Hey HF Fam, my wife and I are doing our honeymoon in Banff. We live in northern NY flying from MTL to Calgary and then driving.
Can anyone suggest an itinerary or things we absolutely have to see. We’re staying in Canmore. Thanks everyone
Hey man. Welcome to our city & congrats on getting married!
Before we can help, what time frame are you coming? Because Winter and Summer are two completely different beasts on what's best to do around.
If it's within the next couple months:
Check out the Banff Springs Hotel. Super cool castle in the middle of the mountains. Rich Alberta history there. Check out the Gondola. I don't think you'll have anything remotely as cool in the Eastern States to this.. Gorgeous mountain ranges as far as the eye can see. There's a bunch of sight seeing tours in Banff too, depending on the time of year. These can be pretty cool (a little costly), and you'll see things that you just won't see out near NY.
In Canmore, you can do some hiking. A trip like Grotto Canyon is a must. Super easy hike (as long as you guys are both in a somewhat healthy condition), about 3 hours total, nice waterfall... and Cave paintings from thousands of years ago (f***ing sweet haha).
Food wise in Canmore... I mean, you're from NY; so, the balance of food might be a bit different. But some of the best poutine outside of a few Montreal establishments is found in Canmore in La Belle Patate. Grizzly Paw is also out there, great Brewery that has good food.
Outside of that, it's completely up to you. There's great hot springs (although in Summer, not sure if that's something you're looking for) out in Banff. There's the Glacier tour in Jasper; that's like a full day thing from Banff. Around the Calgary area, there's two UNESCO World Heritage Sites (outside of Banff) within a couple hours; Head Smashed in & the Drumhellar Dinosaur Museum. Both are kind of day trips for the most part, especially if departing from Banff though. That all being said, it'll really, really give you a good idea of Alberta. You'll be in Rockies, around Banff. You'll be in Badlands in Drum. You'll be in the Plains in Head Smashed in.