The Story

L+N met over a decade ago between their families as long time family friends. Years later, they ended up being the perfect match for each other. Originally from Idaho, the couple planned a vacation to Banff, Canada and L chose Lake Louise in Banff National Park as the backdrop for the proposal.

The Plan

L asked their cupid - N’s best friend and also the person who set them up in the first place! - to find a Banff photographer for the occasion and over the next few weeks, started planning for the surprise. The original plan was to propose on the Lake Louise ice skating rink but for the sake of simplicity and to avoid tourists, L chose a more secluded location facing Fairview Mountain on Lake Louise.

The Proposal

N was taken aback at the surprise proposal and was in complete awe and wonder with L’s planning and GORGEOUS ring! They enjoyed a quick photoshoot with Joanna Bibangco Photography afterwards, both ecstatic to share the news of their engagement with their friends and family. What a vacation to remember!

Planning to pop the question in beautiful Banff National Park? Here are some questions to ask yourself:

What time of year is best for proposals in Banff?

Winter (December – March)

Best for: Snowy, magical winter wonderland proposals

Pros: Less crowded, dreamy snow-covered mountains, perfect for cozy & romantic winter engagements

Cons: Cold temperatures, some locations/trails are closed in the winter

Spring (April – June)

Best for: Waterfalls, blooming wildflowers, and fewer crowds than summer

Pros: Fresh greenery, melting lakes, and a peaceful atmosphere

Cons: Weather can be unpredictable, some lakes (like Moraine Lake) may still be frozen until June

Summer (July – September)

Best for: Iconic turquoise lakes and warm, clear days

Pros: Best weather, all major landmarks accessible, stunning sunrise/sunset light

Cons: Peak tourist season, popular locations can be VERY crowded

Fall (September – November)

Best for: Golden larch trees and crisp mountain air

Pros: Fewer crowds, stunning autumn colors, comfortable temperatures

Cons: Early snowfall can happen, shorter daylight hours

Where in Banff National Park is great for proposals?

This blog features a surprise proposal at Lake Louise but I would caution anyone considering to do their proposal at Lake Louise or Moraine Lake. Many tourists come by during the months of June-August and Christmas/New Years. The crowds can get VERY packed and it’s why I recommend other beautiful backdrops in Banff as an alternative to the popular lakes.

Will you hire a proposal photographer?

Many choose to have a photographer when they pop the question to remember the emotion of the life-changing event! You can read more about my proposal packages at this link.

How do you plan a surprise proposal?

A big benefit of working with a proposal photographer is that you have someone who can guide you during your proposal!

There are different ways to approach a surprise proposal and so I list out these different options in the questionnaire for you to think over and choose.

Have more questions about planning your surprise proposal in Banff? Check out this blog post.