Adventures by Disney Canadian Rockies Tour: Day 2 - Calgary to Banff with an Afternoon in Canmore
A gorgeous drive from Calgary to Banff National Park.
Welcome back to our blog! If you’ve been following along, you know we’ve covered our itinerary overview, our ultimate packing guide, Day 1 of our ABD in Calgary, and our comprehensive review of our Adventures by Disney (ABD) Canadian Rockies experience. Today, we’re diving into Day 2 of our adventure: traveling from Calgary to Banff with a delightful stop in Canmore.
Early Morning “Bag Pull” & Departure
The drive from Calgary to the Fairmont Banff Springs is approximately 1.5 hours, covering a distance of about 80 miles. Disney arranged the itinerary so we could soak up as much of the day as possible, leaving early, with a stopover midway to break up the ride and enjoy a beautiful mountain town before continuing on. Part of the luxury of Adventures by Disney is this detailed itinerary planning and white glove service at every point of your journey.
Our day started bright and early with a 6:30 am “bag pull.” Disney makes it super easy — One of the many perks of an Adventures by Disney trip is that you never need to drag your bags in and out of your room. You only need to carry the things you want with you on the bus.
While we enjoyed our last breakfast at the Hotel Palliser, ABD loaded all our luggage onto the bus. We left the hotel around 7:45 am, excited for our first up-close look at the Canadian Rockies as we made our way to Banff.
First Stop: Canmore
Our first stop on the way was Canmore, a charming mountain town that many locals say is one of the best in Alberta.
About Canmore
Located just an hour’s drive from Calgary, Canmore is a picturesque town nestled in the Bow Valley within Alberta's Rocky Mountains. Originally established as a coal mining town in the late 1800s, Canmore has transformed into a popular destination known for its stunning scenery, outdoor activities, and vibrant arts community. The town’s proximity to Banff National Park makes it a convenient stop for travelers looking to explore the natural beauty of the region. With its charming downtown area, filled with boutiques, cafes, and art galleries, Canmore offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Scenic Float Down the Bow River
We started our time in Canmore with a scenic float down the Bow River. A little sprinkle of rain couldn’t dampen the fun or the beauty as we sailed down the river, spotting eagles’ nests in the trees and keeping our eyes peeled for wildlife along the riverbank. The Bow River is renowned for its clear, turquoise waters and the stunning backdrop of the Canadian Rockies. Along the float, we had spectacular views of Mount Rundle and the Three Sisters peaks, iconic mountains that dominate the skyline.
Our group was separated into four different rafts, organized by the guides. Looking back, you can see how they had already spotted great potential friends and matches, as the people we floated with on Day 2 were travelers we grew very close with over the course of the trip.
Midway through the float, we stopped at a rocky little island where we all got out, took pictures, and skipped rocks before continuing down the river. The local guides steering the boats narrated our journey and gave us tips on where to eat and shop when we headed into town. The Bow River float offers unique sights such as the lush riverside forests, and if you’re lucky, you might spot wildlife like deer or even the occasional bear along the shore.
Exploring Canmore
After our float, we boarded our bus back to the town of Canmore, where we had a few hours to shop and enjoy lunch at one of the many great local spots. Canmore is fantastic for shopping, with shop after shop of unique boutiques stocked with local treats, artisan goods, and perfect souvenirs. Alberta's Own Marketplace was a favorite stop of ours – we fell in love with handmade blankets, pendant banners, and jewelry.
Other recommended boutiques and local businesses worth visiting in Canmore include:
Stonewaters Home Elements: A stylish home decor store offering unique and high-quality items.
Indigo Bay: Known for its fashion-forward clothing and accessories, perfect for finding something stylish.
Project A: A local artisan collective that showcases handmade goods, from pottery to textiles.
Canmore Tea Company: A cozy spot to pick up a variety of delicious teas and accessories.
Rocky Mountain Soap Company: Specializes in natural, handmade bath and body products.
For lunch, we enjoyed a delicious meal at a local Mexican restaurant. Some other great recommendations for lunch in Canmore include The Grizzly Paw Pub & Brewing Company and Communitea Cafe. The Grizzly Paw is known for its craft beers and pub fare, while Communitea Cafe offers a healthy and delicious menu with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.
The Beautiful Drive from Canmore to Banff
The drive from Canmore to Banff is breathtaking, filled with stunning views of waterfalls, glaciers, and lush forests. As we left Canmore, the scenery became even more spectacular. We made a surprise stop at Lake Minnewanka, a beautiful and serene lake surrounded by majestic mountains. This glacier-fed lake is the largest in Banff National Park and offers stunning vistas and a sense of tranquility. Lake Minnewanka is not only a natural wonder but also a popular spot for boating, fishing, and hiking, making it a must-visit destination within the park.
Lake Minnewanka
Soarin’ Over the Rockies
On our ride into the mountains, our Disney guides surprised us with a fun nod to one of the most beloved Disney attractions, Soarin' Over California. The original ride pumps in smells of pine as you soar over forests and oranges as you fly over orange groves. As we looked in awe out the windows, our guides played the Soarin’ music over the bus speaker system and then hilariously ran down the aisle with a pine air freshener followed by an orange one. Moments like these sneak a little bit of extra fun and laughs into an Adventures by Disney trip and get a resounding laugh and appreciation from all the fellow Disney fans traveling the world together.
Arriving in Banff
As we arrived in Banff, we drove down the main street, passing tons of great shops and boutiques. The town itself is picturesque, with the towering peaks of the Rockies as a backdrop. Our anticipation grew as we passed the iconic Banff Springs before finally arriving at the hotel.
No filter necessary. Banff is picture perfect, including a rainbow!
About Banff
Banff is a charming resort town within Banff National Park, renowned for its stunning mountainous surroundings and hot springs. Established in 1885 as Canada's first national park, Banff is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a gateway to the Rockies. The town is a hub for outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and wildlife viewing. Banff's vibrant downtown area is filled with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, making it a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities. The Banff Gondola offers breathtaking views of the entire area, and the Banff Upper Hot Springs provide a relaxing way to unwind after a day of exploration.
Banff Main Street features great walkable shopping, food & entertainment.
Staying at the Fairmont Banff Springs
The Fairmont Banff Springs is a castle in the Rockies, steeped in history and luxury. Built in 1888 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, it was designed to be one of the great railway hotels of Canada. Its grand architecture and stunning location have made it a symbol of Canadian hospitality.
The Fairmont Springs is beautiful from every direction.
Touring the Historic Hotel
After dropping our bags in our room, we joined a tour of the hotel. The guide walked us through the history and significant spots, including the bridal staircase, ballroom with carpeted floors (paid for by a wealthy guest who had slipped on a drink at a party and then paid to carpet multiple rooms), and a surprising confessional once used at the bar before people were allowed to drink. We also admired the big, beautiful gilded brass doors of one of the ballrooms and the haunted bridal staircase. The oldest room in the building (the ballroom) immediately reminded us of Walt Disney’s Haunted Mansion, which was an exciting connection for our Disney-loving hearts.
The Million Dollar View
One of the highlights of the tour was the "Million Dollar View" through imported arched paneless glass windows looking over the mountains. It was a breathtaking sight and a perfect way to end our tour.
The Stephen Hall: A Connection to Disney Magic
The Stephen Hall at the Fairmont Banff Springs is a captivating space that evokes a sense of wonder and nostalgia for Disney fans. The ballroom's design, with its grand staircase and opulent decor, bears a striking resemblance to the ballroom in Disney's Haunted Mansion. The second-floor overlook, in particular, is reminiscent of the scene where guests in doom buggies watch ghosts dancing. This unexpected connection adds a touch of magic to the hotel experience, making it a memorable highlight for Disney enthusiasts.
Exploring the Grounds
After our hotel tour, we explored the beautiful grounds of the Fairmont Banff Springs. The overlook offered panoramic views of the Bow Valley and the surrounding mountains, including Mount Rundle and Sulphur Mountain. The sight of the river winding through the valley was simply breathtaking. We wandered through the hotel's lush gardens and well-manicured lawns, which provided a serene environment perfect for relaxation.
The Pool and Other Amenities
The hotel’s pool was a highlight – heated and gorgeous, with stunning views of the mountains and the river. The relaxing setting was perfect after a day of travel and exploration. We also walked through the conservatory, a bright and airy space filled with lush plants and comfortable seating areas. Passing through the reportedly haunted upper floors added an extra thrill to our exploration. The hotel’s rich history and the tales of ghostly sightings made it all the more intriguing.
Dining at the Vermillion Room
We ended our day with a fantastic meal at one of the Fairmont Banff Springs restaurants, the Vermillion Room. Dining on our own but with the meal included in our trip, we enjoyed a three-course meal. Our starters included shrimp cocktail and octopus, followed by Alberta beef steak frites for dinner, which were spectacular. For dessert, we indulged in a flourless chocolate cake that was the perfect sweet ending to our meal.
Evening Exploration & Relaxation
After dinner, we took a relaxing walk exploring the rest of the hotel, including the gorgeous overlook, pool, shops, and other amenities. Finding some of our other tour-friends along the way, we even did some fun “ghost hunting” exploration visiting some of the rumored hot spots throughout the building — a haunted staircase, ballroom and one of the high floors where a ghostly butler supposedly roams.
We then retired to watch the sunset over the mountains from our room and enjoy the gorgeous & luxurious accomodations. The Fairmont Banff Springs truly felt like a magical castle, and we couldn’t wait to see what the next day would bring.
Want to hear more about our Adventures by Disney experience?
Check out our additional posts where we dive into each stop on our Adventures by Disney Canadian Rockies journey:
The Magic of Adventures by Disney: Unforgettable Journeys for Families
Discovering Calgary: Our First Stop on the Adventures by Disney Canadian Rockies Tour
Day 3 of Our Adventures by Disney Canadian Rockies Tour: A Full Day in Banff
Adventures by Disney Canadian Rockies – Lake Louise, Columbia Icefield & Beyond
A powerful personal story: How a Girls' Trip and a Leap of Faith Changed My Life: Lindsey’s Journey with Magic Journeys
A sneak preview of Sulphur Mountain.
