What to Do in Banff and Lake Louise if You Only Have a Day

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As you gaze out over alpine forests framed by powder–coated peaks, take a moment to revel in the fact that you have attained winter vacation nirvana almost entirely on points. The area around Banff is a cool–weather Xanadu with staggering mountain vistas and azure glacial waters, and easily within reach for Aeroplan members – you can use points to book everything from flights to swish accommodations. A place like this, where worries seem to float away with snowflakes in the mountain breeze, is the ultimate reward after months spent cooped up indoors.

Book flights with Aeroplan points, cash or a combination of both.

Air Canada offers a wide range of non–stop flights to Calgary from cities throughout Canada.

January 21, 2021
Distant view of Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Banff, Alberta
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.   Photo: MP Singh (Unsplash)

Morning

Wake up to an eyeful of the Victoria Glacier from your room at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and head out to discover the antidote to all your work–from–home stresses: a forest bathing session. Forest Fix offers guided introductions to the Japanese art of ­shinrin–yoku, the restorative practice of tuning into the atmosphere of the woods, on the quiet trails surrounding Banff.

Skating on a frozen Lake Minnewanka in Alberta
A skate to remember on Lake Minnewanka.   Photo: Paul Zizka

Afternoon

Stride out onto one of the world’s most scenic skating spots: shocking blue Moraine Lake might be the region’s most photographed body of water but Lake Minnewanka is equally awe–inspiring, especially in winter when it freezes over into a 30–kilometre–long ice rink. Afterward, embrace the mountain art of “après” at High Rollers, a bowling alley–meets–beer hall offering pints and pizza.

Pizza from the High Rollers bowling alley in Banff, Alberta
Pizza fresh from the oven at High Rollers in Banff.   Photo: Orange Girl/courtesy of High Rollers

Night

Next, it’s fondue with a sunset view at the Fairmont’s Walliser Stube, a gastronomic ode to the Swiss Alps with mountain cuisine and an elevated wine list. Since there’s nothing like a brisk walk after a big meal, take advantage of the hotel’s Night Owl Snowshoe tour. Constellations overhead, you will end the day as you began it, basking in the calming beauty of nature.

Book Your Trip — Elevate the experience by choosing ­Aeroplan partners.

  • Book your car — 3–day weekend Avis car rentals from Calgary airport. Redeem, starting at 25,000 points

    or purchase and earn 500 points.

  • Reserve your room — 2–night hotel stays at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Redeem, starting at 80,000 points or purchase and earn 2x points.

  • Opt for a package — 2–night flight & hotel packages from Air Canada Vacations®. Redeem, starting at 80,000 points per person and earn points.
     

Book now at aircanada.com/aeroplan.

From Points redemption value for car rental, hotel stay and vacation package is based on average 3–day car rental with pickup and drop–off at the Calgary International Airport between Jan. 1 and Oct. 31, 2020; average 2–night stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise between Jan. 1 and Oct. 31, 2020; and average Toronto to Calgary flight with 2–night hotel stay in 3–star hotel in Banff in double occupancy for stays between Jan. 1 and Oct. 31, 2020. All points redemption amounts are based on availability and subject to change without prior notice. In addition to Avis partner earn, members will earn 2 points per dollar spent on car rental and hotel stay bookings made through cxLoyalty for Aeroplan members site.