4 Places You Must Visit with Your Best Friend

April 20, 2023

Local Tips for Traveling with your BFF in Western Canada

Whether you are traveling with your BFF, reconnecting with a close friend you haven’t seen in ages, or planning a bestiemoon to celebrate your friendship with the ultimate getaway, these must-see destinations across Western Canada will not disappoint! Plus, you and your bestie can save up to 25% off your stay when you Experience Fairmont Moments at luxurious mountain resorts in Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, and Whistler this summer.

1. Explore Banff with your BFF

The only thing better than visiting Banff, is visiting with your best friend! After all, you can’t spell Banff without BFF. Set in the heart of Banff National Park, there’s no shortage of things to do, sights to see, and memories to be made in the lively and beautiful town of Banff. Soak in 100% natural mineral water flowing at the Banff Upper Hot Springs, or elevate your wellness experience with a day at the Fairmont Spa Banff Springs. Embark on an evening wildlife safari for your best chance to spot elk, bighorn sheep, and even grizzly bears. Explore the best of Banff with your best friend.

Traveling with your BFF to Banff in Summer -Fairmont Banff Springs Outdoor Pool and Spa — Enjoy the Whirlpool and Spa at the Fairmont Banff Springs with peak views of the rugged Rocky Mountains

STAY: For an experience as unique as your friendship, stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs. This charmed, Scottish baronial-styled castle offers sweeping mountain vistas, championship golf courses, world-class skiing and snowboarding and a true taste of place in a pristine wilderness.

SEE: Instagrammable spots you won’t want to miss while visiting Banff together include: Banff Gondola, Banff Cave and Basin, and Surprise Corner

Banff in Spring and Summer - Banff Gondola — Enjoy birds-eye views from Banff Gondola

Traveling with your BFF to Banff National Park — Enjoy birds-eye views from Banff Gondola

LOCAL TIP
Discover our best travel offers to unlock savings and special rates for you and your BFF on your next vacation to Banff and Canada’s western mountains.

2. Reconnect & Retreat IN Lake Louise

We all have that friend—the one you might not see very often, but the moment you reconnect is feels like yesterday. Months, perhaps even years may have passed, but neither of you would miss a beat to spend quality time together and pick up the conversation naturally where it was left off. Carve out time to celebrate your friendship and plan the ultimate retreat to Lake Louise, the perfect place to reconnect together. Blaze new trails together by horseback or embark on a canoe journey across the lake to feel like the only ones on the serene, turquoise waters. Feel the soul of this special, wild place. Laugh harder than you both have in a long time.

Lake Louise in Spring, Summer_Best of Lake Louise — Reconnect in Lake Louise and make timeless memories together

STAY: Elegant and lavish, yet relaxed and welcoming, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise lives up to the natural wonder that can be seen from your window. Step outside for an easygoing lakeside stroll, or half-day hike to a historic alpine Tea House. Stay in and enjoy the luxurious amenities of your room and suite, in excellent company.

SEE: Sites near Lake Louise you’ll want to remember together together include: Lake Moraine, Lake Agnes Tea House, Sentinel Pass.

Lake Moraine in the Summer, Corey Myke — Day Trip to Lake Moraine

Lake Agnes Tea House - Lake Louise - Spring and Summer hiking — Day Trip to Lake Moraine

LOCAL TIP
For an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve both departed, discover the Mountain Adventure Program at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Embark on journeys to some of the most sought-after sites in and around Lake Louise with fully accredited hiking guides.

3. Friends & Family Reunion in Jasper

Some friends are so close you consider them family. These are the friends who have been there for every birthday, holiday, hardship and celebration. They get along well with your siblings, parents and have been invited on family vacations, reunions, and weekend trips. It only makes sense to make them a part of your next grand getaway. Explore wide open wilderness in Jasper National Park with enough natural wonders, wildlife, trails and sights to suit everyone’s passions and interests. Paddle and cycle for miles by land or lake. Stargaze the world’s largest accessible Dark Sky preserve. Or try rock climbing in the Rocky Mountains—a true Canadian bucket list experience. Check out the best of Jasper National Park activities.

Whistler Cabins – Signature Cabin Experience at Jasper Park Lodge

STAY: When in Jasper, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is the place to create mountain memories with your very own quintessentially Canadian cabin. Enjoy S’mores by the firepit, glowing sunsets on the shores of Lac Beauvert, extraordinary night skies, and the Northern Lights. There’s an old-school ease to days at the lodge filled with canoeing and hiking, golfing and stargazing, and sipping hearthside cocktails in the retro glamour of the Emerald Lounge. Learn more about luxury cabin retreats at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

LOCAL TIP
Travel and stay together in your own private luxurious cabin, featuring a fully stocked kitchen, pool table, outdoor patio and barbecue area. Each Signature Cabin at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge has its own persona, distinct amenities, and includes Butler Service so you can focus less on the detail and more on your friends and family. With extra room for everyone, your next friends & family reunion will be the best yet!

SEE: Secret spots you won’t want to miss while visiting Jasper together include: Maligne Canyon, Jasper Sky Tram, and Spirit Island

Sitting-Under-Ice-Maligne-Canyon-Jasper-Winter-MaligneAdventures-CR Traveling with your BFF — Maligne Canyon Ice Walk Experience

Jasper Skytram Couple - Traveling with your BFF — Maligne Canyon Ice Walk Experience

4. Whistler Adventure Bestiemoon

Bestiemoon (n.) – a major trip or vacation you take with your best friend(s). It’s about time you had an occasion to plan the perfect vacation with your besties. Come closer together than ever with memorable adventures in Whistler. Embark on a whitewater rafting voyage for a true Canadian thrill. Chase waterfalls and hike off the tourist track. Take your friendship to new heights and soar above the trees, side-by-side on dual zip-lines. End your day by unwinding and rejuvenating at Scandinave Spa Whistler.

Traveling with your BFF to Whistler- Pool and Spa, Summer at Fairmont Chateau Whistler — Pool and Spa at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler

STAY: Naturally spectacular, Fairmont Chateau Whistler resort delivers on peak views and guest perks that make all the difference. Whistler Experience Guide excursions and tours are the perfect opportunity for guests to explore the spectacular mountainside setting. Rise and shine with sunrise paddle boarding at Lost Lake, or opt for a hiking, biking, or brewery tour with local guides.

LOCAL TIP
Take your bestiemoon to the next level with ultra-luxurious amenities and special extra touches that are Good As Gold. As Fairmont Gold guests, you and your friends will enjoy exclusive Gold concierge service and private Gold Lounge access—which includes hot & cold continental breakfast, full honor bar, delicious evening canapés and (all day) tea and coffee to make every moment golden.

SEE: Secret spots you won’t want to miss while visiting Whistler include: Cloudraker Skybridge, Vallea Lumina, Lost Lake. Discover the best of Whistler.

Cloudraker SkyBridge Whistler - Spring and Summer, Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova — Cloudraker Skybridge_{^{, Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova}}

Vallea Lumina Whistler - Glowing tents, Moment Factory/Vallea Lumina — Cloudraker Skybridge_{^{, Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova}}

Furry Friends & Traveling with Pets

Worried about leaving your four-legged furry friend behind? Don’t worry—all Fairmont Hotels & Resorts are pet-friendly, which is purrrrfect for traveling with your furry BFF. Keep them part of your pack with our dog-friendly favorites in Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, and Whistler.

Dog-friendly hiking trails in Whistler - A dog resting on a forest hike - Travelling with your BFF — Don’t leave your best friend behind! Take them with you for an unforgettable adventure in Whistler.

LOCAL TIP
You and your bestie can save up to 25% off your stay when you Experience Fairmont Moments at Fairmont mountain resorts in Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, and Whistler this summer. Book by September 5, 2023 for stays now through December 30, 2023.