Why I’m Choosing Banff Over a U.S. Trip This Year (And You Might Too)
With the loonie struggling and cross-border travel losing its charm, staying close to home just got a whole lot more tempting
I’ve always believed travel doesn’t have to take you far to take you somewhere new. That belief is coming in handy this year, as many Canadians (and “spare” Canadians like myself included) are rethinking their vacation plans thanks to a tumbling dollar and an ongoing trade mess that makes hopping the border feel less appealing than it used to.1
The problem? Staying close to home isn’t exactly a cheap alternative anymore. Many Canadian hotels have significantly raised their prices since COVID — some just catching up from lost time, others adjusting for a new wave of American tourists happy to pay with their stronger greenbacks. I’ve said it before: I’m all for supporting local, but sometimes “local” doesn’t support us.
But here’s the thing: even with all that, there are places in Canada that are still worth every penny. Banff and Lake Louise top that list for me.
A getaway with substance (and scenery)
About 90 minutes west of Calgary, Banff is the kind of place that feels like it was handcrafted by nature to soothe your soul — and maybe humble you a little in the process. The mountains seem to rise with quiet authority, especially when you catch that first glimpse driving in from the prairies. It’s the kind of view that reminds you life is not about stopping to smell the (prairie) roses, but to spend some time amongst them..
Banff itself is small, almost cozy, nestled in a national park that limits development. You won’t find mega resorts or sprawling shopping centres here, and that’s part of the magic. What you will find is a vibrant little town with a lot of charm, and mountain views. I’ve stayed in everything from budget hotels to the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs. Waking up to snow-dusted peaks outside your window never gets old, no matter how much you spent on the room.
If you’re looking to avoid some of the crowds, just outside the national park boundary you’ll find the town of Canmore — Banff’s slightly more laid-back cousin. It’s grown quickly in recent years, and for good reason. You’ll find great food, modern rentals, and slightly more breathing room when it comes to pricing (especially in peak season).
Beyond the ski hills
Most people think of Banff in the winter — and yes, the skiing is world-class. Sunshine, Norquay, and Lake Louise each have their own personality, and the shuttle system between them makes it easy to explore without necessarily needing a car, although I would recommend one. But if you’re not a hardcore skier, summer might be even better.
Hiking here isn’t just exercise — it’s therapy. Whether you’re exploring a quiet lakeside trail or summiting something steeper, around the next corner is always a view that makes your problems feel smaller. On some trails the silence can be deafening - you realize your ears aren’t used to hearing nothing. Add in horseback riding, natural hot springs, golf with elk sightings, and even fishing — and suddenly you’re not just passing time, you’re recharging.
That lake you’ve seen on postcards? It’s real.
Keep going another 45 minutes West past Banff, and you’ll find Lake Louise. It really looks like that - it’s no wonder this is one of the most photographed places in the country.
Whether you're skating across the frozen lake in winter, or gliding silently by canoe in summer, there’s something spiritual about being surrounded by that kind of beauty. It doesn't matter how many tourists are around — for a few moments, it feels like it's just you and the mountains.
A friendly reminder: nature comes with neighbors
Every trip I’ve taken to Banff has come with unexpected wildlife sightings. Elk on the side of the road. Mountain goats blocking traffic like they own the place (and in their defence, they do). I once watched a deer walk up to the front of the Banff Springs Hotel like it had a dinner reservation.
But nature isn’t a theme park. There are bears here, and if you're hiking in the backcountry, it’s worth checking in with a visitors centre before venturing out. Always keep your distance. Banff doesn’t try to tame the wild — and that’s exactly why it’s so special.
The true cost of staying home
Let’s be honest: even staying close to home in Canada isn’t the budget option it used to be. But this year, with the Canadian dollar taking a hit and American travel feeling a bit too complicated for my taste, I’m investing in a different kind of trip — one that offers quiet mornings, mountain air, and real disconnection.
Travel isn’t about going far away. It’s about coming back — to the parts of your own country, your own home, that remind you why you love it in the first place.
Banff and Lake Louise do that for me. Every time.
“Travel far enough, you meet yourself.” ~ David Mitchell
Get Into Action
If you’re looking to make your next getaway more meaningful — whether it’s a solo adventure or a personal reset — check out my book The Freedom Project: Travel. It’s filled with stories and strategies to help you turn trips like these into life-changing experiences. Available now (as always) on Amazon.
And if you're curious how I afford trips like Banff — even during pricey seasons — you might enjoy my Travel Revolution course. It’s packed with the exact travel hacking strategies I use to stretch every dollar, earn premium perks, and unlock unforgettable experiences without breaking the bank. Preview the course now and start planning smarter.
Further Reading
It’s unfortunate two great countries are pitched against each other. Sometimes friendships change, even close ones, and we have to renegotiate how we co-exist together.