Originally Posted by
THUNT836
Thank you for your reply! Already booked CLL hotel room so we are locked in. Lake view was a non-negotiable for her. Short trip but hoping to make the most of it, mix of relaxation and activity.
Great to hear re crowds. I am thinking shoreline proposal (the classic picture spot, or somewhere <5 mins walk to either side that may be more isolated from people) and around 4-6pm depending on lighting, hoping crowds will be minimal also. Can't do sunrise because we will still be traveling.
For activities, we will be pretty low key. Spa and eating/relaxing one day, another day may drive into Banff to walk around, eat, explore. Or may do an easier hike/scenic long walk that day, I was reading and found Johnston canyon as a potential option? Or going up the gondola one day/night.
Thanks again for the help. Just looking to make sure we have some activities planned so it doesn't feel like we are just trapped in the hotel for 3 days
Lighting at the shoreline is best in the morning, but it's a pretty spot any time. I'm not sure I quite follow your comment, about you can't do sunrise because you will be travelling. If you're there for 3 days, why wouldn't you be there on at least a couple of the mornings? Or is the plan for the proposal to be on the day you arrive?
Johnston Canyon is a lovely walk anytime of the year.
If you wanted a Gondola, it would have to be the Banff Gondola, as the Lake Louise gondola is done for the season at that time, as they prepare for winter skiing.
Lots of easy walks available. The most obvious one being the Lakeshore Trail. If conditions are good, then continue on the Plain of Six Glaciers trail for as long as you feel up to it, and as long as it's safe. Borrow a pair of traction spikes for your boots from the hotel if you don't have any, as the trails could be icy.
You could also do some nice drives. Head over to Emerald Lake and the Natural Bridge in Yoho. If the roads are clear, drive up the Icefields Parkway toward Jasper, maybe as far as the Icefields. It's a scenic drive. Peyto Lake is a great stop any time of the year, and you may have the viewpoint to yourself at that time of the year. I don't think you'll run out of things to do.