The ULTIMATE Itinerary for Banff You Should Follow (2025)
Are you planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies and need a helpful Banff itinerary? Then you are in for a trip of a lifetime because Banff National Park is truly one of the most spectacular places in the entire world. The first time we visited Banff, we knew it was something special. It was so special that we decided to move to Alberta years ago and haven’t looked back.
Whether you’re visiting Banff for one, two, three days, or longer than a week, you’ll still need to have a general plan to see as much as you would like in your time here. No matter how many days you have here, it still won’t be enough to uncover the beauty of this place, but you’ll at least get a taste of the highlights.
Here is our ideal Banff itinerary, including things to do, travel and packing tips, and the best time to visit Banff. This itinerary for Banff is primarily summer-focused, but you can also use it for inspiration for trips all year round. If you are visiting during the winter, it’s best to follow our winter itinerary for Banff.
Banff Itinerary – Day 1
Welcome to Banff National Park, one of the most beautiful places in the world! I know you’re on vacation, and you probably want to sleep a bit, but trust me, it’s worth it to get up and make the most out of your time in Banff because there is a lot to see and do! Let’s get into day one on your Banff itinerary.
- Walk Around Downtown Banff
- Check Out Bow Falls
- Hike Up Tunnel Mountain
- Hike or take the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain
Stroll Down Banff Ave
Your first introduction to Banff should include a stroll down Banff Avenue. It’s hard to believe there is a town in the center of one of the most beautiful national parks on earth, but there is, and walking around Banff is a must for any visitor.
There are plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants to enjoy in Banff, and you have unreal views of Cascade Mountain the entire time. But really, I just love strolling and admiring the mountain views from down low. If you visit Banff in the summer, there are plenty of places to soak up some vitamin D. Find an amazing patio where you can enjoy a beer under the sun!
Time for lunch! Grab a tasty lunch in Downtown Banff. Some of our favorite places for lunch are Nourish Bistro, Three Bears Brewery, and Touloulous.
Putter Through Cascade Gardens
If you’re strolling around Downtown Banff in the summer, you can’t miss a stop at Cascade Gardens, right at the end of the road. It’s located at the end of Banff Avenue, nearly impossible to miss. From the garden, you get great views of Mount Rundle and Cascade. This should go without saying, but please don’t pick the flowers, apparently it happens a lot!
Check Out Bow Falls
Bow Falls are a must-see Banff waterfall and are only a short walk away from Downtown. From Cascade Gardens, you can take a quick and easy walk along the Bow Falls Trail. From May to November, the falls are typically free-flowing. However, if you visit in the winter, it’s a completely different sight.
Depending on when you see them in the winter, Bow Falls may be frozen, but we’ve been lucky and seen their beauty, half in ice and half in water – a splendid experience! There are nice walkways and viewpoints for visitors so they can view safely.
Hike Up Tunnel Mountain
Tunnel Mountain is right in the heart of Banff. It’s beloved by locals for its accessibility, and you can hike it year-round. It may be one of the smallest mountains in Banff National Park, but it still offers tremendous views of the surrounding valleys and Mount Rundle.
The hike moves slowly up the mountain through several switchbacks and offers various viewpoints out into the Bow and Spray Valleys. It’s a great Banff hike for sunrise or sunset and rarely disappoints. The best part is it’s only 4.5 km round trip and shouldn’t take more than one hour up. It’s also one of the easiest hikes you can do, with only 266 meters of elevation gain.
Enjoy Sunset on Sulphur Mountain
One of the best places to catch the sunset in Banff is from the top of Sulphur Mountain. The Banff Gondola runs all day to take visitors up and down, making it the easiest mountaintop to catch the sunset from in Banff.
If you’re up for some activity, you can also hike up Sulphur Mountain for free. Save some money, and get your legs moving! The peak can be reached in under two hours through a path of easy but relentless switchbacks. If you want to hike up and take the gondola down, you can purchase one-way tickets for half price (unfortunately, it doesn’t work the other way around).
Day 2 – Moraine Lake & Lake Louise
- Morning at Moraine Lake
- Canoe on Lake Louise
- Hike Around Lake Louise
- Dinner at The Fairmont
Spend the Morning At Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is the most popular thing to do in Banff and arguably the most famous sight to see in Canada. This iconic lake is a picturesque picture of Canada (seriously, just Google image “Canada” and see what comes up). With the ten peaks rising high over the glacier waters, Moraine Lake is a highlight of any trip to Banff.
Moraine Lake is about an hour’s drive away from the Town of Banff and only twenty minutes further than Lake Louise. With its popularity and millions of Instagram location tags, you used to have to arrive well before 6 am to grab a parking spot between June and September.
However, Parks Canada restricted personal vehicles at Moraine Lake a few years ago. So now the only ways to get to Moraine Lake is with the Parks Canada Park & Ride Shuttle, stay at the Moraine Lake Lodge, take the Roam Transit Bus, or use a private tour/shuttle like the Moraine Lake Bus Company, Fairview Limo, or Radventures Earlybird, have a blue accessibility tag, or to bike/hike in. If you’d like to catch sunrise, there are still many ways to see sunrise at Moraine Lake.
We think this decision is a great choice, as Moraine Lake was, quite frankly, loved to death. Members of our private Facebook group have noted that they were getting to Moraine Lake as early as 3 am in the past to ensure a parking spot. Every year, it seemed that you had to get to Moraine Lake earlier and earlier, and it was all becoming a bit too much.
We break down exactly how to get to Moraine Lake in our latest update.
No matter how you get to Moraine Lake, we recommend enjoying the scenery and making time for a Moraine Lake hike to Consolation Lakes, or even up through the Larch Valley. Alternatively, you can spend your time canoeing in paradise.
Just note that if you think you’ll make your visit to Moraine Lake quieter and easier by visiting in the off-season, you may want to think again. Moraine Lake Road is the only road to Moraine Lake, and it is open only from June 1 to October 13th (closes on October 14th, 2025). After that, the road gets covered in snow, and the avalanche risk is high until the next summer rolls around.
More Guides to Visiting Moraine Lake
Head to Lake Louise
After you visit Moraine Lake, you’ll probably want to head to Lake Louise. Lake Louise is the other iconic lake that millions from around the world flock to Banff to see. It should be on everyone’s Banff itinerary as it is certainly a highlight of any trip to Canada.
Lake Louise, while not as scenic as Moraine Lake, is still pretty darn mesmerizing. This glacier-fed lake sparkles bright turquoise blue under the sun, and the mountains rising up around it provide the perfect backdrop for any photo. If you’re already visiting Moraine Lake for the day, you might as well get to Lake Louise, too, as it’s just a short drive away and is easily connected for free via the Parks Canada Lake Connector Shuttle. Also, nearly every Moraine Lake tour runs to Lake Louise right after visiting Moraine Lake.
Keep in mind that Lake Louise is frozen solid from late October to early June, but unlike Moraine Lake, it is accessible year-round.
Once at Lake Louise, we recommend canoeing on the iconic lake, especially if you skipped the experience at Moraine Lake. Canoeing on Lake Louise is run by the Fairmont Boathouse, and is not a cheap experience. Though how often do you get to say you’ve paddled on a brilliantly blue glacial lake?
More Guides to Visiting Lake Louise
Stay in Lake Louise!
Are you wondering where the best place to stay in Lake Louise is? There are multiple hotels and cabins in the area, but we have our favorites that we recommend to readers!
- Fairmont Chateau: The only hotel on Lake Louise. It’s the most luxurious, but also the most expensive place to stay in the park. If you want primo access to Lake Louise, you’ll have to splurge and spend a night here.
- Paradise Lodge: Just a walk away from Lake Louise, these are charming Lake Louise cabins that you can’t help but love. They are cheaper than the Fairmont, but are still very close to Lake Louise.
- Baker Creek Mountain Resort: About a 15 minute drive from Lake Louise on the Bow Valley Parkway are these cabins. However, if you are seeking seclusion and the feeling of being in the Canadian wilderness this is your place.
Hike Around Lake Louise
If you want to go for a hike while visiting Lake Louise (and I highly suggest you do), numerous hikes range in difficulty, leaving right from Lake Louise. The most popular and easiest hike is to the Lake Agnes Tea House. This is an easy hike, and many hikers can reach Lake Agnes in around two hours. However, be warned, its ease and beauty make it a busy one! To escape some of the crowds (and get better views), keep climbing to the Big or Little Beehive.
Another longer option is Devil’s Thumb, but this should be attempted by seasoned hikers as there are some scramble sections. Other hikes that you can enjoy in the area are the Fairview Lookout (easy), Plain of Six Glaciers (moderate), and Mount St. Piran (hard).
Dinner at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is the most iconic hotel in Banff National Park. It’s easily one of the best places to stay in all of Alberta, and it overlooks the beautiful lake. If you book early enough and score yourself a room here in the summer, enjoy it!
However you don’t have to book a night here to enjoy it! After enjoying Moraine Lake and Lake Louise during the day, you can now relax and have dinner at the Chateau and enjoy an evening in the Fairmont. Keep in mind that reservations are highly recommended for any Lake Louise restaurant at the Chateau.
Day 3 – Explore Banff
- Sunrise on Vermilion Lakes
- Stand Up Paddleboard on Two Jack Lake
- Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata
- Scenic Cruise Around Lake Minnewanka
- Dinner and Drinks in Banff
Sunrise on Vermilion Lakes
Vermilion Lakes is one of my favorite places to go to in Banff for both sunrise and sunset. If you’re up for another early morning, make your way here with a coffee. Mount Rundle, arguably the most famous mountain in the park, towers over the lake, creating an epic backdrop at any time of the year.
It’s the perfect place to come early morning and enjoy your coffee before a great breakfast in Banff or travel to sunset with a few beers. You can also take a canoe, kayak, or paddleboards out here and enjoy the water as the lakes are pretty calm and a great place for a chill ride – even for beginners!
Coffee recommendation: Whitebark. Breakfast Recommendation: Tooloulous
Stand Up Paddleboard on Two Jack Lake
Just a ten-minute drive away from Vermilion Lakes is Two Jack Lake. Two Jack is one of the most photographed lakes in the Canadian Rockies due to its proximity to Banff, and its stunning Mount Rundle Views. In the summer, it’s a popular spot to come with a stand-up paddleboard or kayak.
Keep in mind there is nowhere to rent watercraft here, so you’ll have to come with your own or rent one in Canmore at Bow Valley SUP or in Banff at the Banff Canoe Club.
Scenic Cruise Around Lake Minnewanka
One of the top things to do in Banff National Park is enjoy Lake Minnewanka. This glacial lake is right next door to Two Jack Lake. It is 21 km long and 142 meters deep, making it one of the largest lakes in the Rockies.
Mount Inglismaldie and Mount Aylmer, towering over Lake Minnewanka, are seriously impressive all year round. Oh yeah, and there’s also a Canadian resort ghost town under the lake! In the summer, it’s a busy place to hike around and go canoeing on, or you can book a scenic cruise back to Devil’s Gap and enjoy the scenery from the water!
Evening Hike at Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon is one of the top attractions in Banff and can attract quite a crowd in the summer. That’s why we suggest ending your day here, as visiting after 5 pm provides the best chance for a crowd-free experience.
A summer hike is visceral as the roaring water reverberates through the canyon and into your chest. As a hiker, you get up close and personal with the canyon thanks to a series of suspended walkways. Along the way, hikers catch scenic glimpses of the mountains, multiple waterfalls, and a chance to spot wildlife.
The waterfalls in the canyon are roaring come July as the snow melts high in the surrounding mountains. No matter the season, it’s an easy hike in Banff along a well-maintained trail suitable for all ages. If you find yourself with spare time, continue on to the Ink Pots for an extended hike.
Adventure Option: Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata
If you’re a beginner hiker but want to see what hiking in the Rockies is all about, I highly suggest the Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata. This is an assisted climbing experience up Mount Norquay. Four different routes vary in length and difficulty. It’s perfect for any visitor to Banff and has many different options for families.
Dinner and Drinks in Banff
The sun has set over Banff National Park. It’s time to refuel for the day at one of Banff’s many places to eat. A few of our favorites are:
Fat Ox
One of our favorite new restaurants in Banff with a great atmosphere and high-quality ingredients to create the ultimate “Italian Alpine” menu.
Three Bears Brewery
Our favorite spot in Banff for pizza and beer!
Block Kitchen and Bar
A small restaurant with some of the most innovative dishes and drinks in the valley. Reservations are not accepted here and it is tiny, but if you manage to get a table you won’t be disappointed.
Nourish Bistro
This healthy cafe is the perfect lunch spot in town with reasonably priced lunch combos and coffee.
Banff Sushi
We love sushi, and we love a good deal, so Banff Sushi is a slam dunk for us. The novelty of the sushi train was definitely appreciated and brought us back to Japan as we nabbed tantalizing bites of sushi off the Canadian train engine. If you like sushi, this may be one of the best deals in Banff.
See Also:
Day 4 – Icefields Parkway
- Drive the Icefields Parkway
- Stand Up Paddleboard on Bow Lake
- Take in the Views at Peyto Lake
- Have Lunch at Athabasca Glacier
- Columbia Skywalk
- Drive on to Jasper
Drive the Icefields Parkway
Whether you decided to stay in Banff or Lake Louise last night it’s time to wake up early as this day is going to be jame packed. Enjoy your coffee with a view, and then get ready to head out for a road trip on the Icefields Parkway. The Icefields Parkway is one of the most beautiful road trips you can take in the entire world.
The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North) connects Lake Louise with the Town of Jasper in Jasper National Park. The drive itself is stunning, but there are so many pull-offs along the way. Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and Herbert Lake are just to name a few. I won’t break down every single stop to make here, as there are so many. Instead, I’ve created a full Icefields Parkway guide. It’s important to note that this drive will take you the entire day, and you still won’t hit all the stops (hence why we say wake up early)!
Swing By Bow Lake
You can’t miss Bow Lake on your way up the Icefields Parkway. It’s a huge lake, and many people stop here to admire the view.
This is one of the best places to enjoy the water if you have a stand-up paddleboard, canoe, or kayak. Note that there is nowhere to rent these watercraft along the Icefields Parkway, so you’ll either have to have your own or rent one for your trip to Banff if you have a rental car. Banff Canoe Club and Radventures offer daily stand-up paddleboard rentals. Or if you think you would like to paddle on all the lakes in the Rockies on your trip, we recommend buying a stand up paddleboard.
If you have lots of time, there are also some phenomenal hikes and scrambles around Bow Lake. The easiest and quickest is the hike to Bow Glacier Falls, but longer day hikes we love are Helen Lake, The Onion, or Mount Jimmy Simpson.
Take in the Views at Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake (PEE-toh) is a glacier-fed lake in Banff National Park. It is probably the third most popular lake to visit in Banff, after Louise and Moraine, because of its unique shape and absolutely mind-blowing blue water.
Peyto Lake is easily accessible from the Icefields Parkway. To get a great view, you only have to park and hike up an easy 10-minute path to the viewpoint. It’s the perfect place to come and enjoy the stellar views in both winter and summer, and there is a nice viewing platform to see the lake.
Peyto Lake is just past Bow Lake on your left-hand side when driving from Lake Louise to Jasper. It’s a busy stop, so if you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend getting an early start before 8 a.m. in the summer.
Have Lunch at the Athabasca Glacier
As you continue driving the Icefields Parkway, you’ll take in all the incredible views ahead of you. There are plenty of sights, but I won’t list them all here as I encourage you to check out our step by step guide to the Icefields Parkway so you can determine where you want to stop.
Around the 130 km mark from Lake Louise, you’ll reach the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre. Here, you can step inside, use the restrooms, have lunch, and embark on an excursion.
Athabasca Glacier is a popular place to stop along the Icefields Parkway. You can see Mount Athabasca here and even walk on Athabasca Glacier with a tour. Most visitors book the Columbia Icefield Adventure Tour, which combines the Ice Explorer vehicle experience that takes you to the glacier with the Columbia Icefield Skywalk!
Ice Explorer Experience
The Ice Explorer is the most popular tour and experience on the Athabasca Glacier. The tour takes visitors high up the Glacier and drops them off on the Glacier to experience it firsthand. This is done with massive trucks that drive up and down the steep moraines of the Glacier before driving to a designated area where passengers can get out and touch and drink from the glacier. It’s one of the top tours in the Canadian Rockies, and a ticket also includes the Columbia Icefield Skywalk.
Columbia Icefield Skywalk
If you’re already at Athabasca Glacier, you may as well enjoy an experience just a couple of kilometers down the road to the Glacier Skywalk. Here, you can step out on a cliff-edge walk, see the glaciers around you, and enjoy views of the Sunwapta Valley.
The Columbia Icefield Skywalk has views of wildlife, waterfalls, and fossils. It’s a fun, family-friendly thing to do in Banff. However, in my opinion, you can get the same experience for free by going on a beautiful hike in Banff National Park.
If you’re an avid outdoor person and hiker, the Skywalk can feel like a lame way to waste money. However, if you have never experienced walking on glass and descending down a valley floor, it may be an exhilarating experience.
Good to Know
*Note that you must pre purchase tickets for this experience. There is no parking along the Icefields Parkway, and you must park at the Discovery Center, check in there, and be shuttled to the Skywalk. Skywalk tickets are included in all Ice Explorer tours.
*Alternative Suggestion*
You don’t have to take the massive Ice Explorer vehicles to walk on the Glacier. Instead, you can book an Ice walk tour if you are fit and able. An Ice Walk tour is a much more personal experience, with a certified guide that will safely take you walking on the glacier and provide insights and explanations of what you are looking at.
We highly recommend booking an Ice Walk tour and not trying to walk on the glacier yourself, which can be very unsafe. If you want to actually repel into a crevasse on your glacier experience, Rockaboo is the only guiding company certified to do that.
Good to Know
The whole Athabasca Glacier experience can easily take 4 hours. When planning this activity, it’s important to factor that into your schedule.
Continue to Jasper
NOTE: Jasper National Park suffered extensive wildfire damage in July 2024 and many businesses and sights are closed and rebuilding. They are now welcoming visitors back to their town, but please keep the wildfire in mind when building your itinerary. If you would like an alternative suggestion, another option is to venture into Yoho National Park, here is an example one day itinerary.
After Athabasca, you have the option to stay the night on the Icefields Parkway at the Glacier View Lodge, or you can push on to Jasper. As you leave, you’ll exit Banff National Park and enter Jasper National Park.
The views continue though, and the drive is just as stunning as it was in Banff. A few of the best stops ahead of you include Tangle Creek Falls, Athabasca Falls, Sunwapta Falls, and Horseshoe Lake. After visiting, continue on to Jasper Town and relax here for the night.
Day 5 – Explore Jasper
- Explore Downtown Jasper
- Maligne Lake and Spirit Island
- Jasper SkyTram
- Overnight in Jasper or Camp Along the Way
Stroll Downtown Jasper
Wake up in downtown Jasper after staying at a cute Jasper cabin or hotel and have a coffee and baked treat at Bear’s Paw Bakery or have a delicious breakfast in Jasper. Take a stroll around town and enjoy the fresh mountain air. After your morning, you’re going to want to hop in the car and get ready for another beautiful road trip. Set the GPS for Maligne Lake and start driving down Maligne Lake Road.
Maligne Lake and Spirit Island
A great place to visit in Jasper is Spirit Island in Maligne Lake. As you may have guessed by its name, Spirit Island is a serene and revered place, especially for the area’s indigenous people. Due to its sacredness, the island is off-limits, but boat tours are available, which will take you close enough to appreciate its splendor.
The cruises run daily and often in the summer. The standard cruise allows for 15 minutes near Spirit Island, but Pursuit sells Premium Cruises, which allow for 30 minutes at Spirit Island and run once a day. We highly recommend booking the Maligne Lake Cruise well in advance, as it’s a very popular thing to do in the summer, and cruises do sell out every summer.
Drive Back to Downtown Jasper
After your time at Maligne Lake, it’s time to get in the car again and drive back to Jasper on the same road you came on. You’ll do this on Maligne Lake Road, one of Canada’s most gorgeous roads. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife; we almost always see moose on this road.
If you missed a stop at Medicine Lake on your way to Maligne Lake, now is your time to stop and see it. Medicine Lake is part of the Maligne Valley watershed and is nearly 7 km (4.3 mi) long. In the summer, it looks like a normal Canadian lake, but it’s actually called the disappearing lake, as in the winter, the water completely disappears.
Spend an Evening Up the Jasper SkyTram
Going up the Jasper SkyTram is one of the best ways to end your day in Jasper. It’s here you can enjoy unparalleled views and on a clear day, you can even see Mount Robson (the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies) in the distance.
Once you load onto the Jasper Gondola, you’ll begin the thrilling ride up to the Summit Station at 2,263 meters (7,425 ft). The two cozy trams hold 20-24 people and bring you up 2,263 meters in 10 minutes. On the way up, the views become expansive as you leave the tree line and enter the alpine. Once at the top, we recommend a quick hike up to Whistler’s Summit via the Whistler’s Summit Trail.
Option: Stay Longer in Jasper, or Drive Back to Banff Via the Icefields Parkway
We recommend staying three days in Jasper, as there is so much to do and we crammed a lot into the day above. Some even prefer Jasper over Banff! With more time in Jasper, you can enjoy a canoe on Pyramid Lake, raft on the Athabasca River, or have lunch on Lac Beauvert. However, if you are short on time, you can drive back to Banff either in the evening or in the morning!
As mentioned, this is an itinerary to give you ideas and not set in stone. The perfect itinerary depends on your timeline. If you plan to spend more time in Jasper, you can follow our ultimate three-day Jasper itinerary.
If you can give more time to Jasper National Park, here are some ideas for activities to keep you entertained.
Overnight in the Town of Banff or Canmore
After your time in Jasper, it’s time to head back to Banff the same way you came. Stop at any sights along the Icefields Parkway you missed the first time. We recommend you either drive back and stay in Downtown Banff, or switch it up and stay in Canmore, which is the neighboring mountain town.
Day 6 – Explore Canmore
Today is the day to head to the town right next to Banff, and that is Canmore. I personally love Canmore more than Banff (and not just because I live here) because it feels less like a tourist destination and more like a place where real day-to-day operations happen. Of course we recommend spending longer in Canmore, but if you only have one day in Canmore, here is how we would spend it.
- Hike to Grassi Lakes
- Explore Downtown Canmore
- Walk Around Policeman’s Boardwalk
- Sunset Paddle Around The Reservoir
Morning Hike to Grassi Lakes
With clear water and mesmerizingly blue water, Grassi Lakes is remarkable and easy to reach on a short hike. Though there are other trails in the area, these are clearly marked, and great for all ages making them one of the best things to do in Canmore.
About five kilometers south of town, the lakes are easy to get to, and you may want to consider packing a few some food for a picnic, as it’s one of the most picturesque places around Canmore. Stunning views of a nearby waterfall and the town of Canmore below present plenty of photo opportunities.
Grassi Lakes is easy enough for just about anyone to complete. I would feel comfortable bringing older parents or healthy grandparents on this short hike. Be forewarned that its ease makes it particularly busy, and we recommend starting your hike first thing in the morning to avoid crowds.
Explore Downtown Canmore
Strolling Downtown Canmore is like strolling Downtown Banff—without the masses. Stroll Main Street and pop into the art galleries, or grab a coffee at Eclipse. We also always love running into Stonewaters for home decor inspiration!
For lunch, head downtown to one of Canmore’s many restaurants. I love sitting outside at The Tavern or Communitea as they have fun patios in the summer. They have great food and awesome drink specials. Though if you’re really looking for a good patio experience in Canmore, The Wood has the best views in Canmore. Grizzly Paw Brewery and Pub is another popular option, as it’s right on Main Street, but it’s more expensive and offers less good food, in my opinion.
If you visit in the summer, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that Canmore restricts vehicles on Main Street, creating a fabulous motor-free environment.
Walk the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk
If you want to spend a quiet morning or afternoon strolling through nature, head to the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk. The elevated walkway offers year-round access without the need for waders, boots, or snowshoes. It’s accessible from downtown, and the trailhead is near the intersection of Main Street and Spring Creek Drive.
The four-kilometer Canmore trail is well-marked and easy to follow. It will bring you right back to your starting point, so you won’t have to drop breadcrumbs or call for a helicopter rescue.
The boardwalk’s pleasant mix of town and country is the best of both worlds, and you’ll think you’re much farther away from civilization than you really are. Don’t miss the Giant Head Statue near The Drake at the beginning or end of your walk!
Sunset Paddle Around The Rundle Forebay Reservoir
The Rundle Forebay Reservoir, or “Canmore Res,” is a local place to head in the evening and take a swim, paddleboard, or kayak and watch the sun go down over Ha Ling Peak and the Little Sister. It’s a quiet place to relax in nature and is perfect for a picnic dinner. Please make sure to clean up after yourself, every time I visit, there is trash left about carelessly.
You can rent paddleboards from Bow Valley Sup in Canmore!
Adventure Option: Sunset on the EEOR
If you have time, and are up for a mountain summit, this adventure lies just outside of Canmore. East End of Rundle (EEOR) is one of the most popular hikes in Canmore and is a beautiful hike up that offers visitors astonishing views over Canmore, the Bow Valley, and Ha Ling Peak. Although, just because East End of Rundle (or EEOR, or “Eeyore” as locals like to call it) is close to town doesn’t mean it’s an easy climb up to the summit – quite the opposite actually.
EEOR trail is a 5.8 kilometer out and back trail. It’s certainly a steep and strenuous uphill battle for almost the entire hike. There are hardly any flat parts, and the climb starts right from the car park. There is some light exposure and some scrambling required to reach the actual summit, but nothing too scary or difficult for the average to the advanced hiker.
To hike to the summit and back should take you anywhere between 3-5 hours, depending on your pace and fitness. If you can get up there for sunset, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views over Ha Ling and Whiteman’s Pond, though to get a good view like in the photo above, you only have to hike halfway to the “viewpoint.” Bring a headlamp if hiking this towards the end of the day.
Not feeling EEOR? Similar hikes nearby are Ha Ling, West Wind Ridge, Rimwall Summit, Little Lougheed, Reads Tower, and Windtower. Easier hikes nearby would be Chester Lake and Rummel Lake.
Day 7 – Explore Yoho or Kananaskis
If you have extra time in this area, you are doing Banff the right way. We recommend you venture to neighboring Kananaskis Country or Yoho National Park and explore what these other parks have to offer.
- Hike in Kananaskis Provincial Park
- Head to Yoho National Park
- Sunset Picnic on the Smith Dorrien
Hike in Kananaskis Country
Kananaskis is another Alberta Park that is just as beautiful as Banff. Located closer to Calgary, it’s a quieter area, usually filled with more Albertans than foreigners. There are some amazing lakes and fantastic hiking opportunities here. Keep in mind that you need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass to enjoy Kananaskis, as it is a provincial park and not a federal park. This is in addition to the Parks Canada Pass that you need to visit Banff.
Head to Yoho National Park
Yoho National Park is just past Lake Louise and close to Golden, British Columbia. It offers fantastic sightseeing opportunities, beautiful lakes, and awesome hikes. The most famous sight in Yoho is Emerald Lake, which most visitors want to see while in the park. If you have the time and capacity, we highly recommend adding a day to explore Yoho National Park.
Some of the best things to do in Yoho are:
Sunset Picnic on the Smith Dorrien
The dirt road that leads up past Grassi Lakes and the Canmore Nordic Center is Smith Dorrien Trail. It’s an unpaved road that is open year-round, avalanche conditions withstanding. As you make your way up the pass between Mount Lawrence Grassi and Mount Rundle, you’ll find some seriously impressive views.
Once through the pass, you’ll enter Kananaskis Country, an Alberta Provincial Park. Along the drive, you pass superb lakes like Goat Pond, and impressive mountain vistas. Keep your eyes peeled as you’ll likely spot some wildlife too; we’ve seen almost everything, such as bears, moose, elk, deer, goats, bighorn sheep, and coyotes.
How Many Days Should You Spend in Banff?
This itinerary focuses on a seven-day Canadian Rockies trip, which is the average amount of time a visitor typically plans their trip. That being said, we think anywhere between 5 and 7 days is sufficient time to get a taste of what the Rockies offer and see the highlights, though you will 100% leave wanting to return. We promise you won’t be disappointed if you can spare 8 to 10 days and stay in Jasper or Canmore longer.
When is the Best Time to Visit Banff?
High season (June-September, December-February)
Banff National Park has a high season for winter enthusiasts and those after that perfect North American summer getaway. The first is much quieter than its summer counterpart, but around the holidays, prices rise, and crowds flock to Banff. Those after a ski vacation should visit Banff in February. During these two winter times, you’ll find higher accommodation prices.
However, that’s nothing compared to summertime in Banff. Numbers balloon between June and August, and while I would love to say that because of this, it’s not a good time to visit, I would be lying.
July and August bring about the best weather in the park. Long days and sunshine await you during the summer. The wildflowers are in full bloom, and it’s a great time for anyone looking for a summer adventure. However, the crowds can be insane, especially Downtown and at Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, and Lake Moraine.
Shoulder Season (May, Late September, October)
The shoulder season months are still a wonderful time to visit Banff National Park. May is still winter, and there is still snow on the ground. The glacier lakes will be frozen, but the summer crowds have not appeared, making it a great time to visit Banff.
If chasing the fall and seeing the yellow larches are your thing, you’ll want to visit for Banff in the fall in September and October. After Labor Day, the crowds start to fizzle out as the kiddies return to school and summer vacations are over. However, larch season, which starts around the third week of September brings plenty of people in. Hiking is still great, as the winter gods haven’t dumped snow yet.
Low Season (November, March, April)
These are generally cold, cloudy, and what some may call “miserable” months. Unless, of course, you like the winter, snowboarding and skiing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and don’t mind a bit of mixed weather. What is the best part about this time of year? There are fewer tourists, lower prices, and plenty of snow!
Download AllTrails
If you plan to do any hiking, download AllTrails first. Alltrails gives you the latest review of a hike and all the logistical information you may need. If you pay for AllTrails Pro, you can also download offline trail maps to your phone. We use AllTrails for most hikes, and although it’s far from perfect, it gives you some ideas about the trail based on recent hiker reviews.
Consider Renting a Car
Being in North America, your options for transport are limited, though Banff is surprisingly well-connected! Most visitors to Banff will rent a car in Calgary as this is the easiest way to get around. Renting a car in Banff ensures that you can get to where you want to go on your own schedule.
Depending on your travel season, car rentals in Calgary can be quite affordable. During the shoulder season and off season you can often get great deals on rental cars if you book far enough in advance. Though these deals are few and far between in the summer months, and booking in advance is imperative.
In the winter, it’s best to get a car with winter tires, so make sure to specify with your car rental agency as they don’t automatically come on vehicles. If you do decide to drive from Alberta into BC, these winter tires are mandatory! You can see road conditions here, which are super helpful between November and late April.
Other Transport Options
You may not feel comfortable driving in Canada, and that’s okay! There are other options to get to and from Banff and around the town. However, they are limited, so keep that in mind. To get from YYC to Banff, the Banff Airporter is a good option and costs around $160 CAD round trip.
Once in Banff, there is the Roam bus system to get around town. It also runs to popular sites like Lake Louise and easily gets you to Lake Louise Ski Resort and Banff Sunshine Ski Resort. If you’re booking a private or group tour, most tour operators offer pick up and drop off at your hotel in Banff or Canmore. If you plan on visiting without a vehicle, we’ve put together this car-free itinerary for Banff.
Dress for the Mountains
If I had a dollar for every time I saw a visitor wearing poor mountain clothes, I would have, like, $500. Come to Banff dressed for mountain weather. Here’s my Banff packing list, but in short, that means packable down jackets even in the summer.
The weather here can change at a moment’s notice, and you don’t want to be underdressed. It’s essential to pack layers and HIKING FOOTWEAR. Yes, hiking boots or hiking shoes. If you plan to go hiking while visiting Banff, please do not show up in Converse shoes. In the winter, microspikes are also glorious on hikes and are a pretty inexpensive investment.
This Banff Itinerary is Just a Starter
This Banff itinerary by no means covers everything you can do in Banff. Heck, we have been exploring these mountains for years and always find new activities to get up to!
That being said, this entire website is packed with things you can do in the region, so we encourage you to click around to get more ideas! Some popular items not mentioned but definitely worth doing (or returning for another trip) are:
- Biking or driving the Bow Valley Parkway
- Waiting for the train at Morant’s Curve
- Having a picnic at Cascade Ponds
- Venturing into Kootenay National Park for the Day
- Taking in the views from the Lake Louise Gondola
- Biking the Legacy Trail
- Going for a Horseback Ride
If you want us to review your itinerary ourselves, or create a customized itinerary for Banff (and beyond!) just for you, check out our services here.
Get a National Park Pass
All visitors to Banff National Park need a Parks Canada pass to recreate. The Parks Canada pass covers all national parks in Canada. This includes Jasper, Yoho, Glacier, and Kootenay National Park. Note that the Parks Canada Pass does not cover recreation in Kananaskis Provincial Park.
Parks Canada Day Pass Rates
| Pass Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Adult | $11.00 |
| Senior | $9.50 |
| Youth (up to 17) | Free |
| Family/Group (7 Persons) | $22.00 |
Parks Canada Discovery Pass Fees (Yearly Pass)
| Pass Type (Yearly Pass) | Rate |
|---|---|
| Adult | $75.25 |
| Senior | $64.50 |
| Youth (up to 17) | Free |
| Family/Group (up to 7 Persons) | $151.25 |
Our Favorite Banff Hotels
Banff Springs Hotel
The most luxurious and sought after property in Banff is the Banff Springs, aka The Castle. If you want to splurge this is where you should do it!
Baker Creek Cabins
If looking for a nice cabin experience you won’t be disappointed with a stay at Baker Creek along the Bow Valley Parkway.
Rundlestone Lodge
If you are after a more cost efficient option, booking a room here might save you a buck! It’s still on Banff Avenue, and their staff is wonderful!
Recommended Tours
- Banff Gondola Tour: The most popular thing to do in Banff!
- Banff Hop on Hop Off Bus: See multiple sights on your own timeline, without having to worry about driving.
- Banff Ghost Walking Tour: If you want to hear a few spooky stories from the Rockies, this is a great tour.
- Ice Explorer Glacier Tour & Glacier Skywalk: Combine the two most popular things to do at Athabasca Glacier.
- Jasper Food Tour: Eat your way around Jasper!
- Moraine Lake and Lake Louise Sightseeing Tour: Don’t worry about getting yourself to the lakes on this hands off tour from Banff.
- Moraine Lake Sunrise Tour: If you want to see Moraine Lake in all her glory, prepare to wake up early and tackle the day.
- eBike and Hike to Johnston Canyon: A great way to get active on the Bow Valley Parkway and see Johnston Canyon.
- Banff Food Tour: Eat the Castle: For the foodies.
This is by no means all you can do in the Canadian Rockies, but it is an example itinerary for Banff to help you get started with planning your own customized trip. If you have any other questions leave a comment or see our Canadian Rockies travel guide for more articles about photography spots, lakes, hikes, and everything else.
If you’re heading to Western Canada soon make sure to check out our interactive map with over 350 spots to help you plan!
- ✅ Hiking trails with links to trails & insider tips you won’t find online
- ✅ Our favorite photo spots, scenic views, waterfalls, must-visit attractions, and even swimming holes
- ✅ Our favorite restaurants, coffee shop & local spots that many skip.
- ✅ We add as we explore ourselves. That means we add new points every month!
- ✅ Map works with Google Maps!
- ✅ Pre built itineraries you can replicate,
- ✅ Discover spots via an ad-free interactive map and a grid, full of original content and videos
- ✅ Use on the go, mobile-first, offline-friendly, and made for the road.
- ✅ Local insights you won’t find on Google or AI – all in one place!
Plan Your Trip to the Canadian Rockies
- We now have an interactive map! With over 350 stops and pre built itineraries around the Canadian Rockies, our personal map and guide is your one stop shop to an epic trip here.
- Recommended Winter Experiences: There are many things to do in the Rockies in the winter, but our top recommendation is to up the Banff Gondola – a must do experience. Other great experiences are the Johnston Canyon icewalk, or go snowshoeing on top of the world!
- Hotels in the Rockies: There are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to wilderness cabins. See all our favorites here.
- Get Around: We suggest renting a car to get around. You can search for rental cars on Discover Car. For a campervan trip, you can check prices and compare on Outdoorsy. Don’t forget the Guide Along Audio App for driving the Icefields Parkway (Use our link for 25% off!)
- We can help you plan your 2026 trip to Western Canada! If you’re feeling overwhelmed by planning we can assist! We’ll hop on a 1 on 1 phone call, and PERSONALLY go over your plans and itinerary (or help you craft an itinerary), and will save you time and money with our personal recommendations. Calls are followed up with detailed trip notes afterward that I write myself. See our services here.
Great blog. Very helpful. Just FYI – we left Canmore at 3:10 am on Wednesday, July 20th and got to Moraine Lake lot at 4:20am. Lot was full. Was told it’s been like that every day so you may want to amend your comment above about arriving by 6am.
Thanks – this year has been worse than previous years unfortunately, which is why we try to direct those to our 2022 updating parking schedule in the post! We recommend trying to take the shuttle if possible! Though we are aware you will miss sunrise.
Hey guys, This is awesome info and I took most of the idea for my upcoming Sept 2024 itinerary from your blog.
Any suggestions on sunrise/sunset spots in Jasper, Banff (other than Louise & Moraine) and Yoho.
We are planning 2 nights in Field/Golden, 2 nights in Jasper and 3 nights in Banff area.
Once again, thanks a lot this wonderful blog.
Hello! Maybe this page will help you https://thebanffblog.com/banff-photography/ Enjoy your trip!
This info is great! my children bought my husband and I 3 nights stay at Peaks Hotel at Banff Park Lodge. I planned to extend the trip longer. He does not want to go because he cannot walk very far due to an injury. Do you have any recommendations for visiting with limited walking ( ~ 100 yards on level surfaces)?
Hi Lisa,
Is a walking aid an option? Banff is pretty good at being accessible, but it is still an outdoor destination and being able to move around makes the trip a lot more enjoyable. You can still visit Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, Peyto Lake, take a scenic lake cruise on Lake Minnewanka, and hop on the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain.
This looks great! Planning to do 3 days in Jasper and 3 in Banff! Hopefully squeeze Yoho in there as well!
That’s a great week planned – I’m hoping to publish an itinerary the includes all three parks soon!
Thank you for all this information, do you have something similar for winter? Im planning a trip for January, but im a little bit lost with all the information, where to buy lift tickets, where to stay, is better to rent a car ?, one of us cannot ski so, what can she do ?
Thanks again
Hi Berenice,
We will be published a winter itinerary soon. In the meantime, these articles may help you:
https://thebanffblog.com/banff-in-winter/
https://thebanffblog.com/things-to-do-in-banff-in-winter/
I’m starting to plan my trip to Banff next (late) June, and I was hoping you could clarify some doubts.
1. Can I do Lake Louise and Lake Morraine in 2-3h, with no water activities. Only strolling and eating something?
2. If I take Roam to Lake Louise, how do I get from there to Lake Morraine (and back to Banff town)?
3. Could you recommend a water rafting activity for me and my family – no experience near Banff? Which company would you recommend?
Thank you very much!
Your blog was super helpful as we planned our trip from Florida to Banff. Thank you! We are absolutely in love with the area and can’t wait to return again!
So glad you had a great trip!
Dear Natasha,
Thank you for all the hard work you must have invested to write such a wonderful guide. Hands down the best blog for anyone considering a visit to Banff. I also read “25 Stunning Things to Do in Banff in the Fall.” Equally as good. I don’t think I will have any issues convincing our traveling group where to go next. I am just going to forward them the links to your two articles. Thanks again, Natasha. Brian
Hi Brian,
Glad it has helped. Fall is short but it’s our favorite time! I hope you have the best trip!
Thank you for this info. We are driving from Portland with two teenagers. Wondering if we can bring standup paddle boards/paddles/pumps on the cheaper buses/shuttles or if we’d need to get one of the more expensive shuttles to have room for that. The other option is getting to LL in time to park, but then unclear how to get to Moraine Lake from LL if we do get parking.
Also considering a helicopter tour and wondering your thoughts on that. We are coming for 5 days in mid August and we are two adults and two active teenagers.
We are staying in hotel in Banff for a night, then camping at Rampart Creek on Icefields for a night, back to Banff for a night, then camping at Bow Valley Provincial Park for our last night.
The Parks Canada shuttles and most operators allow you to bring stand up paddleboards on board. Keep in mind watercraft from outside certain provinces must be inspected: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/nautiques-sports/nettoyez-videz-sechez-clean-drain-dry
This is actually a great itinerary for normal people. It’s obvious you’ve spent a lot of time in this area and know it well. This itinerary is well thought out, packed with the majority of the highlight activities in our National Parks, and you spent a lot of time putting this together so people don’t have to do the research themselves. I can wholehearted say if someone were to follow this itinerary and complete all the objectives on it, they would stay very busy and have a blast!
Personally for me… I would just be doing as many mountains as is humanly possible in one week, given conditions are safe. This would include the Canmore Quad, Banff Triple, Lake Louise Triple, the six summit Yoho traverse, ascents of Victoria, Lefroy, Huber, Hungabee, Deltaform and Assiniboine. I think this would be manageable in a week’s time… but this is also why I do not make these itineraries, clearly. Beautiful picture of Mount Hector from Little Hector by the way!
Most of the locations in your itinerary are loaded with people, but that typically speaks to the fact that they are easy to do/see, accessible to all, and beautiful. You have other content that is less traveled and insanely spectacular for those people who have either seen these places, want more of a challenge, or don’t like insanely crowded places. I think your itinerary is perfect for ambitious families who really want to see the highlights in a limited amount of time. I love your reviews of restaurants also, and have used this personally to experience some of the better culinary scene over the years in the Banff/Canmore area, so thank you! As someone who literally does mountains for months at a time here… I admire and respect the time you put in to help people navigate our beautiful home. For most all normal people, this itinerary will certainly not disappoint!
Natasha-
We are staying in Canmore and will have bikes. If we did not rent a car, what would we miss that we could not get to by public transport/bike? Debating the car… THANK YOU!
Ilene Winters & John Sokolowski
West Dover, Vermont
Hi Ilene,
You could miss a lot of hiking opportunities if that’s something you are interested in and driving the Icefields Parkway and making all the incredible stops will be more difficult without a car. This article might be helpful for you to read: https://thebanffblog.com/banff-without-a-car/