Day 3 of Our Adventures by Disney Canadian Rockies Tour: A Full Day in Banff
The view from the weather station at the summit of Sulphur Mountain in Banff.
Welcome back to our blog! If you’ve been following along, you know we’ve already covered our itinerary overview, our ultimate packing guide, and our comprehensive review of our Adventures by Disney (ABD) Canadian Rockies experience. Today, we’re diving into Day 3 of our adventure: a full day in Banff, jam-packed with more activities than most people would probably fit into three days, thanks to the brilliant planning and magic of ABD.
Traveling Canada on Canada Day
Bonus: our full day in Banff was also Canada Day – the country’s equivalent of our Fourth of July. Canada Day is a national holiday celebrating the confederation of Canada, marked by parades, fireworks, concerts, and patriotic displays. Unlike the Fourth of July, which focuses heavily on fireworks and barbecues, Canada Day in Banff showcased a true respect and pride for Canadian history and culture, including celebrations and spotlights on all the aboriginal tribes. The festivities were filled with cultural performances, traditional music, and dances, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.
What is Canada Day?
Canada Day, celebrated on July 1st, marks the anniversary of the confederation of Canada in 1867, when the British North America Act united the colonies of Canada (now Ontario and Quebec), New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia into a single country. It’s a day of national pride, similar to Independence Day in the United States, but with unique traditions and festivities that highlight Canadian culture and history.
Canada Day celebrations vary across the country, reflecting the diverse cultural landscape of Canada. Here are some common ways it is celebrated:
Parades and Festivals: Cities and towns host parades featuring floats, marching bands, and performances.
Fireworks: Major cities like Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver light up the night sky with spectacular fireworks displays. These shows are often accompanied by concerts and public gatherings.
Cultural Celebrations: Indigenous cultures are prominently featured in Canada Day celebrations, with traditional dances, music, and storytelling. This emphasis on cultural heritage highlights the importance of reconciliation and the contributions of Indigenous peoples to Canadian society.
Citizenship Ceremonies: New Canadians often take their citizenship oaths on Canada Day, adding a personal and poignant element to the celebrations.
Outdoor Activities: Canadians take advantage of the summer weather to enjoy outdoor activities such as barbecues, picnics, and sporting events. Parks and public spaces are filled with people celebrating together.
In Banff, Canada Day was marked by a sense of community and respect for the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. The festivities were inclusive and celebrated the rich history and diversity of Canada.
Our Full Day Review
Our day started early with the group meeting in the lobby of the Fairmont Banff Springs, greeted by our Canadian guides decked out in full Canada Day swag. The energy was infectious as everyone was eager to start the day's adventures.
Our guides Maddy and Josh.
Scenic Biking Tour
Our first adventure was a scenic biking tour along the Bow River on the Art in Nature Trail. This trail combines beautiful landscapes with stunning outdoor art installations, creating a unique and immersive experience. For travelers in our group who were unable to bike, Disney transported them via our bus to each of the destinations so we could still enjoy all of the sights together. As we biked along the trail, we enjoyed the following highlights:
Hiking to a Waterfall: A short detour from the trail led us to a picturesque waterfall, where we took a break to admire the cascading water and take photos.
The Trading Post: An iconic stop along the trail, the Trading Post offers a glimpse into the region’s history, showcasing artifacts and providing insight into the local culture.
The Springs: Known for their natural beauty and therapeutic properties, the springs are a serene spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Cascade of Time Gardens
Our last stop on the bike tour was the beautiful Cascade of Time Gardens at the base of Main Street. These gardens are meticulously maintained, featuring vibrant flower beds, artistic sculptures, and peaceful walking paths. We took a relaxing break here to soak in the tranquility and beauty of the gardens. The gardens offer a stunning array of plant species and beautifully designed landscapes that are both serene and inspiring. The pathways are lined with benches and scenic spots perfect for photography or simply enjoying the natural surroundings.
Sulphur Mountain Gondola Ride
Directly from the gardens, our tour bus took us to Sulphur Mountain, where our guides already had reservations and tickets for the gondola. This allowed us to bypass the crowds and head straight to the summit. Sulphur Mountain is known for its breathtaking views and geological significance.
Despite the rain as we ascended, which made it hard to appreciate the height and beauty around us, we enjoyed a fantastic buffet lunch at the Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen, previously arranged and reserved by Disney. The restaurant offered a wide variety of dishes, catering to all dietary needs and preferences. The menu included options like Alberta beef stew, wild mushroom risotto, and an array of fresh salads and desserts. Prices ranged from $20 to $40 per person, making it a great value for the quality and variety of food.
By the time we finished our lunch, the heavy rain and clouds dramatically cleared away, revealing stunning vistas. We then climbed the wooden steps and pathway to the weather station.
The Path to the Summit: The wooden pathway consists of approximately 500 steps, leading to the highest point on Sulphur Mountain. Along the way, there are several viewing platforms where you can pause and take in the panoramic views.
The Summit Views: From the summit, the views are nothing short of spectacular. You can see the entire Bow Valley, the town of Banff, and our hotel in the distance. The sight is truly awe-inspiring, with layers of mountains stretching as far as the eye can see.
Free Afternoon in Banff
The rest of the afternoon was free time with tons of options for enjoying Banff. Many in our group took advantage of the resort amenities like the pool and spa, while others opted for more hiking or heading into downtown Banff.
We chose to walk into town, a short 15-minute stroll from the Fairmont, just in time for the Canada Day parade. The parade was a vibrant and joyous celebration, featuring various groups, including local bands, cultural dancers, and representatives from the aboriginal tribes, showcasing their heritage with pride.
Exploring Banff
After the parade, we enjoyed exploring the local shops, including well-known Canadian stores like Roots, which had exclusive Banff items. The town’s vibrant atmosphere was contagious, with everyone in a festive mood.
Shopping in Banff: Banff is home to a variety of unique boutiques and stores. We found wonderful souvenirs and local crafts at shops like Banff Souvenir & Tees and A Touch of Canada, which features handmade items from local artisans. We also enjoyed a visit to the Banff Tea Co., where we picked up some delicious teas to bring home.
Other Great Shops: Other notable shops include Monod Sports for outdoor gear, Rocky Mountain Soap Company for natural bath and body products, and The Spirit of Christmas for year-round holiday decorations.
We ended our day with a delightful dinner at the Banff Brewing Company. The restaurant offered a great selection of local beers and gluten-free specialties. We indulged in some fantastic Canadian dishes, including poutine and bison burgers, all while enjoying the cozy and welcoming atmosphere of the brewery.
Banff Brewing Company: This popular spot is known for its craft beers and hearty pub fare. The menu features a range of gluten-free options, making it accessible for everyone. The casual and friendly environment makes it a perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring.
Other Activities and Ways to Spend an Afternoon in Banff
Banff Hot Springs: Relax and soak in the therapeutic waters of the Banff Upper Hot Springs, a natural hot spring with stunning mountain views.
Hiking Trails: Explore numerous hiking trails around Banff, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes. Popular trails include the Tunnel Mountain Trail, Johnston Canyon, and the Lake Agnes Tea House Trail.
Lake Louise: Take a short drive to Lake Louise, one of the most photographed lakes in the world. Enjoy a canoe ride on the turquoise waters or hike up to the Lake Agnes Tea House for panoramic views.
Banff Park Museum: Visit the Banff Park Museum, a historic log building showcasing natural history exhibits and artifacts from the park's early days.
Cave and Basin National Historic Site: Learn about the birthplace of Canada's national parks system and explore the natural hot springs that led to the creation of Banff National Park.
Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for wildlife such as elk, deer, and even bears as you explore the park. Banff is known for its diverse wildlife and stunning natural habitats.
Beautiful Walk Back to the Fairmont
After a wonderful day in Banff, we enjoyed a leisurely walk back to the Fairmont. The scenery was enchanting, with an elk peacefully grazing alongside the walkway and ground squirrels popping up and chirping at each other. Banff is home to a variety of wildlife, and it’s not uncommon to spot animals such as deer, bighorn sheep, and even the occasional bear. One notable resident is "The Boss," a massive grizzly bear known to roam the area. The presence of such diverse wildlife adds an extra layer of excitement and wonder to the experience.
Wildlife spotting!
Evening at the Fairmont
We capped off the evening with a cocktail at the Rundle Bar, located within the Fairmont Banff Springs. The bar offers a cozy and elegant atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a busy day. The menu features a range of signature cocktails, local craft beers, and fine wines.
After our drinks, we enjoyed our last night in our beautiful hotel room, taking in the stunning views and reflecting on our incredible day. The luxurious accommodations and attentive service made our stay at the Fairmont truly unforgettable.
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:
