Epic event adventures: Majestic Banff & Lake Louise

James Bacon (CEO / Founder - We Are MEaT) was invited out to Banff and Lake Louise, Canada at the beginning of this year. Across the four days there he discovered an number of amazing wow factor experiences, venues and opportunities for corporate groups planning conferences and incentive events.

"I'm more a sunshine and beach person. But being up in the mountains and the snow was something magical. This destination is truly a unique and amazing option for corporate groups."

Why Banff & Lake Louise for Corporate Events?

Banff and Lake Louise combine nature, adventure, and premium hospitality, making each location perfect for corporate retreats, conferences, and incentive travel. What also makes it an interesting choice is that Banff is not regarded as a key ski resort. So therefore peak season is summertime making winter ski opportunity events more affordable and available.

✅ Scenic Venues – Luxury hotels, resorts, and conference spaces with stunning mountain views.

✅ Accessibility – Just 90 minutes from Calgary International Airport.

✅ Team-Building & Activities – Skiing, hiking, canoeing, wildlife tours, and wellness retreats.

✅ Year-Round Appeal – Ideal for summer retreats and winter corporate getaways.

✅ Top Accommodations – Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Château Lake Louise, and modern conference centres.

✅ Exclusive Experiences – Private dining, helicopter tours, and guided outdoor adventures.

Accommodation:

The two most known properties are Fairmont Banff Springs and Fairmont Château Lake Louise. Offering luxurious settings, world-class service, and stunning Rocky Mountain backdrops, making them ideal for corporate events, conferences, and retreats.

Fairmont Banff Springs ("Castle in the Rockies") - Perfectly located within Banff. Giving easy access and transfers within Banff itself and about 45-1hr from Lake Louise.

You will see on arrival and within the property why it's know as the castle. Some stunning historic and period features that accompany more recent additions. Mt Stephen Hall is an amazing setting for a gala dinner event and you have more than enough conference and meeting rooms to choose throughout. I especially liked the secret access hidden speakeasy bar (on a need to know basis!)

**Why not look to upgrade VIP delegates to Fairmont Gold. Giving them access to the fantastic Exec Lounge as well as other benefits.

Key Facts:

Historic luxury hotel with over 76,000 sq. ft. of event space, including grand ballrooms and private boardrooms.
Corporate Perks: Spa, golf course, fine dining, and team-building activities like guided hikes and wildlife tours.
Best For: Large conferences, executive retreats, and incentive travel.
Total Event Space: 76,000+ sq. ft. | Largest Venue: 15,000 sq. ft.

Main Event Spaces:

Mt. Stephen Hall – Iconic medieval-style hall with vaulted ceilings, ideal for gala dinners and receptions. (Capacity: ~200 guests)
Alhambra Ballroom – Elegant space for large conferences or banquets. (Capacity: ~700 guests)
Theatre & Conference Centre – Equipped with AV technology, perfect for presentations and seminars. (Capacity: ~350 guests)
Outdoor Terrace & Gardens – Stunning mountain-view settings for networking and team-building events.

Fairmont Château Lake Louise - A huge resort with stunning views and access to the Lake itself. It has beautiful large windows giving views of the lake and mountains. Dining with these views adds an extra special dimension! Great options regards conference and meeting space and it was great to get outside to the ice bar and to have some fun games on the Lake. With an extension and luxury wellness centre currently being built. It will add even more to this extra special venue.

**Why not take the option to relax by the Lake, people watch with a hot chocolate and maybe roast and apple by the fire?

Key Facts:

Lakeside luxury with 20,000+ sq. ft. of meeting space, featuring breath taking glacier views.
Corporate Perks: Canoeing, ice skating, yoga retreats, and exclusive dining experiences.
Best For: Leadership summits, wellness retreats, and intimate strategy sessions.
Total Event Space: 20,000+ sq. ft. | Largest Venue: 8,856 sq. ft.

Main Event Spaces:

Victoria Ballroom – Panoramic lake views, perfect for formal dinners and meetings. (Capacity: ~400 guests)
Lefroy Room – Intimate, elegant space for executive meetings. (Capacity: ~100 guests)
Lakeview Lounge & Terrace – amazing outdoor space for receptions and networking. (Capacity: ~150 guests)
Tom Wilson Boardroom – High-end meeting room for strategic planning sessions.

Rimrock Resort Hotel

We also visited the Rimrock Resort Hotel. A beautiful mountain resort offering luxury, exclusivity, and jaw dropping mountain views. It has a real Gatsby-esque era vibe and along with having your boardroom meeting or conference have exceptional views from the floor to ceiling windows. It is currently developing a state of the art wellness centre opening in the next couple of years.

**As per the picture below, could you have a better view for a boardroom meeting?

Key Facts:

Total Event Space: 18,000+ sq. ft.

Scenic Location: Nestled in Banff National Park with panoramic views of the Rockies.

Meeting & Event Rooms: Multiple flexible spaces, including ballrooms, boardrooms, and outdoor terraces.

Key Event Spaces:

Wildrose Ballroom – The largest venue, ideal for conferences, banquets, and gala dinners. (Capacity: ~600 guests)
Larkspur & Lady MacDonald Rooms – Medium-sized rooms for meetings, presentations, and networking events.
Summit Room – Intimate space with floor-to-ceiling windows, perfect for executive meetings or VIP gatherings.
Outdoor Terraces – Stunning mountain-view settings for receptions and team-building activities.

Group Activities

Sky Bistro - Sulphur Mountain: Mountain top dining 2,900 ft. above Banff. With six Rocky Mountain ranges as a backdrop, Sky Bistro showcases a panorama of Canadian cuisine, with ingredients drawn from both ocean coasts, plus wholesome prairie staples including world-renowned Alberta beef. Complemented by local wine, beer and spirits, it makes for a must-do restaurant experience when visiting Banff.

The Brewster Cowboy’s Barbecue and Dance Barn: Built in honour of the Brewster Cowboys for over 100 years, provides authentic Western atmosphere and entertainment for groups to Lake Louise. With a reputation for quality food, service and rustic western facilities make for an unforgettable western Canadian experience.

Sleigh Ride around Lake Louise: Select a hot beverage to keep you warm during this idyllic sleigh ride. Hugging the edge of a frozen lake, the trail traces a path beneath vast glaciers and craggy peaks. The seemingly tireless horses maintain a steady rhythm and the sleigh glides on, swiftly and silently while you sit cosy under a warm blanket. The sound of jingling sleigh bells and the sights of the magical snowy landscape make you feel like you are a character in your very own fairy-tale.

Skating or Boules on Lake Louise: As well as a tour around the Lake, why not get onto the frozen waters? There is ample room for skating or get into teams and challenge each other to boules or curling?

Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola: Nestled in the heart of Banff National Park, Lake Louise offers world-class terrain and pristine wilderness. With 4,200 skiable acres, it’s one of North America's largest ski areas, featuring beginner, intermediate, and expert runs accessible from every chair. Gentle slopes and long cruising runs cater to beginners, while experts can explore chutes, glades, gullies, and remote bowls. For non skiers, why not have some fun racing each other down on their inflatable tubes?

**In summer, the gondola provides spectacular views of Lake Louise, with majestic mountains, grand glaciers, vibrant wildflowers, and wildlife waiting to be discovered.

Sunshine Village: A premier ski and mountain resort in Banff National Park, offering a unique setting for corporate events, retreats, and team-building experiences. Known for its world-class skiing, stunning alpine scenery, and luxury accommodations.

Accessible via a gondola, this is a more active and adventurous option from the Lake Louise Resort. Half the group split between skiing and snowshoe walking. Being a non ski-er I opted for the snow shoes. It was literally like being on top of the world in terms of views. It takes some getting used to using the shoes (it's like wearing clown shoes and asking you to walk up and down steep hills with soft snow!!). to say fell over a fair bit to start and questioned my choice was an understatement. However, once I got the hang of things, it was a really special experience. I have never seen views like it and got the Instagram shot - as per the first image on the blog.

Ice Walk - Johnson's Canyon: Walk through Johnston Canyon to a world of frozen waterfalls and pillars of blue ice. During the ice walk you will learn about the formation of the canyon, pick out fossil corals in the rocks, and photograph the incredible pillars of ice as you walk through the canyon bottom and over suspended catwalks. Your professional guide leads you past waterfalls frozen in mid-stream, and through a short tunnel for a close up view of the Lower Falls.

Banff centre for creative arts: Founded in 1933, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is a learning organisation built upon an extraordinary legacy of excellence in artistic and creative development. What started as a single course in drama has grown to become the global organisation leading in arts, culture, and creativity across dozens of disciplines. From the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity aims to inspire everyone who attends our campus – artists, leaders, and thinkers – to unleash their creative potential.

** A fantastic alternative venue for meetings and conference. Some great creative arts group activity opportunities (and some of the most amazing cakes you'll ever have!)

***Also make sure you try the rum butter coffee!! (Trust Us!)

Summary:

Banff and Lake Louise offer an unparalleled setting for corporate events, combining luxury, nature, and world-class hospitality. Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, these destinations provide stunning venues, exceptional accommodations, and diverse team-building opportunities for organisations looking to inspire and engage their teams.

Thank you to Fairmont (Banff Springs and Chateaux Lake Louise) for your hospitality. Banff and Lake Louise Tourism and CanTrav Services for putting together such an amazing showcase for the destination.

Have you thought about Banff, Lake Louise or Canada as a destination for your events? Get in touch with our team and let's start planning!

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