More than Meetings: 6 Reasons to Take a Workation in Banff National Park

Have you heard the recent stat that’s making the rounds these days – that the average person works around 90,000 hours in their lifetime? If that made you raise your eyebrows and pause for thought, you’re not alone. Maybe it’s time for a change of scenery and a mental reboot.

Beyond the boardroom and the breakout sessions, the Canadian Rocky Mountains are waiting to show you a different way of thinking.

Here are six reasons why extending your work trip to Banff and Lake Louise (or finding a reason to make one) might be just what you need.

1. It’s good for the soul

What does your regular lunch break look like? In a community where connecting with the mountains is part of the very fabric, it’s much easier to make mental wellness a priority.

Step outside the door in Banff, and you’re pretty much guaranteed a shift in perspective. Lunchtime strolls feel different here, with crisp mountain air and picture-perfect views wherever you look. Join the locals for a midday hike up Tunnel Mountain, the smallest official summit in Banff National Park, or cap off a morning of meetings with a soothing yoga class in town.

2. Dining out is an experience in itself

Banff is well-known for its vibrant culinary scene, and not just for the flavours. You can expect more from an evening out in town.

Start off at Brazen in the historic Mount Royal Hotel, where the intriguing selection of cocktails is inspired by the bold characters of Banff’s past.

Just down the street at Hello Sunshine, you’ll find delightful culinary creations as well as private karaoke rooms to sing your heart out.

For a luxurious nightcap, stop by the Rundle Bar at the Fairmont Banff Springs. Take a closer look at the bookcases in the lounge, where you might find a passage to one of the secrets of the “Castle in the Rockies.”

3. There’s always time for adventure

Spend an afternoon testing out your Nordic ski legs on the groomed cross-country trails around Banff and Lake Louise, or grab a headlamp and snowshoe rentals and take to the trails after dark for an evening thrill.

You can easily pick up Nordic skies, snowshoes or any other rental equipment in both Banff and Lake Louise.

If this is up your alley, then head to Mt. Norquay Ski Resort, just a few minutes outside of town, for night skiing on Fridays. The peaks surrounding the resort seem to glow in the moonlight, and you can take in the sparkling lights of Banff below as you carve down the snowy, illuminated slopes.

4. You snooze, you win

Productive mornings and adventurous afternoons lend themselves well to a great night’s sleep. This is especially true for the unique hotels of Banff, where the rare opportunity to disconnect entirely comes easily.

Check out the Moose Hotel with a rooftop hot pool and breathtaking views of iconic Cascade Mountain. There's also a full gym, with views out towards beautiful Mount Rundle.

If you’re up for an invigorating mountain thrill, Canalta Lodge’s courtyard offers an outdoor cold plunge pool next to the hot tubs and firepits with daily s’mores happy hour. It's the perfect way to embrace your mountain workation.

For a more remote environment, Buffalo Mountain Lodge on Tunnel Mountain is a great choice for cozy evenings in front of the fireplace and deeply peaceful nights. Take one step outside your suite, and you'll be immersed in the glory of the night sky being removed from the glare of streetlights.

5. Make cultural connections – no extra travel needed

If you find yourself here in Banff for a meeting or conference, chances are you’ll feel the mountain charm right away. Stay a few extra days – such as after your conference wraps - and you’ll truly get to know it. There’s no need to go far, although public transit is easily accessible to explore while keeping your environmental footprint low.

Wander the shops and galleries of Banff Avenue and spend an evening at Nightrise at the Banff Gondola. High up on the summit of Sulphur Mountain, this immersive experience connects you to the magic of the mountains through legendary stories, including those of the Stoney Nakoda People (Îyârhe Îethka).

6. Let your learnings sink in

We’ve all been there – you walk out of a collaborative meeting or a particularly productive morning determined to hold on to the momentum and immediately get distracted by the next thing on your to-do list. Around here, self-reflection comes a lot more naturally. In a place like this, there’s space for big thoughts, new ideas and meaningful moments.

Banff and Lake Louise is the perfect place to make the most of your conferences, meetings, and workations by adding a few extra days to your next business trip to Banff National Park.