Hi from Banff!

I went for Spring Break (yes, snowy not beachy, but peaky!) and it was beautiful – cold but cozy. Saw big horn sheep , stayed at the Moose Hotel (so cabin-chic), ate amazing food at Lupo, and yes I walked on a frozen lake! Took a ski lesson at Lake Louise (me?! skiing!) and rode the gondola – terrifying but worth it for the view and lunch at Sky Bistro. Would 100% go again, but maybe during a different season.

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On top of the Gondola
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because I know you’ll appreciate all the details

because I know you’ll appreciate all the details

So here’s the full scoop, just for you:

I went with three other people (total of four), and we stayed at the Moose Hotel. Highly recommend – super cozy, cabin-like, and in a great walkable spot (but we did rent a car to make it easier to explore). We were surrounded by good food and beautiful scenery, and honestly, coming from NYC, I was surprised by how much variety the restaurants had. A nice mix of cozy and international.

And yes – wildlife sightings! We spotted big horn sheep casually hanging out, and it felt like something out of a nature documentary.

Naturally, I had a list (classic Type A) of things to see and do. Here are some of my favorite parts of the trip:

Trip Highlights

  • Trails: Banff has so many beautiful trails, like Lake Minnewanka and Johnston Canyon. Just make sure to bring or rent snow spikes for the icy ones during the colder seasons (even in April!) – they were total lifesavers. We rented ours.

  • Skiing at Lake Louise: I know, me? Skiing? But I signed up for a super affordable adult ski lesson – full-day and beginner-friendly. I chose skiing over snowboarding (way more manageable for me). The instructor was so kind and patient.

    Pro tip: Pack a thermos of hot water and instant Shin Ramen – the perfect warm-up lunch on the slopes.

  • Walking on Lake Louise: Yes – on it! A little scary, but the ice was thick and the views were unreal. It felt like walking on frozen glass in a snow globe.

  • Wolfdogs at the Sanctuary: We picked the interactive tour (middle-tier) and loved it. Learned so much and got up close with the animals – way more meaningful than just the walking tour. If you’re curious and up for it, the more hands-on tour is worth doing.

  • Banff Gondola Ride + Sky Bistro: Definitely not for the height-sensitive (aka me), but I survived. The ride felt like forever, but the view at the top was absolutely incredible. We had Sky Bistro lunch reservations – and to my surprise, the food was actually amazing. Not just pretty – delicious. You know I wouldn’t lie about food!

  • Big horn sheep sighting: Spotted them casually owning the roads like locals. Wild and majestic 🐏.

  • Best pasta at Lupo: Cozy, lively, and a total standout. Even during shoulder season, it was packed – so make a reservation! Definitely worth it.

Oh, deer!

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