Skip to main content
Trip Ideas

Car-Free Banff and Lake Louise

Duration
6 Days
Num of Experiences
20 Experiences

Exploring Banff and Lake Louise without a car is not only easy in the summer - it’s an incredible way to experience the best of the Canadian Rockies stress-free. With a well-connected network of public transit, shuttles, and guided tours, you can visit Banff National Park’s most iconic destinations without the hassle of driving or parking.

To ensure you don't miss out, book all of your transit, shuttles and tours in advance.

Who's it For?

  • Eco-conscious families
  • Sustainable travellers
  • Nature Enthusiasts

When to Go

  • June - October

Trip Itinerary

Getting to Banff and Lake Louise

With plenty of transportation options to get you to and from the Banff and Lake Louise area, you can rest easy knowing you'll be able to plan a seamless journey from start to finish.

Learn about getting here.

Day 01

Kick off your Banff and Lake Louise adventure by ticking off the must-see icons. Grab a Roam Transit Super Pass and take Route 8X to Lake Louise, where you can soak in the views or hike to the Lake Agnes Teahouse (7 km round trip, 400 m elevation). Afterward, hop on the Parks Canada connector bus to Moraine Lake for breathtaking scenery and iconic photos. Return via the shuttle to Lake Louise, then ride Roam Route 8X back to Banff. End your day with a well-earned dinner at Three Bears, enjoying local brews, cozy vibes and delicious eats.

A couple sits on the lakeshore of Lake Louise at sunriseA couple sits on the lakeshore of Lake Louise at sunrise

Lake Louise


Duration
< 1hr
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year round
See details about Lake Louise
View looking across Lake Agnes to the Lake Agnes Tea House with mountains in the backgroundView looking across Lake Agnes to the Lake Agnes Tea House with mountains in the background

Lake Agnes Tea House Trail


Duration
3-6 hrs
Difficulty
Moderate
Operating Dates
Jun - Oct
See details about Lake Agnes Tea House Trail
Moraine LakeMoraine Lake

Moraine Lake


Duration
< 1hr
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Jun - Oct
See details about Moraine Lake

Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant

See details about Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant

Day 02

Start your day in Banff by grabbing sandwiches to go from Good Earth before hopping on Roam Route 6 for a scenic ride to Two Jack Lake. Take a stroll by the lake and marvel at the mountain reflections before jumping on the bus and continuing to Lake Minnewanka. Here, set sail on the Minnewanka Cruise, where you'll learn about the lake’s rich history and wildlife. After a day of adventure, return to Banff and unwind with a delicious Japanese-inspired dinner at Shoku.

Good Earth Coffeehouse Banff

See details about Good Earth Coffeehouse Banff
Two paddleboarders on Two Jack Lake in the summerTwo paddleboarders on Two Jack Lake in the summer

Two Jack Lake


Duration
< 1hr
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Two Jack Lake
Lake Minnewanka CruiseLake Minnewanka Cruise

Lake Minnewanka Cruise


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
May - Oct
See details about Lake Minnewanka Cruise

Shoku Izakaya

See details about Shoku Izakaya

Day 03

Head out to Johnston Canyon for a morning or a day of hiking. Hiking to the lower and upper falls is a must and if you want to enjoy a longer hike continue on to the Ink Pots. We recommend jumping on the first scheduled bus so you can hit the trails early and have the best experience. Head back to town to grab a well deserved lunch at Farm & Fire and if you have the energy, take a stroll to nearby Cascade Gardens in the evening.

Hike Johnston CanyonHike Johnston Canyon

Hike Johnston Canyon


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Hike Johnston Canyon

Farm & Fire

See details about Farm & Fire
View from Cascade Gardens looking down Banff Avenue on a summer morningView from Cascade Gardens looking down Banff Avenue on a summer morning

Cascade Gardens


Duration
< 1hr
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Cascade Gardens

Day 04

Today's easy, sit back, relax and let your local guide take you on an exciting full-day adventure along one of the most scenic roads in the world - the Icefields Parkway. You'll make stops at Bow Lake, Peyto Lake and you'll even get to take a walk on the Athabasca Glacier.

A sightseeing tour bus driving the Icefields Parkway with Bow Lake in the backgroundA sightseeing tour bus driving the Icefields Parkway with Bow Lake in the background

Guided Icefields Parkway Tour


Duration
6+ hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
May - Oct
See details about Guided Icefields Parkway Tour

Day 05

Walk to Mountain Folk to start your day with a delicious breakfast. Then take the free shuttle to Mount Norquay and enjoy a chairlift ride up to one of the best viewpoints in Banff! If you're feeling adventurous book yourself onto a Via Ferrata tour or grab a meal and enjoy the view from Cliffhouse Bistro.

Mountain Folk Coffee Co.

See details about Mountain Folk Coffee Co.
View of the Mt. Norqauy Sightseeing Chairlift in the summerView of the Mt. Norqauy Sightseeing Chairlift in the summer

Mt. Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift


Duration
< 1hr
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Jun - Sep
See details about Mt. Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift
A group of people crossing a wooden suspension bridge at the Mt. Norquay Via FerrataA group of people crossing a wooden suspension bridge at the Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata

Climb the Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata


Duration
3-6 hrs
Difficulty
Moderate
Operating Dates
Jun - Oct
See details about Climb the Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata
Walk
A person in a restaurant with a glass of wine in hand and a charcuterie board with mountain views in the background.A person in a restaurant with a glass of wine in hand and a charcuterie board with mountain views in the background.

On Mountain Dining at the Cliffhouse Bistro


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Jun - Sep & Dec - Apr
See details about On Mountain Dining at the Cliffhouse Bistro

Day 06

Today's mode of transportation is people powered! Start your morning by renting a bike or an e-bike and take a tour around the golf course loop. Keep your eye out for Banff's resident elk herd but remember to always keep a safe distance. Grab a sandwich at Downtown Sally to refuel and then head to the Banff Canoe Club to rent a canoe, kayak or stand up paddleboard for a paddle on the Bow River. When you're done take a short walk to Bluebird and enjoy fondue on their patio to finish your day.

Two people biking the golf course loop on a summer day in Banff National ParkTwo people biking the golf course loop on a summer day in Banff National Park

Bike the Golf Course Loop


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
May - Oct
See details about Bike the Golf Course Loop

Downtown Sally

See details about Downtown Sally
Group of people paddling the Bow River on a Big Canoe Tour with the Banff Canoe ClubGroup of people paddling the Bow River on a Big Canoe Tour with the Banff Canoe Club

Paddle the Bow River


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
May - Oct
See details about Paddle the Bow River

Bluebird Woodfired Steakhouse

See details about Bluebird Woodfired Steakhouse

Where to Stay

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

Elk + Avenue Hotel

Hotels & Inns
Location
Banff Town Area
See details about Elk + Avenue Hotel

Mount Royal Hotel

Hotels & Inns
Location
Banff Town Area
See details about Mount Royal Hotel

Moose Hotel & Suites

Hotels & Inns
Location
Banff Town Area
  • Onsite Dining
  • Hot Tub
  • Onsite Parking
See details about Moose Hotel & Suites

Banff Park Lodge

Hotels & Inns
Location
Banff Town Area
  • Onsite Dining
  • Hot Tub
  • Onsite Parking
See details about Banff Park Lodge
See more options

Reservations & Booking

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

Lake Agnes Tea House Trail

  • Lake Agnes Tea House

Moraine Lake

Lake Minnewanka Cruise

Guided Icefields Parkway Tour

Mt. Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift

Climb the Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata

On Mountain Dining at the Cliffhouse Bistro

Bike the Golf Course Loop

Paddle the Bow River

Good to Know

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

  • Get a Park Pass

  • Make a reservation for gear/ activities in advance

  • Book public transit and shuttles in advance

  • Check the weather forecast