Banff National Park Itinerary: 1, 3, and 5 Day Guides

Lake Louise 

Lake Louise is one of the top attractions for visitors who want to make the most of their Banff National Park itinerary. The lake is a stunning emerald-colored lake that is a must-see for those who want to cool off post-hike.

You can check out the nearby rock climbing slabs or go ice skating on the frozen lake during the winter. Also, relax and soak in the incredible views of the famous lake.

Getting to Lake Louise is easy. Lake Louise is located right in the Banff Lake Louise area off the Route 1 Highway along the Bow River.

From the lake, visitors can view the breathtaking Mt. Saint Piran. It is best to park at the nearby parking lot and take a short walk to the waterfront.

From here, you can walk on one of the many trails along the gorgeous emerald lake, or take the Lake Louise Gondola. I recommend staying at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise when visiting Lake Louise.

This lake is also perfect for visitors of all ages and fitness levels. If you feel fit, you can continue to one of the more challenging trails such as the Lake Agnes Trail to the Lake Agnes Tea House.

This path gains 400 meters in approximately 7 kilometers round trip. Keep walking to The Big Beehive for a 10-kilometer round-trip excursion that will take around 4-5 hours. 

For those who would rather go on an easy walk, take the Shoreline Trail. It is a flat path along the bright blue waters and pine trees.

The Moraine Lake Shoreline Trail is also a beautiful nearby path. This path provides breathtaking views of the bright blue water, green pine trees, and staggering peaks of Banff National Park. 

Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is a bright-blue crystal lake that looks like something out of a movie. This picturesque lake offers incredible views of the peaks in the distance. With bright green pine trees that rise out of the aqua-colored water. 

Located just 14 kilometers from Lake Louise, you can drive here in just 1 hour from the center of Banff by driving along Route 1 and taking the Moraine Lake Road.

Suppose you do not have a car during your stay around Banff. In that case, you can also take advantage of the Park and Ride shuttle from the Lake Louise Ski Resort parking lot. Or the ROAM public bus to Moraine Lake. 

From Lake Moraine, you can capture incredible views of the nearby Mt Babel, Mt. Fay, Tonsa Peak, Sentinel Pass, Wasatch Mountain, Deltaform Mountain, Eiffel Peak, and many others. 

After arriving at Lake Moraine, you have your pick of activities! One of the best things to do at Moraine Lake is to undertake one of the nearby hikes. These hikes give you a fantastic viewpoint of the surrounding mountain ranges. 

Beginner hikers should walk the Lakeshore Trail of Moraine Lake for incredible viewpoints with just a little effort. Continue to the top of the Rockpile to get even better views at one of the most famous spots in the park. 

For hikers who want to push themselves, try the Larch Valley Trail or the Eiffel Lake Trail around Moraine Lake! 

Arguably, the best time to visit Moraine Lake is during the spring, summer, or early fall. After the snow has melted, and you can safely walk around the nearby trails.

Lake Minnewanka 

Lake Minnewanka is a massive, teal-colored lake that borders some of the most dramatic landscapes in Banff National Park.

This lake is just 10 kilometers from the heart of Banff and 65 kilometers from Lake Louise. Making it the ideal day trip for those who want to get out of downtown Banff.

Drive to the Lake Minnewanka Parking Lot off Route 1 by Anthracite. And follow Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive to the lot. 

There are numerous walks in the area for a variety of skill levels. Head to the Bankhead Parking Lot to stroll along the Lower Bankhead or Upper Falls route.

You can go on a nice easy jaunt to Stewart Canyon Bridge along the waterfront. Or continue to the surrounding peaks, like Saddle Peak, Mt. Girouard, or Mt. Inglismaldie. 

Other things to do at the picturesque lake include cycling to and from the lake. The cycling route from Banff to Lake Minnewanka is easy and paved along the highway. Making it a fun half-day trip.

You can also continue your cycle along the Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail to the Minnewanka Loop for a longer route. 

Once you are at the lake there are so many amazing activities. Go on a Lake Minnewanka cruise or take a picnic lunch at one of the dozens of picnic tables along the water’s edge. Hike to Aylmer Lookout, or rent a boat to take out on the water. 

The best time of year to come to the lake is during the spring or fall season when the snow has melted. During that time the weather is warm, and the water has its infamous bright-blue color. 

Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon is a popular hiking area close to Banff National Park. No wonder it is the most popular hike in the entire national park!

This year-round trail is easy enough for people of all ages and fitness levels. Plus, with the proximity to downtown Banff, it is fast to reach the Johnston Canyon Parking Lot from your hotel stay in Banff. 

The Johnston Canyon trail brings hikers through tunnels, bridges, and ravines. Through which you can look at the fast-flowing water, jagged cliffs, and towering waterfalls.

Hikers can complete this short and fairly-flat hike all year round. The upper falls freeze in the wintertime and melt during the warm weather. 

At just 2.5 kilometers one-way, this hike is suitable for almost all groups. Head here early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

Sulphur Mountain Gondola

The Sulphur Mountain Gondola is a method of transport to get to the top of the mountain. But it is also an adventure in itself.

Tickets for a round-trip for Sulphur Mountain range from approximately $50 to $75 for adults. Kids under 5 years old can ride for free! Visitors can book return-trip tickets online ahead of time to save money and ensure departure. 

One of the best things to do after or before taking the Banff gondola is to head to one of the restaurants on the mountain. Specifically, the Sky Bistro or the Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen.

If you are in the mood for a high-class dinner, head to the Sky Bistro. For those who want a casual and laid-back meal post-ski or post-gondola, the Northern Lights kitchen is more your speed.

Another cool thing to do after taking the Banff gondola is to take the gondola during the evening time. Once the sky gets dark, you can see the city’s gorgeous bright lights.

For those who can’t get enough of the breathtaking views, head outside for a little walk along the boardwalk. I recommend grabbing a coffee at the Castle Mountain Coffee Company.

Sip on your hot drink as you walk along the boardwalk. And check out the never-ending views of the nearby Sanson’s Peak and the town below. 

Plus, there is no wrong time to come to Sulphur Mountain. You can take the Banff gondola all year round to soak in the incredible views.

Get a bite to eat at Castle Mountain and stroll along the boardwalk. Remember to take an action camera to get some breathtaking photos and videos.

Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake is a glacier lake with emerald water, nestled perfectly in the middle of the Canadian Rockies.

With a surface elevation of over 1,800 meters, this is the perfect half-day trip for those who want to start their hike into the Canadian Rockies. Or to simply escape the hustle and bustle of city life. 

After extensive renovations, the parking lot and paved walking path to nearby Bow Summit are open for visitors. Just drive along Canada Highway #1 and turn onto 93 North to reach the parking lot of Peyto Lake.

If you have a rental car, head here early in the day to get one of the 126 parking spots at the paved parking lot near the lake. 

Once you are here, walk along the renovated path to the lookout, Bow Summit, or Observation Peak. You can get to Observation Peak by scrambling up 1,000 meters in just 4 kilometers.

Take in breathtaking views of the entire lake and the surrounding peaks of the Canadian Rockies. 

Other fun things to do while you are at Peyto Lake include:

• Snowshoeing during the winter season.
• Swimming in the lake during the summer (although the glacier water makes it very cold).
• Taking photos during the sunrise or sunset.
• Fishing in the summer between July and October.
• Skiing/snowboarding along the backcountry trails. 

Head to Peyto lake during the summer, early in the morning or late in the evening. That way you can catch sunrise or sunset, avoid the crowds, and have pristine weather for hiking.  

Banff Town

Banff Town is one of the most picturesque and widely-visited areas in Canada — and for a good reason!

This town has a fantastic backdrop, access to hundreds of outdoor trails and activities, and a thriving community. It’s no wonder that people come here from all over the world.

If you stay in Banff, there are tons of outdoor sports to do. You can find local hiking trails, biking paths, fishing areas, photography spots, and snowshoeing/skiing trails to do during your time here. You will never run out of things to do during your weekend away!

For those who want to spend time in the downtown area, take an open Top tour of the surrounding sights. You can sip on a local beer or glass of wine from one of the breweries or wineries.

Also, you can go shopping along Banff Avenue. And admire the local culture, like the Whyte Museum or Mount Royal Hotel. 

Tourists who have visited Banff in the past recommend that all explorers visit Moraine Lake. As well as check out Spirit Island, summit Tunnel Mountain, kayak along Maligne Lake, and hike to Banff Lake Louise.

Icefields Parkway 

The Icefields Parkway is one of the best ways to see all that the park has to offer. Visitors can take this picturesque trail through Banff and Jasper National Park to see the pine forests, ice fields, peaks, and lakes.

People of all ages and fitness levels can drive the 232 kilometers. I recommend making this spectacular drive an adventure on a small motorcycle so you can travel slowly and truly experience all the sights.

Go on this beautiful ride with friends and stop at various points of interest, go on nearby hikes, or get out at numerous photo spots. Be sure to bring along headsets so you can communicate when to stop to take in the spectacular sights.

Stop at Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Weeping Wall, Saskatchewan River Crossing, Big Hill, Parker Ridge, Glacier SkyWalk, Columbia Icefield, Sunwapta Falls, and Athabasca Falls during your drive. 

One of the best activities to do during your drive includes getting out and going on one of the nearby hikes. Tackle the Plain of Six Glaciers, Valley of the Ten Peaks, or Bow Glacier Falls along the path. 

Athabasca Glacier and Falls  

Athabasca Falls is a hiking area near Jasper and the Athabasca Glacier that offers a spectacular viewpoint of the lake and the cascading waterfall.

Visitors can head here in just 3 hours from Banff or 25 minutes from the heart of Jasper. Take photos of this breathtaking waterfall and Athabasca Glacier. 

While here, go hiking at the nearby Geraldine Lakes trailhead, Fryatt Valley Trailhead, Mt. Kerkeslin, Athabasca Glacier, or Geraldine Peak.

There is a parking lot directly off Route 93, Icefields Parkway. That makes it easy to get to on the drive between Jasper, the beautiful Lake Louise, and Banff. 

Bow Valley Parkway 

Bow Valley Parkway is an easy and relaxing route that offers a connection between Banff and Lake Louise. This parkway spans over 50 kilometers in picturesque and nature-filled scenery.

It is ideal for those who want to drive by car or go on a long cycle route. You can also take a multi-day hiking trip on the paved road. 

Head to the Bow Valley Parkway in the spring, summer, or fall to cycle along the parkway with your packs.

The parkway is closed to vehicles during the majority of September and June, making this the best time to cycle hire. 

The best places to stop include the Sawback Burn viewpoint, Muleshoe picnic spot, Johnston Canyon hiking rail, and the Rockbound Lake day hike. Plus the Storm Mountain lookout with picnic tables and hiking paths. 

Bow Falls

The Bow Falls is a famous and well-known hiking trail and waterfall in Banff, Alberta. These trails are easy to get to by a paved path and stairs. Making it a smart choice for beginner hikers or those with limited fitness levels. 

Visitors can park at the nearby parking lot and take the 1.2-kilometer trail to the top of the viewpoint. 

It is best to visit Bow Falls in the summer or the shoulder seasons. The top of the ‘cliff’ is closed during the wintertime for safety reasons. 

Canmore

Canmore is a tiny town located in the Rocky Mountains. Especially known for its proximity to Bow Valley Provincial Park, turquoise lakes, hiking trails, ski resorts, and a vibrant downtown area. 

Visitors who come here can take a day trip to Banff National Park. During this, you can head to Banff Lake Louise, and soak in the incredible downtown views of the nearby Ha Ling Peak. 

Along with sightseeing, tourists can also walk along 8th Street to go shopping and get a bite to eat. Go underground at Rat’s Nest Cave, walk along the Policeman’s Creek Trail, and put on a pair of skis at the Nordic Center.

Adventure lovers can also hike along the Grassi Lake Trail, and take a kayak out on the Bow River. 

You can come to Canmore all year round to take part in outdoor sports, walk along 8th Street, and grab a bite to eat in the bustling town center. 

Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park is a picturesque and expansive national park in the Rocky Mountains. Featuring waterfalls, colored lakes, alpine lakes, cliffs, trails, and much more.

Visitors here can take part in guided excursions or hike on one of the numerous paths. Pack a tent and stay over at one of the scenic campgrounds.

You can also head out in the backcountry with your skis or snowboard. 

The main points of interest to check out during your time in the park include the Emerald Lake Lodge, Natural Bridge, Wapta Falls, Takakkaw Falls, and Burgess Shale fossil hikes. Visitors can head here any time of the year to go hiking and take photos of the breathtaking nature. 

Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake is a glacial lake within Yoho National Park that has amazing views. These views of the mountains and the nearby cabins, pine trees, and bridges crossing the reflective water are spectacular.

You can’t miss seeing the bright blue water and sunlight reflecting off of the nearby mountains. Take it all in while walking the path along the edge of the water. 

One of the top things to do during your visit to Emerald Lake is to go hiking on the Lakeshore Trail. It’s a 5.2-kilometer trail that is easy enough for people of all fitness levels.

This gentle and flat lakeshore trail offers far-reaching views of the lake, mountains, and nearby glaciers. 

Head to the Emerald Lake Lodge afterward to get a view of the beautiful lake. Plan a boat cruise, or continue on to Banff Lake Louise.

Emerald Lake is one of the top things to do during your 5 day Banff itinerary. Especially for those who want to see multiple national parks during their time in Alberta. 

Columbia Skywalk

The Columbia Skywalk is one of the top activities to do during a tour of the national parks on your 5 day Banff itinerary. 

Include the Columbia Skywalk on your Banff itinerary for summertime. Since this attraction is only open from May to October (weather dependent). You can’t include this fun activity in your winter or early spring Banff itinerary for safety reasons. 

One of the top reasons to include this on your 5 day Banff itinerary is because you can easily get here from transport centers.

Fly into Calgary International Airport, travel on the Trans-Canada Highway, and head north from Lake Louise to get here in no time. 

🚙 Make a stop at Herbert Lake during this self-guided Icefields Parkway audio driving tour!