Discover the Magic of the Canadian Rockies with Adventures by Disney
How Our Disney-Inspired Love for Travel Led Us to the Canadian Rockies
Our family has always found magic in travel, with annual trips to Disney sparking our love for exploring new places. Over the years, we've discovered that the magic of travel isn't just found in theme parks but in every corner of the world. While our focus has often been on family travel with our own young kids, this time, it's about the big kids as we head off on an unforgettable adventure with our mom - sans kids and spouses!
A few years ago, Brittany and my mom had the chance to explore Machu Picchu with our younger brother on a Disney Adventure. We were both home with young babies too little to leave for a week. Now that our kids are a bit older and our amazing husbands are holding down the fort, it's our turn. We are excited to set off on a girls’ trip to the Canadian Rockies on another Disney adventure that promises to be nothing short of magical.
With this being Brittany and my first Adventures by Disney trip and first real vacation in Canada (not counting day-trip excursions on a cruise or the Canadian side of Niagara Falls), we’re deep down the rabbit holes researching what to pack, what to see and what to expect. We hope you’ll follow along as we get prepared and set off on our adventure at the end of June.
Before we share what we’re packing and how we’re preparing, we’re excited to share our itinerary and all the things we’re excited for, staring with Adventures by Disney itself. Keep scrolling for a day-by-day breakdown of our itinerary and plans.
What is Adventures by Disney?
Adventures by Disney offers guided group tours to destinations around the world, combining Disney's renowned service and storytelling with unique and immersive experiences. Here’s what makes Adventures by Disney special:
Expert Guides: Disney-trained Adventure Guides lead each trip, providing local knowledge, Disney storytelling, and ensuring a seamless travel experience. As you’d expect from Disney, Guides are not just your average tour leader but among the friendliest most helpful people you could hope you spend a week vacation with.
VIP Experiences: Guests often get behind-the-scenes access, private tours, and unique experiences that aren't available to the general public. While I’m not exactly sure what this looks like for our trip to Canada, our Mom’s experience in Machu Picchu was incredible; whisking them away from crowds to the most authentic, magical experiences you’d never know how to find on your own in Peru.
Family-Friendly Itineraries: The itineraries are designed with families in mind, ensuring that both adults and kids can enjoy the activities and experiences. While this trip is just for the girls, we already have our eyes on some of the tours in Asia for a full family adventure. Adult-only itineraries are offered as well.
Stress-Free Travel: From transportation and accommodations to meals and activities, everything is taken care of, allowing travelers to focus on enjoying their trip. While we’re totally fine navigating on our own, there is a peace of mind knowing all we have to do is get on the plane and the rest is taken care of!
Cultural Immersion: Adventures by Disney focuses on providing authentic cultural experiences, from local cuisine to traditional crafts and performances. Skip the heavy research or big fat tour books. Adventures by Disney will help you make sure you don’t just see the hot spots, you also get a feel for the real magic of the place you’re visiting.
Our 7-Night / 7-Day
Canadian Rockies Itinerary
Day 1 - 2: Calgary, Alberta
Our Disney Adventure officially kicks off on Friday evening, where we’ll meet up with our fellow travelers and Disney Guides at the Welcome dinner. The best flight options we could find from New York to Calgary leave later in the day, landing too late for us to travel on the same our tour starts. We’ll fly in a day earlier than the tour starts, giving us a full day to soak up and explore the City of Calgary before our tour officially begins.
Calgary, Alberta, CA
City: Calgary, Alberta
About Calgary: Calgary, Alberta’s largest city, is known for its vibrant culture and stunning skyline set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Famous for hosting the 1988 Winter Olympics, Calgary blends modern urban chic with rugged Western charm.
Fun Facts and Key Sights: Calgary is home to the iconic Calgary Tower, offering panoramic views of the city. The city also boasts a lively arts scene, with numerous galleries and theaters. We look forward to exploring the bustling Stephen Avenue Walk, lined with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.
Gluten-Free Food Spot: Wild Grainz Artisan Bakery – This bakery offers a variety of delicious gluten-free baked goods and is a must-visit for those looking to indulge in gluten-free treats.
Exciting Activity: Hands down, the thing we're most excited for is the downhill karting at Winsport where we’ll race gravity-powered karts down a twisting, turning track. We can already feel the wind and hear the laughter from each other as we race downhill in what looks like a real-life Mario Kart track. The views are an added bonus!
The first full day of our Adventure by Disney, we’ll venture outside the city to explore more of the province, starting with a food tour along Alberta’s Cowboy Trail. This route showcases Alberta’s rich ranching history and western culture, featuring local cuisine and stunning landscapes. We’ll also visit Fort Calgary National Historic Site, which tells the story of the city's early days, and Bar U Ranch, a historic site that offers a glimpse into the life of early Canadian ranchers.
Hotel: Fairmont Palliser
To say we’re excited to kick off our adventure at the Fairmont Palliser is an understatement! This historic hotel, right in the heart of Calgary, has a charm that perfectly matches our girls' trip vibe. It's not just a place to stay; it's a journey back in time. Opened in 1914, the Palliser has been a beacon of luxury and elegance for over a century. Its grand architecture and fascinating stories make it more than just a hotel – it’s an experience. Imagine walking the same halls as royalty and celebrities, feeling the echoes of history in every corner. Plus, there's an underground tunnel, part of Calgary's +15 Skywalk, connecting us to the city's attractions, adding a layer of adventure to our stay.
As a traveler who loves historic hotels and intriguing places, the Fairmont Palliser is a dream come true. The hotel’s rich past is filled with fun facts and stories that add a layer of excitement to our stay. From its early days as Calgary's tallest building to its connection with the Canadian Pacific Railway, there's so much to explore and learn. Plus, with a few ghost stories to add a bit of mystery, it’s bound to be a stay filled with memorable moments and great tales to share.
Let’s face it, while we love our kids and families so much the chance to get a great night sleep and shower in peace is magical in itself. The fact that we get to kick off our week together in a hotel like this is incredible. We can’t wait to immerse ourselves in the luxurious ambiance and enjoy some much-needed relaxation in such a storied and beautiful setting.
Day 3 & 4: Calgary to Canmore and onto Banff
Day 3 of our tour brings us to Banff for the start of our Rockies adventure. We’ll explore the mountains by water with a scenic float down the Bow River from the town of Canmore. After a morning on the water, we’ll have lunch in Canmore before heading on to check in at the Fairmont Banff Springs.
The beautiful journey from Calgary to Banff.
About Canmore
About Canmore: Canmore is a charming town nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant arts scene. Surrounded by towering mountains, Canmore offers a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to kayaking and rock climbing. The town also boasts a range of unique shops, galleries, and cafes, making it a perfect spot to explore before heading into the deeper Rockies.
Fun Facts and Key Sights: Canmore was once a coal mining town and has transformed into an outdoor recreation haven. The town is home to the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park, a legacy of the 1988 Winter Olympics, which offers world-class cross-country skiing and mountain biking trails.
About Banff
About Banff: Located within Banff National Park, the town of Banff is a charming alpine village known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, Banff is a gateway to some of the most stunning landscapes in Canada.
Fun Facts and Key Sights: Banff National Park is Canada’s first national park, established in 1885. Key sights include Bow Falls, the Banff Gondola, and the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Our tour will take us to the best spots and also leave us independent time to explore Banff on our own.
Best Boutiques and Shops: We’re so excited to stroll the beautiful village and shop! Banff is home to several unique boutiques and shops. The Spirit of Christmas is Canada’s largest year-round Christmas store and the perfect spot for us to find a unique Christmas Tree ornament — a tradition we have on every vacation. Shopping for the kids, we’ll stop by Duck, Duck Moose. We’ll make a stop at Monod’s for outdoorsy stuff for ourselves and our husbands. We’ll also check out Rocky Mountain Soap Company which has natural, handmade skincare products.
Day 4: A Full Day of Soaking Up Banff
Activities: We’ll start our day with a bike ride along the Bow River, followed by a gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for lunch at the Northern Lights Café.
Dinner Recommendations: For dinner, we’re eyeing The Bison Restaurant for locally sourced dishes or Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar for craft spirits and hearty meals.
Hotel: Fairmont Banff
The Fairmont Banff will be our luxurious home-base for the next few days of our trip. Known as the "Castle in the Rockies," this iconic hotel combines luxurious accommodations with a captivating history, making it a perfect destination for our girls' trip. Established in 1888, the Banff Springs has stood the test of time with its magnificent Scottish Baronial architecture, providing a stunning backdrop to our adventure. Walking through its grand halls, it’s easy to imagine the myriad stories that have unfolded here, from the famous ghost bride to the friendly bellman who continues to assist guests from the afterlife.
This is the closest to a real castle we've ever stayed overnight in, and it feels truly enchanting. Situated in the heart of Banff National Park, the hotel not only offers incredible views but also a deep connection to the natural beauty surrounding it. The legends of ghostly encounters add an element of mystery and excitement to our stay, making it all the more intriguing. With its luxurious amenities and storied past, this hotel promises a unique and enriching experience. I can’t wait to soak in the beauty of the Rockies, delve into the fascinating history, and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation in such a magical setting.
Day 5 & 6: Lake Louise & Moraine Lake
On Day 5 of our tour, we’ll head further into the Canadian Rockies to the stunning, world-famous Lake Louise, known for its turquoise waters and breathtaking mountain backdrop.
We’ll explore the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored observation platform that extends over the Sunwapta Valley, offering incredible views of the glaciers and surrounding mountains.
Day 6, the last full day of the tour will be spent at Moraine Lake, where we'll enjoy a picnic lunch with the group. Moraine Lake is known for its vivid turquoise waters, surrounded by towering peaks and dense forests.
In the afternoon, we'll have time to explore Lake Louise on our own, perhaps taking a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore or renting a canoe to paddle across the tranquil waters.
Hotel: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
The last stop on our Fairmont journey is the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, and I couldn’t be more excited! Nestled right on the edge of the stunning Lake Louise, this hotel truly feels like a fairytale come to life. Starting as a simple log cabin back in 1890, it has evolved into a magnificent lakeside resort, famous for its breathtaking views and elegant design. As we stroll through its beautiful halls, it's easy to see why so many adventurers and vacationers have fallen in love with it.
The incredible natural setting of the Chateau Lake Louise sets this hotel apart from our other Fairmont stops earlier in our journey. Unlike the urban elegance of the Palliser or the grand, castle-like ambiance of Banff Springs, this place offers an immersive experience with the mountains and waters. Surrounded by the untouched beauty of Banff National Park, we’ll have amazing opportunities to hike, canoe, and soak in the serene lake and mountain views. The hotel’s history is filled with tales of explorers and mountaineers who sought refuge here, adding an adventurous spirit to our stay.
Chateau Lake Louise also has a fun pop culture side, being used as the filming location for the classic movie "River of No Return" with Marilyn Monroe. This picturesque setting has been a favorite for filmmakers and photographers, adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to its charm.
This hotel is another chance to experience a real-life fairytale castle, with its magical atmosphere, stunning surroundings, and a hint of the supernatural (yes this stop supposedly has its fair share of friendly haunts as well). We can’t wait to dive into the beauty of Lake Louise, explore the rich history and ghostly tales of this iconic hotel, and enjoy some well-deserved pampering. It’s going to be the perfect and unforgettable finale to our Fairmont adventure.
Countdown to Adventure
In the next two weeks, we'll be sharing more about our preparation for the trip, including packing tips, pre-trip planning, and more. After our return, expect detailed posts on our daily adventures, reviews of the Fairmont hotels, and tips for anyone planning their own Canadian Rockies adventure. Stay tuned for our detailed experiences, tips, and highlights from each day of our journey through the Canadian Rockies!
We'd love to hear from you! What are you excited for us to post and write about? Your input will help inspire our content. Let us know what you’re most interested in, whether it’s the stunning landscapes, the luxurious accommodations, or the thrilling activities.
