Banff and Lake Louise sit at the very top of every incentive traveler’s bucket list—and for good reason. These iconic Rocky Mountain destinations captivate participants and planners alike. So, when a client entrusted us to design an incentive program for their top performers in Alberta, we knew this journey would be nothing short of extraordinary.
The adventure began the moment guests landed at Calgary International Airport, where they were seamlessly transferred on a scenic 90-minute drive into the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Towering peaks, alpine romance, and pure exhilaration set the tone long before Banff came into view.
Home to turquoise glacial lakes, dramatic mountain vistas, abundant wildlife, and postcard-perfect towns, Banff National Park is Canada’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With more than three million visitors annually, it’s a destination that delivers awe at every turn.
Day 1 | A Legendary Welcome
The group checked into the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs, a castle in the mountains and a symbol of Rocky Mountain grandeur for over a century. Styled after a Scottish baronial estate, the hotel blends old-world elegance with rugged wilderness—offering championship golf, world-class skiing, fine dining, and the indulgent Fairmont Spa.
That evening, guests gathered for a cozy yet elegant welcome dinner at Wapiti Longhouse at Buffalo Mountain Lodge. Rustic timber beams, glowing firelight, and locally inspired cuisine created an intimate mountain-lodge atmosphere—an authentic Rockies dining experience from start to finish.
Day 2 | Icewalks & Alpine Flavors
After a hearty breakfast, the group embarked on a guided Johnston Canyon Icewalk, one of Banff’s most beloved winter experiences. Steel catwalks led them deep into the canyon to the breathtaking frozen Upper Falls, offering dramatic views of ice, rock, and rushing water below.
Lunch followed at The Prow, a contemporary favorite serving modern Rocky Mountain cuisine. With shareable plates, bison specialties, house-made pastas, and creative cocktails, it was the perfect après-adventure reward.
Day 3 | Taste, Tradition & Bold Bites
The morning kicked off with a walking food tour, allowing guests to discover Banff through its flavors—locally sourced ingredients, glacier-fed waters, and inspired chefs delivering unforgettable tastes.
Later, participants tried their hand at one of Canada’s most beloved traditions: curling. With expert instruction, friendly competition, and plenty of laughs, this classic winter sport delivered charm, camaraderie, and pure Canadian spirit.
Dinner brought the group to Brazen, inside the historic Mount Royal Hotel. Bold flavors, inventive cocktails, and seasonally inspired Canadian fare paid homage to Banff’s adventurous mountaineering heritage.
Day 4 | Soaks, Surprises & Summit Views
The day began with relaxation at the Banff Upper Hot Springs, where naturally heated mineral waters and sweeping mountain views provided the ultimate alpine unwind.
Then came an unexpected highlight: a scenic ride through Banff in a vintage 1930s automobile, complete with curated storytelling and breathtaking views—ending in a surprise arrival at the Banff Gondola.
At the summit of Sulphur Mountain, guests enjoyed panoramic views of six mountain ranges and the Bow Valley, strolling the boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak and the Cosmic Ray Station.
The day concluded with dinner at Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen, perched high above the town. Cozy, hearty cuisine paired with glittering nighttime views of the Rockies made for an unforgettable evening above the clouds.
Day 5 | Huskies, Helicopters & Lake Louise
No Canadian Rockies incentive is complete without dog sledding. Guests met an energetic team of huskies and enjoyed a thrilling hour-long ride through snow-covered trails—an authentic, adrenaline-filled winter experience.
Next came a bird’s-eye view of the Rockies with a helicopter tour over the Three Sisters Peaks—Hope, Charity, and Faith—and into the dramatic Spray Valley Provincial Park, showcasing the Sundance Range in all its glory.
Before departing Banff, the group enjoyed one final culinary stop at Bluebird, a lively wood-fired steakhouse known for its mid-century flair, craft cocktails, and celebratory energy.
A short 45-minute drive brought the group to Lake Louise, where they checked into the elegant Fairmont Château Lake Louise. Dinner that evening at Louiza, the hotel’s Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, delivered fresh flavors and a warm, relaxed ambiance—perfect after a day of adventure.
Day 6 | Alpine Play & Iconic Views
Guests chose their own adventure: world-class skiing and snowboarding at Lake Louise Ski Resort or carefree snow tubing for pure winter fun. Both options delivered spectacular mountain scenery and unforgettable thrills.
In Lake Louise, the icing on the cake came in the form of a most relaxing spa as a fitting reward for the top performing participants. The group got to take advantage of a brand new luxe Spa that lets the participants soak in glacier-fed waters with views of Lake Louise and inspired by the Nordic sauna culture.
What is spectacular about the spa is that Basin Glacial Waters is surrounded by sweeping views of the rugged Canadian Rockies and Victoria Glacier, the lake’s source that also supplies the spa’s water. Wellness facilities at the spa include two steam rooms, three saunas, three hot tubs, two pools, an outdoor cold plunge, several relaxation spaces, and a barefoot route that alternates between hot and cold water. The group was in heaven!
After such a fun-filled day, the dinner that evening was hosted at the refined Fairview Restaurant, overlooking the iconic turquoise waters of Lake Louise—a stunning setting for a memorable alpine finale.
Day 7 | Farewell with Western Flair
On the final day, guests enjoyed leisure time with options including ice skating, snowshoeing, or simply soaking in the majestic surroundings.
The farewell celebration delivered a true Western send-off at the Cowboy’s Barbecue and Dance Barn. Live music, line dancing, hearty beef dinners, and authentic cowboy charm brought the group together for a high-energy night of laughter and celebration—dancing well into the wee hours.
An adventure-filled, high-impact incentive program came to a close—but the memories, connections, and inspiration will last a lifetime.
Photo credit: Robert Massey/Banff & Lake Louise Tourism.
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