What to do when you’re sick of the city? Take a drive, of course. Among many great things about living in yyc, the close proximity to the mountains is for sure a favorite. A tank of gas, some snacks and good tunes—boom. Instant escape.

Banff is the ideal place for a mini-vaca, away from your regular routine. Far enough to forget your troubles, but not so isolated where you have to make your own food or pitch a tent. Datenight goes camping? Uhh, we’ll save that for another post. Maybe. Banff is the perfect combination of serenity and fun. There are cool places to hit the town if you want to socialize, but there’s also peace and quiet if you just want some r&r.

We didn’t stay long- but we made sure to have a good time. Here are our suggestions for how to enjoy a weekend trip to Banff.

Sleep, baby sleep

The Juniper Hotel + Bistro
This serene hotel is located right along the national park’s wildlife corridor, and only 5 minutes from downtown. With beautiful views in every direction, it’s the perfect place to stay when you want to escape it all. Located just at the base of Norquay Mountain, you can roll out of bed and right onto the ski hill. They also offer midweek ski and stay packages starting at just $79/person. That’s reason enough to call in sick to work.

Their bistro serves gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner—so you can have it all without leaving the comfort of your hotel. I’d drive all the way back to Banff just for more berry maple waffles. Mmmmm.

Other favorites: The Rimrock, Tunnel Mountain Resort, Banff Aspen Resort, or the Banff Springs Hotel—if you feel like ballin’ out.

Eat your heart out

The Eddie Burger
You can’t go to Banff without a trip to the Eddie Burger. Make sure to bring your appetite because you’ll want to try it all. The build your own burger option is perfect for ensuring you get what you want. Or try one of their unique creations, like the hipster burger with kimchi and sriracha, or the guy lafeur, which is basically poutine on a burger. Hot damn.

Eddie Burger has the best cocktails in town. Their delicious caesars are served with a chicken wing on top—basically a meal in a cup. Order a trashcan made of vodka, gin, triple sec, blue curaco and red bull to make it a night to remember… or forget.  The eddie “ice-water” is also a crowd favorite. Don’t be fooled into thinking it’s just h20. Vodka, gin, fruit, soda and sprite—yum!

Explore

Norquay
Take advantage of those beautiful mountains and hit the slopes! Norquay has a variety of levels for the most elementary to the most advanced of skiers and snowboarders. If you don’t possess either of those skills try the tubing. It guarantees some good laughs.

Hiking

Banff has countless trails and hikes. Put your adventure pants on and go explore! We aren’t professional guides, so look here to find a route that’s right for you.

Other favorites: Hot Springs, skating at the Waldhaus rink, gondola at Sulphur mountain.

Paint the Town

The Dancing Sasquatch
A few too many trashcans got you in the mood for a fun night out? The Dancing Sasquatch always guarantees a good time!