The ULTIMATE Banff Itinerary You Should Follow (2024)

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

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

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

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Banff Itinerary – Day 1

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

• Morning at Moraine Lake
• Canoe on Lake Louise
• Hike Around Lake Louise
• Dinner at The Fairmont

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Spend the Morning At Moraine Lake

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Canoe On Lake Louise

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

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

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

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

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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 that can be done in under two hours and is iconic in Banff. However, be warned, its ease and beauty make it a busy one! To escape the crowds (and get better views), keep climbing to the Big or Little Beehive.

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

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Dinner and Stay at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

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

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

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Day 2

• 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

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Drive the Icefields Parkway

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

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

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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.

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Take in the Views at Peyto Lake

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

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

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

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Have Lunch at 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 and Columbia Icefield Skywalk!

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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.

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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.

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*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.

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Continue to Jasper

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

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

Jasper Hotel Recommendation: Mount Robson Inn Dinner Recommendation: Aalto

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Day 3

• Explore Downtown Jasper
• Jasper SkyTram
• Maligne Canyon
• Spirit Island
• Athabasca Falls
• Overnight in Jasper or Camp Along the Way

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Stroll Downtown Jasper

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

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Maligne Canyon

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

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

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Maligne Lake and Spirit Island

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

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

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

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Drive Back to Jasper

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

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

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Spend an Evening Up the Jasper SkyTram

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

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

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

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

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

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Overnight in the Town of Banff

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

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Banff Itinerary – Day 4

• Sunrise on Tunnel Mountain
• Walk Around Downtown Banff
• Check Out Bow Falls
• Hike or take the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain

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Catch Sunrise on Tunnel Mountain

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

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

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Stroll Down Banff Ave

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

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

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

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Cascade Gardens

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

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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, they are typically free-flowing. However, if visiting in the winter, it’s a completely different sight.

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

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Sunset on Sulphur Mountain

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

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

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Day 5

• 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

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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 yet another early morning, make your way here with a coffee in hand. Mount Rundle, arguably the most famous mountain in the park, towers over the lake, creating an epic backdrop at any time of the year.

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

Coffee recommendation: Whitebark. Breakfast Recommendation: Tooloulous

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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 or Banff at Bow Valley SUP.

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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!

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Evening at Johnston Canyon

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

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

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

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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.

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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:

Brazen

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

Three Bears Brewery

Our favorite spot in Banff for pizza and beer!

Block Kitchen and Bar

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

Nourish Bistro

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

Banff Sushi

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

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Day 6 (Head to Canmore)

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

• Hike to Grassi Lakes
• Explore Downtown Canmore
• Walk Around Policemen’s Boardwalk
• Sunset Paddle Around The Reservoir

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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.

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

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Walk the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk

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

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

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

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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.

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Adventure Option: Sunset on the EEOR

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

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

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

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

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Day 7 – Get Out of Banff

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

• Hike in Kananaskis Country
• Head to Yoho National Park
• Sunset Picnic on the Smith Dorrien

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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 to enjoy, usually filled with more Albertans than foreigners. There are some amazing lakes to enjoy and fantastic hiking opportunities here. Keep in mind you need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass to enjoy Kananaskis, this is in addition to the Parks Canada Pass you need to visit Banff.

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Head to Yoho National Park

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

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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 Rundle, you’ll find some impressive views.

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

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How Many Days Should You Spend in Banff?

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

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When is the Best Time to Visit Banff?

High season (June-August, December-February)

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

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

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

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Shoulder Season (May, September-October)

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

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

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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!

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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.

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Consider Renting a Car

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

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

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

Other Transport Options

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

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

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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.

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This Banff Itinerary is Just a Starter

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

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

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

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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.

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Our Favorite Banff Hotels

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

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