Wheelchair Accessible Banff Getaway

Robyn wearing a white winter coat sitting in her wheelchair facing Rundle Mountain with her arms stretched out. The grass is brown underneath her and the sky is cloudy.

Looking for the perfect wheelchair accessible Banff getaway? We’ve got you covered!

When we first started planning an accessible trip to Banff, we quickly realized how tricky it can be to find reliable accessibility details — so we decided to do it ourselves.

After months of hands-on research and careful planning, we’re finally ready to invite you along!

Our Accessible Banff Getaway was designed for travelers who want to experience the beauty of the Canadian Rockies at a relaxed pace, with accessibility, comfort, and connection in mind.

7 Day Accessible Banff Getaway Overview

Dates: April 3–9, 2026
Length: 7 days / 6 nights
Group Size: 3–4 people
(2 wheelchair users, depending on needs)
Price: $2850 USD pp (non–refundable deposit)
Deposit: $800 USD pp (non–refundable deposit)

*Travel Solo? I’ll do my best to match you with a roommate. If no match is found, a $550 USD single supplement will apply.

➡️This trip has been COMPLETED.

Highlights:

Calgary (Downtown & Calgary Tower)
Canmore (Historic Town Center)
Lake Louise (Lake Louise, Chateau Louise, Town Centre)
Afternoon Tea at Lake Louise Chateau
Bow Valley Parkway & Johnston Canyon
Banff National Park & iconic viewpoints
Banff historic town centre
Lake Minnewanka & Two Jack Lake
Sulpher Mountain Gondola & Hot Springs
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel & Bow Falls

Your Choice of Special Activity (Included)

We wanted to make this getaway extra special — so your choice of one of these activities is included in the price:

✅25 min Helicopter Ride over the Rockies
✅3 hour Spa Experience at the Fairmont Banff Springs

*Of course you can experience both! Please inquire for additional cost when booking.

➡️Email Robyn at twoemptypassports@gmail.com to reserve your spot today!

The iconic "Banff" sign in wood lettering mounted on a stone base with rocks around and the forest behind with the road on the left just before sunset.

Accessible Banff Getaway: Detailed 7 Day Itinerary

Here’s where we’ll explore on our 7-day accessible Banff trip!

Day 1: Arrive in Calgary

A view of Calgary's skyline in Alberta, Canada, your first stop on the wheelchair accessible Banff Getaway. There are green trees in the foreground with the downtown in the distance under a blue sky with some clouds.

📅Date: Friday, April 3
🛏️Hotel: Hyatt Regency or similar (1 night)
🍽️Meals Included: Breakfast on Day 2
✅Included: Airport transfer, Calgary Tower & travel hosts

Welcome to the Canadian Rockies!
Upon arrival at Calgary International Airport, you’ll be greeted by us – Robyn and Gavin, your travel hosts! Together, we’ll transfer to our accessible hotel in the heart of downtown Calgary.

An empty Stephen Avenue in downtown Calgary under a blue sky. There are buildings on either side of the walking street with bare trees and a couple people walking.

Settle into your comfortable room at your hotel, meet your fellow travelers, and take some time to unwind after your journey.

The Calgary Tower and the glass entrance with the name in red under a bright blue sky. This is a highlight on your accessible Banff Getaway.

Later, join Gavin for a relaxed walking tour of the downtown before we head up the Calgary Tower. Take in the sweeping views of the city and mountains before enjoying our first dinner together.

Day 2: Canmore

A bird's eye view of the town of Canmore and the Three Sisters Peaks under a cloudy sky with green trees filling the valley.

📅Date: Saturday, April 4
🛏️Hotel: Banff Park Lodge (5 nights)
🍽️Meals Included: None
✅Included: Transfer to Canmore and Banff, Helicopter ride (for those choosing that option), & travel hosts

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll make our way west toward the Rocky Mountains and the charming town of Canmore.

Those who’ve chosen the Helicopter Ride over the Rockies will be transferred to the departure site for their unforgettable sightseeing adventure.

The rest of the group will enjoy a relaxed morning exploring Canmore’s boutique shops, cafés, and scenic walking paths.

The beautiful turquoise Two Jack Lake with a think sheet of ice at the back. There is a large pine tree on the left side half out of the frame and some smaller trees down below by the lake. Rundle Mountain is in the distance with snow and its reflection in the water.

After lunch, we’ll continue our journey with an afternoon visit to Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka — two of Banff’s most picturesque and wheelchair-accessible lakes.

We’ll then check in at Banff Park Lodge, where we will host a casual introduction to Banff before we gather for a relaxing dinner in the hotel to wrap up the day.

Helicopter Ride over the Rockies

A red and white helicopter sitting on the ground that is lightly dusted with snow. There are green fur trees behind in different shades and the Three Sisters Peak of Canmore in the distance covered in a bit of cloud.

Optional Activity: choose between this & the Spa Experience.

Get ready to soar above the peaks on a 25-minute helicopter tour showcasing the iconic Three Sisters (Hope, Charity, and Faith). You’ll experience breathtaking panoramic views of the dramatic Spray Valley, Spray Lakes, the Canadian Rockies, and Bow River below.

👉Note for wheelchair users: You must be able to transfer from your wheelchair into the aircraft seat with assistance. Please inquire in advance if you’re interested.

Day 3: Banff

A view of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel surrounded by green forest and backed by mountains under a blue sky. This stop is included on our accessible Banff tour.

📅Date: Easter Sunday, April 5
🍽️Meals Included: Easter Dinner
✅Included: Guided walking tour of Banff, all transfers, & travel hosts

After breakfast, we’ll discover the magic of Banff on a private guided walking tour led by a local expert. This 2-hour accessible tour highlights Banff’s most iconic sights, hidden gems, and the fascinating stories that bring this mountain town to life.

Bear Street in Banff with alpine buildings on either side made of wood and stone with Cascade Mountain behind. There is one tall lamp post on the left and bikes parked on either side.

Next, we’ll visit the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel—known as the “Castle in the Rockies.” Enjoy drinks and a light lunch at the elegant Rundle Bar, then take time to explore the hotel’s charming interiors, boutique shops, and scenic grounds.

The beautiful stone interior of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel with huge soft yellow chandeliers hanging in the lobby with people walking and plants on the left beside a painting.

The afternoon is yours to relax or explore Banff at your own pace before we gather in the evening for a special Easter dinner at one of Banff’s fantastic local restaurants.

Day 4: Lake Louise

The turquoise lake of Lake Louise with rocks in the foreground and the famous mountains and glacier in the background. This is a true highlight of our accessible Banff getaway.

📅Date: Monday, April 6
🍽️Meals Included: Afternoon Tea at Chateau Lake Louise
✅Included: All transfers & travel hosts

After breakfast, we’ll set out on a scenic drive to the world-famous Lake Louise, one of Canada’s most photographed destinations.

Gavin will lead a relaxed walk along the lakeshore, giving you time to enjoy in the turquoise waters and snow-capped peaks that make this spot so magical.

Next, we’ll enjoy a delightful High Tea at the Fairview Lounge inside the historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, where the views are just as impressive as the pastries.

A scenic viewpoint along the Bow Valley Parkway with a grassy landing in front, the blue river river in the mid ground and the forest and mountains in the background.

Later, we’ll drive back to Banff along Bow Valley Parkway, stopping at several picturesque viewpoints—including Johnston Canyon, where you can walk/roll as far as the accessible path allows.

Two wood tables and chairs in the foreground with large copper beer vats in the center of the room with a pine tree beside it at the Three Bears Brewery.

Back at the hotel, unwind with some well-earned hot tub time—a favorite local pastime in the Rockies! That evening, we’ll dine at Three Bears Brewery, a beloved Banff favorite known for its cozy atmosphere and craft brews.

Day 5: Banff

Two red cabin chairs on a packed gravel path at a viewpoint along Hoodoo trail in Banff, a highlight of this accessible Banff Getaway. There are wooden railings and green trees on either side of the trail and beautiful mountains and the Bow river below under a blue sky.

📅Date: Tuesday, April 7
🍽️Meals Included: None
✅Included: All transfers, Gondola ride, Hot Springs & travel hosts

After an early breakfast, we’ll set out on a scenic drive up Tunnel Mountain, stopping at several incredible viewpoints with breathtaking views of Banff and the surrounding peaks.

The beautiful white Bow Falls with jagged stones and green trees on either side under a grey cloudy sky. The river continues towards the viewer which is crouched down by rocks in the foreground.

Next, we’ll walk/roll along the beautiful Hoodoo Trail—keep your eyes peeled for wildlife! Early mornings in spring often bring the best sightings.

We’ll then visit the powerful Bow Falls before riding the Banff Gondola to enjoy lunch on top of the Rockies!

A photo of Banff hot Springs with the turquoise pool below with people along the edge and a lifeguard on the platform. There is a fence before the dark green forest and beautiful mountains beyond. It's a highlight on our accessible Banff getaway.

In the afternoon, unwind at the iconic Banff Upper Hot Springs, soaking in the naturally heated mineral waters with views of Mount Rundle.

After a short rest, we’ll enjoy dinner at one of Banff’s popular restaurants.

Day 6: Banff

A beautiful shot of Banff Ave, the main walking street, and a must visit on any accessible Banff Getaway. The divided street is lined with historic stone buildings with people walking on both sides, cars on the road and Cascade Mountain in the distance.

📅Date: Wednesday, April 8
🍽️Meals Included: None
✅Included: All transfers, Spa Experience (for those choosing that option), & travel hosts

We’ll start the day with a delicious breakfast at Farm & Fire, known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Those opting for the Spa Experience will join Robyn at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel for a relaxing morning of pampering with mountain views.

A peaceful part of Bow River at the entrance of Fenland Trail, a gravel path in the town of Banff. The still turquoise river has towering pine trees on both sides with the sun shining through on the right under a blue sky.

Meanwhile, Gavin will take the rest of the group to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, followed by a scenic drive around Vermilion Lakes and a peaceful roll along the Bow River.

This afternoon, enjoy Banff at your leisure—perfect for grabbing lunch, watching a fudge-making demo, visiting the Whyte Museum, or doing a little shopping.

Tonight, we’ll celebrate our final dinner together at one of the top restaurants in Banff known for its incredible food and friendly vibe.

Spa Experience at the Fairmont Banff Springs

Two manicure tables in a row with lamps and blue chairs on either side with two cushioned ivory pedicure chairs are at the back at the Fairmont Banff Springs spa.

One of the mineral pools at the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel spa with baby blue bubbling water in a mushroom shaped pool with a silver handrail down. There are two windows at the back and two plants on either side.

Optional Activity: choose between this & the Helicopter Ride.

Indulge in a morning of tranquility at the award-winning Willow Stream Spa, inside the historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. This peaceful retreat features mineral pools, steam rooms, and cozy relaxation areas with views of the Rockies. You’ll enjoy a rejuvenating spa treatment tailored to your needs.

👉Note for wheelchair users: You must be able to transfer from your wheelchair onto the treatment tables and into the mineral pools or hot tubs (with railings).

Day 7: Return to Calgary

Robyn smiling and standing on the right in a grey fall coat, blue jeans and sun glasses in front of a pack of elk in the tall yellow grass Banff National Park with green trees behind and a wood building on the back left.

📅Date: Thursday, April 9
🍽️Meals Included: None
✅Included: All transfers & travel hosts

After breakfast, we’ll begin our drive back to Calgary, stopping in Canmore if time allows for one last mountain view.

Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll either be dropped off at Calgary International Airport or join us for a light lunch and coffee at Tim Hortons, a beloved Canadian classic, before saying our goodbyes.

What’s Included (and What’s Not)

✅Included:

4 star hotels (2 accessible rooms)
Transportation (accessible van with ramp not a lift)
Banff Roam Transit Pass
Visit to Calgary Tower
Helicopter Tour of the Rockies or Spa Package Experience
All Walking/Rolling Sightseeing Tours
Easter Dinner at a popular Banff restaurant
Lake Louise Chateau High Tea
Gondola Ride up Sulfur Mountain
Visit to Cave & Basin
Banff Hot Springs
Travel Hosts (aka. Gavin & myself)
Airport Transfers
National Park fees

Choice of Special Activity (Included)

To make this getaway extra special, you can choose between one of the following 2 activities:

✅25 min Helicopter Ride over the Rockies
✅3 hour Spa Experience at the Fairmont Banff Springs

*You can experience both for additional cost. Please ask when booking.

❌Excluded:

Additional hotel stay before/after
International flights
Restaurant Tips (usually 18-20% of the bill)
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, etc.)
Any item not mentioned in included section

➡️Email Robyn at twoemptypassports@gmail.com to reserve your spot today!

A small herd of mountain goat near Two Jack Lake on the road beside bare bushes and green pine trees with the snowy peaks in the distance under a blue sky.

Common Wildlife in Banff National Park

🦌 Easy-to-Spot Wildlife

Elk: Often in meadows, near golf courses, or around town (mornings & evenings).
Bighorn Sheep: Along Tunnel Mountain & Lake Minnewanka.
White-tailed Deer: Around town and wooded areas.
Squirrels & Chipmunks: Everywhere!

A lone male elk with antlers and a light brown coat walking just outside the trees on the snowy ground with the sun shining in Banff National Park.

🐻 Occasional Sightings

Black Bears: Spring & early summer along Bow Valley Parkway or Lake Minnewanka Drive.
Grizzly Bears: Rare, usually further from town but occasionally roadside in spring.
Coyotes: In meadows or forest edges, mostly early morning.

🦅 Bird Highlights

Bald Eagles & Ospreys: Near lakes and rivers.
Clark’s Nutcrackers & Gray Jays: Often near gondola area and viewpoints.

What Makes This Trip Wheelchair Accessible?

Accommodations

You will stay in 4-star hotels equipped with wheelchair accessible rooms featuring:
✅Automatic doors
✅Access ramps
✅Solid off–the–ground beds
✅Roll–in showers
✅Shower grab bars
✅Toilet grab bars
✅Shower seat

👉Please keep in mind that accessibility needs can vary by individual. We’ve selected hotels with key accessible features, but recommend reviewing the details to make sure this getaway meets your personal needs.

Calgary: Hyatt Regency

The Hyatt Regency Calgary will be your base for the first night of your getaway. Conveniently located in downtown Calgary, it’s just 20-minutes from the airport and within easy reach of Stephen Avenue, the Calgary Tower, shops, and restaurants.

Accessible rooms are spacious and thoughtfully designed, featuring a raised king bed, wide doorways, lever handles, lowered peephole and thermostat, light switches, and closet. Each room includes a 65″ smart TV, mini-fridge, and coffee and tea station.

The carpeted entrance to your accessible room at the Hyatt Regency in Calgary. There is a full length mirror on the left wall in front of the tv stand with a draped window at the back. Behind the right corner, the bed is poking through.

A king bed with white sheets at the Hyatt Regency in Calgary. There are side tables, a standing lamp in the corner and a blue couch on the wall with the window.

The ensuite bathroom features a roll–in shower with handheld showerhead and shower chair, toilet with grab bar, and roll-under sink.

The toilet with grab bars and brown tiled floor in the accessible bathroom of the Hyatt Regency in Calgary.

A shower seat mounted to the back wall of the roll-in shower with grab bars and lowered shampoo and soap in the accessible bathroom of the Hyatt Regency in Calgary.

The property also offers an elevator, full-service spa, swimming pool, accessible on-site restaurant, and café.

➡️Check out a 3D tour of the accessible room

Banff Park Lodge

We’ll stay at Banff Park Lodge for our 5-night stay in Banff. Quiet and centrally located, it’s just steps from the Bow River and within easy walking distance of downtown shops and restaurants.

Accessible rooms feature modern furnishings with a raised King bed, wide doorways, levered handles, lowered light switches and amenities like a mini fridge, microwave, and coffee/tea station.

*Please note: the balcony is accessed by a small step.

The contemporary interior of the accessible room at the Banff Park Lodge with light grey capret, and grey wallpaper. There is a large King bed in the center with small lamps on either side and a velvet green couch/bed on the left and bright sliding windows on the right.

Ensuite bathrooms include a roll-in shower with an adjustable handheld showerhead, toilet with grab bar, and roll-under sink.

A white toilet with 3 grab bars beside and behind it on a tiled black wall and light grey tiled floor and roll under sink in the accessible bathroom at the Banff Park Lodge, our hotel on our Banff Getaway.

The roll in shower in the accessible room at the Banff Park Lodge with black tiled walls with vertical and horizontal grab bars, and a fancy shower unit with rainfall showerhead over top of the light grey tiled floor.

The hotel features an elevator, indoor pool, hot tub/sauna, heated underground parking, and two accessible on-site restaurants.

Canoe Hotel & Suites (alternate)

Located at the edge of town, Canoe Hotel & Suites offers stunning mountain views and easy access to Banff’s accessible Roam Transit.

Accessible rooms feature a contemporary design with two raised Queen beds, wide doorways, and lowered features (peephole, thermostat, light switches, hooks). Rooms include a TV, mini fridge, microwave, coffee and tea station.

*Please note: the furnished balcony is accessed by a small step.

The spacious room at the Canoe, our accessible hotel for the Banff Getaway. There are two Queen beds with white duvets and wood foot boards. The wallpaper is a geographic map of the mountains, the thin carpet is herringbone blue and there is a large window on the left side.

Ensuite bathrooms include a roll-in shower with handheld showerhead, shower chair, toilet with grab bar, and roll-under sink.

The white toilet sits on grey tiled floors with white & grey wallpaper behind. There are grab bars beside and behind the toilet and a sink on the right is semi-roll under with white towels handing on a rack underneath.

The roll in shower at the Canoe hotel in Banff with grab bars on all three walls and a portable handheld shower nozzle with shampoo and soap mounted on the right wall.

The hotel features an elevator, two hot tubs (one with a railing), and an accessible on-site restaurant and café.

Transportation

We’ll be traveling in a specially modified Grand Caravan that has been adapted to safely accommodate wheelchair users. The van fits up to five passengers: four standard seats plus one wheelchair spot.

In order to accommodate 3 wheelchair users, two wheelchairs will need to be folded and stored.

A white Grand Caravan sitting in a parking lot with someone in the driver's seat wearing an orange vest. There is a building in the background and bare trees.

There is ramp access, so wheelchair users can enter the vehicle and transfer into a seat. If someone cannot transfer, that individual will remain secured in their wheelchair.

We’ll do our absolute best to make sure everyone is comfortable throughout the journey.

A partial woman's head on the right pointing to the ramp leading into the accessible van, our transportation on this wheelchair accessible Banff getaway.

The black interior of the van for our wheelchair accessible Banff getaway showing the driver's and 3 passenger seats, and space for one wheelchair.

This was the only accessible vehicle we could find after months of searching, and we’re committed to making your ride as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

➡️Important: Please let us know when booking if you are able to transfer into a standard seat or require the wheelchair-designated spot, so we can plan accordingly.

FAQs: Accessible Banff Getaway

A close up of Robyn and Gavin smiling, wearing winter hats, white winter jackets and a red scarf in front of a snow landscape of trees and river. They are the travel hosts of the wheelchair accessible Banff getaway.

Who are the Banff Hosts?

Robyn and Gavin, from Two Empty Passports, will be your travel hosts for this wheelchair accessible Banff getaway.

We’re not an official tour agency or professional guides — we’re travel hosts who believe everyone deserves the chance to experience the beauty of travel, no matter their mobility level.

We designed this small-group Banff Getaway to help slow travelers and those with limited mobility explore Banff National Park in comfort. Think of it as joining friends who are excited to share their favorite accessible spots in our own backyard — Banff!

Our itinerary is full yet fatigue-friendly, and since our group is small, we’re happy to adapt to your needs along the way.

💙 A Note About Our Getaway: While we’ve visited Banff numerous times and have done months of planning, we are not official tour agents. We are travel hosts — so there may be a few bumps and surprises, but plenty of laughter!

Who Can Join?

Our Accessible Banff Getaway is open to travelers of all abilities.

✅Wheelchair or mobility device users
✅People with hidden disabilities (e.g., fibromyalgia)
✅Those who experience chronic pain or fatigue
✅Able–bodied travelers
✅Slow travelers
✅Passionate explorers

Whether you use a mobility device, have an invisible condition, or are traveling with someone who does, this getaway is designed for inclusion, comfort, and flexibility.

What’s the Weather Like in April?

Robyn wearing a white winter jacket and green pants smiling while sitting in her wheelchair on a brown grassy ledge overlooking the Rocky Mountains behind.

Robyn wearing a black coat and white toque sitting in her wheelchair on the snow streets of Banff with a historic brick buildings and one spruce tree behind her.

April in the Canadian Rockies is springtime, but the mountains can still be chilly. Temperatures typically range from -2°C to 10°C (28°F–50°F).

Some trails, sidewalks, and parking areas may have patches of ice or snow, especially in the mornings.

We recommend layered clothing, a warm jacket, gloves, and sturdy, slip-resistant shoes to stay comfortable while exploring.

With the right preparation, you’ll enjoy crisp mountain air, fewer crowds, and stunning spring scenery!

➡️We’ll have extra winter gear (coats, scarves, hats, mitts, & blankets) available to keep you warm and comfortable.

Do I Need Insurance? What Type?

While not required, we strongly recommend arranging comprehensive travel insurance for your Banff Getaway. This helps cover unexpected events such as: medical emergencies, and trip cancellations/delays.

This getaway does not include insurance, so please make sure you have your own policy in place before arrival.

👉Need help finding the right coverage? I’m happy to recommend options, including those that cover pre-existing conditions.

What is the Group Size?

Due to the size of the van, this wheelchair accessible Banff Getaway is limited to 3–4 people. As we mentioned, we are travel hosts, and can only accommodate a very small group in order to keep it manageable and enjoyable for all.

Additional Dates

Since we live in Calgary, we’re open to offering this getaway again in the future — and at different times of the year — if there’s enough interest.

Spring (April) is our most affordable and accessible option. Summer is warm and beautiful but hotel prices triple and Banff becomes overrun with tourists. The Christmas season is truly magical (and our personal favorite!), though it’s also colder and more expensive.

If you’d prefer to join us in August or during the holidays, please reach out and let us know — we’d love to gauge interest for future trips.

Approximate Price by Season:
➡️April (Easter) $2600 USD
➡️Late August (high season) $5500 USD
➡️December (Christmas or New Years) $4400 USD
*Prices are per person based on double occupancy

Next Steps: How to Book Your Accessible Banff Getaway

Ready to reserve your spot on this wheelchair accessible Banff Getaway? (Spaces are limited)

➡️Email Robyn at twoemptypassports@gmail.com to reserve your spot today!

To secure your spot on this accessible safari, you will need to pay a non–refundable deposit and complete a form for each person in your party.

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