Experience four iconic properties and one incredible road trip through the Canadian Rockies this summer with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. Breathtaking mountain views, magnificent glaciers, turquoise lakes and incredible wildlife await when you hit the road. And at each stop, Fairmont offers luxurious accommodations, world-class dining, award-winning golf and plenty of summer fun. Pack your hiking boots and sunscreen and experience one of North America’s greatest road trips along this stunning stretch of Canada.
Calgary
Start your road trip in Calgary with a stay at Fairmont Palliser. Experience the best this vibrant prairie city has to offer all within walking distance from the hotel. Stroll Stephen Avenue Walk, a pedestrian-only shopping district, boasting five blocks of Calgary’s most prime patio real estate. Grab a bite and cold drink at any number of spots on this stretch. When it’s time for dinner, venture back to the hotel for a delectable meal at Hawthorn, the hotel’s stunning lobby restaurant. If you’re lucky enough to be in town during the Calgary Stampede (July 7-16, 2023), take in the rodeo competitions, chuckwagon races and country music performances at this annual Western extravaganza. Fairmont Palliser is just a 15 minute-walk to Stampede Park – just be sure to purchase tickets in advance. After a good night’s sleep, hit the road and head west on Scenic Highway 1A. This two-lane stretch can be treacherous in the winter so take advantage of mild summer conditions and opt for this picturesque route. For a more direct route, you can also take the Trans-Canada Highway. Whichever you choose, keep an eye out for stunning views, hidden lakes and wildlife!
Banff
Located in the heart of Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fairmont Banff Springs is the perfect home base for exploring this breathtaking alpine destination. The “Castle in the Rockies” opened in 1888 and has been dazzling visitors since. Try your hand at trout fishing on Lake Minnewanka or set foot on one of the trails located within walking distance from the hotel – Tunnel Mountain, Bow Falls and Sulphur Mountain are just a few of the most popular hikes. Back at the hotel, grab a pretzel and a pint from The Waldhaus. The German-inspired pub and its scenic patio are the perfect spot to unwind after your outdoor adventure. Golfers will also delight at the chance to play The Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course, renowned for its breathtaking views and challenging layout. An easy walk from the hotel, the charming town of Banff offers shops filled with Canadian art, a diverse selection of restaurants and popular attractions like the scenic Banff Gondola.
Lake Louise
When you’ve had your fill of summer fun in Banff, hop back on Highway 1A, also known as the Bow Valley Parkway along this stretch, and head west toward your next destination, Lake Louise. Surrounded by Victoria Glacier and its namesake emerald lake, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is a must-visit on any Rockies road trip. From sunrise canoeing on the emerald green waters of Lake Louise to horseback riding among the summer scenery, travelers can truly embrace the beauty of the season here. The resort’s robust Wellness Retreat series also offers something unique for the outdoor enthusiast throughout the summer and fall – from yoga and self-care retreats to multi-day experiences dedicated to trail running and outdoor painting. As its name suggests, the views from the hotel’s signature Fairview Restaurant are also worth a visit, and an elegant menu inspired by the locale is equally satisfying. For handcrafted cocktails featuring the hotel’s own Fairview Gin, be sure to stop by the Fairview Bar for an after-dinner drink. You might find it hard to leave this magical hamlet, but more fun awaits further north.
Jasper
From Lake Louise, pack your hiking gear and head north to Jasper. Don’t let the 242 kilometer-drive (150 mile-drive) deter you from this final stop. The scenic drive on the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), named one of National Geographic’s “Drives of a Lifetime,” is well worth it. Keep a careful eye (and a camera) out for elk, mountain goats and moose along your way. Just be sure to pack snacks and plan to refuel at Saskatchewan River Crossing, the only commercial stop between Lake Louise and Jasper. The Columbia Icefield and Glacier Skywalk are open only in the summer months and are a must-see along this stretch. Take a walk on an actual glacier followed by an exhilarating walk on a glass-bottomed skywalk!
Nestled on the pristine shores of Lac Beauvert, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge offers 700 acres of fun. The resort’s charming village of cedar chalets and luxury cabins, all connected by picturesque paths, allow guests to easily explore the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Located in one of the world’s largest dark sky preserves, take advantage of the resort’s on-property planetarium to learn about the constellations and majestic Northern Lights. The Stanley Thompson-designed Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course is a golfer’s delight, and the Boathouse offers stand up paddle boards, canoes, kayaks and mountain bikes to explore the wonders of the lake and its surrounding trails. Be sure to build in some time for R&R after all of that activity with a treatment at The Spa at Jasper Park Lodge. Cap off this incredible adventure with a stunning Rocky Mountain sunset from one of the resort’s idyllic lake-side sundecks.
From Calgary to Jasper and every stop in between, a trip through the Canadian Rockies is filled with endless adventure and beauty. Start planning your summer road trip with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts today.