There’s something magical about slipping away for a few days, especially when the destination is nestled in the Canadian Rockies. My husband and I recently did just that with a quick trip to Banff, Alberta—and let me tell you, it was pure mountain bliss. Crisp air, jaw-dropping views, a cozy lodge, and even a few wildlife sightings. It was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
*Please note that all of the photos in this post are mine and were taken with my iPhone.
Here’s a little recap of where we stayed, what we saw, and what made this trip so special.
Home Base: Moose Hotel & Suites, Banff Downtown
We planted ourselves right in the heart of Banff by booking a stay at Moose Hotel & Suites, and it was the perfect launching pad for everything we wanted to do. The lodge had that warm, woodsy vibe you’d hope for in a mountain town—think timber beams, stone fireplaces, and just enough rustic charm to make you feel like you’re in a cozy cabin (but with modern perks like underground parking and rooftop hot tubs).
The lobby always had a fire going, and it smelled sooo good.
Seriously, the location was a dream. We could stroll out the front door and be in the middle of Banff Avenue in seconds. Coffee shops, little boutiques, restaurants—it’s all there. We loved just walking around the town, especially in the morning with a cup of something warm and the mountains waking up around us.
Not to mention waking up to this view? Pure mountain bliss. Am I right?
A Ride to the Sky: Banff Gondola & Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk
One of the highlights of our trip was taking the Banff Gondola up to the top of Sulphur Mountain. This is your moment if you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to float above pine trees and valleys. The gondola ride is quick (about 8 minutes) but spectacular—you’re lifted high above the trees with nothing but mountains in every direction.
Side note: If I’m being honest, heights are not my friend. I was TERRIFIED. I played worship music for the full eight minutes up and the full eight minutes down while praying.
Also, I wanted to mention that Steve and I took the Banff Gondola to the top of the mountain when we were dating, eighteen or nineteen(ish) years ago. Holy stinking cow! Where does the time go?
The view from the top is unbelievable. You can see all of Banff below, with layers upon layers of snow-dusted peaks stretching into the horizon. Breathtaking, friends.
We walked the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk, a series of wooden stairs and walkways that wind their way to a historic weather station. It’s a short trek, but you’ll stop every few feet just to soak in the view.
There’s also a café and interpretive center at the top, so you can grab a hot drink and learn a bit about the geology and history of the area. But honestly, it’s the kind of place where you just want to stand still and breathe it all in.
Bow Falls & The River Walk
Just a few minutes from downtown, Bow Falls is a must-see if you love a good waterfall (and who doesn’t?). It’s not massive like Niagara, but the sheer volume of water pouring over the rocks is impressive, especially set against the mountain backdrop.
We parked nearby and took a leisurely walk along the Bow River. The light that filters through the trees, the sound of the rushing river, the stillness of the landscape—it’s meditative in the best way.
Bring your camera, but also just enjoy it. There’s something incredibly peaceful about standing by the river, watching the water move.
Surprise Corner: A Fairytale View
One of the most iconic views in Banff is tucked just a short drive from downtown at a spot fittingly called Surprise Corner. As we pulled up and caught our first glimpse, it truly lived up to its name—there, nestled among the trees and framed by snow-capped giants, was the stunning Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, looking every bit like a castle in the mountains. It’s a quick stop with a major wow factor.
Tip: Visit in the morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds.
It’s one of those postcard-perfect moments that makes you pause, take a deep breath, and just stare in awe. Quick stop, big impact—don’t skip it on your next trip to Banff.
Lake Minnewanka: Moody, Majestic, and Full of Surprises
When we visited Lake Minnewanka, it was completely frozen and absolutely stunning. There’s something surreal about standing in front of a vast sheet of ice framed by towering peaks. The whole lake looked like a scene from a snow globe, quiet and still. We walked along the shoreline, enjoying the fresh air and views. Even without open water, Lake Minnewanka was a showstopper—wild, peaceful, and picture-perfect in its wintry stillness.
There’s boat access in the summer, but even in cooler months, it’s a great place for a peaceful walk or a quiet sit.
Day Trip to Canmore & the Three Sisters
On one of our days, we decided to hop in the car and head about 20 minutes down the road to Canmore, a smaller, slightly sleepier mountain town that we fell in love with. If Banff feels like the center of attention, Canmore is its quieter, artsy cousin.
We wandered through downtown Canmore, ducking into art galleries and gift shops, and stopped for coffee at a local café. The town has a laid-back, creative energy, and the people were so friendly.
It didn’t hurt that everywhere you look, the Three Sisters mountain peaks are looming in the background like something out of a painting. If you’re looking for a slower pace with all the mountain charm, Canmore is worth the drive.
Wildlife Wonders: Elk & Big Horn Sheep
We went into this trip hoping we might see a bit of wildlife—maybe a deer or two if we were lucky. What we got was beyond our expectations.
On our way to Lake Minnewanka, we spotted a herd of elk just off the side of the road, calmly grazing in a clearing. We pulled over and watched from a distance as they meandered through the trees. It was surreal—these animals were huge, majestic, and unbothered by our quiet presence.
Later, we were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of bighorn sheep along the cliffs. They look like they belong in another era—rugged, powerful, and wild.
Seeing these animals in their natural habitat was a definite trip highlight. It reminded us that these mountains are more than just pretty scenery—they’re home to a whole world of creatures living their lives tucked into the trees and crags.
A Few Final Thoughts
Travel doesn’t always have to mean hopping on a plane for a weeklong getaway. Sometimes, a few days in a beautiful place is exactly what you need. This trip to Banff gave us that little breath of fresh air, quite literally, and a renewed sense of awe for the world around us. Until this trip, we’ve only taken day trips to Banff when visiting family in Calgary. It was perfection.
We came home with cold noses, warm hearts, and about a thousand photos of mountains. Haha. More importantly, we came back feeling rested and recharged. If you’ve been dreaming of a mountain escape, book a trip to Banff. Trust me, it’s ready to welcome you with open (and snow-covered) arms.
Other travel-related posts:
St. Maarten (and another)
Venice, Italy
When in Rome…
Bermuda Cruise
Province of Newfoundland
Sue B says
Wow, you really painted a wonderful picture. I lived in Alberta for 4 years and we never got around to doing what you did. Now, I want to go:) Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Wish I had done that. Lovely post.