Ashlyn Hayes
Welcome to the ultimate 3-day Banff itinerary! I was lucky enough to visit this bucket list destination in the summer of 2023. I’m thrilled to share this adventure-packed plan to help you experience the best of the Canadian Rockies. With this Banff itinerary, get ready for breathtaking mountain vistas, turquoise lakes, and unforgettable outdoor experiences.
Banff National Park is hands down one of the most incredible and beautiful places I have visited. The popularity of Banff has grown exponentially, and to successfully plan a trip you will need to start making reservations far in advance. In this post I will share everything you need to know to successfully plan your trip!
Table of Contents
How to Get to Banff
The most common airport to fly into is Calgary International Airport. You will need to rent a car to get to Banff. Of course, there are ample rental car companies at the airport, but I recommend utilizing Turo. Turo is as widely available in Canada as it is in the States. I always find Turo to be more affordable than standard rental cars and have always had a good experience using their service.
The drive to Banff from Calgary International Airport is about 90 minutes, and the views start right away! It is an incredibly scenic drive. This 3-day itinerary assumes you have 3 full days in the Banff area. If your 3-day trip is more of a 2-and-a-half-day trip, I recommend excluding some activities from the list in “Day 1.” Days 2 and 3 are must-sees. Let’s get into my Banff itinerary!
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Day 1: Banff Town, Gondola, and Johnston Canyon
Start your Banff adventure by immersing yourself in the charming town of Banff. After breakfast at a local café, take a stroll down Banff Avenue, the main street lined with shops, restaurants, and stunning mountain views. Don’t forget to snap a photo at the iconic Banff sign!
In the late morning, head to the Banff Gondola for a scenic ride up Sulphur Mountain. The 8-minute journey offers panoramic views of six mountain ranges and is one of the best areas for spotting wildlife. At the summit, explore the interpretive exhibits, walk along the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk, and enjoy lunch with a view at the Sky Bistro.
For the afternoon, drive to Johnston Canyon, one of Banff’s most popular attractions. The canyon is about 30 minutes from Banff town via the scenic Bow Valley Parkway. This easy hike takes you through a beautiful forested area with stunning waterfalls. The trail features a series of catwalks built into the canyon walls, offering unique perspectives of the rushing water below.
Hike to the Lower Falls (1.1 km/0.6 mi one way) and, if you’re feeling energetic, continue to the Upper Falls (2.7 km/1.7 mi one way). The entire round trip to the Upper Falls takes about 2-3 hours. Remember to bring water and wear comfortable hiking shoes.
Pro tip: To avoid crowds, try to arrive at Johnston Canyon after 5 pm. The later hours often provide a more peaceful experience, and you might even spot some wildlife.
End your day with dinner back in Banff town. There is an abundance of fantastic restaurants lining the walkable streets of Banff.
Day 2: Icefields Parkway Adventure
On day 2 of this Banff itinerary, you’ll embark on one of the world’s most scenic drives – the Icefields Parkway. Start early to make the most of your day. This itinerary covers the absolute must-sees, but you can also download the GuideAlong for Icefields Parkway. It’s a fantastic, helpful narration!
Your first stop will be Bow Lake, about an hour’s drive from Banff. This pristine lake offers fantastic photo opportunities with its backdrop of Bow Glacier.
Continue north to Peyto Lake, one of the most photographed lakes in Canada. From the parking lot, it’s a short walk to the viewpoint. For a less crowded experience, take the short hike to the Bow Summit Lookout.
Next, you’ll come across the Waterfowl Lakes. This was probably my favorite of all the lakes we saw. I absolutely had to jump in the water and get some cool photos. But be prepared with towels, it’s a cold dip in the water!
Next, make a stop at Mistaya Canyon. This short detour offers a view of a beautiful, narrow gorge carved by glacial waters and a chance for a short hike to stretch your legs.
As you continue north, you’ll pass the Big Hill and Big Bend, where the parkway descends with a series of switchbacks, offering spectacular views of the Weeping Wall and surrounding peaks.
Your final destination for the day is the Columbia Icefield, about 2.5 hours from Banff. Here, you can visit the Glacier Discovery Center and, if time permits, take an Ice Explorer tour of the Athabasca Glacier or experience the Glacier Skywalk. We didn’t get a chance to take the tour onto the glacier during our trip but I wish we had. It looked really neat!
There is a large cafeteria here making it the perfect place to grab lunch after an action-packed morning.
On your return journey, consider stopping at any viewpoints you missed on the way up. Arrive back in Banff in time for a well-deserved dinner.
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Day 3: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Emerald Lake
Your final day of your Banff itinerary is dedicated to some of the most iconic lakes in the Canadian Rockies.
As of 2023, you can no longer park a private vehicle at Lake Louise or Moraine Lake during the summer months. The lakes must be accessed by public shuttle. Shuttle tickets for Moraine Lake and Lake Louise must be booked in advance through the Parks Canada website. Keep an eye on the Parks Canada website for release dates. These sell out fast, you must be available to purchase tickets the day they are released.
Begin your day at Moraine Lake, arriving as early as possible to witness the sunrise. Take the short hike up the Rockpile Trail for the classic view of the turquoise lake surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks- this is the spot where people get the iconic photos that certainly inspired your trip here. Spend some time walking along the lakeshore trail or rent a canoe for a peaceful paddle on the lake.
Next, take the shuttle to Lake Louise (your shuttle ticket is good for transfers between the two lakes whenever you’d like). Here, you can walk the lakeshore trail, rent a canoe, or if you’re up for a challenge, hike one of the iconic hikes such as the Little Beehive Trail or Big Beehive Trail. My group did the Little Beehive trail and I will do a separate post on that.
In the late afternoon, drive to Emerald Lake in neighboring Yoho National Park, about 40 minutes from Lake Louise. Take a leisurely stroll around the lake’s shoreline, marveling at its vivid emerald color and the surrounding mountains.
Return to Banff for your final evening and enjoy a farewell dinner at one of the town’s excellent restaurants.
Tips for Your Banff Adventure
- Know when shuttle tickets for Lake Louise and Moraine Lake go on sale and plan for this date in advance.
- Always carry bear spray when hiking and know how to use it.
- Dress in layers. Mountain weather can be unpredictable, even in summer.
- Respect wildlife by maintaining a safe distance and never feeding animals.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out what you pack in and stick to designated trails.
- Start your days early to beat the crowds, especially at popular spots like Moraine Lake and Lake Louise
- Keep in mind the days are long in the summer this far north. In June the sunrise can be as early as 5:30am and the sunset as late as 10:00pm. This means more time to pack in all of the activities you want to do on your trip!
Where to Stay in Banff
Banff has a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler. However, as I mentioned earlier, visiting Banff has become very popular and you’ll see that reflected in the prices, especially in summer. BUT I promise you it will be so worth it! Here are a couple of my favorite properties that I am a preferred partner with (meaning sweet perks for you!)
The Rimrock Resort Hotel
Hello, gorgeous! This luxury hotel offers an incredible spa which is the perfect way to end your busy day in Banff. The Rimrock is known for its superb hospitality and incredible views. When you book this resort through me you get:
- Daily complimentary breakfast for 2, per room
- VIP Welcome
- $100 USD credit to be spent on property (conditions defined at check-in)
- Early check-in & late check-out (upon availability)
- Upgrade at time of check-in (upon availability)
Royal Canadian Lodge
If you want something a bit more affordable but still want to be within the town of Banff, I recommend the Royal Canadian Lodge. This alpine resort has beautiful views and hosts weddings and events.
Airbnb in Canmore
If you’re visiting Banff on a budget, your best bet is an Airbnb in Canmore. Canmore is just a short drive down the highway from Banff. There are ample Airbnb options in Canmore. The town itself is cute, full of amenities, and you can take a hike under the beautiful Three Sisters mountains.
Conclusion
This 3-day itinerary offers a taste of 3 of the Canadian Rocky Mountain National Parks (you technically cross into Jasper National Park boundaries on Icefields Parkway!) and gets you well acquainted with the town of Banff. The incredible beauty and diverse landscapes are like nothing you’ll see anywhere else. From towering peaks and ancient glaciers to turquoise lakes and lush forests, this itinerary will make sure you see the best of it all.
If you need an alternative Banff itinerary to fit your preferences, reach out to me through the contact form! As a travel advisor, I create custom itineraries and I make sure your trip is the trip of a lifetime. I offer this for free! If you’d like more information about booking your vacation through a travel planner, visit my page here where I talk about all the perks!
Please leave a comment if you have been to Banff letting me know your favorite part, or if you haven’t made it yet let me know what questions you have!
