Think turquoise lakes, rich wildlife, glaciers, snowcapped mountains and kilometers of protected forest all made available by our neighbor to the North! We are heading to Alberta, Canada to visit Banff and Jasper National Parks. It’s been said that every national park in Canada offers something a bit different; however, both Banff and Jasper have rivers and lakes within their borders and are celebrated for hiking, cycling, kayaking, and camping, as well as skiing (though usually backcountry skiing), and snowshoeing during snowy months. You know that these Luxury Travel Consultants embrace an active lifestyle and love to curate one-of-a-kind outdoor adventures for you that are always tempered with fantastic accommodations. This week our five-star travel takes us to explore the incredibly pristine Canadian national parks in Banff and Jasper.
Banff is Canada's most famous national park, known for its large photogenic lakes, especially Lake Louise, which are popular for kayaking, as well as ski slopes, hot springs, and scenic parkways. As part of the Rocky Mountains, Banff (and Lake Louise) boast the most majestic skylines with Mt. Rundle and Mt. Cascade’s peaks on display from any angle. In town, on Banff Avenue, the main thoroughfare, you’ll find boutiques, restaurants and hotels set amid the surrounding 6,500 square kilometers of parkland. Both Banff and Lake Louise have a rich heritage as some of the world’s most awe-inspiring mountain destinations with easy access to pristine wilderness and endless outdoor adventures. WIT is here to curate your backcountry excursion, cultural outing or glacier trek in Banff’s outdoor paradise.
Fairmont Banff Springs
For over a century, Fairmont Banff Springs has been Canada’s Castle in the Rockies. Located on the outskirts of Banff proper in the heart of Banff National Park are 764 unique and luxurious guestrooms, from cozy rooms tucked away in quiet corners of the “castle” to spacious suites with sweeping Alberta mountain views. We love Fairmont Gold which offers a private check-in desk with all rooms on an exclusive floor, private lounge with complimentary breakfast, hors d’oeuvres, honor bar, plus snacks and beverages all served up with legendary Fairmont service. Once you arrive to the Fairmont, the amount of activities and dining options will amaze. Whatever your passion is, from a spectacular 18-hole Stanley Thompson designed course, to hiking, bowling, gondola rides up the mountain, or shopping and museum-hopping in town, you will also be treated to an array of dining options at one of the resort’s 12 seasonal restaurants and lounges.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Lake Louise has long been a mecca for adventures. From sleigh rides, to dog sledding, paddling, hiking and more, there is something here for every interest and fitness level. Lake Louise is famous for its turquoise lakes, the Victoria Glacier and soaring mountain backdrop. WIT has access to amazing ice walking tours, heli-hiking tours, guided hikes, biking trails and boat tours, with all the equipment, local experts and sustenance provided. Situated in the heart of Banff National Park is Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Boasting unobstructed views of the Victoria Glacier, the 552 rooms and suites serve as the most luxurious base camp that includes six restaurants, from casual to seasonal fine dining. Outside activities include hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, biking, wildlife tours, skating, dogsledding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, sleigh rides and easy access to the Lake Louise Ski Resort. For something really different, let WIT plan your Ice Climbing excursion. Great for beginners scaling “crags”, to challenging multi-pitch routes for the more experienced. Either way you climb, we use only professional ice climbing guides to lead your icy adventure. Upon your return to the hotel, we love a good therapeutic Full Body Massage at the spa, as a perfect post workout remedy.
The largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper is wild in every sense of the word. This expansive region of rugged backcountry trails and mountainous terrain is also home to the world-renowned Columbia Icefield. Jasper is part of the UNESCO Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage site, one of 15 World Heritage sites in Canada. It is home to nearly 70 species of mammals (grizzly bears, moose and elk), along with thousands of plant species whose health and survival depend on the fragile ecosystems in the park.
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Beautifully placed in the park is the historic Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, one of the top lodge resorts in North America and celebrated for its rustic elegance. Choose from the 442 lodge suites or select from a variety of charming, heritage log cabins, including the 8-bedroom Milligan Cabin perfect for the multi-generational family trip. We love that Jasper National Park is a stargazer’s dream come true. So much so, The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada officially designated it a “Dark Sky Preserve” (an area that restricts artificial light pollution). Allow WIT to arrange for a private stargazing evening with your own personal astronomer and local storyteller for a magical evening of constellations and original lore under the milky way.
WIT has very close relationships with these properties, so we can extend exclusive perks and special amenities to our clients. Typically, you will receive complimentary breakfast for two daily, $100 or more resort credit to be utilized during your stay, room upgrade, either at the time of booking or arrival, and early check-in/late checkout, both subject to availability.
At Well Inspired Travels, we love being luxury travel consultants and creating the ultimate experiences for you. So, pack your digital bags and follow us as we uncover exceptional luxury and wellness focused vacations. Check-in regularly for our top five-star travel ideas and tips, and as always, we continue to stay strong WIT you!
