A quick hour and thirty minute drive west of Calgary, you will stumble upon our gorgeous Banff National Park.

World renowned for their hiking trails, bear sightings as well as the best lake and mountain views.

Banff National Park is 6,641 square kilometres (2,564 squared miles) and has many points of interest.

Please be advised that due to an increase in it's popularity, check the website for more information when visiting popular tourist attractions like

"Lake Louise" or "Moraine Lake". Park passes are REQUIRED.

***DISCLAIMER FROM THE LOCALS:

DO NOT FEED THE WILDLIFE (LARGE OR SMALL) EVER!

A short drive from Banff's town centre, this historic hotel is open to the public and is one of Banff's top tourist attractions.

Famously hosted Marilyn Monroe during the filming of "River of No Return" in 1953.

Check out The Rundle Bar, a secret speakeasy lounge or head to the Rundle Patio to catch exceptional views of the Fairholme Range, Cascade Mountain and Rundle Mountain.

Banff's thermal waters, created by rainfall and snowmelt that seep into the earth's crust, are naturally heated and pressurized, then bubble to the surface rich with minerals. Slip into the springs' soothing warmth and soak up the spectacular views of Mount Rundle.

We won't lie. This place stinks...

..of sulphur.

The Cave and Basin is the site where the natural hot spring was first discovered by James Hector in 1859 and brought to national attention by two Canadian Pacific Railway workers in 1883.

The site was the cause of inception for Canada's National Parks system and how we know it today.

Declared a National Historic Site in 1981.

If the smell of rotten eggs makes your stomach turn, we would suggest skipping this tourist attraction.

A tricky hike, but worth it!

We recommend going all the way up to the Ink Pots where you'll be greeted with a gorgeous multicoloured glacier water.

*This is a popular hiking spot so be prepared and try to attack this one early in the morning.

Some of Canada's best hiking and grizzly bear sightings.

Take the sightseeing Gondola to view the Rocky Mountains and the best mother nature has to offer.

Horseback Riding, White water rafting and some of our favourite hiking trails.

We recommend Troll Falls.

See the city of Calgary from a 360 degree view.

Test your nerve on the glass observation deck from 191 metres (626 feet) or enjoy dinner at the Sky 360 restaurant which rotates once per hour while you dine to experience a unique view of Calgary and the Rocky Mountains without leaving your table.

Located in the south of Calgary, enjoy a piece of the past at Heritage Park.

Covering 65 acres, Heritage Park is connecting people with the history of Western Canada.

The exhibits span from the early 1860's all the way to the 1950's.

Our favourite exhibits are the historic homes complete with actors that never break character to share the history of the homes and it's previous tennants.

Also visit the Candy Store and the Bakery!

Leading the country in it's conservation efforts, The Calgary Zoo has saved 8 endangered species indigenous to Canada including the Whooping Crane and the Swift Fox.

A must see for music heads!

Includes interactive stations and Canada's Music Hall of Fame and right across the street from the historic King Eddy Bar.

Theme park just a short trip outside of Calgary.

Family friendly.

About an hour and a half drive northwest of Calgary,

Drumheller is known for his prehistoric findings.

The Royal Tyrell is Canada's only museum dedicated to palaeontology research and study of ancient life.

THE. BEST. RAMEN. EVER!

We HIGHLY recommend the "Chili Goma"

or the "Kara Miso Garlic"

*they do not take reservations so get there 15 minutes before they open or you'll be waiting in line for a while.

Set on the Bow River in the historic Cross House in Calgary's oldest neighbourhood, Rouge offers a stunning menu using local ingredients.

The Cross house was owned by A.E. Cross in 1875 who was one of Calgary's "Big Four" and a founder of the Calgary Stampede.

Our favourite breakfast spot.

We recommend the "Breakfast Poutines"

Great BBQ joint that ties into Calgary's Western culture.

The Whiskey menu is out of this world.

Order the duck fat fried truffle poutine.

The best poutine in Calgary!

Located on the famous 17th Avenue (aka The Red Mile).

We love the sandwiches. The charred broccoli is special.

James's Favourite Burger

Jessica's favourite vegetarian/vegan restaurant

Jessica's Favourite Restaurant

If you're coming all the way to Alberta, you can't leave without having our world famous beef.

Calgary is renowned for it's beef production due to it's clean environment, excellent water quality, favourable climate and relatively young animals used for meat production which equate to high-quality, tender, juicy and great tasting beef that is a trademark of Alberta.

This place is one of our favourites.

Dinner service only. We love the Beef Tartare.

A staple restaurant that has been open since 1967.

Ski lodge vibes with offerings of great wild game meats indigenous to Alberta (ie. caribou and buffalo) but their specialty is the fondue.

Located inside the Rim Rock Hotel and one of Banff's most acclaimed restaurants.

French influenced menu. Incredible wine list.

If you're feeling adventurous, try the Elk Burger.

Just made Canadas Top 100 Restaurants coming in at number 13.
Fancy Bar with one of the best views of the city and awesome cocktails.

Our Favourite Gastropub

Great global craft beer menu.

Also has a bowling alley in the basement.

Great craft beer right on the main strip in Banff with a rooftop patio.

Jessica's favourite pub in Banff

Casual live music bar.

Take advantage of this spot as they recently told the public that they will be closing their doors for good after serving the city with wonderful live blues music for the last 13 years.

Historic live music venue in Calgary.