Adventures by Disney Canadian Rockies: Day 3 – Calgary to Banff with a Stop in Canmore
🚨 New to this series? Start with Day 1: Calgary Arrival & Welcome Dinner or Explore the full Adventures by Disney Canadian Rockies overview.
Our Adventures by Disney group soaking up the beauty of Lake Minnewanka—an unforgettable stop on our Canadian Rockies itinerary.
We knew today would bring us closer to the mountains—but we didn’t realize how much heart, humor, and magic would come along for the ride. Day 2 of our Adventures by Disney Canadian Rockies journey took us from the city of Calgary to the majestic Fairmont Banff Springs, with a float down the Bow River, a few surprise stops, and a fairytale welcome to one of the world’s most iconic hotels.
If you’re wondering how Disney transforms a travel day into something truly memorable, this is your answer.
Morning Bag Pull & Departure from Calgary
One of the hallmarks of traveling with Adventures by Disney is how effortless everything feels—even on early mornings. Our day started with a 6:30 AM bag pull, where we simply left our packed suitcases inside our hotel room. From there, the magic took over. While we enjoyed one last breakfast at the Fairmont Palliser, the Disney team whisked our bags onto the coach bus. No dragging luggage. No double-checking tags. Just seamless service that makes you feel completely taken care of.
After breakfast, we boarded the bus around 7:45 AM. The vibe was quiet but excited—people were chatting softly, sipping coffee, or watching the city fade behind us. Within minutes, Calgary’s skyline gave way to rolling foothills, and then, just like that: the mountains.
Stop One: Canmore – A Hidden Gem in the Rockies
Roughly an hour into our drive, we arrived in Canmore, a postcard-worthy mountain town in Alberta’s Bow Valley. Tucked between rugged peaks and vibrant green forest, Canmore felt like stepping into a Hallmark movie—if the movie had gourmet coffee shops, artisan boutiques, and a turquoise river running through it.
Scenic Float on the Bow River
First on the agenda? A scenic float down the Bow River. The morning had brought a light sprinkle of rain, but it didn’t last long—and somehow, the moody skies made the mountains even more dramatic.
Floating the Bow River with our new ABD friends—rain jackets, mountain views, and lots of laughter made this an unforgettable ride through Canmore.
Our group was split into small rafts, and our guides did something subtly genius: they grouped people together who had already begun to connect. (Spoiler: we ended up becoming real friends with our float-mates.)
The float was peaceful and filled with jaw-dropping views—Mount Rundle, The Three Sisters, and endless forested banks. Along the way, we spotted an eagle’s nest high in the trees, skipped rocks on a little island, and listened as our local guide shared stories about wildlife, history, and where to grab the best post-float snacks.
Local Tip: What Makes the Bow River Special
The Bow River is glacier-fed, and its color—a surreal turquoise—is caused by "rock flour" (finely ground sediment from the glaciers). Floating here isn’t just a scenic experience—it’s a geological one.
Scenic float down the Bow River in Canmore, Alberta—one of the most peaceful and picturesque moments of our Adventures by Disney Canadian Rockies tour.
Canmore Fun Fact: Filming Location for The Last of Us
Since returning home, we were thrilled to realize that Canmore was used as a filming location for the hit series The Last of Us. Watching the show and recognizing the exact streets we walked, bridges we crossed, and buildings we passed was such a fun surprise—especially for fans of the show. The downtown area doubles as Jackson, Wyoming in the series, and it adds a whole new layer of pop culture appreciation to this beautiful little town.
A Few Hours in Canmore: Shopping, Snacks & Small Town Charm
After the float, we had a few hours to explore Canmore on our own. This was one of the best unscripted surprises of the trip. It wasn’t just a pit stop—it was a full-on invitation to soak up Alberta’s local flavor.
Downtown Canmore delivers peak charm—local shops, walkable streets, and postcard views of the Canadian Rockies.
Where to Shop
We wandered the walkable downtown, and here are some standout spots:
Alberta’s Own Marketplace – Handmade jewelry, art, and textiles from local makers. I bought a hand-stitched pendant banner that now hangs in my office.
Stonewaters Home Elements – Gorgeous decor and gifts with a mountain-luxe feel.
Rocky Mountain Soap Company – The perfect place for natural skincare gifts or travel-sized bath products.
Project A – A beautifully curated shop showcasing pottery, textiles, and art from local artisans.
Canmore Tea Company – Cozy, welcoming, and stocked with dozens of loose-leaf blends.
Favorite finds in Canmore: Alberta’s Own for artisan shopping and Friendship Park for a peaceful post-lunch stroll.
Where to Eat
We grabbed a casual lunch at a local Mexican restaurant (yes, in the mountains—and yes, it was amazing). Other recommendations from our guide and fellow travelers:
Grizzly Paw Pub & Brewing Company – House-brewed beers and hearty comfort food.
Communitea Café – Healthy bowls, sandwiches, and great vegetarian options.
This time in Canmore was exactly the kind of travel moment we live for—unexpected, delicious, and so local.
Surprise Stop: Lake Minnewanka
On our way from Canmore to Banff, our guides surprised us with a stop at Lake Minnewanka—a glacial lake so stunning it felt like walking into a painting.
Our surprise stop at Lake Minnewanka gave us our first chance to truly soak in the majestic scenery of Banff National Park—towering peaks, glacier-fed waters, and fresh mountain air included.
Stretching 21 kilometers long, Lake Minnewanka is the largest lake in Banff National Park. The view was serene, framed by towering peaks and dense pine forest. We had enough time to take photos, breathe in the fresh air, and listen to the wind ripple across the water.
This wasn’t on the printed itinerary. But like all good Adventures by Disney moments, it was perfectly timed and beautifully executed. It was also our first real glimpse of the stunning beauty of the Canadian Rockies and its gorgeous lakes and waters from outside the bus—a taste of the awe-inspiring scenery that would continue over the next few days.
Soarin’ Over the Rockies: A Disney Surprise
Just when we thought the ride couldn’t get more fun, our guides pulled off one of their signature surprises.
As we wound through mountain roads and stared out at soaring pines, they played the Soarin’ Over California soundtrack through the bus speakers. Then, like magic, they ran down the aisles with a pine-scented air freshener and a burst of citrus—mimicking the smells from the beloved Disney ride.
Everyone laughed. Everyone got it. It was playful, unexpected, and the kind of Disney-insider moment that makes you feel like you’re traveling with friends.
Arrival in Banff: First Glimpse of the Fairmont Banff Springs
As the coach bus curved into Banff, we caught our first view of the Fairmont Banff Springs, rising like a storybook castle above the trees. The excitement on the bus was real—this was a bucket-list hotel for many of us, and it didn’t disappoint.
Banff Main Street features great walkable shopping, food & entertainment.
A Grand Entrance
Driving up to the property, we passed through charming downtown Banff—lined with alpine-style buildings, boutiques, cafés, and mountain views in every direction. Banff is one of Canada’s most visited destinations for a reason, and even from the window of a bus, it was obvious why.
With every turn of the road, the landscape became more dramatic. Jagged peaks rose overhead, wildflowers bloomed along the roadside, and the fresh alpine air gave us that instant sense of “this is special.”
Then we arrived at the castle. The Fairmont Banff Springs, with its turrets, stonework, and grandeur, truly felt like something out of a movie. Even before stepping off the bus, we knew we were about to experience something extraordinary.
The Fairmont Springs is beautiful from every direction.
A Legacy of Luxury
Originally opened in 1888 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, the Fairmont Banff Springs was built to attract elite travelers to the newly formed national parks. This grand railway hotel is part of Canada’s historic castle hotel collection and remains one of the most iconic luxury properties in North America.
Today, it continues to host royalty, celebrities, dignitaries—and lucky Adventures by Disney travelers. The hotel’s connection to Canadian history, combined with its world-class service and amenities, makes it more than just a place to stay. It’s part of the destination itself.
Did You Know?
The Fairmont Banff Springs is also a major stop on the Rocky Mountaineer, a world-famous luxury train journey that winds through Western Canada’s most spectacular landscapes. Seeing the same castle you've just arrived at featured in luxury travel magazines and train brochures underscores what a truly special stop this is.
As we pulled up to the grand entrance, bellhops in classic uniforms greeted us warmly, and the Disney guides handed out our room keys like magic. The adventure was only just beginning—but this moment felt like stepping into a different world
Hotel Tour Highlights
Shortly after check-in, we joined a guided tour of the Fairmont Banff Springs that brought the hotel’s rich history and hidden corners to life.
The Haunted Bridal Staircase – Said to be one of the most ghost-sighted areas in the hotel.
Gilded Ballroom Doors – Massive, ornate doors that reminded us of a Disney fairytale.
The Confessional by the Bar – A hilarious nod to prohibition-era Canada.
Stephen Hall – An unexpected Disney connection: this grand ballroom, with its upper overlook and chandeliered grandeur, eerily resembled the Haunted Mansion ballroom scene.
The "Million Dollar View" – A breathtaking lookout framed by arched, paneless glass windows, overlooking the Bow Valley and mountains. It lives up to the name.
Exploring the Grounds & Hotel Amenities
We spent the afternoon wandering the Fairmont’s expansive grounds and soaking in the full grandeur of the Rockies.
Highlights included:
The heated indoor/outdoor pool with sweeping views
A sunlit conservatory filled with greenery and cozy seating
Boutique shops and local art galleries tucked throughout the hotel
A few brave laps around the reportedly haunted upper floors (ghost sightings: TBD)
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.
The heated pool at Fairmont Banff Springs offers one of the most luxurious ways to soak in the scenery—surrounded by mountains, pine forest, and the iconic Bow River.
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.
Our favorite room of the trip: the deluxe suite at Fairmont Banff Springs offered mountain views, plush bedding (even the rollaway!), and space to truly unwind after a day of adventure.
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
