When it comes to asking your significant other the big question, you want it to be perfect. Location can be everything to set the mood, making your special moment romantic and unforgettable. The Canadian Rockies offer sheer beauty from every angle you look and can also make the most romantic backdrop to pop the question. Whether you are the adventurous type or want something more iconic, with a team full of locals to the Bow Valley region, we know all the hidden gems for your perfect proposal spot.

Summertime in the Rockies brings long sunny days. Whether you are an adventurous couple who enjoys the thrills of advanced hikes or would prefer to relax on the shore of a glacially-fed lake prior to your proposal – we’ve got you covered.
From beginner to advanced, here are some hikes we think have the most spectacular scenery:

Bow Falls

Known as an easy walk and located within the Banff Townsite, you can meander along the south shore of the Bow River and past roaring rapids before climbing up above the Bow Falls. Many classic Hollywood films, involving famous celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, were filmed in this iconic spot.

Bow Falls

Photographer: Mou Studios

Fenlands Trail

Remove yourself from the hustle and bustle of downtown Banff and head to the forested oasis that is the Fenlands. Take a walk down this interpretive trail along creekside paths and storybook wooden bridges.

C Level Cirque

Considered a moderate hike due to the elevation gain and distance, this hiking trail will take you to the base of Cascade Mountain Cirque. The base of a boulder field with the peak of the mountain towering over you makes an impressive spot for a proposal.

Tunnel Mountain

Although this is the smallest mountain in the Bow Valley, the trail offers fantastic views from all its switchbacks. The peak of Tunnel Mountain offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Town of Banff and the surrounding peaks.

Tunnel Mountain

Photo Credit: Juan Ferrari on Unsplash

Tent Ridge

Located in Kananaskis and considered a moderate hike due to distance and elevation gain. You’ll hike through alpine meadows, larch forests, loose scree slopes, and a narrow ridge walk – but the view makes up for the difficulty. The surreal panorama of the Spray Valley below won’t be the only thing that takes your partner’s breath away.

Being surrounded by water can calm your nerves. What better way than to take a stroll or have a picnic by the lakeside to ensure you are nice and relaxed before dropping the knee? Here are some of our favorite hang outs that could become your sentimental spot:

Lake Minnewanka

The scenic drive to Lake Minnewanka is just as beautiful with each twist and turn, bringing breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and emerald green water. If you are a morning person then bringing your significant other at the peak of dawn can take your proposal to another level, while watching the sun rise. Not only will the views be spectacular but you will have a better opportunity to choose a spot with no one around.

Two Jack Lake

Located in Banff National Park and only a 14-minute drive from the town of Banff, you’ll stumble across this picturesque lake with a spectacular view of Mount Rundle. No matter what time of year this place will leave you speechless.

Barrier Lake

Whether you are up for a hike or a stroll by the shoreline, this reservoir is a popular spot for tourists and locals. With easy access right after the Kananaskis entrance, you can either opt for a moderate hike to Prairie View Lookout, pack a picnic, and sit by the water. Whatever you decide, this lake is popular for a reason and you won’t be disappointed.

Want to take your significant other to a quintessential Banff spot to ask for their hand? Here are the most iconic places:

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Otherwise known as the ‘Castle in the Rockies’, Banff Springs is a great venue for a proposal. The terrace is definitely one of our favorite spots as it overlooks the Bow Valley with endless views of mountain peaks, making the perfect backdrop for popping the question. For a more extravagant idea, you can enjoy a 360-degree dome dining experience. With panoramic views of the Rockies, you can either enjoy breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or a 5-course dinner between just the two of you.

Banff Springs Terrace

Photo Credit: Kim Payant Photography

Surprise Corner

Named for its extraordinarily surprising views, this spot is definitely one of Banff’s most famous locations to get engaged, overlooking the Castine in the Rockies. The town of Banff has some pretty spectacular views but surprise corner is a sight for sore eyes.

Cascade Gardens

You can enjoy a stroll through the Cascade Gardens any time of the year. However, our favorite time to visit is from June through September. With wildflowers blooming, rock steps leading through the trees, and bridges crossing mini water streams, you will enjoy taking your significant other through this little oasis minutes from the town center.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Known for its turquoise waters surrounded by mountain peaks, people travel all over the world to experience the magnificence of this natural wonder.
The luxurious Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise overlooks the lake and is the perfect setting for a romantic getaway. If you plan to go for a day trip we recommend hiring a canoe to explore this iconic lake. During the winter you can opt to hire ice skates as the lake freezes over in the winter.

Are you wanting to do something bold? Our suggestions will be sure to impress your partner:

Dog Sledding

There is something special about the winter in the Rocky Mountains. Snowy peaks and white-dusted pine trees create a winter wonderland experience you will never forget. What better way to embrace the winter than to take your partner dog sledding in a National Park. Being a popular experience for people coming to the Rockies, you will find many different companies to go with such as Snowy Owl and Kinmik tours, based out of Lake Louise.

Helicopter Ride

If you want to impress your partner and make your proposal a memorable one, then taking a helicopter ride is the perfect option. If you think the Rocky Mountains are beautiful from town imagine seeing them from at bird’s eye view.

Heli Proposal

Photographer: Geoff Wilkings

Sleigh Ride Proposal

Photographer: Alpine Peak Photography

Sleigh Ride

Picture this! Its a winters day, you have a hot drink in one hand and you are all cozied up in a blanket while taking a sleigh ride, enjoying the views of the valley and snowy mountains. Halfway through the ride you end up by a fire making smores giving you the perfect opportunity to get down on one knee and ask your partner to marry you.

No matter what location you decide on, anywhere surrounded by the Rockies will make your proposal that much more special. Banff holds so many spectacular places that entice people from all over the world to visit this beautiful town. Your Banff proposal is a moment you will cherish forever and choosing where to ask the question is the very first step of your wedding planning journey! We are confident that by taking your partner to any of our recommended spots, ‘YES’ will be the answer to your question. Now that the start of your wedding planning journey has begun, there can be so much to think about but that’s where your wedding planner comes in to help with that extra level of care and attention. Check out what we offer to help you plan your destination wedding.