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Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team
Last updated on November 1, 2024
Alberta has no shortage of options to celebrate romance with your loved one. From a quick trip to the Rocky Mountains to a weekend staycation in a big city, there’s always something to do that puts love front and center! Here are nine of the most romantic Alberta getaways to celebrate with that special someone in your life.
Romantic Alberta Vacation Spots For Couples
Banff
Banff is a Rocky Mountain town that is FULL of magic. A stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs is like stepping into a fairy tale and makes for an incredible getaway. The scenery on its own will set the romantic mood for your entire stay. And while you’re there, treat yourselves to some pampering at the Fairmont Spa and fine dining at any of the hotel’s restaurants.
Or if you and your snugglebug prefer something more rustic – there are plenty of cozy cabins in Banff to choose from as well!
Other romantic dinner spots in Banff include Farm and Fire or nearby Brazen. Both restaurants are excellent choices for a dinner date and even offer special menus for Valentine’s Day.
Looking for some romantic activities to do while in Banff? There are plenty! Plan a day of skiing or snowboarding at Sunshine Village. Take a hike with your partner in the nearby Johnston Canyon and marvel at the frozen waterfalls (don’t forget your ice cleats in the winter). Elevate your love with a ride up the Banff Gondola to catch the sunset on top of Sulphur Mountain. While you’re up there, enjoy a romantic dinner at Sky Bistro. After dinner, cap your night off with a soak in Banff Upper Hot Springs (note you need to get there by 9:30 pm).
Lake Louise
The setting alone at Lake Louise is enough to set your heart aflutter! So it’s easy to see why visiting Lake Louise is one of the most romantic Alberta getaways.
For a luxurious overnight stay, make the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise your top choice. And during February, guests of the Fairmont can have a gourmet Valentine’s dinner at any of the Chateau’s restaurants. Another option for a romantic stay is The Mountaineer Lodge; it is centrally located and offers cozy rooms and all of the services you need. Plus, their on-site guest services can arrange all your romantic activities. And finally, if you want to be out in the wilderness but not in Lake Louise village, staying at the Baker Creek Mountain Resort offers a scenic and romantic getaway.
For activities with a love theme in Lake Louise, there is plenty to take part in. During the winter, there’s a scenic two-hour snowshoe tour on top of the ski resort to soak in the mountain views, ending with a steaming cup of hot chocolate. For something more intimate, couples can take a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride along the lakefront shore.
Or why not get out on the lake? Strap on a pair of ice skates and glide across it while holding hands with your partner. Finally, a simple walk along the lakeshore in either summer or winter is ALWAYS a super romantic thing to do.
Jasper
A trip to Jasper is always a good idea. And if you are after romance, you’re in the right place.
There’s probably nowhere more romantic than the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge for a place to stay. Guests can choose between a gorgeous suite or a private lodge, and the lodge has a Romance Package option that includes accommodation, dinner for two at one of their gourmet restaurants and a $300 credit at The Fairmont Spa. Alternatively, a stay at Pyramid Lake Resort (Temporarily Closed) during the winter offers complimentary skate, snow-shoe and fat bike rentals as well as hot drinks and s’more kits.
For couples wanting to spend their entire weekend in the solitude of the mountains, Miette Mountain Cabins offer serenity and stunning scenery, plus they’re pet-friendly.
There are several romantic activities to do in Jasper. In the winter, strap on a pair of skates and glide across the frozen Lake Mildred or Pyramid Lake. Spend a day skiing or snowboarding at Marmot Basin Ski Resort and finish the day with an apres-ski with your love. Or, for an ultimate thrill, get up close to Athabasca Glacier or view the Rocky Mountains from above on a helicopter tour.
Also, during the winter, nature-loving couples can join a Winter Wildlife Discovery Tour to discover the local wildlife in Jasper National Park. During the summer, a stop at the Miette Hot Springs is the perfect spot for a bit of romance.
Canmore
Canmore is a cute, romantic town that caters to couples. There are gorgeous hotels, incredible restaurants and many romantic things to do.
For a romantic stay in Canmore, the Solara Resort is an incredible property with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Or book a few days at the Grande Rockies Resort and receive a special gift from Rocky Mountain Soap. For a romantic meal, Sauvage is one of our favourite restaurants offering tapas and sharing plates, perfect for a date night. The Crazyweed Kitchen is another highly recommended restaurant for that special night out and a delicious meal. After your meal, head to Table Food + Drink and enjoy s’mores and hot chocolate for dessert around their outdoor firepits.
There’s no shortage of things to do in town with your loved one. Take a hike in Canmore, go for a bike ride, or enjoy a scenic SUP down the river. If you’re not feeling active, there are several spas in town to pamper yourselves.
Waterton
The sleepy Hamlet of Waterton in Waterton Lakes National Park is a romantic spot tucked away in southwestern Alberta.
During the summer, book an iconic stay at the Prince of Wales Hotel and be sure to experience the Afternoon High Tea. There’s a stunning dining room peering out onto the Upper Waterton Lake. Other places in Waterton for a romantic stay include the Crandell Mountain Lodge, Bayshore Inn, and the Waterton Glacier Suites, with their in-house Serenity Spa offering a special couples massage.
For romantic dinner options, Red Rock Trattoria specializes in Italian cuisine and has fine wine to accompany it. In the mood for Alberta beef? Lakeside Chophouse has an extensive menu featuring Alberta Angus Reserve steaks.
Summer is the most popular time to visit, and there is plenty to do on the lake, including sightseeing cruises, kayak and SUP rentals. Waterton is also home to one of the most scenic hikes in the world – Crypt Lake hike.
The winter months offer a more intimate time to visit Waterton with many restaurants and shops shutting down for the season. But with the lack of people and intimate setting, it can make for a very romantic time. There are trails for snowshoeing, and visitors can book a guided interpretive tour with Dark Sky Guides to spend a romantic evening under the stars.
Crowsnest Pass
The Crowsnest Pass is a spot in Alberta that is often overlooked as a romantic getaway. There’s a lot to see and do here in the five mountain towns, and it’s a beautiful spot perfect for a few romantic days.
For accommodations, Stepping Stone Cabins near Beauvais Lake Provincial Park offers intimate and cozy cabins with a hot tub and outdoor fireplace to snuggle up next to. Or book a romantic stay at the Charmed Resorts Midsummer Cottage and step into a fairy tale. These themed cottages also have outdoor hot tubs for you and your significant other to enjoy.
For a meal, dinner at Limber Pine Smokehouse offers a hearty meal in a cozy setting.
For things to do in Crowsnest Pass, spend a day at Chinook Lake hiking, biking, or just lounging on the shore. In both winter and summer, there are a number of walks and hikes to enjoy for all skill levels. Also, during the summer, take advantage of the incredible fishing in the area if that sounds like a romantic thing to do.
Kananaskis
Kananaskis has everything you need for a romantic trip in Alberta.
The Kananaskis Mountain Lodge is always where we recommend people stay, and they offer a special “romance package” for Valentine’s Day that includes breakfast for two. Staying here also gets guests a discount at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa, which is open year-round. Relax in the outdoor hot pools, plunge pools and barrel saunas. It’s a VERY romantic experience in an incredible setting.
For a more intimate stay, Mount Engadine Lodge offers romantic getaways year-round with available add-ons like chocolate-covered strawberries and sparkling wine to any booking. The setting is what sets this place apart. Nestled in the remote area of Kananaskis, this is the perfect place to put the phone down and take in the mountain air.
Spending time in the area is all about being in nature, and there are so many different walks and hikes in Kananaskis to take advantage of. In the winter, it’s a snowshoeing wonderland. Otherwise, cozy up with your partner next to the fire and just relax. It doesn’t get much more romantic than that.
Edmonton
Edmonton has plenty to offer couples looking for romantic getaways in Alberta. The Fantasyland Hotel is an obvious choice for couples looking for a weekend of fun. Or the Fairmont Hotel MacDonald is a splurge for a romantic weekend with a stunning location overlooking the Edmonton River Valley.
For a special meal, we always recommend people to go to RGE RD; it’s one of our absolute favourites. Other spots for a romantic dinner include The Butternut Tree, Smokey Bear Restaurant or The Melting Pot – all offer specials for Valentine’s day and special occasions throughout the year.
For other things to do in Edmonton, there are so many walking paths throughout the river valley to enjoy with your partner. For something unique, active couples might enjoy a Latin Dance Workshop. And there’s always a chance to catch a live performance at the Citadel Theatre or see the Edmonton Symphony. In the winter, take advantage of the outdoor skating rinks downtown.
Calgary
An Alberta Vacation spot in Calgary is always an excellent choice. There are many places to stay and things to do for couples throughout the year. Stay at the Hotel Arts and enjoy an incredible dinner at The Yellow Door Bistro. Or book your Alberta getaway at the Calgary Fairmont Palliser and take advantage of their Grand Romance Package, which includes a $50 credit at the Hawthorne Dining Room to put towards a 4-course romantic meal or afternoon tea.
For things to do with your loved one, take a walk through Prince’s Island Park, go to the top of the Calgary Tower and get a panoramic view of the city along with a meal at Sky 360. Or you and your partner can enjoy some zen by booking a treatment at one of Calgary’s excellent spas.
Regardless, we’re sure you’ll find some romance in anything you do!
Looking for more to do on Valentine’s Day?
- Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Calgary.
- Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Edmonton.
Pete is a co-founder of Road Trip Alberta. Growing up in Edmonton he has an extensive knowledge of Alberta and everything the province has to offer. He loves to eat good food, hike (especially in the winter), play tennis and curl. Apart from running Road Trip Alberta, he is a director with HMI, a digital media agency, half of the Hecktic Travels duo, and a co-creator of the popular card game Trip Chaser.