Summer Wonders Await
- 7 Days
- 23 Experiences
From paddling on a turquoise lake to taking in sweeping gondola views, this summer itinerary blends iconic adventures with moments you’ll never forget. Whether you’re discovering new trails, conquering a bucket‑list climb, or relaxing on a sunlit patio, every day in Banff and Lake Louise is a story waiting to be told.
For the best experience, we recommend booking 3 nights accommodation in Lake Louise followed by 4 nights accommodation in Banff.
Who's it For?
- Luxury Travellers
- Adventurous Families
- Friends & Couples
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
Arrive in Lake Louise and check into your accommodation. In the afternoon, head to the lake for a canoe rental and enjoy time paddling on the turquoise water - an easy way to settle into the scenery. Afterward, walk to Fairview Bar & Restaurant at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for dinner with a view. Return to your accommodation to unwind and get ready for the days ahead.
Shuttle
Distance: 200km
Sit back and enjoy the views when you book an airport transfer or shuttle from Calgary International Airport (YYC). You can find providers on our Getting Here page.
Day 02
Start your morning with coffee and a quick bite at Trailhead Café. After breakfast, make your way to the Lake Louise Summer Sightseeing Gondola. Book the combo package that includes gondola access and the shuttle to Moraine Lake. Ride the gondola to the top for some of the best views in the area, then stop at Whitehorn Bistro for lunch on the patio.
In the afternoon, use the shuttle to reach Moraine Lake and take the short Rockpile Trail for the classic viewpoint over the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
Walk
Distance: 0.2km
Depending on your hotels location, you may be able to walk to Trailhead Cafe.
Shuttle
Distance: 4km
Speak to your hotel about the best way to get to the Lake Louise Summer Sightseeing Gondola.
Walk
Distance: 0.3km
Once you ride the gondola to the top, Whitehorn Bistro is only a short walk away along a gentle trail.
Day 03
Start your morning with breakfast from Laggans Bakery, then set out on a full‑day guided tour along the Icefields Parkway. Your local guide will share stories and insight as you visit iconic stops like Peyto Lake and Bow Lake. The day also includes a chance to walk on a glacier at the Columbia Icefield, making this one of the most memorable experiences of the trip.
Day 04
Transfer from Lake Louise to your hotel in Banff, then gear up for a big adventure at the Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata. It begins with a scenic chairlift ride that sets the tone with sweeping mountain views. At the top, an experienced local guide leads you along the route, ensuring a safe and supported climb across exciting alpine terrain. With options ranging from introductory to more challenging routes, it’s a memorable way to experience the Canadian Rockies up close.
After your climb, celebrate with a drink and a meal at the Cliffhouse Bistro before taking the chairlift back down.
Multiple Travel Options
Distance: 65km
Use Roam Public Transit or a private operator to transfer from Lake Louise to Banff. And then use the free Mt. Norquay shuttle, pickup points are within walking distance from most hotels.
Day 05
Today is all about enjoying the town. Start with breakfast at Tooloulou’s, a local favourite known for hearty plates and plenty of choice. Afterward, browse the shops along Banff Avenue and Bear Street, where you’ll find everything from local art and handmade goods to outdoor clothing and gear, plus plenty of great spots to pick up souvenirs.
If you’re looking to unwind, book a spa experience for a relaxing afternoon. End your day with dinner on the patio at Chuck’s Steakhouse, where you can enjoy Alberta’s famous beef with mountain views.
Walk
Distance: 0.2km
Tooloulou’s is centrally located in downtown Banff and within walking distance from most hotels.
Walk
Distance: 0.1km
Bear Street is on the next street over from Tooloulou’s.
Walk
Distance: 0.1km
Banff Avenue runs adjacent to Bear Street with the majority of stores being in close walking distance.
Walk
Distance: 0.2km
Depending on which spa experience you choose, most will be within walking distance from your hotel or downtown Banff.
Day 06
Fuel up for a busy day with breakfast at Farm & Fire, then head out for a guided horseback ride on the trails around Banff. It’s an easy way to experience the valley from a different perspective and take in the surrounding peaks at a relaxed pace.
After your ride, grab lunch at the Rose & Crown and enjoy their rooftop patio with views over town. In the afternoon, make your way to Sunshine Village. Ride the gondola and chairlift up to a beautiful alpine meadow filled with wildflowers in summer. From the top, choose from a range of hiking trails before riding the gondola back down to finish the day.
Walk
Distance: 0.1km
Centrally located in downtown Banff, Farm & Fire is within easy walkign distance from most hotels.
Walk
Distance: 0.5km
From downtown Banff, take a short walk across the Nancy Pauw pedestrian bridge and then follow the trail to the Warner Stables.
Walk
Distance: 0.5km
Walk back into downtown Banff, where you’ll find the Rose & Crown on Banff Avenue.
Day 07
Start your final day with coffee and breakfast at Mountain Folk Coffee Co before heading to Lake Minnewanka for the iconic Lake Minnewanka Cruise. This is a great way to see the mountains from a different perspective while your guide shares stories and history of the largest lake in Banff National Park.
After the cruise, make your way to the Banff Gondola. Ride above the forest to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, then walk the boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak for sweeping valley views. Wrap up your trip with a mountaintop meal at Sky Bistro before riding the gondola back down.
Walk
Distance: 0.2km
Mountain Folk is centrally located in downtown Banff and within walking distance from most hotels.
Public Transit
Distance: 11km
Use Roam Transit Route 6 to travel from Banff to Minnewanka. Make sure you allow plenty of time before your cruise as buses can sometimes be full. Pre-reservations for the bus are not available.
Multiple Travel Options
Distance: 15km
Use Roam Public Transit Route 6 to return to Banff and then transfer to Roam Public Transit Route 1 or the free gondola shuttle to get to the Banff Gondola.
Where to Stay
Here's some accommodation options that work for this trip:
Reservations & Booking
Some of the activities require reservations or bookings upfront. Here is an overview of all providers:
Canoe Lake Louise
Ride the Lake Louise Summer Sightseeing Gondola
On Mountain Dining at Whitehorn Bistro
Moraine Lake
- Parks Canada
- Roam Public Transit
- ABest Transport and Tour Services
- Banff On Demand
- Brewster Sightseeing
- Discover Banff Tours
- Hop On Banff
- Fairview Limousine
- Moraine Lake Bus Company
- Radventures
- Mountain Park Transportation
- Stellar Experiences
- Ten Peaks Shuttle & Tours
- White Mountain Adventures
- Yamnuska Mountain Adventures
Guided Icefields Parkway Tour
Climb the Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata
On Mountain Dining at the Cliffhouse Bistro
Indulge in a Spa Experience
Horseback Riding in Banff
Sunshine Meadows Sightseeing Gondola & Chairlift
Cruise on Lake Minnewanka
Ride the Banff Gondola
Mountaintop Dining at the Sky Bistro
Restaurants & Dining
Good to Know
Maximise your trip enjoyment with a little pre-planning. Here's our pro tips:
Book your airport shuttle in advance
Get a Park Pass
Make a reservation for gear/ activities in advance
Plan to use public transit and shuttles
Check the weather forecast