11 memorable romantic experiences in Banff & Lake Louise

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11 memorable romantic experiences in Banff & Lake Louise

Named time and time again among the most desirable destinations in the world, breathtaking Banff and Lake Louise need to be experienced first-hand to be truly appreciated. Romantic experiences in Banff are even more enjoyable when shared with someone special.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day adventure, a picturesque couple’s vacation for lasting memories, or a spot to make the perfect proposal, the stunning scenery of Banff National Park offers the ideal backdrop. Here is our list of romantic experiences in Banff and Lake Louise to sweep your loved one off their feet, or just to share some quality time.

Note: Even if you’re happily single, these experiences are worth checking out. You might even find love on-mountain at Mt Norquay’s Lifts of Love speed-dating event in February!

A visit to Banff National Park is the ultimate romantic winter experience. Photo: TweedTelegraph.com
A visit to Banff National Park is the ultimate romantic winter experience. Photo: TweedTelegraph.com

Romance experiences in Lake Louise

1. Skate on the frozen Lake Louise

When Lake Louise freezes over each winter, it transforms into one of the world’s most beautiful skating rinks, as ranked by CNN. Framed by a thick layer of snow with the stunning backdrop of Victoria Glacier behind you, it’s the also perfect couple’s photo opportunity.

Entry is free to skate on the lake, and inexpensive skate rentals are available in-hotel at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, just behind the lake. Once you’ve returned your skates, head to the Chateau’s Lakeview Lounge for stunning views and an outstanding meal.

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Grab some skates at Chateau Mountain Sports, located in the Chateau Lake Louise, and skate on this iconic lake with your special someone. | Photo by John Entwistle

2. Share a scenic ride in the snow

Explore the winter wonderland of Lake Louise from a different viewpoint with the wind in your hair. For a magical way to tour the area, group and private horse-drawn sleigh rides are available to the end of Lake Louise underneath the stunning Victoria Glacier. For an equally enjoyable, higher-energy option, discover the local scenery with a dog sled ride.

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Horse-drawn sleigh rides happen along the shores of Lake Louise. Try taking one at dusk! | Photo by Banff Lake Louise Tourism

3. Shred at Lake Louise Ski Resort

For panoramic mountain views and excellent ski runs, grab a SkiBig3 Lift Ticket and head to Lake Louise Ski Resort. Take any of the lifts to the top of the resort and you’ll be wowed by the breathtaking scenery, with unlimited beautiful quiet spots to share a special moment with your loved one. To make it super memorable, take the Glacier Express to enjoy the views from the mid-mountain lookout, or experience a sightseeing ride up the Grizzly Express Gondola. If getting high above it all is important to you, ride the aptly named The Top of the World Chair, Paradise Chair or Summit Platter for a complete 360-degree panoramic view and the perfect proposal perch that you’ll never forget.

SkiBig3 Tip: Once you’ve worked up an appetite from skiing or riding, head to the upscale Whitehorn Bistro for the resort’s best on-mountain dining with a view.

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The views from Lake Lousie Ski Resort are even better when shared with someone you love. | Photo by Reuben Krabbe

Romantic experiences in Banff

4. Visit Mt Norquay at night

Mt Norquay ski resort is known for its outstanding accessibility to the town of Banff, excellent ski runs and popular tube park. But did you know that it’s also open after dark in winter to keep the fun going into the night? If you’re a fan of staying active on your date nights, try night skiing or night tubing for an evening thrill that’s perfect for two.

Also during winter, Mt Norquay’s Cliffhouse Bistro opens for just a few nights per season for its exclusive Starlight Dinner – and it’s worth the wait. Both the food and the views are sure to impress. After your meal, head to the lookout for the most spectacular viewpoint at the resort. It’s the perfect quiet place to share a special moment with your loved one.

SkiBig3 Tip: Keep an eye on Mt. Norquay’s events calendar for the next Starlight Dinner.

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You and your SO like doing something active on your date nights? Try night skiign at Mt. Norquay, Friday & Saturday nights, January through March. | Photo y Jeff Bartlett

5. Sleep in the alpine at Banff Sunshine

With the longest non-glacial ski season in North America, Sunshine Village is known for its excellent snow and alpine views. It’s also home to the popular Sunshine Mountain Lodge, Banff’s only ski-in, ski-out mountain hotel – ideal for couples looking for ultra-convenient access to the slopes, and the ability to ride the first chairlift of the day, minutes after breakfast.

At the top of every chairlift, you’ll find breathtaking views to share with your beloved. For one of the best, head to the top of the Divide Chair: here you will find yourself right on the Continental Divide in between two provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. What better place to tell the one you love how special they are, than overlooking the endless ranges of the Canadian Rocky Mountain peaks?

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Sunshine Mountain Lodge, located at 2100 m( 7000 ft) is Banff National Park’s only ski-in/ski-out property. Plus, it’s got a 30-person hot tub!

6. Enjoy a scenic viewpoint

A comfortable walk from the town of Banff, head to the Surprise Corner viewpoint lookout for stunning views above Bow Falls across to the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs. It’s a beautiful spot to take in the mountain air together.

If you have access to a car, the short drive up the Norquay road takes you to a well-known romantic viewpoint. Here you can share panoramic views of the town and across to Mt Rundle.

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The Norquay Road viewpoint, located less than 10 minutes from town, is a great place to watch sunrise or sunset. | Photo by Banff Lake Louise Tourism

7. Stay & Sip at a nice hotel

Buffalo Mountain Lodge + The Prow

For memorable food, drinks, and mountain lodge ambiance, stay at Buffalo Mountain Lodge and dine at The Prow. Enjoy a cozy romantic dinner in their quiet location on Tunnel Mountain, just minutes from downtown Banff.

Juniper Hotel + Juniper Bistro

Want to avoid the crowds and discover a quiet and intimate spot just a short drive from town? Head to The Juniper Hotel & Bistro, known for both exceptional dining and accommodation. Located at the start of the road to Mt Norquay, The Juniper Bistro is a popular choice for a memorable meal before or after a big ski day. Try booking one of their private eco-friendly cabins fpr an extyra special stay!

Rimrock Resort Hotel + Eden

If you’re diehard foodies, with a taste for quality, The Rimrock Resort Hotel is not to be missed. Known for the most luxurious meals in Banff, the hotel’s Eden Restaurant is famous for its claim as the only five-diamond restaurant in Western Canada, and one of just four in the whole of the country. The 7-course Chef’s Tasting Menu with wine pairing is a meal you will never forget. If money is no object, you can take the experience to its greatest heights with Eden’s most exclusive offering: the Grand Degustation.

Fairmont Banff Springs + Grapes

For Banff’s most iconic luxury accommodation, head to the fairytale-beautiful Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Whether you choose to stay overnight, visit for an exquisite meal, to explore the grounds of this breathtaking property, (or all of the above), a visit to the “Castle in the Rockies” is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. For a truly romantic experience in Banff, try snagging a small, intimate table at the Fairmont Banff Springs charcuterie and wine cellar, Grapes.

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For a truly romantic experience in Banff, try snagging a small, intimate table at the Fairmont Banff Springs charcuterie and wine cellar, Grapes. | Photo by Banff Lake Louise Tourism

8. Relax in a heavenly hot pool

The Moose Hotel & Suites is known for its luxurious outdoor, rooftop hot pool, the perfect place for couples to share a steaming hot soak. The Banff Upper Hot Springs and Fox Hotel & Suites hot pool are also local favourites to soothe tired muscles and warm up in winter.

READ MORE: 10 heavenly Hot Pools in Banff & Lake Louise

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The Moose Hotel & Suites has one of the best roof top hot tubs in town. | Photo courtesy of Banff Lodging Co.

More romantic experiences in Banff National Park

9. Curl up at a cozy mountain lodge

Want to head off the beaten path and stay somewhere that’s extra peaceful and secluded? Storm Mountain Lodge is an ideal spot for a quiet and picturesque getaway, located on the drive between the town of Banff and the hamlet of Lake Louise. Closer to Lake Louise, Baker Creek Mountain Resort by Basecamp is another popular and cozy out-of-town lodge where couples can discover the perfect rocky mountain cabin ambiance.

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Curl up in a cozy cabin, like the Storm Mountain Lodge (pictured here), for an extra romantic retreat in Banff National Park. | Photo by Banff Lake Louise Tourism

10. Explore Canada’s first National Park

What’s more beautiful than a pristine waterfall? A frozen one! Bundle up in your warmest layers (ideally ski gear) and head to one of Banff National Park’s most breathtaking locations. Located on the way to Lake Louise from the town of Banff, Johnston Canyon is known for its spectacular ice-blue frozen waterfalls. Take an icewalk tour (don’t worry – you’ll be walking on a steel walkway next to the ice, but not directly on top of it). Or you can rent a car and explore the area on your own terms. Don’t forget your camera for this one!

SkiBig3 Tip: Two Jack Lake is another local favourite spot to experience Banff National Park’s natural beauty. Share the amazing views of Mt Rundle as you take a leisurely walk then get comfy at the cute picnic table with some snacks from Wild Flour Bakery in Banff.

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Try taking your SO on a hike between the frozen walls of Johnston Canyon. | Photo by Banff Lake Lousie Tourism

11. Take a snowy walk around town

If you’re looking for romantic experiences in Banff that are relaxed and budget-friendly, try taking a scenic walk or two around the town, along the Bow River, or down one of the many snow-covered trails in the area. There are so many to choose from, here are our favourite places to walk and hike:

  • Fenlands Loop
  • Tunnel Mountain
  • Bear Street
  • Bow River trail
  • Cave & Basin Trail

 

READ MORE: Hiking around the Town of Banff

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The fire pit on Bear Street is an extra cozy place to sit and chat over a cup of coffee. | Photo by Banff Lake Louise Tourism

Ski & Stay: Have romantic experiences in Banff

To book your next ski vacation with SkiBig3, check out our featured Ski & Stay vacation packages or call us at 1-844-754-2443. We’re locals, and we can tell you all the best romantic experiences in Banff and Lake Louise!

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