I do not say this lightly—this might be my favorite trip I’ve ever been on. I absolutely fell in love with Alberta! The Canadian Rockies provided the perfect backdrop for a whirlwind long weekend, packed with incredible adventures, breathtaking scenery, and cozy mountain town vibes. Here’s how we made the most of our Friday-to-Monday getaway:

Friday: Arrival & Relaxation

We flew into Calgary on JetBlue, arriving just in time to kick off the weekend with some serious relaxation. From the airport, we headed straight to the Kananaskis Nordic Spa, a serene oasis nestled in the mountains.

The spa features a system of cold and hot pools, along with saunas and relaxation areas, all designed to rejuvenate and refresh. Sitting in the steaming hot pools while surrounded by snowy forests was pure magic—it set the tone for an unforgettable trip.

For dinner, we made our way into Canmore and enjoyed a cozy meal at Tavern 1883, a lively spot with great food and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. After dinner, we checked into our Canmore accommodation and settled in for the night.

Saturday: Adventure-Filled Day

We were up bright and early at 6 AM to drive to Golden, British Columbia—a scenic journey through snow-covered mountains. Before hitting the road, we grabbed coffee at Beamer’s, a Canmore favorite.

Our morning was all about adrenaline: we joined the White N Wild Snowmobiling tour, an unforgettable (and freezing!) adventure that took us deep into the pristine wilderness.

For lunch, we stopped at The Bar in Golden, where Jacob declared his meal his favorite of the trip!

In the afternoon, we made our way back to Alberta to visit the iconic Lake Louise Ski Resort. We took advantage of their afternoon 2-4 PM lift tickets and hit the slopes for a quick snowboarding session.

Afterward, we visited my absolute favorite place: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. We sipped on coffee, explored their charming shops, and took in the breathtaking views of the frozen lake. Outside, we found an incredible ice bar complete with ice couches—definitely a highlight!

After a full day of exploring, we headed back to Canmore to freshen up before dinner. That evening, we drove into downtown Banff for an unforgettable meal at Chuck’s Steakhouse. Check out our must eats for this trip to see what we ordered!

Sunday: Exploring Canmore & Banff

Sunday morning started at the Rocky Mountain Bagel Company, where their gluten-free bagels won me over completely. After breakfast, we grabbed coffee at Eclipse Coffee Shop and wandered through downtown Canmore. I fell in love with Stonewaters, a quirky and girly boutique filled with unique finds.

Next, we visited the historic Fairmont Banff Springs, often called the “Castle in the Rockies.” The grandeur and history of this building are unmatched!

We were also lucky to catch the Banff Skijoring event that weekend. Cowboys skiing and snowboarding behind galloping horses down the snowy streets? It was as wild and exciting as it sounds!

If you’re visiting during the Banff Snow Days, don’t miss the unique event of Skijoring! This thrilling competition features cowboys skiing and snowboarding behind galloping horses through the streets of Banff. It’s a one-of-a-kind, action-packed spectacle, combining the excitement of winter sports with the heritage of Western Canada.

Afterward, we drove back to Calgary for our evening flight.

Monday: A Bonus Day in Calgary

Our flight plans hit a snag, giving us the unexpected gift of an extra day in Calgary! We made the most of it, starting with a delicious brunch at The Beltliner. Then we found a cozy spot to work remotely at MobSquad, a coffee shop with amazing views.

To round out our Fairmont trifecta, we visited the Fairmont Palliser in Calgary, which has hosted royals like Princess Elizabeth in 1951. It was the perfect way to wrap up our trip.

The Scenic Drives & Our Playlist

One thing to know about this trip—we did a lot of driving! But honestly, the views were so breathtaking that it was absolutely worth it. Every twist and turn of the mountain roads brought a new vista: frozen lakes, towering peaks, and snowy forests that looked straight out of a postcard.

To make the drives even more enjoyable, we had a curated playlist that perfectly matched the vibe of the Rockies. Here are some of our favorite songs from the trip:

• “Wild Horses” by Warren Zeiders
• “Wild As Her” by Corey Kent
• “Long Haul” by Ian Munsick
• “Midnight Rider” by The Allman Brothers Band
• “Hard Fought Hallelujah” by Brandon Lake

If you’re heading to Alberta, load up your playlist and embrace the road trip—it’s all part of the adventure! Check out our playlist!

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What We Missed (But Would Love to Do Next Time)

If we’d had more time in Banff or Canmore, we would have loved to explore Johnston Canyon and dine at either The Grizzly House or The Vermillion Room at the Fairmont Banff Springs. Both spots come highly recommended, and we’re already planning to check them out on our next visit!

Our long weekend in the Canadian Rockies was everything we’d hoped for—adventurous, relaxing, and filled with stunning scenery. Whether you’re looking for thrilling outdoor activities or luxurious mountain escapes, this itinerary has it all!