So you’ve got visitors? Whether you’re from the Bow Valley or you moved here from elsewhere, people tend to use any excuse they can find to come and visit. If you're hosting friends or family who have never been to the Bow Valley before, you want to make sure that you’re showing them the best time ever. So, rather than stressing about what to do with your visitors, use this list as your guide. We’ve rounded up some must-do activities, a perfect combination of the classics and some more unique additions. Enjoy!
Visit Lake Louise
We’re going to start off with an absolute classic. Lake Louise is iconic for a reason. It doesn’t matter if you’re visiting in the summer or winter. Everyone needs to experience it for themselves. In the summer, you can see the vibrant blue water and take a hike up to the beloved Tea House. In the winter, you can go ice skating and enjoy the snow-topped mountains from all angles. No matter the time of year, you’ll want to pop into the Chateau Lake Louise for a drink or bite to eat.
See the Town Centers
One thing about Canmore and Banff is that their Main Streets are destinations in their own right. With rugged mountains on either end and adorable shops and restaurants from top-to-bottom, it’s the perfect place to start on a Bow Valley vacation. You’ll find great shopping, dining, and tons of small-community energy from visitors and locals alike.
Go on a Local Beer & Spirits Tour
Nothing helps you get to know a community better than sipping their locally-made creations. Canmore and Banff of a handful of amazing local breweries and distilleries that make unique creations that everyone should try. Also, taking home some beer or spirits is the perfect souvenir.
Walk A Mile
You can’t visit the Bow Valley without doing some sort of sport. Rather than forcing your guests to climb up the side of a mountain or ski down one, why not do a little stroll? Pick the perfect hiking trail in the summer or snowshoeing route in the winter. Explore the outdoors without getting too extreme so everyone can join and enjoy themselves.
See the Castle
Everyone needs to see the Banff Springs Hotel, and that’s a fact. The iconic, historical hotel is beautiful and filled with history. You don’t need to treat your visitors to a stay at the hotel. You can simply walk around or grab a drink. The majesty of the place will take their breath away, and they’ll get the pleasure of saying, “I’ve been there” every time they see a photo of the beautiful castle.
Experience a Glacial Lake
Glacier-fed lakes are kind of our thing here in Alberta. Whether you’re taking your guests “wild skating” on a frozen lake or bringing them for a dip in an alpine lake in the summer, they won’t soon forget the beauty and serenity they’ll experience.
Eat Where Locals Actually Eat
The best part about visiting someone is that you get insight into the places where locals actually hang out. So, rather than bringing them to Yelp’s favourite restaurants and bars, bring your visitors to the places you and your friends actually frequent. Canmore and Banff are bursting with great places to eat and drink, so pick a couple of your favourite spots to give them a real taste of the Bow Valley.
Get Artsy
Last but not least, don’t forget to touch on the fantastic arts and culture scene we have here in the Bow Valley. Take your visitors on a little gallery tour or to a live show if there’s something cool happening.
This story was made possible by our Community Partners Program. Thank you Foothills Immigration Inc. for helping to expand local news coverage in the Bow Valley. Learn more.
