Alberta Adventures: Lake Louise, Banff, Canmore, and Calgary

Alberta Adventures: Lake Louise, Banff, Canmore, and Calgary

O Canada! My (hopefully future) home and native land! While my first trip to Alberta, I travel to Toronto every six months for work. Writing this I now realize the Toronto itinerary still has yet to be posted…I’ll get to it.

The provinces of Alberta and Ontario (where Toronto is) could not be more different. The province of Alberta is on the West Coast of Canada. Situated just above Montana and Idaho, it is home to more than 600 lakes, glaciers, and the impressive Canadian Rocky Mountains. Most famous for Lake Louise and Banff National Park, these breathtaking views are year-round destinations. Although the winter wonderland was beautiful, I’m excited to see everything in the summer where the lakes are not frozen and the temperature is above freezing.

We stayed downtown Calgary. A metropolitan area and the center of Canada’s oil industry (hence the work trip). Calgary is the airport you will fly into in order to reach any of the parks and lakes. Calgary is nicknamed “Cow Town” for its famous stampede event, a rodeo, and festival that happens in July. Calgary has a big country music scene. Two popular venues are Studio Bell or the Saddledome (a huge arena with the roof shaped like a saddle).

When arriving in Calgary, I suggest you rent a car for your adventures as everything in Alberta is very spread out. Most Airbnb’s have parking spots and have an in-building gym (a must when I travel). Canmore is the closest Canadian Rocky destination by being only 40 minutes out from downtown Calgary then comes Banff National park (1.5hrs from Calgary), then Lake Louise (2hrs from Calgary).

Canada Facts to Know:

  • “Eh?” and “Hey?” = How to end any question.
  • Hit the Hill = Going skiing/boarding.
  • Ceasar = A much better and delicious version of a bloody mary. Don’t ask what’s in it just drink it. These are about $3 USD and cure any hangover. No, it’s not a salad.
  • Canuck = Another name for a Canadian
  • Toque = A Beanie
  • Timmies = Tim Hortons, a staple coffee destination (similar to a Dunkin donuts). You may also hear Timbits which are donut holes.

Where to stay

Downtown Calgary: We stayed downtown Calgary near Steveson Street (a.k.a 8th street). This is where the main strip of bars are and is centrally located to the tower and other attractions. We stayed here and here.

Canmore/Banff: I would recommend staying here out of the three destinations if your primary purpose is “hittin’ the hill”. Canmore especially is the cutest mountain town. There are many fun restaurants and bars to visit at night and you are only 30 minutes from the mountain. Banff is another great spot, a bit more expensive and ‘touristy’ however you have the ease of being closer to the mountain.

Lake Louise: There are fewer options to stay in Lake Louise. Unless you are ready to drop some serious cash and stay at the Fairmont Chateau, there are some more affordable hotels and Airbnb’s in the area.

What to do

Calgary

  • See a show at Studio Bell or in the Saddledome
  • Go up in the 190.8 meters tall Calgary Tower and grab a drink. If wanting to drink/dine, make sure you make a reservation regardless of the time
  • Bar hop on Stevenson avenue (see Calgary bar recommendations below)
  • Walk across the famous red bridge, a.k.a The Peace Bridge
  • Visit Prince’s Island Park. An island in the middle of Calgary’s river
  • If staying in Calgary but plan to board the mountains, rent your gear in town. I got my board, boots, and binding for $65 USD total over 2 days from Outlaw Sports.

Canmore/Banff

  • Skii/Board Banff National Park. If you have an IKON pass you’re in luck as this along with Lake Louise and Mt. Norquay are all on their mountain list! If not, passes are about $95 a day.
  • Stroll downtown Canmore or Banff (make sure to check out the food/drink recs below)
  • Visit Lululemon in Banff. Everything is 30% cheaper if you are an American visiting
  • Visit Banff Hot Springs

Lake Louise

  • If you visit during winter, ice skate on top of Lake Louise
  • Grab a drink inside The Fairmont Chateau, or at their ice bar outside
    • Take a horse-drawn carriage around The Lake
  • Visit Lake Moraine (check to make sure the road is open)
  • Go Dog Sledding
  • Visit Johnston Canyon Cave

Where to Eat

Calgary

  • Two Penny: Asain fusion with a great interior. They have a lot of vegan/vegetarian options
  • Ten Foot Henry: My favorite place we ate on our trip. Their pasta is out of this world and they have amazing cocktails.
  • River Cafe: This was closed when we were there but was recommended by many. It is situated on Prince’s Island Park.
  • Native Tongues: Fun and popular Mexican tapas.
  • OEB Breakfast: Tasty breakfast. Their menu doesn’t have many vegan options but the kitchen is very accustomed to making modifications and the staff is great. Note: they don’t serve alcohol till 10am… we found this out the hard way.
  • Diner Deluxe: My favorite breakfast spot. Classic diner feels with a large menu and great coffee.
  • Holy Grill: Another great and simple brunch spot.

Canmore/Banff

  • Graze: I don’t know if I was more impressed by their DELICIOUS food or AMAZING staff. The whole experience was above par and I will be sure I return.
  • Banff Ave Brewing: Naturally I ordered a Caesar, however, those I were with enjoyed the beer list. Save your receipt for downstairs as you get a discount on their merchandise.
  • Tavern 1883: A great place to head after a long day of boarding. Their brussels sprouts were so tasty and had a cheap and delicious happy hour.
  • Le Fournil Bakery: French bakery with amazing coffee and impressive pastries.

Where to Drink

Because we stayed in Calgary, the below list is all located in this area.

  • Cactus Club: Hip and trendy spot for young people right on the main strip of bars.
  • Pin Bar: Has arcade games for people to play.
  • Proof Cocktail Bar: Great spot for craft cocktails and a cool interior.
  • Betty Lou’s Library: Speakeasy, wine bar, and whiskey bar. What more could you need?
  • Shelter: Boujee cocktail lounge.
  • The Shoe & Canoe Public House: Great happy hour and lively spot. While we only got drinks, the food also looked amazing.
  • Queens Breakfast Cocktails: New brunch spot with punchbowls.

The cold in Alberta was something I tried to best prepare for but was still shocked. What saved me were fleece-lined leggings, beanies, and gloves that were basically glued to my hands the entire time. One of the most picturesque drives was the drive from Calgary to Banff. Driving straight into the Canadian Rockies is one of a kind experience. The snow was the best conditions I’ve boarded in and the views from the top of the mountains will be tough to beat.

I’m happy to announce I did not lose anything this trip besides myself… one night walking home… but, I made it home and that’s what matters! Always be improving. Thank you, Alberta, for almost giving me frostbite, introducing me to the truly delicious Caesar, and giving me fresh powder to board on so when I fall I didn’t break a bone (again).