Calgary to Banff: The Perfect Rocky Mountain Weekend Escape for Nature Lovers

I always tell first-timers to ease into their mountain adventure rather than rushing straight to Banff. That's why I recommend spending your first night in Canmore, a charming mountain town just outside the national park boundaries that offers the perfect gentle introduction to Rocky Mountain life.

After landing at Calgary International, grab your rental car (I've found the best rates through car rental comparison) and hit the Trans-Canada Highway westbound. The transformation from prairie to foothills to mountains happens so gradually yet suddenly that you'll want your camera ready. My grandmother used to say the mountains reveal themselves to you when they're ready, and there's truth to that – one moment they're distant shadows, the next they're towering above you.

Canmore offers everything I love about mountain towns without the tourist crowds of Banff. Check into your accommodation, then head to The Summit Cafe for a late lunch – their Mountain Climber sandwich fueled many of my photography expeditions. Spend your afternoon strolling the Policeman's Creek Boardwalk, where the reflections of mountains in still waters create perfect photo opportunities even for beginners.

For dinner, I've never had a disappointing meal at The Grizzly Paw. Their handcrafted beers pair perfectly with hearty mountain fare, and if you're lucky enough to score a patio seat, the alpenglow on the surrounding peaks as the sun sets is nothing short of magical.

Wake early – the mountains reward early risers with the best light and fewest crowds. Pack your day backpack with essentials and head to Wild Flour Bakery in Banff for their legendary bear claws and strong coffee. There's something about mountain air that makes pastries taste even better.

Most first-timers make a beeline for Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, and while they're undeniably stunning, the summer parking situation has become nightmarish. Instead, I suggest taking the Parks Canada shuttle from the overflow lots – book these online well before your trip as they fill up fast.

At Lake Louise, take the shoreline trail to the far end where fewer visitors venture. My grandmother's Italian roots taught me the value of slowing down to truly see a place. Rather than racing through a checklist of viewpoints, I find a quiet spot and watch how the light plays on the turquoise water throughout the morning. Bring a portable chair if you plan to stay awhile – it's worth the extra weight for comfortable viewing.

For lunch, the Station Restaurant in Banff offers hearty sandwiches in a historic railway building. In the afternoon, escape the crowds at Johnston Canyon by hiking beyond the lower falls to the upper falls and ink pots – the extra distance thins the crowds considerably.

End your day with sunset at Vermilion Lakes, just minutes from Banff townsite. The reflection of Mount Rundle in these still waters creates one of the most iconic Rockies images, and watching the alpenglow gradually paint the limestone peaks in shades of pink and gold never fails to remind me why I keep coming back.

Your final day deserves a proper mountain immersion. Start with sunrise at Two Jack Lake – less famous than its neighbors but equally stunning. I've spent countless mornings here with just my travel mug of coffee and my thoughts, watching the light change minute by minute.

For active couples, I recommend the Sulphur Mountain hike. While tourists take the gondola up, there's something deeply satisfying about earning those panoramic views step by step. The switchback trail is well-maintained and suitable for moderately fit hikers. Pack your hiking poles if you have knee issues – the descent can be tough on the joints.

At the summit, enjoy lunch at the Sky Bistro with 360-degree mountain views. There's something magical about dining above the clouds, especially when you've hiked to earn it. Take the gondola down to save your knees (your uphill hike validates a free download) and head directly to the Banff Upper Hot Springs.

Slipping into these mineral-rich waters with views of Mount Rundle is the perfect therapy for tired hiking muscles. My grandmother always said that water remembers – that it carries the memory of the mountains it flows through. Whether that's true or not, there's something transformative about soaking in waters that have journeyed through ancient limestone and emerged carrying their minerals.

For your final dinner, treat yourselves to the Maple Leaf Grill. Their Alberta beef and game dishes showcase the best regional ingredients, and the wine list features excellent British Columbia vintages that rarely make it beyond provincial borders.

Between the fine dining and tourist traps, Banff has developed a surprising food truck scene that combines mountain ingredients with global flavors. As someone who tracks down street food wherever I travel, I've made it my mission to find the best mobile eateries in the Rockies.

My top recommendation is the PD3 by Blake, a converted double-decker bus parked seasonally at the Banff High School. Their Alberta beef burgers with housemade pickles and local cheese have sustained me through many mountain adventures. For something lighter, Healthy Food Truck (despite the uninspired name) makes incredible grain bowls with local vegetables and ethically sourced proteins.

In Canmore, my go-to is the Rocky Mountain Flatbread truck, where they somehow manage to create wood-fired pizza magic from a mobile kitchen. Their foraged mushroom and truffle honey pizza pairs perfectly with locally brewed Grizzly Paw beer.

Don't forget to pack a reusable cutlery set in your daypack. Most mountain towns are working hard to reduce single-use plastics, and being prepared with your own utensils aligns with the environmental ethos of the parks. Plus, it's much nicer eating with proper utensils than flimsy plastic ones that might snap mid-bite into your bison burger.

The Canadian Rockies offer endless photographic opportunities, but also present unique challenges. As someone who discovered photography while documenting my grandmother's final journey to her Italian hometown, I've learned that the best images capture not just the place, but the feeling of being there.

Mountain photography is all about patience and light. The golden hours after sunrise and before sunset create dramatic shadows and warm light on the peaks, while the harsh midday sun flattens the dramatic topography. I always pack my neutral density filters to tame bright reflections off lakes and snow.

For classic Banff shots like Moraine Lake or Peyto Lake, arrive at least 30 minutes before sunrise to secure a tripod spot – yes, even the viewpoints get that crowded in summer. Alternatively, explore during harsh midday hours when most photographers take a break, then return for the evening golden hour.

Wildlife photography requires a longer lens than most travelers pack, but even a modest telephoto can capture intimate environmental portraits. Remember that parks regulations require staying at least 30 meters from most wildlife and 100 meters from bears. No photograph is worth risking your safety or habituating wild animals to human presence.

For those serious about landscape photography, I recommend carrying a lightweight tripod. Mountain weather changes rapidly, and having stability for longer exposures lets you capture dramatic clouds, flowing water, and low-light scenes that smartphone cameras simply can't handle.