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Trip Ideas

Intro to Adventure

Duration
5 Days
Num of Experiences
11 Experiences

There are a range of adventures to explore amongst the impressive mountain ranges of Banff National Park. Luckily, there are also a range of options to help you discover these opportunities at your own pace. Whether this is your first time in the mountains, or you simply appreciate a local’s perspective; there is no shortage of approachable ways to play in Banff National Park.

For accommodation we recommend making Banff your home base with 5 nights at one of the many options in town.

Who's it For?

  • Adventurous Couples
  • Outdoor Lovers
  • Intrepid Friend Groups

When to Go

  • June - Early 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

Be ready to dive straight into adventure on your first day Banff. Start the day with guided e-bike tour and finish the day with a sunset hike up Tunnel Mountain.

Guided E-bike TourGuided E-bike Tour

Guided E-bike Tour


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
May - Oct
See details about Guided E-bike Tour
View of the red chairs at the Tunnel Mountain summer in the summerView of the red chairs at the Tunnel Mountain summer in the summer

Tunnel Mountain Summit Trail


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Moderate
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Tunnel Mountain Summit Trail

LUPO Italian Ristorante & Patio

See details about LUPO Italian Ristorante & Patio

Day 02

On day two of your Rocky Mountain adventure you'll head to the Lake Louise area and beyond to experience more of the breathtaking scenery Banff National Park is famous for.

People on a guided horseback riding tour in Lake Louise with Victoria Glacier in the backgroundPeople on a guided horseback riding tour in Lake Louise with Victoria Glacier in the background

Horseback Riding in Lake Louise


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Jun - Oct
See details about Horseback Riding in Lake Louise
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

Day 03

The last two days have been a warm up for the activities on todays agenda! Take on the thrilling Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata and spend the afternoon floating down the Bow River surrounded by the giants (peaks) of Banff.

A person crossing a wooden suspension bridge at the Mt. Norquay Via FerrataA person 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
A raft floating down the Bow River with Cascade Mountain in the backgroundA raft floating down the Bow River with Cascade Mountain in the background

Bow River Float Trip


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Jun - Sep
See details about Bow River Float Trip

Day 04

Lace up your hiking boots and get ready for another day full of adventure. Take to the trails with an experienced guide and then spend the afternoon soaking your muscles in the hot springs.

Group of people on a guided hiking tour at Sunshine Meadows in the summerGroup of people on a guided hiking tour at Sunshine Meadows in the summer

Guided Hiking Tour


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Jun - Oct
See details about Guided Hiking Tour
Two people enjoying a soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs on a cool morningTwo people enjoying a soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs on a cool morning

Soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs

Day 05

For your last full day in Banff you'll be heading deep into the mountains you've spent the last week admiring on a guided cave tour and hit the water on a stand up paddleboard.

Group of people with head torches on deep in a cave on guided cave tour with Canmore Cave ToursGroup of people with head torches on deep in a cave on guided cave tour with Canmore Cave Tours

Explore Underground on a Cave Tour


Duration
3-6 hrs
Difficulty
Moderate
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Explore Underground on a Cave Tour
Person stand up paddleboarding on Two Jack Lake at sunrisePerson stand up paddleboarding on Two Jack Lake at sunrise

Paddle Two Jack Lake


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
May - Oct
See details about Paddle Two Jack Lake

Where to Stay

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

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

Hidden Ridge Resort

Hotels & Inns
Location
Banff Town Area
  • Hot Tub
  • Onsite Parking
See details about Hidden Ridge Resort

Canalta Lodge

Hotels & Inns
Location
Banff Town Area
See details about Canalta Lodge
See more options

Reservations & Booking

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

Guided E-bike Tour

Horseback Riding in Lake Louise

Climb the Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata

Bow River Float Trip

Guided Hiking Tour

Soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs

Explore Underground on a Cave Tour

Paddle Two Jack Lake

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

  • Learn about the best ways to get around.

  • Check the weather forecast