Your love isn’t average, your elopement shouldn’t be either.
But can you do anything besides hike to a viewpoint and say your vows?
Absolutely! And if you’re looking for adventure, Banff’s got it!
Whether it’s paddle boarding across Two Jack Lake at sunrise or hopping in a helicopter to land on your own private peak, Banff is packed with once-in-a-lifetime experiences that turn your wedding day into something way more than just a ceremony.
Yes, we’ll create gorgeous photos and a video log you’ll keep as your TV screensaver, but we’re also your elopement planners. Your team, adventure guides, timeline wranglers and big dream supporters wrapped into one.
From July to September, we actually live in Banff so we can give you the most immersive, locally-rooted experience possible. Every activity you’ll find here we’ve either done it ourselves or helped our couples live it out.
So let’s get this adventure started and see what awaits for your Banff elopement!
Can’t wait to get started? Us either! Let’s chat about your big day (and any big fears).
10 Adventure Elopement Ideas For Your Banff Wedding
Many people still think of elopements as wham-bam one-hour events. While that’s absolutely perfect for some people, we like to think of elopements a little differently over here. It’s still a non-traditional way of committing yourself to your partner, but it’s definitely not quick or unremarkable.
We offer 8 & 12 hour packages so we can capture all of the things that make you, you! These are some of our absolute favorite ideas for adventurous couples who want to make the most of every minute of their elopement.
1. Rent a helicopter for your elopement
If you want a really cool helicopter ride, photo, and video from your elopement, here’s a common mistake many people make. Don’t book from Banff National Park — they can’t actually land in the park!
When my couples want to book a helicopter I send them to two places. Both are about 1-2 hours outside of Banff technically, but here’s why I love them:
- It’s the same mountain, just not part of the National Park!
- They’re the experts. Both companies are excellent communicators, they understand the weather and the environment.
- In other places if a storm suddenly picks up you’re out of your money. My tour operators are always on the lookout for this kind of thing and can almost always work with me to move the appointment so we can get the experience.
Unsure if a helicopter elopement is your thing?
I know it feels a little bro-y but it really is a cool activity and I wrote a whole other blog about how to do it. You get up close and personal to the top of a mountain without having to hike to get there, you can beat the crowds because hello, you’re flying, and it’s really not that expensive for what it is.
I’d say that’s a win-win-win.
2. Canoe or Paddleboard
No matter how many times I see it, there is something really special about canoeing or paddle boarding. Maybe it’s the color of the water and being surrounded by mountains, maybe it’s the sound of the paddles coaxing the water along, we’ll never know! But every couple who adds canoeing to their agenda loves it.
My words of advice are make sure you know what you’re doing! You don’t want to be learning how to paddleboard or canoe in your elopement outfit so if this sounds cool to you I recommend taking a lesson or two at home, or even your first few days in Banff!
Best place to canoe? Moraine Lake! It’s easy to get to and they have canoes already there. Lake Louise is also great for canoeing and Two Jack Lake is where I send paddleboarders!
3. Lakeside Picnic
Not every adventure has to involve high-pressure situations and death-defying schemes. Sometimes some good food and a cute blanket are all you need!
Couples working with me will get the full details on this but if you do decide to picnic in a National Park (or anywhere really) please follow Leave No Trace rules.
Essentially it comes down to bringing out what you took in and not feeding the animals your queso dip. The land is important to us (Liz & Jason) and the parks belong to all of us (Society As A Collective). Ensuring you get to come back and revisit your elopement spot in 20 years means visiting responsibly now.
4. Go for a Hike
The beauty of a hike is that it can be anything you want it to be.
- A leisurely stroll
- A heart pumping workout
- A friendly competition
There are alpine hikes for all different levels. Even if you’ve never set foot on a hiking trail, it’s absolutely an activity I would recommend!
As an elopement planner, I guide you in the right direction of a hike that’s appropriate for your level and the goals for your day. I can also help point you in the direction of some hiking boots (and socks).
5. Banff Gondola
Want to see some heights but without walking? The Banff Gondola might be just up your alley. Lasting a total of 16 minutes, you’ll travel 700 meters up the Sulphur Mountainside. During the ride you’ll see 360 views of not one mountain, not three mountains but six mountain ranges.
When you get to the summit you can hop off and explore the boardwalk, check out the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site, or even stop for a meal.
If you’ve got extra time, I always recommend this!
6. Gourmet & Foodie Experiences
Let’s not forget that at the end of the day you’re on vacation and you will need food. Whether you consider yourself a foodie or not there’s plenty of delicious dining in and around Banff.
I personally love staying a little outside of Banff in Canmore. It’s a little less busy but still full of wonderful shops and food. I love waking up and walking to a bakery. Some outstanding places to dine in the area include:
- Grizzly House: famous for fondue and exotic meats like alligator and rattlesnake.
- 360 Dome: Located at the Fairmont Banff Springs, Book a dome for up to 8 people for a fun dining experience with views of Lake Louise and Canada’s Castle in the Rockies.
- Sky Bistro: If you want to bundle adventures, Sky Bistro awaits you at the summit of the Banff Gondola.
- Eden: Located at the Rim Rock Resort, Eden is the perfect spot if you want a fine dining experience Fine Dining, (note they are temporarily shutting down in fall 2025).
- Rim Rock: Never fear though! The Rim Rock has other dining options for whatever vibe you’re looking for.
7. Cold Plunge
Cold plunges are personally not my jam but if that will make your big day special and memorable, let’s do it! Well, you do it and I’ll photograph.
There are a couple of ways to cold plunge in Banff.
The first is to use that ice cold glacial water nature gave you. Spots like Bow River, Lake Minnewanka & Two Jack Lake are easy to navigate and easily accessible.
Your second option is to head to a facility that offers cold plunges. This includes Kananaskis Nordic Spa, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, or the outdoor pool at the Upper Hot Springs.
8. Stay at Moraine Lake Lodge
If you want the beauty, the awe, the wonder, you might want to consider staying at Moraine Lake Lodge. Nestled quite literally on the shore of Moraine Lake, the lodge is truly a rustic once-in-a-lifetime experience — perfect for an elopement.
What many people don’t know before coming to Banff is that you can absolutely visit Moraine Lake. However, you must use the park shuttle service which operates at certain hours and can limit how much time you spend at the lake.
If you stay at Moraine Lake Lodge you get access to the lake 24/7.
Now, it’s not for everyone. It truly is rustic. There are no fridges inside the rooms, you must eat in the dining area (because of bears). But if this sounds even remotely appealing, I say do it!
And no, this isn’t sponsored, I just love it that much!
If you prefer something a little closer to Banff, the Kananaskis Nordic Spa is truly an experience to remember.
9. Stargazing & Northern Lights
When was the last time you looked up at the stars?
When was the last time you looked up and could see the stars?
If you’ve never been stargazing, it is not sitting on a rooftop in a big city.
Banff National Park is recognized as a dark sky location, however Jasper National Park, which is just about an hour outside of Banff is officially designated as a Dark Sky Preserve.
In Canada, we take our dark skies seriously! Parks Canada protects more skies from light pollution than any other around the world!
If chasing the Northern Lights is more your speed, Banff has that too! It’s really dependent on the season so whatever I tell you here will not likely be relevant when you’re reading it. But if this is something you want to do, we’ll talk about how to make it happen during your planning session.
By the way, did you know the Northern Lights are caused by discharged sun pieces colliding with the gases in our atmosphere? Earth really is a special place to be protected!
10. Glacier Aventures
Frozen Lake Louise; photo by Andrew Seto
If you thought you had to go all the way to Iceland to explore a glacier, I’ve got good news for you!
Because we are first and foremost, stewards of this planet, we must say that it is disheartening to witness over the years the shrinking of Canada’s glaciers due to climate change. Banff is a truly magical area but between the increasing number of wildfires and the shrinking of the glaciers, the effects of climate change are painfully obvious when you’re here.
Now that we’ve shared that we can say that you absolutely still can experience a glacier in one of many places.
- Ride on the Ice Explorer on the Athabasca Glacier (a 10,000 year old sheet of ice)
- Drive The Icefields Parkway (highway 93), a 232 kilometer road known as one of the most scenic drives in the world.
- Hike the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail near Lake Louise
There are many ways to explore a glacier in and around Banff! However you get your glacial fix the only thing I ask you to do is NOT drink the water. We’re talking millions of years old parasites and loss of limbs. It’s not pretty.
Ready to Make Your Wildest Elopement Dreams Come True?
If you’re dreaming of an elopement that’s so much more than a ceremony, one that’s packed with meaning, adventure, and real-deal magic, Banff is calling. Whether you’re paddling across turquoise lakes, summiting scenic trails, soaring above the Rockies in a heli, or soaking in a backcountry moment together, your love deserves this kind of unforgettable story.
And you don’t have to go it alone. We’re here to help you dream, plan, and document it all — with equal parts epicness and ease.
Want help crafting your Banff elopement experience?
Reach out anytime or grab our free planning guide to get started. We can’t wait to show you around our favorite places.
Read or Leave a Comment
SHARE THIS POST: