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A Jonathon Hawes Guide to Calgary, Banff, Canmore & Lake Louise
Calgary will always feel like a part of me—it’s where I became who I am today, and it will forever hold a deep love in my heart.And beyond the city, the Canadian Rockies never get old. Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise—each place is as breathtaking as the last.

One Week of Luxury, Adventure & a Touch of Stampede Spirit

Some places shape you. For me, that place is Calgary.

I moved here when I was 18—my first apartment, my first car, my first airline job—so many firsts happened here that I can’t help but feel nostalgic every time I return. It’s where I truly grew up, where I fell in love with the energy of a city that balances urban sophistication with rugged adventure, and where I discovered a lifelong love for country music, the mountains, and those unbelievably blue glacier-fed rivers.

This itinerary is a week of pure Alberta magic—a mix of luxury, nature, great food, and a little cowboy charm, with a single night at the Calgary Stampede (because while the Stampede is iconic, trust me, one day is enough).

And the best part? This is a trip where you rent a car and experience it all at your own pace—from the buzz of downtown Calgary to the grandeur of Banff, the charm of Canmore, and the pure storybook beauty of Lake Louise.Oh, and the Fairmont Banff Springs? Still one of my all-time favourite hotels—I’ve been lucky enough to stay many, many times, and it never loses its magic.

Where to Stay: The Most Stunning Hotels in Calgary & The Rockies

Calgary: Urban Luxury Meets Cowboy Chic

  1. Fairmont Palliser – Timeless elegance, historic charm, and the perfect place to stay during Stampede.
  2. The Dorian, Autograph Collection – Modern, stylish, and right in the heart of downtown.
  3. Hotel Arts – A trendy boutique hotel with a fabulous pool and one of the best cocktail bars in the city.

Banff: Canada’s Most Iconic Mountain Retreat

  1. Fairmont Banff Springs – The Castle in the Rockies. One of my all-time favorite hotels, and a stay here is pure magic.

Canmore: Laid-Back Mountain Charm

  1. The Malcolm Hotel – Sleek, modern, and perfectly located for exploring Canmore.
  2. Solara Resort & Spa – For those who want a luxury condo-style stay with a spa experience.

Lake Louise: Unparalleled Beauty

  • Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – Wake up to one of the most stunning views on Earth. Need I say more?
A One-Week Luxury Itinerary for Calgary, Banff & Beyond

Day 1: Arrival & A Taste of Calgary

  • Check into Fairmont Palliser and enjoy a classic afternoon tea at the hotel.
  • Explore Stephen Avenue & The CORE Shopping Centre for a bit of city glamour.
  • Dinner at Major Tom – Perched high above the city, this is one of the best restaurants in Calgary with unbeatable skyline views.
  • Drinks at Proof – A chic cocktail bar perfect for a nightcap before the adventure begins.

Day 2: Calgary Stampede – One Day of Cowboy Fun

  • Breakfast at Monogram Coffee – Get caffeinated before a full day of Stampede fun.
  • Morning at the Stampede Grounds – Visit the rodeo, chuckwagon races, and indulge in ridiculous (but necessary) Stampede foods.
  • Dinner at Modern Steak – Because a proper Alberta beef experience is a must.
  • One last Stampede event (either a concert, a barn party, or just people-watching).

Day 3: Road Trip to Banff (The Scenic Route)

  • Breakfast at Deane House – A beautiful historic home-turned-restaurant with a stunning patio.
  • Pick up the rental car & drive the 1.5 hours to Banff, stopping for scenic views along the way.
  • Check into the Fairmont Banff Springs (because is there anywhere else to stay in Banff?).
  • Afternoon at the Banff Upper Hot Springs – A soak in the mountains is the best way to unwind after the drive.
  • Dinner at The Eden (Rimrock Resort) – A Michelin-level dining experience with insane views of the Bow Valley.

Day 4: Banff Adventures & Luxury

  • Breakfast at Wild Flour Bakery – A cozy spot with the best pastries in Banff.
  • Morning hike up Tunnel Mountain (or gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain if you’re feeling fancy).
  • Lunch at Sky Bistro – Because a meal with a panoramic mountain view just tastes better.
  • Afternoon canoe ride on the Bow River or Lake Minnewanka cruise.
  • Dinner at The Bison – Locally sourced Canadian cuisine at its finest.

Day 5: Canmore – The Perfect Little Mountain Town

  • Drive 20 minutes to Canmore, stopping at viewpoints along the way.
  • Breakfast at Communitea Café – Healthy, delicious, and the best chai lattes in town.
  • Wander Main Street for boutique shopping & art galleries.
  • Afternoon horseback riding or an intro flight in a Cessna over the Rockies. (If you haven’t flown over the mountains, this is your moment.)
  • Dinner at The Sensory – Farm-to-table dining with a cozy, elevated vibe.
  • Stay overnight in Canmore (The Malcolm Hotel is perfect).

Day 6: Lake Louise – A Fairytale in the Mountains

  • Breakfast at The Summit Café (Canmore).
  • Drive to Lake Louise (1 hour).
  • Check into Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
  • Spend the afternoon paddling a canoe on the iconic turquoise lake.
  • Lunch at the Fairview Bar & Restaurant.
  • Optional hike to the Lake Agnes Tea House.
  • Dinner at The Post Hotel – One of the most exclusive fine dining experiences in the Rockies.

Day 7: Back to Calgary – One Last City Moment

  • Morning coffee with the view at Lake Louise.
  • Scenic drive back to Calgary, stopping for photos at Morant’s Curve.
  • Lunch at Ten Foot Henry – One of the city’s best restaurants for fresh, veggie-forward dining.
  • Last-minute shopping at The Hudson’s Bay Downtown or the cute boutiques in Inglewood.
  • Fly home, already planning your next trip back.
Where to Eat: The Best Restaurants in Calgary & The Rockies

Calgary

  • Major Tom – The city’s best fine dining with a view.
  • Modern Steak – A proper Alberta beef experience.
  • Deane House – Gorgeous, historic, and delicious.
  • Ten Foot Henry – A lighter, fresher take on fine dining.

Banff & Lake Louise

  • Eden (Rimrock Resort) – The most elevated dining in Banff.
  • The Bison – Locally sourced and beautifully prepared.
  • The Post Hotel (Lake Louise) – Unparalleled luxury in a cozy alpine setting.

Canmore

  • Communitea Café – Casual, cozy, and perfect for breakfast.
  • The Sensory – Understated elegance with a local touch.
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