Just subscribed? Check your email to confirm and get your free ebook.
Alberta is celebrated for its epic landscapes, but on this trip I discovered that the province’s food scene and luxury stays are just as memorable as its mountains and lakes. What started as a long weekend getaway quickly turned into the perfect mix of alpine adventures and indulgent meals. From trying elk meat for the first time in Banff to decadent gelato in Calgary I went back to, here’s how we spent an indulgent long weekend exploring Lake Louise and Calgary, chasing spectacular views and equally unforgettable bites.
We landed in Calgary over Memorial Day weekend, picked up a rental car at the airport, and drove west toward Banff as the landscape slowly transformed into towering peaks and pine forests.
About half an hour before reaching Banff, we made our first stop in Canmore at the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk. Tucked away in a quiet corner of town, this easy wooden boardwalk winds alongside a gentle creek, surrounded by tall trees and mountain views peeking through.
It was the kind of place that invites you to slow down and take a calm, unhurried walk with the soft sound of flowing water and crisp mountain air setting the tone for the rest of the trip.
From there, we continued on to Banff for dinner at Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant (highly recommended by my sister), a lively spot in downtown Banff known for its house-brewed beers and cozy mountain vibe.
I tried elk meat for the very first time in their Elk and Kale pizza, and the flavor immediately surprised me — rich and savory, almost identical to Italian sausage.
Paired with their seasonal English Dark Ale and a refreshing Cucumber Gin Smash, it was the perfect welcome to Banff.
After dinner, we drove for about an hour deeper into the Rockies before checking into Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, one of the most iconic hotels in the region. The historic property sits right on the edge of Lake Louise, offering front-row views of the lake’s surreal turquoise water and the surrounding glacier-carved peaks.
By the time we got to our room, it was past 9 pm, but the sun was still out. Through the windows, we caught our first glimpse of Lake Louise, glowing softly in the evening light, framed by snow-clad mountains — a surreal welcome that instantly made the long drive worth it.
We quickly dropped our bags and rushed outside for our first real look at Lake Louise…and it completely took our breath away!
It’s one of those places where no photo or words can ever fully do justice, but I’ve shared that exact first-look moment on my Instagram if you want to experience a glimpse of it.
Even though it was late, we wandered around the property and ended up at the Fairview Bar & Restaurant for dessert and a nightcap.
The lounge overlooks the lake through massive windows, and sipping cocktails there as the mountains faded into darkness felt like the perfect first night in the Rockies.
The next morning we woke up early and headed out onto the Lakeshore Trail, which begins right from the hotel grounds. The trail gently hugs the shoreline and leads to the far end of the lake, offering postcard-perfect views the entire way.
After working up an appetite, we returned to the hotel for lunch at the Lakeview Lounge & Summer Patio where I ordered the Bison Ravioli — hearty, rich, and incredibly satisfying after a morning outdoors.
Later that afternoon we hiked up to the Fairview Lookout, a short but rewarding climb that offers a stunning bird’s-eye view of the hotel and lake below.
From up there, the turquoise water almost glows against the deep green forests and snow-capped peaks.
Dinner that evening was another highlight. We started upstairs at the Alpine Social at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, an elegant space with grand chandeliers and sweeping arched windows that frame Lake Louise like a living painting.
With cocktails in hand, we soaked in the golden evening light reflecting off the water before heading downstairs to the restaurant Louiza for dinner. Dining at the Fairmont is an experience in itself — creative cocktails, fresh Nova Scotia seafood, and decadent desserts served against one of the most spectacular backdrops imaginable.
Through the dining room windows, Mount Victoria and Mount Huber rise dramatically above Lake Louise, making every bite feel even more special.
The next morning we checked out and began the drive back toward Calgary, still replaying the views — and the meals — from our unforgettable stay at Lake Louise. I’ve shared more moments from Lake Louise, including our first look at the lake and everything we ate along the way, on my Instagram highlights if you’d like to explore more.
We visited Lake Louise over Memorial Day weekend, which is typically when the area begins opening up for the summer season. However, conditions can vary depending on the weather. We had hoped to also visit Moraine Lake, which is just as stunning as Lake Louise, but it was still closed to the public due to icy conditions. If visiting in late spring, it’s always a good idea to check the latest access updates before planning your itinerary.
Calgary is often seen as the jumping-off point for adventures in the Canadian Rockies, but the city itself has a vibrant personality and a seriously exciting food scene. It’s absolutely worth spending a day or two exploring.
We arrived just in time for brunch at Bro’Kin Yolk, where we dove straight into a Canadian classic — Truffle and Wild Mushroom Breakfast Poutine.
Crispy potatoes, rich gravy, cheese curds, and earthy mushrooms made it a decadent way to kick off our time in the city.
After brunch, we spent a beautiful late-spring afternoon wandering along Stephen Avenue Walk, a lively pedestrian street lined with historic buildings, restaurants, and shops.
Along the way we stopped to admire the towering Wonderland Sculpture, peeked up at the Calgary Tower, and eventually found ourselves inside the lush indoor oasis of the Devonian Gardens.
Later that evening we headed to 17th Avenue SW, one of Calgary’s most energetic dining districts. Dinner was at Lulu Bar, a chic restaurant whose menu draws inspiration from the many regions surrounding the Pacific Ocean, from Asia to Hawaii to the West Coast of Canada.
The space feels bright, breezy, and a little transportive — like stumbling upon that perfect restaurant on vacation. We ordered a round of creative cocktails including the Suit & Thai and the Roasted Pineapple Mai Tai.
We shared a spread of small plates like Fried Coconut Squid, Lobster Dumplings, Loco Moco, Sichuan Noodles, and one of the best wood-grilled asparagus dishes I’ve ever had.
Of course, no Calgary food itinerary is complete without a stop at Made by Marcus Ice Cream. I ordered their Chocolate Lava Cake flavor and immediately fell in love. In fact, I loved it so much that I went back again the next day.
The following morning we explored Prince’s Island Park on e-scooters, cruising along pathways and soaking up skyline views near the iconic Peace Bridge.
Lunch brought us to UNA Pizza + Wine, where we tried one of the most unique pizzas I’ve ever had. Their Italian Sausage and Pistachio pizza comes topped with mozzarella, pistachios, sumac, rosemary, onion, and chili yogurt. We asked them to add jalapeños, and the result was wildly delicious. The beet salad and garlic prawns were equally impressive.
That evening we celebrated our anniversary with dinner at Calcutta Cricket Club, a restaurant inspired by the Raj-era sporting clubs of Kolkata. The menu highlights Bengali street snacks and classic Indian dishes in a vibrant, modern setting.
I started with a Saffron Gin Martini, while we shared appetizers like Chili Chicken and Lamb Doi Kebab before diving into comforting classics — Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani with an assortment of breads and rice. At the end of the meal, the staff surprised us with a handwritten anniversary card signed by the team, a thoughtful touch that made the evening feel even more special.
I’ve shared more moments from Calgary, including our favorite food spots and little city adventures, on my Instagram highlights if you’d like to explore more.
It was a short but amazing vacation over the Memorial Day holiday weekend (last weekend in May). We flew from San Francisco to Calgary Friday morning and did a road trip through Canmore and Banff, staying at Lake Louise and then spending a day and a half in Calgary before flying back home Tuesday afternoon. It was a perfect long weekend getaway from the Bay Area!
From turquoise lakes and alpine hikes at Lake Louise to creative restaurants and memorable meals in Calgary, this Alberta weekend was the perfect reminder that the best trips are the ones where the scenery is breathtaking and the food is just as unforgettable.
