Must See Banff and Lake Louise
- 7 Days
- 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.
Shuttle
Distance: 7km
Book a shuttle or guided tour to travel to Lake Louise. Reservations essential. Learn more and reserve in advance.
Shuttle
Distance: 14km
Take your shuttle or guided tour from Lake Louise to Moraine Lake. Reservations essential. Learn more and reserve in advance.
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.
Car
Distance: 37km
Drive from your accommodation in Lake Louise to Bow Lake
Car
Distance: 90km
Drive to the Glacier Discovery Centre and check in for your tour.
Shuttle
Distance: 2km
A shuttle from the Glacier Discovery Centre is provided for access to the Glacier Skywalk
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.
Car
Distance: 25km
Parking at Johnston Canyon is limited, beat the crowds and plan to arrive at the trailhead by 9 am.
Car
Distance: 25km
Follow the signs to Banff and park at your hotel or the Banff Train Station Parking Lot.
Walk
Distance: 1km
Take an easy walk to the trail from your hotel in downtown Banff.
Walk
Distance: 2km
Follow the Fenlands trail and take the turn off to Vermilion Lakes at the bridge. Follow Vermilion Lakes Drive for a short distance to the first lake.
Walk
Distance: 2km
Return via the trail along Mt. Norquay Road stopping at the Banff sign on your way.
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!
Walk
Distance: 0.5km
Located on Caribou Street in the downtown core, Coyotes is an easy walk from most hotels.
Walk
Distance: 1km
Your tour will drop you back at your hotel. Depending on your hotel location, you might be able to walk to Sudden Sally or use Roam Transit Route 1 to Marmot Crescent, right outside the restaurant.
Shuttle
Distance: 4km
Use the free Banff Gondola shuttle from downtown Banff to access the base of the Banff Gondola. Included in the purchase of your gondola ticket.
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.
Walk
Distance: 0.5km
Located on Caribou Street in the downtown core, Tooloulou's is an easy walk from most hotels.
Walk
Distance: 0.5km
Head to the river and follow the pathway to the Banff Canoe docks.
Walk
Distance: 0.5km
Walk back into town to the Elk + Avenue hotel where Farm & Fire is located.
Shuttle
Distance: 7.5km
Use the complimentary Mt. Norquay shuttle from downtown Banff.
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.
Walk
Distance: 0.5km
Located on Lynx Street, Bluebird is within walking distance from most hotels.
Shuttle
Distance: 17km
Sunshine Meadows has a free shuttle service from multiple locations in downtown Banff.
Shuttle
Distance: 17km
The shuttle will drop you back to Banff and then you can walk to Wild Flour bakery on Bear Street.
Walk
Distance: 0.9km
Walk through town and over the Bow River Bridge to the entrance of Cascade Gardens.
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.
Walk
Distance: 0.5km
Walk from your hotel to Whitebark Cafe, located on the corner of Banff Avenue and Moose Street.
Walk
Distance: 0.85km
Take a short walk to the Whyte Museum.
Walk
Distance: 0.2km
Cross the Nancy Pauw Pedestrian Bridge and arrive at the Buffalo Nations Museum.
Multiple Travel Options
Distance: 1.4km
Walk the trail from Buffalo Nations to the Cave and Basin or use Roam Transit Route 4.
Where to Stay
Here's some accommodation options that work for this trip:
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