I’m a little behind on this post, but there’s no way I’d forget to wrap up the trip I took to Banff, Alberta! Banff is in the middle of a national park and it’s seriously unreal. The beauty of the mountains, trees, and the color of Lake Louise’s water alone makes this town look straight out of a fairy tale. It’s a great mix of the outdoors, nice people, a relaxing atmosphere, and pure beauty. I felt like I was in the Swiss Alps, minus the travel time to Europe.

Outfit Details: TOP: Lush Roll Tab Tunic // DENIM: Articles of Society ‘Mya’ Jeans // SHOES: Splendid Lace Up Sandal // NECKLACE: Gorjana ‘Chloe’ Necklace // NECKLACES: Argento Vivo Layering Necklace + Gorjana Chloe Necklace (the shorter one) // SUNGLASSES: Ray-Ban Original Aviators // EARRINGS: Baublebar Stone Drop Earrings

I’ve been meaning to share that simple outfit (above) for WEEKS now, so I thought it would be a good idea to slip it into my Banff city guide post for y’all :) but now let’s get straight to the city guide, starting with where to stay. There aren’t really that many options (even the Airbnb options are limited!), but I did my best to select a few different price points for y’all and of course included the well-known Fairmont Banff Springs!

Where To Stay

Fairmont Banff Springs – This is where I stayed, and remember the fairy tale vibes I was talking about? The Fairmont is basically a castle perched up in the middle of THOUSANDS of trees. It’s even known as Canada’s “Castle of the Rockies,” and has been around for 100+ years! The grounds are huge, luxurious, and stunning—it’s really what vaca dreams are made of. The location makes you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere (in a good way) but it’s actually close to downtown Banff. I’d recommend this hotel to anyone looking to #treatyoself because this place had all the amenities…and to my Disney lovers because you’ll feel like a real princess—or prince!

Delta Banff Royal Canadian Lodge – Though I wasn’t able to stay at the Delta Banff, the hotel accommodations where quite inviting. When you walk in, this hotel looks like a cozy cabin in the forest and that’s kind of what it is. The hotel is right in the middle of Banff National Park and definitely an ideal place to stay for anyone looking to be in the outdoors.

Rimrock Resort – I didn’t stay here but I saw it when on the gondola, and it’s a gorgeous spot! It’s nestled wayyyy up in the mountains, so the views are beyond good. This seems like the place to stay if you want scenery and to save a little cash vs. the Fairmont. I would definitely stay here!

Things To Do

Banff, Upper Hot Springs – If you’re looking for some R+R, the Banff Hot Springs is definitely the place to visit. Here you can relax in an outdoor pool filled with some of Canada’s most gorgeous, hot, mineral-rich water. This spot is not only a good hangout, but has some of the most breathtaking views of the mountain ranges. It’s a really cool experience!

Visit Lake Louise – While in Banff, you MUST take advantage of the outdoors. Lake Louise is the perfect place to find trails, go canoeing, or climb up the Canadian Rockies. While there, don’t miss out on taking some gorgeous photos of Lake Louise. Here I went canoeing and ya’ll, this is no joke one of the prettiest places I’ve been. Pink skies + turquoise water…all in the middle of mountains and forest?! Just crazy beautiful.

Banff Gondola – For the sightseers, the Banff Gondola ride is the best way to capture the beauty of the mountains. An eight-minute ride will take you to the peak of Sulphur Mountain where you can surely witness the Canadian mountains. This might not be the activity for anyone afraid of heights, but it’s probably worth it either way.

Where To Eat

Melissa’s Missteak – This is THE place to get breakfast in Banff. This cozy restaurant will serve up eggs and waffles for the perfect brunch experience. Add a cup of coffee or hot cocoa to keep you warm in the winter!

Banff Ave Brewing Co. – If you’re looking for a cool place to hangout and grab a beer (or two!), the Banff Ave Brewing Co. is definitely the place to go. Here you can live—or pretend to—like a Banff native and experience the local food and drink. Not to mention, tour the brewery and find out how they make this tasty drink.

The Bison Restaurant & Terrace – This steakhouse is a meat-lovers dream and all the dishes I saw were put together beautifully. If you’re looking for a nicer meal and are bringing an appetite, this is the place for you. They are known for their delicious menu and my meal was finger-lickin’ good!

OK guys, that’s all I’ve got for Banff! I definitely want to go back in the colder months to see this winter wonderland, and to do things like walk on glaciers! Anyone else been to Banff? What do I need to do when I go back? Because I’ll be back :)