Banff National Park

Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is a haven of rugged beauty and adventure. Its striking mountains, clear lakes, and dense forests provide an idyllic setting for outdoor enthusiasts. Wildlife enthusiasts might spot elk and bears, while iconic turquoise lakes like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are must-see attractions. The town of Banff offers local culture, art, and dining, making the park a year-round destination for unforgettable experiences.

4 Day Itinerary

The following 4 day itinerary for Banff National Park was designed for a trip spanning over an extended weekend (i.e. Memorial Day, Labor Day) to take advantage of the long weekend while making the most of seeing one of the most incredible parts of North America, which is easily accessible from most major airports.

Overview

Day 1: Arrive in Calgary and Explore Kensington Area

Day 2: Explore Banff Town

Day 3: Road trip up Icefields Parkway, Peyto Lake, Lake Moraine

Day 4: Bow Glacier Falls and Lake Louise

DAY 1: Arrival in Calgary

The best way to access Banff National Park is by flying into Calgary. There are many nonstops from multiple US cities and is only about a 90 minute drive to the town of Banff (think flying into Denver to access ski towns like Breckenridge, Keystone, and Vail).

If you land later in the afternoon, there’s plenty to do in Calgary so you shouldn’t feel a need to rush out of the city immediately if you want to spend the first night there. We chose to stay in a hotel in downtown near the river so that we could explore the town after arriving from the airport.

The main nightlife area is off of Kensington Street just over the Bow River from downtown. It’s a street lined with restaurants and bars, so you can find something you’re in the mood for and even get a few drinks before turning in for the night.

 

DAY 2: Banff National Park

After grabbing a bite at a Tim Horton’s (Canadian Dunkin’ Donuts), hit the road west into the mountains. The drive to Banff is only about 90 minutes, and takes you from the relatively flat plains around Calgary, through the foothills, and into the towering Canadian Rockies.

Before reaching the town of Banff, you’ll go through a guard station which is the technical entrance of Banff National Park where you’ll pay the fee for the length of your stay. Daily admission is around $10.00 per adult.

The town of Banff was established shortly after the park’s establishment in 1885, as a resort destination for tourists looking to visit and admire the natural beauty and hot springs found in the area. Today, the town offers an array of boutique shops, art galleries, cozy cafes, and world-class restaurants. There is also a range of hotel options ranging from world class resorts to rustic lodges.

To get the best of both worlds, you can choose to stay at a surrounding campground, like the Two Jacks Campground, just outside of town. The camping is secluded and makes you feel like you’re deep in the wilderness with unmatched views of the surrounding mountains, but you’re only about a 15 minute taxi ride (which can easily be called due to the presence of cell service) into Banff. This is a great way to spend money and feel you’re camping but also have the amenities of a full town.

Once settled in your accommodation, take some time to walk around the town of Banff to get your bearings and find a spot for lunch at one of the many outdoor or rooftop restaurants. For an outdoor activity for the remainder of the day, consider one of the following:

  • Hike or Bike along Lake Minnewanka

  • Ride up the Banff Gondola

  • Bow Falls Viewpoint (1.7 miles)

  • Drive up to Lake Louise and Lake Moraine

 
 

DAY 3: The Icefields Parkway

The drive on the main highway from Banff up through the park into Jasper to the north is called the Icefields Parkway. It is truly one of the most scenic highways in the world with its towering peaks and glaciers reaching down towards the valley floor. The main trails, lakes and viewpoints in Banff are along the Icefields Parkway so there’s plenty of ways to spend your time exploring.

Get up early and eat a solid breakfast in Banff so you can beat some of the crowds and leave plenty of time to make the most of your day. Check an app or website like All Trails of Hiking Project to select a hike that suites your skill level and what you’re wanting to do. We chose to do a hike called Helen Lake, which was a 7.2 mile, out and back hike that takes you up 1,700 feet to an alpine lake. The views were stunning, but be prepared as the hike out of the valley is a little strenuous. We spent roughly 4 hours doing the hike.

After your morning hike, you can spend the rest of the day visiting the viewpoints that are only a short walk from the car park. You can drive up a few minutes to the north from Helen Lake trailhead to Peyto Lake, a famous lake in the area with the distinct glacier blue water. There’s just a short walk from the parking lot to a viewpoint high above the lake which is great for pictures.

Make your way back south towards Banff the rest of the afternoon, stopping along the way. Lake Louise and Lake Moraine are the most famous spots, but absolutely cannot be missed. Since we went, it now is required to take a shuttle to visit these since the parking became too overwhelmed due to their popularity. Don’t let that deter you from visiting them, the views don’t disappoint.

 
 

DAY 4: Bow Glacier Falls

Depending how you feel from your hiking the previous day, decide how to spend your last day in Banff. A good option for a hike is the Bow Glacier Falls. It’s a 5.5 mile, out and back hike that stays relatively flat along a river that flows from the falls. The end takes you to the base of the falls coming down from a glacier on the cliffside above.

On your way back to Banff, stop at the Fairmont Chateau Hotel for lunch with a view overlooking the lake.

The rest of the day you can either choose to go back to Banff and take advantage of more of the outdoor activities around the town, or spend the day shopping and barhopping between pubs.

Have a nice dinner to cap off your time in Banff and prepare for the drive back to Calgary in the morning for your flight home.

Note: Banff even has a good nightlife, if you’re looking for something to do late into the evening hours. The Dancing Sasquatch is the most lively place and features a guy that comes out at midnight dressed in a Sasquatch costume to dance around.

 
 

Banff Travel Video

Check out a short travel edit of traveling through Banff to gain inspiration for your trip.