banff travel blog summer

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!

Like this post? Pin it for later!

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.

Follow along on Instagram , Twitter , Bloglovin , & Facebook .

You might also like...

No related posts found.

Banff Summer Guide: 21 Amazing Things to Do (Plus What to Know Before You Go)

Posted on Published: August 11, 2023  - Last updated: May 6, 2024

This is it! One of the most beautiful places on the planet! Banff is literally jaw-dropping, and with so many things to do during summertime, it’s a fabulous time to visit and enjoy the outdoors. Here’s your guide to everything you need to know about a Banff summer.

This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my  disclosures .

The gorgeous lakes leave you speechless as you bounce from spot to spot that’s so picture-perfect, it truly looks unreal. Only to be topped off by beautiful waterfalls, gushing rivers and abundant wildlife.🤯

Banff, Alberta is a popular destination year-round. With stunning mountain peaks of the Canadian Rockies drawing visitors in during the winter season for skiing, ice skating and snowshoeing (just to name a few), it’s hard to believe it’s also quite the summertime destination.

But truth be told – this place really comes alive during a Banff summer!

It reminds me of visiting and hiking in Glacier National Park in the summer – so perfect!

If you’re spending a week in Banff or you’re making it part of your Canadian Rockies itinerary , there’s plenty of things to do in Banff in summer.

Must-see video: A Banff Summer

Why visit Banff in summer?

Before we go into all the best Banff activities in summer, let’s go over why this is a great time to visit Banff National Park.

Although snow does happen in June, it’s typically mostly melted and the roads are cleared. During a Banff summer, you’re able to bike or get around relatively easily with your personal vehicle, or Roam , Banff’s awesome public transportation system.

Of course, the nicer weather draws in the crowds. But with some proper planning, you can minimize the impact on your trip. More tips on that below!

Banff summer average temperatures:

• June temps: 18C / 5C (65F / 41F)
• July temps: 22C / 7C (73F / 45F)
• August temps: 22C / 6C (72F / 44F)

Of course, this varies based on region. And if you’re heading to a lake, take layers because the wind coming off the glacier lakes is very cold!

Honestly, Banff looks like a painting, or a screensaver. And in the summertime, the weather is typically nice enough to enjoy it comfortably!

The negative to visiting Banff in summer is that it’s fairly crowded. Everyone wants to see this beautiful mountain town in it’s shining moment! That means high pricing for accommodations, more crowds and longer lines for some activities.

Tips for enjoying summer in Banff, Alberta

Gah!! You’re going to love this beautiful place. Here are some top tips for enjoying summer in Banff!

• Make reservations as far in advance as possible. Because Banff in summer is amazing, it books up quickly. This is important for accommodations but also activities, especially if you’re only spending a few days in Banff and you have limited flexibility. Stay in Canmore , just outside of Banff National Park by 20 minutes is an alternative if you can’t find a place to stay inside Banff.
• A national parks pass is required for Banff. Each person, each day needs to be covered. Buy your Canada Parks pass in advance or when you arrive.
• Parking lots fill quickly. Getting up early will help you secure a spot in most parking lots. Later in the day, it will take a bit of luck! There’s also so many shuttle and public bus options for many of the spots on this guide.
• View wildlife from a safe distance. Watch for signs in the park, but basically that’s 3 bus lengths for deer, elk and moose and 10 bus lengths for coyotes, wolves and bears.

• Carry bear spray with you at all times. While hiking, biking or heading to a viewpoint, be bear aware . Even in crowded areas, bears have been known to wander. Each adult should carry bear spray with them at all times while in Banff.
• Respect local fire restrictions. Wildfires are no joke. Watch for posted signs about campfires or cooking devices while in Banff National Park.
• Banff is dog-friendly! Most hiking trails allow well-behaved dogs on a leash. Please be mindful of others and pick up after your dog every time.
• Expect crowds. Already mentioned, but it can be impactful. Plan ahead, have patience, and above all else – be kind.

What to pack for Banff summer vacation

Before we get into what to do in Banff in summer, let’s go over what to pack. It can make or break your trip so be prepared!

• Bear spray! This is the #1 thing you’ll need for safety in Banff and the Canadian Rockies. If you’re driving, you can bring it with you. Bear spray isn’t allowed on planes, so buy some in town before venturing off to a hiking trail, scenic drive, campground or overlook.
• Layers! This is key! Although it’s summertime, mornings and evenings are cold and the weather can fluctuate. When visiting glacial lakes, the wind coming off the lake can be really brisk! Pack breathable layers, windbreaker jackets and even a medium coat , gloves and a hat for the summer.
• Hiking gear. Some of the best views in Banff are on the trail, so grab your hiking shoes and hiking socks , trekking poles and hiking backpack and the other 10 essentials and hit the trail!
• Sun protection. The sun is powerful in the Rockies! Use a hat , sunscreen and layers to protect yourself. Note to always use mineral sunscreen when recreating outdoors near waterways. Chemicals in traditional sunscreen can kill lake and marine life – mineral sunscreen protects us and the environment. 
• Water shoes. Many of the lake shores are rocky and not comfortable for bare feet. Use a clip to attach your water shoes to your hiking backpack and swap them out when you get to a lake. These are the water shoes I take with me on hikes like Grinnell Glacier Trail in Glacier National Park, during my 2 weeks in Greece and pretty much every destination. So versatile!
• Reusable water bottle or hydration system . Whether you’re walking the streets of town or on a trail, be kind to the earth and take a reusable water bottle instead of single use plastic. These are my family’s favorite brand of water bottles and this is the hydration bladder my husband uses in his backpack while hiking.
• GoPro. Take excellent road trip and water footage without worrying if your phone will get wet or has enough battery. This GoPro goes with me everywhere, and even took some of the photos and videos in this Banff summer itinerary!
• Satellite communicator. There’s not much service in the national park, and calling for help in case of emergencies isn’t always possible with a cell phone. This Garmin InReach Mini comes with me on all my hiking adventures and national park road trips. It allows for 2-way communication when there’s no cell phone service.

Map of Banff summer activities

Banff, Alberta is in the Rocky Mountains, just 1.5 hours from Calgary and 3 hours south of Jasper. It just barely kisses British Columbia, so it’s in the western part of Alberta. 

If you’re a visual person like me, this map will help you plan your time in Banff!

📍 Banff National Park is located within Treaty 6, 7 and 8 First Nations and the Métis Homeland. It was original to many indigenous peoples, including but not limited to Siksika, (Blackfoot), Kainai (Blood), Tsuu T’ina, Piikani (Peigan), and the Stoney Nakoda Nations of Chiniki, Bearspaw and Goodstoney. Learn more about this important history and current relationship with the park . Be respectful and celebrate the origins of this land and treat it kindly.

Best things to do in Banff in summer

There’s so many Banff National Park summer activities that no matter your vacation style, you’ll find as much relaxation or adventure as you desire!

Truly a destination you can make your own, there are a lot of physical activities on this list, but you can really do whatever makes your heart content in this beautiful national park.

Let’s dive in!

1. Moraine Lake (these Banff summer views are the best!)

Moraine Lake is the shining star of Banff, and deserves every ounce of that recognition . It’s the top of this Banff in summer list for a good reason!

It’s the kind of place that’s so stunning, it’s hard to believe it exists. Kind of like hiking the Kalalau Trail on the NaPali Coast in Kauai or taking a long tail boat tour in the Phi Phi Islands in Thailand – it’s hard to believe it’s real!

The bright teal water of Lake Moraine really shines in the summer sun. This incredibly vivid scene takes your breath away, in the best way possible! It’s a must-do on your Banff things to do in summer list!

Now, ready for the not-so-good news? You’ll have to make a reservation to see Moraine Lake. This timed entry system is necessary to protect the lake and the effects of over tourism.

Year round, you’ll need a timed entry reservation for Lake Moraine as they no longer allow personal vehicles (except handicapped accessible vehicles). Permits are available in the spring (April) and they sell out extremely fast. More reservations are available 2 days before on a rolling basis during the summertime.

If you don’t have tickets, you can always hike or bike in. It’s 12km (7.4 mi) each way – plus the trek from your parking spot from Lake Louise Village. This ‘trail’ is considered difficult.

Alternatively, you can book a tour that includes Moraine Lake!

With advanced planning and a little luck, this once-in-a-lifetime view is 100% worth the effort!!

2. Drive Icefields Parkway

Wildly famous for good reason, and one of the best activites for those traveling to Banff during the summer is to take the Banff to Jasper drive up Highway 93, AKA the Icefields Parkway.

This stunning adventure connects the towns of Banff and Jasper. The start of Icefields Parkway is technically at the town of Lake Louise, and is is 230 km (143 mi) long.

You’ll drive through one of the most scenic roads in North America, home to the best views of the Canadian Rockies. See glacially fed rivers, lakes, waterfalls and more. It’s truly a stunning drive and worthy of your time.

The full drive takes 3 hours from Banff to Jasper. With so many amazing stops along the way, it’s hard (but not impossible) to go out and back and squeeze it all in during a single day.

Here are the must-see’s, with a few of the activities taking place further on this Banff in summer things to do list!

Icefields Parkway highlights

• Bow Lake Viewpoint
• Mistaya Canyon
• Athabasca Glacier at Icefield Centre
• Columbia Icefield Skywalk
• Tangle Creek, Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls

3. Shop and dine in Banff

The town of Banff really comes alive during the summertime. This adorable mountain town has so much to see and do! And bonus: the public transportation is phenomenal so leave your worries and your vehicle at your campground or hotel .

Check out the shops along Banff Avenue to do some window shopping or pick out that perfect souvenir. Find shops of every kind! From specialty rock and gems to t-shirts, hats and of course, every kind of outdoorsy sport you can imagine.

And when you’re hungry, take your pick of nearly anything your heart desires. Thai, Indian, Mexican and so many more cuisines to choose from!

4. Cruise on Lake Minnewanka (absolutely must do during a Banff summer)

Another extremely popular activity during summer in Banff is to take a boat cruise on Lake Minnewanka. This picturesque lake is one of the most popular in the park, and the absolute best way to see it is via boat tour.

You’ll want to book your tour in advance, as space sells out quickly during the summer months. The cruise is either 1 or 1.5 hours depending on which you choose.

During a cruise on Lake Minnewanka , you’ll learn about the history of the lake, it’s vibrant color, how the dam was built, the native people who lived on the land and many geological and environmental facts.

The boat doesn’t actually dock anywhere, but there’s a moment of silence at the turning point where the captain turns off the engine and everyone is quiet. It’s a chance to enjoy nature and is so incredibly peaceful!

Pro tip: parking at Lake Minnewanka, like most other places in Banff, can be a challenge. Get there plenty early to ensure you have a spot before your tour time.

5. Go canoeing or kayaking

What a better way to see these gorgeous lakes and rivers than via paddling? It’s one of the best things to do in Banff in summer!

Surround yourself with a beautiful mountain scene while floating. In fact, in an epic battle of Jasper vs Banff, it’s one of the activities that fits perfectly with either destination. It’s truly one of the best ways to explore the Canadian Rockies !

But with so many beautiful bodies of water, however will you choose? Well, one of the very best places to canoe during a Banff summer is the Bow River. Here, there are a few options for canoeing….

• Take a guided canoe tour. Perfect for groups and families, this 12-seater canoe tour will peacefully guide you through beautiful mountain scenery.
• Rent a canoe or kayak. Perfect if you want to go on your own time and for however long your arms want to paddle! Only con is that it’s first come, first serve so rentals are not guaranteed.

Pro tip: take a dry bag with you to keep your valuables dry during your time on the water.

6. Take a gondola ride (popular activity on this list of things to do in Banff in summer)

This laid back activity is perfect on a rest day from hiking, or just as a slow day. And great news: you have options!

In the winter a gondola is the perfect sightseeing experience. You get to view gorgeous mountain peaks covered in snow without being too exposed to the elements. However, the Banff activities summer expand on your options with gondola and chair lifts with the typically nicer summer weather.

Scenic Rocky Mountain gondola ride options

• Banff Gondola. Closest to the town of Banff and unforgettable views.
• Lake Louise Summer Gondola. The Rockies’ biggest sightseeing gondola.
• Mt. Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift. Near Banff and one of the lowest price options with great views.
• Banff Sunshine Summer Gondola. Great views and excellent hiking opportunities at the top.

Pro tip: add this to your vacation budget as it’s not an inexpensive activity.

7. Banff town sign

Do that touristy thing! Visit the Banff sign and grab your perfect photo. And get creative with it! Sure, it feels a bit cheesy, but did you even go to Banff in summer if you don’t have a photo with the sign?! 😉

And bonus – there’s even specific Banff sign parking too. The town of Banff really knows how to set things up smoothly!

More Banff summer must-do’s

Can you believe this list?! Here’s more of the very best things to do in and near Banff during summer…

8. Peyto Lake (a favorite on this list of things to do in Banff summer)

The third most popular lake in Banff, Peyto Lake is a stunning spot to see in real life. Located along the Icefields Parkway 43 km (26 mi) from Lake Louise, it’s worth the drive!

Famous for its wolf head shape and gorgeous Rocky Mountain backdrop , getting amazing views of Peyto Lake is relatively easy. It has a large parking lot, which can get full in the summer but visitors rotate through pretty quickly.

Then it’s about 10-15 minutes walk on a paved path to the overlook. It’s 0.6 km (0.3mi) each way, but it’s a bit of a steep incline. There’s an ADA parking lot that’s closer with less of an incline, making it easier for wheelchairs or those with mobility challenges.

At the overlook, there’s a large platform, perfect for viewing Mother Nature’s masterpiece! Grab your photos and videos then be courteous to others as it’s a busy place.

There are also a few hiking trails in the area, including a Nature Trail and the Bow Summit Viewpoint , which provide alternative views to the lake and surrounding area without the heavy crowds.

9. Rent e-bikes

Ride through the Canadian Rockies on two wheels instead of four! And bonus: with an e-bike you’ll barely break a sweat! 😉

There are so many e-bike tours in and around Banff. Renting e-bikes and having your own adventure is one of the best Banff summer activities, too!

Best Banff National Park e-bike routes

• E-bike to Johnston Canyon. Take a beautiful ride and hike to a gorgeous waterfall!
• Cycle along the Bow River and hike the Sundance Canyon to get those picturesque Rocky Mountain views.
• E-bike to Vermilion Lakes and the iconic Mt Rundle . Watch for wildlife along the way as this route is popular for viewing elk, deer and bear.
• Banff town and local sightseeing via e-bike . Enjoy local sights inside the town and the surrounding rivers and mountains.

I personally love how renting an e-bike makes the journey so much easier, so you can fit more sightseeing in while you ride!

10. Lake Louise (another must-see on this list of Banff activities summer)

Well, were you waiting for it? You simply cannot visit Banff in summer without witnessing Lake Louise.

It’s an extremely popular spot in Banff National Park, and takes some planning to visit . If you get reservations for Moraine Lake (#1 above), your transportation ticket will automatically come with a ride to Lake Louise, which makes it really easy!

However, if you’re planning to visit Lake Louise on a different day or if you have limited time and can only visit Lake Louise, you’ll want to consider your options.

Taking a Parks Canada shuttle guarantees you won’t have to worry about finding a spot in the busy Lake Louise parking area. It’s really cheap and helps cut down on pollution, too.

Shuttle passes are sold for the season beginning in April . The Lake Louise Park and Ride parking lot is located at the Lake Louise Ski Resort, just a few minutes down the road.

Secondly, and perhaps an easier way to shuttle in to this popular spot is the  Roam Transit Route 8x . It’s Banff’s amazing public transportation that runs from the town of Banff to Lake Louise.

Alternatively, you’ll need to pay for parking and should plan to arrive really early in the summer months to get a spot – by 7:00am at the latest.

Once you’re at this beautiful spot, walk the Lake Louise Lakeshore trail along the edge of the water. Watch the scenery change as you get different perspectives of the lake.

And if you’re up for epic views, strap on your hiking shoes for the Big Beehive hike, Little Beehive hike or the Beehive Circuit. In total, combining the trail and doing the circuit is over 14 km (8.6 mi) and 1032 m (3385 ft) in elevation gain. But you’re rewarded with spectacular views of Lake Louise!

11. Johnston Canyon

If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure in Banff, this is it!

But it comes with a caveat: it’s an extremely busy area, including a popular tour bus stop. To make the most of your time in Johnston Canyon, arrive at the parking lot by 8:00am or late in the evening, after 7pm. It’s a beautiful spot to see in the summer in Banff, and it’s not a hidden gem anymore!

This ‘trail’ is a paved path to a lower and upper waterfall. It’s a beautiful natural feature worth seeing. But fair warning; if you come during the middle of the day, the line to see the waterfall can be upwards of an hour.

The Johnston Canyon trail includes two waterfalls. By hiking to both of them, it’s 5.3 km (3.3 mi) round trip. There’s quite a bit of ups and downs but it’s doable for most skill levels. Plan on around 2 hours, more if you go between 10am – 4pm.

This fun, interactive trail is sort of a bucket-list item on this list of things to do in Banff in summer. If you plan it right, it’s a really enjoyable adventure to see how the powerful water is carving this canyon. So cool!

Note: there’s ongoing construction on the road leading into Johnston Canyon. If it’s closed during your visit, rent e-bikes to get there without a vehicle!

12. Bow Lake

Another fun stop along the Icefields Parkway, Bow Lake is inside Banff National Park , just 37 km (23 mi) from Lake Louise. This stunning lake is not only one of the best stops along this incredibly scenic drive, but it’s a really fun lake to see.

A Banff summer is the best time to see this lake too, when its vivid blue color really pops. Grab some food for a picnic and enjoy it sitting by the lake . During the summer, the wildflowers are abundant in this area, which is so stunning with the colors playing off the lake, too.

If you desire, and can get a reservation, stay a night (or two) at The Lodge at Bow Lake, right on the lake. Those views are so incredible!

And if you’re up for a good hike, consider the best views typically come from the trail. In this case, the Mount Jimmy Simpson Trail has spectacular lake views. Be prepared with the right hiking gear though, as it’s 14.9 km (9.3 mi) with an elevation gain of 1,170 meters (3,841 feet). So it’s not for the faint of heart.

13. Food tour of Banff castle (one of the most unique things to do in Banff in summer)

Okay so the castle is actually the Fairmont Banff Springs , which has been open since 1888. One of the most unique things to do in Banff in summer is take a food tour in the Banff castle and see this place! This historic landmark can be pricey to stay at, so if your accommodations are elsewhere, this is a great way to experience this place of grandeur.

Taking a Banff food tour of the castle is a delicious way to learn about the history of the castle. Taste amazing cuisine as you learn about the castle’s history.

Because the Fairmont Banff Springs is a huge property, you’ll bounce from restaurant to restaurant, dining on specialty food and drinks as you learn all about the castle. With stunning views of the castle inside and out, this is an activity you won’t soon forget!

14. Swim at Johnson Lake

Johnson Lake is a gem in Banff National Park! This small lake is often overshadowed by the nearby Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka. But it’s honestly one of the best spots for spending an afternoon in the summer in Banff!

Johnson Lake isn’t as windy as the other lakes, therefore the air temperature feels much warmer and it’s a great spot for swimming in Banff! And because the lake is smaller, the water temperature is usually warmer, too.

When the weather is typically at its warmest – late July and early August is when the swimming is best at Johnson Lake.

Of course, it’s also a great spot for picnicking, paddling and just enjoying nature, too. T here’s a nature walk around the lake, the Johnson Lake Lakeshore Trail , which is a 2.9 km 9 (1.8 mi) loop. Be sure to take your bear spray with you if you’re walking the lake (and really anytime in Banff National Park).

What to do in Banff in summer, continued

Banff National Park truly feels magical in real life. ✨

Let’s keep going for more stunning sights and fun Banff summer activities!

15. Athabasca Glacier Trail (a favorite on this list of things to do in Banff in summer)

While not technically in Banff National Park, this is worthy of the adventure from Banff! A short trip up the Icefields Parkway, seeing the Athabasca Glacier close up is such a fun activity!

Located 130 km (80 mi) from Lake Louise (the start of the Icefields Parkway), you’ll get picturesque mountain views as you drive along the Athabasca River. Then, as you make it to the Icefield Centre, there’s a large building with restaurants and a good viewpoint.

Across the highway is the Athabasca Glacier Hike, also known as Toe of the Glacier trailhead. The hike isn’t too intense, at just 1.4 km (0.9 mi) round trip, it’s easily done in less than an hour.

And if you have extra time, take the Athabasca Glacier guided hike , which takes you up onto the ice of the glacier so you can stand on top of it. So fun!!

Note: you’ll notice the signs as you’re driving up to the Glacier and while on the hiking trail, indicating the location of the glacier over the years as it melts. You can easily see the first-hand effects of global warming in the decreasing size of the glacier. Crazy to think if radical action isn’t taken, this glacier won’t exist in the decades to come!

16. Spa day

Whether you’re looking for relaxation after some epic hiking trails or you came to Banff to sightsee and relax, a spa day might just be what you need! From massage therapy to facials, stone treatments, nail services and saunas, find the spa service you desire in Banff.

Best spas in Banff

• Red Earth Spa . Opt for the couples massage – you’ll feel so much better!
• Meadow Spa and Pool . Located in The Moose Hotel & Suites, you’ll be able to make a whole day of this with plenty of spa services and amenities.
• The Rimrock Spa. Inside the Rimrock Hotel, the unique treatments such as the Hydrating Mud Wrap and Thermal Salt Glow are sure to leave you rejuvenated.
• Cedar & Sage Co. Reiki, yoga, massages – the list of good stuff just goes on!
• Fairmont Spa Banff Springs . With a beautiful facility and spacious spa, this experience will be hard to match.

17. Two Jack Lake (underrated Banff National Park summer spot)

This is a really fun lake during a Banff summer vacation! Two Jack Lake is quite literally the perfect picnic destination . Pack up your cooler and enjoy water views with a picturesque scenic mountain backdrop as you enjoy your food.

Located near Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake is less visited by tourists because it’s a smaller lake and doesn’t have as many amenities (like boat tours).

But that makes it all the better! Go swimming, listen to the gentle waves hit the shore and enjoy the views. It’s such a pretty lake, especially with that peninsula with trees that goes into the lake. That actually reminds me of Spirit Island on Lake Maligne in Jasper National Park, an essential part to a Banff Jasper itinerary.

Pro tip: there are two parking lots at Two Jack Lake. The lower lot fills in quicker so opt for the top lot and get to your picnic spot!

18. Banff National Park Hot Springs

Fun fact: there are many hot springs locations in the Canadian Rockies, including Banff, Jasper, and Kootenay National Parks.

In the winter, the Banff Upper Hot Springs is an incredibly popular place. It’s on this list of Banff things to do in summer because it’s great to visit after a day of hiking, or just as a unique summertime experience.

It’s a large facility with locker rooms, and even towels and bathing suits to rent! Don’t think you’ll have the place to yourself though – this is a busy spot any time of year. The views of the mountains are beautiful, and remind me of visiting the Glenwood Hot Springs, a Colorado bucket list item for sure.

Note: parking can be difficult during peak hours. And tickets are first come, first serve.

19. Emerald Lake

Fun fact: from November to June Emerald Lake is typically frozen. So to see the true emerald color, a Banff summer vacation is the best time to do it!

While it’s technically located in Yoho National Park , it’s a short 30 minute drive from Lake Louise in Banff National Park, and still worthy of a spot on this list of things to do in Banff in summer.

While you’re there, you can walk the lake and see it as the landscape changes. You can also rent canoes at Emerald Lake. They rent by the hour and up to 3 people per canoe, and are first come, first serve (no reservations taken). What a stunning sight from a canoe!

Pro tip: arrive early or go late as the parking lot fills up quickly, especially during weekends in the summer in Alberta.

20. Columbia Icefield Skywalk

A bit of a touristy thing, but still really fun is the Columbia Icefield Skywalk . Located at nearly the half way point between Banff and Jasper along the Icefields Parkway is a man-made structure that’s worthy of a visit.

Step out onto solid glass – strong enough to hold a commercial airplane – and witness the river valley below. See waterfall views and the glacier-shaped landscape from 280 meters (918 feet) above . The walkway is full of stories telling how the valley was created, the animals you could see and other interesting facts.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing, so why not do it when you’re visiting Banff in summer?

Note: there’s no parking at the Skywalk, instead you’ll need to buy tickets in advance, park at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Center and take a bus to the Skywalk.

21. Banff Hoodoos (another underrated activity in Banff in summer)

So this is an interesting summer activity in Banff National Park. Just outside of town, near Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain (AKA Tunnel Mountain) are the Banff hoodoos.

Now, these are nothing like what you’ll see in Bryce Canyon National Park. In Utah, you can hike the Navajo Loop to Queens Garden Trail and see hundreds – maybe even thousands – of hoodoos! But in Banff, there are just a few.

Hoodoos are rock spires that have been carved down to points which almost look like fingers or people or stacked rock of some kind. They jut up from the ground and are funky to look at. In the photo above, they’re the white rock in the lower left corner.

To see the Banff hoodoos, you have two options. You can hike the Surprise Corner to Banff Hoodoos Trail , which is 9 km (5.6 mi) round trip. This trail walks alongside the river, providing sweeping mountain views and wildlife possiblities.

Alternatively, you can drive to the viewpoint which is located just on the east side of Banff along Tunnel Mountain Road, just to the east of Tunnel Mountain Campground.

Banff summer – a recap

Whew what a list! This popular spot is worthy of any travel bucket list! With gorgeous scenery, plenty of activities for every vacation style, a Banff summer vacation is always a good choice!

Let’s recap that list of Banff National Park summer must-do’s, in a quicker fashion…

Banff National Park summer

• Moraine Lake
• Drive Icefields Parkway
• Shop and dine in Banff
• Cruise on Lake Minnewanka
• Go canoeing
• Take a gondola ride
• Banff town sign
• Rent e-bikes
• Lake Louise
• Johnston Canyon
• Food tour of Banff castle
• Swim at Johnson Lake
• Athabasca Glacier Trail
• Two Jack Lake
• Banff Hot Springs
• Emerald Lake
• Banff Hoodoos

Related content to read next: Banff to Jasper Drive: 12 Must-see Stops (Plus What to Expect Along the Icefields Parkway) Perfect 7-day Canadian Rockies Itinerary: Can’t Miss Sights in Banff & Jasper National Parks

Find this post helpful? Save it for later or share it on social media!

Thursday 17th of August 2023

I'm heading to Banff in a couple weeks so I read this just in time! I've added the hoodoos and hot springs to our plans, so thanks for the inspo :)

Monday 21st of August 2023

Oh awesome! So glad you found this guide helpful :)

Sunday 13th of August 2023

The Canadian Rockies look unreal! Can't wait to visit some day!

They are simply stunning. Surprised my jaw didn't hurt from all the dropping 😆 I hope you get there soon Sam!

Banff has been high in my list for a while! Maybe I'll spend next summer in Banff...

Oh yay Katy!! It's such an amazing place to visit. I really hope you enjoy it as much as I did🩵

Saturday 12th of August 2023

This is such a great guide. I'm hoping to make it to Banff next year. Your photos are stunning!

Oh yay Meghan! I sure hope you make it. Such a great place to visit in the summertime.

Banff and Lake Louise were some of my mother's favourite places to visit in the summer and I can see why. The natural beauty is amazing

Your mom is a smart woman. Such an amazing experience, truly.

• Work with Me
• Start a Blog
• Yearly Roundups
• 101 in 1001 Goals
• how to start a travel blog
• tips for new bloggers
• write me a guest post!
• Work With Me

A Passion and A Passport

Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5

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!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

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. 🙂

You may also love...

Subscribe To The Newsletter

FOR TRAVEL INSPO   and   FUN

No spam, only fun!

Favorite Destinations

• About Jessica
• How to Plan a Trip
• Fave Travel Companies
• Shop My Faves

Destinations

• World Travel
• San Francisco
• Northern California
• Southern California
• Central Coast

• Work with Me

Diana Maria & Co

All things lifestyle & wellness

Canada , Travel · March 24, 2022

The Ultimate Banff Travel Guide In The Summer

When To Visit

The best time to visit Banff depends on what season you’re looking to visit in. If you’re planning your trip for the winter season, November to February are the peak winter months to visit in. For those looking for a summer getaway, June – August are the peak summer months. It’s essential to plan your trip in advanced as Banff gets extremely busy during both of these peak seasons. When you’re packing for your trip, make sure to bring all of your travel essentials to keep your trip running smoothly.

Lake Louise & Moraine Lake

Lake Louise  and Moraine lake are just as crystal clear & breathtaking as they look in pictures. It’s is one of the most beautiful lakes and is surrounded by a stunning array of mountains and forest. When I first saw it, I couldn’t believe how picturesque it was – it didn’t even look real. Although this is a heavily visited spot, it’s absolutely worth it to put it on your itinerary for your Banff trip.

Make sure to plan your visit early as the summer time is the peak season in Banff and can get extremely busy. You can find rates here on Fairmont’s website.

Downtown Banff

When you’re ready to take a break from exploring the beautiful landscapes of Banff, head downtown for a bit of shopping, grab a bite to eat or for a night’s stay. This is a must on the ultimate Banff travel guide! The vibrant street of Banff is lined with coffee shops, restaurants bars & stores to visit.

Grab a coffee at Whitebark Cafe or Little Wild , both iconic coffee shops in the heart of Banff. For shopping, head to Banff Avenue & Bear Street for unique shops selling everything from hiking gear to fashion & souvenirs. For dinner, stop by at Block Kitchen & Bar , a local favourite, Farm & Fire for a farm to table  dining experience, or Saltik for an upscale experience with a lodgelike vibe.

Accommodation

I would definitely recommend staying in Banff to have the best access to shops, hikes & trails. Make sure to book your hotel early in advance as they book up fast during the peak season. Here are the top places to stay around Banff for any budget!

Fairmont Banff Springs

Tucked away in the mountains,  the luxurious Fairmont Banff Springs offers rooms and suites with beautiful views of the Rocky mountains. It also offers a golf course, horseback riding, spa services, fishing & much more. It’s been coined the Castle in the Rockies for its stunning exterior. The Fairmont Banff Springs remains a luxurious, world-famous resort to book for a luxurious stay.

Banff Rocky Mountain Resort

The Rocky Mountain Resort offers a relaxing retreat in the heart of Banff National Park. It’s located on 8 acres of parkland just minutes from downtown Banff & is surrounded by the stunning scenery of Alberta.

Caribou Lodge & Spa

Located on Banff Avenue, the Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa offers a beautiful mountain lodge hotel, a service spa and the Keg steakhouse restaurant all in one stunning location.

Samesun Banff

This is the closest hostel to the center of Banff & offers both comfortable dorm rooms & private rooms, a bar for cheap food & drinks and a relaxing lounge room. Samesun is known for providing high-quality, clean & cozy hostels which makes this a perfect option for the traveler on a budget.

There are so many amazing hikes right at your fingertips in Banff. This is what makes this a nature lover’s paradise. There are hikes that are suitable for all levels of hikers. So, if you’re a novice hiker – there’s a hike out there for you! Here are some of the top hikes to put on your hiking bucket lost while in Banff.

Tunnel Mountain

Tunnel Mountain is a short & sweet 4.5km hike for all levels that offers incredible views. It’s one of the most popular hikes in Banff and has a view that makes the hike absolutely worth it. The trail leads to a stunning viewpoint on top of the famous Tunnel Mountain. The viewpoint overlooks the town of Banff and Rocky Mountains.

Peyto Lake is known worldwide for being one of the most stunning lakes in Canada. It’s a short 2.1km loop trail near Lake Louise, only taking about 45 minutes to complete. The Peyto lookout is often quite busy, so it’s best to head early or keep walking to the Upper Peyto lookout for more solitude.

Eiffel Lake

Eiffel Lake trail starts at the lakeshore trail that starts at the Moraine Lake Lodge. This trail is 12.3km out & back, and is considered moderately challenging. It takes an average of 4h 25 to complete. The trail starts with a slight incline which turns into steep switchbacks that are the most challenging part of the hike. It then levels out and splits off to Eiffel Lake on the left side and Larch Valley on the right.

The view of Eiffel lake is absolutely breathtaking and personally, was totally worth the climb! We only met a few people on our way to the lake and had the trail mostly to ourselves. There are wildflowers along the trail, dense forests and mountain peak views along the trail.

Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon is a popular and scenic 5.15 km hike that’s considered moderately challenging. It takes about 1h 52 min to complete, and is known for it’s stunning views of canyon walls, waterfalls & a beautiful canyon.

Camping in Banff

Camping in Banff is one of the best ways to soak up & immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Banff National Park. Banff has some of the most picturesque campgrounds in Canada & if you’re looking to stay on a budget, camping is the perfect option.

These are the top-rated campgrounds in Banff.

Top Rated Campgrounds in Banff

Tunnel Mountain Village 1Tunnel Mountain Village 2Two Jack Lakeside Castle Mountain

Two Jack Lake Campground, Alberta

Two Jack Lake Campground

If you’re looking to camp in Banff, there are so many beautiful campgrounds to choose from. Two Jack Lake campground is like something out of a magazine. Located only 15 minutes away from the main town of Banff, it’s a great place to stay if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with breathtaking views that surround you. This is another gem on the ultimate Banff travel guide – it’s unbelievably stunning to see in person!

Two Jack Lake Campground has a 4.8 star rating and was my absolute favourite campground during our stay in Banff. The views and scenery were breathtaking, the campgrounds were well spaced out & clean, and we were surrounded by tall trees & the wilderness of Banff.

Camping in the wilderness of the Rockies is such a unique & once in a lifetime experience everyone should do at least once.

That is the ultimate Banff travel guide to help you plan your trip to Banff in the summer.

Get on the List

You’ll also love.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

15 Easy Dinner Ideas You Absolutely Have To Try

Become an Insider

Join Diana Maria's mailing list for exclusive content, sales, & giveaways.

I'm Diana Maria! I'm a wellness obsessed lifestyle blogger & writer. My hope is to inspire you whether it's through journaling, creating something new or traveling. I'm so glad you're here!

Work With Me

• Get in Touch
• Terms and Conditions
• Private Policy

Shop My Favorites

• Home Essentials
• Travel Essentials
• Wellness Essentials

Copyright © 2024 Diana Maria & Co · Theme by 17th Avenue

• Plugins Wordpress
• Themes Wordpress
• Documents Wordpress

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

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!

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

Best Time to Visit Banff

Where to stay in banff, banff itinerary, day 1 itinerary in banff, day 2 itinerary in banff, day 3 and beyond, staying safe in banff, day trips from banff, faq on banff itinerary.

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.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

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.

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!

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

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 .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

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

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

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!

Sheridan Cahoon

Share or save this post

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!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

Our Wanders

Banff Itinerary: How To Spend 5 Days In Banff, Alberta

Are you planning a trip to Banff? Please, take me with you! Seriously, you’re visiting one of the most magical places on the planet, and there’s no way it could disappoint. Which are all the best things to do in Banff in a few days though? That’s a tough question. It’s hard to prioritize what to include in your Banff itinerary when there are so many amazing sights.

We’ve written a detailed blog post about how to spend 5 days in Banff – this is it, so just read on. If you don’t have 5 days, don’t worry, we also added notes about what to leave out to shorten this itinerary.

This itinerary for Banff is created for the summer, but it could be a base for both a Banff summer itinerary and a Banff winter itinerary.

Do you need help planning the best itinerary for your trip? Hire me as your personal travel planner.

The 5 days Banff itinerary you should steal

First of all, Banff is a town and a national park. The town could be an ideal base to explore Banff National Park – and also some other breathtaking beauties in the area, like nearby Yoho National Park or the Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park.

But you can’t squeeze in EVERYTHING. No matter how many days you spend in the Canadian Rockies, it won’t be enough. But you can see the highlights in a few days, and 5 days in Banff allows you to explore at a convenient pace , including going hiking, kayaking, paddling or soaking in a hot spring.

Summary: 5 days Banff trip itinerary

• Day 1: Lake Louise, Lake Louise Gondola, Banff Upper Hot Springs
• Day 2: Moraine Lake, Vermillion Lakes

Day 3: Yoho National Park

• Day 4: Bow Valley Parkway, Banff town

Day 5: Icefields Parkway

Best place to stay in Banff:

• luxury : Moose Hotel and Suites (4-star hotel, with indoor swimming pool)
• mid-range : Banff Inn (3-star hotel, with hot tub, steam room and sauna)
• budget : YWCA Banff Hotel (rooms with private or shared bathroom)

Renting a car is highly recommended for this trip! There are bus tours available if you’d avoid driving at any cost, but you can have much more flexibility and see more if you drive. In addition, renting a car in Canada is relatively cheap, and driving in Banff National Park is easy (at least in the summer): roads are paved and well-marked.

Compare car rental rates here!

Day 1: Lake Louise, Banff National Park

So there are three world-famous lakes in Banff National Park: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Peyto Lake. They get extremely busy, hence having an enjoyable visit requires some planning, but it’s so worth it! There are many other beautiful lakes in Banff, but these three are among the crown jewels of this majestic national park, and they deserve a place on any Banff National Park itinerary .

While Peyto Lake is a quick stop on the way (you find it at Day 5 in this itinerary), I recommend dedicating a full day to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake . They offer a range of great activities and hiking trails, so you won’t just spend your day staring at these lakes (though take your time staring at them, because they deserve it).

Early morning: arrive at Lake Louise

Let’s start with the most challenging thing for this day: parking at Lake Louise . Even though there’s a relatively large (paid) parking lot only a short walk away from the lake, it usually fills by 7 am and stays full throughout the day in summer. It sounded unbelievable to me when I first heard it, but this is exactly the case.

So if you’re willing to drive, arrive by 7 am at the latest, have some patience and a back-up plan. Your other options (this is what’s recommended by the national park) is using the park shuttle. You need to reserve your spot in advance though. Check the details here .

Morning: Lake Louise lakeshore

You’ve finally arrived at the lake! It’s time to take in the views. Find a bench. Have a lakeshore picnic. Do the 2 km Lakeshore Walk which treats you with epic lake views. Even if you don’t want to walk it all the way, it’s worth getting further from the crowd which is the worst in the area closest to the parking lot.

Yes, the crowds can be overwhelming when you arrive. But walking a few hundred meters on the lakeshore helps a lot, and you don’t need to fight wait for your perfect photo spot, because there’s plenty of space.

Early morning lights are really nice, the water is usually the calmest, and Lake Louise is a great place to start your first day in Banff. Then you can continue with a hike.

Morning / full day: hiking

Several hiking trails start at Lake Louise, and you can choose shorter or longer ones. You can also do an epic full day hike which combines some of the very best trails not only in the Lake Louise area, but in the Canadian Rockies overall.

view from Big Beehive

So let’s see the best hiking trails in the Lake Louise area:

• Fairview Lookout Loop : ~2.3 km loop from the lakeshore to the Fairview Lookout that offers a fabulous view of Lake Louise. It’s fairly steep, especially the route along the lakeshore.
• Lake Agnes Teahouse – the hike for everyone : ~3.5 km hiking trail from the shore of Lake Louise up to Lake Agnes and its historical teahouse. The trail ascends through a series of switchbacks in the forest, passes Mirror Lake (named after the lovely reflections!) and ends at Lake Agnes Teahouse. Sipping a tea here with views of Lake Agnes is memorable, but expect long queues after 9 am, and expect high prices, because ingredients are either hiked or helicoptered in.

view of Lake Agnes

• Little Beehive : ~1 km hike from Lake Agnes up to Little Beehive for amazing views. It’s only a little further from Agnes Lake, but it’s worth the effort, because you get a view of majestic mountain peaks and Lake Louise from above.
• Big Beehive : ~1.6 km hike from Lake Agnes up to Big Beehive. It’s another peak, with similarly wonderful views as its little brother. However, separate trails lead to Little and Big Beehive, so you can’t extend one trail to include the other peak. Our advice: choose Big Beehive, it’s the stunner.

• Plain of Six Glaciers : ~10.6 km return hike from the lakeshore, including the Lake Louise Lakeshore Walk. It’s a mesmerizing trail with mountain vistas, distant Lake Louise and close glacier views, and another historical teahouse, the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House.
• Plain of 6 Glaciers & Big Beehive & Lake Agnes Trails – this is for passionate hikers who want to see “everything” : 18 km loop that combines the best trails. We didn’t regret dedicating a full day to this hike, as every step of it was breathtaking. You can do it either direction, starting with Lake Agnes or the Plain of 6 Glaciers.

Afternoon: choose one more Lake Louise activity!

If you choose one of the shorter hikes, you’ll have a free afternoon. So you’ll be free to choose another activity!

Canoeing (summer only)

Rent a canoe and explore Lake Louise from the water. You need an hour to get to the end of the lake and back. Pros? You’ll enjoy fabulous views. Cons? Canoe rental is pricey. You can also rent canoes on Moraine Lake or Emerald Lake, and they’re just as picturesque. Obviously, this is a summer only activity.

view of Lake Louise from Big Beehive

Ice-skating (winter only)

Go ice-skating on Lake Louise in the winter. When the lake freezes (from late October to early June), it’s time for skating! Skate rentals at the Chateau Lake Louise Hotel start at 15 CAD for adults and 10 CAD for children.

Lake Louise Gondola (summer only)

Take the Lake Louise Gondola to spot grizzlies. Lake Louise Gondola tempts with a safe opportunity to observe grizzly bears in the wild. Unlike the name suggests, it’s actually a different area to Lake Louise parking (so parking won’t be such a pain).

You can choose between riding an enclosed gondola or an open air chairlift – the latter is better if you’d like to take good pictures.

Ask fellow visitors or the staff about where to spot grizzlies on that day, then keep your eyes open. Enjoy the panoramic views at the lookout at the top of the gondola , you can even see Lake Louise in the distance.

The sightseeing gondola season runs from June to October, you can check exact dates here .

Evening: Banff Upper Hot Springs

A great way to finish a busy day is relaxing in a hot spring with amazing mountain views. Take advantage of the late opening hours (10-11 pm, depending on the season), and visit Banff Upper Hot Springs later in the evening when the crowds are gone. You find current rates and opening hours here .

Unlike most people, we don’t think that the Banff Upper Hot Springs is an absolute must-visit attraction. If you only have a few days in Banff and won’t have time to explore the rest of the Canadian Rockies, then don’t miss it.

Otherwise, you can visit Radium Hot Springs or Miette Hot Springs instead. They offer similarly wonderful views, but are not as centrally located as the Banff Upper Hot Springs, hence much less crowded.

Day 2: Moraine Lake, Banff National Park

Moraine Lake should have a place at the top of every Banff road trip itinerary. Again, you might think “it gets too much hype, it certainly can’t be that special”. I assure you it is. Surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks, dreamy turquoise Moraine Lake was immortalized on Canada’s twenty-dollar bills.

A visit to Moraine Lake also deserves its own day, because there’s a lot to do here. However, Moraine Lake closes in mid-October each year, and opens again at the end of May. You can’t access it on a winter visit.

Parking at Moraine Lake

Parking at Moraine Lake Road has been getting worse for years, the small parking lot being full at 4 am already. Starting from 2023 you can no longer drive down Moraine Lake Road . Lake access is possible by the Parks Canada shuttle, taxis, a tour or cycling. Private vehicles are not allowed on Moraine Lake Road.

The parking lot for the Park & Ride shuttle bus is located at the Lake Louise Ski Resort. It’s a giant free parking lot, but you have to reserve your place on the shuttle bus in advance. It’s the same shuttle system you can use to access Lake Louise, as well.

Morning: hiking at Moraine Lake

Views of Moraine Lake are best in the early morning when the water is still, and you get the best reflections of the snow-capped Ten Peaks. 

Walk up to the top of the Rockpile for the “twenty-dollar bill view”. The Rockpile Trail lies to the left of the lakeshore, and it’s a well-established pathway with lots of stairs and different viewing areas. Once you have enough of the perfect lake views, do a longer hike from Moraine Lake.

Why hiking? Because no roadside stop will give you what you can experience while hiking in the Canadian Rockies, and Moraine Lake is a trailhead for some spectacular shorter trails that can easily fit into your day.

If you only have a few hours, take the Consolation Lakes Trail. It’s an easy 6 km round-trip hike to the beautiful twin lakes called Consolation Lakes, with barely any elevation gain. The official trail ends at the first lake, however, you can hike (or rock-hop) on the rocky lakeshore to get to the second lake, closer to the breathtaking peaks and the glacier above. It’s often recommended (or even required) to hike the Consolation Lakes Trail in a group of 4 or more people due to grizzly bear activity in the area.

Another popular hike is the Larch Valley Trail, especially picturesque in fall when the Larch trees turn golden. You can hike the Larch Valley Trail until the Minnestimma Lakes (8.9 km return) or the Sentinel Pass (11 km return).

Afternoon: canoeing and the Lakeshore Trail

You can rent canoes at the lakeshore for most of the summer, and paddling out here is truly magical. Moreover, you’re allowed to bring your own watercraft to Moraine Lake, just make sure they fit on the shuttle (think of inflatable paddleboards or inflatable kayaks ).

Walk the Lake Moraine Lakeshore Trail that runs directly on the shore for 1.5 km . As flat and easy as it is, you get wonderful close views of the lake and the towering peaks behind it.

Sunset: Vermillion Lakes

For tranquil sunset views drive to Vermillion Lakes. They’re certainly not ugly, but no match for Lake Louise or Lake Moraine. However, they’re much more peaceful, and sunset reflections are fabulous.

They’re 5 minutes drive from Banff, along Vermillion Lakes Road. You can stop at several viewpoints by the lakes, and it’s worth driving to the end of the road for the best mountain reflections.

What we have for you on the third day might be a bit surprising: Yoho National Park on a Banff travel itinerary? Absolutely!

Banff and Yoho National Parks are neighbors (Yoho being in the neighboring province of British Columbia). Yoho is a true gem and a much smaller park than Banff, so you can see the highlights on a one day road trip in the park. It’s worth the detour as Yoho National Park is home to very impressive sights, and I mean impressive even after visiting Banff.

However, if you have only 4 days for Banff (or visit in the winter), this is the day to skip.

Morning: Takakkaw Falls & Emerald Lake

Takakkaw Falls is among the tallest ones in Canada, with 381 meters! It’s about 1.5 hours drive from Banff, the last section of the drive being on steep, winding and very scenic Yoho Valley Road. (This road is closed in winter.)

Park at the end of Yoho Valley Road from where you can already see this mighty waterfall. Then walk along the stream and through the bridge to get to the bottom of Takakkaw Falls. This 1.3 km round-trip hike is almost completely flat, with nice waterfall and river views. Takakkaw Falls is fed by the Daly Glacier, so it’s most powerful in summer when the glacier melts.

If you have several days to spend in Yoho National Park, we could only recommend hiking the Iceline Trail which starts from Takakkaw Falls , offers waterfall views from a higher perspective and is one of the most spectacular mountain trails in the Canadian Rockies. It’s a full day hike though, so skip it if you only have a single day to visit Yoho.

After Takakkaw Falls, drive to Emerald Lake which is among the most beautiful ones in the Rockies. You don’t need to hike to reach Emerald Lake, parking is right by the lakeshore. But there’s a 5 km flat loop trail around the lake which is one of the best easy hikes in Yoho National Park.

Canoe rentals at Emerald Lake are more affordable than at Lake Louise or Lake Moraine, and the views are just as unreal.

On the drive to Emerald Lake (or on the way back), stop at the Natural Bridge viewpoint . It’s a few steps away from the parking lot, and it’s a naturally formed stone bridge cut by the Kicking Horse River. The rock formations and the roaring mountain river are equally impressive.

Afternoon: Wapta Falls

After grabbing lunch in Field, drive a bit further south, to Wapta Falls, the largest waterfall on the Kicking Horse River . 107 meters (~350 feet) wide and 18 meters (~60 feet) high, the water is roaring here! But it’s not a roadside attraction, the hiking trail to the waterfall is 2.7 km one-way. It’s a lovely forest trail though, ideal for families and beginners.

Make sure to leave enough time to drive back in the evening, as the Wapta Falls trailhead is almost 2 hour drive from Banff.

Read this, too: 10 Unforgettable Things To Do In Yoho National Park In Canada

Day 4: Bow Valley Parkway & Banff town

The Icefields Parkway is not the only scenic drive to include when you plan a trip to Banff. The Bow Valley Parkway is much shorter, very scenic and gives access to a picturesque canyon hike.

Morning: Bow Valley Parkway & Johnston Canyon

The Bow Valley Parkway runs parallel with the Trans-Canada Highway for 51 kilometers. It offers amazing viewpoints and lookouts, and the famous trail through Johnston Canyon. Exploring the canyon and stopping for a few lookouts fit into a few hours, though one day would be ideal to explore the Bow Valley Parkway.

We keep it half a day in this itinerary, so that you can also explore the town of Banff in the afternoon. Here are the lookouts not to miss: Morant’s Curve, Castle Cliffs, Storm Mountain and Moose Meadows. Johnston Canyon will be a longer stop, and we recommend getting there early. Despite having a giant car park, parking is a challenge mid-day.

Johnston Canyon Trail winds through a narrow canyon with turquoise water gushing through it, passing two gorgeous waterfalls. The walk to the Lower Falls is easy and takes 0.8 km (one-way) trail. You can walk behind the Lower Falls, just prepared to get soaked in the mist.

Then the trail continues to the Upper Falls (it’s 2.5 km one-way from the Johnston Canyon trailhead) , and it gets steeper, but still remains an easy hike. Upper Falls is also a powerful, picturesque waterfall that often features a rainbow when the sun is out.

There’s another possible extension of this trail: from the Upper Falls continue to the Ink Pots. It’s a 6 km hike one-way (from the Johnston Canyon trailhead), but the last stretch after Upper Falls is really quiet, the crowds all turned back at the second waterfall. What else makes it worth it? The crystal clear blue and green pools with a wonderful mountain backdrop. It’s one of the many incredible places in the Canadian Rockies where virtually no one goes.

Johnston Canyon winter experience

Johnston Canyon is a year-round attraction. It freezes in many areas in the winter, making the walk look like something out of Narnia, with icicles hanging and frozen waterfalls.

If you’re hesitant to go on your own, here’s a guided tour that includes round-trip transportation, ice cleats (you’ll definitely need them!) and a hiking pole to keep you safe.

Book the guided ice walk in Johnston Canyon here!

How about exploring this winter wonderland after dark? This guided small-group tour makes it a safe and fun experience, and it includes everything you’d need: headlamp, ice cleats, hiking poles – even hot chocolate to warm you up.

Book the Johnston Canyon evening walk here!

Afternoon: Banff Gondola & Bow Falls

The Banff Gondola (also called the Sulphur Mountain Gondola) is the most famous in the area. Though there’s no lack of mountain views anywhere near Banff, this gondola takes you to the top of Sulphur Mountain, treating you with exceptional views of six mountain ranges and pretty Bow Valley. Take the short boardwalk at the top, then grab a bite or two at Sky Bistro or Northern Lights before you take the gondola down.

Buy your ticket for the Banff Gondola!

Spend the rest of the afternoon in the town of Banff. But before you head to the center, make a quick stop at the Bow Falls viewpoint . The Bow River is a rushing, turquoise mountain river that runs through the heart of Banff. Bow Falls is a 1.5 km scenic walk from the town along the river, but you can also drive directly to the viewpoint on the river’s edge.

Then stroll Banff Avenue , the central and historical part of the town, with timber-framed Banff Park Museum, the Cascade Dance Hall or St Paul’s Presbyterian Church. Taste some local beer and food at the Banff Ave Brewing Co.

Visit the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies that features a changing gallery displaying art from 1800 to the present, with a strong focus on the Rockies. You find works of regional, Canadian and international artists.

Explore the fairy tale Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel on a small-group food and beverage tasting tour , including a visit to the Vermillion Room. Or combine playing with sightseeing, find the key landmarks and learn more about Banff while solving puzzles and clues through the app on your phone with your group on this tour .

Finally, you can’t visit Banff without driving the Icefields Parkway , one of the most epic drives in the world. The Icefields Parkway stretches for 232 km (144 miles) between Banff and Jasper, and it offers breathtaking vistas after each turn, and easy access to the best attractions in the Canadian Rockies.

A lifetime won’t be enough to explore everything along the Icefields Parkway, but here’s what you can do in one day:

Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint

Head north, and your first viewpoint stop will be a hanging glacier: Crowfoot Glacier . You can see it from the road, or stop in the small parking bay to enjoy better views.

This brilliant aquamarine colored lake, framed by Bow Glacier, is one of our favorite lakes along the Icefields Parkway. It’s right by the road, you can simply pull over in a small bay to enjoy the views – both lake and glacier views.

Even though Bow Lake competes with the most famous lakes of Banff when it comes to beauty, it’s not crowded at all.

Peyto Lake with its unbelievable turquoise hues is the third in the row of Banff’s world-famous glacial lakes, and it should be on your ultimate Banff itinerary. A unique shape, a stunning mountain backdrop and easy access – recipe for fame. 🙂

The wooden viewing platform (the first viewpoint) is a few hundred meters walk from the parking lot on a paved path. It takes about 10 minutes to walk there, and there’s wheelchair accessible parking even closer.

Then you can follow the trail to the second viewpoint where there’s no viewing platform, but a large clearing with amazing views (and much fewer people than at the first viewpoint). This second viewpoint is not marked, but you should simply follow the flat dirt track through the forest to find it.

Waterfowl Lakes

This pair of classic blue glacial lakes are another fabulous (and surprisingly not busy ) roadside stop . Pyramid-shaped Mount Chephren towers above them, making the view postcard perfect.

Mistaya Canyon

Mistaya Canyon is the next easily accessible stop. There’s a 0.5 km walking path down to the canyon from the roadside parking lot. The power of the water is incredible, just like the mountain backdrop. After crossing the fenced bridge, you can carefully get closer to the river on the large rocks, or have a picnic on one of the rock plateaus.

Athabasca Glacier viewpoint

Athabasca Glacier is one of the six “toes” of the Columbia Icefield, and you can actually see it from the road. But it’s worth getting closer. The Athabasca Glacier Trail is a 1.4 km return hike that takes you up to the edge of the glacier.

If you’d like to try walking on the glacier though, you need to sign up for a tour. (Don’t walk on glaciers on your own. It’s very dangerous – and also forbidden for this reason.) Guided glacier tours depart from nearby Columbia Icefield Discovery Center. A special bus – that looks quite like an industrial mining machine – takes you up and onto the glacier. You can then hop out and walk around for about 20 minutes. If you’ve never been on a glacier before, this will be a mind blowing experience!

Sign up for an Ice Explorer glacier tour here!

Sunwapta Falls

Sunwapta Falls is a mighty, very powerful waterfall a short walk from the parking lot. It’s fed by the Athabasca Glacier and consists of upper and lower falls. Most people visit the upper falls, because it’s a few minutes walk away from the parking lot, and it offers the typical beautiful postcard perfect Canadian Rockies view: waterfall with a dramatic canyon, towering peaks and endless pine forests.

If you have the time, hike 1.5 km down to the lower falls. It’s just as impressive, but much less busy, because lots of people don’t have enough time for hikes. Maybe you won’t have either, because one day is not enough to enjoy every stop and short hike along the Icefields Parkway.

Sunwapta Falls is open all year.

Athabasca Falls

Athabasca Falls is the next famous waterfall in Jasper National Park. The roaring waterfall created an impressive canyon over the years. You can get the best canyon views from the bridge, and there are five different lookout points to see Athabasca Falls from every angle . It takes about an hour to explore them.

We recommend checking out the dry canyon , as well, where the river previously flew. There’s a short walking trail through it today, and it’s very picturesque.

Athabasca Falls can also be visited all year.

Finishing your Banff trip

That’s likely all that fits into one day along the Icefields Parkway. ( We have a more detailed itinerary if you’d like to see more!)

Now it’s time to wrap up this wonderful trip. You can either drive back to Calgary or Edmonton to fly back. Or you can continue the trip in Jasper National Park, or drive all the way to Vancouver , which is a scenic trip on its own.

Read this, too: Vancouver To Banff Road Trip: 10 Days Itinerary

More things to do in Banff

What if you have more days in Banff? I bet you already assumed there’s no need to worry about getting bored here. So let’s see more of the great things to do in Banff in different seasons:

Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka is another stunning lake surrounded by mountains, only a 15-minute drive from the town of Banff. There are different ways to enjoy it: take a boat cruise on Lake Minnewanka in summer (it’s the only Banff lake that allows motorized boats), or bring your ice skates in winter (ask about the ice conditions at the Visitor Centre in Banff before).

Sign up for a Lake Minnewanka boat cruise here!

Not surprisingly, you can go hiking, as well. The Stewart Canyon Trail runs at the edge of Lake Minnewanka to the Stewart Canyon. It’s 6.6 km one-way, but you can hike as far as you want and then turn back.

Two Jack Lake

Two Jack Lake is just before Lake Minnewanka, and we loved it even more, because of its emerald green hues and towering Mount Rundle in the back. It’s a popular lake for kayaking, canoeing, SUP or fishing in summer . It might tempt you for a swim, but it’s a glacial lake and warms up to only about 4-5°C.

The lakeshore trail along Two Jack Lake ( 4.7 km out-and-back) is surprisingly quiet and very pretty.

In winter the lake freezes over, and it’s a serene, white wonderland.

Cascade Ponds

Cascade Ponds before the storm

Cascade Ponds might not have an impressive name, but the series of emerald green ponds with mighty Cascade Mountain towering above will impress.

They’re located right at the beginning of the Minnewanka scenic drive which makes them an ideal picnic stop before or after your visit to Two Jack Lake or Lake Minnewanka. A short (2.4 km) trail loops around the two main ponds, it’s a very easy walk.

Helicopter tour over the Canadian Rockies

Treat yourself with a luxurious experience and a view that few visitors got to experience: take a scenic helicopter tour above the Rockies. You can choose from a 20-minute, 30-minute or 55-minute tour.

Book your scenic helicopter tour here!

Go horse riding in the mountains (summer)

Back in the day horse riding was the way to get around in the Rockies, and today it’s a popular activity to enjoy the wonderful landscapes from horseback. There are different guided horseback tours, and this 1-hour tour in the Bow Valley or Spray Valley is the most popular.

Book your 1-hour horse riding tour!

Go rafting on the Kananaskis River (summer)

Whitewater rafting is another scenic experience that also pumps your adrenaline. This 2-hour whitewater rafting tour is great for all levels of rafting experience. You’ll get down the pristine Kananaskis River, with an option to swim at the end (if you dare). Obviously, it’s a summer adventure.

Book your Kananaskis River rafting tour!

Go ice climbing (winter)

Ice climbing is one of those experiences that you should absolutely do on a tour to stay safe as a beginner. But those frozen waterfalls are tempting enough, aren’t they?

This full-day guided ice climbing tour includes gear and professional guidance, so no matter your experience level, you’ll soon find yourself climbing that frozen waterfall.

Book your ice climbing tour!

Ride in a horse-drawn sleigh (winter, especially Christmas time!)

If you know any better Christmas time activity than enjoying winter wonderland in the Canadian Rockies on a horse-drawn sleigh, I’d really like to hear it.

The sleigh ride is popular, it’s a romantic event for couples and a fun festive activity for families. Even if you go solo, just imagine yourself sitting cozy, sipping hot chocolate from your thermal mug while marveling at the landscape. Prices depend on the length of ride and whether you go with a group or on a private ride. This one is ideal for families , and this is a romantic sleigh ride for couples .

Where to stay in Banff?

Best luxurious stays

Fairmont banff springs (5 stars).

Fairmont Banff Springs is an iconic hotel, styled after a Scottish Baronial castle, and it’s the most luxurious hotel in Banff. If you’re visiting on a honeymoon (or an anniversary), this could be the perfect choice.

It’s a National Historic Site, offers 11 restaurants and 14 shops, a lap pool and a heated outdoor pool, various relaxing massages and beauty treatments, and sport activities like bowling, tennis, horseback riding, and golfing. Several ski locations are nearby, and the hotel offers shuttle service to reach them.

Check current prices and book your stay.

Moose Hotel and Suites (4 stars)

Moose Hotel and Suites has one star less than Fairmont Banff Springs, but it’s also an exceptionally rated luxury hotel and – unlike Fairmont Banff Springs – is right in the heart of the town , on Banff Avenue.

Guests can enjoy an indoor swimming pool, two spectacular rooftop hot pools, a spa and fitness center and spacious family rooms. Units come with a patio or balcony.

Best mid-range hotels

Banff Inn and Banff Ptarmigan Inn are competing with each other as the best mid-range hotel. They’re both located in the center of Banff (on Banff Avenue), they’re both 3-star hotels and have great guest ratings.

Banff Inn has a hot tub, steamroom and sauna for guests. The on-site restaurant and bar and the heated underground parking makes your stay even more convenient. Check current prices and book your stay.

Banff Ptarmigan Inn has the simplest rooms for a slightly cheaper rate, and it also offers a hot tub, steam room and the much appreciated heated underground parking for guests. Check current prices and book your stay.

Best budget hotels

YWCA Banff Hotel is a great option for a budget hotel stay, they have basic rooms with private or shared bathroom, and also dorm rooms. Check current prices and book your stay.

Samesun Banff Hostel is a great option if you’re looking for a central stay. However, it has dorm rooms only, in various sizes, mixed or female-only. A fully equipped common guest kitchen is also available. Check current prices and book your stay.

When to visit Banff?

Banff has two high seasons: summer (for hiking, camping, kayaking, paddleboarding) and winter (for skiing, snowboarding and other snowy adventures).

Summer is short and stretches from mid-June to the end of August. This is an extremely busy and expensive period to visit Banff. But days are long, hiking trails and roads are all open, the weather is as good as it gets in the high mountains and driving around is easy. Campgrounds and many other facilities in the Canadian Rockies only operate between May and October.

But Banff and the surrounding ski areas get just as lively in the skiing season. Obviously, a winter trip needs more preparation. Alberta winters are very harsh, and you should be prepared to dress warm and drive with caution. Check the weather forest for snow storms, and also check avalanche danger for roads and snowshoeing trails. Winter tires are a must from November 1 to April 1.

If you’re not comfortable driving around and exploring snowy attractions in winter, sign up for bus tours and guided ice walks.

Shoulder season is early June and September. If you visit in early June, you’ll run the risk of some lakes not being completely thawed and some trails being still closed due to snow conditions. A September visit can come with colder days (and significantly colder nights) than in summer, but you’ll be surrounded by fewer people, and fall colors have their magic, as well.

Disclosure: Please note that affiliate links are used in this post, and at no additional cost to you, we earn a commission if you make a purchase.

Related articles:

A Guide To Deep Cove, Vancouver’s Fabulous Fjord

22 Best Things To Do In North Vancouver, British Columbia

7 Fun Facts About Christmas In Canada

Which are the best lesser-known hikes in north america, sign up to get your free e-book and join the community:, by beata urmos.

Bea is a travel writer and the co-founder of Our Wanders, an adventurous family travel blog. She’s been traveling for more than 10 years, seeking outdoor adventures, fairy tale castles and unique experiences. She's passionate about sharing all she has learned along the way, and she's an expert in planning trips of any length. She’d love to help you plan your own amazing trip, too.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

The Ultimate Summer 2024 Bucket List for Hostellers

Summer’s always better with a bucket list. Whether you’re feeling nostalgic, adventurous, reflective, or ambitious this summer, this list will help you make the most of it all over the U.S.

1. Go Swimming

From the Pacific to the Atlantic (and even in between), try cooling off at one of these seven sweet spots to go swimming this summer .

2. Bonfire with S’mores

Head west to Ocean Beach in San Francisco or Ocean Beach (unrelated) in San Diego to light up the night. Both beaches offer free first-come, first-served access to dedicated fire rings on the sand. Just bring your own firewood and s’more fixings, and remember to pack out anything you pack in. If your aspirations outpace your motivation to build your own fire, try roasting your marshmallows over the fire pit in HI Hyannis Hostel’s backyard.

3. Keep a Journal

You’re going to want to remember this summer in all its detailed glory. So if you haven’t already, it’s time to start a journal – especially while you’re traveling.

4. Learn a New Language

Not sure which one to choose? Meeting people from other countries is great inspiration.

5. Make a New Friend

In fact, while you’re learning about travelers from other countries and cultures, you may just find yourself with a new friend to go visit abroad so you can practice your language skills.

6. Go on a Road Trip

Whether you’re looking for planning tips or itineraries, we’ve got a few suggestions .

7. Go for a Hike

Sunset Cliffs in San Diego , Bernal Heights Hill in San Francisco , and Spectacle Island in Boston are perfect intro-level hikes that will give you amazing views without draining your energy for the whole day. For something more challenging, try Mount Tamalpais (just north of San Francisco ), Temescal Canyon in Los Angeles , or Mission Trails Regional Park (about 20 minutes from HI San Diego Downtown Hostel ).

8. Go Kayaking

We love the city skyline views you get while paddling the Chicago River in Chicago and the Charles River in Boston .

9. Build a Sandcastle

San Diego’s Coronado Beach is arguably one of the best places in the world to build a sandcastle: it even hosts a competition for master sand sculptors every summer during its annual Sun & Sea Festival . From HI San Diego Downtown Hostel , grab a bus or ferry to Coronado Island for some serious artistic inspiration during the week of the festival, or try your own hand at sandcastle construction any time on the beach in front of the famous Hotel del Coronado.

10. Go to a Music Festival

Lollapalooza, Boston Calling, Governor’s Ball, Outside Lands… if you’ve got tickets, we’ve got the best places for you and your friends to crash in Chicago , Boston , NYC , and San Francisco .

11. Stargazing

About 50 miles south of San Francisco, you’ll find the 116-foot-tall Pigeon Point Lighthouse on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Why’s it such a perfect spot for stargazing? HI Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel , which sits at the foot of the lighthouse, has created a dark-sky environment that minimizes light pollution, benefiting local wildlife and visiting stargazers alike.

12. Have a Picnic

Try the Boston Public Garden, NYC’s Central Park, or Millennium Park in Chicago for that classic oasis-in-a-big-city experience. In New Orleans , venture out to lovely City Park (you can even make a whole day of it ), and in San Francisco , try Alamo Square Park, a neighborhood favorite overlooking some of the city’s most famous scenery.

13. Watch a Sunrise

Outer Cape Cod is uniquely positioned so you can watch the sun both rise and set over the ocean. Early in the morning, watch the sunrise on the shores of the Atlantic. Later in the evening, head over to the beaches along Cape Cod Bay for spectacular sunset viewing. In the afternoon, relax on secluded Ballston Beach just downhill from nearby HI Truro Hostel .

14. Beach Volleyball

OK, tell the truth: do sports on the beach immediately make you think of Top Gun ? There’s a reason those beach volleyball and football scenes take place in San Diego . If you want to reenact them, the city’s Ocean Beach volleyball courts are your best bet.

15. Learn How to Surf

Spend a few hours taking a beginner’s lesson through one of the surf schools at Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, or Ocean Beach in San Diego . Summer’s the perfect time to try surfing here for the first time, since the waves are typically smaller this time of year and the water’s warmer. In Northern California, Linda Mar beach in Pacifica is also a favorite among beginner surfers. Book a lesson at Norcal Surf Shop (it includes a wetsuit, board, and instruction), then grab lunch afterwards at the world’s most beautiful Taco Bell, right on the beach. It’s just a quick drive from HI Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel , where you can wake up to the waves of the Pacific right outside your window.

16. See a Drive-In Movie

Few activities are as nostalgic as going to a drive-in movie, even if you’ve never been to one in your life (they are pretty hard to find these days). In the town of Wellfleet on Outer Cape Cod , you’ll find one of the last of its kind: a 1957 gem where you can see a double feature, grab an ice cream cone, and even play a round of mini golf.

17. Go on a Boat

It’s wild that in New York City , you can get some of the best sightseeing done just by riding public transportation. During the summer, don’t skip a ride on one of the city’s very scenic (and very cheap) public ferries. The Staten Island Ferry gets you a great view of the Statue of Liberty, and the Governor’s Island Ferry whisks you out to a spectacular city park with panoramic views of Lower Manhattan. For more views of Manhattan and Brooklyn from the water, check out NYC Ferry system’s East River route.

18. Bike Rides

Can we suggest you start with a ride across the Brooklyn Bridge? If you’re looking for something longer, the Marvin Braude Bike Trail connects Santa Monica to Los Angeles’s other beach communities with 22 miles of flat, mostly waterfront paved path.

19. Berry Picking

Pick your own strawberries, blackberries, and more at one of several “U-Pick” farms near HI Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel . If you’d rather cut right to the part where you’re eating, you’ll find lots of roadside farm stands in the area, too, selling whatever’s in season.

20. Whale Watching

June, July, and August are prime months for spotting humpback whales off the coast of Cape Cod. Naturalist-guided cruises leave from Provincetown and Barnstable, a quick drive from HI Truro Hostel and HI Hyannis Hostel , respectively.

21. Thrift Shopping

Get a few blocks off of Bourbon Street and you’ll discover New Orleans is the thrifting paradise you never saw coming. In San Francisco , spend a morning browsing half a dozen amazing second-hand stores along upper Haight Street and you’ll be in a prime location to spend the rest of the day relaxing in Golden Gate Park.

• Summer Inspiration

• Travel recommendations
• The taste of travel
• Tips & tricks
• Travel experiences

Your summer travel cheat sheet is here.

When summer’s long, dreamy days arrive, and the tropical-flavored bevs start flowing, it gets easy to lose track of things. Like your spending. Summer trips in particular can add up without careful planning. That’s why we’re sharing the top trends and tips of the season – so you can stress less about overpaying on flights, and focus more on which inflatable floatie to bring to the pool. 🦩 It’s cheaper to travel this summer. Period. Whether you’re kickin’ it stateside or headed elsewhere, you’ll be happy to know that flight costs are lower across the board. For domestic trips, we’re seeing a 13% drop in airfare, while international rates are down 3%. Pretty neat. What about flights on holiday weekends? Yup, they’re cheaper, too. Both Fourth of July and Labor Day airfares have decreased by 17%. Memorial Day flights come in at a close second, costing 16% less than last year. The best deals of the season are in… North America, Central America, the Caribbean and the South Pacific. And a country-specific shout out goes to Mexico with a solid 16% reduction in prices. 👏

Warm-weather getaways that people 🧡. We were right : Africa is this summer’s #1 trending region. As for the season’s most searched cities – Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong round out our top 3. 🔥 Don’t fly in June (trust us). Our data shows that the weeks of 6/17 and 6/24 are the most expensive for domestic travel. So unless you like dropping thousands on a flight, plan your trip for the later half of the summer. Same goes for international flights. We’re seeing lower fares after July 4th, with the cheapest weeks being 8/12 and 8/19. August in Cape Town, anyone? Want more advice? Read the full report .

The methodology for these trends can be found here .

About the author

Explore more articles

California consumers have the right to opt out of the sale * of their personal information. For more information on how we securely process personal information, please see our Privacy Policy .

Do not sell my info ON

* The definition of "sale" under the California Consumer Privacy Act is applicable only to California consumers.

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

What to Know Before Booking a National Park Trip This Summer

Additional routes in popular parks now require reservations, the annual pass gets a big change, Juneteenth is now a new free entrance day and more changes for 2024.

By Lauren Matison

In 2023, the seashores, lakeshores, battlefields, historic sites, monuments and more that make up the National Park Service had 325.5 million visits , an increase of 4 percent from the year before.

The National Park Service director, Charles F. Sams III, praised the surge of interest in “learning our shared American story throughout the hidden gems of the National Parks System.”

Expecting an even greater turnout in 2024, the Park Service and Recreation.gov , the booking platform for federal land reservations, have implemented new measures to streamline the park experience, manage overcrowding and safeguard the environment.

More parks are requiring reservations

To better avoid congested trails, packed parking lots and overflowing trash cans, additional parks are joining Rocky Mountain , Arches and Glacier National Parks this year in requiring day-use permits, timed entries and other reservations for travelers who wish to visit, particularly during peak hours, holidays and the parks’ high seasons. Yosemite National Park is reinstating a timed-entry system it instituted in 2020, but paused in 2022.

Many park enthusiasts expressed mixed feelings about the reservation policies, with some lamenting a lack of first-come, first-served campsites while others find comfort in knowing they have a confirmed booking. As nearly 75 percent of visitors each year descend on national parks from May to October (and often on weekends), park officials stand by the system.

“In some parks, the level of demand is exceeding the capacity for which infrastructure was designed or is outpacing the National Park Service’s ability to sustainably support visitation,” said Kathy Kupper, a public affairs specialist for the service. “This trend is resulting in the need to explore new strategies to protect natural and cultural resources and provide opportunities for safe and meaningful visitor experiences.”

It can be confusing.

New to implementing timed-entry reservations for vehicles is Mount Rainier National Park , in Washington, for its popular Paradise and Sunrise Corridors during certain times in the summer season. Reservations cost $2, are valid for one day and must be purchased along with the park ticket, but do not apply for visitors with wilderness permits or camping or lodge reservations. Similar vehicle reservations are now required for certain periods for viewing the sunrise at Haleakalā National Park in Maui, Hawaii , and driving the Cadillac Summit Road in Maine’s Acadia National Park .

Visitors wishing to hike Old Rag Mountain in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park must obtain a day-use ticket between March 1 and Nov. 30, and in Zion National Park, in Utah, hikers wishing to visit Angels Landing , the dramatic 1,488-foot-tall rock formation, also need to purchase a permit. Fees range from $1 to $6, in addition to the parks’ entrance fees.

As each destination is managed differently, check the park’s webpage for the type of reservation required. Although most bookings can be made through Recreation.gov, some sites, such as Muir Woods National Monument, use a different system.

New features on Recreation.gov

In 2023, Recreation.gov reported that more than 4 million camping reservations and 2 million timed-entry reservations were booked online, and 1.5 million permits were issued. Some 2.9 million new users signed up for the site. With its expanding user base, the booking platform has added 58 reservable national park locations — including 17 campgrounds — such as Central Avenue Walk-in Sites at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Bluff Hike In Camping in South Carolina’s Congaree National Park.

Recreation.gov has also improved an alerts feature, piloted in July 2023, that can notify users through email or mobile push notifications when a sold-out campsite becomes available. After Recreation.gov notifies you of availability, you must book the campsite yourself online — and quickly, as you’ll be shown how many other people (possibly hundreds) have received the same alert.

While its customer support center and mobile app are still only available in English, Recreation.gov recently introduced a Spanish language translation option. The Park Service partners with Latino Conservation Week , which hosts nationwide hikes and events on environmental education and in-park stewardship, and will celebrate its 10th year in September.

A limit to the annual America the Beautiful pass

The 2024 America the Beautiful pass no longer allows two owners. The annual interagency pass, which costs $80 and covers the entrance fees for more than 2,000 federal recreation sites (of which roughly 100 do not charge for admission year-round), is now marked by a single signature line on the back of the card. The pass owner must show I.D. and be present with any accompanying travelers wishing to access the park with the pass. (Annual passes issued in 2023 will still be valid until their expiration date.) The pass covers all passengers in a vehicle — up to four adults, and children under 16 are admitted free — or up to four cyclists riding together. Active military or veterans and people with permanent disabilities are eligible for a free lifetime pass; 4th grade students may receive a free annual pass; and senior citizens may purchase a $20 annual pass or pay $80 for a lifetime pass.

At the parks, more accessible features, E.V. chargers and new lodging

To better protect against global warming, the Park Service is putting more than $65 million from the Inflation Reduction Act and Great American Outdoors Act into climate mitigation and ecosystem restoration.

Using $15.9 million budgeted for zero-emission vehicle deployment, charging capacity and infrastructure, the Park Service is prioritizing a reduction in carbon emissions, said Mr. Sams, by installing new electric-vehicle charging stations and running electric buses.

An interactive online locator tool created in 2023 shows E.V. charging stations throughout 27 national parks and the type of chargers available. In addition to the tool, every national park page displays alerts on road closures, parking lot capacities, construction work and other incidents.

Mr. Sams also said the Park Service is investing $1.3 billion from the Great American Outdoors Act to improve accessibility features, ranging from a new A.D.A.-compliant visitor center at Morristown National Historic Park in New Jersey to new beach wheelchairs at Sleeping Bear Dunes , Channel Islands and Virgin Islands National Parks . Each destination’s website has an accessibility tab to help visitors plan their trip, and Recreation.gov now has a search filter on its homepage to make it easier to locate accessible accommodations.

New lodging options now available across the country include the Flamingo Lodge , which opened inside Everglades National Park last fall with 24 guest rooms built from repurposed shipping containers. In March, along the southeastern border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Cataloochee Ranch reopened with 11 renovated cabins and a new restaurant. This spring, the Clubhouse Hotel & Suites will welcome its first guests in Rapid City, S.D., the closest major town to Badlands National Park , and opening in May in Idaho is the Yellowstone Peaks Hotel , a 30-minute-drive from Yellowstone National Park. This fall, California-bound travelers planning a visit to General Sherman, the largest known tree on Earth, might book at AutoCamp Sequoia , just outside Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park .

Also in California: Those who don’t score a highly coveted (and contentious) spot at the newly reopened High Sierra Camps in Yosemite could book Wildhaven Yosemite in Mariposa, which offers more affordable rates, hiking trails and views of the Sierra Nevadas. Reservations for its first season are available beginning May 1.

Celebrating milestones and a new free entrance day

On the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, visitors can pay tribute to African American heritage at over 100 parks , including the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Washington, D.C., Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument , and the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail . This year also marks 100 years since Indigenous people were recognized as United States citizens. Although many parks have Indigenous programming , Mr. Sams, who is the first Native American to serve as N.P.S. director , suggested visiting Hopewell Cultural Historical Park in Ohio and Whitman Mission Historic National Historic Site in Washington, where he recently brought his daughter.

“In order to celebrate the diversity that makes our country great, we must share the complete story of America, which includes both the successes and challenges encountered on the way to form a more perfect union,” Mr. Sams said.

Juneteenth National Independence Day is the National Park Service’s newest free entrance day . Visitors can also take advantage of free admission on April 20, the first day of National Park Week; Aug. 4, the four-year anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act ; Sept. 28 on National Public Lands Day ; and Nov. 11 for Veterans Day .

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

An earlier version of this article misstated the location of the Flamingo Lodge. It is inside Everglades National Park, not outside the park.

How we handle corrections

Planning A Trip To Banff

If you’re looking for help planning a trip to Banff or the Canadian Rockies, you’ve come to the right place. Natasha and I have been writing about travel for the last decade, and we were nomadic for five of those years, living out of a suitcase. In 2018, we felt we had enough of the non stop nomadic lifestyle and decided to settle in one of the most beautiful places on earth, The Canadian Rockies.

Now, we have a home in Canmore and spend as much time exploring the mountains surrounding us as possible. We believe this is one of the most beautiful regions in the world and a perfect place for an outdoor vacation. We aim to help you get the most out of your Banff trip and the surrounding areas.

How To Get To Banff?

The first step to planning a trip to Banff is to determine how you’ll arrive. Calgary International Airport (YYC) serves as a great gateway to the Canadian Rockies. For most, this is where their Banff trip begins.

It’s a journey that starts in the prairies of Calgary before taking off for the Bow Valley and the high soaring peaks of the Canadian Rockies. With Calgary’s close proximity to the Rockies, it may be the easiest part to plan for a trip to Banff.

If you’re not coming from Calgary here are some other points of reference.

• Driving from Jasper to Banff : Banff is 288.3 km south of Jasper and will take about 3.5 hours of driving along the stunning Icefields Parkway . Though it will probably take longer because there are so many wonderful stops along the route.
• Driving from Edmonton to Banff : Besides Calgary, Edmonton Airport is the other main airport that services Banff. Flights here are more limited than in Calgary and can often be more expensive. Banff is 389km from the Edmonton International Airport along the AB-2 S and Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W and will take drivers about four hours to complete.
• Driving from Vancouver to Banff : If you’re on the west coast of Canada and want to get to Banff, it can easily be done. Just know it will be a long day or two in the car. From Vancouver , it is about 850 km and will take about nine hours with no stops, but realistically you should plan on the drive to take at least 11 hours. Kamloops makes a great halfway stop-off point, but we’ve also stopped in Revelstoke before to break up the drive.

Pick The Right Season For You

The first thing you need to do when planning your trip to Banff is to decide when you want to visit. Banff is wonderful all year round, but the two high seasons are between December-February for Christmas in Banff and skiing in the Rockies , and the summertime between June and September.

Banff’s shoulder seasons are May and October . You’ll find slightly discounted prices on everything.

March , April , and November are Banff’s low seasons. That doesn’t mean they are a bad time to travel – they just might be less than ideal for you. March sees cold winter weather still, but the skiing is still great. While April is chilly, things start to warm up by the end of the month. It’s also spring skiing at its finest.

Things are what you might expect during November. Cold, dreary, and there’s probably gonna be some snowfall. The beautiful Banff lakes are frozen, but at least the ski resorts are opening up! It’s probably the least enjoyable month to visit the Canadian Rockies, but sometimes the early ski season is fantastic, and locals love skating on frozen mountain lakes!

Summertime is the Crème de la crème in Banff, but it’s also the busiest and most expensive time. If you don’t mind cooler temps, perhaps September is the best time to visit. Here is a month-by-month breakdown of the weather in Banff , accompanied by some photos of that month so you can get a picture of what it’s like to visit during that season.

Current Weather

Tips to visit banff on a budget.

Banff is far from the cheapest place to visit, but it’s also not crazy expensive like Switzerland either. A trip to Banff can honestly be as cheap or expensive as you want it to be. It’s definitely possible to have an awesome trip to Banff for under $100 a day. Keep in mind at the time of writing, the Canadian Dollar is much lower than the USD, GBP, or EUR, so travelers from those countries will enjoy the exchange rate. Sorry, Canucks!

The best ways to keep your budget down is to plan your trip to Banff outside the high season months, split car rental prices, purchase a Parks Canada Discovery Pass if you are here for more than three days, cook your own food, camp or stay in hostels, and do more hiking and free things in Banff – and less touristy attractions.

What do I mean by more hiking – less touristy attractions? Well, Banff is smack dab in the mountains. That means if you want to enjoy them to their fullest, you can either hike among them or you can go to a few of the paid attractions like the Banff Gondola , Glacier Skywalk , or Mt Norquay Via Ferrata . These types of Banff attractions give you easy access to the mountains, but they are expensive and will add to your cost.

If you are fit and able, I highly recommend skipping these types of things and hike for free. For instance, you can either pay over $60 for the Banff Gondola or hike 1.5 hours up Sulphur Mountain instead. I’m not knocking on these attractions. They are great in making the mountains available to ALL, but they are not cheap.

I would also suggest comparing campervan rentals before you book a hotel room. Having a campervan means you have your wheels, accommodation, and kitchen all in one place!

Activities in Banff

When planning a trip to Banff, there is by no means a shortage of activities, and there are many places to visit in Banff. Anyone who has spent time here knows it would take a lifetime to explore all the Canadian Rockies offer. This does not include all the things we would willingly do again.

Of course, what you do and can do largely depends on the season and weather. See the best things to do in Banff here , and continue reading for more details between winter and summer.

Here are a few examples of things you can do:

• Spend a morning at Moraine Lake
• Canoe on Lake Louise
• Hike Around Lake Louise
• Wild Ice Skate as the lakes first freeze
• Dinner at The Fairmont
• Drive the Icefields Parkway
• Stand Up Paddleboard on Bow Lake
• Take in the Views at Peyto Lake
• Ice Skate on Lake Louise

Summer in Banff

It’s tough to think of a more spectacular place on earth than Banff in peak summer. A wide swath of hiking trails provides visitors with expansive glaciated icefields, forested valleys, towering peaks, sparkling emerald lakes, and close encounters with wildlife. The towns of Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, Field, and Jasper sit within the Canadian Rockies and serve as amazing bases that will astound visitors with mountain views.

If you’re keen to hike or want to see the lakes, you have a narrow window of summer as the lakes and peaks are locked away in snow and ice for the majority of the year. The peak summer months also see waves of tourists, and when the vast majority of Banff’s four million visitors plan a trip to Banff.

Hiking in Banff

There is no better way to enjoy nature than on foot. Once the summer rolls around, the snow melts, and the trails dry out, it’s time to explore some gorgeous nature. There is nothing more quintessential to a Banff trip than a hike!

Hiking Guides For Banff

• Our Ultimate List of the Best Hikes in Banff
• The Best Hikes Around Moraine Lake
• 10 Amazing Hikes Around Lake Louise
• 10 Easy Hikes For The Whole Family
• Jaw-Dropping Hikes in Kananaskis Country
• 10 Best Hikes in Yoho National Park

Specific Hike Guides

• Guide to The Mount Allan Hike in Kananaskis Country
• Observation Peak Scramble in Banff National Park
• A Guide to The Tunnel Mountain Hike in Banff
• Plain of Six Glaciers Hike: All You Need To Know
• The Smutwood Peak Hike in Kananaskis
• Windtower Hike in Kananaskis Country
• Paget Peak Scramble in Yoho National Park
• Tent Ridge Hike in Kananaskis
• Mount Bourgeau and Bourgeau Lake Hike
• Arethusa Cirque: How to Hike the Best Larch Trail in Kananaskis
• Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park

Summer Activities in Banff

• Best Places in Banff To Canoe
• The Ultimate Guide to Peyto Lake
• Amazing Things To Do in Banff
• Guide to Moraine Lake
• Where to Stand Up Paddleboard in Banff
• Awesome Things to do at Lake Louise
• Canoeing on Lake Louise
• Guide to Banff Gondola
• Awesome Things to do in Jasper
• The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Lake Louise
• A Guide to Visiting Lake Minnewanka
• What to Expect at Emerald Lake
• How to Enjoy Cascade Ponds
• Spending a Day at Vermilion Lakes

Winter in Banff

Winter sees a fraction of the visitors during the summer months, but it is an amazing time for a Banff trip. You won’t be able to see the famed turquoise blue lakes, but instead, the park and town turn into a winter wonderland. If there is a winter activity, you love the region has it in abundance. You’re spoilt for choice when planning a trip to Banff in the winter!

Visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, sleigh riding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, tobogganing, tubing, backcountry ski, ice-climbing, and heli-skiing. Over the years, we’ve been spoiled by the ski in Western Canada and couldn’t imagine skiing anywhere else. It certainly favors the active, but it’s tough to resist the charm of a cozy fireplace and some fondue on a snowy winter night.

Winter Activities

• Things to do in Banff in the Winter
• Guide to Lake Louise Ski Resort
• Things To Do at Lake Louise in the Winter
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Banff
• Best Places for Ice Skating in Banff
• Awesome Things to do at Lake Louise in the Winter
• How to Enjoy the Lake Louise Ski World Cup
• A Guide to Banff Sunshine Ski Resort
• 10 Best Banff Cross-Country Skiing Trails
• Why You Should Ice Skate on Lake Louise
• Ultimate Guide To Skiing in Banff
• A Complete Guide to Packing for Banff in the Winter
• How to Spend Christmas in Banff

Where to Stay in Banff?

Make sure to book accommodation in advance when planning a trip to Banff! Hotels often have no vacancies in the summer months. For some great help, check out our round-up of the best hotels in Banff . All of these hotels will ensure you have a great time during your Banff trip. If you’re seeking a more specific place to stay, check out the hotels, Airbnbs, hostels, and cabins below.

• Airbnbs in Banff
• Airbnbs in Canmore
• Airbnbs in Jasper
• Cabins in Banff
• Cabins in Canmore
• Cabins in Alberta
• Cabins in Jasper
• Kananaskis Cabin Rentals
• Hotels in Canmore
• Hotels in Lake Louise
• Pet-Friendly Hotels in Banff
• Pet-Friendly Hotels in Canmore
• Family Hotels in Ban f f
• Family Hotels in Canmore
• Hostels in Banff
• Staying at the Banff Springs Hotel
• Staying at the Chateau Lake Louise
• Staying at the Emerald Lake Lodge
• Waterton Hotels
• A Stay at Mount Engadine

Camping in Banff

Camping in Banff National Park is a splendid and affordable way to explore the Canadian Rockies. From the campgrounds spread throughout the park, you can access some of the best trails and endless amounts of natural beauty.

All campgrounds are managed by Parks Canada or the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia in the neighboring provincial parks. There are no private campgrounds inside the parks. In addition to the wonderful front-country campgrounds, there are some world-renowned multiday hikes in the backcountry around the Canadian Rockies.

• Backcountry Trip to Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park
• The Berg Lake Trail Backcountry Trip
• Ultimate Hiking and Camping Guide for Floe Lake
• Guide to Camping at Lake O’Hara
• Hiking in the Bugaboos
• A Guide to Campgrounds in Jasper
• A Guide to Camping in Kananaskis Country
• A Guide to Camping in Canmore

Where to Eat in Banff?

Seeking out the best restaurants in Banff or wondering where you should eat in Banff? We share our favorite spots in the picturesque mountain town.

While most mountain towns might struggle to supply visitors with a wide selection of restaurants that is certainly not the case in Banff. Some of the best restaurants in Western Canada are located here and visitors are spoilt for choice.

• Best Coffee Shops in Banff and Canmore
• Breakfast in Banff
• Breakfast in Canmore
• Breakfast in Jasper
• Amazing Banff Patios to Enjoy this Summer
• The Best Banff Breweries to Have a Drink

What To Pack for the Canadian Rockies?

Theoretically, you can come to Banff National Park in whatever you want, but keep in mind this is an outdoor destination, and it’s best to be prepared for the wilderness.

I’m not saying you need to know how to start a fire from scratch and survive in the woods for three days and spear your own fish, but things like a hat, gloves, and jacket will come in handy – even in the summer.

Yes, it’s Canada, and yes, it gets freezing here. Even in the middle of August, we wear down jackets. You can see my full Banff packing list here . Leave the high heels and short dresses at home. Seriously there is nowhere to wear them here — unless you’re attending a wedding or event!

In general some items you definitely need for a trip to Banff National Park are:

• Fleece Jacket
• Down Jacket
• Hiking Boots or Trail Runners
• Good Hiking Backpack
• Gloves and Toque

Some Helpful Posts:

• What To Wear Hiking
• Winter Packing List For Canadian Rockies
• Summer Packing List For Banff

Take Memories Leave Only Footprints

I know I don’t have to say this as many of you respect nature, but just a gentle reminder that the Canadian Rockies are a special place. Please keep the mountains as clean or cleaner than you found them, and leave the wildlife alone!

I’ve seen a huge difference here in the summer months with trash and disrespect in the park. In major hot spots like Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake , there are garbage bins literally everywhere, but trash is left out carelessly. Make sure to use the bins and don’t leave garbage behind. This includes orange peels, banana peels, and apple cores, too – do not just throw them on the ground. They take forever to decompose and can attract animals which results in human/wildlife conflicts.

If there is no trash can around, carry everything out with you until you can access one. If you have a pet, pick up after it, and don’t put the poop in a plastic bag and leave the plastic bag on the trail to “pick up later,” seriously I see this on almost every hike, and it’s pretty infuriating. Don’t throw coins into lakes or natural bodies of water, nature is not a wishing well. Please leave everything just as you’ve found it.

And yes, please don’t harass any wildlife. If you’re lucky enough to see a bear, elk, mountain goat, or moose while visiting Banff, stop briefly, snap a photo, and move on. And don’t get out of your car for selfies . This is called a “bear jam,” which happens a lot more than you would think here. It’s not only harmful to you, but it habituates and disturbs the animals.

↓ Join the community ↓

The  Banff Blog 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.