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Trip Ideas

Must See Banff and Lake Louise

Duration
7 Days
Num of Experiences
37 Experiences

Planning a trip to Banff National Park? Our 7-day Must See Banff and Lake Louise itinerary covers all the top things to do in the area. Whether it’s your first visiting or you’re returning for more adventure, this guide helps you hit all the highlights. From the turquoise waters of Moraine Lake to hiking Sunshine Meadows and taking in the breathtaking views at the Glacier Skywalk, this itinerary ensures you won’t miss a thing. Perfect for anyone looking to create the ultimate Banff itinerary!

To make the most of your time we recommend 2 nights accommodation in Lake Louise followed by 5 nights accommodation in Banff.

Who's it For?

  • Photographers
  • Friends and Couples
  • Adventurous Families

When to Go

  • June - September

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

Kickstart your Canadian Rockies adventure with epic views and fresh mountain air! Start with a tasty breakfast at Laggan's Bakery, then hop on a tour or shuttle to Lake Louise. Stroll along the lakeshore to the back of the lake - don't forget your camera for those breathtaking shots! Next, head to Moraine Lake and take in the stunning views from the Rockpile. Wrap up your day with a cozy dinner at the historic Station Restaurant in Lake Louise Village.

Laggan's Mountain Bakery and Deli

See details about Laggan's Mountain Bakery and Deli
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
Moraine LakeMoraine Lake

Moraine Lake


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

Lake Louise Station Restaurant

See details about Lake Louise Station Restaurant

Day 02

Hit the road for an epic adventure along the awe-inspiring Icefields Parkway! Start with breakfast and a grab-and-go sandwich from Trailhead Café. First stop: Bow Lake for stunning lakeshore views, then head to Peyto Lake for a short walk to one of Banff’s most iconic viewpoints. Continue your drive, stopping at roadside viewpoints along the way. At the Columbia Icefield, take a glacier adventure and experience the Glacier Skywalk (book ahead!). Wrap up your day with dinner at Legends Restaurant in Lake Louise Inn.

Trailhead Cafe

See details about Trailhead Cafe
Bow LakeBow Lake

Bow Lake


Duration
< 1hr
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Bow Lake
A couple stand on the viewing deck looking out at the view of Peyto Lake and the surrounding mountains.A couple stand on the viewing deck looking out at the view of Peyto Lake and the surrounding mountains.

Peyto Lake


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Peyto Lake
Car (84km)
Two people exploring the Athabasca GlacierTwo people exploring the Athabasca Glacier

Explore the Columbia Icefield


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
May - Oct
See details about Explore the Columbia Icefield
People standing on the Glacier Skywalk taking in the views of the surrounding mountainsPeople standing on the Glacier Skywalk taking in the views of the surrounding mountains

The Glacier Skywalk


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
May - Oct
See details about The Glacier Skywalk

Lake Louise Inn

See details about Lake Louise Inn

Day 03

Kick off another adventure-filled day with a scenic drive to Banff town via the Bow Valley Parkway. Stop at Johnston Canyon for an unforgettable hike along suspended catwalks, past rushing waterfalls and towering canyon walls. Afterward, head into Banff for a casual lunch at Bear Street Tavern. Check into your hotel, then stretch your legs with an easy walk to Vermilion Lakes via the Fenlands Trail. Don’t forget to snap a photo at the iconic Banff sign on your way back. Cap off the day with a delicious Japanese fusion dinner at Shoku Izakaya.

A car driving down a scenic stretch of the Bow Valley Parkway with Castle Mountain in the backgroundA car driving down a scenic stretch of the Bow Valley Parkway with Castle Mountain in the background

Drive the Bow Valley Parkway


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Drive the Bow Valley Parkway
Hike Johnston CanyonHike Johnston Canyon

Hike Johnston Canyon


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

Bear Street Tavern

See details about Bear Street Tavern
Two people hiking the Fenland Trail on a summer afternoon near Banff townTwo people hiking the Fenland Trail on a summer afternoon near Banff town

Fenland Trail


Duration
< 1hr
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Fenland Trail
Two people on the dock at Vermilion Lakes for sunrise in the summerTwo people on the dock at Vermilion Lakes for sunrise in the summer

Vermilion Lakes


Duration
< 1hr
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Vermilion Lakes
A group of friends sitting on the Banff Sign for a photoA group of friends sitting on the Banff Sign for a photo

Photos at the Banff Sign


Duration
< 1hr
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Photos at the Banff Sign

Shoku Izakaya

See details about Shoku Izakaya

Day 04

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Coyotes before exploring Banff with a guided tour led by a knowledgeable local. Discover top sights and hear fascinating stories about the town's history and colorful characters. Back in town, grab lunch at Sudden Sally, then take the Banff Gondola for breathtaking bird’s-eye views over the town - cap it off with dinner at the top of the mountain!

Coyotes Deli & Grill

See details about Coyotes Deli & Grill
Person on a guided tour in the Banff area, taking a photo from the top of a open top busPerson on a guided tour in the Banff area, taking a photo from the top of a open top bus

Guided Banff Tour


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Guided Banff Tour

Sudden Sally

See details about Sudden Sally
A gondola car goes up the cable with Mount Rundle in the backgroundA gondola car goes up the cable with Mount Rundle in the background

Ride the Banff Gondola


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Ride the Banff Gondola
Two people enjoying a meal with mountain views at Sky Bistro at the top of Banff GondolaTwo people enjoying a meal with mountain views at Sky Bistro at the top of Banff Gondola

Mountaintop Dining at the Sky Bistro


Duration
1-3 hrs
Operating Dates
Year round
See details about Mountaintop Dining at the Sky Bistro

Day 05

Start your day with breakfast at Tooloulou's, one of Banff's most popular spots. Then, paddle out with the Banff Canoe Club - if you're lucky, you might spot Barry, the famous local beaver! Head back into town for a delicious lunch at Farm & Fire before wrapping up the day with a ride up Mt. Norquay on the sightseeing chairlift. Take in the breathtaking views over a scenic dinner at the Cliffhouse Bistro.

Tooloulou's

See details about Tooloulou's
Bow River Big Canoe TourBow River Big Canoe Tour

Bow River Big Canoe Tour


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Jun - Oct
See details about Bow River Big Canoe Tour

Farm & Fire

See details about Farm & Fire
View of the Mt. Norqauy Sightseeing Chairlift in the summerView of the Mt. Norqauy Sightseeing Chairlift in the summer

Ride the Mt. Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift


Duration
< 1hr
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Jun - Sep
See details about Ride the Mt. Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift
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
See details about On Mountain Dining at the Cliffhouse Bistro

Day 06

Ease into your morning with a leisurely brunch at Bluebird — the soufflé pancakes are a must-try. Afterward, lace up your hiking boots and head to Sunshine Meadows. Take a gondola and chairlift into the alpine, where you'll discover breathtaking hiking trails filled with wildflowers. Back in town, grab a bite at Wild Flour Bakery before enjoying an afternoon stroll through the stunning Cascade Gardens. Cap off the day with an evening soak at the hot springs.

Bluebird Woodfired Steakhouse

See details about Bluebird Woodfired Steakhouse
Group at the Standish Viewing Deck at Sunshine Meadows in the summerGroup at the Standish Viewing Deck at Sunshine Meadows in the summer

Sunshine Meadows Sightseeing Gondola & Chairlift


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Jun - Sep
See details about Sunshine Meadows Sightseeing Gondola & Chairlift

Wild Flour Bakery

See details about Wild Flour Bakery
View from Cascade Gardens looking down Banff Avenue on a summer morningView from Cascade Gardens looking down Banff Avenue on a summer morning

Visit the Cascade of Time Gardens


Duration
< 1hr
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Visit the Cascade of Time Gardens
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

The Fat Ox of Banff

See details about The Fat Ox of Banff

Day 07

Wrap up your Banff and Lake Louise adventure with a journey through its rich history. Grab a coffee and breakfast at Whitebark cafe and then start at the Whyte Museum to explore the art and stories of the Canadian Rockies. Visit the Buffalo Nations Museum to learn about Indigenous culture and traditions. Finally, head to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site—the birthplace of Banff National Park—for a glimpse into the park's fascinating beginnings.

Whitebark Cafe

See details about Whitebark Cafe
A person looking in a display case at the Whyte Museum of the Canadian RockiesA person looking in a display case at the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies

Visit the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies


Duration
1-3 hrs
See details about Visit the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies
An exhibit at the Buffalo Nations Luxton MuseumAn exhibit at the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum

Visit the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Visit the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum
Family of four looking at the spring in the Cave at the Cave & Basin National Historic SiteFamily of four looking at the spring in the Cave at the Cave & Basin National Historic Site

Visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Where to Stay

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

Mountaineer Lodge

Hotels & Inns
Location
Lake Louise Area
See details about Mountaineer Lodge

Lake Louise Inn

Hotels & Inns
Location
Lake Louise Area
  • Onsite Dining
  • Hot Tub
  • Onsite Parking
See details about Lake Louise Inn

Baker Creek by Basecamp

Cabins
Location
Lake Louise Area
  • Onsite Parking
See details about Baker Creek by Basecamp

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Hotels & Inns
Location
Lake Louise Area
See details about Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Elk + Avenue Hotel

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

Brewster Mountain Lodge

Hotels & Inns
Location
Banff Town Area
  • Onsite Parking
See details about Brewster Mountain Lodge
See more options

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

  • Learn about the best ways to get around

  • Check the weather forecast