How to Have A Luxury Getaway in Alberta This Summer

What does a luxury summer getaway look like to you? If you’re dreaming of splurging a little, consider creating yourself a luxury itinerary in Alberta. Luxury can look different to everyone but you’re sure to find it here, from sprawling castle-like hotels to restorative spas and delectable fine dining — there’s even luxury to be found in nature. Keep reading to get inspired and start planning your getaway.

Fine dining

Alberta is a veritable smorgasbord for any foodie, especially when it comes to fine dining. Many restaurants in the province are among the best in the entire country, and some have even received international acclaim.

Care for dinner with an exquisite view of dazzling city lights? Look no further than Major Tom in Calgary. The chic establishment is situated a staggering 40 floors above the city, offering sweeping views to accompany the delicious fare. The restaurant is a fixture on local and national “Best Of” lists, and you’ll quickly see why.

Calgary is home to some powerhouse chefs, including Chef Darren Maclean. He was a finalist on Netflix’s The Final Table and owns acclaimed restaurants Shokunin, Nupo and Eight— an extraordinary, intimate showcase of culinary excellence. Highly exclusive, the restaurant books seasonally and offers only eight seats. Guests overlook the open kitchen and can engage with Maclean and other award-winning chefs as they create inventive cuisine that highlights the best ingredients from sustainable producers across Canada.

Don’t miss an opportunity to dine at änkôr in Canmore and experience truly contemporary Canadian flavours. Ranked as one of Canada’s Best Restaurants, änkôr is sophisticated yet approachable. The menu honours the distinct nature of the Canadian terroir alongside local craft beer and spirits.

Nothing says luxury quite like visiting a fairytale castle in the mountains. The Fairmont Banff Springs is home to 12 restaurants and bars, each with its own character. The Eat the Castle Tour is the best way to experience the hotel’s culinary offerings, from casual to upscale.

A visit to the Post Hotel & Spa in Lake Louise is a must for any wine enthusiast. The hotel’s storied wine cellar has received Wine Spectator magazine’s highest honour — the “Grand Award” — every year since 2002, making it one of only four restaurants in Canada to receive this pinnacle of recognition. The cellar boasts a curated collection of more than 22,000 bottles and some of the finest wines around. Wines can be enjoyed in the Dining Room, or the wine cellar can be booked for small private functions.

Luxury hotels

A true luxury getaway calls for an exceptional stay, and you can find your perfect fit from the city streets to the peaks of the Canadian Rockies.

The JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District is a sleek, sophisticated hotel in the heart of Alberta's capital. Located in Edmonton’s lively ICE District, it’s steps away from some of the city’s best attractions, restaurants and nightlife — or you can opt to stay in and enjoy the hotel’s amenities, like a pampering spa day, cocktails at Alchemy Bar or sample in-house restaurants like Braven. The hotel offers premium accommodations for those seeking an extra level of luxury.

Find Azuridge Estate Hotel nestled in the rolling foothills of the Canadian Rockies. Located in Priddis, approximately 47 km (29 mi) from central Calgary, Azuridge is an oasis of calm and luxury. The hotel was once a private residence, and it now offers guests a cozy yet elevated retreat flanked by impeccably manicured grounds. Plush jewel-named rooms and suites await — Azuridge gets its name from the azure hue of Alberta’s skies and the blue-green colour of the mineral Azurite. Stays can be elevated with spa treatments, holiday packages and even chauffeur service.

Imagine waking up to the picturesque view of Moraine Lake. The Moraine Lake Lodge is situated on the banks of this famous lake and blends luxury with rustic mountain elegance. Stay in the main lodge or opt for cabin accommodations. It’s an ideal locale for those who want to immerse themselves in nature while still having the comforts of a hotel stay.

Banff National Park is home to not one but two castles. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is a stately presence on the iconic lakeshore. Reserve a lakeside room to soak in the view of the sparkling blue water and surrounding mountains, or savour it with a cocktail in hand at the Lakeshore Lounge. It’s easy to see why the hotel is considered a jewel of the Canadian Rockies.

Of course, a roundup of luxury hotels in Alberta wouldn’t be complete without the Castle in the Rockies. The Fairmont Banff Springs’ historic grandeur continues to attract guests from around the world — and it’s even hosted some famous faces, including real-life royalty. Every corner of the hotel exudes luxury, whether you’re staying in a cozy guestroom or a turret suite with panoramic mountain views. Tailor your stay to include nearby summer activities or a round of golf on the hotel’s award-winning course.

Spa experiences

An indulgent spa day is a must for any luxury summer getaway in Alberta. There are spas in spades throughout the province, but there are several that provide luxe-level services and atmosphere.

In the Northern Rockies, the Fairmont Spa Jasper Park Lodge encourages a slower pace and reflection, bringing the natural elements into every treatment. Mountain spa experiences continue in Banff at the Rimrock Resort & Spa. The gorgeous hotel is situated overlooking the sprawling mountain vistas of Banff, and the spa will have you feeling pampered from head to toe with personalized treatments.

The Kananaskis Nordic Spa is a true alpine sanctuary. The 50,000 square-foot facility adjacent to the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge centres around a rejuvenating hydrotherapy circuit. Book a massage or enjoy the expansive facility’s steam cabins, hammocks and healthy cuisine.

Upcoming Spa Openings: Alberta is about to get two new incredible spas. BASIN Glacial Waters will open at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise this summer, bringing back some of the charm of the hotel’s past with a restorative thermal bathing experience. This fall, Everwild Canmore will provide a nature-inspired retreat to the town while incorporating wellness rituals from around the world and fostering a deeper connection to nature.

Luxury tours

Luxury can be found in the great outdoors, too. The Rocky Mountaineer is a pinnacle of luxury rail travel, and GoldLeaf Service is a must if you’re after five-star comfort. The bi-level glass-domed coaches highlight panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies. Here, you get to sit back and enjoy locally sourced gourmet dining with a glass of wine as you listen to stories from attentive hosts. There’s even an exclusive outdoor viewing platform.

Open Top Touring in Waterton Lakes National Park and Banff National Park brings a sense of vintage glamour to sightseeing. Custom-designed vehicles look and feel straight out of the 1930s, with the exception of some modern comforts, and the open roof brings the outside in (glass or canvas is used during inclement weather). Guides are even dressed in period costume.

Why not soar to new heights with a heli-tour? There’s nothing quite like seeing Alberta’s breathtaking landscapes from above, and Rockies Heli Canada can make it happen. The Cline River-based company specializes in unforgettable tours of the Canadian Rockies, ranging from 20 to 55 minutes in length.

Performing arts

Treat yourself to an evening of arts and culture in Edmonton or Calgary. The vibrant cities are brimming with world-class talent. The Alberta Ballet blends contemporary productions with classic favourites each season, performed by local and international dancers.

Each city boasts its own opera company, too. The Calgary Opera and Edmonton Opera have been running for more than 50 and 60 years, respectively, and the companies embrace the tradition of operatic arts while incorporating bold, boundary-pushing productions. To round out your cultural adventures in Calgary, catch a performance by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra at Arts Commons. The Calgary Phil is one of Canada’s most celebrated live music ensembles.