A Vacation Guide To Banff National Park If You’re *Not* An Outdoorsy Person
It feels like every celeb and their mom have snuck off to the Canadian Rockies in the last few years. Ashley Tisdale trekked around Lake Louise in Louis Vuitton boots, Pedro Pascal went dog sledding, Bryan Cranston went full tourist at the national park, and even ~It Girl~ Daisy Edgar-Jones enjoyed the Canadian mountain town while filming Under the Banner of Heaven. With a steady stream of visitors each year, Banff gives off the same energy as an exclusive restaurant in Manhattan. And while celebrity-favored destinations tend to scream MONEY, I wasn’t exactly willing to blow my paycheck to gaslight myself into believing I’m an outdoorsy girl. Sure, I love the idea of the outdoors like any fresh-air-deprived New Yorker, but up until recently, the lauded, yet pricey, Fairmont Banff Springs was one of the few options to stay close to Banff, and that’s far too much $$$$ for me. Thankfully, I got to stay in the newest Marriott Bonvoy location, which was smack dab in the middle of town. This is important because downtown Banff was literally the best part of my trip.
I know! I know! Banff National Park is so beautiful! And Lake Louise is breathtaking, yada, yada. Before you come for me in the comments, don’t get me wrong! I loved hiking around at Moraine Lake (within reason) and taking the Banff Gondola for panoramic views (no stairs!). But it was the highly walkable town that made the trip as memorable as it was. For starters, you’re surrounded by snow-covered peaks and Nordic architecture that would rival Frozen. Yes, it feels like Disney handcrafted this place with the help of little birds and cute woodland creatures.
Before I arrived, I had a list of questions I planned to investigate. Most importantly, what are the most Instagrammable places to stay, eat, and visit in this small town — because aren’t vacations just a way to get attention online? But don’t worry, if you need to touch grass, there’s plenty of ~nature~ to partake in, too.
Where To Stay In Banff, Canada
Listed on CNN’s list of the sexiest new hotels for 2024, Moxy Banff officially opened in June. A $30 million renovation of a 1960s motor hotel later, Moxy Banff manages to maintain its original retro ski vibes. Like there’s literally a restored 1966 Volkswagen food truck to greet you in the lobby (order the breakfast burrito, trust). At check-in, I received a coin for a free cocktail, which I traded in immediately — a fun little perk at all Moxy locations. (And yes, it made me feel like I was in Mad Men.)
The courtyard kept up with the apres-ski theme with a heated patio, hot tubs, and fire pits to be enjoyed year-round. After finishing my drink, I headed up to my room to find a unique bedroom set-up. With toe-to-toe mattresses, it felt like a giant slumber party could happen in my room. The best part? My balcony overlooked the beautiful mountain peaks of Banff National Park. And let me say, there’s nothing more satisfying than waking up in a hotel on vacation, stretching out on the fresh bed linen, and taking a photo of your breakfast.
Rates at Moxy Banff start at $182 or 37,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
What To Do In Banff That *Isn’t* Lake Louise
Sing Karaoke at Hello Sunshine
In an effort to highlight my outdoorsy girlie aesthetic, I packed a weird amount of flannels that I didn’t need — and, more importantly — my going-out outfit. That’s right! There are plenty of cute local spots (literally less than 20 minutes walk from the hotel) that don’t require hiking boots and a Patagonia vest. Hello Sunshine is a sushi restaurant in downtown Banff with PRIVATE karaoke rooms (which means only your friends can make fun of you). Not only is the food delish, but the cocktails are superb at making you feel capable of doing Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” some justice.
Visit The Most Beautiful Chili’s In North America
As Banff is considered one of the most photogenic outdoor spaces, the Canadian mountain town is perfect for pretending I matter on the internet. And by that, I mean I got photographic evidence that I had seen the most beautiful Chili’s in North America with my own eyes. Yes, the Chili’s of Internet Lore. Maybe it was the altitude, but there’s something about eating a Triple Dipper at 4,500 feet above sea level.
Go Clubbing at the Dancing Sasquatch
Hot outdoorsy guys have plagued our society for generations, and I think I found the watering hole in Banff, Canada. (If you need further proof, Abercrombie & Fitch has a SOLD-OUT Banff graphic crew sweater.) While I sipped my vodka soda (very demure, very mindful), it was a delight watching new friends mingle with the locals at The Dancing Sasquatch. And by mingle, I mean scream Taylor Swift lyrics into each other’s faces. Now, that’s what I call a love story.
Melanie Whyte