Complete Guide to Planning an Extraordinary Honeymoon in Banff


Banff Honeymoon

Anyone going on a honeymoon wants a unique destination. Banff is an excellent choice. Without exaggeration, this wold-famous park in the Rocky Mountains is one of the most romantic destinations on the planet. Below you will find everything you need to know for a honeymoon to Banff.  

Planning your honeymoon is one of the most fun things that come with your wedding. After all the intense wedding preparations, it’s a project in itself. An, if all goes well, you only do it once.

In this article, you’ll find essential information for a unique and romantic honeymoon in Banff. With the tips below, planning your trip will be a breeze. Here’s what you need to know.

Honeymoon in Banff – What to Arrange?

Now that you’re considering (already decided?) to spend your honeymoon in Banff, you might want to reflect on what to arrange for your dream trip. Here’s a quick summary.

  • Determine what time of the year you want to visit Banff
  • Figure out your options to get to Banff
  • Decide what kind of lodging you prefer: staying in lodgings or camping? (I advise you to book early)
  • Determine how long you want to spend in Banff – there’s always more to see, so plan carefully

When to Have Your Honeymoon to Banff?

The beauty of Banff is that the park has two high seasons, summer and winter, each with its specific attractions and activities. In that sense, it doesn’t matter much when you go to Banff on your honeymoon. 

However, April and May and October and November are slightly less suitable. For winter lovers, the season hasn’t started yet or has just come to an end. And for those who prefer to go in the summer, the lakes in April and May are frozen and/or snowy. It’s just a bit too cold in the Rockies in October and November without it being winter yet, when you can undertake all sorts of winter activities.

There is also an advantage to visiting the park in these months. Because of the reasons mentioned above, it is considerably quieter and has better hotel rates.

Flying to Calgary

First off, your trip to the Rockies. With destination Banff, you usually fly to Calgary International Airport. There are direct flights from the following countries:

  • Bahamas (seasonal)
  • Belize (seasonal)
  • Costa Rica (seasonal)
  • Cuba (seasonal)
  • Dominican Republic (seasonal)
  • Germany
  • France (seasonal)
  • Ireland (seasonal)
  • Italy (Seasonal)
  • Jamaica (Seasonal)
  • Mexico (seasonal)
  • Netherlands (seasonal)
  • United States
  • Switzerland (seasonal)

Flying from the United States

In the United States, you have a wide range of options for flying directly to Calgary.

  • Atlanta
  • Boston (seasonal)
  • Chicago O’Hare
  • Dallas/Fort Worth
  • Denver
  • Fort Lauderdale (seasonal)
  • Honolulu (seasonal)
  • Houston Intercontinental
  • Kailua-Kona
  • Kahului (seasonal)
  • Las Vegas
  • Lihue
  • Nashville (seasonal)
  • New York-JFK
  • Minneapolis/St Paul
  • Newark 
  • Orange County
  • Orlando
  • Palm Springs
  • Phoenix-Sky Harbor
  • Phoenix-Mesa (seasonal)
  • Portland (Oregon)
  • Salt Lake City
  • San Diego
  • San Francisco
  • Seattle-Tacoma 

Connections within Canada

You can also fly to Calgary from a wide range of cities in Canada.

  • Abbotsford (BC)
  • Brandon (MB)
  • Castlegar (BC)
  • Comox (BC)
  • Cranbrook (BC)
  • Dawson Creek (BC)
  • Edmonton (AB)
  • Fort McMurray (AB)
  • Grande Prairie (AB)
  • Halifax (NS)
  • Hamilton (ON)
  • Kitchener/Waterloo (ON)
  • Kamloops (BC)
  • Kelowna (BC)
  • Lethbridge (AB)
  • Lloydminster (AB)
  • London (ON)
  • Medicine Hat (AB)
  • Montreal (QC)
  • Nanaimo (BC)
  • Ottawa (ON)
  • Penticton (BC)
  • Prince George (BC)
  • Quebec City (QC)
  • Regina (MB)
  • Saskatoon (SK)
  • St John’s (seasonal) (NL)
  • Toronto (ON)
  • Vancouver (BC)
  • Victoria (BC)
  • Whitehorse (Seasonal) (YT)
  • Windsor (Seasonal) (ON)
  • Winnipeg (MB)
  • Yellowknife (NT)

Transportation from Calgary Airport to Banff 

After arriving at Calgary Airport, you have two ways to get to Banff. You can take a shuttle bus or other cab service or rent a car. Unfortunately, there is no train connection between Calgary and Banff (yet). 

If you opt for a shuttle bus or other cab service, it is advisable to rent a car after arriving there. Most major attractions are accessible by public transport, but a car is indispensable if you want to see more of the park than just the major attractions. And nothing beats your own car’s comfort, of course. 

Transportation by Bus or Cab

If you want to travel to Banff by bus or cab, you have a wide choice of tour operators. Below an overview of the possibilities.

Banff Airporter
Banff Airporter runs a shuttle bus from Calgary Airport to Banff and vice versa five times a day. It is also possible to travel to Canmore, located close to Banff. In addition, Banff Airporter offers private transfers under the name Banff Sedan. Check the website for the different options and corresponding rates.

Rates:
Adult (18-64): CAD 72.99 – return: CAD 145.98
Seniors (65+): CAD 65.69 – return: CAD 131.38

Banff Airporter
Address: Eagle Crescent 141, Banff
Phone: +1 888 – 449 2901 (free) / +1 403 – 762 3330 (local)
Website: banffairporter.com / banffsedan.com
E-mail: info@banffairporter.com / info@banffsedan.com

Banff Express
This service has no pick-up point at the Calgary airport but does have three in the city. Banff Express runs twice daily, once in the morning and once in the late afternoon, and stops in Banff and Canmore. It is one of your cheapest options and you can book tickets online. You cannot book round-trip tickets, however, but two one-way tickets also works.

Fares:
Adults: CAD 40 (Banff) / CAD 35 (Canmore)

Banff Express
Phone number: +1 403 – 604 7466
Website: thebanffexpress.com
E-mail: via the website

Brewster Express
Brewster has been a household name in the Rockies for decades. Their shuttle connects Calgary with Banff, Canmore, Kananaskis, Lake Louise and Jasper. The company also offers private transfers; just be prepared to pay a (hefty) extra cost.

Fares: 
Adults: CAD 74 – return: CAD 126

Brewster Express
Address: 100 Gopher Street, Banff
Phone: 1 877 – 625 4372
Website: https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/brewster-express
E-mail: via website

Discover Banff Tours
Discover Banff Tours has a shuttle bus service from Calgary Airport and Calgary Downtown to Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise. It only sells one-way trips and you can book them online. Discover Banff Tours also offers (much pricier) private transfers for individuals or groups. In this case, you can choose which type of car you want to travel in. They ask you to call for a quote.

Rate:
Adult (16+): CAD 74

Discover Banff Tours
Address: 215 Banff Avenue, Banff (in the Sundance Mall)
Phone: +1 403 – 760 5007
Website: banfftours.com
E-mail: info@banfftours.com

On-It Regional Transit
On-It Regional Transit allows you to travel from Calgary to Banff and Canmore from May to September. The service is available Friday through Sunday and on national holidays (Canada has quite a few). In Banff, an On-It Regional Transit ticket allows you to transfer for free to a Roam Public Transit bus for local transportation in and around Banff. 

On-It Regional Transit has three stops in Calgary to travel to Banff and/or Canmore. The stop closest to the airport can be found on 9th Avenue Southeast in downtown Calgary, behind the Olympic Plaza.

Fare:
CAD 10 per person

On-It Banff & Canmore
Phone number: +1 587 – 534 0542
Website: onitregionaltransit.ca
E-mail: onitsupport@southland.ca

Rocky Mountain Shuttle
Rocky Mountain Shuttle is a personal transportation service available 24 hours a day. You can travel to Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise with Rocky Mountain Shuttle. Reservations are necessary. You can call, Whatsapp or send a message via the website to ensure your place.

Rate:
CAD 205 per car

Rocky Mountain Shuttle
Address: 60 Glendale Way, Cochrane, AB
Phone: +1 403 – 829 2667
Website: rockiesshuttle.ca
E-mail: via the website

Renting a Car

For most people, renting a car at Calgary International Airport is the most obvious option. Another option (often cheaper) is taking a cab or bus to downtown Calgary to rent a car. Traveling to Banff or Lake Louise by shuttle bus or another cab service and renting a car at your destination is also possible. Below are details of car rental companies at the airport and in Banff and Lake Louise. 

Calgary International Airport

Avis Car Rental 
Address: 2000 Airport Road NE, Calgary
Phone: +1 403 – 221 1700
Website: avis.ca

Budget Car & Truck Rental
Address: 2000 Airport Road NE, Calgary
Phone: + 1 403 – 221 1715
Website: budget.ca

Hertz Car Rental
Address: 2000 Airport Road NE, Calgary
Phone: + 1 403 – 221 1676
Website: hertz.com

National Car Rental
Address: 2000 Airport Road NE, Calgary
Phone: +1 833 – 619 3655
Website: nationalcar.ca

Thrifty Car Rental
Address: 2000 Airport Road NE, Calgary
Phone: +1 403 – 221 1806 
Website: thrifty.com

Banff

Alamo
Address: 521 Banff Avenue, in Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa
Phone number: +1 403 – 760 3236
Website: alamo.ca

Avis Car Rental
Address: 317 Banff Avenue, in Cascade Shops
Phone: +1 403 – 762 3222
Website: avis.ca

Budget Car Rental
Address: 317 Banff Avenue, in Cascade Shops
Phone: +1 403 – 762 3222
Website: budget.ca

Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Address: 521 Banff Avenue, in Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa
Phone: +1 403 – 762 2688
Website: enterprise.ca

Hertz Car Rental – Banff – Banff Springs Hotel
Address: 405 Spray Avenue, in Banff Springs Hotel
Phone: +1 403-7622027
Website: hertz.com

Lake Louise

National Car Rental
Address: 105 Lake Louise Drive
Phone: +1 403 – 522 3870 
Website: nationalcar.ca

Hertz Car Rental – Lake Louise
Address: 111 Lake Louise Drive, in Fairmont Château Lake Louise
Phone: +1 403 – 522 2470
Website: hertz.com

Accommodation or Camping?

Of course, the answer to that question has everything to do with personal preference. Most people prefer spending the night in a hotel, but perhaps the romance of camping suits you better. In either case, there are plenty of options in the park. For hotels (and other accommodations) and camping, you have the most outstanding choice in the town of Banff and Lake Louise.

As far as accommodations go, Canmore is an excellent third option. This town is just outside the park but is larger than Banff and has a large selection of accommodations. Plus, Canmore is only a 25-minute drive from the town of Banff. 

Want a concise overview of what hotels you can book in the park and Lake Louise, read this comprehensive article: the ultimate overview of hotels in Banff.

Hotels with the Most Beautiful (Wedding) Suites

If you want to stay in a hotel and spend your honeymoon in luxury, Banff is the place to be. Several hotels have beautiful (bridal) suites. Below is an overview of the most special ones.

Banff

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

It doesn’t get much more romantic than the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. This castle-like hotel has an aura unlike any other in Banff and far beyond, as becomes evident from the Royal Suite. Located on the main building’s top floor, this presidential retreat has an impressive 139 square meters (1500 sq ft) of floor space.

The suite has a separate bedroom with a king size bed, a living area with grand piano, a coffee and wine bar, and a library on the upper floor. The suite offers you windows providing majestic views on all sides. This is Banff in optima forma. If you want to book this suite, you need a big budget. 

Click on the video to view the accommodation.

PRICE: In high season, you’ll pay about CAD 5000 per night for the Royal Suite. If that’s a bit too much to pony up, the hotel has several lower-priced exclusive suites to make your honeymoon a romantic dream trip.

Fairmont Banff Springs
Address: 405 Spray Avenue
Phone number: +1 403 – 762 2211
Website: fairmont.com
E-mail: banffsprings@fairmont.com

Moose Hotel and Suites

The Moose Hotel and Suites comes with a unique courtyard and assures you of a luxurious stay with its Rooftop One Bedroom Suite. Situated on Banff Avenue, this suite consists of a bedroom with a king size bed, a living room with a fireplace and a spacious bathroom with a large walk-in shower. The balcony, adjacent to the bedroom and the living room, offers you a beautiful view of the Rockies. The Moose is only a five-minute walk from Banff’s shopping district.

Click here to view photos of this suite.

PRICE: In high season, you’ll pay about CAD 900 per night for the Rooftop One Bedroom Suite. 

The Moose Hotel and Suites has a unique second option for a luxurious stay. In the middle of the courtyard you’ll find the Corner House. If you book this option, you get an entire house at your disposal. And not just any house, but an original miner’s house from the early twentieth century. Once built in the former mining town of Bankhead, it was moved in 1926 to Banff, where it stood for decades at the corner of Banff Avenue and Moose Street. In 2016 it was moved to its current location. 

The floor area of the Corner house is 61 m2 (660 sq ft) and consists of a ground and upper floor. The house is furnished (in part) in yesteryear’s pioneer style and decorated with photos of the house’s former residents. Talking about romantic! The accommodation is fully equipped with a living room, a bedroom with a queen-size bed and a bathroom with a bathtub.

You can rent the Corner House as private accommodation for two people. According to the hotel’s website, it is best suited for “guests who are open to an informal encounter with other visitors who are curious about the story of the Corner House”.

Click here to view photos of the Corner House.

PRICE: In high season, you’ll pay about CAD 650 per night for the Corner House. 

Moose Hotel and Suites
Address: 345 Banff Avenue
Phone: +1 403 – 762 2638
Website: moosehotelandsuites.com
E-mail: reservations@bestofbanff.com

Peaks Hotel & Suites 

At the Summit Grand Suite With Fire Pit, you can enjoy all the luxury Peaks Hotel & Suites offers from the top floor. On the atmospheric rooftop terrace, you can enjoy romantic views of Mount Rundle with a fire pit between you. The suite consists of a separate bedroom with a comfortable king size bed and a spacious living room through the vaulted ceiling. The luxurious bathroom is equipped with a bathtub and shower. The hotel’s location is superb, as it is adjacent to Banff’s shopping district.

Click here to view photos of the suite.

PRICE: In high season, the Summit Grand Suite With Fire Pit costs approximately CAD 650 per night. 

Peaks Hotel And Resort
Address: 211 Lynx Street
Phone: +1 403 – 762 4471
Website: peaksbanff.com
E-mail: info@peaksbanff.com

Rimrock Resort Hotel

The Suite Infinity 900 is located on the top floor of the imposing Rimrock Resort Hotel, the most luxurious hotel in Banff, along with the Fairmont Banff Springs. The accommodation measures 74 m2 (797 sq ft) and has an impressive balcony of no less than 107 m2 (1152 sq ft). The suite offers all the luxury you could want, including a king size bed, fireplace, large TV and Bose speaker system. 

The Rimrock Resort Hotel is situated on the flanks of Sulphur Mountain, making it the highest hotel in Banff. It gives you the best views of the town. 

Click here to see photos of the suite.

PRICE: The Suite Infinity 900 will cost you just under CAD 3000 per night in high season. If you have a slightly less well-filled purse, the hotel has some excellent alternatives that are more affordable, such as the Grandview Suites. 

Rimrock Resort Hotel
Address: 300 Mountain Avenue
Phone: +1 403 – 762 3356
Website: rimrockresort.com
E-mail: info@rimrockresort.com

Royal Canadian Lodge

If you want all the comforts you wish for within walking distance of the shopping district of Banff, then the Executive Suite at the Royal Canadian Lodge is an excellent choice. This spacious so-called open-concept suite includes a king size bed, jacuzzi tub, walk-in shower and bar. 

Click here to view photos of the suite.

PRICE: In high season, you’ll pay about CAD 500 per night for the Executive Suite.

Royal Canadian Lodge
Address: 459 Banff Avenue
Phone: +1 403 – 762 3307
Website: royalcanadianlodge.com
E-mail: res@charltonresort.com

Lake Louise

Fairmont Château Lake Louise

Fairmont Château Lake Louise is without a doubt an excellent choice as it sits right at the Lake Louise lakeshore. The impressive Belvedere Suite has a floor area of 81 m2 (870 sq ft). It occupies two floors and has a spacious living room and two private balconies overlooking the famous lake and the Victoria Glacier.

A stylish spiral staircase leads you to the bedroom with a king size bed and bathroom. The large windows in the bathroom are remarkable, allowing you to lie in the bath and look out over one of the most famous views of the Rocky Mountains. The suite has all the luxury you would expect from a top-segment hotel.

Click here to view photos of the suite.

PRICE: In high season, the Belvedere Suite will cost you approximately CAD 3200 per night.

Fairmont Château Lake Louise
Address: 111 Lake Louise Drive
Phone: +1 403 – 522 3511
Website: fairmon.com
E-mail: chateaulakelouise@fairmont.com

Post Hotel & Spa

The Post Lodge Suite at the Post Hotel & Spa is a first-class home for your stay in the park. With its robust (partly) wooden walls, this suite looks like a cozy log cabin but with all the luxury you could wish for, such as a fireplace and a generous seating area. The sleeping and living areas are separated, with a total floor space of 60 m2 (65 sq ft). The bedroom with a king size bed is in the loft, as is a small bathroom. The large bathroom is located downstairs and features a generous bathtub.

The hotel is located just off the Bow River and is within walking distance of the Samson Mall in Lake Louise Village. Lake Louise itself and the Lake Louise Ski Resort are only five minutes away. 

Click here to view photos of the suite.

PRICE: In high season, you’ll pay about CAD 800 per night for the Post Lodge Suite.

Post Hotel & Spa
Address: 200 Pipestone Road
Phone: +1 403- 522 3989 
Website: posthotel.com
E-mail: info@posthotel.com

Other Romantic Lodging Options

There are many ways to spend the night in Banff, including glamping or “glamorous camping”. Excellent romantic camping, but in relative luxury. This way, you avoid the significant camping inconveniences and enjoy the wilderness in style. 

One way is spending the night in a so-called oTENTik. You can find them at the Tunnel Mountain II and Two Jack Lake Lakeside campgrounds. An oTENTik is a prospector-style tent on a raised wooden floor. It has a wooden A-shaped frame and features a front door, windows and a porch. Inside you will find bunk beds.

Furthermore, you can also stay in Elevated Escapes‘ glamping tents. If you want even more luxury and still have a camping feeling, then spending the night in a log cabin is an excellent idea. The latter option, by the way, is considerably more expensive. You’ll be charged a price that’s close to the prices for renting one of the hotel suites I described above.

Some options: 

If you want to know more about glamping, read this extensive post on alternative lodging options in Banff.

Romantic Dining

During your honeymoon in Banff, there should be no lack of restaurants for romantic dinners. Choices abound in the town of Banff and Lake Louise in particular. Below is an overview of the best restaurants for a romantic dinner. 

Banff

1. Grapes
Grapes is a charcuterie restaurant in the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel with many fine wines. It is a cozy place full of history in a historic and breathtaking location. As you would expect in a five-star hotel, not only is the food there excellent, but so is the service—an ideal place for a romantic dinner. 

Grapes
Address: 405 Spray Avenue
Phone: +1 403 – 762 2211
Website: banff-springs-hotel.com
E-mail: banffsprings@fairmont.com

2. Eden
Eden is a top-notch restaurant as well. It’s part of the Rimrock Resort Hotel, the most luxurious hotel in Banff after the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Located on the flanks of Sulphur Mountain, you have truly magnificent views over the Bow Valley and Banff from the restaurant. The food quality is outstanding and the setting is perfect for an intimate dinner for two. In that respect, the restaurant lives up to its name. 

Eden
Address: 300 Mountain Avenue
Phone number: +1 403 – 762 1865
Website: rimrockresort.com
E-mail: res@rimrockresort.com

3. Three Ravens Restaurant & Wine Bar
The Three Ravens Restaurant & Wine Bar is located on Tunnel Mountain and offers a beautiful view of Banff town and the Bow Valley. The restaurant on the grounds of the Banff Centre stands out because of its large glass fronts. A perfect location to enjoy the grandeur of the Rockies during dinner. The products used are primarily from Alberta, and even if you have a food allergy or intolerance, the Three Ravens Restaurant & Wine Bar is a great place to go. And, as the name suggests, the wine selection there is generous. 

Three Ravens Restaurant & Wine Bar
Address: 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive, 3rd floor Sally Borden Building
Phone: +1 403 – 762 6300
Website: banffcentre.ca
E-mail: dining@banffcentra.ca

4. Sky Bistro
Sky Bistro is located at the top of Sulphur Mountain. From there, you can look out over Banff and the Rockies. The easiest way to get there is by the Banff Gondola, although you can also venture to the top by hike. The dishes are inspired by Canadian culinary traditions and made from regional ingredients. This is the highest restaurant in Banff town, and the location makes dining here unique.

Sky Bistro
Address: Mountain Avenue
Phone: +1 403 – 762 7475
Website: banffjaspercollection.com
E-mail: via website

5. The Juniper Bistro
The Juniper Bistro is part of the Juniper Hotel located on the Trans-Canada Highway, just north of Banff Town. You have a beautiful view of Vermilion Lakes from the restaurant, with the iconic Mount Rundle on the horizon. Again, large windows give you the best possible view. The wooden accents in the interior make it a cozy restaurant that is excellent for a romantic dinner. In the summer you can also sit on the terrace. The food is relatively simple but excellent. 

The Juniper Bistro
Address: 1 Juniper Way
Phone: +1 403 – 762 2281
Website: thejuniper.com
E-mail: bistro@thejuniper.com

6. La Terrazza
This restaurant on the outskirts of Banff town – located in the Banff Park Lodge – likes to advertise itself as the number one Italian restaurant in town. Again, large, panoramic windows for great views and, most importantly, a spectacular glass ceiling. All you have to do in the evening is look up to see the stars while you feast on an Italian dish. Talk about romantic dining…

La Terrazza
Address: 222 Lynx Street
Phone: +1 403 – 762 3553
Website: banffparklodge.com
E-mail: terracemanager@banffparklodge.com

Lake Louise

1. Lakeview Lounge
The Lakeview Lounge is undoubtedly one of the most stylish restaurants in Banff National Park. If you want to get a special feeling about your honeymoon – if you didn’t already – this is the place.

It overlooks Lake Louise and the Victoria Glacier in the famous Fairmont Château Lake Louise. Without exaggeration, an iconic view. In the summer, you can also enjoy the terrace. Please note that hotel guests have priority in this unique restaurant.

Lakeview Lounge
Address: 111 Lake Louise Drive
Phone: +1 403 – 522 1601
Website: fairmont.com
E-mail: cll.concierge@fairmont.com

2. Lake Louise Railway Station & Restaurant
The Lake Louise Railway Station & Restaurant is an iconic restaurant. Housed in the old station building of Lake Louise Village, you will eat in an old, stylish home. In summer, you can also sit on the terrace.

It overlooks the Station Garden, which still looks like it did in 1910 when the station was built. Here you will find the romance of the old pioneer days of Lake Louise Village. Highly recommended.

Lake Louise Railway Station & Restaurant
Address: 200 Sentinel Road
Phone: +1 403 – 522 2600
Website: lakelouisestation.com
E-mail: via the website

3. Walter Wilcox Dining Room
If you want to dine romantically with a world-famous view, the Walter Wilcox Dining Room certainly qualifies. You overlook Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks from the restaurant in the Moraine Lake Lodge.

If you want to make your friends and family at home jealous, have dinner at this gourmet restaurant. One of the most memorable locations for a romantic dinner in Banff National Park is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary locations. And one of the best restaurants in the area. What more could you ask for?

Walter Wilcox Dining Room
Address: 1 Moraine Lake Road
Phone: +1 403 – 522 3733 
Website: morainelake.com
E-mail: info@morainelake.com

Want to see all the dining options in Banff? I’ve conveniently listed them in the article the Ultimate Overview of Restaurants in Banff.

How Many Days for Your Honeymoon?

The answer to this question depends on how much time you have, how big your budget is, and any other plans you have for your honeymoon. 

If you plan to spend your entire honeymoon in Banff, that’s no problem at all. Whether you stay three days or three weeks, there is more than enough to do and see to entertain you for a long time. 

Once you have seen the major tourist attractions (easily accessible by car), you soon end up with tours and outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, rafting, canoeing, skiing, skating and snowshoeing. 

It is wise, anyway, to bring a good pair of hiking boots. Because even at the easily accessible top attractions you will not escape a bit of walking. And since you are in the Rockies, walking on unpaved forest paths is inevitable.  

It is also possible that your visit to Banff is just a part of your honeymoon. You may also want to visit Jasper and Yoho National Park adjacent to Banff. And other parts of Canada. Either way, it’s good to decide well in advance how many days you want to spend in Banff and what you want to do and see in that time.

What to Pack for Your Honeymoon to Banff?

A honeymoon in the Rocky Mountains requires you to bring some specific items. Of course, this varies depending on the time of year. Below is a list of indispensable items for your honeymoon to Banff in summer and winter. 

Summer

  • Warm sweater (in the Rockies it can get pretty chilly at night, plus the weather is unpredictable)
  • Good pair of hiking boots
  • Rain jacket
  • Decent backpack
  • First aid kit
  • Binoculars
  • Pocket flashlight
  • Suntan lotion
  • Sunglasses
  • Map
  • Bear spray

Winter

  • Sufficiently warm clothing
  • Fleece sweater
  • Windproof jacket
  • Long underwear (it can get as low as -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit) in the Rockies)
  • Moisture-wicking socks
  • Ski pants
  • Good pair of hiking boots
  • First aid kit
  • Solid backpack
  • Pocket flashlight
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Binoculars
  • Map

Romantic Activities in Banff

On your honeymoon, you will have all the time for each other. The ultimate opportunity to make lifetime memories together. Below are fifteen activities for an unforgettable stay in Banff National Park.

1. Visit the Upper Hot Springs

Relax in a lovely heated mineral bath on the native soil of Banff National Park. Immerse yourself (literally) in the healthy waters of this famous outdoor pool and enjoy the overwhelming surroundings on the flanks of Sulphur Mountain.  

2. Enjoy the Sunset at Vermilion Lakes

You can enjoy the setting sun from one of the Vermilion Lakes jetties. This is often accompanied by beautiful color palettes above Mount Rundle’s sky. Moreover, most tourists disappear around sunset, and you have a good chance of a romantic get-together. And, oh yes, don’t forget your camera (or your phone).

3. Drive Down the Icefields Parkway

If you want to be overwhelmed by the nature of the Rockies (if you weren’t already), drive down the Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper. This road – formally Highway 93 North – is one of the most beautiful roads in the world. That title is certainly no exaggeration. The scenery is 230 kilometers (142 mi) of beautiful, more beautiful, most beautiful.

Be sure to stop frequently along the way, as this road has many viewpoints, lakes, glaciers, and waterfalls worth taking a closer look at. Also, don’t be surprised if you spot a bear or other wildlife during your drive. And don’t hesitate to take a whole day for it. Or several days. There are several hotels and campgrounds along the route.

4. Take a Ride on the Banff Gondola

For a comfortable trip to the top of Sulphur Mountain, take the Banff Gondola. Once you reach the top, several viewing platforms offer phenomenal views of the Bow Valley and Banff town. Visit the old weather station, eat something in the restaurant or buy souvenirs for home.

5. Go Hiking

This is a must-do in Banff. The possibilities are endless. Tunnel Mountain is an excellent option if you stay in Banff town and do not want to spend a whole day hiking. That hike is not too strenuous and not too long. Once at the top you have a beautiful view of the Bow River, Banff town and Rundle Mountain.

Like a more challenging hike that is not too busy? Then the trip to the summit of Cascade Mountain – the mountain at the “end” of Banff Avenue – is an absolute must. The view from the summit provides you with a unique perspective on the town of Banff and the mountains behind you.

You will walk through the wild without any trace of civilization—an extraordinary experience. Take at least half a day for this reasonably strenuous hike and be careful. Close to the top, there are some tricky sections.

6. Go Canoeing

Relaxing and strenuous simultaneously: A canoe trip on Moraine Lake, Lake Louise or Lake Minnewanka. At all three lakes you can rent a canoe (or kayak). Perfect for exploring the lake from the water. It gives you a different perspective than exploring the lake from the shore.

It also allows you to take endless beautiful pictures for the necessary Insta-magic. Moreover: sailing together in a boat on one of the most beautiful lakes on earth? How romantic can you get? 

7. Fly over the Rockies

Want to combine romance with adventure? Book a helicopter flight! Sensational experience guaranteed. And views, not to mention. From the air, you get a completely different view of Banff. It’s an activity you will never forget – guaranteed. A helicopter flight provides your honeymoon with an exceptional extra.

8. Explore the Rockies on Horseback

Speaking of adventure, how about a ride through the Rockies on horseback? Just like the helicopter flight, this is a guaranteed memorable experience. It’s very different from flying, of course, but horseback riding in the Rockies is a freedom experience that is hard to match. Not to mention the overwhelming nature you move through.

9. Explore the Rockies by Bike

Something more “normal” than exploring the Rockies by helicopter or on horseback, but more than worth it. You can rent a bike and explore the area around Banff Town yourself. Or you can book a tour. Then you can explore the Rockies on a guided mountain bike or e-bike and learn about the area.

10. Visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

Visiting these two beautiful lakes is mandatory. Marvel at the lakes’ stunning blue-green color. Both are an ideal backdrop for a series of romantic photos. You can easily walk along the lake for a romantic stroll at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. And the best part is that these lakes are so close together that you can easily visit them in one day.

11. Go Dog Sledding

If your honeymoon in winter takes you to Banff, then a sled dog ride is, without a doubt, one of the most extraordinary and romantic ways to explore the Rocky Mountains. Hear the barking of the pack of huskies that pull your sled through the snow at high speed, and let yourself be enchanted by the serene white landscape. Nothing compares to this magical experience. It doesn’t get much more romantic than this. 

12. Go Snowshoeing

If you want to enjoy the Rockies in winter, put on a pair of snowshoes and go hiking through virgin Canadian snow. In winter, the park is less crowded and with some luck, you’ll feel alone in the park together. Don’t forget to take pictures because the Rockies are breathtakingly beautiful, even in their winter coat.

13. Go Skating

Skating is a fantastic way to experience the Rockies in winter. There are plenty of lakes you can go to, such as Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, Lake Louise and Vermilion Lakes. Each lake has its charm, but they all have one thing in common: Stunning views everywhere you look. If you don’t have skates with you (probably not), don’t worry. You can rent skates at several places in Banff and Lake Louise.   

14. Go Skiing 

Banff National Park has three ski resorts: Norquay Mountain, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise. You can buy day passes or a pass for an extended period. It’s up to you what fits best into your honeymoon. And because there are three ski resorts within fifty kilometers of each other, you can explore a lot of slopes. 

15. Take the Time for a Romantic High Tea

Take time for yourself and enjoy a romantic high tea. You can stay at the local Fairmont hotel in Banff and Lake Louise; they are top hotels in an unlikely setting. In Lake Louise, you look out over the lake. In Banff, the majestic hotel is an experience in itself. Both in summer and winter a pleasant way for a romantic get-together.

Maybe yet another romantic activity to consider: stargazing in Banff.

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Dan

As a former Banffite, I love writing about my favorite part of the world. I keep coming back to enjoy the park's mesmerising beauty. It never fails to impress me. With my extensive knowledge of the area, I aim to provide you with the best information on Banff that you can find on the internet.

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