5 Canadian Mountain Towns for Your Honeymoon

If you’re a ski couple, what could be more romantic than a ski honeymoon? Just imagine: sunny, adventuresome days carving up the slopes; powder stashes up to your waist; and long, romantic nights spent fireside. The Canadian West offers some of the best ski terrain and conditions on the continent. Yes, it takes a little longer to get to than Tahoe or Park City—but what you invest in time traveled is more than returned in exciting landscapes, deep snow, and great value.

Most of Canada’s best skiing is in British Columbia along a route charmingly called the “Powder Highway,” with a few notable exceptions in neighboring Alberta. To get there, fly into Calgary International Airport (which has numerous direct flights to major U.S. cities) and then drive in from the east, or fly into the heart of Canada’s biggest mountain ranges at the regional airport in Kelowna. Here, we’ve put together a list of the most romantic towns to visit, with suggestions about where to eat, stay and play along the way. Set up camp at one, or rent a car and road trip them all. Either way—especially at these exchange rates—the time has never been better to find some romance in Canada’s favorite mountain towns.

Revelstoke, B.C.

Often called the “heli-skiing capital of the world,” there is no shortage of adventures for adrenaline junkies in Revelstoke. The terrain at Revelstoke Mountain Resort offers something for skiers of all levels, as well as the highest lift-accesses vertical on the continent. If it’s powder you’re after, the resort also offers a “First Tracks” program that’s worth looking into, where a nominal fee gives you and your partner lift access an hour before everyone else. Not that crowds are an issue—the lift lines here are a fraction of anything else you’ll find in the American West. Back in town, the best place to stay is the Explorer’s Society, a design-minded hotel with elegant local furniture and finishes. The hotel’s private rooftop guest lounge has a fireplace, sauna and hot tub—the ideal aprés-ski trifecta—and with only nine guest rooms, it will very much feel like you two have the place to yourselves. For dinner, check out the hotel’s restaurant Quartermaster. Their Smoked Old Fashioned sparked a trend in town, and the Peruvian Chicken is an indulgent treat.

Golden, B.C.

The real story in Golden isn’t where to stay in town, but where to stay outside of town—from here, it is possible to access some of North America’s most remote and beautiful backcountry lodges, most accessible via a quick helicopter ride from Golden itself. Check out Purcell Mountain Lodge on the edge of Canada’s Glacier National Park for a totally off-grid experience and next-level backcountry ski touring. If resort skiing is more your speed, you’ll still get your kicks at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, which offers challenging terrain and heaps of lift-access bowl skiing. For a romantic dinner, consider having a fireside meal at The Island, a restaurant inside a log cabin outfitted with vintage skis and snowshoes.

Lake Louise, A.B.

Often called one of the most beautiful areas in the Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise is known for its iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, a grand dame hotel that offers multiple dining concepts, an ice skating rink, a spa and more. For a more private, intimate experience, consider staying at the Post Hotel just a few minutes away; a Relais & Chateaux property, its dining boasts one of the finest Rocky Mountain cuisine menus in the area, as well as a wine collection over 27,000 bottles strong. Lake Louise Ski Resort is located a few minutes north of town in the heart of Banff National Park, and is known for its exceptional views.

Jasper, A.B.

There’s something that still feels secret about visiting Jasper, a remote hideaway located at the northern end of the scenic Icefields Parkway. The historic Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge has hosted numerous VIP’s from Queen Elizabeth II to Marilyn Monroe, and the ski resort Marmot Basin never feels like there are any crowds. It’s so remote and so private, you’ll understand why it was rumored for a time to be the honeymoon spot for Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Fernie, B.C.

For almost sixty years, Fernie Alpine Resort has been a must-visit destination in Western Canada. Lizard Creek Lodge is a delightful ski-in/ski-out property—after hitting the slopes, try some below-freezing vodka at the Ice Bar or opt for a couples’ massage at the spa. For a cozy meal to remember, check out Himalayan Spice Bistro for some authentic shrimp vindaloo, then pop next door to the Vogue Theater for an old-school movie theater experience. Just make sure to leave for a hand-in-hand stroll around Fernie’s historic downtown, where historic buildings frame the sweeping mountain views.