Featured Gay Friendly Hotels in Banff and Lake Louise

Gay Banff and Lake Louise

Banff and Lake Louise is a place where you can connect to nature and yourself, a place where you feel truly alive. Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is home to the most awe-inspiring natural beauty you’ll ever experience, and the vibrant town of Banff and hamlet of Lake Louise. Towering peaks, turquoise lakes, and pristine wilderness are combined with endless adventure and a rich tradition of culture and dining. It is the perfect place to take a break from the daily hustle and reconnect with what is important.

When to Visit

No matter the season, there’s a unique way for everyone to experience awe-inspiring scenery and a lifetime of adventures in Banff and Lake Louise. Here are the best ways to be completely immersed in this iconic mountain destination at any time of year: 

Winter

When you visit Banff and Lake Louise in winter, it’s like stepping into a postcard. White, fluffy snow decorates the mountain peaks and flurries over the towns below – so whether your idea of a wintery postcard is meandering between local stores while sipping hot chocolate, exploring some of Canada’s best snow at one of three ski resorts, or something in between, there’s a scene for you in this remarkable destination.

banff town
Photo Credit: Bow Media/Bryan White
Get a birds-eye perspective of Banff’s mountain peaks at the Banff Gondola.

Those into snow sports will find Banff and Lake Louise a utopia, with three easily accessible ski resorts offering light and fluffy powder and a jaw-dropping backdrop. There’s terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels (as well as lessons available daily) at Mt. Norquay, Banff Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise Ski Resort. 

lesbian couple
Photo Credit: Kelly MacDonald

If skiing isn’t for you, enjoy a winter’s day spent ice skating over frozen lakes, dog sledding, tubing, snowshoeing, winter hiking, cross country skiing, or a day at the spa. Winter events during the Christmas season and during SnowDays (typically held in January) are exciting ways to celebrate and embrace winter spent in the mountains.

In Search of Christmas Spirit Couple
​Photo Credit: Paul Zizka
In Search of Christmas Spirit was an installation of light, sound and colour that left visitors and locals of Banff speechless in Christmas of 2020. 

After a day spent exploring this life-sized snow globe, warm up next to a fire at your cozy cabin accommodation (with a decadent hot chocolate, of course!)or choose your type of accommodations with the Banff Lodging Company.

If this sounds like the wintery getaway you’ve been longing for, learn more and start planning using this guide to Winter in Banff and Lake Louise.

Spring

Spring is often a quieter time in Banff National Park, making it a wonderful opportunity to take time out for adventure and relaxation.

As temperatures and daylight hours slowly increase in Banff and Lake Louise, enjoy longer days at ski hills with the warmth of the sun kissing your cheeks. If you’re not a skier, set off on an early-season hike, like at Johnston Canyon, where hints of winter might still be found on snow-covered tree branches and rocky surfaces.

Banff Ice Walk
Photo Credit: Devaan Ingraham
Experience the Johnston Canyon Icewalk on a guided tour.

Tip: Guided tours are the best way to experience spring hiking trails, with transport, cleats, and a knowledgeable guide included (sometimes you’ll even score a hot chocolate)! Visit Discover Banff Tours or White Mountain Adventures for more information.

Embrace the peace and calm of springtime in the mountains by focusing on your wellness. It’s the perfect time of year for a sunset stroll by a frozen lake, or try Forest Bathing – a Japanese practice of forest therapy. There are endless ways to find your wellness in Banff and Lake Louise.

Learn more about spring activities in Banff by using this guide to Spring in Banff and Lake Louise.

Summer

Summer is all about high energy and sunshine: you can pack a lifetime of adventures into the long summer days. Wake before dawn and watch the sunlight up the mountain tops. Energize with a hearty breakfast at one of the many restaurants in town before you enjoy a day of exploring the great outdoors!

Banff Sentinel Pass
Enjoy an abundance of hiking trails in Banff and Lake Louise.

Hiking is one of the best ways to be immersed in Banff’s mountain landscapes during summer, and with so many trails to explore, it’s no wonder! Lace up your hiking boots and prepare to venture through breathtaking scenery, notice wildflowers in full bloom, see unique wildlife, and access the best viewpoints of tranquil lakes and outstanding mountains.

If you want to start hiking but don’t know where to begin, the easiest way is to join a tour. Great Divide Nature Interpretation, Banff Adventures, and White Mountain Adventures offer guided hikes for beginner and experienced hikers, and everything in between. Seeking a more gentle experience with nature? Mahikan Trails offer fascinating plant medicine walks, where you can learn about the medicines of the boreal forest from a Cree lineage.

Summer fun doesn’t end once you’ve reached the end of the trail; paddling, biking, sightseeing, wildlife spotting, or a gondola ride are just a few of the many ways you can soak in the sun and the glorious views in Banff National Park!

Paddleboarder Johnson Lake
Photo Credit: Robert Massey
There are so many activities to enjoy during summer in Banff National Park, like paddling on pristine lakes.
Banff Attractions
Photo Credit: Chris Amat
Experience panoramic views of mountain peaks at the Banff Gondola.

Find out more by using this guide to Summer in Banff and Lake Louise.

Fall

As the air becomes crisper, the trees light up in radiant colors and the buzz of summer is replaced with the tranquility of fall. Hike into the mountains to see the trees changing to surreal colors of yellow, red, and orange before cozying up beside a fire or taking part in Banff PRIDE.

Lake Louise Hike in Fall
Photo Credit: Paul Zizka
Experience the changing of the season on a hike through the Larch trees during fall.

During October, experience Banff PRIDE week by joining in on a variety of exciting activities. Events like drag brunches, live performances, sipping limited edition cocktails, and so much more are a few ways to celebrate the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Banff Pride Drag Brunch
Photo Credit: LAO'D Productions
Get involved in Banff PRIDE week celebrations during October!

Special events (like the world-renowned Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival, and Banff Craft Beer Festival) are an important part of life here, so visit the full calendar of events, packed with culinary, film, music, sporting and other events and festivals.

Don’t forget to make time between adventures to reset, recharge, and focus on yourself. There are plenty of ways to find your wellness in Banff – from yoga retreats to Forest Bathing, spa treatments, marathons, and more.

For full details, we suggest taking a look at this guide to Fall in Banff and Lake Louise.

Rentals and Retail

Shopping in Banff National Park offers a unique experience in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. From local crafts to outdoor gear, the town's shops cater to outdoor enthusiasts and souvenir seekers alike. Banff Avenue features boutique stores and specialty shops inspired by the surrounding natural beauty. It's the perfect place to find a cozy sweater, indigenous art, or a memorable keepsake of your wilderness adventure.

Ultimate Sports: The go-to spot for all your gear and rental needs. Located in the heart of downtown Banff, the rental fleet is fully updated every season with everything to accommodate skiers and riders that are exploring the mountains for the first time or exploring the steepest and deepest riding Banff has to offer. 

shops
Photo Credit: Katie Goldie

Where to Stay

Whether you want to enjoy a cozy bed and breakfast or log cabin, stay in a luxury hotel, trek to a backcountry cabin or enjoy the atmosphere of a hostel, Banff and Lake Louise have accommodation options for all travelers.

pool
Photo Credit: Katie Goldie
Pictured is the Moose Hotel & Suites

Most accommodations are within walking distance of food, attractions, activities, and retail outlets, otherwise, you can always take transit to get around. For more information, check out the Banff and Lake Louise Tourism Accommodations page or view Banff Lodging Company's hotels, resorts, and condos!

Where to Eat

Banff and Lake Louise have a strong food scene catering to all tastes and budgets. It’s all 2SLGBTQ+ friendly, however, our special favorites are:

The Keg Steakhouse + Bar: Located in the Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa serving breakfast and dinner daily. Enjoy quality, comfort, and great value!

The Meatball Pizza & Pasta: Located in the Banff Ptarmigan Inn, the restaurant delivers Italian-inspired food, attentive servers, and moderate prices coupled with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Banff Ave Brewing Co.: Get comfy and hunker down for après-whatever in Banff’s almost-secret hideaway. Enjoy great craft brews, Detroit-style deep dish pizza and all your pub favorites in a casual venue that’ll make you feel like a local, no matter where you’re from.

Pacini: Located in the Moose Hotel and Suites. Pacini is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can dine-in, have a seat on the patio in the fresh mountain air, or choose to take your food to-go!

Park Distillery: Campfire-inspired cooking (with vegetarian and vegan options, too!) and locally distilled spirits. During summer, enjoy a cocktail from their outdoor patio and soak in the mountain views!

Rundle Lounge, Fairmont Banff Springs: This charming lounge, located in one of the oldest structures in Banff, serves up delicious cocktails and is also home to the iconic “afternoon tea” experience. Pinkies up!

Shoku Izakaya: Shoku Izakaya’s menu features tantalizing Japanese flavors that will have you wanting to work your way through every menu item! Sit back and enjoy the intimate vibe of this new addition to Banff’s dining scene – already a favorite among locals.

For the ultimate guide on where to eat in Banff and Lake Louise, be sure to visit Banff & Lake Louise Tourism’s Where to Eat page.

Nightlife

Banff and Lake Louise have a great range of after-dark establishments. Everywhere is 2SLGBTQ+ friendly. Our particular picks are:

Hello Sunshine: Craving a night of flowing drinks and lasting memories? Hello Sunshine is Banff’s first karaoke bar, also serving up delicious sushi, Japanese BBQ, and endless good times.

High Rollers: Six bowling lanes, three pool tables, New York-style pizza, and 48 craft beers on tap.

Rose and Crown: Banff’s oldest pub with live music every night of the week in the centre of Banff.

Spa & Wellness

Relax, rejuvenate and pamper yourself while in Banff.

Red Earth Spa: A full-service spa featuring an esthetics room with two manicure stations and two pedicure chairs. Spa clients also have full access to the Hotel’s hot pool and exercise room. 

Meadow Spa & Pools: Offering indulgent spa experiences in a tranquil environment. Services include massages, body treatments, facials, nail services, waxing, and couples packages. 

meadow spa
Photo Credit: Katie Goldie
Pictured is the Meadow Spa & Pools

Local Tips

If you’re visiting in the summer, make sure you plan ahead. Banff National Park has great public transit, so you can leave your car behind. If you’re flying into Calgary and heading to Banff, there are shuttles you can take from the airport.

roam bus
Photo Credit: ROAM Creative

To make the most of your summer days in Banff and Lake Louise, we recommend going to iconic locations either early or late in the day for the best experience.

For winter-time visitors, you can purchase a SkiBig3 pass to give you access to all three ski resorts.

For more of a personalized experience, drop into one of two Banff Visitor Centres or Lake Louise Visitor Centre and speak with one of Banff and Lake Louise’s local experts.

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