From Cowboy Cookouts to Castle Dinners—A Top Incentive Destination
This March, I had the privilege of attending Luxe Lake Louise by M&I Forums, a showcase of what’s possible when stunning natural beauty meets curated luxury. Set at the iconic Fairmont Château Lake Louise, the program was a seamless blend of shared experiences, meaningful connections, and breathtaking scenery that left me both inspired and recharged.
Before diving into the experience, I should note that I had the opportunity to experience two of Alberta’s legendary properties, both set within the Canadian Rockies and offering world-class experiences for incentive programs:
Fairmont Château Lake Louise sits on the edge of its namesake glacial lake, surrounded by mountains and hiking trails. It offers a more serene, nature-immersed setting. The property is approximately 2 hours from Calgary International Airport.
Fairmont Banff Springs, often called "The Castle in the Rockies," was modeled after a Scottish baronial castle and offers old-world grandeur, a championship golf course, and proximity to Banff town. It’s about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Calgary International Airport.
Both properties are exceptional choices for incentive programs. Each offers its own unique flavor—Lake Louise provides a peaceful, immersive retreat in nature, while Banff brings historic charm, adventure, and accessibility. Now that I’ve experienced both, I understand their differences more clearly and feel confident helping clients choose the best fit for their group.
Both Fairmont properties are located within Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spanning over 2,500 square miles of protected wilderness, the park is known for its turquoise lakes, towering peaks, and abundant wildlife—offering a majestic backdrop for every event.
What We Experienced
The event began with a stunning welcome reception on the terrace of the Fairmont, overlooking the frozen lake framed by snow-dusted peaks. I had the unexpected pleasure of reconnecting with industry peer Alex Oates—funny to run into someone from Grand Rapids not at the grocery store back home, but on a patio in Canada! Fur coats, an elegant ice bar, and champagne set the tone. From there, we boarded horse-drawn sleighs that carried us to a rustic-meets-refined evening at Brewster Barn, a live band, line dancing, and Alberta-style BBQ—steaks served pitchfork-style included.
The next day brought one-on-one business meetings, with time in between for informal conversations, relationship building, and connecting outside the usual ballroom setup. On our second afternoon, we departed for a memorable evening in Banff. The gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain offered panoramic views, followed by a reception at Sky Bistro—one of the highest-altitude dining venues in Canada, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking six Rocky Mountain ranges. After a short 10-minute drive (approximately 3.5 miles), we traveled to the Fairmont Banff Springs, where the evening continued with a powerful performance by First Peoples speakers and drummers. During dinner, we had the opportunity to meet with First Nations dancers, storytellers, and drummers to learn more about their culture and traditions. Tours were offered of the castle-like hotel during a guided walk (ask me about the ghost story!) before enjoying a multi-station dinner featuring bison sirloin, tourtière, oysters, beet tartare, and a whimsical dessert garden. A small group capped off the evening at a hidden speakeasy tucked behind a bookshelf in the hotel bar.
The final day began with a round of outdoor experiences, followed by a last block of meetings in the afternoon. That morning also happened to be my birthday—so of course, I celebrated by skiing Lake Louise and chasing my new friend Jessica Jensen (how much do we love our FAM friends, MeetingProfs!) down a black diamond. #BlackDiamondBirthday 🎿 I especially appreciated that exhibitors joined us for the morning adventures—it was a refreshing way to connect beyond a conference table. This kind of organic networking allowed for more meaningful conversations and built stronger relationships.
That evening, we came together for a formal Gala Awards Dinner in the Victoria Ballroom—an elegant, candlelit celebration of shared success. After dinner, we were escorted by "human signage" staff with hockey sticks to a playful après-ski-themed dessert lounge, where birds of prey greeted guests, a dueling pianos show lit up the room, and dessert stations included chocolate fondue, banana bread, homemade marshmallows, and a maple syrup candy station where hot syrup was rolled over ice.
Luxe Lake Louise reminded me how powerful a well-curated incentive experience can be. The scenery alone would be enough—but it was the sense of intention and hospitality that elevated every moment.
How to Turn This Into Your Own Incentive Program
If you’re looking for an unforgettable incentive destination that works in every season, Lake Louise is a serious contender. Below is a revised 4-night itinerary inspired by both my personal experience and ideas I’d recommend for corporate groups seeking a blend of adventure, connection, and luxury.
🏔 4-Night Incentive Program Itinerary
Destination: Fairmont Château Lake Louise & Banff, Alberta, Canada
🌲 Night 1 – Arrival in the Rockies & Alpine Welcome
Afternoon
Arrival at Calgary International Airport
Group transfer via motorcoach through the scenic Icefields Parkway
Warm welcome at Fairmont Château Lake Louise with hot cider or champagne
Evening
Welcome reception on the terrace or in the Victoria Ballroom with floor-to-ceiling views of Lake Louise, followed by a group photo against the iconic lake and mountain backdrop
Casual networking dinner featuring locally inspired alpine cuisine
Optional: Fireside gathering with acoustic music and s’mores by the lakeshore
🎁 Turn-Down Gift: Lavender pillow spray with a welcome note, encouraging guests to unwind after travel and enjoy a restful first night in the mountains.
🌿 Day 2 – Reconnect & Recharge + Cowboy Cookout at Brewster Barn
Morning
Breakfast at Lago Restaurant
Choose-your-own-adventure activities (seasonal options provided):
Summer:
Canoeing on Lake Louise
Golf
Guided alpine hike
Mindful yoga class
Spa experience
Photography walk
Winter:
Guided snowshoe hike
Ice skating on the lake
Guided glacier walk on the Plain of Six Glaciers
Spa experience or wellness session
Dog sledding on the continental divide
Ice walk at Johnston Canyon
Afternoon
Lunch at The Guide’s Pantry
Free time or optional art workshop inspired by Group of Seven paintings
Evening
Themed Dinner: “Great Canadian Wilderness” at Brewster Barn
Horse-drawn sleigh (offered year round) ride to the barn
Cowboy hat fitting on arrival
Line dancing, live music, and Alberta beef served on pitchforks
🎁 Turn-Down Gift: Canadian maple syrup candy kit, offering a nostalgic and regional treat after a rustic evening at the barn.
🏞 Day 3 – Banff Bound: Gondolas, Castles & Culture
Morning
Leisurely breakfast and morning free time at Lake Louise
Optional activities: short hike, spa or wellness session, snowshoeing, ice skating, or a guided glacier walk on the Plain of Six Glaciers
Afternoon
Group transfer to Banff
Banff Gondola Experience:
Ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain
Optional summit boardwalk walk or time at the mountaintop interpretive center
Scenic reception at the summit Sky Bistro
Evening
Elegant group dinner at Fairmont Banff Springs:
Menu features Alberta game meats, seafood, and seasonal pairings
Local First Nations cultural performance or storytelling
Return to Lake Louise via luxury motorcoach
🎁 Turn-Down Gift: MTNPK Glassware set with glacier imprint, a lasting memento from the gala and the iconic scenery of Lake Louise.
🌌 Day 4 – Epic Finale: Moraine Views & Northern Lights Gala
Morning
Guided glacier hike or wildlife photography tour
Alternative: Cooking class with the hotel’s executive chef
Afternoon
Picnic lunch overlooking Moraine Lake or tea at the hotel
Optional massage or final gift selection from a curated pop-up boutique
Evening
Gala Farewell Dinner in the Mount Temple Ballroom
Themed “Under the Northern Lights” with LED effects and aurora projections
After Dinner
Optional: Follow with an "After Glow" celebration to keep the energy going—think stylish lounge lighting, a DJ or acoustic set, and late-night bites. In winter, this could transition into an après-ski–style party with cozy blankets, mulled wine, and fireside seating.
🎁 Turn-Down Gift: Bear paw banana bread + slate board as a final surprise—a delicious takeaway inspired by the local flavor and farewell sentiment.
✈️ Day 5 – Sunrise Send-Off & Departures
Group breakfast and optional sunrise lakeside meditation
Transfer to Calgary International Airport with boxed lunches
Whether you're planning your next top-performer incentive or a once-in-a-lifetime client event, Lake Louise offers the kind of soul-stirring experiences that inspire people to return again and again.
Let’s plan something unforgettable.
🎥 Behind the Scenes
As a fun behind-the-scenes moment, my daughter came along as a stowaway in my room—armed with the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses she captured some incredible photos and video throughout the program. It’s amazing what a fresh perspective and wearable tech can bring to an event.
Gifting Tip: For incentive winners who already have everything, Ray-Ban Meta Glasses are a seriously cool gift idea. Combining fashion with function, they let you capture content hands-free and experience travel in a whole new way.
