A Journey Through Banff National Park

Start your trip off with an open-top sightseeing tour that introduces the surrounding peaks, rivers, and historic landmarks that shaped the town’s identity as Canada’s first national park. Afterwards, meander through Banff Avenue and Bear Street and get oriented through the independent shops, local outfitters, and heritage buildings.

In the evening, venture out on a wildlife sightseeing tour. Dusk is the best time of day to spot wildlife in the national park, and traveling with a guide will allow you to stay safe and ask questions to get to know the ecosystems better.

Get ready for a full day ahead of walking through Banff to cultural institutions and landmark attractions. Visits to the Whyte Museum and the Buffalo Nations Museum provide exciting insights into the artistic, environmental, and cultural histories of communities that continue to thrive in the Bow Valley. Continue walking along the Bow River to witness the famous Bow Falls, then onwards to the Fairmont Banff Springs to wander through the castle-like architecture. Its storied past makes it one of the most recognizable symbols of early tourism in the Rockies.

End the day at Banff’s first and oldest restaurant, where you will find some cheeky nods to its provocative past.

To learn about the first people to walk these lands, take a guided medicine walk through Cascade Ponds. This experience offers a meaningful opportunity to connect with the land through observation and storytelling.

From the ponds, use Roam Transit Route 6 to get to Lake Minnewanka and continue your exploration of the park on an open water cruise. You’ll learn about early explorers, local lore, and the secret underwater town that’s submerged beneath the currents.

End the day at the Bison Restaurant & Terrace and indulge in Albertan cuisine – fresh, regionally sourced meats like bison, beef, and salmon.

Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are among the most visited destinations in Canada, and it’s easy to see why. Spend Day 4 walking the shorelines, taking in the vivid colours, and lingering with views that have inspired travelers for generations. Make sure you book your shuttle in advance – personal vehicles are not allowed to Moraine Lake.

Before you return to Banff, have a meal at Fairview Bar & Restaurant and feast on contemporary Rocky Mountain cuisine.

Begin the day with an Indige-scape e‑bike tour and take a gentle ride through the park while listening to Indigenous teachings. In the afternoon, ride the Norquay Gondola for sweeping views over Banff. Here, you can learn about the rich history of how locals pioneered skiing in the region by building the area’s first ski lodge. End day with dinner at the Cliffhouse Bistro and take in the views of the valley that stretches out below.

On your final day, hike one of Banff’s most well‑traveled trails that offers rewarding views over the Bow Valley and townsite below. A short walk from the trailhead, you’ll find MacLab Bistro at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, the perfect stop for a post-hike lunch.

Afterwards, visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site to learn where the story of Canada’s national parks began and how thermal waters beneath the mountains have long been a place of cultural and communal significance. End the day with a soak at the Banff Upper Hot Springs, a fitting opportunity to relax and reflect on the landscapes and histories explored throughout the week.

Here's some accommodation options that work for this trip:

Some of the activities require reservations or bookings upfront. Here is an overview of all providers:

Maximise your trip enjoyment with a little pre-planning. Here's our pro tips: