Banff overlooking the Bow River. Its location is just outside of the main town center which provides a more tranquil setting surrounded by nature but if you need to you can easily use the complimentary bus pass to get into town.

The hotel is 5-stars and has not one, but two pools onsite both indoors and outdoors. The beautiful spa and wellness center is perfect for spoiling yourselves and really making the most of your honeymoon in Banff National Park.

This is really one of the best hotels in Banff. Although rooms start at $370 USD in the low season, expect to pay well over $550 USD per night during summer and winter – a price tag still worth what this hotel offers in my opinion!

2. Rimrock Resort Hotel

• Location: 3.1 km (1.9 mi) from Banff town center at the base of the Banff Gondola
• Price starting from: $283 CAD ($208 USD) during low season
• Romantic Honeymoon Features: Indoor pool and hot tub, rooms with mountain views, spa and wellness centre, quiet location, restaurant, bar, room service.

The Rimrock Resort Hotel is another luxury hotel located just outside of Banff town in a stunning location. From the hotel, the views of the surrounding area will take your breath away. The pine trees that border the hotel will also make you feel like the busy streets of Banff are hundreds of miles away.

This hotel has a 5-star rating and comes with luxurious furnishings and features including an indoor pool, hot tub, and wellness center.

Although 5-stars, the hotel’s price range makes it much more affordable for budget travelers, however, if you want their most luxurious rooms with the best views expect to pay much more! Also, keep in mind if you don’t book months in advance, prices are subject to climb well into the $700s CAD during the summertime.

3. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

• Location: Shores of Lake Louise, 61 kilometers (38 miles) from Banff
• Price starting from: $555 CAD ($408 USD) in low season
• Romantic Honeymoon Features: Spa and wellness center, swimming pool, stunning lakeside location, bar, restaurant, close to Lake Moraine, close to Lake Louise Ski Field.

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is arguably the most beautifully located hotel in Canada. It sits on the shores of Lake Louise and is the only hotel of its kind. From your doorstep, you can venture out on many hiking trails, go skiing, or enjoy all the other activities Lake Louise offers.

As far as romantic locations go, it doesn’t get much better than this!

Inside the hotel, you can enjoy the usual luxuries you would expect at a hotel like this such as stunning restaurants, a swimming pool, a bar, and a wellness center. In fact, the restaurants are some of the best in Lake Louise with a few different options to choose from – perfect for foodies!

Although only a 4-star hotel, its location, and views make it as 5-star as ever!

For its location, the price tag of $408 USD in low season sounds like a good deal! This is truly a world-class hotel in a romantic location!

Related Read: check out all the best things to do in Lake Louise in winter.

4. Baker Creek by Basecamp

• Location: 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) from Lake Louise and 46 km (29 mi) from Banff along the Bow Valley Parkway
• Price starting from: $219 CAD ($161 USD) in low season
• Romantic Honeymoon Features: Rooms with spa baths, restaurant, bar, a remote location surrounded by nature, fireplace, private chalets, and log cabin designs.

The Baker Creek by Basecamp is a unique hotel located far from the busy tourist hot spots in Banff town and Lake Louise.

This remote location makes this rustic, but luxurious, hotel a great choice for those wanting some peace and quiet. The only thing you’ll hear out there is the sound of the fire crackling in your fireplace and the water running down the Bow River.

Despite its remote location, the hotel still offers its guests plenty of luxuries including a fireplace in every room and some even with a private spa bath! The log cabin design is rustic and with comfortable beds and private porches, your stay is sure to be pleasant.

If you came to Banff to get among nature, spot some wildlife, and cozy up to your better half, then this is the perfect hotel!

5. Moose Hotel and Suites

• Location: Banff Ave in Banff town center
• Price starting from: $233 CAD ($171 USD) in low season
• Romantic Honeymoon Features: Mountain views, indoor pool, outdoor heated pool with mountain views, spa and wellness center, restaurant, bar, room service, and fitness center.

The Moose Hotel and Suites is the first of our Banff downtown hotels. It’s located only a 1-minute walk from the busy streets of Banff town center and is perfect for those wanting to be close to the action in this vibrant mountain town.

This 4-star hotel features modern, well-furnished rooms that are spacious. Some rooms have balconies overlooking the busy Banff streets and the surrounding Rocky Mountains.

You and your partner can also enjoy delicious authentic Italian dishes at the on-site Pacini Italian Restaurant.

It has both an indoor pool and a beautiful outdoor heated pool for those cold days and nights. For the amount of luxury and location, this hotel is a tempting choice for your Banff honeymoon.

6. Delta Hotels by Marriott Banff Royal Canadian Lodge

• Location: 5-minute walk from downtown Banff
• Price starting from: $150 CAD ($110 USD) in low season
• Romantic Honeymoon Features: Stunning mineral pool and spa, spa and wellness center, restaurant, bar, room service, fitness center.

The Banff Royal Canadian Lodge is another downtown hotel that’s close to the action in Banff. However, this hotel is on the quieter end of town meaning you have that added bonus of retreating from the busy streets.

The 4-star hotel features a mineral pool and spa both indoors and perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring with your new fiancee. The Evergreen Restaurant and Lounge come recommended by previous guests and the spa and wellness center are sure to pamper your loved one!

If you upgrade your room you can cozy up together next to the fireplace and order room service!

It’s also very affordable for the inclusions that it has and it’s possible to land a room for under $200 CAD during the low season!

7. Rundlestone Lodge

• Location: 5-minute walk from downtown Banff
• Price starting from: $100 CAD ($84 USD) in low season
• Romantic Honeymoon Features: An indoor pool and hot tub, restaurant, bar, fitness center, rooms with mountain views, rooms with private spa baths and fireplaces

Last but certainly not least, is the Rundlestone Lodge. This beautiful hotel is located in Banff on the quiet end of town around a 5-minute walk from the main streets. I personally love this hotel and stayed in the Spa Bath Loft Suite during my recent engagement trip to Banff.

The private spa bath was a great feature and the downstairs bar and restaurant proved to be a nice place to spend late nights after exploring the national park. Our room was very spacious and came with everything we needed.

Overall, this is a great budget option right in Banff for your honeymoon or engagement!

Related Read: We’ve also written this detailed guide to the BEST downtown Banff hotels. It has even more information on where to stay in Banff National Park!

Romantic Holiday Home Rentals and Airbnbs in Banff

A great alternative to staying in a hotel for your honeymoon in Banff is to stay in an Airbnb! There are plenty of holiday home rentals to choose from in Banff town and nearby.

Some that are particularly romantic and perfect for couples include:

Central Banff Rockies Suite – This entire condo is modern and centrally located. The building also has rooftop hot pools with epic mountain views – how romantic?!

Deluxe Rockies Suite – This loft space is super charming with a cozy loft king bed, a balcony, a kitchenette, and a dining table. The property has an incredible cave-inspired grotto hot tub and a sauna for you both to unwind in.

Banff Getaway with Private Hot Tub – Enjoy beautiful views from Tunnel Mountain, only minutes from Banff, in this private apartment. Enjoy your private hot tub and fireplace!

14 Romantic Things to do in Banff on Your Honeymoon

1. Go canoeing on a lake

In the summertime, nothing could be more romantic than taking in the stunning views around you from a canoe. There are a few beautiful lakes around Banff you can do this at with the most popular and beautiful spots being Vermilion Lakes, Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, or a cruise on Lake Minnewanka.

You can either choose to join a canoe or kayaking tour or simply visit one of the lakes where you can rent canoes and kayaks from the edge of the lake.

For your own tour, rent kayaks at either Lake Louise or Moraine Lake. These places are iconic and stunningly beautiful – perfect for your honeymoon!

For a group tour, I recommend this Wild Life on the Bow River Canoe tour. Although a group tour, you’ll be able to spot some amazing wildlife while letting the Bow River do most of the paddling! This experience costs around $70 CAD per person and goes for one and a half hours.

Related Read: Canoeing is also one of the best things to do in Vancouver. Check out our guide to planning the most romantic honeymoon in Vancouver.

2. Visit the Banff Upper Hot Springs

I visit just about every hot spring I come by – I just love them! The Banff Upper Hot Springs were no different and on a cold day or night, especially around Christmas in Banff, warming up in the natural mineral water with stunning views is a great experience.

Unfortunately, you won’t have the pool all to yourself, so don’t expect that – it is one of the top hot springs in Alberta after all. However, you can find a little space for yourselves and it will still be a very romantic and relaxing way to spend an hour or two.

Entrance to the hot pools is done on a first-come first-serve basis and only costs $16.50 CAD with the inclusion of your locker – not a bad price for a Banff activity!

Closures: The Banff Upper Hot Springs closes annually in mid to late October for cleaning for one week. Be sure the check their website for the exact dates each year.

3. Visit Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake will always hold a special place in my heart, I mean it’s where I got engaged to the most beautiful girl in the world! But trust me, my opinion isn’t biased and for any newlywed couple, you simply must spend some time gazing out at this stunning alpine lake.

On a cold day, take some hot chocolate down and sip it on the rocks. Or on a hot summer day, enjoy a picnic on the edge of the lake. Regardless of the weather, this is the perfect place to get your first photos as a married couple and enjoy one of the most Instagrammable places in Banff.

When you get to Moraine Lake there’s plenty to do and places to explore. Some of my favorite things to do at Moraine Lake include:

• Go hiking – Hike the moderate 8.6 km (5.3 mi) Larch Valley Trail, walk to Consolation Lakes, or tackle the challenging 2.9 km (1.8 mi) Tower of Bable. There are actually quite a few hikes in Banff National Park that start from Moraine Lake, so choose a trail suitable to your skill level and lace up your boots!

• Visit the Rock Pile – This is the most popular place to see Moraine Lake from. From the parking lot, follow the trail to the left up a few stars until you see the beautiful view of Moraine Lake! This is just a short 5-10 minute walk, and there are benches and various viewpoints to enjoy.

• Rent a canoe – Canoes can be rented from the Moraine Lake Lodge and the price starts at $130 CAD+tax for one hour. The canoes can fit up to three people. Rentals include life jackets and because of the stability of Canadian canoes, even those with no or limited experience can give it a try!

• Stay at the Moraine Lake Lodge – With parking being impossible at Moraine Lake now (more on that below), staying at the only hotel right on the lake is more important than ever. If you stay at Moraine Lake Lodge you will be right at Moraine Lake for the night and can enjoy both sunrise and sunset. Bookings are almost impossible to get, though, so check here for availability and to book as far in advance as possible.

• Watch the sunrise – Sunrise at Moraine Lake is iconic. There is no other time of the day where the sun hit the mountains and shimming blue lake just like it does at sunrise. Daniel actually proposed to be during sunrise at Moraine Lake in 2019! Unfortunately, now that the road is closed to the public, the only way to get to Moraine Lake for sunrise is on this guided tour or aboard the Sunrise Shuttle.

• Enjoy the view with a coffee – The Snowshoe Café is Moraine Lake’s very own boutique café serving all your favorites including delicious coffee. It’s located in Moraine Lake Lodge and besides coffee, also sells plenty of food items that are perfect to-go. They have breakfast foods such as quiches and croissants, or if you want, sandwiches for lunch too. My best advice is to grab a coffee and a bite to eat and go for a walk. Or, pack a picnic!

Regardless of what you do, Moraine Lake lives up to its reputation as Canada’s most beautiful lake!

Getting to Moraine Lake:

The road to Moraine Lake is now closed to personal vehicles (new in 2023). This means you are not able to drive yourself to Moraine Lake Anymore. You’ll need to plan ahead to find alternatives to parking at Moraine Lake, which include taking the Roam bus, Parks Canada Park and Ride Shuttle, or an organized tour. You can read our complete guide about how to get to Moraine Lake here!

If you do want to see Moraine Lake at sunrise (and you should!), then your only option is to join this organized tour from Banff. The tour begins at 4 am in Banff, and because they are a licensed tour operator, they can access Moraine Lake for sunrise. The tour costs $220 CAD and includes not only a visit to Moraine Lake with hot chocolate and coffee to enjoy but also an early morning visit to Lake Louise. That means you can visit two of the busiest lakes in Canada without the crowds or the stress of parking/ shuttles. You can book the tour here with free cancelation up to 24 hours before.

If sunrise isn’t a huge deal to you, then this hop-on-hop-off tour is a great option! Not only will you get transport from Banff to Moraine Lake, but it also takes you to other popular spots including Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon. It’s also super affordable at only $80 CAD per person! This is one of the most popular Banff bus tours though, so you should book online in advance here!

4. Explore Lake Louise

Lake Louise is another one of my all-time favorite lakes in the world (the list is huge.) It’s simply stunning and exploring the lake even just a little is a must-do when visiting Banff!

At Lake Louise, you can sit back and enjoy each other’s company while staring out at the lake! If you’re hungry then consider popping into the Fairmont for a 5-star lunch at Alpine Social or for something a bit lighter try their Afternoon Tea Experience.

Around the lake, there are a few hikes you can do including a quiet walk around the perimeter of the lake. If you’re after something longer then the beautiful hike to the Agnes Tea House is one of the best.

Regardless, just enjoy the views and stunning colors!

Just be sure to arrive early because sometimes getting parking at Lake Louise can be a challenge, especially during the summer months.

Note: From May 13th until October 10th, you’ll be required to pay $21.00 CAD per vehicle per day to park at Lake Louise Lakefront (2023 updated price). The paid parking is in effect from 7 am until 7 pm daily.  

Recommendation: You can combine a trip to Lake Louise and the Icefield Parkway (below) into one tour and have your guide do all the work. You’ll visit Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Lake Minnewanka and hit a few scenic places on the Icefields Parkway for around $180 CAD per person.

5. Drive the Icefields Parkway

It’s been named one of the top 10 best road trips in the world by National Geographic, and after driving it myself, I totally agree! The entire drive on the Icefields Parkway is simply stunning and an ideal way to spend the day with the person you want to spend the rest of your life with!

The Icefields Parkway runs between Banff and Jasper National Parks and along the way, there are plenty of great stops. Some of the best include Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Waterfowl Lakes, Big Hill and Big Bend, and of course, the Athabasca Glacier. Driving from Jasper to Banff (or vice versa) is a must-do activity in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Hot Tip: If you plan on driving back to Banff then allow a good 4 hours to drive to the Athabasca Glacier and back while stopping at the best places on the Icefields Parkway along the way!

Also in winter, the glacier tours close, and driving the road can become dangerous. Between November 1 and April 1, winter tires are mandatory on this highway.

I cannot recommend enough doing both the Athabasca Glacier Ice Explorer tour and the Skywalk experience. Firstly on the Athabasca Glacier Tour not only do you get to drive on top of it but you’ll also have the chance to walk around and explore and find out how refreshing glacier water tastes!

For the Skywalk what you will encounter is a long glass overhang that has been constructed to rest over 300 meters (1,000 ft) above the Sunwapta Valley.

If you want to do them you must book your time slot in advance. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait for hours to jump on a tour (yeah, that was us the first time). I also recommend saving some money by booking this combo ticket for both activities!

6. Take a ride on the Banff Gondola

The Banff Gondola tops our list of the best gondolas in Banff and takes you to one of the most impressive viewpoints in the area. But it’s not just about reaching the top, instead, the quiet and very romantic ride to the top is a great way to get some alone time with each other.

Of course, once you do reach the top there’s plenty of exploring to do. Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife and to walk the entire pathway and viewing deck. To say the least, the views are incredible!

If you’re feeling hungry pop in for some food at the restaurant, or the visit gift shop and buy a souvenir to remember this special week together!

The best place to buy a Banff Gondola ticket is by booking your gondola ticket here in advance for $64 CAD and skipping the large lines at the ticket booth.

Alternatively, you can join this top-rated guided sightseeing tour that includes a visit to Lake Minnewanka, Bow Falls, and Johnston Canyon! There’s also the option to upgrade and add your tickets to the gondola which I would highly recommend. This tour costs just $160 CAD for an entire day of fun!

7. Spend sunset at Vermilion Lakes

Vermilion Lakes is one of the closest attractions to Banff. In fact, you may recognize that mountain above (on the left) as Mt Rundle. Well, Banff sits just below here, and from town, Vermilion Lakes is only a 5-minute drive.

The lakes are visited on the Vermilion Lakes Scenic Drive and along the way you can find many different views of the mountains and lakes. However, if you want to see the most beautiful reflections head to the end of the road and wander around. This area is protected from the wind and the mountains here reflect off the water like a mirror!

Hot Tip: Go at sunset and enjoy a glass of wine in each other’s arms. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a drink before dinner!

8. Take a scenic flight around the Rockies

I really couldn’t imagine anything more romantic and adventurous for a newlywed couple on their honeymoon than to take a scenic flight over the Rocky Mountains in Banff or Lake Louise National Park. From the sky, you’ll get the best seat in the house and share an experience together like no other!

This particular helicopter tour gives you 3 flight lengths to choose from; a 20-minutes, a 30-minute, or 55-minute flight. Prices begin at $230 CAD but the longer the flight the more expensive it will be. It does not include transport from your hotel so you will need to give yourself 2.5 hours if coming from Banff and 1.5 hours if coming from Lake Louise.

However, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s best enjoyed on your honeymoon!

9. Go ice skating on a frozen lake

Banff and Lake Louise get cold in winter. So cold in fact, that many of the small and large lakes in the area completely freeze over making them the perfect place to go ice skating!

Some of my favorite lakes to do this on include Vermillion Lakes, Gap Lake, and of course, Lake Louise!

The best part is that skating on the lakes is free and you’ll only need to rent your skates (unless you have your own of course).

Some other ideas are to go ice skating at Banff Highschool’s rink or at the Waldhaus Rink behind the Fairmont Springs in Banff.

Most of the activities I’ve mentioned can be done all year round, but for this one, you’re going to need to wait until around mid-December and come before March when the lakes around Banff and Lake Louise are frozen. This is weather-dependent so check with the visitor center before skating on any frozen lake!

10. Explore the beautiful Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon is a stunning place to visit no matter the time of year. In fact, if you’ve already been in summer then you still need to go in winter as the experience is completely different.

Of course, in the summer expect running water and gushing waterfalls, but in the winter, the canyon freezes leaving behind frozen waterfalls in what can only be described as a winter wonderland.

Walking along Johnston Canyon is completely free all year round but for a more exciting experience, you can join a winter tour from Banff to learn more about the canyon. This icewalk tour takes you to see the frozen waterfalls and you’ll be provided with ice cleats and poles to help with the hike.

After you’re done they will help you warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and a small snack. The $101 CAD for this awesome experience is well worth it if you ask me!

If you don’t have wheels or like driving on the mountain roads then the Banff hop-on hop-off bus tour is a great way to explore Johnston Canyon and other areas on the route at your own pace. It departs from the Moose Hotel Suites on Banff Ave at 7:45 am, 9:30 am, and 12:15 pm or the Banff Train Station at 7:50 am, 9:35 am, and 12:15 pm.

Keep in mind that the final return BACK to Banff is at 6 pm so the earlier you begin the less time will be a factor.

An entire day’s ticket costs $80 CAD and once you purchase them make sure to check the schedule for the most updated times.

There is also a winter nighttime Johnston Canyon tour that gives you a truly magical experience as you will meander the trail with headlamps guiding your steps. You might be thinking, what is there to see at night? Well, imagine how much the frozen waterfalls will sparkle when the light hits them! This tour is the same price as the daytime version and also includes a snack and hot chocolate.

11. Take the chairlift up to Mt Norquay

Without a doubt, my favorite view of Banff town was from the top of the Mt Norquay chairlift. From the top, the views of the Bow Valley and surrounding national parks are mesmerizing. You can clearly spot the Bow River, Banff town, and of course, Mt Rundle (not that it’s hard to see).

At the top, there is a restaurant that serves amazing food, as well as cold and warm drinks with epic views. Bailey and I enjoyed a romantic lunch paired with local wine and I have to say it’s the most beautiful place I’ve had lunch!

In both the winter and summer, you can take the chairlift up to the restaurant and viewing platform. In the summer, you can simply buy sightseeing lift tickets to enjoy the view and there are pretty reasonable costing just $45 CAD. In the winter, grab some full-day lift passes and hit the slopes – which brings me to our next epic honeymoon activity if you’re visiting Banff in the winter…

12. Hit the slopes

What’s more romantic than taking in the views from the chairlift with your partner between runs down the mountain?! Skiing is a great winter couples activity, that much is for sure.

In Banff National Park you can choose from three different places to ski or snowboard including Mt Norquay, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise Ski Resort. Each ski resort is special in its own way and if you can’t choose just one, then get a discounted SkiBig3 pass and visit all three!

We recently did this and had such an amazing time. Not only did we get to explore Banff National Park, but we skied at three of the best ski fields in Canada all within a couple of days.

With a long ski season, plenty of snow, and dozens of different tracks for all levels, Banff is the perfect place to hit the slopes with your partner on a romantic winter getaway.

13. Enjoy a relaxing drive on the Bow Valley Parkway

It’s true that just exploring in and around Banff is beautiful. So, it’s no surprise we’ve included another relaxing drive to spend a few hours on your Banff honeymoon.

The Bow Valley Parkway is a stunning stretch of road with plenty of worthwhile stops and viewpoints along the way. Some of the most amazing places to stop include Moose Medows, Johnston Canyon, Morant’s Curve, Silverton Falls, and Castle Lookout, but among these, you’re sure to find your own favorites. So, grab a coffee from one of the amazing cafes in Banff and then get exploring!

Hot Tip: Head off in the morning, not only is the road much quieter but you’re more likely to see wildlife including bears or moose!

Note: There will be some closures to vehicle traffic on sections of the Bow Valley Parkway this year (2023). From May 1-June 30 and then again from Sept 1-Sept 30 vehicles will NOT be able to drive the 17 km/11 mi stretch of road from the TransCanada-Highway junction to Johnston Canyon, it will be restricted to cyclists’ use only. This is the eastern part of the road that is affected if you’re traveling to Johnston Canyon from Banff. You will still be able to access Johnston Canyon and the Bow Valley Parkway via the intersection near Castle Mountain Chalets.

14. Dog Sledding

Romantic activities aren’t always relaxing. In fact, I’d say the most romantic activities are those that you experience for the first time together. Well, I don’t think there is a more romantic activity than dog sledding through the Canadian Rockies in each other’s arms!

On my last trip to Banff, Bailey and I decided to finally give dog sledding a go, and wow, what an experience to share together! It’s the type of story we’ll be telling our grandkids one day!

We chose a tour with Howling Dogs Tours. When it came to picking a tour the most important thing to us was the dogs. Howling Dog Tours is one of the best for that and on their website, you can read all about how the dogs are treated. The owners are super passionate about dog sledding and their dogs and it really shows throughout the entire experience.

We did their 2-hour tour that cost $268 CAD each which is the high season price (the low season price is $259 CAD). On the tour, we went sledding a total of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) through the Canadian Rockies. We learned about dog sledding and its history, met the dogs (and fell in love with them), as well as enjoyed a hot chocolate in the snow.

Other Amazing Full-day Tours from Banff

We would’ve loved to have done every activity in Banff but unfortunately, that would take a lot of time as there’s simply so much to do!

With that said, here are a few extra things we haven’t done personally but would absolutely love to…and you might too!

• Discover Grizzly Bears from Banff – I still have not seen a bear in the wild and I want to so bad! Of course, Bailey has, but she grew up around the Okanagan. But if you too haven’t seen a wild bear with your own eyes, this would be an amazing tour that will help you track them down! If you still don’t manage to find one you can settle for seeing Boo, the rescued grizzly bear at the bear sanctuary in Golden.
• 2-day Overnight Backcountry Lodge Trip by Horse – If you love horses and want to feel like a rancher then this is one tour you simply cannot miss. Imagine exploring the rugged terrain of Banff National Park by horse and then spending the night in a backcountry lodge – unforgettable! Meals are also included in the cost which averages out to be $430 CAD a day. If the two-day adventure is too much, I have done this 1-hour Banff horse riding tour which I loved so I can guarantee that it would be a great alternative.
• Snow Shoeing Adventure – There wasn’t quite enough snow around during my visit so I didn’t get to do any snowshoeing, but I sure would love to! This tour has you snowshoeing on Lake Louise for around an hour and is really great value at only $100 CAD because it includes your transport from Banff which can be messy and expensive.

Related Read: For more activities and attractions, check out our huge blog on the best things to do in Banff!

Spas and Wellness Centers to Spoil Your Loved One in Banff

A vital part of planning the most romantic honeymoon in Banff is finding some beautiful day spas to spoil your loved one with. There are many in Banff, but a few that stand out to me are:

Red Earth Spa – The Red Earth Spa is a beautiful spa located in the Banff Caribou Lodge. They have 6 treatment rooms and 2 manicure and pedicure stations. They also offer couples messages perfect for your honeymoon. The Banff Caribou Lodge is both a beautiful Spa and a great place to stay in Banff.

Chateau Lake Louise Spa – Located in the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel this luxurious spa is in the most breathtaking locations. The spa specializes in over 20 treatments from facial massage to rejuvenating body scrubs that are perfect after a day of exploring.

Mountain Spa Banff – This stunning spa is located in the heart of Banff and features 9 spa treatment rooms, 360-degree mountain views, and steam showers. They offer a huge range of treatments from couples massages to body scrubs and manicures.

5 Restaurants in Banff to enjoy a Romantic Dinner

1. Sky Bistro

The Sky Bistro is an amazing restaurant located at the top of the Banff Gondola on Sulpher Mountain at over 7,500 feet. The views from the restaurant are breathtaking and the food is impeccable.

This restaurant features the flavors of Canada with regionally sourced local ingredients. Although a restaurant, your dining experience doesn’t stop at food. After, you can enjoy a range of activities such as stargazing or relaxing at the rooftop fire pits.

2. Eden

Eden is a 5-Diamond award restaurant located in the Rimrock Resort Hotel. The restaurant is renowned for its French Cuisine and offers 4, 6, or 10-course meals designed to ignite all of your taste buds.

To pair with your food, Eden has an impressive 17,000 bottles of wine in inventory making the perfect food-wine pair inevitable. To add to the experience, Eden also has breathtaking mountain views and service that’s sure to impress!

3. Grapes

Grapes is a luxurious wine bar located in the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. They specialize in sharing plates, cheeses, and charcuterie boards. Serving wine by the glass, half, and full bottle you can come here for as much or as little as you want.

Their cheeses and meats can be purchased per gram so you can make your own unique charcuterie board. This is the perfect place for the wine and cheese lover!

4. Chucks Steakhouse

Chuck’s Steakhouse is, as you might have guessed, a steakhouse. This stunning restaurant in the heart of Banff is famous for its quality and willingness to go the extra mile to produce a great steak.

Chuck’s only use Alberta Raised Wagyu Beef and pairs it with their signature cocktails or wines from every region in the world. If you’re in need of a quality Alberta steak then Chucks Steakhouse is an obvious choice.

5. Lake Louise Station

The Lake Louise Station is a unique place that’s both an attraction and a great place to dine. Located in Lake Louise at the old Lake Louise Train Station, this heritage-listed building is now a beautifully decorated restaurant that serves amazing food.

The menu is priced very well and the service is outstanding. The menu is very relaxed and you can find a range of Canadian dishes such as a bison burger or the very good Station Beef Stew.

The restaurant is located inside the actual historic train station. So even on a rainy day in Banff National Park, you’ll want to escape indoors to check out this unique restaurant.

Related Read: Only have a couple of days in Banff? Check out our detailed Banff itinerary suited for 1, 2, or 3 days!

When to Visit Banff for Your Honeymoon

When you should visit Banff for your honeymoon depends entirely on the type of things you want to do and see.

Banff in the winter is pure magic! Snow-covered peaks will surround you and you can enjoy some romantic winter activities like a horse-drawn sleigh ride, red wine by the fire, and ice skating on the famous Lake Louise. With that said, it can get really cold – so just be prepared!

In the summer, the places to explore and things to do are practically endless. There are so many hiking opportunities! You can walk around in the sunshine on Banff Ave, visit the farmers market, take a cruise on Lake Minnewanka, get soaked on a whitewater rafting tour, and so much more.

Banff in the fall is picturesque and romantic. When all the trees turn beautiful hues of orange and yellow they are stunning. Be sure to hike the Larch Valley Trail if you come at this time of year – it’s iconic.

No matter when you visit, there are tours in Banff for every season that are perfect for couples!

Renting a Car in Alberta

If you’re arriving in Alberta via plane then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough. Canada is a large country and traveling between cities and even just getting out to some of the best places to visit in Alberta requires transport. Although you can use public transport, on some occasions, it means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.

Renting a car will definitely make exploring all of the fun things to see and do in Alberta easier.

Car rental in Canada isn’t super cheap, but it isn’t overly expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with pickup and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though depending on the time of year and the type of car that you rent. For car rentals, I use the website DiscoverCars.com. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used them all over the world including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia.

Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter.) Using Motorhome Republic you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada, and using crown land and campsites, you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable!

Canada Travel Essentials

Before you decide to head off and explore the gorgeous mountains, lakes, towns, and cities around Canada it’s important to have the right equipment. Of course, it’s likely you’ll have most of the basics already but there are some common items people forget that I never travel without.

Crampons: In winter, crampons are super handy, but what people don’t realize is that they come in handy in summer too. In fact, up until mid-July, you can still expect icy conditions in the mountains. The pair I use is only $37 CAD and they have lasted me 3 seasons so far!

Waterproof shell: Most people will have this item but I thought I’d include it anyway since it’s so handy in Canada. The Columbia waterproof jacket is a lightweight windproof jacket that will seriously save you in many situations. The best part, though? It comes in pink!

Bear bells: These are a must, and for the price, you shouldn’t hike without them. The bear bells I use are only $9 CAD and they come with a silencer (a must) so you can easily travel with them.

Scent-proof bag (for bears): Most people think you only need to keep the smell of food away from you when you’re overnight camping. However, bears can smell the food in your bag while you’re hiking and the best way to avoid an encounter is to use a scent-proof bear bag. Basically, you put your food in the bag and the bear cannot smell it while you’re hiking. This is one item most people never have (I never hike without it) but it could save you and the bear.

Buff: I love my buff! Seriously, I go nowhere without it both in winter and summer. There are a few brands around but I always buy the original Buff (you know, the one from Survivor!) They’re a little more expensive but the material is good quality and both breathable and quick drying.

Dry bag: I have expensive camera equipment, so I always travel with a dry bag large enough to fit some of my equipment. It can be a camera, book, binoculars, or even my keys. Regardless, a dry bag gives me peace of mind! The MARCHWAY bag is really good quality, and when not in use, takes up only a small amount of room.

Binoculars: I love my binoculars! Seriously they have come in handy so many times, especially when I’m looking for wildlife. The best part is, I use a set that only costs $25 CAD and they serve my basic needs without any issues!

Thanks for reading!

There is nothing else you need to do, well, except for you to have an amazing time together on your beautiful Banff honeymoon!

Thanks so much for reading and from the bottom of our hearts we hope your honeymoon or engagement is as memorable and romantic as ours was in Banff!

If you have any feedback about this post or any more questions then leave them below! We get back to every comment!

Also, if you loved this travel guide be sure to check out all of our blogs about Canada or these related articles below. Have fun and thanks again!

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BEST things to do in Banff

Awesome things to do in Kelowna, BC

Guide to planning a honeymoon in Jasper