Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Kananaskis

"Lake Minnewanka is another lake that is just a ten-minute drive away from the town of Banff and right next to Two Jack. The lake is 21 km long, and 142 meters deep and helps power Banff with hydroelectric power, making it one of the largest lakes in the Rockies and all of Alberta. In the summertime in Banff, it’s a busy place to hike, picnic, and go canoeing, and in the winter, it’s a sight to behold."

"The scenic blue Lake Minnewanka has much to offer the outdoors recreationalist: hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and booing. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. It is a nature photographer’s dream, with gorgeous scenery and an abundance of wildlife, including deer, bears, mountain sheep and elk."

"The lakes in Banff National Park are really some of the most beautiful places to visit. Lake Minnewanka is no different and everyone who comes to Banff to get amazing photos should visit. Lake Minnewanka is located only 15 minutes from Banff town and is most famous for the Lake Minnewanka cruise."

"Length: 1.5 km one wayElevation gain: MinimalHiking time: 1 hour round tripTrailhead: Lake Minnewanka Day-use Area. From the day-use area, this low elevation trail follows the Lake Minnewanka reservoir shoreline to a bridge spanning the walls of Stewart Canyon. Lake Minnewanka reservoir is popular and the parking lot fills during the summer."

"I love natural playgrounds, and this one does a great job of blending into the stunning scenery. The playground features slides, a climbing wall, and several fallen trees and tree stumps for climbing. On the other side of the park, there’s a faux-mountain that kids can climb or run underneath (there’s a small opening in the middle)."

"Banff gets hip with a microdistillery to complement its microbrewery, plying spirits (gin, vodka and whiskey) and beer made from Alberta's foothills' grain. It all goes down perfectly with a mesquite beef hoagie,..."

"The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies is a good place for travelers to kick off their visit to the majestic Canadian Rockies. The museum originated with a collection of paintings, documents and other archival materials amassed by Peter and Catharine Whyte starting when the couple moved to Banff in the 1930s. It is dedicated to preserving the history of Banff and the culture of the Canadian Rockies."

"This is a very little known spot in Banff that has all the views and none of the crowds. It’s perfect for a wedding, which is why you can rent it for one from the town for next to nothing (check here for rates). It’s also a great spot for a quick photoshoot with the bridal party, and can easily be accessed through the back streets even on the busiest days of summer."

"I know that Beaver Tails is more of a take-out spot than a restaurant but I feel it’s worth mentioning because their offerings are so delicious. A beaver tail is a Canadian take on the traditional state fair elephant ear. Customize your beaver tail with all sorts of topping options or opt for it plain with just a dusting of sugar (my preference)."

"I love natural playgrounds, and this one does a great job of blending into the stunning scenery. The playground features slides, a climbing wall, and several fallen trees and tree stumps for climbing. On the other side of the park, there’s a faux-mountain that kids can climb or run underneath (there’s a small opening in the middle)."

"Banff gets hip with a microdistillery to complement its microbrewery, plying spirits (gin, vodka and whiskey) and beer made from Alberta's foothills' grain. It all goes down perfectly with a mesquite beef hoagie,..."

"Wild Flour Bakery churns out the most delicious breads, both sweet and savory, baked daily in their stone hearth oven (look for aged cheddar sourdough and a walnut & cranberry rye). If you’ve got time in the morning, the homemade granola and croissants are no-brainers."

"The artisan breads and baguettes are cooked in their stone hearth oven. The menu has sandwiches, daily soups, salads and fresh baked pastries. The breakfast specialty is a frittata made with free-range eggs."

"Public swimming is available at the Sally Borden Fitness Centre, located at the Banff Centre. The Town of Banff sponsors a free public swim the last Sunday of every month from 1 to 4 p.m."