The Ultimate Banff Proposal Guide: Locations, Ideas, Tips

Table of Contents

• Best Banff National Park Proposal Locations
  • Lake Louise
  • Moraine Lake
  • Bow Lake
  • Peyto Lake
  • Two Jack Lake & Lake Minnewanka
  • Banff Gondola
  • Helicopter Proposals
• Plan a Hiking Proposal in Banff National Park
• Banff Proposal Ideas
• How to Plan Your Banff National Park Surprise Proposal
• Banff National Park Proposal Packages

Where Are the Best Places to Propose in Banff National Park?

You’ve planned the perfect trip to the Canadian Rockies and picked out the perfect ring and now it’s time to plan the perfect proposal. Whether you’re drawn to iconic lakes like Lake Louise or want something adventurous and private, Banff National Park offers some of the most beautiful proposal locations in the world.

As a Banff proposal photographers, we’ve helped plan and capture dozens of unforgettable surprise proposals. Below, we’ll walk you through the most magical spots—from famous lakes to mountaintop heli landings and give you tips to help pull off your dream moment.

Best Banff National Park Proposal Locations

There are no shortage of beautiful places to propose in Banff. There are the well known options like Moraine Lake and Lake Louise and then you can also get further off the beaten path (which also means less people around). We will start below with the most popular locations.

Is Lake Louise the Best Place to Propose in Banff?

A Lake Louise proposal is timeless. The glacial blue water, mountain views, and iconic Fairmont Chateau backdrop make this spot feel straight out of a fairytale.

Best time: We suggest only planning your proposal for either sunrise or sunset here because it can get reallllyyyy busy during the day.
Seasonal tip: Lake Louise is open year-round, but the lake stays frozen until June. If you want open water in your photos, aim for summer or early fall.
Crowds: Arrive early to avoid tourist traffic, parking often fills up by 7 AM in peak season.

Can You Propose at Moraine Lake?

Yes, and it’s absolutely breathtaking, but TBH it take a bit more planning than other locations on this list. Moraine Lake is one of the most popular lakes in Canada, and for good reason.

Seasonal access: Open June to October only.
Important: As of 2023, personal vehicles are no longer allowed on the road to Moraine Lake. You’ll need to book a shuttle or commercial transport. Parks Canada shuttles, Roam Public Transit, and commercial buses are permitted from June to mid-October.

How to Get There for a Sunrise Proposal:

• Stay at Moraine Lake Lodge (guaranteed access). You will have to arrange commercial transportation to ensure you photographer can make it up to the lake for sunrise.
• The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise offers a Moraine Lake Sunrise Experience Shuttle (for hotel guests) for $90+GST per person that will get you there just before sunrise. As a bonus, if the shuttle isn’t fully booked they will let you get a ticket for your photographer also.
• Book a sunrise shuttle (like Moraine Lake Sunrise Shuttle or Fairview Limo)
• E-bike the 13 km road (I can help with transport!)

Pro tip: Sunrise at Moraine is magical, but sunset is a great alternative with more transport options and much less people.

The photos below were taken during sunrise in August.

Are There Quieter Lakes for a More Private Proposal in Banff?

Yesssss! If you’re dreaming of something more secluded, consider these gorgeous alternatives:

Bow Lake

Bow Lake is just up the Icefield’s Parkway, about a half hour north of Lake Louise townsite. It is a large lake nestled in the mountains with a lot of space to find your own private spot. There are also multiple locations around the lake to chose from so you get a great variety of images. It’s one of our fave areas in the park.

Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake is also up the Icefield’s Parkway, a bit further north than Bow Lake. There is about a 10-15 minute walk uphill to the viewing area. The lake is shaped like a howling wolf and offers that epic landscape that you come to Canada to see. This is another favourite spot for more private proposals. The photos below were from a sunrise in September.

What Are Some Great Proposal Spots Near Banff Townsite?

Two Jack Lake & Lake Minnewanka

Two Jack Lake is the first of two really pretty lakes close to Banff townsite that we love to shoot proposals at. It is a busy spot during the day but it’s much quieter at sunrise and sunset, as you can see below for this October sunrise Two Jack Lake proposal.

Just up the road from Two Jack Lake is Lake Minnewanka. This is a really large and beautiful lake. While it is also a busy spot, it’s large enough that we can always find some privacy. There is a lot of variation in scenery here. We love these two lakes near Banff because we can have the proposal at one lake and then take a short drive down to the next lake for different scenery in your photos. Only thing better than one pretty lake is two! The photos below were from a sunset proposal in September.

Can I Propose at the Top of the Banff Gondola?

Yes! A Banff Gondola proposal is unique, fun, and easy to access. The summit offers 360° panoramic views with plenty of quiet corners to propose.

Post-proposal bonus: Celebrate with coffee or a romantic dinner at Sky Bistro afterward!
Story inspo: One of my favourite surprise proposals happened here (see below). She had no idea he was even in the country and he appeared at the top to pop the question! This was in early June and the weather was perfect.

What Is a Helicopter Proposal Like in Banff?

If you want an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime proposal experience, consider booking a helicopter tour in Banff or nearby Canmore.

What happens: You’ll land on a remote mountaintop with panoramic views, and I’ll be pretending to just be along for the ride. I’ll offer to take a photo, you’ll drop to one knee—and the rest is magic.

After the “yes,” we’ll capture stunning engagement photos around the mountain before flying back.

How Do You Plan a Hiking Proposal in Banff?

For adventurous couples who want to get off the beaten path, a hiking proposal is one of the most personal and memorable ways to get engaged.

Below: Lake Agnes—a moderate hike to a beautiful alpine lake with a cozy tea house. I’ve helped couples plan surprise proposals by hiking ahead and staying hidden, then photographing the exact moment they arrive.

Tip: Banff has trails for all fitness levels. Reach out and we’ll help you find the right hike for your vision.

What Are Some Unique Banff Proposal Ideas for Every Season?

No matter the time of year you’re coming up here, there is always something really fun to do that will make your proposal even more memorable! Here are some fun and creative Banff proposal ideas by season, so you can plan a moment that feels personal, adventurous, and unforgettable:

Winter Proposal Ideas in Banff (December – March)

Winter in Banff is pure magic—think snowy peaks, cozy cabins, and frozen lakes. If your partner loves the snow, here are some dreamy proposal ideas:

• Ice skating proposal at Lake Louise: Rent skates and pop the question on a frozen glacial lake with a mountain backdrop.
• Banff Gondola + hot cocoa moment: Ride to the summit, propose with 360° snowy views, then warm up at Sky Bistro.
• Ski hill surprise: Plan a proposal on the ski lift or at the summit of Sunshine Village or Lake Louise Ski Resort.
• Snowshoe to a quiet alpine spot: A peaceful snowshoe tour makes for a private, cozy proposal.

Spring Proposal Ideas in Banff (April – June)

Spring brings fewer tourists and peaceful vibes, especially at sunrise. Lakes start to thaw, and the mountains are still snowcapped, which TBH is our fave.

• Wildlife spotting adventure: Go on a guided wildlife tour (or casual drive), and surprise your partner when you “spot a ring” instead!
• Sunrise coffee picnic: Hike or drive to a lookout, bring a thermos and breakfast snacks, and propose as the sun comes up.

Summer Proposal Ideas in Banff (July – September)

Long days, wildflowers, and vibrant turquoise lake, summer is peak season out here for a reason.

• Canoe proposal on Lake Louise or Emerald Lake: Rent a canoe and propose on the water surrounded by mountains.
• Helicopter proposal with mountaintop picnic: Land on a remote peak, explore a bit, and propose in total privacy.
• Hiking proposal: Hike up one of the epic peaks around Banff and pop the question at the top amid the most stunnniinnggg scenery you’ve ever seen.
• Play in the rain: The rain started coming dooowwwnnn on these two just after Cliff popped the question and these two cuties just embraced it and we ended having SO much fun playing in the rain, total notebook vibes (first photo was pre rainstorm).

Fall Proposal Ideas in Banff (October – November)

Golden larches, cool air, and fewer crowds make fall an the most insanely beautiful time of year to propose.

• Larch Valley hike proposal: Propose during peak larch season (usually mid-September to early October) surrounded by golden alpine trees.
• Fireside lodge proposal: Book a cozy cabin, propose by the fireplace or outdoor fire pit after a day of exploring.
• Golden hour photo walk: Head to Vermilion Lakes or Two Jack Lake at sunset and capture the proposal with golden mountain light.

Pro tip: No matter the season, we can help you plan the details, from logistics to timing and weather backups, so your Banff proposal feels effortless and true to your relationship.

How Can You Plan a Surprise Banff Proposal Without Giving It Away?

Here are a few creative ways to keep your Banff proposal a secret:

• Book a “couples session” or “just because” shoot
• Win a “giveaway shoot” (yes, we can fake it!)
• Have your photographer blend into the tourist crowd
• Plan a sunrise adventure or hike—your partner will just think it’s a vacation activity

We’ve helped dozens of couples pull off the perfect surprise. We’ll guide you through every detail and send maps, timing guides, and backup plans.

Banff National Park Proposal Packages

Hey, we are Liz & Dom, your Banff Proposal Photographers. We specialize in helping couples plan meaningful, fun, and scenic proposals throughout the Canadian Rockies. After you inquire, we will set up a phone call to talk through your plan and get all of the details sorted out to book you in. We will send you detailed maps of locations and examples from other proposals at that spot so you can pick out the best one for you.

• 1 photographer (either Liz or Dom, depending on availability)
• Up to 1.5 hours of coverage
• One location of your choice (or multiple stops if time allows)
• Customized location suggestions & maps
• Sneak peeks within a few days
• Full gallery in 6-8 weeks
• Travel included anywhere in Banff, Canmore, or Kananaskis

Starting at $1600 CAD + GST

Fill out our contact form, and let’s get to planning!