Day 1: Arrival in Calgary & Drive to Banff
After landing in Calgary, get your rental car and start on a 1.5-hour drive to Banff. As you get closer, the views of the towering Rockies build anticipation for the adventures ahead. Once settled, begin exploring:
- Stroll through Banff’s charming downtown, with its array of shops and eateries. Cross the Pedestrian Bridge for a scenic view of the Bow River framed by snow-capped peaks.
- A short, scenic walk along the Bow River leads to a waterfall tumbling over smooth rock faces at Bow Falls Viewpoint.
- On the opposite site of the river is the Surprise Corner & Fairmont Banff Springs Viewpoint. This aptly named spot reveals the majestic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel nestled in the mountains, offering a stunning vantage of the Bow River and surrounding wilderness.
- Snap a photo with the iconic Banff Sign, framed by the beautiful mountains, to commemorate your visit.
- End the day at Vermilion Lakes Viewpoint with a serene sunset over Vermilion Lakes, a series of tranquil ponds reflecting Mount Rundle. It’s also a great place for wildlife spotting. Another popular place for wildlife is Banff Springs Golf Course, with frequent sightings of elk and deer on the greens.
- Enjoy dinner in Banff downtown and spend the night in Banff.
Day 2: Banff’s Highlights
Discover more of Banff’s picturesque surroundings with a relaxed day of sightseeing:
- Visit the Cascade of Time Garden at the edge of downtown, located near the Banff Park Administration building. It’s a beautifully manicured garden with peaceful waterfalls and flower beds against mountain backdrops. Parking is limited so walking is recommended.
- Grab brunch in town before heading to Lake Minnewanka. As Banff’s largest lake, it’s a great spot for picnicking or taking a boat tour to admire the steep cliffs and crystal waters. If you want a boat cruise, book ahead of time as it can get sold out.
- A short drive away is Two Jack Lake. It’s a picturesque lake ideal for photos and relaxation.
- After an entire afternoon by the lakes, it’s time to go up the mountains. Return to town to take the Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain for a sunset view. Or for a free alternative, drive up to Mount Norquay Lookout for a panoramic view of Banff and surrounding mountains.
- You can enjoy dinner with a view at Sky Bistro on the summit of Sulphur Mountain if you do the gondola or back in town for more dining options.
- Spend the night in Banff.
Day 3: Icefields Parkway Adventure
Take one of the most scenic drives in the world along the Icefields Parkway, with stops at key landmarks. The drive itself is only 2 to 3 hours but with stops, it’s an all day adventure!
- Start the day with a scenic drive along Bow Valley Parkway, the wildlife-rich route, stopping at Castle Cliffs and Morant’s Curve for exceptional views.
- Walk through a forested Johnston Canyon with waterfalls cascading beside the trail. The 1-mile round trip hike to Lower Falls is easy and rewarding, while Upper Falls is a 4-mile round trip for those looking for a longer trek.
- Bow Lake & Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint: A striking, glacier-fed lake with the ancient Crowfoot Glacier hanging above it. It’s a peaceful spot for photos and soaking in the alpine scenery.
- Peyto Lake: Known for its wolf-head shape and stunning turquoise hue, a 10-minute walk brings you to the main viewpoint over the lake. Continue for 15 minutes on the dirt path to the right to a quieter second viewpoint.
- Continue the drive to Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield, which is the largest south of Arctic Circle. There are tours available that offer guided ice-walks on the Athabasca Glacier. **Due to the fires in Jasper Park, Icefields Parkway was only opened to this point in Sept 2024. We didn’t have the best weather to continue the drive there.
- Spend the night near Lake Louise. We stayed at Mountaineer Lodge and it’s comfortable, spacious and conveniently located.
Day 4: Exploring Lake Louise
This day is dedicated to the iconic lake of the Canadian Rockies: Lake Louise.
- Hop on an early morning shuttle to Lake Louise to explore this stunning lake known for its emerald waters. Enjoy the gentle, scenic walk along the shoreline of Lake Louise to get away from the crowd and admire its stunning beauty.
- Lake Agnes & Big Beehive Trails: A moderately challenging 4.5-mile round trip hike through forests and alpine meadows leads you to Lake Agnes and eventually to Big Beehive for panoramic views of the valley. On the way, you will pass by Mirror Lake with stunningly clear water. There’s a tea house at Lake Agnes where you can get refreshments but the line can be really long as this is an extremely popular hike. Pack some food and pick a quiet place to enjoy it. **Part of the trail is also shared by horse riders, watch out for horse poo!
- After the hike, enjoy an early dinner at Fairmont Château if you’re feeling fancy or back to Lake Louise Village. Bill Peyto’s Cafe is a great choice.
- Stay the night near Lake Louise.
Day 5: Moraine Lake & Consolation Lakes
Today focuses on the beauty of Moraine Lake, another iconic lake, and a rewarding hike. You will need to pre-book a shuttle or a tour group to access this area.
- Famous for its vibrant blue color, Moraine Lake is breathtaking. Climb the Rockpile for a postcard-perfect view of the lake with the Valley of the Ten Peaks as a backdrop.
- Consolation Lakes Trail: A 4-mile round trip hike leads to the secluded and peaceful Consolation Lakes, with towering peaks reflected in their calm waters. At least 2 hours is required for this hike and make sure to have enough time when you’re booking the shuttle ride back. There’s a warning sign at the start to stay in a group for possible bear encounters. If you’re a solo hiker, you might want to wait for other hikers or have a bear spray.
- Another popular hike to do during autumn is Larch Valley Trail with larch trees in vibrant golden hues. It’s 5.5 miles out and back and takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete this challenging trail.
- After the hike, walk along Moraine Lake shores and spend time admiring the lake before heading back.
- Spend the night near Lake Louise.
Day 6: Yoho National Park
Cross into British Columbia’s Yoho National Park to witness some of the Rockies’ most awe-inspiring natural wonders.
- Meeting of the Waters: Witness the confluence of the Yoho and Kicking Horse Rivers, where the colors of the waters collide dramatically. One is milky white and the other blue hue.
- Takakkaw Falls: A short walk leads you to the base of Canada’s second-tallest waterfall, cascading from dizzying heights with icy water from glaciers above.
- Natural Bridge: Visit this unique rock formation where the Kicking Horse River has eroded a stone arch, creating a natural bridge.
- Emerald Lake: Stroll the shore around this brilliant green lake, with reflections of the surrounding peaks in the water. Take a break at Cilantro cafe for light snacks and drinks.
- Spend the night in Emerald Lake or Lake Louise, preparing for your final day.
Day 7: Lake Louise to Calgary
On your way back to Calgary, take in a few final sights:
- Stop in Canmore for a walk along the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk and enjoy views of the Three Sisters Mountains. The town itself is also cute and cozy with boutique stores.
- Continue the drive for another hour to Calgary. Explore the lively West Farmer’s Market for local crafts and fresh produce.
- Relax at Prince’s Island Park, a serene green space by the river with wonderful views of the city skyline.
- End your trip by catching the sunset from Scotsman’s Hill, a panoramic viewpoint overlooking downtown Calgary and the surrounding landscape.
This Banff itinerary offers an unforgettable experience through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, combining hiking, sightseeing, and peaceful moments in nature. The weather can be unpredictable so you can switch the days around if your plan is flexible. Hope you have an amazing time there like I did with this guide!
