Proposing in Banff

[Split98]

Originally Posted by bagofpucks

We have an acreage with lots of space, snow shoes and a mountain view if you wanted an option a little bit different than the usual Banff spots. Can’t compete with some of the views in Banff, but you would get privacy and not have to deal with tourists (well except maybe the curious deer).

Thank you! That could be absolutely perfect to avoid photoshopping everyone out of our shots.

You are one lucky (and generous!) guy with acreage there!

[Split98]

Originally Posted by Joborule

Delta lodge has a great spot that has a valley within the mountains.

That's gorgeous

You guys are so lucky to live out there!

A similar drive from where I live gets me to quite a town

...gross.

[killer_carlson]

Originally Posted by Split98

It's ok, I'm the best driver on the planet.

And Delta Lodge looks like a great spot! Especially if weather isn't playing nice, this looks to be a great spot

The Delta is a good spot, with the views posted in the thread being key.

But the Banff Springs is an epic spot. So are the areas around Chateau Lake Louise. Global Canadian icons.

[Split98]

Originally Posted by killer_carlson

The Delta is a good spot, with the views posted in the thread being key.

But the Banff Springs is an epic spot. So are the areas around Chateau Lake Louise. Global Canadian icons.

That's a really good point too about Canadian icons.

I love all these options, as Lake Louise and Banff Springs are places we'll be visiting already - and if all of them are too crowded or just not working I have a lot of backups!

[Lanny_McDonald]

Originally Posted by Amethyst

If you're going with outdoors at the end of January, have an indoor backup just in case.

Back up plan! Banff Springs Hotel.

[Flabbibulin]

I am admittedly partial to the back terrace at banff springs as my wife and I were married on it, but it is a great option for multiple reasons (the view obviously being the biggest):

- even if it is a cold day, you have the rundle lounge entrance right there and shouldn’t be a problem popping out for a few minutes. Hopefully a warm one though, and you can have lots of time to walk around before and after. You can also have a celebratory drink in the lounge right after.
- you should be able to find a window where the terrace is more or less empty- particularly if it is a weekday.
- could probably talk a staff member from the lounge into snapping some photos for you while you are asking the big question.

Edit- as the post above points out, plenty of indoor options at the springs as well if it is just too cold.

[Robbob]

end of January they have ice sculpting in Lake Louise (18th-28th). I know it isn't Banff, but it is pretty neat with all the sculptures and skating on the frozen lake.

Banff Springs would also be pretty nice. The great thing about that place is that it is pretty accessible to the public to walk around so you wouldn't have to stay there. As long as there isn't any functions you can explore a good chunk of it.

[WhiteTiger]

There are a lot of good suggestions here, but the best I saw was for lunch.

Keep in mind that in January, it starts to get dark around 5pm. Then it gets really dark, really fast, and all that great scenery disappears into black.

I'd plan to be the place you want to propose around lunch, and then propose around lunchtime/early afternoon if you want 'scenery included' background. If you wait until dinner, you'll be getting pictures of the pair of you, and a bunch of black.

[mivdo]

I had a friend who was planning to propose on a helicopter tour but did not happen due to weather.

Also have another friend planning to do the same thing coming up pretty soon.

Maybe something to look into.

[GGG]

For doing hiking you want ice cleats.

Kathola microspikes are the best. The cheap Canadian tire ones work and screwing screws in your boots works in a pinch.

But if you are doing Johnston Canyon in winter you should have some kind of additional traction.

Another option would be to hike up to the top of tunnel mountain and overlook Banff. Less people than the Gondola.

[Minnie]

Somebody needs to resize a picture in this post. It's skewing everything off to the right side of the screen.

[Minnie]

Anyway, trying to reply and will give it another whirl.

A little beauty of a place to stay, that's quiet and has beautiful scenery all around, is Baker Creek Mountain Resort on the Bow Valley Parkway. Gorgeous little individual cabins or you can stay in the lodge if you like. The Trapper's Cabin is the nicest but they're all pretty decent. If you stayed there and talked to staff ahead of time, I'm sure they'd help you set up anything you'd need or want. We stayed there for an anniversary once, and they found out and had a little bottle of champagne and some chocolates waiting for us.

Sharon Auld at Naturally Chic has helped set up proposals, so you could maybe get in touch with her and see what she might have to offer you.

If you're at Lake Louise, you could contact Brewster's ahead of time and arrange for a private horse drawn sleigh ride - pricey though. In that same vein, Snowy Owl sled dog tours might be another idea. Talk to them at the time of reservation and see what places they might recommend riding to, for a proposal, and what they might be able to help you set up ahead of time.

Spur Line Trail Bridge in Canmore - not sure how private it would be though.

Storm Mountain Lodge might be another option. Just off the TransCanada on the way out to Lake Louise, south on Hwy #93. Very rustic cabins.

If you go to Johnston Canyon, get directions to this place/the rock, along the trail, to give her the rock. Depending on time of day, it can be busy with photogs but pretty cool.

ETA: if you want a photographer to catch the proposal, shoot me a PM. I can give you a couple of names of photogs you can contact to see if that's in the budget etc.

[Northendzone]

came in for some type of junk in a box joke.....leaving disappointed.

To the op lots of great suggestions in here. My only thought would be if you want something really quiet might be worth looking at accommodations in field bc. I have never stayed there though, so I have no real recommendations.

Other thoughts would be the chateau lake Louise, boook some time for her or both of you in the spa.

Good luck.

[Minnie]

Originally Posted by Northendzone

came in for some type of junk in a box joke.....leaving disappointed.

To the op lots of great suggestions in here. My only thought would be if you want something really quiet might be worth looking at accommodations in field bc. I have never stayed there though, so I have no real recommendations.

Other thoughts would be the chateau lake Louise, boook some time for her or both of you in the spa.

Good luck.

Re: Field - Emerald Lake Lodge.

[Huntingwhale]

Spoiler!

Do it here

[mikephoen]

Lots of good suggestions here. One thing to keep in mind is that in the Banff/Canmore/Lake Louise area you will have a harder time getting a bad backdrop than a good one. There are amazing views all around you, all the time. If all you do is carry the ring with you and be ready, a good chance without a lot of people around will pop up.

[Weitz]

I like the idea of mountains for a proposal. Great idea.

To be honest unless you want your own photos of the “proposal” don’t bother with a photographer. There is nothing more dumb then someone trying to show me photos of their proposal. When I proposed to my fiancé I didn’t get a photo of it and feel its more special that way because it was just the 2 of us. /my two cents.

[Minnie]

Originally Posted by Weitz

I like the idea of mountains for a proposal. Great idea.

To be honest unless you want your own photos of the “proposal” don’t bother with a photographer. There is nothing more dumb then someone trying to show me photos of their proposal. When I proposed to my fiancé I didn’t get a photo of it and feel its more special that way because it was just the 2 of us. /my two cents.

TBH, I agree with Weitz on the photography thing in terms of just having your own moment together but I know some people like that whole idea, so thought I'd mention the photog thing. Regardless, I hope it's the most wonderful moment for you both.

[killer_carlson]

Originally Posted by WhiteTiger

There are a lot of good suggestions here, but the best I saw was for lunch.

Keep in mind that in January, it starts to get dark around 5pm. Then it gets really dark, really fast, and all that great scenery disappears into black.

I'd plan to be the place you want to propose around lunch, and then propose around lunchtime/early afternoon if you want 'scenery included' background. If you wait until dinner, you'll be getting pictures of the pair of you, and a bunch of black.

This is a really good point.

[Split98]

Originally Posted by New Era

Back up plan! Banff Springs Hotel.

I love these backups

You guys have no idea how much better I feel with you guys' help!