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Jasper National Park and the town of Jasper are currently under an evacuation order due to wildfires. There has been severe wildfire damage in the region. Due to the situation some of the information in this article may be out of date. We suggest you find more information on Jasper National Park’s page . Banff National Park, Canmore, Kananaskis, Yoho, and Kootenay are currently all still open.

The ULTIMATE Banff Itinerary You Should Follow (2024)

Planning a trip to Banff and need a helpful Banff itinerary? Then you are in for a trip of a lifetime, because Banff National Park is truly one of the most spectacular places in the entire world. The first time we visited Banff, we knew it was something special. It was so special that we decided to move to Alberta a few years ago and haven’t looked back.

If you’re planning to visit Banff for one, two, three days, or longer than a week, you’ll still need to have a general plan so you can see as much as you would like in your time here. No matter how many days you have here, it still won’t be enough to uncover the beauty of this place, but you’ll at least get to the highlights.

Here is the best Banff itinerary, including things to do, Banff travel tips, a packing list, car rental tips, and the best time to visit Banff . This itinerary is primarily summer-focused, but you can also use it for winter trips and just exclude any summer activities like canoeing and paddleboarding from your travel plans.

Banff Itinerary – Day 1

Welcome to Banff National Park, one of the most beautiful places in the world! I know you’re on vacation, and you probably want to sleep a bit, but trust me, it’s worth it to get up and make the most out of your time in Banff because there is a lot to see and do! Let’s get into day one on your Banff itinerary.

• Morning at Moraine Lake
• Canoe on Lake Louise

Hike Around Lake Louise

• Dinner at The Fairmont

Spend the Morning At Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is the most popular thing to do in Banff and arguably the most famous sight to see in Canada. This iconic lake is a picturesque picture of Canada (seriously, just Google image “Canada” and see what comes up). With the ten peaks rising high over the glacier waters, Moraine Lake is certainly a Banff attraction to see.

Moraine Lake is about an hour’s drive away from the Town of Banff and only twenty minutes further than Lake Louise. With its popularity and millions of Instagram location tags, you used to have to arrive well before 6 am to grab a parking spot between June and September.

However, as of 2023, Parks Canada has restricted personal vehicles at Moraine Lake. So now the only way to get to Moraine Lake is with the Park & Ride Shuttle, staying at the Moraine Lake Lodge, Roam Transit Bus, or Private tour/shuttle like the Moraine Lake Bus Company or Radventures Earlybird , have a blue accessibility tag, or to bike/hike in. Though there are still ways to see sunrise at Moraine Lake .

We think this decision is a great choice, as Moraine Lake was, quite frankly, loved to death. Members of our private Facebook group have noted that they were getting to Moraine Lake as early as 3 am in 2022 to ensure a spot, every year it seemed to be that you had to get to Moraine Lake earlier and earlier, and it was all becoming a bit too much.

We break down exactly how to get to Moraine Lake in our latest update.

No matter how you get to Moraine Lake, we recommend enjoying the scenery and making time for a Moraine Lake hike to Consolation Lakes, or even up through the Larch Valley, or you can spend your time canoeing in paradise.

Just note that if you think you’ll make your visit to Moraine Lake quieter and easier by visiting in the off-season, you may want to think again. Moraine Lake Road is the only road to Moraine Lake, and it is open only from June 1 to October 14th (closes on October 15th). After that, the road gets covered in snow, and the avalanche risk is high until the next summer rolls around.

More Guides to Visiting Moraine Lake

• Moraine Lake Parking Changes You Need To Know
• Understanding the Parks Canada Moraine Lake Shuttle
• Can You Visit Moraine Lake in May?
• Our Recommended Moraine Lake Operators

Canoe On Lake Louise

After your visit to Moraine Lake, you’ll probably want to head to Lake Louise. Lake Louise is the other iconic lake that millions from around the world flock to Banff to see, it should be on everyone’s Banff itinerary. It is certainly a highlight of any trip to Canada.

Lake Louise, while not as scenic as Moraine Lake, is still pretty darn mesmerizing. This glacier-fed lake sparkles bright turquoise blue under the sun, and the mountains rising up around it provide the perfect backdrop for any photo. If you’re already visiting Moraine Lake for the day, you might as well get to Lake Louise, too, as it’s just a short drive away and is easily connected via the Parks Canada Lake Connector Shuttle. Also, nearly every Moraine Lake tour runs to Lake Louise right after visiting Moraine Lake.

Keep in mind that Lake Louise is frozen solid from late October to early June. Though, unlike Moraine Lake, Lake Louise is accessible year-round.

Once at Lake Louise, we recommend canoeing on the iconic lake, especially if you skipped the experience at Moraine Lake. Canoeing on Lake Louise is run by the Fairmont Boathouse, and is not a cheap experience. Though how often do you get to say you’ve paddled on a brilliantly blue glacial lake?

More Guides to Visiting Lake Louise

• When is the Best Time to Visit Lake Louise?
• Everything You Need to Know About Parking at Lake Louise
• All You Need to Know About The Lake Louise Shuttle
• 10 Tips You Need to Know to Know Before Canoeing on Lake Louise

Stay in Lake Louise!

Are you wondering where the best place to stay in Lake Louise is? There are multiple hotels and cabins in the area, but we have our favorites that we recommend to readers!

• Fairmont Chateau: The only hotel on Lake Louise. It’s the most luxurious, but also the most expensive place to stay in the park. If you want primo access to Lake Louise, you’ll have to splurge and spend a night here.
• Paradise Lodge : Just a walk away from Lake Louise, these are charming Lake Louise cabins that you can’t help but love. They are cheaper than the Fairmont, but are still very close to Lake Louise.
• Baker Creek Mountain Resort : About a 15 minute drive from Lake Louise on the Bow Valley Parkway are these cabins. However, if you are seeking seclusion and the feeling of being in the Canadian wilderness this is your place.

If you want to go for a hike while visiting Lake Louise (and I highly suggest you do), numerous hikes range in difficulty, leaving right from Lake Louise. The most popular and easiest hike is to the Lake Agnes Tea House . This is an easy hike that can be done in under two hours and is iconic in Banff. However, be warned, its ease and beauty make it a busy one! To escape the crowds (and get better views), keep climbing to the Big or Little Beehive.

Another longer option is Devil’s Thumb, but this should be attempted by seasoned hikers as there are some scramble sections. Other hikes that you can enjoy in the area are the Fairview Lookout (easy), Plain of Six Glaciers (moderate), and Mount St. Piran (hard).

Dinner and Stay at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is the most iconic hotel in Banff National Park. It’s easily one of the best places to stay in all of Alberta, and it overlooks the beautiful lake. If you book early enough and score yourself a room here in the summer, enjoy it!

After your day enjoying Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, you can now relax and have dinner at the Chateau and enjoy a night in the Fairmont. Ensure you take advantage of the location and catch the stars at night around the lake without the daytime crowds! Keep in mind that reservations are highly recommended for any Lake Louise restaurant at the Chateau.

Drive the Icefields Parkway

• Stand Up Paddleboard on Bow Lake

Take in the Views at Peyto Lake

Have lunch at athabasca glacier.

• Columbia Skywalk
• Drive on to Jasper

Wake up early at Lake Louise and enjoy sunrise, have a coffee with views, and then get ready to head out for a road trip on the Icefields Parkway. The Icefields Parkway is one of the most beautiful road trips you can take in the entire world.

The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North) connects Lake Louise with Jasper in Jasper National Park. The drive itself is stunning, but there are so many pull-offs along the way. Bow Lake, Peyto Lake , and Herbert Lake are just to name a few. I won’t break down every single stop to make here, as there are so many. Instead, I’ve created a full Icefields Parkway guide. It’s important to note that this drive will take you the entire day, and you still won’t hit all the stops (hence why we say wake up early)!

Swing By Bow Lake

You can’t miss Bow Lake on your way up the Icefields Parkway. It’s a huge lake, and many people stop here to admire the view.

This is one of the best places to enjoy the water if you have a stand-up paddleboard, canoe, or kayak. Note that there is nowhere to rent these watercraft along the Icefields Parkway, so you’ll either have to have your own or rent one for your trip to Banff if you have a rental car. Banff Canoe Club and Radventures offer daily stand-up paddleboard rentals. Or if you think you would like to paddle on all the lakes in the Rockies on your trip, we recommend buying a stand up paddleboard.

If you have lots of time, there are also some phenomenal hikes and scrambles around Bow Lake. The easiest and quickest is the hike to Bow Glacier Falls, but longer day hikes we love are Helen Lake, The Onion , or Mount Jimmy Simpson .

Peyto Lake (PEE-toh) is a glacier-fed lake in Banff National Park. This is probably the third most popular lake to visit in Banff, after Louise and Moraine. The reason is its unique shape and absolutely mind-blowing blue water.

Peyto Lake is easily accessible from the Icefields Parkway. To get a great view, all you have to do is park and hike up an easy 10-minute path to the viewpoint. It’s the perfect place to come and enjoy the stellar Banff National Park views in both winter and summer, and there is a nice viewing platform to see the lake.

Peyto Lake is just past Bow Lake on your left-hand side when driving from Lake Louise to Jasper . It’s a busy stop, so if you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend getting an early start before 8 a.m. in the summer.

As you continue driving the Icefields Parkway, you’ll take in all the incredible views ahead of you. There are plenty of sights, but I won’t list them all here as I encourage you to check out our step by step guide to the Icefields Parkway so you can determine where you want to stop.

Around the 130 km mark from Lake Louise, you’ll reach the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre. Here, you can step inside, use the restrooms, have lunch, and embark on an excursion.

Athabasca Glacier is a popular place to stop along the Icefields Parkway. You can see Mount Athabasca here and even walk on Athabasca Glacier with a tour. Most visitors book the Columbia Icefield Adventure Tour , which combines the Ice Explorer vehicle experience and Columbia Icefield Skywalk!

Ice Explorer Experience

The  Ice Explorer  is the most popular tour and experience on the Athabasca Glacier. The tour takes visitors high up the Glacier and drops them off on the Glacier to experience it firsthand. This is done with massive trucks that drive up and down the steep moraines of the Glacier before driving to a designated area where passengers can get out and touch and drink from the glacier. It’s one of the top tours in the Canadian Rockies, and a ticket also includes the Columbia Icefield Skywalk.

Columbia Icefield Skywalk

If you’re already at Athabasca Glacier, you may as well enjoy an experience just a couple of kilometers down the road to the Glacier Skywalk . Here, you can step out on a cliff-edge walk, see the glaciers around you, and enjoy views of the Sunwapta Valley.

The Columbia Icefield Skywalk has views of wildlife, waterfalls, and fossils. It’s a fun, family-friendly thing to do in Banff. However, in my opinion, you can get the same experience for free by going on a beautiful hike in Banff National Park.

If you’re an avid outdoor person and hiker, the Skywalk can feel like a lame way to waste money. However, if you have never experienced walking on glass and descending down a valley floor, it may be an exhilarating experience.

Good to Know

*Note that you must pre purchase tickets for this experience . There is no parking along the Icefields Parkway, and you must park at the Discovery Center, check in there, and be shuttled to the Skywalk. Skywalk tickets are included in all Ice Explorer tours.

*Alternative Suggestion*

You don’t have to take the massive Ice Explorer vehicles to walk on the Glacier. Instead, you can book an Ice walk tour if you are fit and able.  An Ice Walk tour  is a much more personal experience, with a certified guide that will safely take you walking on the glacier and provide insights and explanations of what you are looking at.

We highly recommend booking an Ice Walk tour and not trying to walk on the glacier yourself, which can be very unsafe. If you want to actually repel into a crevasse on your glacier experience,  Rockaboo  is the only guiding company certified to do that.

The whole Athabasca Glacier experience can easily take 4 hours. When planning this activity, it’s important to factor that into your schedule .

Continue to Jasper

NOTE: Jasper National Park is currently CLOSED due to wildfires. Please skip the Jasper portion of this itinerary. We will update this article when Jasper is open.

After Athabasca, you have the option to stay the night on the Icefields Parkway at the Glacier View Lodge , or you can push on to Jasper. As you leave, you’ll exit Banff National Park and enter Jasper National Park.

The views continue, though, and the drive is just as stunning. A few of the best stops ahead of you include Tangle Creek Falls, Athabasca Falls, Sunwapta Falls , and Horseshoe Lake. After visiting, continue on to Jasper Town and relax here for the night.

• Explore Downtown Jasper
• Jasper SkyTram

Maligne Canyon

• Spirit Island
• Athabasca Falls
• Overnight in Jasper or Camp Along the Way

Stroll Downtown Jasper

Wake up in downtown Jasper after staying at a cute Jasper cabin or hotel and have a coffee and baked treat at Bear’s Paw Bakery or have a delicious breakfast in Jasper at Sunhouse Cafe. Take a stroll around town and enjoy the fresh mountain air. After your morning you’re going to want to hop in the car and get ready for another beautiful road trip. Set the GPS for Maligne Lake and start driving down Maligne Lake Road.

Maligne Canyon is one of the things to do in Jasper that will keep you occupied and fulfilled, regardless of the season you visit. Carved slowly out of limestone over the years by the rushing waters within, the deep canyon walls reach nearly 200 feet in places, making it one of the most dramatic sights in Jasper National Park.

The canyon area is a hot hiking spot when the ice thaws in late spring and summer due to its natural beauty and the sheer number of amazing and unique geological features you’ll find. Guided tours are available, but you can also visit on your own, though visiting in the winter without a guide isn’t recommended for those not equipped for Canadian winters, as you’ll need special cleated or spiked boots to walk on the ice safely.

Maligne Lake and Spirit Island

A great place to visit in Jasper is Spirit Island in Maligne Lake . As you may have guessed by its name, Spirit Island is a serene and revered place, especially for the area’s indigenous people. Due to its sacredness, the island is off-limits, but boat tours are available, which will take you close enough to appreciate its splendor.

The cruises run daily and often in the summer. The standard cruise allows for 15 minutes near Spirit Island, but Pursuit sells Premium Cruises, which allow for 30 minutes at Spirit Island and run once a day. We highly recommend booking the Maligne Lake Cruise in advance , as it’s a very popular thing to do in the summer, and cruises do sell out.

Want to stay at Spirit Island longer? For those who need a little more exertion and adventure to view the island by kayak or canoe, this option is only for the physically fit because the roundtrip is difficult to complete in a day. There are campsites nearby where you can book an overnight spot, breaking the trip into a day and a half and giving you a wonderful night in the wilderness.

Drive Back to Jasper

After your time at Maligne Lake, it’s time to get in the car again and drive back to Jasper on the same road you came. You’ll do this on Maligne Lake Road , one of Canada’s most gorgeous roads. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, we almost always see moose on this road.

If you missed a stop at Medicine Lake, now is your time to stop and see it. Medicine Lake is part of the Maligne Valley watershed and is nearly 7 km (4.3 mi) long. In the summer, it looks like a normal Canadian lake, but it’s actually called the disappearing lake, as in the winter, the water completely disappears.

Spend an Evening Up the Jasper SkyTram

Going up the Jasper SkyTram is one of the best ways to end your day in Jasper. It’s here you can enjoy unparalleled views and on a clear day, you can even see Mount Robson (the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies) in the distance.

Once you load onto the Jasper Gondola, you’ll begin the thrilling ride up to the Summit Station at 2,263 meters (7,425 ft). The two cozy trams hold 20-24 people and bring you up 2,263 meters in 10 minutes. On the way up, the views become expansive as you leave the tree line and enter the alpine. Once at the top, we recommend a quick hike up to Whistlers Summit via the Whistlers Summit Trail.

Option: Stay Longer in Jasper, or Drive Back to Banff Via the Icefields Parkway

We recommend staying at least three days in Jasper, as there is so much to do and we crammed a lot into the day above. Some even prefer Jasper over Banff! With more time in Jasper, you can enjoy a canoe on Pyramid Lake, hike the Valley of Five Lakes Trail , or have lunch on Lac Beauvert. However, if you are short on time, you can drive back to Banff either in the evening or in the morning!

As mentioned, this is an itinerary to give you ideas and not set in stone. The perfect itinerary depends on your timeline. If you plan to spend more time in Jasper, you can follow our ultimate Jasper itinerary .

If you can give more time to Jasper National Park, here are some ideas for activities to keep you entertained.

• Stunning Jasper Hikes You Shouldn’t Miss
• Awesome Things To Do in Jasper
• Jasper Lakes Well Worth a Visit
• How to Hike the Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson Provincial Park

Overnight in the Town of Banff

After your time in Jasper, it’s time to head back to Banff the same way you can. Stop at any sights along the Icefields Parkway that you missed the first time around. We’ll start the next day as if you’ve woken up in Banff!

Banff Itinerary – Day 4

• Sunrise on Tunnel Mountain
• Walk Around Downtown Banff

Check Out Bow Falls

• Hike or take the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain

Catch Sunrise on Tunnel Mountain

Tunnel Mountain is right in the heart of Banff. It’s beloved by locals for its accessibility, and you can hike it year-round. It may be one of the smallest mountains in Banff National Park, but it still offers tremendous views of the surrounding valleys and Mount Rundle, especially if you wake up early at get after it at sunrise.

The hike moves slowly up the mountain through several switchbacks and offers various viewpoints out into the Bow and Spray Valleys. It’s a great Banff hike for sunrise or sunset, and it rarely disappoints. The best part is it’s only 4.5 km round trip and shouldn’t take more than one hour up. It’s also one of the easiest hikes you can do, with only 266 meters of elevation gain.

Stroll Down Banff Ave

It’s hard to believe there is a town in the center of one of the most beautiful national parks on earth, but there is, and walking around Banff is a must for any visitor.

There are plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants to enjoy in Banff , and the entire time you have unreal views of Cascade Mountain. But really, I just love strolling and admiring the mountain views from down low.

If visiting Banff in the summer, you’ll be happy to know that Banff Avenue closes a large portion of the road to vehicles. It’s pedestrian and cyclist only, so you can fully take advantage of strolling these streets. During this time there are plenty of amazing patios where you can enjoy a beer under the sun during this time!

Cascade Gardens

If you’re strolling around Downtown Banff in the summer, you can’t miss a stop at  Cascade Gardens . It’s located at the end of Banff Avenue, nearly impossible to miss. From the garden, you get great views of Mount Rundle and Cascade. This should go without saying, but please don’t pick the flowers, apparently it happens a lot!

Bow Falls are a must-see Banff waterfall and are only a short walk away from Downtown. From Cascade Gardens, you can take a quick and easy walk along the Bow Falls Trail. From May to November, they are typically free-flowing. However, if visiting in the winter, it’s a completely different sight.

Depending on when you see them in the winter, Bow Falls may be frozen, but we’ve been lucky and seen their beauty, half in ice and half in water – a splendid experience! There are nice walkways and viewpoints for visitors so they can view safely.

Sunset on Sulphur Mountain

One of the best places to catch the sunset in Banff is from the top of Sulphur Mountain. The Banff Gondola runs all day to take visitors up and down, making it the easiest mountaintop to catch the sunset in Banff.

If you’re up for some activity, you can also hike up Sulphur Mountain, save some money, and get your legs moving. The peak can be reached in under two hours through a path of easy but relentless switchbacks. If you want to hike up and take the gondola down, you can purchase one way tickets for half price (unfortunately it doesn’t work the other way around).

Sunrise on Vermilion Lakes

Stand up paddleboard on two jack lake.

• Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata

Scenic Cruise Around Lake Minnewanka

Dinner and drinks in banff.

Vermilion Lakes is one of my favorite places to go to in Banff for both sunrise and sunset. If you’re up for yet another early morning, make your way here with a coffee in hand. Mount Rundle, arguably the most famous mountain in the park, towers over the lake, creating an epic backdrop at any time of the year.

It’s the perfect place to come early morning and enjoy your coffee before a great breakfast in Banff or travel to sunset with a few beers. You can also take a canoe, kayak, or paddleboards out here and enjoy the water as the lakes are pretty calm and a great place for a chill ride – even for beginners!

Coffee recommendation : Whitebark. Breakfast Recommendation : Tooloulous

Just a ten-minute drive away from Vermilion Lakes is Two Jack Lake . Two Jack is one of the most photographed lakes in the Canadian Rockies due to its proximity to Banff, and its stunning Mount Rundle Views. In the summer, it’s a popular spot to come with a stand-up paddleboard or kayak. Keep in mind there is nowhere to rent watercraft here, so you’ll have to come with your own or rent one in Canmore or Banff at Bow Valley SUP.

One of the top things to do in Banff National Park is enjoy Lake Minnewanka . This glacial lake is right next door to Two Jack Lake. It is 21 km long and 142 meters deep, making it one of the largest lakes in the Rockies.

Mount Inglismaldie and Mount Aylmer, towering over Lake Minnewanka, are seriously impressive all year round. Oh yeah, and there’s also a Canadian resort ghost town under the lake ! In the summer, it’s a busy place to hike around and go canoeing on, or you can book a scenic cruise back to Devil’s Gap and enjoy the scenery from the water!

Evening at Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon  is one of the top attractions in Banff and can attract quite a crowd in the summer. That’s why we suggest ending your day here, as visiting after 5 pm provides the best chance for a crowd-free experience.

A summer hike is visceral as the roaring water reverberates through the canyon and into your chest. As a hiker, you get up close and personal with the canyon thanks to a series of suspended walkways. Along the way, hikers catch scenic glimpses of the mountains,  multiple waterfalls , and a chance to spot wildlife.

The waterfalls in the canyon are roaring come  July  as the snow melts high in the surrounding mountains. No matter the season, it’s an easy hike in Banff along a well-maintained trail suitable for all ages. If you find yourself with spare time, continue on to the Ink Pots for an extended hike.

Adventure Option: Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata

If you’re a beginner hiker but want to see what hiking in the Rockies is all about, I highly suggest the Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata. This is an assisted climbing experience up Mount Norquay. Four different routes vary in length and difficulty. It’s perfect for any visitor to Banff and has many different options for families.

The sun has set over Banff National Park. It’s time to refuel for the day at one of Banff’s many places to eat. A few of our favorites are:

Our favorite restaurant in Banff with a great atmosphere and high-quality farm-to-table food. They have a seasonal menu and won several national awards in Canada for exceptional service.

Three Bears Brewery

Our favorite spot in Banff for pizza and beer!

Block Kitchen and Bar

A small restaurant with some of the most innovative dishes and drinks in the valley. Reservations are not accepted here and it is tiny, but if you manage to get a table you won’t be disappointed.

Nourish Bistro

This healthy cafe is the perfect lunch spot in town with reasonably priced lunch combos and coffee.

Banff Sushi

We love sushi, and we love a good deal, so Banff Sushi is a slam dunk for us. The novelty of the sushi train was definitely appreciated and brought us back to Japan as we nabbed tantalizing bites of sushi off the Canadian train engine. If you like sushi, this may be one of the best deals in Banff.

• The Best Restaurants in Banff
• The Best Breweries in Banff
• Amazing Banff Patios to Enjoy this Summer

Day 6 (Head to Canmore)

Today is the day to head to the town right next to Banff, and that is Canmore. I personally love Canmore more than Banff (and not just because I live here) because it feels less like a tourist destination and more like a place where real day-to-day operations happen.

Hike to Grassi Lakes

Explore downtown canmore.

• Walk Around Policemen’s Boardwalk
• Sunset Paddle Around The Reservoir

With clear water and mesmerizingly blue water, Grassi Lakes is remarkable and easy to reach on a short hike. Though there are other trails in the area, these are clearly marked, and great for all ages making them one of the best things to do in Canmore.

About five kilometers south of town, the lakes are easy to get to, and you may want to consider packing a few some food for a picnic, as it’s one of the most picturesque places around Canmore. Stunning views of a nearby waterfall and the town of Canmore below present plenty of photo opportunities.

Grassi Lakes is easy enough for just about anyone to complete. I would feel comfortable bringing older parents or healthy grandparents on this short hike. Be forewarned that its ease makes it particularly busy, and we recommend starting your hike first thing in the morning to avoid crowds.

Strolling Downtown Canmore is like strolling Downtown Banff—without the masses. Stroll Main Street and pop into the art galleries, or grab a coffee at Eclipse. We also always love running into Stonewaters for home inspiration!

For lunch, head downtown to one of Canmore’s many restaurants. I love sitting outside at The Tavern or Communitea as they have fun patios in the summer. They have great food and awesome drink specials. Though if you’re really looking for a good patio experience in Canmore, The Wood has the best views in Canmore. Grizzly Paw Brewery and Pub i s another popular option, as it’s right on Main Street, but it’s more expensive and offers less good food, in my opinion.

If visiting in the summer, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that, like Banff, Canmore also restricts vehicles on Main Street.

Walk the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk

If you want to spend a quiet morning or afternoon strolling through nature, head to the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk. The elevated walkway presents year-round opportunities without a need for waders, boots, or snowshoes. It’s accessible from downtown, and the trailhead is near the intersection of Main Street and Spring Creek Drive.

The four-kilometer Canmore trail is well marked, easy to follow, and will bring you right back to your starting point, so you won’t have to drop bread crumbs or call for a helicopter rescue.

The boardwalk’s pleasant mix of town and country is the best of both worlds, and you’ll think you’re much farther away from civilization than you really are. Don’t miss the Giant Head Statue near The Drake at the beginning or end of your walk!

Sunset Paddle Around The Rundle Forebay Reservoir

The Rundle Forebay Reservoir, or “Canmore Res,” is a local place to head in the evening and take a swim, paddleboard, or kayak and watch the sun go down over Ha Ling Peak and the Little Sister. It’s a quiet place to relax in nature and is perfect for a picnic dinner. Please make sure to clean up after yourself, every time I visit, there is trash left about carelessly.

Adventure Option: Sunset on the EEOR

If you have time, and are up for a mountain summit, this adventure lies just outside of Canmore. East End of Rundle (EEOR) is one of the most popular hikes in Canmore and is a beautiful hike up that offers visitors astonishing views over Canmore, the Bow Valley, and Ha Ling Peak. Although, just because East End of Rundle (or EEOR, or “Eeyore” as locals like to call it) is close to town doesn’t mean it’s an easy climb up to the summit – quite the opposite actually.

EEOR trail is a 5.8 kilometer out and back trail. It’s certainly a steep and strenuous uphill battle for almost the entire hike. There are hardly any flat parts, and the climb starts right from the car park. There is moderate exposure and some scrambling required to reach the actual summit, but nothing too scary or difficult for the average to the advanced hiker.

We are reasonably fast hikers and completed the trail in four hours with a 45-minute summit beer stop at the top and about 15 extra minutes for sunset photos. The average hiker will probably be able to summit in two hours and descend in 1.5 hours. If you are slower, five hours round trip is probably a safe time to estimate, so this is truly a suggestion for those that have time on their side (thank goodness for long days in the summer!). If you can get up there for sunset, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views over Ha Ling and Whiteman’s Pond, though to get a good view like in the photo above, you only have to hike halfway to the “viewpoint.” Remember, if hiking this towards the end of the day, bring a headlamp.

Not feeling EEOR? Similar hikes nearby are Ha Ling , Rimwall Summit, Reads Tower, and Windtower

Day 7 – Get Out of Banff

If you happen to have extra time in this area, then you are doing Banff the right way. We recommend you venture to neighboring Kananaskis Country or Yoho National Park and explore what these other parks have to offer.

Hike in Kananaskis Country

Head to yoho national park, sunset picnic on the smith dorrien.

Kananaskis is another Alberta Park that is just as beautiful as Banff. Located closer to Calgary, it’s a quieter area to enjoy, usually filled with more Albertans than foreigners. There are some amazing lakes to enjoy and fantastic hiking opportunities here. Keep in mind you need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass to enjoy Kananaskis, this is in addition to the Parks Canada Pass you need to visit Banff.

Yoho National Park is just past Lake Louise and close to Golden, BC. It offers fantastic sightseeing opportunities, beautiful lakes, and awesome hikes. The most famous sight in Yoho is Emerald Lake , which most visitors want to see while in the park. If you have the time and capacity, we highly recommend adding a day to explore Yoho National Park.

Some of the best things to do in Yoho are:

• Canoe on Emerald Lake
• Wapta Falls
• Hike the Iceline Trail
• Marvel at Tak Falls

The dirt road that leads up past Grassi Lakes and the Canmore Nordic Center is Smith Dorrien Trail. It’s an unpaved road that is open year-round, avalanche conditions withstanding. As you make your way up the pass between Mount Lawrence Grassi and Rundle, you’ll find some impressive views.

Once through the pass, you’ll enter Kananaskis Country, an Alberta Provincial Park. Along the drive, you pass some superb lakes and impressive mountain vistas. Keep your eyes peeled as you’ll likely spot some wildlife too; we’ve seen just about everything, such as bears, moose, elk, deer, goats, bighorn sheep, and coyotes.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Banff?

This itinerary focuses on a seven-day Banff trip, which is the average amount of time a visitor typically plans their trip for. That being said, we think anywhere between 5 and 7 days is sufficient time to get a taste of what the Rockies have to offer and see the highlights, though you will 100% leave wanting to return. You won’t be disappointed if you can spare 8 to 10 days and stay in Jasper or Canmore longer.

When is the Best Time to Visit Banff?

High season (June-August, December-February)

Banff National Park has a high season for winter enthusiasts and those after that perfect North American summer getaway. The first is much quieter than its summer counterpart, but around the holidays, prices rise, and crowds flock to Banff. Those after a ski vacation should visit Banff in February, and ski runs become busier. During these two winter times, you’ll find higher accommodation prices.

However, that’s nothing compared to summertime in Banff. Numbers balloon between June and August, and while I would love to say that because of this, it’s not a good time to visit, I would be lying.

July and August bring about the best weather in the park. Long days and sunshine await you during the summer. The wildflowers are in full bloom, and it’s a great time for anyone looking for a summer adventure. However, the crowds can be insane, especially Downtown and at Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, and Lake Moraine.

Shoulder Season (May, September-October)

The shoulder season months are still a wonderful time to visit Banff National Park. May is still winter, and there is still snow on the ground. The glacier lakes will be frozen, but the summer crowds have not appeared, making it a great time to visit Banff.

If chasing the fall and seeing the yellow larches are your thing, you’ll want to visit for Banff in the fall in September and October. After Labor Day, the crowds start to fizzle out as the kiddies return to school and summer vacations are over. However, larch season, which starts around the third week of September brings plenty of people in. Hiking is still great, as the winter gods haven’t dumped snow yet.

Low Season (November, March, April) 

These are generally cold, cloudy, and what some may call “miserable” months. Unless, of course, you like the winter, snowboarding and skiing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and don’t mind a bit of mixed weather. What is the best part about this time of year? There are fewer tourists, lower prices, and plenty of snow!

Download AllTrails

If you plan to do any hiking, download AllTrails first. Alltrails gives you the latest review of a hike and all the logistical information you may need. If you pay for AllTrails Pro, you can also download offline trail maps to your phone. We use AllTrails for most hikes, and although it’s far from perfect, it gives you some ideas about the trail based on recent hiker reviews.

Consider Renting a Car

Being in North America, your options for transport are limited, though Banff is surprisingly well-connected! Most visitors to Banff will rent a car in Calgary as this is the easiest way to get around. Renting a car in Banff ensures that you can get to where you want to go on your own schedule.

Depending on your travel season, car rentals in Calgary can be quite affordable. During the shoulder season and off season you can often get great deals on rental cars if you book far enough in advance. Though these deals are few and far between in the summer months, and booking in advance is imperative.

In the winter, it’s best to get a car with winter tires, so make sure to specify with your car rental agency as they don’t automatically come on vehicles. If you do decide to drive from Alberta into BC, these winter tires are mandatory! You can see road conditions here , which are super helpful between November and late April.

Other Transport Options

You may not feel comfortable driving in Canada, and that’s okay! There are other options to get to and from Banff and around the town. However, they are limited, so keep that in mind. To get from YYC to Banff, the Banff Airporter is a good option and costs $152 (CAD) round trip.

Once in Banff, there is the Roam bus system to get around town. It also runs to popular sites like Lake Louise and easily gets you to Lake Louise Ski Resort and Banff Sunshine Ski Resort. If you’re booking a private or group tour, most tour operators offer pick up and drop off at your hotel in Banff or Canmore. If you plan on visiting without a vehicle, we’ve put together this car-free itinerary for Banff .

Dress for the Mountains

If I had a dollar for every time I saw a visitor wearing poor mountain clothes, I would have, like, $500. Come to Banff dressed for mountain weather. Here’s my Banff packing list, but in short, that means packable down jackets even in the summer.

The weather here can change at a moment’s notice, and you don’t want to be underdressed. It’s essential to pack layers and HIKING FOOTWEAR . Yes, hiking boots or hiking shoes. If you plan to go hiking while visiting Banff, please do not show up in Converse shoes. In the winter, microspikes are also glorious on hikes and are a pretty inexpensive investment.

This Banff Itinerary is Just a Starter

This Banff itinerary by no means covers everything you can do in Banff. Heck, we have been exploring these mountains for years and always find new activities to get up to!

That being said, this entire website is packed with things you can do in the region, so we encourage you to click around to get more ideas! Some popular items not mentioned but definitely worth doing (or returning for another trip) are:

• Biking or driving the Bow Valley Parkway
• Waiting for the train at Morant’s Curve
• Having a picnic at Cascade Ponds
• Venturing into Kootenay National Park for the Day
• Taking in the views from the Lake Louise Gondola
• Riding the Norquay Chairlift and have lunch at the Cliffhouse Bistro
• Biking the Legacy Trail
• Going for a Horseback Ride

Get a National Park Pass

All visitors to Banff National Park need a Parks Canada pass to recreate. The Parks Canada pass covers all national parks in Canada. This includes Jasper, Yoho, Glacier, and Kootenay National Park. Note that the Parks Canada Pass does not cover recreation in Kananaskis Provincial Park.

Parks Canada Day Pass Rates

Parks canada discovery pass fees (yearly pass), our favorite banff hotels.

Luxury – Banff Springs Hotel

Mid Range – Baker Creek Lodge

Budget – Rundlestone Lodge

Recommended Tours

• Banff Gondola Tour : The most popular thing to do in Banff!
• Banff Hop on Hop Off Bus : See multiple sights on your own timeline, without having to worry about driving.
• Banff Ghost Walking Tour : If you want to hear a few spooky stories from the Rockies, this is a great tour.
• Ice Explorer Glacier Tour & Glacier Skywalk : Combine the two most popular things to do at Athabasca Glacier.
• Jasper Food Tour : Eat your way around Jasper!
• Moraine Lake and Lake Louise Sightseeing Tour : Don’t worry about getting yourself to the lakes on this hands off tour from Banff.
• Moraine Lake Sunrise Tour : If you want to see Moraine Lake in all her glory, prepare to wake up early and tackle the day.
• eBike and Hike to Johnston Canyon : A great way to get active on the Bow Valley Parkway and see Johnston Canyon.
• Banff Food Tour: Eat the Castle : For the foodies.

This is by no means all you can do in the Canadian Rockies, but it is a Banff itinerary guide to help you get started with planning your own customized trip. If you have any other questions leave a comment or see our Canadian Rockies travel guide for more articles about photography spots, lakes, hikes, and everything else.

↓ Ask Your Questions ↓

The  Banff Blog Private Facebook Group  is your headquarters for Canadian Rockies travel advice and information, including hike and off-season travel information. You can also meet new adventure buddies.

Plan Your Trip to the Canadian Rockies

• Recommended Experiences: There are many things to do in the Rockies, but our top recommendations include the Banff Gondola and a cruise on Lake Minnewanka (here’s a combo tour with both !). If you want a stress-free way to get to Moraine Lake, we highly recommend looking into Moraine Lake Bus Company . For a full day tour, we can’t recommend Radventures Best of Banff Tour enough!
• Hotels in the Rockies: There are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to wilderness cabins. See all our favorites here .
• Get Hiking : If hiking we highly recommend you download offline maps with AllTrails+ to always know your location, preview trails to plan ahead, and find trails that fit your schedule. Get wrong-turn alerts and advanced trail conditions to enjoy your hike with less stress and more preparation.
• Get Around : We suggest renting a car to get around. You can search for rental cars on Rentalcars.com . For a campervan trip, you can check prices and compare on Outdoorsy .
• Cheaper Airfare: We also use Going for airfare deals and travel credit cards to earn points on purchases. Those credit card points can be redeemed for free flights and hotels! Want to earn $1,000 toward your next trip? There’s an awesome travel card that has a new limited-time offer that will get you access to just that. The Capital One Venture X has no foreign transaction fees. To keep up to date with insane credit card welcome offers like this, we highly recommend signing up for the Daily Drop Newsletter .

Natasha calls Canmore, Alberta home. After traveling across seven continents and 90 countries with Cameron, she settled down in the stunning Canadian Rockies. She is a winter enthusiast and loves to snowboard, ice skate, and nordic ski and enjoy all the fantastic summer opportunities in Banff like hiking, scrambling, and biking. Learn more on the about us page!

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Great blog. Very helpful. Just FYI – we left Canmore at 3:10 am on Wednesday, July 20th and got to Moraine Lake lot at 4:20am. Lot was full. Was told it’s been like that every day so you may want to amend your comment above about arriving by 6am.

Thanks – this year has been worse than previous years unfortunately, which is why we try to direct those to our 2022 updating parking schedule in the post! We recommend trying to take the shuttle if possible! Though we are aware you will miss sunrise.

Hey guys, This is awesome info and I took most of the idea for my upcoming Sept 2024 itinerary from your blog. Any suggestions on sunrise/sunset spots in Jasper, Banff (other than Louise & Moraine) and Yoho. We are planning 2 nights in Field/Golden, 2 nights in Jasper and 3 nights in Banff area. Once again, thanks a lot this wonderful blog.

Hello! Maybe this page will help you https://thebanffblog.com/banff-photography/ Enjoy your trip!

This info is great! my children bought my husband and I 3 nights stay at Peaks Hotel at Banff Park Lodge. I planned to extend the trip longer. He does not want to go because he cannot walk very far due to an injury. Do you have any recommendations for visiting with limited walking ( ~ 100 yards on level surfaces)?

Is a walking aid an option? Banff is pretty good at being accessible, but it is still an outdoor destination and being able to move around makes the trip a lot more enjoyable. You can still visit Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, Peyto Lake, take a scenic lake cruise on Lake Minnewanka, and hop on the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain.

This looks great! Planning to do 3 days in Jasper and 3 in Banff! Hopefully squeeze Yoho in there as well!

That’s a great week planned – I’m hoping to publish an itinerary the includes all three parks soon!

Similar Posts

12 Alternatives to the Parks Canada Shuttles (to Moraine Lake & Lake Louise)

60+ BEST Things To Do In Banff

Visiting Banff in September? Here’s ALL You Need to Know (2024)

23 BEAUTIFUL Stops on the Icefields Parkway

25 of Our FAVORITE Banff Restaurants To Try

How to Get From Banff to Moraine Lake

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The COMPLETE Guide to Visiting Banff

Disclaimer: this page may contain affiliate links. please review our full terms and conditions for more information and our privacy policy. note that any pricing, operating hours, or other such information provided below may have changed since initial publication..

Road Trip Alberta’s

Complete guide to visiting banff.

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Banff National Park is a region of Alberta that barely needs an introduction. It’s a world-renowned and well-loved place, often earning top awards like  Best of the World  by National Geographic Traveller and  Traveler’s Choice  by AFAR. There are so many incredible things to see and do in Banff that it deserves every accolade.

As Albertans, this is an area we visit often and know well, and we all count ourselves blessed to have Banff National Park on our doorstep. It’s easy to get lost in the sea of information online about Banff, so we have made it easy for you with this ebook. If you are soon to visit, this is THE guide to set you up for an excellent time.

Take the guesswork out of your trip to Banff National Park

For one low price, you’ll find local travel advice that you won’t find anywhere else.

Included in this ebook:

• Details about the top sights and activities around Banff National Park.
• Recommended accommodations that address varying budgets.
• A curated list of where to eat and drink.
• Details on festivals, guided tours, and essential “need to know” info for your trip.
• Our advice on when to visit and tips on what to pack.
• Direct links to booking pages, to enable easy planning.
• A custom Google map you can launch on your phone to lead you around the area.

Get the guide!

But wait! There’s more…

Choose any THREE (of eight available) guides and pay only $35 in total . That’s a savings of $7, or 17%.

Add three to your cart and the discount will be applied at checkout.

Go to this page to see them all!

By Cindy on 2024-03-27 at 15:31

I have downloaded and printed all three ebooks. Our trip is in June and I have just started getting flights, rooms, rental cars, etc. I read through Banff last night and from what I have read these ebooks will be very helpful especially this being our first trip to Banff & Jasper area.

22 of 46 people found this review helpful.

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Travel reviews

• Worth the detour

Look around you: with its backdrop of mountains, glaciers, forests, rivers and alpine meadows, you will quickly understand why Banff is considered a "must-see" destination to add to any Canadian Rockies road trip .

The Town of Banff

Highway 1A (Banff to Lake Louise)

Along the way to Lake Louise you have a good chance of seeing wildlife beside the road, such as black bears, elk and grizzly bears. For the best chance of sightings, try to travel early in the morning or at the end of the day , when the animals come closer to the road to feed.

Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon, one of the most popular day hikes in Banff National Park, is 30 minutes from the Town of Banff. Its easily accessible location close to Highway 1A, as well as the beauty of Johnston Creek and its waterfalls, makes it a choice destination for visitors and hiking enthusiasts. You will be able to appreciate the power of the water as it rushes and plunges through the canyon. This 2.2-km round-trip hike to the lower falls is considered easy (elevation gain of 30 metres) and takes about 1 hour (round trip).

Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Pay a visit to this fascinating site with more than 13,000 years of history, where you will have the chance to walk through a magnificent underground cave and admire its natural beauty. Experience nature, culture and history and learn about the origins of the region's hot springs. You can even dip your hands in the steamy mineral waters.

The site offers free discovery tours led by naturalist guides (daily at 1:30 pm). You can also take a guided lantern tour after dark (Saturday nights from June to September).

Open daily from mid-May to mid-October from 9:30 am to 5 pm and 11 am to 5 pm the rest of the year.

Gondola to Sulphur Mountain

Open daily from 9 am to 8:30 pm from mid-April to mid-May, 8 am to 9:30 pm from mid-May to late June and 8 am to 10:30 pm from late June to early September. Reduced schedule in low season.

Hiking on Sulphur Mountain

Distance (round-trip): 11 km Time (round-trip): 4 hours Level: Difficult Elevation gain: 655 m

Hiking enthusiasts may prefer to take the 5.5-kilometre trail (one way) with an elevation gain of 655 metres (a 4 hour round trip). The trail starts from Upper Hot Springs, 1 Mountain Avenue, Banff.

Upper Hot Springs

Open Friday-Tuesday from 10 am to 6 pm. Hours may vary. Visit the website for more information.

Where to eat

• $ Inexpensive
• $$ Moderate
• $$$ Upscale
• $$$$ Fine dining

Wild Flour Banff’s Artisan Bakery Café ($-$$)

This bustling bakery is a favourite gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. Open for breakfast and lunch, it offers excellent value for money. Customers come for the artisan bread, freshly-baked pastries and organic, local, healthy, and nourishing food. For breakfast, try the breakfast frittata sandwich or the housemade granola with a great cup of coffee. At lunch, a tantalizing array of fresh soups, salads and sandwiches will make your mouth water.

Open daily from 7 am to 4 pm.

The Bear Street Tavern ($$-$$$)

The Bear Street Tavern may not offer the best service, but it certainly has the best pizza in town. Also serves soups, salads and sandwiches: there's something for everyone!

Open daily from 11:30 am.

The Juniper Bistro ($$$)

The Juniper Hotel restaurant has one of the best views in Banff. Ask for a table near a window or on the patio for the best possible vistas. The menu offers handcrafted cuisine prepared with fresh local ingredients and features smoked duck breast, beef, lamb and fish dishes. Vegetarian and gluten-free options at every meal. Ranked one of the Top 100 Best Restaurants in Canada by Open Table.

Open Monday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 am to noon / 5 pm to 9 pm, Tuesday-Wednesday from 8:30 am to noon, Saturday-Sunday from 8 am to 2 pm / 5 pm to 9 pm.

Eden ($$$$)

Located within Rimrock Resort Hotel, Eden is one of only five 5-diamond restaurants in Canada. Enjoy one of Banff's finest dining experiences featuring delicately crafted French cuisine influenced by fresh local ingredients. Expect to spend 3 hours over dinner. Reservations required.

Open daily from June-October, 6 pm to 9:30 pm and October-May, Wednesday-Sunday from 6 pm to 9 pm.

*** Hours may vary ***

Where to sleep .

• Irwin's Mountain Inn
• Caribou Lodge & Spa
• Mount Royal Hotel
• Fairmont Banff Springs

Festivals calendar

Banff yoga festival.

Dates: late May

Three-day wellness festival with more than 90 yoga workshops for every level and the best yoga instructors in the Bow Valley. Happiness guaranteed!

  Craft Beer Festival

Dates: early December

Alberta craft beer festival showcasing more than 40 breweries from across the province. Held at the Cave and Basin Historic Site.

When to visit

• Very Favourable
• Unfavourable

Beautiful but (too) touristy

(Translated by Google) It's very pretty but really touristy. It's hard to park and get around. There are many shops and tourists in the streets (end of June). If you are looking for calm, run away!

Exceptional

Larger station.

(Translated by Google) Lots of people, very very touristy but nice, good restaurants, all amenities

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Banff Itinerary: A 3-Day Travel Guide for 2024

If there’s anything Canada is famous for – after absurdly friendly people and maple syrup – it’s got to be its stunning nature and landscapes. Banff National Park is perhaps the most famous showcase of the country’s natural beauty, considering it hosts more than 4 million visitors every year.

And let me tell you, when you visit Banff in the high season – it shows! If you’re planning to visit Banff, but only have a couple of days, you can use this comprehensive Banff itinerary for 3 days to plan your trip!

Read on for a guide to visiting Banff National Park in 3 days including maps, points of interest, tips for beating the crowds, a short packing list, things to do in Banff, the best time to visit Banff, and as always – tons of excellent photography locations in Banff National Park!

All of my favorite places are denoted in the headline with a ★ so you know which places you absolutely should not miss on your Banff road trip itinerary!

Before you go to Banff National Park

You don’t need to overplan your trip, but there are a couple of things you’ll want to make sure are all squared away before you go to Banff National Park:

Duration – 3 days Dates visited – August 27-29

Where to stay in Banff

Depending on where you stay in and around Banff, you can spend wildly different amounts on accommodation. The most important thing to do, is to BOOK IN ADVANCE , especially if you are planning to visit during Summer!

One of my colleagues booked more than seven months in advance and found most of Banff was already booked out. If you haven’t booked accommodation yet, head over to my post dedicated to where to stay in Banff for details on how to pick accommodation in Banff.

Otherwise, here are a couple of options to consider:

• Banff town – Right in the thick of things, staying in Banff will save you about 40 minutes of travel each day compared to Canmore. Tons of excellent dining, though on the pricier side both for food and accommodation. Check out Banff Ptarmigan Inn , which strikes a good balance between having those mountain lodge vibes and being affordable by Banff standards. Click here to check hotel availability in Banff for the dates of your visit.
• Canmore, Alberta – This is where we stayed! Located less than 20 minutes from Banff, but has a bigger selection (being a slightly bigger town). It’s less expensive, has less competitive parking, and more selection. Specifically, we stayed at this resort in Canmore , and enjoyed having a suite with a full kitchen. It’s also really family-friendly with an indoor swimming pool with a slide for the kids, and several nice restaurants within walking distance. Click here to check availability in Canmore for hotels during the dates of your visit.
• Lake Louise – Easily the most stunning place to stay, if you’ve got the budget for it! Wake up every morning with lake views (and enjoy that sweet priority parking). Without a doubt, the Fairmont Chataeu Lake Louise is easily the most coveted place to stay near Banff . Definitely the place I would stay if I were loaded with money (or just enjoying a special occassion like a birthday or anniversary!). Click here to see other hotels in Lake Louise for the dates of your visit.

Looking for hotels in Banff is not for the faint of heart. Learn where to stay in Banff, the pros and cons of different locations, what to look for in accommodation in Banff, tips for doing it on a budget.

Should you rent a car in Banff?

If possible, I recommend renting a car with 4-wheel drive . It will give you an unparalleled amount of flexibility to customize this itinerary to your own needs and interests! The roads are very well-paved but depending on what you plan to do, you might want to add gravel protection to your insurance. That said, there are loads of tours running in and around Banff in case renting a car isn’t feasible for you.

Our favorite place to rent cars is DiscoverCars.com . We’ve used them in almost every country we’ve visited with no issues.

Fun and affordable Banff activities

There are three main activities mentioned in this itinerary : two right near Banff and one along the Icefields Parkway. Here’s a handy list with my own reviews in case you are currently on the hunt for activities in and around Banff!

And without further ado…here is the full 3-day Banff itinerary .

You can take the Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain at sunset for these amazing views 😄

Banff Itinerary for 3 days

Day 1: banff and surroundings, day 2: icefields parkway, day 3: lake louise, moraine lake, bow valley parkway.

Today is all about getting to know the area directly around the town of Banff and the town itself. We’ll start early in the morning on the Lake Minnewanka Loop and pop by ultra-reflective Two Jack Lake before continuing on to our Minnewanka Lake Cruise on the largest lake in Banff National Park. After that we’ll go for an early lunch in Banff before taking a look at Bow River on our way to the Mount Norquay Viewpoint and then the Vermillion Lakes . Our last stop before dinner is Johnston Canyon , and after dinner we’ll take the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain to watch sunset.

Two Jack Lake ★

Arrive at Two Jack Lake early in the morning for the stillest water and the best reflections. Two Jack is connected to Lake Minnewanka, yet has its own small-lake vibes. If you’re keen to have breakfast outdoors, Two Jack Lake has a number of picnic spots for you to enjoy the early hours with a coffee in your hand.

Two Jack gets a lot less attention than its big sister Minnewanka, so in the morning you’ll have the place mostly to yourself. So long as you take the longer branch of the Lake Minnewanka Loop you’ll have an easy time stopping here on your way to your boat cruise.

Lake Minnewanka ★

I originally booked a cruise on Lake Minnewanka after reading an itinerary where the author considered it the highlight of her trip! Especially since I was traveling with my parents and my boyfriend, we thought it would be a good way to kick off the trip. We learned about the history of the lake, both in terms of the original inhabitants and the explorers of Europe, got to taste some pine tea and locally-made sourdough bread. Our guide was ultra friendly and took time to answer questions in addition to telling lots of stories about the lake.

I even saw a bald eagle fly over the boat! It’s also possible to see other animals like wolves or bears, but of course when it comes to nature, it’s all about getting lucky 😄

My own takeaway from the trip was that it’s a great way to experience Banff’s largest lake and get some context about the park before starting our 3-day experience.

Note: There is only one company that offers cruises on Lake Minnewanka, called Brewster with the parent company Pursuit. You’ll see that they offer lots of different tours throughout Banff, and also operate the Banff Gondola. In general our experiences with them were positive!

We chose the 1.5 hour extended cruise. It was something like $10 more per person but 50% longer so we thought it seemed like a great deal. Furthermore, our cruise had just a few people on it whereas the classic cruise was totally packed, even when we arrived 15 minutes early.

Here are the different types of Lake Minnewanka cruises:

• 10AM – 1.5 hour extended cruise
• 12PM – Childrens cruise
• 5PM – Beer cruise

If you have the time, you can also do a hike to Stuart Canyon from Lake Minnewanka. Ultimately we opted against it because we wanted to go for an early lunch in Banff so we’d have plenty of time to do things afterwards before our dinner reservation at Park Distillery .

Banff town ★

The town of Banff is the epicenter of this part of the national park. It’s become famous on instagram for its mountain views right from the main street, Banff Avenue. The main challenge we faced when visiting Banff was parking our massive truck, but we eventually got lucky with the row of parking right on Bow River .

Besides being the home of plenty of great restaurants (with high prices to match), you can buy all the Banff sweaters and leaf-shaped maple syrup bottles your heart desires in Banff. It’s also the starting point for a lot of day tours, and therefore a convenient place to stay if you aren’t self-driving Banff National Park.

Bow River and Bow Falls

You can take the scenic route around Banff and you’ll find both the river and the waterfall right in the heart of town. One of the common things you’ll be thinking about on this trip is how incredible the color of the water is. That’s because the Bow River is fed by the Bow Glacier, which imparts its amazing color.

Mount Norquay Viewpoint

After lunch, you can do a short drive up Mount Norquay, a popular spot for skiing around Banff. There’s an obvious turnout and viewpoint that’ll give you a view over Banff and across to Tunnel Mountain, Mount Rundle, and Sulphur Mountain. We also got lucky enough to spot a whole herd of mountain sheep!

This lookout point has a large plain of grass in case you prefer to prepare yourself a picnic and eat in the grass and enjoy the view.

Vermillion Lakes

Next are the Vermillion Lakes, which we found surprisingly unpopulated despite the close proximity to the town of Banff. There are two main ways you can see the Vermillion Lakes: either from the lookout point connected to the highway or by driving along a road that winds along parallel to the lakes and the highway at the lake level. Ideally you take the time for both!

What makes the Vermillion Lakes special is the view of Mount Rundle, the distinctive jagged mountain in the distance. In the morning or winter when the water is still, you can see a clear reflection of the mountain in the lakes.

Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon is probably one of the most popular sites on today’s itinerary, given that the “hiking trail” is totally paved and easy to access for families. That means the first part of the trail through the canyon is going to have quite a lot of people, especially in the Summer.

There are three points of interest at different distances: the lower falls, the upper falls, and the ink pots. We only made it to the lower falls and honestly found it a little bit underwhelming – there was a queue to see the waterfall from inside a cave and the view was not much different than seeing it from the outside.

That said, the upper falls are where you’ll find the instagram-famous version of Johnston Canyon, so if you’re on the hunt for photos definitely do the extra trek to get there! It’s not that much longer in total.

Banff Gondola / Sulphur Mountain

After dinner, you can head up the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain to watch the sunset over Banff town and its surroundings. If the clouds behave you can end up with a really spectacular sunset, and what’s better – if you buy gondola tickets after 5PM you get a small discount!

When we went there was a “Sunset Festival” happening at the top of Sulphur Mountain, though the performer was not that great so I wouldn’t necessarily recommend spending your whole evening up here. And indeed, after the sun had thoroughly set, most people were queueing up to head back down to town.

Icefields Parkway is considered one of the most scenic road trips you can do in the entire world . The whole time you’ve got mountains on either side, glaciers cropping up in the distance, and even wildlife easily spotted from the road. This epic stretch of road connects Banff National Park with Jasper National Park to the north. While you’d ideally spend at least two days driving the Icefields Parkway, it’s doable in a single day.

Our strategy was to focus on stops on the side of the road with the best sunlight during that time of day in order to snap the best photos. For the most part we focused on driving up north quickly, and only start to make stops after hitting the half-way point.

That means on the way up we stopped at Bow Lake , Big Bend Lookout , Panther Falls , Athabasca Glacier , Sunwapta Falls , Athabasca Falls , and fueling up in Jasper .

On the way back to Canmore, we stopped at Saskatchewan River Crossing , Tangle Falls , Peyto Lake , and Herbert Lake .

We woke up around 6AM in order to leave by 7:30AM for a long day of driving. If you want to take more sunrise photos, you’ll probably need to get up earlier in the Summer. Make sure you have plenty of gas in your car , the only place to gas up before you get to Jasper is the Saskatchewan River Crossing which is more expensive than getting gas beforehand. You should also be aware that these services are not available in the Winter, so be prepared!

Our first stop in the morning is Bow Lake , which is probably the most famous for its ultra-reflective water. It also has a fabulous color in the sunlight thanks to the adjoining glacier. This lake is pretty massive and it’s very easy to walk down to the shore for some up-close photos.

Big Bend / Cirrus Mountain Lookout

After Bow Lake we’ll drive for a while and try to make some progress along the Icefields Parkway. Make sure that once you transfer from the Trans Canada Highway that you change onto the 93, which is the Icefields Parkway that leads to Jasper. There’ll be a checkpoint for your park pass, and you can also get a map with some points of interest along the parkway.

The next stop we’ll make is at a big curve in the road, called Big Bend (named after a nearby mountain). If you stop at the lookout point on top, there’s a great view over the road and you can even see a waterfall trickling down the side of the mountain.

This is where Banff and Jasper National Parks meet, so be prepared that you’ll soon be entering a new national park (and that you have your park pass in order 😉).

Panther Falls

Shortly after the Big Bend lookout point, you’ll see another turnout where you can stop. From here it’s possible to do a short (but slightly trecherous) hike to Panther Falls . This spot isn’t on any of the maps, probably because there isn’t much infrastructure around it and you can walk right up to the cliffs. Obviously – don’t do that, the drop is steep and leads directly to the bottom of the waterfall. If you’re careful you can catch a glimpse of a very special and hidden waterfall.

Note: Access to these falls is a little dangerous so please be careful!

Athabasca Glacier ★

Icefields Parkway gets its name for the enormous Columbia Icefield that rests on top of the mountain range. It’s the largest accumulation of ice south of the Arctic Circle! The glaciers we see are just “toes” of that larger icefield, and the Athabasca Glacier is one of the largest. You can get close to a certain point, enough for some really nice pictures!

But if you want to actually get onto the glacier and see it up close, you can take a tour by the same company that runs the Minnewanka Lake Cruise and the Banff Gondola:

• Athabasca Glacier Tour and Glacier Skywalk – This tour lets you drive right up on the glacier in a special vehicle! Taking a tour like this is the only way to safely get on the glacier yourself. It lasts for 3 hours, and has really flexible times: you just show up at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discover Center and you can join any of the tours that depart every 15-30 minutes.
• Columbia Icefields, Glacier Skywalk, and Lake Louise tour – If you’re open for a full-day tour, this one combines a number of highlights from the Icefields Parkway into a single trip: Lake Louise (easily Banff’s most famous lake), Peyto Lake, and two glaciers – one of which you’ll explore on foot the same way as the other tour, on an Ice Explorer! This tour has overwhelmingly positive reviews on TripAdvisor.

Sunwapta Falls ★

You can choose to visit Sunwapta Falls either on your way up the Parkway or back down, but we opted to do it on the way up in order to get the falls in good lighting. Here you can see that a good part of the falls was already in shade when we arrived a little after noon.

After shooting some photos, we stopped at a picnic spot for lunch. There are really not a lot of places to eat out here, though you could theoretically eat lunch at the Saskatchewan River Crossing on the way up if you’re running a bit late or a bit early. Otherwise, we made it up to Jasper and there are plenty of options there.

Athabasca Falls

Athabasca Falls are the highest volume waterfalls in Jasper National Park, and super powerful! While I didn’t find them as picturesque as Sunwapta Falls, they were still worth the stop. There’s a lot of infrastructure that allows you to see the falls from different angles.

Jasper pitstop

After reaching Athabasca Falls, you’re only about 20 kilometers away from Jasper. You don’t need to come all the way up if you’d rather save time, but it’s a useful place to get gas and stock up on snacks. Probably the most famous sight in Jasper is Maligne Lake , which can only be reached through a road from Jasper that doesn’t connect back directly to the Icefields Parkway. We didn’t have time for this stop, but you might if you start reaaaaaaally early 😉

Saskatchewan River Crossing

You can get out here and see the spot where trappers and fur traders used to cross on their way into British Columbia. Again you’ll spot some more glaciers, and this is an opportune stop partway back to your home base along the Icefields Parkway.

Tangle Falls

Tangle Falls is right along the road, and if you drive too fast you’re likely to miss it. Unlike a lot of waterfalls, Tangle Falls is a place where you’re allowed to climb on the rocks around the waterfall. The map we got at the beginning of the parkway warned us to be on the lookout for sheep!

Peyto Lake ★

This lake is the highlight of the day, and we were lucky we got to visit it because the maps we received from the park service said it was closed for rennovation! Luckily we decided to check it out anyways, and after a short 15-20m hike for 2km on a paved path, you emerge with a high-level view of Peyto Lake! Peyto Lake is probably most famous for being shaped like the head of a wolf.

This lake is like a less frequented sister to the two lakes we’re visiting tomorrow: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. It has the same famous turquoise water. You can take a 2.8km hike to a higher viewpoint to get away from the crowds. We visited during Golden Hour and the crowds were certainly managable.

Herbert Lake

The last place we stopped on the way back from our Icefields Parkway drive was Herbert Lake, which is best known for its reflections in the water. On a day without wind, the lake acts like a perfect mirror for the trees and mountains above. Herbert Lake also has a number of spots for day camping if you want a spot to chill out and picnic.

This itinerary is all about saving the best for last. And today we’re going to two of the most famous lakes in the entire Banff region: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake . Read on for lots of tips on exactly how to reach these lakes, which are typically the most popular with tourists. After our lake adventures we’ll also stop by Castle Junction where you can get a great view of Castle Mountain before you continue along Bow Valley Parkway during Golden Hour. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife in the numerous meadows and forests along the way!

Lake Louise ★

When I was reading up on TripAdvisor exactly how I could reach Lake Louise, there were a number of people who said Lake Louise is the most beautiful places they’ve ever been. While I’ll admit it was gorgeous, I’m not sure I’d rank it that high – but you have to think, when you’re on the shores of Lake Louise, that it is a very, very special place.

And this special place attracts crowds. That said, I found the reviews on TripAdvisor to be completely overdramatic with the number of crowds (I was not, however, visiting Lake Louise on a weekend!). There are crowds but I thought that Parks Canada did a good job managing them and that the bus system was pretty well organized.

Read on for tips on how to reach Lake Louise and how it works.

How to reach Lake Louise

In essence you have five main options:

• Wake up before dawn and try to get a spot in the Lake Louise parking lot. Usually full of cars by 6:30AM.
• Take the free bus from the “overflow parking” to Lake Louise town and hike ~1h to the lake. Departs every 45 minutes.
• Pay $2 per person for a round trip directly to Lake Louise from the “overflow parking” lot. Departs every 15 minutes starting at 9am and has variable waiting times for the bus.
• Stay at the Fairmont Chataeu Lake Louise and wake up to a view of Lake Louise
• Take a tour to Lake Louise directly (this tour also includes many other beautiful stops).

We eventually took Option 3 as were traveling with my parents who weren’t so keen on waking up at 3AM to go to the lake. I can’t blame them 😂 In total our wait for the bus was probably around 45 minutes and the whole system seemed pretty organized. They send busses every 15 minutes and it helps control how many people are at the lake. We also found the lake a bit crowded but still totally mangable around 11AM on a Thursday in August.

At Lake Louise you can directly buy a ticket for the bus to Moraine Lake. That one costs $6 per person and you need to pick a time in advance when you want to go to the lake. We opted to spend 3 hours at Lake Louise for photos and eating lunch. One thing we missed in the area was a 3-hour round-trip hike to Lake Agnes , which we’d love to do on a return trip.

Moraine Lake ★

Moraine Lake, like Lake Louise, has limited parking that tends to fill up fast. When it’s full that means they close the parking lot altogether as people tend to spend a lot of time here. If you want to snag the famous photo of Moraine Lake with the sun on the tips of the mountains, you’re going to need to wake up damn early to get it!

Be sure to climb the Rockpile for the best photos of Moraine Lake at any time of day. When the sun is out, the lake becomes the most unbelievable turquoise color. Yes, it is a good or better than the photos! But you can really tell a difference between when the sun is out or when it’s cloudy.

Get this photo by climbing to the top of the Rockpile. There are quite a lot of stairs and you’ll be climbing over some rocks so wear sturdy shoes!

From Moraine Lake you can take the bus back to your car at the overflow parking. The return trip is included in the $6 ticket you bought at Lake Louise.

Castle Mountain ★

From Lake Louise, you’ll want to connect at Castle Junction. You might need to go slightly north to make sure you don’t miss this exact junction. As you cross at Castle Junction on your way to Bow Valley Parkway, stop before the bridge over Bow River and go through the wildlife gate (be sure to close it behind you) up to the river. From there you can take photos of Castle Mountain surrounded by water!

Castle Mountain looks best at sunset when it’s illuminated by the setting sun. This photo was taken in the morning.

Bow Valley Parkway

Bow Valley Parkway is a small highway that runs parallel to the Trans Canada Highway. You can take it at a slower pace – if you want to return to Johnston Canyon, you can do that along this stretch. Otherwise, be on the lookout for animals! This is a popular spot for animals to walk through, whether they are wolves or moose or other critters 😉

More beautiful places in Banff beyond this itinerary

It’s obviously impossible to see every bit of Banff and Jasper National Parks in just three days. I wanted to be sure to mention some of the places that we wanted to visit but didn’t find the time, either because it was a longer hike, we ran out of time, or we passed it on the road.

• Lake Agnes – A 6.8km hike from Lake Louise.
• Emerald Lake (Yoho) – Another popular turquoise color lake with a picturesque lakehouse on its shores.
• Takakkaw Falls (Yoho) – The second tallest waterfall in Canada!
• Morant’s Curve – Famous spot to catch a photo of the Candian railway in action, located on the northern part of the Bow Valley Parkway.
• Maligne Lake and Spirit Island (Jasper) – Only accessible from Jasper from a road that doesn’t connect back directly to the Icefields Parkway. On my list to return to!
• Mistata Canyon – An easy stop on the Icefields Parkway, which we passed.
• Parker’s Ridge – This is a longer hike.
• Wilcox Pass – This is a longer hike.

Banff Packing List

What exactly you need to pack for Banff is going to depend on what kind of trip you’re planning to have. Obviously if you’ll be doing a lot of hiking, you’ll need appropriate clothing for that. But here are some of the main things I wouldn’t leave at home for this trip:

• Buy your park pass – Be sure to check whether a Parks Canada annual pass is more cost-effective for you. It gives you 12-months of unlimited entrance to over 80 different parks. Realize you will probably go to several parks during your stay in Banff, such as Banff itself, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, and potentially others.
• Carry bear spray – In Banff and the surrounding national parks, you’re expected to hike in groups of at least 4 people and always be carrying bear spray . If you’re driving to Canada, you ARE allowed to bring bear spray over the border (which is what we did). Otherwise, you should buy it once you’re in Canada because bear spray is not allowed to be in checked luggage.
• Bring hiking boots – Even some sights are close to the road yet require some hiking on unpaved paths. I stupidly only brought tennis shoes and I regretted it!
• Pack warm layers (even in Summer!) – The temperature variation in Banff can be pretty extreme, with cold mornings and evenings as well as hot mid-day sun suitable for shorts. Wear layers you can remove as the day warms up and put back on as it cools down. A wind layer will also come in handy for those mountain tops!
• Get an offline-friendly travel guide – Much of Banff National Park does NOT have cellular reception at all! You won’t be able to reliably use your data plan in the national park. If you want to check on-the-fly whether a stop or a hike is worthwhile, you are going to need an offline-friendly travel guide. See my recommendation below.

Recommended travel guide – I found this awesome Banff National Park guidebook extremely useful for planning our trip. It has great sample itineraries, color photos, hiking guides, tips for where to see wildlife, as well as information on Jasper and Glacier National Parks in addition to Banff itself. Again, this is really helpful when traveling somewhere without any cell reception.

Best time to visit Banff

Banff is a popular destination to visit year round, with the Summer months popular for the great weather and the winter months popular for winter sports such as skiing. Since Banff receives heavy snowfall, there are a lot of roads or hikes that are not accessible in Winter. That said, you can capture some really amazing photos in the wintertime that you can’t capture for the rest of the year. August begins so-called “Berry season” where the buffalo berry is ripe and the bears eat a quarter million berries daily to start fattening up for winter. Obviously in the Winter you probably wouldn’t see bears, since they are hibernating 😉

We went in late August and found that the weather was great and the days were still long, with sunset around 8:45PM. The crowds were apparent but still managable in the week before the school holiday. September starts to see crowds tapering off, and October is the month where many services start to close for winter. May and June mark the beginning of the tourism season.

Do you want to visit Banff National Park?

Let me know in the comments which of these beautiful locations you’d love to see the most, or if I missed your favorit spot!

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About the author

Hi there! I'm Monica, an American expat living in Germany for over six years and using every opportunity to explore the world from my homebase in Berlin. My goal is to capture my memories in photos and posts that show how easy it is to start from scratch and travel the world by working abroad.

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Banff National Park visitor guide, 2023-2024. : R64-573/2023E-PDF

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Banff National Park of Canada Maps & Guides

Banff National Park of Canada offers visitors amazing experiences through a robust line of free maps, vacations guides, brochures, and a monthly newsletter. These tourism guides are available for immediate download. Our Banff National Park of Canada Maps are up to date and easy to download.

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To plan your trip, visit the the official Plan Your Trip to Banff National Park page. You will find detailed descriptions of each park as well as maps, driving directions, and other helpful information.

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Banff National Park Guide and Map

Are you planning a trip to Banff? Use this complete guide to help organize an amazing vacation. In addition to things to do and places to eat, at the bottom of this guide, you will find a free printable map of Banff National Park. Some of the things we will cover here include:

Moraine Lake

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The airport closest to Banff is YYC – Calgary. I know many of you guys who read my blog are traveling from NYC. Unfortunately, as of this post, there are NO direct flights from JFK or Laguardia to YYC. Which is, I admit a huge pain. The most efficient way to fly to Banff from NYC is through Toronto. The two flights are actually fast, but because of connections, you’ll probably take 8 or more hours to get here. You can, however, fly from Newark to YYC direct. The flight is about 4 hours.

Once you land in YYC, you’ll need to drive about 2 hours to get to the border of the National Park. The drive is really not bad and the traffic is light.

If you are driving in the summer, book a car in advance . The prices are high in peak season , and I paid close to $600 USD for a small rental (8 days). Gas is inexpensive, and you do not need a four-wheel drive to explore Banff.

If you are not driving, pick from several public transport options. The Brewster Express takes you from the airport straight to Banff Town. The Banff Airporter does the same route and can be a little bit cheaper. Finally, the public On It Transit is the cheapest option but you’ll need to get to center Calgary to hop on this bus.

There are many ways to get around Banff National Park – let’s take a look at the four most popular options.

The first, and the most flexible is to rent a car . Although this is the most expensive option, it gives you easy access to less popular areas – such as Takakkaw Falls and Jasper National Park. Alternatively, look at renting a camper van . This is a very popular option in Banff and gives you both accommodations and transportation in one shot.

The second way to get around Banff is via Roam Public Transport . This one is both budget and environmentally friendly. Roam covers many of the most popular locations – Lake Louise, Johnson Canyon and Banff Town local. Multi-day passes are available. Roam does not cover Jasper National Park and other less popular locations.

The third option to get around Banff is to take day trips via tour companies. These are great for individuals with limited mobility and to access areas aren’t available by public transport. Check out Viator for all the different tours in the area. Most will pick you up in Banff town.

The fourth, and most adventurous is hitchhiking. Although generally safe, Canada is a big country so this one is a “go at your own risk.” I picked up a few hitchhikers, and they told me they usually have to wait twenty or more minutes for a pickup. This could be a good option to combine with public transit for younger travelers.

This was quite a head-scratcher for me while doing research. Many of the best camping sites (like Lake Louise) book out a year in advance. In Jasper too, only a few options are available, and they were all booked. The easiest place to find accommodations in Banff Town. However, Banff town is located at the southern entry point to the park – and far from many major attractions . Still, the drive is easy and traffic is low, so for most people, Banff Town is a good base .

Although I was booking months in advance, it took me over a day to find accommodations in Banff. Everything was booked! So you can imagine my surprise when I actually got in and saw almost every hotel with a “Vacancy” sign lit up. Why? Your answer is as good as mine. Perhaps they expect people to book by calling the hotel directly? I am not sure. But if you don’t find accommodations on major sites, try calling. First, check out the following sites to find hotels :

• TripAdvisor.com
• Travelocity.com

If you are renting an RV , try to book out camping sites a year in advance. The Banff National Park website is a good place to start.

Moraine Lake at sunrise is easily one of the most famous scenes in Banff National Park. Framed by pines and surrounded by mountains, the lake is a stunning sight and a must-visit in Banff. A must-visit for you – and everyone else who comes to Banff. Today, many people believe that the days of isolated beauty at Moraine lake are long gone. No matter how early you get up, you’ll be surrounded by throngs of other tourists right? Well, the answer is yes – and no. Keep reading.

On the one hand, Moraine Lake is far too crowded. To get a parking spot you should get here by five am on the weekend and six on a weekday. When I took this shot, I was surrounded by close to several hundred people. On the other hand, most people do not actually spend much time enjoying the lake’s true beauty. Many people park, run out of their car, snap a few shots from this very spot and leave. Why? I honestly have no idea.

However, instead of cutting your trip short after a few snapshots, why not enjoy Moraine Lakeshore Trail. On this easy, flat hike you’ll walk the entire length of the lake over to the glacier waterfall that fills Moraine. And if you start right after sunrise you are almost guaranteed to see only a few “adventurous” souls.

Banff Travel Tip:

Midday is the worst time to go to almost any popular attraction. Parking is virtually nonexistent and crowds are enormous. Instead, tour the most popular sights early in the morning (before nine) and in the evening (after five). Leave the middle of the day for long hikes such as the Ink Pots, Big Beehive and Stanley Glacier.

The 254 meters (833 foot) Takakkaw Falls aren’t actually located in Banff. If you take a close look at the map of Banff National Park, you’ll see that these falls are located in the nearby Yoho National Park. However, Banff and Yoho’s proximity means that the falls are easily accessible from Banff.

Although few people actually make it out here, the falls are an impressive sight. The closer you get, the windier than conditions . Eventually, you’ll feel as though the wind is about to lift you off your feet. But that’s not all – the powerful waterfall envelopes you in rain. And consequently, it becomes almost impossible to take a good picture from up close. Walking towards the falls can feel a little like walking into a hurricane. A fantastic experience, but one that requires a rain jacket and a steady step.

The views of the stunning Peyto Lake are easy to access. Located just off the Icefield Parkway, it’s only a ten-minute walk from the lot to the Bow Summit viewpoint. This is the highest point of the Icefield Parkway (6,840 feet) and the view is impressive.

However, in my opinion, most people who visit Peyto are missing the best part. Yes – you can opt for the “almost the parking lot” Bow Summit viewpoint and take a few snapshots. Or, you can set out on the easy to moderate Timberline Trail. Along the way, you’ll find interpretive signs that help you learn more about the area. But most importantly, you can explore the mountain practically on your own if you chose the hike. Views accessible to few others are only part of the reward.

Update : Bow Summit and access to Timberline Trail will close to visitors mid-August 2019. They are scheduled to reopen in the Spring of 2020.

Johnson Canyon is often described as the “worst kept secret in Banff.” Once you get here you’ll see why. Stunning but also crowded, the canyon is worth a visit. But pick your time wisely. When I got here, about 9 am on Saturday cars had parked for miles on the road outside of the canyon. I decided to risk it and approached the lot – to my surprise several spots were still available. Inside, however, the place was packed. The lines to see the lower and upper falls extended for about 45 minutes each.

In the Canyon, you’ll find two easy hikes. The first, the hike to Lower Falls, is 1.2 km each way and almost entirely flat. The paths are well maintained and the dangerous spots are protected with a guardrail. After the lower falls hike, continue to the second, Upper Falls hike. This additional 1.3 km and offers a bit more elevation. Both are safe and easy. Try to come here on a weekday before 9 or after 5 for the least crowded experience. If you are looking for a bit of a challenge, from the Upper Falls proceed to the Ink Pots hike.

You can start the moderate Ink Pots Trail in Johnson Canyon. Whereas Johnson Canyon is packed with people in the summer, the Ink Pots is secluded enough to require bear spray. I hiked here on a long weekend and one of the busiest weekends of the year. While I did see other tourists, it was far from crowded.

An alternative way to get to the trail is by parking in Moose Meadows. Here you’ll miss the Johnson Canyon waterfalls – but you’ll also miss the big crowds. The waterfalls are worth seeing though, so I would advise parking at the Johnston Canyon instead.

The Ink Pots trail is 5.7 km each way and takes a few hours to complete. The elevation is only 330 meters but feels like more due to the hilly nature of the trail. The “five ink pots” or pools of water, fill from an underground reserve. The pools are all different colors, from light aquamarine to dark blue. If you watch carefully you can see the air bubbling beneath as more water fills the reserve.

The stunning Lake Louise is another get-here-early attraction. The parking lot usually fills up by 6 am on weekdays and 5 on weekends. You can take a shuttle from the nearby Lake Louise village, but the trip will add an hour to your commute. But for the early birds, the wake-up call is absolutely worth it. Unlike lake Moraine, the first viewpoint of Lake Louise wasn’t super crowded. I greeted the sunrise with only a few dozen people at the lookout.

Also See: Lake Louise and the Big Beehive Hike (A Complete Guide)

If, on the other hand, you are not an early morning person, the lot empties out again in the afternoon. Locals say after seven in the evening is the best time to get here.

After sunrise, continue on one of several hikes around the lake. One popular moderate to advanced hike is to the Big Beehive, a lookout point over the lake. As you start to trek up, first pass by the tiny Mirror Lake. Next, you find yourself at the bigger Lake Agnes. At Agnes, you’ll even found a mountainside teahouse – although it was a bit too crowded for my taste. Then, onwards to the Big or the Small Beehive where Lake Louise’s true milky color is most apparent. The entire journey is a little over 5 kilometers each way.

Although the Stanley Glacier is technically located in Kootenay National Park, this hike is easy to access from Baff. I came here on a busy holiday, while Banff was overwhelmed with throngs of tourists. At Kootenay, on the other hand, parking was plentiful and the trail so isolated, I was grateful for my bear spray. Altogether, the Stanley Glacier hike is a great experience, especially on a weekend.

Also See: Stanley Glacier in Kootenay National Park

This moderate to advanced hike is done in two stages. The first is the groomed trail – 5.5 km, 395 elevations. Mostly forested and shaded, this is doable by young hikers with good balance. Most people stop at the end of the groomed trail which finishes far from the glacier. The second stage is advanced but far more interesting. On the second stage, you can scramble to a giant waterfall, to caves and finally to the glacier. Coming down is a bit tough – so a walking stick is helpful, although I did the entire hike without sticks.

Banff Gondola , located only a few minutes from downtown Banff can get very busy. In fact, the first time I came out here was mid-day. I saw cars parked miles down the road and the ticket line that stretched for close to an hour. The second time I came was at sunset. Then, I found blissfully simple parking. Additionally, I found no ticket lines in the evening – and even a discount for afternoon rides. Needless to say, I recommend you come here after 6 pm.

Also See: Banff Gondola, The Complete Guide

The experience itself is far more than a traditional Gondola ride. In addition to multiple viewpoints, you’ll find a mini-museum dedicated to the area. Moreover, a bar and a restaurant welcome you to the top of the mountain. And some evenings, you can even enjoy a musical performance with views to die for – and a barbecue.

But the most impressive experience at Banff Gondola is no doubt the wooden walkway. Walk this kilometer-long path from the gondola stop to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Particularly beautiful at sunset, this uncrowded attraction is a must-visit. But only when the time is right. For discounted tickets check out Viator .

The company that runs the Banff Gondola offers “ The Ultimate Explorer Pass .” This group ticket gets you into four attractions (I cover them all in the article). The attractions are: the Banff Gondola, Columbia Skywalk, Columbia Icefields and Lake Minnewaska Cruise . This could be a good deal – but only if you plan on going to them all. Alternatively, check Viator for other discounts. You can also buy the pass in person at the counter.

You’ll find the peaceful Lake Minnewanka only fifteen minutes by car from Banff Township. This little gem remains uncrowded even later in the day but is most charming in the early morning. From here you can take a one-hour kid-friendly cruise (included in the Ultimate Explorer pass). Alternatively, explore the lakes and its easy trails by foot. On the lake, you’ll even find deck chairs where you can just relax and take in the sights. Boat rentals are available here as well. The flat Stewart Canyon trail starts here and is 3 km roundtrip.

If you have four people or more with you, you can continue past the Stewart Canyon trail to the Aylmer Pass. A little over 11 km each way, four people and bear spray are required for this trail. Both grizzly and brown bear are very common here.

On the border of Banff and Jasper National Park, you’ll find stunning Mistaya Canyon . The canyon parking lot is located right on the Icefields Parkway. From here, a short walk takes you to the bridge that leads to the canyon. The canyon is entirely unfenced and a “go at your own risk” facility. If you are brave (and have a good sense of balance) hang out on a rock close to rushing water. Alternatively, observe the canyon from a safe distance and solid ground. The water here is fast – you won’t have much time to react if you slip. The signs ask the hikers to stay on the bridge and solid round. Few follow the instructions, however, and most people prefer to hang out on the rocks.

Also See: Mistaya Canyon, The Complete Guide

Bow Falls is a small waterfall close to the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel . This attraction is both accessible and family-friendly. The best way to get here is to walk from downtown Banff. Because Bow Falls are small and easy to access, I suggest a visit here on a rest day.

Also See: Bow Falls Hiking Trails

The Bow Falls river is cold enough to be covered with ice for at least six months of the year. But in short Albertan’s summers, the river is thick with glacier water. In August, the falls are an impressive display although they are only 30 feet tall.

The best way to see the falls is to stroll along the Bow Falls Trail. This easy hike runs parallel to the river. Although you’ll need to walk a few stairs, much of the trail is flat. Additionally, you can explore parts of the Bow Falls trail by bike. It takes about 20 minutes to finish the entire trail, which stops by Bow River Bridge.

I actually ended up not visiting this attraction. I was super excited about the relaxing experience and saving it for the last day. After all, a natural 39-degree celsius pool is a great way to restore after so many days hiking , right? Well, it looks like I wasn’t the only one with the bright idea. Although I came in the evening and parking was plentiful, there was barely any space left in the pool. At a cost of only 8 Canadian its a great bargain. But only if you don’t mind sharing the facilities with a hundred strangers. Perhaps another time, like early in the morning would be better. I did wait around a bit to see if people were leaving but the crowds only seemed to get thicker. This is an attraction you can probably skip in the summer. I think the shoulder season would be a better time to visit here.

From the town of Banff drive north for a little over an hour and you’ll hit the beautiful Jasper National Park. Gone is the straight highway of Banff, in its stead, the open, winding road greets you in Jasper. Keep your eyes peeled – you are likely to see many animals right by the highway.

There are so many treasures to explore at Jasper. From the Athabasca Glacier to Maligne Canyon – the possibilities are endless. Unlike Banff, Jasper is rich in lookout points and that makes the drive even more exciting.

Some people split their time between Jasper and Banff. If you wish to stay in Jasper and explore it more, Jasper Township is a good place to stay. Similar to Banff, its a charming, walkable town and offers a variety of hotel and food options. However, since I only had one week I decided to stay in and explore Banff, but take a day trip to Jasper.

The Columbia Icefields in Jasper National Park is the largest ice field in the Rocky Mountains. From the Columbia Icefields visitors center, you can visit the Athabasca glacier in several ways.

The first is to walk or drive across the street. Here, the glacier is accessible via a flat road. Although caution tape is supposed to stop unaccompanied visitors from getting too close to the glaciers , few seem discouraged. The second way to access the glacier is by booking a glacier tour. You can book the tour at the information desk at the center. You do not need advanced reservations, although you may need to wait for a spot. The third is by booking a tour of the Icefields Skywalk. The skywalk is a specially constructed observation deck with a glass floor. It is fixed to a side of a cliff and from here you can see the ice fields. The Skywalk even swings in the wind! The advantage of the Skywalk is that you do not need special equipment. Additionally, the Skywalk does not have physical ability requirements.

If you want to do both the Skywalk and the glacier tour, the Ultimate explorer pass may be a good deal. Alternatively, check Viator for more discounts.

Places to Eat in Banff

I must confess, a lot of my meals in Banff involved energy bars . The drives are long, getting to key attraction early is well… key. So food was sort of secondary on this trip. I brought a box of energy bars from home , and they were ideal both for early drives and hiking snacks. Of course, I also had a water bottle , which I was often able to refill from a glacier. Glacier water and a power bar are actually way more delicious than it sounds. I would definitely suggest you bring the same with you. But yes, I ate some real food too – and some of it was awesome. Here are my favorites.

Elk & Oarsman

Banff township boasts many bars with good food and Elk & Oarsman is well known for their frugal but delicious specials. The Tuesday night’s steak sandwich is a generously portioned, good steak, accompanied by a fresh salad and yummy fries. For 11 dollars Canadian its also a hell of a deal.

Block Kitchen & Bar

For a town located nowhere near the sea, Banff is strangely obsessed with seafood. Almost every well-known restaurant offers seafood specials. I opted for the Poke Salmon Bowl at Block Kitchen. It was ridiculously fresh and delicious. How did they do that? I have no idea. But it was an amazing light lunch.

Earl’s Restaurant

Remember how I said Banff is irrationally obsessed with seafood even though its nowhere near the sea? Well, Earl’s is well known for traditional clam chowder and healthy bar food. Of course, they also offer a range of traditional options including burgers. But I have to say that clam chowder really was top notch. Pretty much as good as anything you’ll find in New England. Oh and their “traditional margarita” which is actually a mango margarita is a good happy hour special at only 6 bucks Canadian.

Banff National Park FAQs

What is the banff national park entry fee.

One day admission to a national park is a little under ten dollars. However, if you plan on spending more a week here, you’ll likely need an annual pass. With the “Discovery Pass,” you’ll get access to all the parks in Canada for a year. An annual pass for one person is 67 Candian dollars. For groups of 2 to 7 people, the cost is 136 Canadian Dollars. As you traverse the park you’ll find an occasional spot check of the pass. If you do not have one, the fine is very expensive. You can purchase the pass in many ranger stations and as you enter the park. And keep in mind, that children 17 and under are admitted free in all the national parks .

What is the closest airport to Banff National Park?

The closest airport to Banff is YYC, which stands for Calgary International Airport. From Calgary, it takes about two hours to actually get to Banff by car or bus.

What are the must-do attractions in Banff National Park?

This really depends on who you ask, but most people would say the followings are a must-do: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Johnston Canyon, and Banff Gondola.

When is the best time to visit Banff National Park?

The park is open year-round, but many trails do close in the colder months. Exploring the park in the winter has its own charms. However, most people visit Banff in the summer. The most popular months to visit Banff (and the warmest) are July and August. The shoulder season in Banff is May and June and September through October.

Do I really need Bear Spray and where do I get it?

Bear spray is like auto insurance. Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but you should have it. I didn’t have to use mine. You can purchase bear spray in many shops in Banff and in some ranger stations. Of course, after purchase, open your bottle and figure out how to use it. I’ve seen people sell unused bear spray still wrapped in plastic. Naturally, if it’s still wrapped in plastic it’s probably not useful in case of a bear attack. A bear can kill you in under four seconds – that’s definitely not enough time to unwrap a bottle.

Keep in mind that some trails are a minimum of four persons, even if you do have bear spray. For me, this meant I had to skip a few hikes. But if you chose to enter one of these trails on your own, the fine is more than $25,000. More importantly, this action can result in your own death – and the death of an animal.

What’s the Weather like in Banff?

The answer to that question is “yes.” There will be the weather, and chances are pretty good you’ll get to experience at least 3 seasons in one day. The better answer to that question is “prepare for anything.” Although I got very lucky with the weather, I still was grateful for my good rain jacket, a warm fleece sweatshirt, fleece layers. A pair of hiking sneakers is an absolute necessity.

My Banff Packing List:

• Rain Jacket
• Fleece Sweatshirt
• Water-Resistant Base Layers
• Gloves (perfect for early mornings)
• Hiking Socks
• Water-resistant hiking pants
• Water Bottle (you haven’t lived until you drank glacier water)
• Water-resistant hiking sneakers

I hope you have enjoyed this guide to Banff National Park and found it useful. If you have read this far, I have a favor to ask. Please leave a comment or a question – these are helpful to search engines. They also make me feel all warm and fuzzy. Thanks again for reading, and see you guys on the road, and on the mountain.

Viktoria aka Traveltipster

13 Responses

Came across this post in researching for our planned trip to Banff in June 2024. I can tell the post is about 5 years old but hopefully most of the information is still good. Please advise if you have a more recent version or updates. Enjoyed the descriptions and photos.

Brilliant, well written and helpful, we’re coming over in a couple of days

Thank you so much Dave! I hope you enjoy Banff and Jasper!

Great article! There is so much helpful information here! It’s so important to leave the must-see spots for early morning or in the evening and even avoid driving if you can. If you show up mid-day and expect to find parking, you’re going to have a bad time. We took the early bus to Lake Louise, then just went for a day hike when the place got busy. We didn’t do Moraine Lake during the day – the parking lot is always full and the shuttle line is chaotic – instead, we came back at 8pm after dinner and there was plenty of parking. We watched the sun set from the rock pile where you took your photo and there was only a handful of people there. Just magical!

PS – heads up that it’s actually Lake Minnewanka, not Minnewaska 😉

Thank you so much Dale! It sounds like you had a good plan. And thank you for the correction – I just googled it, it looks like there is a lake Minnewaska but its nowhere close to Banff lol. I appreciate the heads up!

Great post! I just returned from Banff and wish I knew about this post beforehand. Agree with everything you said. Also, there’s a shuttle bus option from Lake Louise to Moraine Lake for $6/person as it took us 3 attempts before making it in to Moraine Lake.

Love your pictures, tips, and maps!

I also have an IG and have Travel Tip Tuesdays, check it out when you get a chance. Nancysw0rld

Oh wow I didn’t realize it was that bad with the shuttle. Will check out your IG, thanks Nancy! 🙂

Leaving in 2 weeks to explore Banff National Park. Thanks so very much for all the helpful hints. We stay in Canmore (with a group of 9 it was just a better deal) and will have to drive into the park. I feel like the best way to see all the busy spots is in the late afternoon/ evening. Plan on doing hiking in more remote area’s on the weekend (Labor Day weekend is for sure crazy).

Hi Marlies! Yes, that makes a lot of sense with a larger group. Enjoy the trip! And yes, check out some of the more remote hikes on Labor day, should be pretty busy 🙂

Thanks for the tips!! We look forward to checking it out in 9 days!!

It is my pleasure 🙂 Enjoy Banff! It’s an incredible place!

Great job on this write-up, Viktoria! I hope to visit this area in the next few years.

Thank you so much Julia! I look forward to seeing your pics from Banff!

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The Perfect Banff Itinerary: 3 and 5 Days (2024)

Having a Banff itinerary is a big help to time visitors, because there is so much incredible beauty and things to do in the park.

There are over 600 km (over 1,000 miles) of hiking trails in Banff National Park, hundreds of glaciers, over 100 mountain peaks, and dozens of turquoise-blue lakes.

It’s no wonder that Banff National Park is a UNSECO World Heritage Site, and easily one of the most visited places in Canada.

Being Canadian and having made several trips to Banff over the years- I’ve crafted a Banff Itinerary with 3 and 5 day options that can be done with or without a car.

Having a car is helpful in Banff, but you don’t need one. In fact, these days, it’s become increasingly hard to park at attractions in Banff because of the volume of tourists during the warm months.

So, you’ll be able to choose which of these itinerary options suits your preferences best. Whether you’ll be in Banff for 3 days or 5, with a car or without, this itinerary will allow you to experience the best of Banff.

What You Need to Know About this Banff Itinerary

✅   It can be done with or without a car (I will provide options for getting to the attractions via public transit or driving.)

✅   It can be used year-round, but it is more focused on the months between spring and fall.

✅   It’s suitable for all ages. I specialize in family travel, and my husband and I have brought both seniors and children in Banff. There will be options for add-ons for those that are looking for a little extra adventure.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have a car in Banff, I recommend grabbing a 3-day pass for the ROAM Transit.

Banff 3 Day Itinerary

I recommend staying over the night before and waking up in Banff for the ‘first day’ of the itinerary

Day 1 in Banff

Day 1 will be spent exploring the activities in downtown Banff.

1. Head to the Banff Gondola

The Banff Gondola should be at the top of your priority list near the town of Banff. It takes you to the top of Sulphur mountain, which is right in the heart of the rockies and gives you incredible panoramic views of other mountain peaks.

Your options for getting to the Banff Gondola from downtown Banff are:

• Drive, if you have a vehicle with you. (Its a 10 minute drive from downtown Banff.)
• Take the ROAM Public Transit Route 1 . (It costs $2 per person to get to the gondola one way. Free for kids under 12 or if you have a pass).

You can buy your ticket for the Banff gondola upon arrival, but I recommend grabbing tickets in advance just to save time.

At the top of the Sulphur Mountain, there’s a viewing platform, restaurant called Sky Bistro that looks out onto the rockies, and gift shop. Give yourself 1-2 hours for the whole Banff Gondola experience. (More, if you want to eat at the Sky Bistro.)

If you decide to eat at the Sky Bistro, reservations would be needed in advance since its very popular. Reservations can be made on their website.

If you prefer, you could save the Banff Gondola until the end of the day (as its open until 9pm.) This would allow you to see the views at sunset, and eat dinner at Sky Bistro during the dinner hour.

2. Walk down the main street of Banff

The main street of Banff is called Banff Avenue .

There are a lot of great stores, as well as art galleries and museums. It’s a great place to look for a Canadian souvenir or gift, or simply window-shop.

One of my favourites art galleries in Banff is the All in the Wild Photography Studio . I’d recommend popping in to look at amazing photographs of Canadian photography.

Restaurants in Banff tend to be open until 9-10pm. Be sure to make reservations if you’re eating at popular times around the dinner hour, especially if you’re visiting in July or August.

Some of the restaurants in Banff I’d recommend (for tonight, or during your whole stay) are The Bison Restaurant , Pacini Banff, Farm and Fire or Coyotes Southwestern Grill if you appreciate fresh ingredients.

There’s fast-food options like A&W, and chains like The Keg. Most of the restaurants are on Banff Avenue, and the majority are on the south end of the street.

Just be sure to make reservations if you’re staying at any of the popular, sit-down places.

3. (Optional) walk along the Bow River Trail

Depending on how early your first day in Banff starts, then you may have time for a third activity on the first day.

If this is the case, I recommend walking along the Bow River Trail, which is within walking distance of downtown. There is a small waterfall along the trail called Bow River Falls.

From downtown Banff, it’s about 1.6 km (0.9 miles) to where the Bow River Falls are. The path is mostly flat, but there are some stairs at the end as you get closer to the falls.

To make the walk to the falls shorter, you could drive to Cascade of Time Garden and park near there. From there, its only a 15 minute walk to the falls. Here is a map of the walk to the falls from downtown.

At the end of your first day in Banff, grab dinner (if you haven’t had it yet) and head back to your accommodation to rest up for tomorrow.

Day 2 in Banff

On day 2, we’re going to hit two of the most iconic, famous sights in Banff – Moraine Lake and Lake Louise.

I recommend using public transit or taking a tour for today, because the parking situation at both of these famous attractions has become near impossible.

If you’re visiting Banff in summer , the parking lot at Lake Louise will fill up before sunrise, and parking at Moraine Lake has been completely closed to personal vehicles since 2023.

Visiting via public transit options or tours (I’ll provide two different options) is the more relaxing way to visit these two lakes, but you can modify the plans for today to drive to Lake Louise if you prefer.

1. Moraine Lake and Lake Louise

Moraine Lake and Lake Louise are both glacier fed lakes with tall snow-tipped mountain peaks, and turquoise waters. They are two of the most beautiful sights in Canada.

The two lakes are located about 11.5 km (7.1 miles) from each other – about a 10 minute drive. But, they are a 30-40 minute drive from downtown Banff.

I would recommend using the shuttle service or booking this private tour to see these two famous lakes today.

If the tour isn’t available or if you’re in Banff with kids under the age of 12, then I recommend booking the shuttle service.

Here are your options for the shuttle service:

• Option 1: Shuttles to Moraine Lake with a 1-hour stop at Lake Louise Lakeshore en route to Moraine Lake. These are great for most visitors who just want to see the lake.
• Option 2: Make two separate shuttle bookings; one ‘Direct to Moraine Lake’ and another ‘Direct to Lake Louise’ on the same day. These are best for visitors who wants to hike or otherwise spend more than an hour at each lake.

If you book the shuttle service, select the “Moraine Lake with 1 hour stop at Lake Louise” option. I recommend selecting one of the early morning times.

Important note: Travellers must be 12 years old for the tour I recommended above, but the Moraine Lake and Lake Louise shuttle bus accommodates all ages. If you’re in Banff with a toddler or baby, then you must bring a child safety seat for them on the shuttle.

Visits at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours.

If you simply want to take in the views and get photos, then you only need up to 30 minutes.

You need more time than that if you want to do activities like canoeing, and walk on some of the trails.

2. Back to Banff

Regardless of which Moraine Lake and Lake Louise tour you took, you will probably arrive back in Banff by late afternoon or early evening.

After dinner, I recommend heading to the “Banff” sign to get the mandatory tourist photo. It’s about a 10 minute walk, or a 3-minute drive from downtown Banff.

If you still have some energy left after dinner and the Banff sign, then you have a few options:

• Walk along the Bow River Trail if you didn’t have a chance to yesterday. I recommend taking the trail east along the riverfront to the Bow River Falls (approximately 1.6 km or 0.9 miles), which is about a 20 minute walk from downtown Banff
• Head to the Cascade of Time Garden , which is on the other side of the river from the town (about a 3 minute drive or 10 minute walk from downtown.) It’s a beautiful, blooming garden in the summer months and a lit up winter wonderland in the cold months.
• Head to the Banff Upper Hot Springs , which makes a great way to unwind after a busy day. It’s popular, so I wouldn’t expect total tranquility but it’s a thermal hot tub overlooking the rockies. Tickets can be bought on-site.

Afterwards, head back to your accommodation and rest up for a busy 3rd day in Banff tomorrow.

Day 3 in Banff

Today will be a busy day. You will need:

• Good walking shoes
• Dress for the weather (be sure to include layers that you can put on or take off)
• Bug spray (spring through fall)

1. Head to Johnston Canyon

Right after breakfast, you’re going to head to the Johnston Canyon which is 20 minute drive from the town of Banff. It’s the most popular scenic trail in Banff, so I recommend getting there as early as possible.

You have two options for getting there:

• Drive , which takes 20 minutes. If you’re visiting in high season, leave as early as possible. The parking lot is large, but it does fill up in the morning.
• Take the Roam Transit route 9 , which runs daily from mid-May until October and during weekends only the rest of the year.

The Johnston Canyon is a winding trail through a canyon ridge. There are two trail options (one is very easy, and the other is moderate.)

They both lead to a different waterfall – the Upper Falls, or the Lower Falls.

You have two different trails to choose from, depending on how long you want to hike for. They are:

• Upper Falls Trail – 5 km (3.8 mile) takes 2-3 hours roundtrip
• Lower Falls Trail – 2.2 km (1.36 miles) takes about 1 hour roundtrip

Since your time in Banff is short, you may want to choose Lower Falls (pictured below) so that you have more flexibility for your last afternoon in Banff.

Both waterfalls are beautiful; the Upper Falls are taller but further way from the viewing platform. The Lower Falls allow you to get closer which some visitors appreciate more.

2. Do your chosen hike

Whatever hike you choose at the Johnston Canyon will not disappoint. The views are incredibly rare-looking, and unusual on both trails.

Since the canyon ridges are quite tall, its a shaded hike, but you should still plan to be ‘outside’ the whole time as there isn’t really any shelter.

3. Back to Banff and/or Lunch

If you took the Roam Bus to Johnston Canyon, then you’ll have to make your way back to Banff. I recommend doing that as soon as possible and grabbing lunch in Banff.

If you drove to the Johnston Canyon, then there’s no need to return to Banff. You can head straight to the next activity from the Johnston Canyon, but you’ll probably want to have something to eat first.

If you drive from Johnston Canyon to Lake Minnewanka, you’ll be passing through Banff, so you could grab something there.

Another option is to eat near the Johnston Canyon.

Lunch near the Johnston Canyon

Near the Johnston Canyon is the Blackswift Lodge, which is said to have the “Best coffee in Banff National Park”. It’s open during the summer only.

They have three different options for getting food:

• The Blackswift Bistro (the sit-down meal option)
• The Market Café
• The Shack, which is an outdoor wooden snack shack that sells grab and go items in the summer

4. Your choice between three options

After your hike at the Johnson Canyon, you’re going to head to one of the three activities.

• Lake Minnewanka -a gorgeous glacier-fed lake among mountains
• Back to Banff village -to see some things you had not seen before.
• Yoho National Park -another national park in the rockies, located in British Columbia, 45 minutes from Banff

Your choice between these three will depend on the weather, your energy levels, and whether or not you have a car.

I would recommend choosing one of the first two options, since they are apart of Banff. You should only choose Yoho National Park if:

• You have a car (there are no public transit options to Yoho National Park, and personal vehicle is the only way to get there from Banff)
• You already saw Lake Minnewanka (if you did the Moraine Lake + Lake Louise tour yesterday, then you will have already seen it.)

If you choose Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka is a gorgeous glacier-fed lake just 20 minute drive from the town of Banff.

It’s very popular, and the parking lot is often full in summer. If you’re visiting in summer, I would time your visit so that you arrive later in the afternoon as that is when a lot of people are leaving.

If you’re visiting during other seasons (winter, spring or fall) then it shouldn’t be too difficult to find parking.

Ultimately, you have three options for getting to Lake Minnewanka (besides driving directly from Johnston Canyon which you’d do if you have a car with you):

• Bike (you can rent a bike from downtown Banff, and it would take about an hour and a half
• Take Roam Route 6 from downtown Banff (about a 25 minute ride)

If you’re visiting sometime between May and October, then I highly recommend doing a Lake Minnewanka boat cruise , which is 1 hour. Cruises can be booked through Viator or through the company website.

They recommend showing up 2 hours before your cruise time in order to guarantee a parking spot and have time to explore the area before your cruise. This is especially true if you’re visiting during high season.

Other things to do at Lake Minnewanka, besides a cruise:

• Rent your own equipment such as a kayak, paddleboard or motorboat. Rentals are first-come first-served. See prices here .
• Cross country skiing or snowshoeing (winter only)

We spent some time just walking along the trails, taking in views of the lake and we found it so beautiful and relaxing.

If you choose Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park is about a 45 minute drive from the Johnston Canyon. You can leave from Johnston Canyon directly after your hike and/or lunch.

If you’re not driving, you can also book a day tour to see the highlights of Yoho National Park. This tour is 8 hours and shows you all the best sights – Emerald Lake (pictured below), Takakkaw Falls and more.

If you choose to head back to Banff

There’s a lot to do in the town of Banff, which you may not have had time to cover on the first few days.

To sum it up, here are some options of things to do in Banff after the Johnston Canyon hike:

• Cave and Basin National Historic Sight – an underground cave with thermal springs that formed over 10,000 years ago. See visiting info here .
• Museums: Buffalo Nationals Museum, or Banff Park Museum National Historic Sight
• Bow River Falls Trail, or spending time walking up the main street (if you didn’t already)

Banff 5 Day Itinerary

5 days in Banff is enough time to see all the gems in the rockies, and to have time in each place to do some activities. I would recommend 5 days over 3 days in Banff, because 3 days is the bare minimum time you need just to see the highlights.

Days 1 & 2

5 day Banff Itinerary

Days 1 and 2 of your 5-day Banff itinerary can be followed exactly the same as the first two days as the 3-day itinerary above.

Here is a snap shot of how the first two days will go (and feel free to scroll up for more information:)

• Visiting the town of Banff (walk up the main street for window shopping, pop into art galleries and museums, do the Bow River Trail and see the Bow River Falls)
• Visiting Moraine Lake, and Lake Louise
• Take a photo of the “Banff” sign

Even though you have a car in Banff, I recommend using the shuttle service to see Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, especially during high season.

Day 3 is where the 5 day itinerary to Banff looks different from the 3 day, because you have more time to enjoy the attractions rather than having to squeeze two of them into the 3rd day.

Your 3rd day of the 5 day Banff itinerary will be spent at Johnston Canyon. Be sure to wear good walking shoes, bring layers and dress for the weather.

1. Head straight to Johnson Canyon.

The beginning of day 3 will be the same as the beginning of day 3 on the 3-day Banff Itinerary – the difference is going to be the amount of time you have, and what you do after the hike.

Choose between your two Johnston Canyon hikes: Upper Falls Trail (5 km/3.8 miles and takes 2-3 hours) or the Lower Falls Trail (2.2 km/1.36 miles and takes 1 hour roundtrip.)

I did the Upper Falls trail while carrying a 1-year old on my back, and my fitness level was only average. So the Upper Falls is doable as long as you have some fitness ability.

2. Lunch + Afternoon in Banff

After your hike, head back to Banff. Whether you did the 1 hour or 3 hour hike, you’ll have enough time to spend the afternoon in Banff

Head to the Cave Basin National Historic Sight, which is open until 5pm. It’s an x minute drive from Banff, or you can take ROAM transit route 4.

You have two options:

• Visit the cave only
• Get a thermal pass , which also allows you to visit the Banff Upper Hot Springs (which I highly recommend) and is open until 10pm

Visiting the Banff springs is a great way to relax after your hike. The springs have a great view of the rockies.

Pro Tip: You can even time your visit so that you’re in the thermal hot tub overlooking the mountains at sunset.

To buy the thermal pass, head to the Cave and Basin site first and buy the pass in person there (they don’t sell them online.)

Most people spend a couple hours exploring the cave, and then another 30-45 minutes at the Banff Upper Hot Springs. There is a bistro on site and a gift shop at the hot springs, or you could head back to Banff for dinner.

The two locations are a 10 minute drive from each other, but they’re both also on ROAM transit.

After your afternoon at the cave and spa, rest up for your 4th day in Banff.

Day 4 in Banff

5 Day Banff Itinerary

1. Head to Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka is about X from Banff, and there are three ways to get to there from Banff:

• Drive (about 20 minutes)
• Bike – you can rent a bike from Banff Cycle & Sport in downtown Banff, and it would take about an hour and a half to get there

If your visit falls between May and October, then I highly recommend doing a Lake Minnewanka boat cruise , which are 1 hour long. They take you around the lake, and there is live commentary teaching you interesting facts about the area.

Cruises can be booked through Viator or through the company website.

You should arrive at Lake Minnewanka at least 2 hours before your cruise time in order to guarantee a parking spot and have time to explore the area before your cruise. (Especially if you’re visiting during the summer, because the parking lot does fill up.)

Besides doing a boat cruise at Lake Minnewanka, other things to do are:

• Simply walk along the lake, exploring the pristine views. This was my favourite part about visiting Lake Minnewanka
• Go kayaking, paddle-boarding or rent a motorboat. Rentals are arranged on-site at Lake Minnewanka (you cannot reserve in advance.) More info here .
• If you’re visiting in winter, you could do cross country skiing or snowshoeing

Head back to Banff after spending some time in Lake Minnewanka, and grab lunch.

After lunch, head over to the Cascade of Time Garden which is just over the bridge from Banff. (The bridge is pedestrian friendly, but you can drive too.)

I’d recommend walking to the Cascade of Time Garden because it’s only a 10 minute walk from downtown Banff.

The Cascade of Time Garden is beautiful year-round, with flowers blooming in the summer, and lights that illuminate the area in the winter. There are picturesque views of surrounding mountains.

Entrance is free, and you don’t need a lot of time at the garden. In the summer, you may be here for an hour. I would say less time if its a chilly day during other seasons of the year.

Pro Tip: If the weather isn’t great or you don’t fancy the garden for any reason, then there are some great museums in Banff instead. (I recommend Banff National Historic Site, or Buffalo Nations Museum.)

Day 5 in Banff

1. head to yoho national park.

The final day of your 5 days in Banff will be spent exploring a different national park in the Canadian rockies, which is about 82.5 km (51.2 miles) from Banff – Yoho National Park.

Yoho in actually in the province of British Columbia, and like Banff, is pristinely, breathtakingly beautiful.

We drove around, enjoying the various sites. We didn’t really plan ahead, and you don’t need to – it will be self explanatory and well-marked with signs when you arrive.

The key things to get a look at are:

• Emerald Lake (the busiest area in the park, possibly the only place where you may see some crowding, mostly in July and August)
• Kicking Horse River
• Lake O’Hara
• Takakkaw Falls

Another option (whether or not you have a car in Banff) is to book this full day tour in Yoho which brings you to see all the key things that there are to see – Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls and more.

If you do the tour, your Yoho park pass fees are included, but otherwise you can buy them at the gate upon arrival. It’s $11 for adults, and under 17s are free of charge.

2. Evening in Banff

Visiting Yoho National Park will take most of the day, especially when you factor in the time it takes to head there and back from Banff.

Pro Tip: Most restaurants in Banff take online reservations, and I recommend making them especially if you’re visiting in July or August.

Where to Stay in Banff

Here are some of the best places to stay in the town of Banff and the surrounding areas

If you have a car, you have more options on where to stay in the area. Your main options are:

• stay right in the town of Banff
• stay in the town of Canmore which is 15 minutes away.

I chose to stay in Canmore my first time in Banff because it’s a lot cheaper, and a cute town in itself. Since you have a car, this is a viable option.

Overall, here are places I recommend in both Banff and Canmore:

• Budget:   Canmore Inn & Suites  -15 minute drive from Banff, has a swimming pool with waterslide and an on-site restaurant (I stayed here once with kids and we really enjoyed it.)
• Mid-Range:  Brewster Mountain Lodge   Right downtown Banff, has beautiful rooms and offers a hearty breakfast
• Luxury: The Fairmont Banff Springs  is honeymoon-level luxury and just 25 minutes from downtown Banff, surrounded by rockies

Banff Itinerary FAQ

Here are the most commonly asked questions about the amount of time to spend in Banff, and how to get around Banff

How many days in Banff is enough?

To visit Banff, you need a minimum of 3 days and 4 nights. However, I would recommend more time if you want to do activities like canoeing, hiking, skiing, museums, and other outdoor adventure activities. I believe 5 days is optimal in Banff, but 3 days is certainly doable.

Can you do Banff in 3 days?

Yes, it’s possible to do Banff in 3 days. You may not have time for extensive leisurely activities, but 3 days is enough time to see all the highlights in Banff.

Do you need a car in Banff?

A car is helpful in Banff, but you don’t need one to get around Banff. In fact, the parking situation at some of the Banff attractions is so challenging that it’s almost easier to get around Banff using the number of public transit options that are available.

Final Thoughts on this Banff Itinerary

Whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, or simply want to take in the gorgeous views, you’ll find no shortage of things to do in Banff, year-round.

If you have any flexibility in your schedule, I recommend adding on a 4th or 6th day to your Banff itinerary to explore the Icefields parkway. You can do this by car or there are tours that take you there as well. Take a look at our 7 day itinerary of Banff and Jasper.

You could take the Icefields Parkway all the way to Jasper, or simply drive up for a while before heading back to Banff. I missed the Icefields Parkway during my first trip in Banff and deeply regretted it.

Regardless of whether you have 3 days, 5, or more, I am certain that you’ll be in awe of the beauty of Banff and the Canadian rockies, and most definitely will want to visit again.

The Most Scenic 5 Day Banff Itinerary

Banff will never cease to be the most beautiful, humbling, and haunting place I’ve ever laid eyes on. There is no greater joy, no freer feeling, then looking at the mountain rage and the turquoise lakes, and being reminded of how tiny I am, and how incredibly powerful this world is. Banff makes my soul smell like fresh pine and clean water, and I am always, always, always reminded, of what it feels like to be alive. I know that after this 5 day Banff Itinerary, you are sure to fall in love with this place!

The first time I visited Banff, I stayed primarily in Banff National Park—visiting all of the famous lakes, from Moraine to Peyto, kayaking Louise, and driving down the Bow Valley Trail. But the second time around, I was able to explore parts of Yoho and Jasper! Here is an ultimate 5 Day Banff Itinerary for you– including stops in Jasper, Yoho and Canmore!

5 DAY BANFF ITINERARY OVERVIEW

This road trip, like all of my others, is JAM PACKED. You’ll be on the road plenty, but because there are so many scenic overlooks and view points between each major stop, it’ll never feel like you’re in the car for too long.

Day 1 : Fly into YYC, Canmore, Moraine Lake Day 2 : Explore Canmore, Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, Lake Louise Day 3 : Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Icefields Parkway, Jasper National Park Day 4 : Maligne Lake, Spirit Island, Back to Banff Day 5 : Canmore, Kananaskis Please note that this Banff Itinerary also includes stops in Yoho National Park & Jasper National Park. I also have a 3 day Banff Itinerary ONLY for Banff for those who don’t have much time or want to stay solely in this area.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Best Time to Visit:  Banff is honestly remarkable in every season– but there are pro’s and con’s to different times of year. It also boils down to what you personally enjoy! Spring & summer time for me is a must. During the winter, temperatures are too cold for me to handle. The lakes are also frozen and the iconic Moraine Lake is closed off. However, if you like to ski, snowboard, or ice skate/ ice hockey, this is for you!! It also looks like you’re walking through a real life winter wonderland.  Just keep in mind that Banff is ALWAYS busy, at all times of year. But because Banff is all outside, even with huge crowds, there’s always fresh air, and it feels open. Weather:  Banff has one of the longest ski and snowboard seasons in the world — with snow on the mountains up to 8 months of the year. You can expect very mild summers and very cold winters. Summers (in Fahrenheit) averaging 70’s during the day and 40’s at night. Winters are 20’s during the day, and single digits at night.  Getting Around & Transportation: The great thing about Banff, is everything is on Highway One/Ice Fields Parkway, so if you start at the entrance of Banff, you will pretty much hit all of the major stops just by driving down this highway. But keep in mind, Lake Louise is about 2 hours away from Peyto Lake, and Peyto is about two hours from Athabasca Falls—so bring snacks, create an awesome playlist, and have a lot of water with you! Also, I highly advise you to pull over at as many of the the scenic overlooks as possible. If you are meeting friends in Banff, don’t need/want a car rental, or are flying into Calgary Airport, you can take the Banff Airporter Shuttle into Canmore. The shuttle runs every hour or two hours depending on time of day and season, while costing about 75CAD one way. It also runs from Canmore back to the Calgary Airport. Airport : The closest airport to fly into would be Calgary (YYC), and then driving roughly 90 minutes to Banff by car or shuttle. Currency : CAD (Canadian Dollars), most major credit cards widely accepted Languages: English 

Now that we know all of the details, let’s move on with the accommodations! 

HISTORY OF BANFF NATIONAL PARK

Banff’s history stretches back thousands of years when the land was inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Stoney Nakoda, Blackfoot, and Tsuu T’ina nations. These First Nations communities have long held a deep spiritual connection to the land, considering it sacred. In the mid-19th century, Banff’s rich natural beauty captured the imagination of explorers and pioneers. The Canadian government designated it as a reserve, making it Canada’s first national park in 1885. Banff National Park became a symbol of Canada’s commitment to preserving its pristine wilderness.

WHERE TO STAY

It can be a little confusing where to stay in Banff, but here is an overall breakdown of your options

• Inside Banff National Park — most convenient but most expensive. Also the space is very limited, so you’ll have to book it EARLY.
• Town of Banff — still close but not quite inside the park (40 minute drive to Lake Louise), and an ideal location for more food options, shopping, night life, and variety of activities.
• Canmore — close to an hour drive to Lake Louise, BUT a great affordable alternative. There’s also a lot of beauty in Canmore that deserves it’s own time and exploration, too.
• Kananaskis — even further out than Canmore, I would only book here if you’ve been to Banff before and are wanting to venture out further.

I’ve actually stayed in each category of the above, and if you can swing it, I would advise inside Banff National Park. However, here are some of my hotel recommendations below!

HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS

Banff National Park — $$$$- Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise | Moraine Lake Lodge $$$ – Banff Inn | Juniper Hotel & Bistro $$ – Lake Louise Inn Banff Town — $$$ — Moose Hotel & Suites $$ – Mount Royal | Elk + Avenue Hotel Canmore — $$ – Stoneridge Resort $ – Basecamp Resorts Please note that the prices fluctuate a ton during different times of the season. This itinerary will consist of hotel hopping to make the drive significantly easier!

My biggest advice is to just book EARLY — like the second you know you’re going. Banff has blown up in tourism the last 5-10 years that it can be quite challenging to find affordable accommodations depending on the time of year you go. 

If you prefer to stay in airbnbs over hotels, I also compiled a list of the Best Airbnbs in Banff, linked below!

CLICK HERE FOR MY LIST OF BANFF AIRBNBS AND SURROUNDING AREAS CLICK HERE FOR MY LIST OF CANMORE AIRBNBS

WHAT TO EAT

Bison Burger — Bison meat is a must try in Canada, and especially bison burgers Poutine — French fries with cheese curds and smothered in gravy – one of my favorite appetizers  Butter Tarts — Canadian butter tarts are small pastries filled with butter, sugar, syrup and egg, with a semi solid crunchy top Saskatoon Berry Pie — the Saskatoon berry is widely known as the “June berry” in the US Ketchup Chips — ketchup flavored chips!! Another fave and excellent road trip snack Caesar Cocktail — a popular alcoholic beverage made with tomato juice, clam broth, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and vodka! Almost like a Canadian Bloody Mary Tim Horton’s — Tim Hortons is a coffeehouse chain that serves coffee, doughnuts and breakfast fast foods — think of it like a Dunkin! 

WHERE TO EAT

Grizzly House — This spot is a fan favorite— quirky & known for their fondue and exotic meats  Bear Street Tavern — A Banff essential Farm & Fire — located in Banff National Park itself, this is a great and convenient spot if you’re staying in the park Ramen Arashi — for take out only, and PERFECT for after a long day of snowing or hiking. This place will warm your soul!  Fairmont Banff Springs Restaurant — the best views you’ll get of Lake Louise while having lunch. Try to make tea time reservations!  Coyotes Southwestern Grill — great breakfast spot with lots of delicious pressed juices 

DAY 1 of the 5 DAY BANFF ITINERARY

Fly into Calgary (YYC) Drive or take the Banff Airporter to Canmore– Drive Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes | 75 Miles Check into hotel in Canmore Visit Moraine Lake for sunset– Drive Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes | 60 Miles Back to Canmore for dinner + sleep Total Drive Time: 3 Hours, 30 Minutes

Yay! Welcome to Canada! I flew directly into YYC and took the Banff Airporter from the airport to Canmore. My friends, who arrived earlier and already rented a car, picked me up my stop. Once I checked into the hotel, dropped off my belongings, and freshened up, I was ready to hit the road!! We went straight to Moraine Lake to enjoy our first sunset.

MORAINE LAKE

There is no “best time” to visit Moraine Lake, but most people wake up super early to beat the crowds. What ends up happening is EVERYONE collectively wakes up early and it gets insanely crowded right away. Not to mention, tour buses will begin rolling in by 8AM as well. Once the parking lot for Moraine is filled–and it’s relatively small by the way, you’ll be forced to drive to the “flow over” parking lot. From there, you’ll have to wait in line for a shuttle bus to take you over to the lake. Point is, NOT worth it. So, rather than trying to wake up earlier than the early birds, we decided to give the late evening time a chance. The sun doesn’t begin setting until 9-10PM during the summer, and thought maybe people would be eating dinner at this time. 

It was definitely much less busy than the early morning rush, but there were still a LOT of people. So I’m basically concluding that Moraine will always and forever be busy. I do want to note that, you can always find an empty spot to take photos in Moraine, especially on the rocks across the way. Despite how busy it is, Moraine will always be worth it.

Moraine Lake is normally closed during the winter time because the road that leads up to it is fairly narrow and not safe to drive during snowy conditions. One year, we were so lucky that we arrived in Banff the very first snowfall of the year. Moraine was not closed yet and the lake only had a thin layer of ice on it. I believe a couple days after we visited, it was officially closed for the season.

BASE CAMP RESORTS

We decided to stay at Base Camp Resorts in Canmore for the first two days of the trip. They are a new interpretation of traditional mountain dwelling. It’s a perfect stop between Calgary and Banff. Depending on the type of room that you book, certain suites come with kitchenettes, but there’s also a beautiful roof top hot tub where you can relax after a long day of hiking as well.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK BASE CAMP RESORTS

After we got back from Moraine for sunset, we had a quick dinner in Canmore and went to bed early in anticipation of the long few days ahead!

DAY 2 of the 5 DAY BANFF ITINERARY

Canmore: The infamous Canmore Swing Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park | Drive Time: 1 Hour, 20 Minutes | 70 Miles Lake Louise | Drive Time: 30 Minutes | 20 Miles Check into Banff Hotel | Drive Time: 10 minutes to 45 minutes, depending on hotel Total Drive Time: 2.5 Hours

If you have time, swing by the Safeway Grocery store in Canmore to grab some snacks for the road. This itinerary is not hiking intensive so you don’t need a ton of protein packed snacks, but just some yummy ones for the drive. 

CANMORE SWING

Before heading to Banff again, we wanted to check out the famous Canmore Swing! This swing is located in a residential area by an elementary school, so I won’t be disclosing the actual location on this blog out of respect to the residents of Canmore. If you do travel there and want to know exactly where it is, feel free to DM me on Instagram and I’ll be happy to share. I just ask you do the same courtesy to those who ask you in the future! 

EMERALD LAKE

Up next is Emerald Lake, which is probably one of my favorite lakes in the entire world. It is in Yoho National Park, but really just 45 minutes from Lake Louise off the Bow Valley Trail. I HIGHLY recommend visiting this beautiful lake. The yellow Emerald Lake Lodge provides an incredible backdrop, and you can kayak on this lake too. Truthfully, I want to kayak every lake in the area but I do think Emerald Lake would be extra special. If you go in the morning, you will get the most gorgeous reflection of the lake. You can get the reflection any time of day, but if the lake has any kayakers, their ripples will ruin the reflection and stillness.

This is a scenic little road on the way in and out of Emerald Lake Lodge. I especially loved pulling over here because the mountain backdrop is just so beautiful. It’s also a slow road (as you can see, there’s no markings), so just make sure you look both ways, but the traffic here is very quiet, so it’s safe to pull over! 

And here is a look of Emerald Lake completely snow capped during January!! Absolutely insane how this place changes with the seasons!

LAKE LOUISE

Off to the iconic Lake Louise! Kayaking on this beautiful lake is a must, just because the mountains form the most perfect V-shape in the background. Make sure you bring a jacket with you as the weather can be very temperamental, especially as you kayak closer to the mountains.

These two photos were taken in August (left), and July (right) — surprisingly much more cold in July!

The Lake Louise area is also a great place to stop for some lunch and a coffee break. The iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is right on the water, and it’s definitely worth it to book a lunch reservation! From the restaurant, you get a view of the lake as well. Around the Lake Louise area is also a small town with other, more affordable restaurants, gas stations, and bathroom stops.

Here is a glimpse of visiting Lake Louise during the winter time!! The entire lake freezes over and you can snowshoe, ice skate, and just go for a beautiful hike. The Fairmont Lake Louise also has ice sculptures and events held during this magical winter season! Pretty magical, right?

CHECK INTO NEW HOTEL IN BANFF

When you’re done exploring the Lake Louise Area, check into a hotel in the town of Banff or Banff National Park! If you have the days and budget, I would highly recommend staying at the dreamy Fairmont Lake Louise. It’s right next to the lake, and you can wake up in the morning and walk right to it.

The second most ideal place to spend the night is right inside Banff National Park, but you can head back to the town of Banff and stay there as well. The food options and night life is a little better there as well if you wanted to grab some food and drinks to end the night!

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR HOTEL IN BANFF

Need Some Outfit Inspo? Shop Below!

Day 3 of the 5 day banff itinerary.

Grab Coffee and Breakfast at Whitebark Cafe or Wild Flour Artisan Bakery Banff Town to Bow Lake | Drive Time: 30 Mins to 1 Hour Bow Lake to Peyto Lake | Drive Time: 5 Minutes | 5 Miles Icefields Parkway Drive to Jasper | Drive Time: 2 Hours 30 Minutes | 120 Miles Stops: Sunwapta Falls, Athabasca Falls (optional) Check into Jasper Hotel Total Drive Time: Roughly 3 Hours

BREAKFAST & COFFEE

Good morning! Day 3 is definitely a driving intensive day. Knowing that it was going to be quite long, we stopped by Whitebark Cafe for some yummy coffee. This is a local’s favorite so check it out if it’s around you. For a heavier and delicious breakfast, I’m also a fan of Coyotes Southwestern Grill for breakfast burritos and omelettes. Add ginger to any of their fresh pressed juices for a quick immune boost, especially if the weather is throwing you off!

Our first destination is Bow Lake! The waters of Bow are crystal clear, and there is a cute bridge by the lodge. This lake doesn’t particularly stand out to me compared to the other ones, but it is still incredibly beautiful and worth a stop. A snowy season vs. a gloomy day in summer!

From Bow Lake, it’s about a 90 minute drive to Peyto Lake. There’s never any difficulty finding parking at Peyto, but keep in mind that the sign from the freeway does not say Peyto, but rather Bow Valley. When you see signs for Bow Valley, turn in for the actual Peyto Parking lot. (If you’re coming from Banff like this itinerary, it’ll be located on your left hand side!) 

Peyto is only about a 10 minute walk from the parking lot to the scenic overlook, so no intense hiking is required. What I highly recommend though, is continuing onto the trail head on the left hand side instead of just stopping at the overlook. After another 10-15 minute easy hike, you’ll be able to see these views, which are even more stunning!! This view alone makes this my favorite spot in the entire National Park.

ICE FIELDS PARKWAY

This part of the Banff itinerary takes you to to Jasper National Park! It’s definitely worth it to overnight here even just one night! The drive to Jasper is via Icefields Parkway, which is one of the most incredible drives because of the curving roads and gorgeous mountain ranges. At one point, we even saw a dozen mountain goats crossing the street. It was insane! Have your camera out at all times during this drive! We drove through during the day time but our return was in the evening so here are some night time photos!

Additionally on this drive are numerous beautiful waterfalls from Sunwapta Falls to Athabasca. We stopped by both but didn’t get too many snaps. If you’re not too tired, I recommend stopping by Athabasca, but the drive is definitely quite long to Jasper so pace yourself! Once you arrive in Jasper, check into your hotel and grab dinner!

Need a Hotel in Jasper? Click Here!

DAY 4 of the 5 DAY BANFF ITINERARY

Jasper to Lake Maligne Lake Maligne to Spirit Island Spirit Island back to Banff area Total Drive Time: 3-4 Hours

JASPER HOTEL | COFFEE & BREAKFAST

Grab some breakfast before heading out at either Coco’s Cafe or Sunhouse Cafe! Then begin your journey to Spirit Island!

SPIRIT ISLAND

There are 2 ways you can get to Spirit Island. The first is to kayak 22km, which can take anywhere between 5-10 hours depending on your physical ability and the weather. It could be dangerous if you are inexperienced and kayaking during the dark, so there are plenty of factors to consider!! Also if you are already tight on time or tired from the long days, consider option B!

Option B is to take a Maligne Lake Boat Tour, which stops at Spirit Island, and lets you get off the shore for about 15 minutes. No one can actually go onto Spirit Island, as it is indigenous to the Canadian Rockies either way, so if you kayak there, you wouldn’t be able to get off onto the island regardless.

MALIGNE LAKE

It’s almost cliche to refer to any capture in time as a “Kodak Moment,” but Spirit Island is as Kodak as Kodak gets. In the 1960’s when Kodak launched its colouramic film, photographer Peter Gales was sent out on assignment to collect images that would promote this new film and technology. He came back with a capture of Jasper’s Maligne Lake and Spirit Island. The photograph was printed mural-sized and displayed in New York City’s Grand Central Station for millions to see —what an honor and privilege to be able to see Spirit Island, and capture the spirit of photography. Next time, I am determined to kayak the entire way out here and watch the sun rise!

After visiting Spirit Island, you can start your journey back towards Banff! At this point you can stay anywhere you’d like and wrap up the parts you missed. It’s a 4 hour drive back to Banff. If you have early flights the following morning then I’d suggest getting close to Canmore again but otherwise, this portion of the Banff Itinerary is pretty loose. If you stay in Banff, consider visiting other lakes like Vermillion and Two Jack Lake! Or head back to Lake Louise and go on a nice hike there! Whatever you want 🙂

DAY 5 of the 5 DAY BANFF ITINERARY

Head towards YYC Airport for Departure Stop by Canmore Dog Park A visit to Kananaskis YYC to Home Total Drive Time: 2 Hours

CANMORE DOG PARK

On your way back towards Calgary, right outside of Banff, make sure you stop by Canmore. This area is an off-leash dog park, and it’s incredibly stunning! It’ll give you the perfect view of the Three Sisters Mountains with a gorgeous reflection. It looks a little sketch as it’s right next to a freeway and you’ll have to walk under a bypass, but you’ll see a handful of people heading this way.

The address is–71 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore, AB, Canada

I wish I knew the address or the name of this lake in Kananaskis but I don’t know it. It’s on the main road back towards Calgary and we saw a parking lot with other visitors stopping so we pulled over as well! It’s actually super dreamy and quiet compared to the other main lakes in Banff. Kananaskis is significantly more quiet than Canmore and Banff, with just as beautiful mountain lakes and views, so it’s worth stopping by and exploring!

From here, the drive from Kananaskis back to Calgary is about an hour. And that’s a wrap on the 5 Day Banff Itinerary!! It’s a decent amount of driving every day and quite jam packed, but every single lake and every single stop is worth it!! Hope this helps you plan your trip a little, too! xx

If you have any questions, please let me know below!

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Love all of your photos and the bond that you have with Jess and RayRay 🙂 had no idea about the fun fact about Spirit Island! What did you miss on this trip that you still want to do next time??

Your words and pictures are beautiful! Headed to Banff in a couple of weeks, and we are staying in Canmore! Can you email me the location on the Canmore swing? As well as your favorite activities in and around Canmore?

Thanks in advance!

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Home » North America » Banff

BANFF Itinerary • MUST READ! (2024)

Nestled high in the Canadian Rockies, tucked away in a cozy bowl amid the mountains, lies a picturesque alpine town full of beauty and wonder: Banff.

Set to the backdrop of stunning mountain peaks, glacial lakes, and frosted evergreens, Banff is an exceptionally beautiful town! It’s located deep within Banff National Park, surrounded by some of the most exceptional natural landscapes and wildlife on Earth, and provides easy access to three world-renowned ski resorts (which we’ll discuss later on in this Banff itinerary).

If you’re planning a trip to Banff or looking for a full-fledged Banff itinerary, you’ve come to the right place! This Banff Itinerary will help you decide exactly what to do in Banff during your stay, as well as provide a rundown on the area and a host of insider tips!

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Best Time to Visit Banff

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Banff’s gorgeous landscape varies dramatically throughout the year. From the frosty white blanket of winter to the rich life-filled green of summer. Banff is beautiful all year round, but the most popular seasons lie at these extremes.

Summer is a beautiful time to explore this Canadian national park’s exceptional nature and wildlife, while, in Winter, the park transforms into a snow sports paradise and a winter wonderland. If you’re wondering when to visit Banff, it depends entirely on the experience you wish to have!

While the ski slopes are generally open between mid-November and as late as May, snow conditions are at their prime between December and March.

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Between late June and the end of August is the best time for warmer weather activities such as hiking, canoeing, fishing, and rafting. The weather is at its warmest and Banff is at its busiest!

You may choose to visit Banff in the shoulder season (April – May, and September – November) when flight and accommodation prices are lower than peak season and tourist crowds are sparse! During these months, some activities are available, but the conditions are unpredictable and generally aren’t ideal for either winter or summer activities.

We’ve done our best to make this Banff itinerary applicable to both summer and winter vacations in Banff!

The town of Banff is small, so there aren’t many areas to consider when booking your accommodation. Choosing where to stay in Banff is therefore easy as no matter where you stay in town, you won’t be more than a short drive or bus ride from the center!

That being said, it’s best to book something as close to the center of town as possible. There’s a multitude of bars and restaurants in the center, and having accommodation close by makes it easier to get home after evening out!

There are also other places to stay within Banff National Park, although in our opinion, the center of town is the best place to stay. It’s probably worth booking accommodation in Lake Louise  instead, if you’re planning on skiing or snowboarding there on multiple days

Sunshine Village ski resort is just a short journey from Banff, but it also offers great ski-in-ski-out accommodation if you prefer not having to commute. If you’re skiing at Mt. Norquay, the town of Banff is your best bet! The best hostels in Banff are all within reasonable distance of the ski sites.

Best Hostel in Banff – Samesun Banff

Samesun Banff offers affordable accommodation right near the center of Banff. The dorms boast clean, comfortable beds, and most also offer incredible views of the mountains! The onsite Beaver Bar is a great place to enjoy your evenings is Banff, with nightly events and frequent live music! The hostel staff is happy to help organize ski passes and transport for your Banff itinerary and activities!

Best Airbnb in Banff – Private Room in the heart of Banff

Enjoy having this cabin all to yourself! It includes a sweet BBQ grill, picnic tables, a kitchen, and a gazebo.Theres a quirky moose blanket that might remind you of your grandmas house but ya cant complain because its SUPER soft. Just a block away and will end up on the main street shopping and trying all the local restaurants.

Best Budget Hotel in Banff – Holiday Lodge Bed and Breakfast

This affordable bed and breakfast is located right in the heart of Banff, just a few hundred feet from the town center. It offers shared kitchen facilities and a comfortable common area, as well as a communal BBQ for outdoor cooking! The rooms are simple and comfortable, with great amenities, including a private bathroom. Of course, a delicious daily breakfast is included in the price!

Best Luxury Hotel in Banff –  Moose Hotel and Suites

Located just about as central as can be, this luxury hotel is the best Banff has to offer. A wide range of deluxe rooms is on offer, each with exceptional mountain views! With a classic Canadian atmosphere and design, the highlight of this hotel is the rooftop area, equipped with steamy outdoor hot tubs overlooking the Canadian Rockies. Guests also have access to a spa area, with a sauna and indoor pool.

As a resort town, Banff is well equipped for visitors, and getting around is pretty straightforward.

If at all possible, we would recommend making use of a car for this Banff itinerary. While the public transit system is well connected and pretty efficient, having a car will grant you unparalleled freedom, and allow you to see and experience things that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to!

That being said, you’ll rarely need to use a car within the town of Banff itself. It’s a fantastic town for walking and cycling, thanks to its small size and wonderful atmosphere. You can rent bikes in town, or bring your own! Most journeys within the town can be made on foot or with a bike.

If the weather is unpleasant, you can always make use of the town’s ‘Roam’ bus. It travels frequently to and from all important parts of town and is well equipped to handle ski gear and bikes! Taxis are also available and they run 24 hours a day.

Buses and shuttle buses also run regularly between Banff points of interest outside of the town, including Lake Louise and the major ski resorts.

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Downtown | Highway 1A | Lake Louise | Active at Lake Louise | Moraine Lake | Icefields Parkway | Upper Hot Springs

Day 1 Banff Itinerary will be all about experiencing Banff National Park’s unparalleled natural beauty. If we only had one day in Banff, this is how we’d spend it!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – Downtown Banff

• Why it’s awesome: The town center is beautiful, and a perfect place to start your Banff itinerary
• Cost: Pay only for what you buy
• Food nearby: Check out the acclaimed Block Kitchen and Bar on Banff Avenue

In order to get settled and comfortable in Banff, it’s worth exploring the town and gathering your bearings. Downtown Banff is quaint, picturesque, and utterly charming. It’s a beautiful spot, that is quintessentially alpine and well worth exploring in and of itself!

Banff Avenue is the high street and main artery of the town. It’s lined with a myriad of establishments from cafes and restaurants to stores and bars! A stroll down Banff Avenue is the perfect way to get acquainted with this gorgeous little town. You could also pop into the visitor’s center and organize a Banff walking tour!

This is a great time to do a bit of shopping to set you up for your visit. There are plenty of great stores on Banff Avenue. You’ll find designer brands, casual clothes, thrift shops, and a plethora of items weird and wonderful. Whether you’re after clothes, outdoor accessories, ski-apparel, or souvenirs, this is the place to get them.

Wander around Banff Avenue for a while and enjoy the enchanting atmosphere, before popping into one of the cozy cafes for a morning brew!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – Highway 1A

• Why it’s awesome: A scenic drive with good chances of wildlife sightings
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Bring a picnic and stop at Muleshoe picnic spot!

Also known as the Bow Valley Parkway, Highway 1A is the slower, but more scenic route between Banff and Lake Louise.

A drive along Highway 1A is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some of the park’s outstanding natural scenery and wildlife. It cuts through areas of the park rich with wildlife, allowing for roadside viewings of some incredible animals, including bears, deer, and wolves to name a few!

You’ll need a car to take the Bow Valley Parkway, as public transport to Lake Louise runs on the parallel Trans Canada Highway.

Insider Tip : Stop at Storm Mountain Lookout en route for some amazing views and informative interpretive signs!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lake Louise (a must-visit on any Banff Itinerary)

• Why it’s awesome: A beautiful turquoise lake set to the backdrop of the towering Rocky Mountains
• Food nearby: Grab a bite at Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House

Lake Louise is one of Banff National Park’s most treasured attractions, and one of Canada’s most beautiful places . It’s a quaint hamlet set on one of the most visually striking lakes you’ll ever see, in an impossibly scenic setting.

The lake is world-renowned for its jaw-dropping shade of turquoise. You may have come across pictures of it and smirked in disbelief, chalking it up to the age of photoshop and Instagram filters. But we assure you, the color of Lake Louise is real, and entirely natural.

Once you arrive, spend a bit of time taking in the vistas; trust us when we say you’ll want to absorb these views and keep them tucked away in your memory bank! The crisp turquoise lake is backed by the magnificent Canadian Rockies, creating a scene so picturesque and idyllic, that it has to be seen to be believed.

You may, by now, be wondering what causes the incredible color of this picturesque pair of lakes. Well, wonder no more! The color is imparted by what is known as ‘rock flour’, which is effectively a finely ground stone powder, created through glacial erosion.

The immense glaciers that sit atop the lakes slowly grind against the mountains as they creep along, crushing all that they touch to dust. Turquoise lakes, therefore, are particularly common in this glacier rich area! You’ll find some of the best lodges and cabins in Banff in this area.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – Get Active at Lake Louise

• Why it’s awesome: Lake Louise offers a range of activities Mountains
• Cost: The recommended activities are free, pay only for what you buy!
• Food nearby: Enjoy fondue at The Walliser Stube

Depending on the type of experience you wish to have, there are a number of ways to spend your time at the lake. Choose between relaxing at the stately Chateau Lake Louise, or enjoying a scenic hike or activity amid the splendor of the lake’s surrounds!

If you’re looking for an easy-going hike with nice views, we recommend walking the trail up to Fairview Lookout. There are numerous other hiking options near the lake, so be sure to visit the Lake Louise Visitors’ Center when you arrive for more information! Many of the trails can be hiked in winter, too, but they generally require snowshoes and/or crampons.

Although the crisp winter hikes may come with complications, the cold season conjures its own a prized attraction: one of the most scenic ice skating rinks on Earth. Set in front of the grand Chateau Lake Louise hotel, the rink is completely free to use!

You may prefer to take it easy and explore the vast Chateau Lake Louise. This grand and impressive hotel looms over the lake in magnificent fashion and offers its own points of interest. Stop by the chateau for some lunch overlooking the lake, take in its opulent architecture, and browse the stores that it houses.

Day 1 / Stop 5 – Moraine Lake

• Why it’s awesome: A stunning, isolated turquoise lake with smaller crowds than Lake Louise
• Food nearby: There are no restaurants at Moraine Lake – fuel up in Lake Louise or bring a picnic

A left turn at Lake Louise, followed by an easy 20-minute drive, will take you to a different mountain lake, wedged in a picturesque glacial gorge.

Perhaps even more enchanting than Louise Lake, Moraine Lake shares the vibrant turquoise color of its well-known neighbor. At Moraine Lake, the tourist crowds are replaced with empty Canadian landscape, which makes for a more peaceful and personal experience.

Much like at Lake Louise, the scenery at Moraine Lake varies greatly between the seasons. In the summer, the water is liquid and turquoise, wrapped in a forest of green. In winter it hardens to ice, bordered by snow-capped evergreens and a blanketed white terrain.

The area is certainly more suited to a summer visit, but it does offer spectacular cross-country skiing in the winter. If your trip to Banff is in the warmer months, we recommend you canoe or kayak across the glassy water of the Lake! Short of a swim in the icy glacial waters, nothing immerses you in the lake’s beauty quite as much as paddling across its surface.

If you have the energy for a hike, head up the Rockpile Trail. It’s a fairly short and easygoing trail that culminates at a large pile of rocks. Clamber up on the rocks and rejoice as the vista opens out in front of you! The Valley of the Ten Peaks in all of its glory, and the landscape reflecting off of turquoise water!

Moraine Lake is certainly one of our favorite places to visit in Banff, and a must-add to any Banff trip itinerary. Either way, it’s one of the best hiking destinations in North America for summer .

Day 1 / Stop 6 – Icefields Parkway

• Why it’s awesome: Considered one of the most beautiful drives on Earth, and a popular Banff road trip
• Food nearby: Stop for a picnic with a view en route

Once you’ve enjoyed your lake explorations, it’ll be time to head towards Icefields Parkway. Strung between Lake Louise and the town of Jasper, this scenic stretch of road is considered amongst the most beautiful drives on the planet! The road boasts extraordinary mountain views and scenic surroundings, as well as a host of natural attractions and a pair of mountain passes.

If you’re only spending a weekend in Banff or 3 days in Banff, you won’t have time to drive the full length of the parkway, as it’s a few hours drive in either direction. But capturing a piece of the beauty is highly recommended!

A common way to experience a piece of the parkway from Lake Louise is to drive 40 minutes along it to Peyto Lake. Here, you can stop for a picnic with a view before turning around and heading back to Banff!

Insider Tip : If you’re spending one week in Banff, you may choose to enjoy Icefields Parkway in its entirety! You can make a day out of it, or even stay overnight in Jasper when you get to the other side.

Day 1 / Stop 7 – Banff Upper Hot Springs

• Why it’s awesome : A natural hot spring that’s perfect for a steamy soak with a view
• Cost : ± $6.50 USD
• Food nearby : Enjoy a fine dining experience at Eden

After a long day in the vast Canadian Wilderness, nothing brings peace and relaxation quite like a soothing bath in a natural hot spring! Banff Upper Hot Springs offers just that, along with a wonderful mountain view as the day turns to dusk! The temperature of the pool usually hovers between 98°F and 104°F (37°C and 40°C).

While the pool is man-made, the thermal waters are heated entirely naturally. From the depths of the Earth’s crust, the water is pushed vertically over 6,500 feet through a crack in the layers of rock. This journey imparts the water with a unique blend of minerals, which is said to have restorative properties! Relaxing in the pool is a vital addition to any itinerary for Banff!

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Cave and Basin | Johnston Canyon | Banff Gondola | Bow Falls | Vermillion Lakes | Banff Nightlife

Day 2 will be more focused on the attraction in Banff town and it’s immediate surroundings. Read on if you’re planning a 2 day itinerary in Banff, or an even longer trip.

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Cave and Basin

• Why it’s awesome : Cave and Basin is the birthplace of Banff National Park, and offers a beautiful and informative experience!
• Cost: ± $3 USD
• Food nearby : Find some baked goodies at Wild Flour artisan bakery

Cave and Basin is the birthplace of Banff National Park. Originally discovered by pioneer railway workers, this magical hot spring is what first brought visitors to the area, and is now a small but popular museum!

Through a series of film presentations and interactive exhibits, you’ll learn the extensive history of the site, and how it acted as the seed from which Banff National Park grew. The waters of the hot spring are heated geothermally 1.8 miles below the surface, bubbling up warm and rich in minerals!

A short man-made tunnel opens out into the hot springs cave, which, along with the brightly colored basin of mineral water at its core, gives the site its name. A small hole in the roof of the cave scatters dappled sunlight throughout the cavern, creating a soft mood-lighting that couldn’t be more fitting for the scene!

The sound of the water dripping, bubbling, and splashing reflects off the jagged stone walls, filling the cave with tranquil echoes. This creates a multi-sensory experience, wrapping you in a sonic world that matches the beauty of the entrancing visuals! After the cave, it’s worth heading to the upper deck that offers great views of the surrounding mountains.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Johnston Canyon

• Why it’s awesome: Beautiful waterfalls and scenic canyon surroundings, a perfect addition to your 2 day itinerary in Banff
• Food nearby: Enjoy lunch with a view at Storm Mountain Lodge

Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular hiking spots in Banff National Park! The trails are all incredibly well maintained, and most are fairly easy, making this a great spot for travelers of all ages and fitness levels.

The Johnston Canyon trail takes you along winding paths and metal catwalks, through some of the most stunning natural landscapes we’ve ever seen!

While the hiking trails at Johnston Canyon are a year-round attraction, particularly busy in Summer, we think that the canyon is at its most beautiful in the colder months. The paths follow dramatic canyon walls, weaving between frosted spruces, icy streams, and magnificent frozen waterfalls. Summertime in the canyon has its own wonderful charm, bringing lush greenery and the hum of rich Canadian wildlife!

Following the trail upwards takes you past two waterfalls: Lower Johnston Falls, and Upper Johnston Falls. The Lower Falls hike is short and easy, with the falls located just over half a mile from the trailhead. It’s around a 1-hour round trip and is really easygoing on the whole!

From the Lower Falls, you can continue walking for an additional ½ hour in order to reach the Upper Falls, located around 1.6 miles (2.6 km) from the trailhead. Visiting both waterfalls is one of the most popular routes, and we highly recommend it – they’re both stunning and well worth the walk.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can continue on from the Upper Falls for another hour or so to reach Ink Pots. Here, you’ll find beautiful turquoise ponds of mineral water that bubble up through the earth!

Insider Tip : Unless you’re hiking Johnston Canyon during the Summer, we strongly recommend that you make use of crampons or ice cleats. The cool shaded paths and catwalks tend to stay iced over for much of the year.

Day 2 / Stop 3 – Banff Gondola

• Why it’s awesome : Amazing views, a scenic walk, and a world-class interpretive center
• Cost: ± $49 USD
• Food nearby : Dine in the sky at Sky Bistro atop Sulphur Mountain

One of the most popular tourist activities in Banff, the Banff Gondola soars you to the top of Sulphur Mountain! The cozy 4-person pods are modern and made of glass, allowing you to enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery as you ascend.

The stunning gondola ride lasts around 6 minutes, terminating at the top of the mountain, where you’ll find a world-class interpretive center, packed with activities and information!

Your first stop atop Sulphur Mountain should be the large rooftop observation deck. From here, the panoramic views are unparalleled; swooping downwards to the town of Banff and Bow Valley , and outward to six mountain ranges! The summer and winter views are starkly different, but both equally captivating.

Next, enjoy an easy-going stroll along the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk. It’s a half-mile (1km) self-guided, interpretive trail, meaning there are several informational stops along the way! The placards you pass will provide interesting facts and information on the area’s rich wildlife and history.

After the walk, grab some lunch at one of the two restaurants, or sip on a cup of coffee (with a view) from the mountaintop cafe, before heading to the interpretive center.

The Above Banff Interpretive Center offers a range of immersive, hands-on experiences that are both informative and entertaining! One of the top attractions is the Above Banff Theatre, which takes you on a multi-sensory journey, where you’ll soar above The Rockies like an Eagle.

Day 2 / Stop 4 – Bow Falls

• Why it’s awesome : Scenic waterfall with picnic spots just a short walk from town
• Cost : Viewing and trails are free, while rafting can cost around $60 USD pp
• Food nearby : Fine dine at Grapes restaurant

While bow falls may not be quite as spectacular as the falls in Johnston Canyon, it’s still a popular tourist site and well worth a visit. The thunderous gush of the water pairs well with the scenic surroundings!

It’s also located right next to the town of Banff, behind the Banff Springs Hotel, so it’s really easy to pop down for a quick visit. Walking from town will take around 20 minutes while driving will take just 7 minutes.

The water that flows down Bow River and over the falls originates at Bow Glacier, and is one of the cleanest water sources on Earth! You won’t need long to see the falls, but there is a trail that runs from the falls along the river, passing several spots where you can enjoy a scenic picnic or just admire the surroundings!

Several local tour companies also offer chilled out raft trips down Bow River from just below the falls. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to enjoy some more spectacular scenery, it’s well worth hopping on a raft tour and heading downriver! There aren’t any rapids or rough waters, so it’s suitable for all kinds of travelers! Just be sure to stop by the Banff Visitor Center and book in advance.

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Vermillion Lakes

• Why it’s awesome: Beautiful lakes with spectacular scenery, right outside Banff
• Food nearby: The Juniper Bistro serves up delicious dishes

While Vermilion Lakes may not share the vibrant turquoise of the lakes explored on Day 1, they offer beautiful views and an idyllic atmosphere right on Banff’s doorstep. The lakes are an easy 20-minute walk from the town center! Sunset and sunrise are particularly beautiful times to visit the lakes, so head over when the sun is hanging low in the sky.

Take some time to walk along the paths that wind through marshlands around the lakes, before finding a comfortable viewpoint on the water’s edge. Get comfy, and watch the water slip into soft shades of yellow, orange, and pink as it reflects the evening sky and surrounding mountains.

Before the darkness is full, make your way back to the town center for some dinner!

Insider Tip : Banff can get chilly in the evenings at any time of year, so be sure to wrap up warm and bring a blanket for a sunset snuggle with loved ones!

Day 2 / Stop 6 – Experience the Banff Nightlife

• Why it’s awesome : Banff has an eclectic mix of locals and travelers, who love to have a good time!
• Food nearby: Try Balkan Restaurant’s delectable Mediterranean food

Banff is hardly a large town, and it may not have an extensive range of bars and clubs, but it certainly knows how to party!

Banff is a multinational melting pot, with a plethora of travelers from around the world visiting and staying in town. Ski instructor schools in the area ensure a steady stream of youthful students, who are all looking to have a good time!

Most of the bars and clubs in town are concentrated in a fairly small area, so it’s easy to hop between them and experience the full range of Banff’s nightlife.

There are a range of nightlife options, catering to all kinds of nights on the town. If you’re after a chilled out drink with a game of pool and some live music, Rose & Crown is a great option. Alternatively, check out Wild Bill’s saloon for line dancing, live music, and karaoke! Tommy’s Neighborhood Pub is another laid back option.

For those who wish to dance the night away, the nightclub options are limited to two: Hoodoo, and Dancing Sasquatch. But don’t be dismayed, both of them are fun and friendly, with great DJs playing deep into the night! Head over to Dancing Sasquatch if you’re keen to party in true Banff spirit; it’s a cabin-themed club, with a sauna styled chillout room!

Samesun Banff

Samesun Banff offers affordable accommodation right near the center of Banff. The dorms boast clean, comfortable beds, and most also offer incredible views of the mountains!

• Free Breakfast

Hit the Slopes | Farmont Banff Spring Hotel | Lake Minnewanka | White Museum | Banff Park Museum

For those planning a 3 day itinerary in Banff, we’ve got you covered! If you’re only spending two days in Banff, the above itinerary will serve you well. But if you plan on spending 3 days in Banff, 4 days in Banff, or even longer, there are plenty more Banff attractions and activities!

Hit the Slopes

• Banff is famed for amazing skiing
• Three ski resorts nearby
• Suitable options for all ages and skill levels

A Banff itinerary really wouldn’t be complete without mention of the world-renowned ski slopes that surround the town. We’ve tried to keep this guide predominantly season neutral, but we couldn’t forgo one of the park’s most iconic and popular attractions!

We assume that, if you want to travel to Banff in Winter, you’re planning on doing some skiing or snowboarding. But where to start? Well, Banff National Park is home to three world-class ski resorts: Sunshine Village, Mt. Norquay, and Lake Louise Ski Resort. Each of these resorts has its own benefits and charm!

Lake Louise is one of the largest ski resorts in Canada, with plenty of slopes, a gondola, and 10 chair lifts! It has been named the best places to ski in the country multiple times and is a fantastic choice. Lake Louise is the farthest of the three, around 35 miles (57km) from Banff town center, so it’s not ideal if you’re planning on commuting each day. That being said, there is accommodation available in Lake Louise, if you want to stay closer to its slopes!

Sunshine Village, on the other hand, is just a 20-minute drive from Banff, and easily accessible by shuttle bus! It’s the highest ski resort in the country, which means exceptionally great snow conditions and an extended ski season. Pristine powder is plentiful here, and there’s even a top-notch terrain park with boxes, rails, tubes, and jumps!

The closest ski resort to Banff is Mt. Norquay, just 3 ½ miles (6km) from town. It’s the smallest and most accessible of the three, ideal for easy-going family holidays! It’s also pretty affordable. There’s a resort for every kind of traveler in the park!

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

• Grand hotel with beautiful interiors
• Great restaurants on-site with amazing views
• One of the most iconic Banff landmarks

Sometimes referred to as the Castle of the Rockies, Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is a popular attraction and worth visiting for its grand design and classic, opulent interiors!

The hotel was built in 1885 in the Canadian chateau style, which fuses French chateau detailings with Scottish Baronial design. It sits boldly on the mountainside, enormous in stature, but still dominated by the mountains!

The interior of the hotel is spacious, grand, and luxurious in a way that’s reminiscent of old-world opulence. Soaring ceilings with dark wooden beams ark between tall brick walls, and over floors of marble! Not to mention the sweeping staircases and grand arches.

Wander through the hotel admiring its design and cozy Rocky Mountain atmosphere, then head over to the inhouse shopping arcade! Here you’ll find everything from art galleries and luxury goods, to outdoor gear and tourist shops.

If you’re hungry, you’re in luck. There are several great restaurants in the hotel, most with exceptional views of the stunning surroundings!

Lake Minnewanka

• Large narrow lake with beautiful natural scenery
• Just a 15-minute drive from the center of Banff
• Offers awesome activities for a 3 day itinerary in Banff

Meaning ‘Water of the Spirits’ in the Nakoda language, Lake Minnewanka is a long, narrow lake, that snakes between mountains to the northeast of Banff. The enormous lake is right on the town’s doorstep, just a 15-minute drive from the center!

A popular way to experience the lake is to embark on the loop drive that passes Lake Minnewanka as well as Two Jack Lake. The entire drive is around a half-hour round trip from Banff town center, and the views of each lake are incredible!

Lake Minnewanka is famed for its beautiful natural scenery and range of activities. If you’d prefer to experience the lake more deeply than a mere drive-by viewing, there are a few awesome options available!

Take a boat tour of the lake, or rent a kayak and glide across its glassy surface. A cruise or paddle on the lake is an awesome way to immerse yourself in the towering peaks, forested banks, and incredible range of Canadian wildlife.

Alternatively, you could plunge down into the lake for some scuba diving. We know – you probably weren’t headed to the Canadian Rockies in search of scuba spots, but we assure you, there’s good reason to give it a try; Lake Minewanka is home to an underwater ghost town!

Minnewanka Landing has been submerged for nearly a century, flooded due to the construction of a dam wall. The eerie remnants of this once thriving resort village can still be seen lurking in the depths of the lake!

Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies

• An arts and culture museum dedicated to the Canadian Rockies
• Explores the cultural history and Banff and it’s surroundings
• A good way to get acquainted with the area and its history

Founded by Peter and Catherine Whyte in the 1960s, the Whyte museum explores the cultural history of the Canadian Rockies. The Whytes were enthusiastic artists and avid collectors. They shared a passion for the magnificent natural landscape of the Canadian Rockies, as well as the areas rich cultural history!

Across its exhibits, the museum houses a vast collection of art, artifacts, photographs, and archival material, all paying tribute to the Canadian Rockies in one way or another!

The art ranges from the abstract to realism, with creative portrayals and recreations of the surrounding landscape being a popular point of focus. Historic artifacts are plentiful, with relics from the native Nakoda people and objects exploring how the area shaped its cultures.

A visit to the Whyte Museum is a great way to get acquainted with the area and its rich history. You’ll learn a lot, and come away with a newfound respect for the Canadian Rockies, their people, and their vibrant culture!

Banff Park Museum

• A museum dedicated to the wildlife of Banf National Park
• Housed in a beautiful 1903 log building
• Over 5,000 park specimens

Housed in a historic log building, the Banff Park Museum is the oldest natural history museum in Western Canada. It explores the parks natural wildlife and history through its collection of over 5,000 botanical and zoological specimens, including a vast collection of taxidermied animals. The museum is a great place to get acquainted with the park’s history and to learn all about the wildlife that call it home!

Built over 100 years ago, the museum still primarily houses the original specimens that were collected in the park during the early 1900s. It, therefore, offers a fascinating window into Victorian-era Banff and shows how natural history was interpreted all those years ago!

One of Banff’s finest attributes is also its most prominent danger: the stunning untamed wildlife of Banff National Park. Banff is home to a number of potentially dangerous animals, including bears, wolves, cougars, and elks. While dangerous encounters between humans and wild animals are rare, certain precautions should still be taken in order to ensure your safety.

The general advice for encounters with dangerous animals is to make yourself appear as large as possible and back away slowly while facing the animal. You generally shouldn’t run, as predators are hardwired to chase animals that run from them. However, it’s important that you learn how to deal with different animal encounters, as the best approach can vary between types of animals.

Best practice within the park is to hike and travel in groups. Don’t let kids play alone outside in the park, and just be mindful of your surroundings!

Another danger comes from venturing into the wilderness unprepared or getting lost in its vastness. Always stay on marked paths and slopes, and try to keep your bearings in order to avoid getting lost. Make sure you’ve got the right safety gear for outdoor activities and always be sure to stay warm, no matter what you’re doing. Banff gets extremely cold, so warm gear is an absolute necessity.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Banff

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

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SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

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If you’re looking for something extra to add to your Banff National Park itinerary, we recommend trying one of these amazing day trips from Banff!

Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure

Columbia Icefield is a large area of interconnected glaciers, spread between the national parks of Banff and Jasper. This tour immerses you in one of the icefield’s famous toes: Athabasca Glacier!

You’ll begin the tour by learning all about the glaciers at the Columbia Icefields discovery center, before boarding an Ice Explorer bus. The bus ventures out onto Athabasca Glacier, where you’ll get to walk on, touch, and drink water from, the 25,000-year-old glacier. Athabasca Glacier is the most-visited glacier in North America.

Along the way, your experienced guide will provide fascinating commentary about the glacial surroundings!

Kananaskis River Whitewater Rafting Tour

This whitewater rafting tour is fun and exciting, while still being family-friendly. It offers beautiful scenery as well as thrilling entertainment!

Start the tour with a scenic 45-minute drive that winds through the beautiful Canadian countryside. You’ll be kitted up and briefed on safety before hopping in a raft and heading down the stunning Kananaskis river!

The surrounding landscapes are gorgeous, and you may even spot some of the area’s thriving wildlife! Enjoy the views on the calm sections of the river and get ready for an awesome ride as you hit the rapids!

Banff National Park Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Day Pass

This hop-on-hop-off bus tour is an awesome system for touring Banff and a great way to explore the park if you don’t have a car. It also removes the stress of parking, and helps keep your explorations streamlined!

The bus stops at several of the key Banff attractions on this itinerary. Starting in the town of Banff, it travels to Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, Lake Louise Gondola, and Morraine Lake. With three departure times a day, you’ll be able to explore Banff national park’s best attractions at your own pace.

Grizzly Bear Refuge Tour with Lunch

After a pickup in Banff, you’ll be shuttled toward the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. En route, the tour makes a stop at Takakkaw Falls, Canada’s second-highest waterfall!

The next stop is the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, where you’ll take to the skies in a sightseeing gondola with spectacular views. Once you reach the top you’ll have time to enjoy the panoramic vistas before enjoying a delicious lunch at the highest restaurant in Canada!

Catch a scenic chairlift up to the Grizzly Bear Refuge, an enclosed grizzly bear habitat which is the largest of its kind on Earth. You’ll meet a friendly grizzly bear and learn all about these beautiful animals! This tour is one of our favorite day trips from Banff.

Overnight Backcountry Lodge Trip by Horseback

We don’t think there is any way to explore the Canadian Rockies more fitting than on horseback. Thrust into the vast Canadian wilderness, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported back to the days of cowboys and explorers!

This tour takes you on horseback along a trail that was pioneered by explorers in the early 1900s. With your trusty horse, you’ll trek along glacier-fed rivers, winding between mountains, trees, and spectacular wildlife. Stop for a cowboy style lunch and spend the night in a cozy and comfortable lodge, tucked away in the depths of nature!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Banff itinerary.

How many days do you need in Banff?

Exploring Banff within 3 days is definitely possible, but you will have to plan ahead so you can use your time efficiently. Having an extra day to chill or change plans spontaneoulsy will make your itinerary a lot more relaxed.

What should you add to your Banff itinerary in summer?

You can’t miss out on these cool places in Banff: – Downtown Banff – Moraine Lake Banff – Upper Hot Springs

Can Banff be a day trip?

Banff can be a day trip, but you’ll most likely only see one attraction. We’d recommend planning well ahead if you’re only staying for a very short time and maybe getting a guide or join a tour.

What can you do in Banff today?

To find out what’s on the activity menu in Banff today, check out GetYourGuide for awesome tours, attractions and tickets. If you want to have a more local vibe, go with Airbnb experiences instead.

Closing Thoughts

Banff was quite literally built for visitors, thanks to the hot springs that first brought tourists to the area. It’s the highest town in Canada, with a picturesque town center, a quintessential alpine vibe, and access to amazing attractions and ski resorts! Our itinerary for Banff is packed with the best of the best when it comes to exploring this mountainous paradise.

While a few of the activities in this Banff Itinerary are only suitable for a summertime trip to Banff, most of them are wonderful all year round! If you’re visiting Banff in winter, it’s worth fitting in at least some of these activities around your winter sports for a well rounded Banff experience.

We hope that this Banff Itinerary has set you up for an amazing vacation in Banff!

Made it this far? You get 15% OFF to book a place to stay ! Offer valid exclusively for Broke Backpackers 😉

Sheridan Cahoon

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Hi, One correction – Parks Canada announced it would be restricting parking for most visitors at Moraine Lake come summer. Those who wish to see the iconic blue lake can instead use the shuttle service, Roam Transit, or other commercial transportation to access the area, yet that comes with a fee.

Thank you so much for the beautiful review of Banff. It would supposedly be an amazing travel in coming months but here down under, New South Wales , is in lockdown. Nevertheless, I’m travelling quite well with your reviews. As if I’m there at the moment! Thanks to you!

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3 Days in Banff National Park: The Best Banff Itinerary Out There

last Updated: December 17, 2023 alberta banff canada

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Headed to Canada and looking for the best Banff itinerary? Keep scrolling for the ultimate 3 days in Banff! This guide tells you not only what to do in Banff in 3 days, but where to stay, where to eat (top restaurants and sweet treats), how to get around, and all my favorite activities (like all those glassy turquoise lakes!). 

If you’re planning a trip to Banff (and the Canadian Rockies in general), you’re in for a real treat. The whole area is full of jewel-toned glacial lakes, cascading waterfalls, majestic mountainous terrain, and jagged snow-covered peaks. Picture perfect postcard views everywhere you look. 

And there’s wildlife! Think bighorn sheep, moose, elk, mountain goats, and the occasional bear (yes, I just said bear)!

To put things mildly, I’m ridiculously obsessed with the entire area ( exhibit A , B , and C ). There’s a reason I’ve been back THREE times (twice in summer and once in winter ) – AND I’ve got another trip in the works. I can’t seem to stay away!

Visiting Banff soon?! You’ll probably enjoy these other articles about the area:

• An Epic Canadian Rockies Itinerary (including Banff, the Icefields Parkway, and Jasper!)
• The Ultimate Guide to Banff in Winter (just imagine yourself inside a magical mountainous snow globe)
• A Local’s Guide to Calgary (fun things to do, where to stay, how to get around, and more)
• Road Tripping from Vancouver to Banff (all the best stops along the way)

3 Days in Banff Itinerary Logistics

Banff itinerary at-a-glance:, day 1: waterfall hike, gondola, and hot springs, day 2: glacial lakes galore, day 3: lake louise and canmore.

Where is Banff National Park?

First off – Banff National Park is in Canada, our neighbor to the north! So remember – you’ll need your passport.

Banff, Canada’s first and actually most visited National Park (because hello, it’s stunning), is about 120 km west of Calgary in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. 

It’s located on Alberta’s western border with British Columbia. If you’ve never been to Canada before, just know that Banff’s on the left side of the country, although not on the coast.

It’s on the opposite side of the country from Toronto , Montreal , and Quebec City, in case you’re thinking of jamming a bunch of Canadian cities together into one trip. 

I’d plan to see Banff, the stunning Icefields Parkway, Jasper, Calgary, and Edmonton together if you’ve got more time and want to explore additional areas in Canada. Leave eastern Canada for another trip – just like the USA , Canada is beyond huge!

How to Get to Banff 

If you’re coming from the US, getting to Banff is quite simple. 

Since there’s no airports in Banff National Park (or its immediate surroundings), you’ll need to fly to Calgary International Airport (airport code YYC). Calgary is kinda the unspoken gateway to the Canadian Rockies, so you’ll find most people who fly here are actually headed to Banff too!

For reference, it’s approximately 3 hours in the air from San Francisco (SFO), where I’m typically departing from, 5 ½ hours from New York City (JFK), and 8 ½ hours from Miami (MIA). Definitely way quicker if you’re coming from the West Coast like we were.

Upon arrival in Calgary, you’ll need to then get yourself to Banff National Park. Sure, it kinda sounds like a hassle, but I PROMISE you the trip is so worth it. And there’s so many options (all described in detail below).

How to Get from Calgary Airport to Downtown Banff

Public Bus and Shuttle Services:

• Banff Airporter: The Banff Airporter provides a shuttle bus service to and from Calgary Airport, Banff, and Canmore. There’s a ton of scheduled times and you’ll get dropped off right at your hotel in Banff! It is kinda pricey though, at over $150 roundtrip. Do note if you’re staying in Canmore there’s only one drop off, at the Coast Hotel.
• Brewster Express: This is a shuttle service that connects Calgary (with pickups in both downtown Calgary and the Calgary International Airport) to a whole slew of places in the Rockies – Kananaskis, Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper. The shuttle runs year round, although check the schedule because it changes based on the season. It’s a little cheaper at around $55 each way; select your bus time and grab your seat from Calgary Airport to Banff here !
• On It Regional Transit : If you’re coming from downtown Calgary, you can use On It Regional Transit, a convenient bus service between downtown Calgary, Canmore, and Banff. Note that they do not have pick ups at the airport at this time, so not beneficial if you’re not exploring Calgary first. Also, the Banff & Canmore 2022 service only operates seasonally, from Spring to early Fall. The bus isn’t as luxurious as the shuttles and there’s not much space for luggage, but it’s only $10!

Driving to Banff

If you’re renting a car in Calgary, of course you can drive to Banff National Park yourself! The drive is pretty easy, the highways are in great shape and well-maintained, and only takes about an hour and a half. I’ve even made the drive myself in snowy winter weather – the roads were clear and we felt safe the entire time.

Within 45 minutes or so, off in the distance, you’ll start to see the jagged peaks of the Canadian Rockies. No words or photos can prepare you for your first views of the mountains. Utterly spectacular!

There are two routes you can take from Calgary to Banff – the most common being a straight shot down the Trans-Canada (Highway 1), taking about 1 ½ hours. 

If you’d prefer a slightly more scenic route, plan to take Highway 1A through Canmore before rejoining Highway 1. It just adds on an extra 15-20 minutes or so. You can even do the scenic route on your way back to Calgary if you’d prefer to get to Banff as soon as possible.

Remember these drive times are without any traffic – there’ll undoubtedly be some in the crowded summer months. Plan accordingly.

Private transfer to Banff

If you’ve got a large family or are traveling with a bunch of friends, it may make sense to book a private transfer from Calgary to Banff . Considering it costs about $150 per person round trip, if you’ve got a large party, it may actually be more cost effective to book your own private shuttle. 

The private transfer is also a good option if you’ve got a super early/late flight and the shuttles aren’t operating at times you need them.

When to Plan Your Banff 3 Day Itinerary

The scenery’s stunning year round, but frigid winter conditions mean some activities will close. As noted above, I’ve visited in both seasons and loved both just as equally (for different reasons of course). 

This Banff itinerary assumes you’re visiting in summer, as that’s when the lakes are glistening and most people come. Visiting between November and March? Be sure to check out my full guide to Banff in the winter !

While the most crowded (and therefore most expensive), if this is your first time to the area, I highly suggest you plan your Banff itinerary during the pleasant summer months.

Not only will the lakes show off their distinctive gleaming turquoise colors, but you’ll be greeted with very, very long days! The sun doesn’t set until almost 10pm in the peak of summer over here, meaning lots of time for explorations! 

Do note that the weather in Banff is quite temperamental (this is the mountains afterall!), so you’ll want to pack a light jacket for the cool mornings and chilly evenings.

Spring/Fall

The Canadian Rockies see over 4 million visitors a year, and I bet at least 75% visit from June-August. With that being said, a visit in late Spring or the fall may be your best bet if you’re not a fan of the masses. 

Do note that many lakes don’t fully thaw until late June, so expect icy bits in the spring, with possible snowfall as early as late September/October! Bring a bunch of different clothes (the weather is wacky up here), check the weather forecasts before your trip, and you’ll be fine!

Looking to visit when the leaves turn colors? The larches are absolutely stunning in late September – a visit to Banff in fall is so high on my bucket list.

If you’re planning to visit Banff in the frigid winter months, head on over to THIS POST for lots of pre-planning info. I visited Banff and the surrounding areas in February, and most definitely learned a lot! 

Let’s just say I was way colder than expected, despite packing layers upon layers for the snow and below 0 temps. But frolicking in a permanent snow globe is one of my favorite things, so I can’t be mad about that!

Remember – the lakes will be completely frozen over come mid-November or so. If you’ve got your heart set on those glistening glacial waters, come in summer.

Is 3 Days in Banff Enough?

3 days in Banff will probably satisfy your desire for mountainous landscapes and glacial lakes. BUT you’ll be planning another trip back before you even leave your first! Trust me – I’ve been three times and it’s still not enough.

With three full days in Banff, you can easily see all the area’s highlights. If you’re planning on doing a longer hike or two, plan an extra day or so in the park (or skip a few shorter walks/activities). And remember to bring along some bear spray, sold at numerous shops in town (better to be safe than sorry!).

Do note that I typically don’t include long, strenuous day (or multi-day) hikes into my travel plans. They just aren’t my thing (while I’d love to say I’m an avid hiker, my legs give out after a few miles). If you’re planning to spend a few days hiking and want to see the bulk of activities on this 3 day Banff itinerary as well, I’d add a few extra days to this pre-planned itinerary.

You’ll also be exploring Lake Louise and Yoho National Park in this Banff itinerary – two other spots you definitely don’t wanna miss. You can probably also squeeze in a short visit to Canmore as well during your 3 days in Banff if you plan it right.

How to Get Around During Your 3 Days in Banff

Driving in Banff

While you don’t necessarily need to rent a car, if you wanna check out all the things on this Banff itinerary, you’ll find having a car much easier. Renting a car gives you ultimate flexibility, and you don’t need to rely on the bus. Parking is a challenge in and of itself… but we’ll get to that later.

Plus, if you’re planning to take a longer Canadian Rockies road trip , you’ll undoubtedly need a car. Because, well, it’s a road trip!

The three times I’ve been to Banff we’ve rented a car at the Calgary Airport. Renting a car in Calgary is pretty straight forward, as there are numerous car rental agencies both at the airport and right outside. We typically book here and find great deals → for this particular trip to Banff, we saved over $100! 

For the lowest price, make sure to only input the times you actually need the car, and consider renting from a company not within the airport itself (we took a free shuttle to an outside company to get our car).

A few things to know about driving:

Many (if not all) car rental agencies in Calgary will ask for proof of insurance upon pick up. Be prepared to show your own, or pay up at the counter for over priced insurance through the rental company. If you’ve got a travel rewards credit card (like my favorite, the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve), it most likely includes car rental insurance – but of course confirm beforehand.

Parking absolutely sucks. This is the biggest negative to driving yourself – you’ll need to find a place to park your car. And in a wildly popular destination like Banff? Way easier said than done. 

As noted above, parking at the most popular spots (like Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon) will be crazy difficult. Parking even got so insane at Moraine Lake that Parks Canada decided to stop letting people drive there themselves!

Even if you have a car, you may want to use the bus or shuttle service at times. Ask your hotel and they’ll be able to help you out with public transit!

Public Transit:

Within Banff Town and nearby: No car? No problem. There’s plenty of hotels right in downtown Banff, and you can get almost anywhere in town with Roam Transit , the local bus system. The bus also goes to popular destinations like Banff Upper Hot Springs (Route 1), the Banff Gondola (Route 1), Bow Falls (Route 2), Cave & Basin (Route 4), Johnson Lake and Lake Minnewanka (Route 6).

Lake Louise: I recommend taking the shuttle to Lake Louise, especially if you’re visiting in the (exceptionally) crowded summer months. And yes, this means you won’t have to deal with parking, which is an absolute nightmare… just trust me on that. Get way more info about driving/parking at Lake Louise and the Lake Louise shuttle service here . 

To Moraine Lake: Oh, how things have changed. You used to be able to drive yourself to Moraine Lake, but Parks Canada closed the Moraine Lake Road to personal vehicles in 2022 (and yes, no matter  how  early you get there). It’s kinda a bummer, but this means its not absolutely imperative to get to the parking lot at 3:30am like in the past!

With no access to private vehicles, you’ll need to find another way there.

• From the town of Banff: take the Moraine Louise Express (Roam Route 10) for $10
• From Lake Louise: take the Parks Canada Shuttle (direct from the Park and Ride at the Lake Louise Ski Resort) for $8

Or make things easier and book this double-decker shuttle – it takes you to both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake!

Small-Group Bus Tour

I’m not always a fan of those pre-packaged bus tours, but sometimes they really come in handy. And Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are two of those places. 

You’ll be able to visit both stunning lakes, and not have to worry about parking (or waking up at the crack of dawn) at either! Remember – parking’s a nightmare at both, so having someone else do the driving/parking sounds really appealing. The bus is even allowed in when the road is closed to cars!

And this tour is actually a small-group tour, so you won’t be with dozens and dozens of others in the bus. If this sightseeing tour to both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake was offered when I visited, I would have 100% signed up. I literally can’t think of any cons!

Read reviews and sign up here! If you book one activity in Banff, I’d make it this one.

Where to Stay in Banff

There’s actually 3 possible areas to stay when visiting Banff National Park , depending on where you wanna base yourself: 

Downtown Banff

Lake louise.

All areas have their positives and negatives, and you can’t go wrong with any.

No matter where you choose to stay, plan to book in advance. If you’re traveling during the popular summer months of June – September, you’ll NEED to book accommodation at least 2-3 months out. You may have some luck with last-minute bookings in May or October, but don’t count on it. 

The town of Banff is a super central and super lively location, with lots of bars and restaurants in the cutest little downtown area. It’s even walking distance to a whole bunch of walking trails, Banff Avenue (the main street), and some fun microbreweries and distilleries. 

There’s a whole bunch of accommodation options in the town of Banff itself, ranging from simple shared hostel rooms to an opulent and luxurious castle. Yes, an actual castle. Plan to book in advance regardless of where you wanna stay – the hotels in downtown Banff get sold out months in advance. 

A few I recommend:

Moose Hotel & Suites : One of the best value hotels in downtown Banff, although with the two rooftop hot tubs, an indoor pool, and a spa, it feels a tad more luxurious. And it’s located right on Banff Avenue, meaning you can walk to all the bars and restaurants! The rooms are pretty basic, but the location and extra amenities can’t be beat!

The Rundlestone Lodge : With views of the Canadian Rockies and less than a 15 minute walk from downtown Banff, Rundlestone’s not a bad option! There’s even an indoor pool, perfect in the winter when it’s all snowy and chilly.

Fairmont Banff Springs : This wouldn’t be a complete Banff itinerary without at least mentioning the Fairmont Banff Springs. I mean, it’s a castle, y’all! What’s not to love?! A luxury mountain resort right in the middle of town? Sign me up! 

And plus, there’s a championship golf course during the summer and unparalleled skiing in the winter! I promise you I’m staying here next time I visit Banff. 

Yes, it’s beyond pricey, but if you can score a deal, it’s the ultimate splurge for a special occasion! 

During my winter visit to Banff I had the pleasure of taking a dip at the Willow Stream Spa (located within the hotel), and if that’s any indication of the level of class of the hotel, you know I’m there. Definitely worth the splurge for a night or two!

Samesun Backpackers Banff : There’s no way around it – accommodation in Banff is expensive. One way to combat the crazy price tags is by staying in a hostel with other visitors. If you’re looking for cheapie-won’t-break-the-bank accommodation options, Samesun is it.  I’ve stayed here twice so far, and have to say, it’s not terrible at all. The hostel is located a few minutes from the center of town, with a fun bar environment, daily local activities, and helpful staff.

Find more hotel options in Banff here.

Lake Louise is easily the crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies. It’s absolutely breathtaking, and once there, you’ll probably never wanna leave. 

BUT it gets crowded, like insanely crowded. By staying at Lake Louise you’ll be able to get to the lake early in the morning before the buses start arriving and the entire place turns to total chaos. And who doesn’t like to wake up with the Lake at their doorstep?

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise : There’s a reason this hotel is on everyone’s bucket list. It’s located directly on the lake and most of the hotel rooms feature absolutely stunning views of either the mountains or lake below. 

Imagine waking up and seeing that glistening turquoise water before you even brush your teeth. That’s my kinda luxury. Even if you’re not staying here, I urge you to wander around and have a meal or two.

Canmore’s another mountain town (actually a small former coal mining town), about 20 minutes southeast of Banff. Many people prefer to stay in Canmore – it’s less expensive than staying in Banff itself, and the town has a more local vibe. 

Note while it’s not terribly far from the attractions in Banff, staying in Canmore means you’re farther from Lake Louise and the glacial lakes up north. You’ll pass Canmore on your way to Banff from Calgary, so you can always swing by for a walk/meal on your way to/from the airport if you don’t wanna stay here! 

A few recommended hotels:

• Lamphouse Hotel (a rustic, country lodge that’s also super stylish)
• Canmore Downtown Hostel (no frills, and best budget accommodation in Canmore)
• The Malcolm Hotel (luxury with an outdoor swimming pool, hot tubs and BBQ facilities)

Have an early morning flight out of Calgary after your 3 days in Banff? You may wanna stay at an airport hotel in Calgary. We’ve stayed at Hyatt Place Calgary Airport – it was your typical Hyatt – very clean, staff very friendly, and a free breakfast buffet, all at an affordable rate. Would recommend if your travel plans see a relatively early flight like ours did! 

We Ubered into town the night before and I don’t remember it costing too much. Find more hotel options in Calgary here.

If you have longer than 3 days in Banff, I recommend splitting your time staying between Banff and Lake Louise. Early mornings are oh so peaceful at the lake, especially if you’re visiting in shoulder season.

Other Important FAQs To Plan Your 3 Days in Banff

Banff is a National Park. I don’t think everyone realizes that! Meaning you’ll need to purchase a National Parks pass in order to visit (and no, your America the Beautiful Pass will not get you into parks in Canada, sorry!).

The cost of entry into the National Parks (Banff, Jasper, Yoho) is determined by how many days you’ll be in the parks, as well as how many people are in the car. For example, the cost of a day pass is $10.50CAD, meaning if you’re in the parks for 4 days, it’ll be $42CAD per person. 

However, if you’ve got more than 2 people in your vehicle, there are savings to be made (a pass for 2 people vs 4 people is the same price – $84CAD). So gather up all your travel besties!

Depending on how long you’re visiting the parks for, how many people you’re traveling with, and if you’re pretty sure you’ll be returning within the year, it may make sense to purchase an annual Discovery Pass for $145CAD. This website will recommend the best value option for your group. 

In addition, be sure to purchase passes ahead of time so you don’t waste precious minutes waiting for them upon arrival, as the lines can get mighty long (especially in the popular summer months).

There will be animals – keep them wild. With that being said, never do anything that may harm yourself or the animals. This includes petting/feeding/chasing/touching any animal. If you see an animal, stay in your car. Hiking? Carry bear spray with you. More info below.

Be prepared for all kinds of weather – no matter the season. Banff lies in the Canadian Rockies, and has typical mountain weather (like Denver, Colorado and Jackson Hole, Wyoming in the states). Snow can fall as early as September (yes, it’s happened!), while intense thunderstorms are not uncommon in summer.

Be aware of gas stations and your gas meter. Although there are plenty of gas stations in Calgary, there’s not as many along the road once you leave the city. There are a few in Banff and just one in Lake Louise. If you’re headed up the Icefields Parkway, there’s one at the Saskatchewan Crossing (avoid using this as it’s crazy expensive), and then a few up in Jasper. 

To be on the safe side, I’d always make sure you’ve got at least a ¼ of a tank — especially if you’re visiting in winter. 

Parking sucks. We already went over that – but I want to make sure you really understand just how bad it can get.  Parking’s an absolute nightmare, especially in summer. You gotta get to places early in order to grab a coveted parking spot. Plan to start your day on the earlier side to see the most popular places (Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Johnston Canyon), then relax later on in the day.

An important note on wildlife

You’re in the wilderness out here → expect to see some wildlife. Always carry bear spray with you and always go hiking in groups (at least 2 people). Always be alert for wildlife, as they may surprise you, especially while hiking (always stay on the trails) and even while driving around the parks. 

Be sure to educate yourself before you run into wildlife, and always keep a safe distance. NEVER attempt to pet/feed/chase/touch any animal, no matter how harmless or cute or docile they may look. And never step out of your car when bears are present, promise me that. Photos are great – but never at the expense of your life.

Remember, bears are living creatures, and can/will attack when threatened. Keep your distance and if you feel the need for better photos, bring along a zoom lens and crack open the window (when safe).

On my few visits to the Canadian Rockies, I’ve seen bighorn sheep, a bunch of black bears, elk, and even a few grizzlys. With just a few days in the area, you’re bound to see some wildlife. Be on the lookout and stay safe. And don’t go out of your vehicle when bears are present – just don’t do it! I can’t stress that last point enough!

There’s typically more wildlife on the Icefields Parkway and up north in Jasper National Park, but you always wanna be prepared no matter where you are. If you’re doing any hiking, carry some bear spray with you (sold at all shops in Downtown Banff, although they do seem to run out…).

If you’re really interested in seeing some bears (in the wild) and wanna learn about the different animals in the area, I highly recommend booking an evening wildlife safari ! The guides know the best spots to look for wildlife!

Finally, what you came here for – the perfect 3 days in Banff itinerary!

Psst: This Banff itinerary assumes you have 3 full days in the area. Meaning you got here the night before and can start your first full day in the morning. You can probably squeeze everything in on Day 1 if you arrive in the AM, but depending on your travel style, you may feel kinda rushed.

This is technically a summer Banff itinerary, as the lakes will be frozen come November/December. Visiting in the winter? There’s tons to do here – and sipping hot chocolate by the fire with a view of the snowy mountains is oh so magical. Check out my full Banff winter guide – full of everything you need to know, plus all my favorite winter activities.

Rocky mountain peaks, a picturesque (albeit crowded) mountain town, glistening glacial lakes, and an abundance of wildlife – coming right up! Banff is quite possibly one of my favorite places in the entire world. And I’ve been lucky to visit some pretty epic destinations . Let’s get to it!

Best 3 Days in Banff Itinerary

Stop 1: Johnston Canyon Hike

If rushing waterfalls, limestone cliffs, and turquoise pools get you going, plan a morning at Johnston Canyon. Note that the farther you venture, the more you’ll see. You can hike to the lower falls in 1 easy mile (round trip), upper falls in 3 miles (round trip and a bit more strenuous), and the ink pots in 6.5 miles (plan at least 3 hours for this roundtrip trek).

We managed to trek to the lower and upper falls in roughly 2 hours or so, and most definitely recommend this! The hike to the falls is relatively easy, partially on wooden/steel catwalks and paved roads. In winter, it’s covered in snow and a whole different spectacle. Think ice crystals and frozen waterfalls at every turn; it’s like stepping into Narnia. 

You’ll want to get here early if visiting in summer (yes, we already established it’s busy, busy, busy this time of year), as the parking lot gets filled up quite early, as in we arrived at 9am and it was full. There’s extra parking down the road, don’tchu worry.

In order to get to Johnston Canyon you’ll be taking the Bow Valley Parkway (1A), which is known to be filled with wildlife – be sure to keep a close eye out for any animals on the road! 

Stop 2: Sunshine Village Gondola or Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake

Depending on your preferences, and how long you hiked at Johnston Canyon for, you may even be able to get in both these activities! 

Sunshine Village Gondola: Continue the day at Banff Sunshine Meadows, a ski resort on the outskirts of town, known for its intense ski trails come winter and moderate hikes once ski season is over. This place is pretty jam-packed come winter, but you’ll find it relatively quiet in the hot, summer months.

We took the gondola up, and loved walking throughout the wildflowers. We almost decided to take a short hike to one of the lakes for closer views, but quickly decided against it once we heard there’d been a grizzly sighting near the path just the day before (and we had no bear spray with us!). 

The view from the lookout point was satisfying enough – just check out that photo! And don’t be like us – be sure to bring along some bear spray if you’re planning a hike!

Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake: Our first set of lakes in Banff – I mean, that’s a huge reason you’re coming to this region, right?! And PS – some even prefer these two lakes to Lake Louise (although I’m semi-obsessed with the latter).

The way the mountain reflects in the glacial water is absolutely mesmerizing, and luckily, there’s boats that can take you out on the lake! Be sure to book online in order to bypass the (possibly very-long) cue. It’s a favorite activity during the warm, summer months! 

If you don’t have time for a boat ride, just stroll along the shore (minimal physical effort required). Wanna stretch your legs? There’s a great trail – be sure to watch out for the mountain goats and chipmunks! 

Visiting in the popular summer months? Consider taking the bus straight from Banff Town, as it’s exceptionally easy (and parking can get quite difficult due to crowds). Do note the lake will be frozen over if you’re visiting in the (beyond)-chilly winter months – still beautiful nonetheless.

Stop 3: Banff Town Center and Activities

Banff is the epitome of a true mountain town – with peaks dominating its skyline, chateau-style hotels, lots of souvenir shopping, and tons of wildlife (yes, bear spray is much-needed over in these parts).

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Just walk up and down the side streets – you’ll find BeaverTails (don’t miss this iconic greasy treat), homemade fudge, ice cream, and possibly even a few deer! Just be aware you won’t be the only one going for a stroll – summer sees a swarm of visitors, so be prepared to dodge some crowds along the way. 

Don’t miss out on the poutine, cheese (and chocolate) fondue, and my favorite breakfast/coffee spots – Whitebark Cafe, Wild Flour, and Good Earth Coffeehouse.

Some of the best activities in and around Banff Town:

Bow Falls Viewpoint: This scenic spot is so close to the town of Banff it’d be just plain old silly to skip it (a quick 5 minute drive or a lovely 20 minute walk if the weather’s nice). And get this – the waterfall has even been featured in several 1950’s films; remember Marilyn Monroe in River of No Return (yup, that’s Bow Falls!).

It’s peaceful with sounds of the soothing water (with the roar of the water over the falls as well); a great place to enjoy nature! Yes, most of Banff is just that, as the entire area’s full of scenic beauty. There’s benches and tables around the park, making it the perfect spot for a late afternoon picnic. Visiting in winter? → expect the falls to be frozen (only making them even more spectacular)!

Surprise Corner : You’re driving and driving along Tunnel Mountain Road, and then, BAM! There’s the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (and Sulphur Mountain) in the distance. You’ll only need a few minutes over here to check out the view, but boy, is the short drive worth it. There’s no sign here, so just follow your Google Maps and you’ll see it straight away.

Tunnel Mountain: Lace up your boots, we’re going hiking! No really though, Tunnel Mountain is one of the best day hikes in the Banff area – and you can access it right from downtown Banff! There are a bunch of switchbacks, and you’ll likely be breaking a sweat, but the views from the summit are worth the effort.

Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain : One of the most popular things to do around here is the Banff Gondola, a scenic cableway heading to the summit of Sulphur Mountain to reach its 360 degree rooftop observation deck. 

From up here you’ll get panoramic views of the town of Banff, stunning Bow River, and the surrounding mountains. We were in such awe the entire time; pictures do not do this place justice (take my word for it). 

We found the best views by walking a bit further along the path, on the Banff SkyWalk Vista Trail, where thankfully the crowd dispersed quite a bit. We even saw a few bighorn mountain sheep up here, casually strolling around and posing for photos. 

Do note that it’s kinda expensive to take the Banff Gondola, with prices starting at $55CAD. If you wanna slash the cost of that admission ticket, plan a 2 hour hike up the summit of Sulphur Mountain, and get the same views fo’ free! Make sure you buy tickets well in advance , as they sell out fast in the busy summer months. It’s one of the most desirable Banff activities for a reason – great views and no hiking!

This moderately-strenuous hike (6.8miles of a series of switchbacks) provides stunning views of Bow Valley almost the entire way, but it’s not for the faint of heart. On my first visit to Banff, I hiked up (wanting to save the cash for things like poutine and beaver tails), while I took the gondola the last two times.

Depending on what month you visit, the gondola and parking lot may be exceptionally crowded (especially in prime summer months). We had to park a bit far, but trust me – no matter the season, the gondola is one activity you don’t wanna miss (if you like nice views and all…).

Insider Tip – it gets chilly up here! Expect the temps to drop quite a few degrees once you reach the top of the gondola (yes, in both winter and summer). Had I known that, I may not have worn a dress, as I got goosebumps quite quickly!

Stop 4: Banff Upper Hot Springs 

Finish off your first of 3 days in Banff with a relaxing soak in the hot springs (about 2 minutes away from the Banff gondola). I mean, what could be better than soaking in a warm bath with 63,537 of your closest friends? Nothing, as long as said bath is nestled in the Canadian Rocky Mountains with views of Mt. Rundle across the valley. 

I’ve visited twice ( once in winter and the other in the heat of the summer), and have to say that the Upper Hot Springs are even more spectacular when the temps are below zero (and yes, your hair will freeze and turn gray – it happens to everyone, and returns back to its normal state quickly after leaving).

Be prepared to wait in line, as the hot springs are a popular attraction no matter the weather. Bring your own bathing suit if you aren’t keen on donning one of their 1950’s vibes bathing costumes (but do know this is an option if you decide you spontaneously need a dip).

Stop 5: Dinner in Banff Town

There are a ton of restaurants right in downtown Banff on Banff Avenue. Here’s a few I recommend:

• Sky Bistro: Located on the top of Sulphur Mountain, you’ll need to either hike or take the gondola up! But this just means ridiculously amazing views!
• The Bison: Expect a seasonal menu with high-quality farm-to-table food. It’s easily the best spot for brunch in Banff on Sundays.
• Park Distillery: A modern mountain interior serving modern camp food with a twist. Think short ribs, burgers, cornbread, baked beans, and even s’mores! The spirits are even distilled with Rocky Mountain water – so cool!
• The Grizzly House: You come to The Grizzly House for one thing and one thing only – FONDUE! Traditional Swiss cheese fondue, beef and lobster fondue, Toblerone chocolate fondue, and they’ve even got exotic meats if you wanna try some.

And whatever you do, save some room for dessert!  My two top choices:

• BeaverTails : essentially fried dough with a whole lotta sugar (and toppings of your choice), hand pulled to resemble the long, flat tail of a beaver
• Ice cream from COWS : the most famous ice cream in Banff! It’s super creamy; try the Nanaimoo Bar flavor! 

Psst – if you don’t wanna wake up at the crack of dawn for sunrise at Moraine Lake, you could easily switch some things around on Day 2 of this Banff itinerary. Just make sure you purchase your shuttle ticket in advance (more info below).

Stop 1: Sunrise at Moraine Lake

Ohhh – Moraine Lake. I get giddy just thinking about those majestic turquoise views and craggy peaks in the distance.

Out of all the glacial lakes in Banff National Park, Moraine Lake is by far the most picturesque (and many even call it more spectacular than Lake Louise, myself included). BUT it’s kinda a b*tch to visit (you heard that right). 

Moraine Lake isn’t a lake you can just decide to visit on a whim – you need to plan in advance. Thankfully, there’s quite a few ways to get there (just be sure to book ASAP if you wanna snag a bus ticket for sunrise).

• Early Bird Bus: There’s another way to visit without the parking nightmare, although it’ll still be a very early morning wake up call. Not many take advantage of this, but there are early bird buses departing from the overflow parking lot of Lake Louise right off the main road. 

These buses will take you directly to Moraine Lake for just $8 (running every half hour from 6 AM to 8 AM starting on June 24; be sure to check the schedule in advance). This way, you don’t need to get there at 4am, and don’t even need to worry about parking in the Moraine Lake lot at all.

• Shuttle Bus from Lake Louise: Not up for that 5am wake-up call? Don’tchu worry – there’s another way! You can plan to take the shuttle bus from Lake Louise (direct from the Park and Ride at the Lake Louise Ski Resort) to Moraine Lake, but be sure to get your ticket in advance. 
• Shuttle Bus from downtown Banff: Walk down Banff Avenue and you’ll undoubtedly run into the bright banners for shuttle tickets to Moraine Lake. They couldn’t make it simpler than that! You’ll take the Moraine Louise Express (Roam Route 10) for $10.
• Small-Group Bus Tour : As mentioned before, there’s a sightseeing bus that’ll take you to both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Since parking’s a nightmare at both, you won’t have to worry about finding a spot when you book this tour. The bus is even allowed in when the road is closed to cars! That’s worth the cost of the tour alone! Read reviews and sign up here.
• Drive : Note that as of 2022, you CANNOT access Moraine Lake in a private vehicle. Yes, this means you CANNOT drive there yourself, no matter how early you get there. The parking lot is closed to all personal cars/vehicles. You’ll need to take a bus — plan this in advance.

Once you arrive at Moraine Lake, plan to climb up the large rock pile, as that’s where the famous lookout spot is located (and where these photos were taken). This view, the lake surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks, is actually one of the most photographed images of nature in the world. The world. Aka don’t snooze your alarm!

The hike only takes a few minutes (15 minutes tops), and despite what others say, the path is pretty well-marked and clear. I climbed up in Converse and was just fine.

You can also rent a kayak over here, but in my honest opinion, the most rewarding views are from up above. From up here, you’ll get to witness the snowy peaks of the mountains mirrored in the still turquoise waters below; it’s an absolutely mesmerizing sight. Promise me you won’t forget your camera.

Stop 2: Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park

Ohhhh, Emerald Lake. Possibly my favorite of all the alpine lakes in all of Canada, even more so than the stunning Lake Louise (bold statement, yes I know). A few hours will be sufficient, but make sure to get an early start to the day to reach the lake before the masses arrive (and they do so in bus loads)! 

Trust me, after seeing the glistening, emerald waters with the greenest pine trees reflecting in the water, you’ll never want to leave. Happened to us! My friends had to literally drag me to the car, that’s how much I loved it.

Be sure to take a walk around the perimeter, as you’ll find yourself away from the crowds with the place almost to yourselves. 

And plus, despite the high price tag, renting a canoe and paddling the lake is high on my bucket list. We hadn’t accounted for the time we’d need to do so, so unfortunately missed out on this (there’s always a next time for us)! 

You can also make a short stop at Takakkaw Falls in Yoho, although we did not have time for this (we spent too much time gawking over the water at Emerald Lake – figures).

A stay at Emerald Lake Lodge , a peaceful resort overlooking the lake, is high on my bucket list.

Stop 3: Peyto Lake (Icefields Parkway)

I’m sure you’ve seen photo after photo of this stunning glacial lake, as Peyto Lake is alllll over social media. You won’t wanna miss this spot, I can promise you that! It’s easily one of the most famous lakes in Banff National Park – and for good reason!

After being closed for over 2 years, and with over $2.9 million CDN invested by the Government of Canada to support infrastructure work at Peyto Lake, it’s finally reopened to the public! This means easier parking, new restrooms, more signs, and a larger viewing platform. 

Peyto Lake is by far one of the best views in all of the Canadian Rockies in my opinion (with the water glistening against snow capped mountains and deep, green trees), and a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. 

And no, it’s not filled with electric blue Gatorade, although it sure looks like it! The distinctive blue color is oh so real, and is due to rock flour particles from nearby glacial melt. Make sure to notice the shape of the lake – it actually looks like a wolf head! And ohhh, it’ll be crowded.

In order to get to Peyto Lake, you’ll need to drive a portion of the Icefields Parkway. AND it’s stunning, with tons of waterfall hikes and so much wildlife. But if you’ve only got 3 days in Banff National Park, save that long drive for another time. Trust me, you’ll be back.

When inputting a location into your GPS, be sure to put in “Bow Summit”, as this is where the Peyto Lake overlook is. Do note you’ll need to take a short, 15 minute uphill hike from the lower parking lot to reach the Peyto Lake viewpoint. 

There is another parking lot (the upper parking lot), but this is reserved for tour buses and those with handicapped stickers, which is about a 2 minute walk to the overlook.

Be extra careful taking pictures here if you venture off the path (do so at your own discretion). I’ve read that there are additional (albeit unmarked) trails leading to a spot slightly lower than Bow Summit, where you can find some peace and quiet and even more stunning views. 

Stop 4: Columbia Icefield Adventure at Athabasca Glacier (Time Permitting)

Ever step foot on a 10,000 year-old sheet of ice before? Well, today’s your chance to get up close and personal with Athabasca Glacier and do just that! Before visiting, I didn’t even realize that this part of Canada had glaciers, whoops – I just expect them to be in places like Alaska, Patagonia in Argentina, and Iceland . The more you know!

In order to get directly on the ice, you’ll need to take a tour organized by the Columbia Icefield Discovery tourist center. On the tour we traveled a few minutes to the Athabasca Glacier via snow-coach (an all-terrain vehicle with tires bigger than me!), drank the pure glacial melt water (bring a water bottle for this), learned all about the history of glaciers in the area, and walked on the crunchy ice. 

Do note that it’s practically freezing on the glacier (yes, even in the middle of summer), so be sure to bundle up! You’ll have roughly 20 minutes on the ice, which doesn’t sound like long, but we froze in a matter of minutes!

Is the Ice Explorer Tour worth it? I say yes, but it is quite expensive (around $90CAD). The only way you’ll really be able to experience the ice is by getting bussed directly onto the glacier. Do note that you are able to observe the glacier from afar and even walk on its edges, but it’s NOTHING like stepping foot in the middle of it.

Unfortunately, the glacier is receding at an alarming rate, which is a clear indication of global warming. So go now before it completely melts. 🙁

The Skywalk, a jaw-dropping walk along a glass floor 918 feet above Sunwapta Valley with breathtaking vistas every which way you look, is included in the ticket price as well. The real star of the show is the Ice Explorer though.

Get ready, because today is full of more striking turquoise-colored lakes, snow-covered mountain tops, those famous red canoes, and loads and loads of people (face it, this is a sought after part of the world). You’d be downright silly to skip out on Lake Louise during your 3 days in Banff.

You’ve seen Lake Louise all over social media – now it’s your turn!

Stop 1: Lake Louise

Ohhhh Lake Louise. The crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies. I promise you, a stop over here will be one of your favorites on this 3 day Banff itinerary. 

She’s an absolute stunner, known for her chilly, turquoise waters with Victoria Glacier and the soaring mountains overlooking the lake (with the beautiful Fairmont Lake Louise on her shoreline). 

You’ll want to plan at least a few hours here, if not a whole day, as you’ll find yourself in awe at every corner and with enough activities to last quite a while. 

However (yes, of course there’s a however), the time of year you visit Lake Louise makes a hell of a difference. Note that the waters of Lake Louise do not fully thaw until late May or early June, so if you’re hoping to witness the lake in all her stunning glory, wait until mid-late summer for a visit to the Rockies. 

April and May will bring more tranquility and solitude, but no one can promise those striking turquoise waters until July. And, as expected, the lake will be iced over in the freezing winter months.

Don’t fret though, each season comes with an abundance of activities. There’s a canoe dock in the summer (with those famous red kayaks for rent), along with numerous hiking/sunbathing opportunities, while a skating rink on the frozen lake and an ice bar await in the chilly winter months of Banff .

Main highlights and activities at Lake Louise in the summer 

Walking around the lake: Obviously, the main draw of Lake Louise is the lake itself! But don’t just stay with all crowds at the part of the lake closest to the parking lot, walk around it! Yes, Lake Louise is crowded beyond disbelief. However, if you stray from the area near the hotel, you’ll find much more peace and quiet. 

Plan to walk around the lake on the Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail (at least part-way), and you’ll encounter tons of milky-blue creeks and picturesque meltwater along this easy and super-scenic trail. Look back and you’ll even get great views of the grand Fairmont Lake Louise, which is a stunner in its own way.

Rent a canoe: Have you ever seen those famous red canoes? Those are here at Lake Louise! Many visitors want that iconic Canadian experience of paddling around the stunningly scenic turquoise lake (and yes, I was one of them). However, do note that renting a canoe is quite pricey, and will set you back around $125CAD per hour.

Like all things Lake Louise, it can get quite crowded. If you’ve got your heart set on paddling around, head to the boathouse first thing upon arrival – the other activities can wait. I rented a canoe with 2 friends (max 3 adults or 2 adults/2 small kids), which helped decrease cost per person quite a bit).

Go for a hike : Wanna see Lake Louise from above? What about burning off some of those BeaverTail-induced calories? There are numerous hikes to mountain top tea houses above Lake Louise, including Lake Agnes Tea House (4.4miles/6.2km) with the additional extensions of Little/Big Beehive (+2/3 km), and the Plain of Six Glaciers (8miles/13km). 

You’ll want to set aside a few hours for each of these hikes, and expect the tea houses to be fairly crowded in the summer months. While I haven’t made any of these treks myself, a bunch of my friends have, and their pictures look absolutely unreal. One day for me!

Wander around Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: This is a castle y’all! Even if you’re not staying at the stunning chateau, plan to spend a bit of time in and around the hotel. Elegance and sheer beauty at its best! 

Admire the architecture. Make sure to stop by the terrace, as you’ll get fantastic views of the lake from here. And if you can’t bear to take your eyes off the lake, plan for lunch at the Lakeview Lounge (and ask for a window seat!). Afterwards, browse through the stores and grab some dessert at the cafe.

Stop 2: Explore Canmore and Enjoy Dinner 

It’s your last night in Banff! After thoroughly exploring downtown Banff, all the glacial lakes, and nearby hikes, I recommend checking out the nearby mountain town of Canmore.  It’s known for its craggy summits like the Three Sisters and Ha Ling Peak, the Grassi Lakes Trail, and cross-country skiing and mountain biking. 

But if you’ve already filled up your 3 days in Banff, a quick wander around downtown will suffice! Stroll down Main Street and you’ll find colorful mountain homes with unparalleled views of the Rockies.

A few of the most popular restaurants in Canmore:

• Sauvage (Chefs’ Tasting Menu)
• Mumbai Local (Indian)
• Gaucho (Brazilian Steakhouse)
• Communitea (cafe and tea)

Stop 3: Evening Wildlife Safari Guided Tour

Wanna leave Banff with a bang? Book yourself on an evening wildlife safari !  You’ll not only check out some of Banff’s beautiful landscapes, but you’ll of course see some animals in their natural environment! Think mule deer, elk, black bears, white tailed deers, cute little red squirrels, bighorn sheep, and even a grizzly!

If you wanna ensure you see a bear during your time in Banff, this is the tour to book.  

Why a wildlife safari at night? As the daytime temps cool down, and dusk approaches, the animals in Banff National Park become more active. This means you’ve got a greater chance of spotting them! Imagine spotting an elk sauntering across a clearing or a bighorn sheep grazing in an alpine meadow. And what about a grizzly bear in a berry bush?! You never know what you’ll find!

Remember – while the guides do their best to find the animals, they’re wild! That’s the fun in it; this isn’t a zoo!

Hope this helps you plan out your ultimate 3 days in Banff itinerary! Visiting anytime soon?! If you’ve got any questions, feel free to ask away down below in the comments!

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January 7, 2024 at 12:03 pm

I primarily recommend this because Lake Louise gets INSANELY busy, so if you’re trying to beat the crowds, it’s best to go in the early morning. 🙂

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