Alberta — Travelrags

Condé Nast TravelerAug 22, 2026

Where to Stay Near Banff National Park for Incredible Views and Proximity to Lake Louise

No matter the season, here's where to stay in the birthplace of Canada's national parks system.

23 things in this story

Fairmont Chateau Lake LouiseHotelLake Louise, CanadaOne of the most photographed spots in Canada.
Moraine LakeSightLake Louise, CanadaGuests can use a private shuttle service.
Big BeehiveTrailLake Louise, CanadaOffers jaw-dropping views of Lake Louise.
Sulphur MountainSightBanff, CanadaBook a table at the top for an elevated dining experience.
Victoria GlacierSightLake Louise, CanadaFlanks the turquoise waters of Lake Louise.
Big Beehive trailTrailLake Louise, CanadaOffers unmatched views of the surrounding scenery.
Fairview Bar & RestaurantRestaurantLake Louise, CanadaEnjoy cocktails with a view.
Post Hotel & SpaHotelLake Louise, CanadaEuropean elegance meets Rocky Mountain grandeur.
Lake Louise Ski ResortSightLake Louise, CanadaFive minutes away from the hotel.
Temple Mountain SpaPlaceLake Louise, CanadaOffers a Roman-inspired saltwater pool and hot tubs.
Rimrock ResortHotelBanff, CanadaDramatically poised on the edge of Sulphur Mountain.
Parker's TableRestaurantBanff, CanadaServes Canadian dishes featuring locally-sourced ingredients.
Rimrock SocialRestaurantBanff, CanadaOffers an afternoon Art of Coffee ritual.
Upper Banff Hot SpringsSightBanff, CanadaHot pool.
Fairmont Banff SpringsHotelBanff, CanadaThe copper-roofed castle with a million-dollar view.
Banff Springs Golf CourseSightBanff, CanadaBoasts one of the world's highest-ranked holes.
Surprise Corner lookoutSightBanff, CanadaOffers a view of the Fairmont Banff Springs.
Rundle BarRestaurantBanff, CanadaOffers a mixology class.
Waldhaus RestaurantRestaurantBanff, CanadaServes warm fondue.
GrapesRestaurantBanff, CanadaOffers a cheese board.
Moraine Lake LodgeHotelLake Louise, CanadaPerched right on the shores of Moraine Lake.
Valley of the Ten PeaksSightLake Louise, CanadaOffers stunning lake views.
Banff GondolaSightBanff, Canada

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Lonely PlanetAug 17

10 beautiful destinations to see fall foliage around the world

From fiery maples and copper-colored tundra to liquid gold aspens and larches, these are the best places to take in fall’s magic around the world.

22 things in this story

Banff National ParkSightBanff, CanadaNational park accessible from Calgary.
Lake LouiseSightBanff, CanadaIconic and beautiful spot for fall foliage.
Moraine LakeSightBanff, CanadaPopular sunrise spot, shuttle required.
AdirondacksTrailNew York City, United StatesExtensive network of lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams for leaf-peeping.
Elk Lake LodgeHotelNew York City, United StatesAll-inclusive wilderness lodge with one of the best park views.
Adirondack ParkSightNew York City, United StatesVast park with 6 million acres, scenic byways, and hiking trails.
Saranac LakeSightNew York City, United StatesIsland camping available.
Adirondack Balloon FestivalFestivalLake George, United StatesFall festival held in Lake George.
Whiteface OktoberfestFestivalWhiteface, United StatesOktoberfest event in late September.
Adirondack Rail TrailTrailNew York City, United StatesA 34-mile trail for biking.
Tupper LakeSightNew York City, United StatesOne of the up-and-coming dark sky areas for stargazing.
Coney MountainTrailNew York City, United States2-mile round trip hike for 360-degree night sky views.
Adirondack Sky Center & ObservatorySightNew York City, United StatesOffers stargazing opportunities.
AlbertaNeighborhoodCalgary, CanadaIt is a part of Western Canada and is one of the three prairie provinces.
Spray Valley Provincial ParkSightCalgary, CanadaOff-beat gem for fall foliage viewing.
Banff Sunshine VillageHotelBanff, CanadaOffers gondola access to hike Sunshine Meadows.
Jasper National ParkSightJasper, CanadaNational park accessible from Edmonton.
Two Jack LakeSightBanff, CanadaGreat spot for sunrise viewing.
Johnston CanyonSightBanff, CanadaScenic spot for fall foliage.
Peyto LakeSightBanff, CanadaScenic lake that will have you grabbing your camera.
Cascade MountainTrailNew York City, United States
Giant MountainTrailNew York City, United States

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Lonely PlanetAug 4

23 of the best destinations for fall travel in 2026

Fall smacks of leaf peeping, road tripping, the last bits of swimming and so much more. These destinations offer the best for fall travel across the globe.

20 things in this story

Fes el-BaliGuest houseFez, Moroccooldest section of the walled medina
ÖlüdenizSightFethiye, Turkeylagoon-side town great for paragliding
PataraAttractionKaş, Turkeytown with endless swathes of golden sand
ÇıralıNeighborhoodKemer, Turkeyprotected area where sea turtles nest
Nara ParkParkNara, Japanhome to over 1000 sika deer
Tōdai-jiMuseumNara, Japantemple with one of the largest bronze Buddha images
Alta Via 1TrailCortina d'Ampezzo, Italyclassic trek through the Dolomites
Lake TaupoSightTaupo, New Zealandarea with hot-spring complexes
Kerosene CreekSightRotorua, New Zealandwild-and-free thermal pool with hot waterfall
HobbitonSightMatamata, New Zealandfilm set
Waipoua ForestSightDargaville, New Zealandforest with towering kauri trees
Taos PuebloSightTaos, United States1000-year-old Native American site
Sangre de Cristos mountainsSightSanta Fe, United Statesmountain range in northern New Mexico
Albuquerque International Balloon FiestaFestivalAlbuquerque, United Statesiconic balloon festival
Bocas del ToroNeighborhoodBocas Town, Panamaarchipelago with beaches and watersports
Samburu National ReserveSightMaralal, Kenyareserve with kopje-studded plains and acacia hills
Maó (Mahón)NeighborhoodMaó, Spaincharismatic capital with Anglo-Spanish heritage
CiutadellaNeighborhoodCiutadella de Menorca, Spainformer chief settlement with Anglo-Spanish heritage
Camí de CavallsTrailMaó, Spain185km coastal circuit for hiking or biking
SeychellesNeighborhoodVictoria, Seychellesarchipelago with palm trees and white-sand beaches

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Lonely PlanetJul 28

Ultimate Guide to the Calgary Stampede

Here

12 things in this story

Calgary StampedeFestival10-day celebration of Western roots every July.
Elbow River CampPlaceTreaty 7 First Nations gathering space since 1912.
Kananaskis CountrySightCanadian Rockies destination, visit with extra days.
Alberta Boot CompanyPlaceShop for cowboy boots and hats downtown.
Smithbilt HatsPlaceSpecializes in cowboy hats in many styles.
Wild Rabbit VintagePlaceCurated pre-loved cowboy wear and accessories.
Stampede BreakfastFestivalOver 100 free pancake breakfasts during the 10 days.
Stampede Powwow CompetitionFestivalIndigenous dancers and drummers celebrate culture.
Nutrien Western Event CentrePlaceAir-conditioned space for agriculture exhibits.
BMO CentrePlaceAir-conditioned space for the marketplace.
Scotiabank SaddledomePlaceAir-conditioned space for powwow competition.
Stock dog championshipPlaceDogs herd sheep into a corral in an arena.

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Lonely PlanetJul 15

15 of the best places in Canada

Breathtaking mountains, lively cities and natural wonders.

16 things in this story

Montréal International Jazz FestivalFestivalMontreal, CanadaThe Festival international de Jazz de Montréal is an annual jazz festival held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Maid of the MistPlaceNiagara Falls, CanadaBoat tour to feel the thunderous spray up close.
Niagara Glen hiking trailTrailNiagara Falls, CanadaTakes you through ancient forests and rugged terrain.
Greater Niagara Circle RouteTrailNiagara Falls, CanadaScenic biking adventure.
Wildplay ZiplinePlaceNiagara Falls, CanadaOffers unmatched views of the falls.
Stanley ParkParkVancouver, CanadaThick rainforest near downtown.
Audain Art MuseumMuseumWhistler, CanadaDesigned by Patkau Architects and opened to the public in 2016, it holds a comprehensive permanent collection of…
Squamish Lil'wat Cultural CentreMuseumWhistler, CanadaVisit Whistler's First Nations museum, tours, art gallery, exhibitions, gift shop, cafe, tourist attraction, events…
Royal Tyrrell MuseumMuseumDrumheller, CanadaHome to one of the planet's pre-eminent fossil collections.
ManitoulinNeighborhoodManitoulin Island, CanadaWorld's largest freshwater island with First Nations culture.
Sylvia Grinnell ParkParkIqaluit, CanadaLandscape on Baffin Island, Nunavut.
Canadian RockiesSightCalgary, CanadaStraddles British Columbia and Alberta, offers national parks.
Pacific Rim National ParkSightUcluelet, CanadaIt is located in the Pacific Coast Mountains, which are characterized by rugged…
West Coast TrailMotelPort Renfrew, CanadaIt is West Coast of Vancouver Island, a 2 hour drive from Victoria, BC.
ChinatownNeighborhoodToronto, Canada
GreektownNeighborhoodToronto, Canada

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Lonely PlanetJul 10

Missing the Calgary Stampede this year? Here are the 12 best towns to experience cowboy core

Whatever your vision of the ideal cowboy core experience, channel your inner John Wayne or Annie Oakley in one of these frontier towns.

20 things in this story

The Cowboy StorePlaceBandera, United StatesWestern shop on Main Street.
Arkey Blue’s Silver DollarNightclubBandera, United StatesClaims to be the oldest continuously operated honky-tonk in Texas.
OSTRestaurantBandera, United StatesBYOB restaurant with a John Wayne Room.
Mayan RanchHotelBandera, United StatesWorking dude ranch with chuckwagon breakfasts and trail rides.
11th Street Cowboy BarBarBandera, United StatesHosts legendary steak nights.
Million Dollar Cowboy BarPubJackson, United StatesLocal icon with saddle barstools and nightly live music.
Darwin RanchHotelJackson, United StatesMost remote guest ranch in the Lower 48.
Rusty Parrot Lodge & SpaMotelJackson, United StatesOffers Cowboy Concierge for private trail rides.
Brewery FolliesRestaurantVirginia City, United StatesCatch a cabaret show.
Fairweather InnHotelVirginia City, United StatesAllegedly haunted lodging.
Alder Gulch Shortline RailroadSightVirginia City, United StatesTravels to Nevada City, a living history museum.
Nevada CityNeighborhoodVirginia City, United StatesGhost town turned living history museum.
BannackParkDillon, United StatesOne of the country’s best-preserved ghost towns.
The Cedar RoomRestaurantNorth Platte, United StatesServes prime Nebraska beef.
North 40 ChophouseRestaurantNorth Platte, United StatesPolished ranch vibe with cocktails.
Saguaro TheaterSightWickenburg, United StatesScreening old Westerns since 1948.
Kay El BarHotelWickenburg, United StatesDude ranch with trail rides in century-old adobe buildings.
Bandera General StorePlaceBandera, United States
Heart SixHotelJackson, United States
Triangle XHotelJackson, United States

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OutsideMay 11

Never Just a Hike

If you thought hiking was boring, you’ve been following the wrong trail

Condé Nast TravelerJan 9

At a New Wellness Spa on Lake Louise, Soaking in Thermal Baths and Mountain Views

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise's new facility raises the bar for indoor-outdoor spas.

3 things in this story

Fairmont Chateau Lake LouiseHotelLeader in the wellness scene, nestled in Banff National Park
Basin Glacial WatersPlaceAll-sensory wellness experience infusing nature and science
Banff National ParkSightWhere the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is nestled

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Condé Nast TravelerDec 3, 2025

50 Most Beautiful Places in the World

From the Serengeti to the Grand Canyon—plus 55 more destinations you need to see to believe.

10 sights in this story

Valle de la LunaSightAtacama Desert, ChileLandscape startlingly similar to the moon.
Grand Canyon National ParkSightGrand Canyon, United StatesHike scenic loops for views of rocky badlands.
Avenue of the BaobabsAttractionMadagascarCenturies-old trees reach heights of nearly 100 feet.
Banff National ParkSightBanff, CanadaOverwhelms with views of the Canadian Rockies.
Moraine LakeSightBanff, CanadaIt is situated in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, at an elevation of approximately 1,884 metres (6,181 ft).
Lake MinnewankaSightBanff, CanadaThe lake is 21 km (13 mi) long and 142 m (466 ft) deep, making it the 2nd longest lake in the mountain parks of the…
Bathsheba BeachSightBathsheba, BarbadosKnown for huge boulders and best waves for surfers.
Whitehaven BeachSightWhitsundays, AustraliaConsidered one of the world's most beautiful beaches.
Danxia Landform Geological ParkSightDanxia, ChinaStriped, multicolored mountains formed over 20 million years.
Lake LouiseSightBanff, Canada

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Condé Nast TravelerNov 7, 2025

18 Best Airbnbs for Ski Vacations, From Vermont to the Canadian Rockies

Here's where to call home when you're done on the slopes.

17 things in this story

WindhamNeighborhoodProperty is 10 minutes from this town.
Sundance ResortHotelOffers ski slopes and is near a river.
Big Bear MountainSightOffers ski slopes for winter adventures.
Park City MountainSightHas ski-in/ski-out access from Silver Star lift.
Sundance Film FestivalFestivalWinter nights are enhanced by a private hot tub.
Killington ResortPlaceOffers expansive and buzzy slopes.
Big Sky ResortPlaceSkiers can quickly reach this resort.
Vail ResortPlaceSlopeside penthouse offers ski-in/ski-out access.
Hunter MountainPlaceLog cabin is perched above this mountain.
Big BearNeighborhoodVillage attractions are convenient.
Stowe VillageNeighborhoodQuiet acreage and Mt. Elmore views nearby.
Powder River TrailTrailProvides ski-in/ski-out access.
Cowboy HeavenNeighborhoodLocated within this community for trail access.
Beehive Basin TrailTrailOffers direct access for backcountry skiing.
Sun Valley ResortSightSupports day trips for skiers.
Ritz-CarltonHotelOffers spa and concierge amenities.
Elkhorn ResortSightOffers free guest passes.

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Atlas ObscuraOct 8, 2025

World’s Largest Fishing Lure in Lacombe, Alberta

Catch a glimpse of the biggest fishing lure you’ll ever see–it’s even certified by the Guinness Book of World Records. The lure, located in Lacombe, measures 40 feet, 5.25 inches in length overall. The wide “spoon” of the lure is 28 feet long, with a 14-foot-long treble hook to complete its gigantic proportions. The spoon is painted in the favorite yellow-and-red pattern of Len Thompson, of the…

4 things in this story

Len ThompsonSightSpoon painted in his favorite pattern
Thompson-Pallister Bait CompanyPlaceCommissioned the lure
World’s Largest Fishing LureSight40 feet long, certified by Guinness
Guinness Book of World RecordsPlace

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Condé Nast TravelerOct 3, 2025

9 Best Places to Ski in 2026

From the Canadian Rockies to Japan, here’s where to go for new on-site mountain lodges, swanky après wellness, and smooth slope-side experiences.

20 things in this story

Bald MountainSightSun Valley, United StatesDelivers 3,400 vertical feet of uninterrupted skiing.
St. Regis Deer ValleyHotelDeer Valley, United StatesPinnacle of five-star ski-in/ski-out luxury.
Dollar MountainSightSun Valley, United StatesCaters to first-timers and families.
Sun Valley lodgeHotelSun Valley, United StatesClassic with direct lift access and spa.
Mount NorquaySightBanff, CanadaCelebrates its centennial with a two-stage gondola.
Sunshine VillageSightBanff, CanadaKnown for its expansive bowls and sweeping views.
Fairmont Chateau Lake LouiseHotelBanff, CanadaUnmatched with a new lakeside alpine spa.
Lone Peak TramSightBig Sky, United StatesTram-accessed chutes for experts.
Madison 8SightBig Sky, United StatesNorth America’s longest high-speed eight-seater.
Lone Mountain RanchHotelBig Sky, United StatesCozy, cabin-style escape with horse-drawn sleigh rides.
One&Only Moonlight BasinHotelBig Sky, United StatesChic recommendation with gondola service.
Summit Hotel at Big Sky ResortHotelBig Sky, United StatesCentral village access, slope-side convenience.
Viceroy Sun ValleyHotelSun Valley, United StatesNew level of slope-side style.
Limelight KetchumHotelSun Valley, United StatesFamily-friendly and just blocks from downtown.
The Knob Hill InnHotelSun Valley, United StatesEuropean-inspired lodge with easy access to dining.
East Village GondolaSightDeer Valley, United StatesA sleek link between East Village and Park Peak.
Montage Deer ValleyHotelDeer Valley, United StatesDirect mountain access, slope-side convenience.
The Goldener Hirsch ResidencesHotelDeer Valley, United StatesSpacious and stylish hub with ski access.
Richardson’s RidgeSightBanff, Canada200 acres of new intermediate and advanced terrain.
The Kenrick HotelHotelBanff, CanadaFresh and modern base in downtown Banff.

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National GeographicJul 6, 2011

Wood Buffalo National Park

Canada's largest national park is home to a bison herd, endangered whooping cranes, and the world’s largest beaver dam.

7 things in this story

Peace-Athabasca DeltaSightone of the largest inland freshwater deltas
Peace RiverPlaceThe Peace River joins the Athabasca River in the Peace-Athabasca Delta to form the Slave River, a tributary…
Athabasca RiverPlaceThe Athabasca River in Alberta, Canada, originates at the Columbia Icefield in Jasper National Park and flows more than…
Sweetgrass StationSightrestored warehouse and former bison corrals
Pine Lake CampgroundPlacecampground open Victoria Day to Labour Day
Salt River Day Use AreaPlacearea for hiking
Slave RiverPlace

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