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Trip Ideas

Summer Wonders Await

Duration
7 Days
Num of Experiences
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.

Canoe Lake Louise


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

Fairview Bar & Restaurant

See details about Fairview Bar & Restaurant

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.

Trailhead Cafe

See details about Trailhead Cafe

Ride the Lake Louise Summer Sightseeing Gondola


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Jun - Sep
See details about Ride the Lake Louise Summer Sightseeing Gondola
Two people taking in the view as the dine at Whitehorn Bistro at the Lake Louise Ski ResortTwo people taking in the view as the dine at Whitehorn Bistro at the Lake Louise Ski Resort

On Mountain Dining at Whitehorn Bistro


Duration
1-3 hrs
Operating Dates
Jun - Sep & Nov - Apr
See details about On Mountain Dining at Whitehorn Bistro

Moraine Lake


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

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.

Laggan's Mountain Bakery and Deli

See details about Laggan's Mountain Bakery and Deli
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 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.

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
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 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.

Tooloulou's


  • Vegetarian Options
  • Gluten Free Options
See details about Tooloulou's

Shopping Bear Street


Duration
1-3 hrs
Operating Dates
Year round
See details about Shopping Bear Street

Shopping Banff Avenue


Duration
1-3 hrs
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Shopping Banff Avenue
A person entering the pools at Fairmont Spa at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.A person entering the pools at Fairmont Spa at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.

Indulge in a Spa Experience


Duration
1-3 hrs
See details about Indulge in a Spa Experience

Chuck's Steakhouse & Patio


  • Vegetarian Options
See details about Chuck's Steakhouse & Patio

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.

Farm & Fire


  • Vegetarian Options
  • Vegan Options
  • Gluten Free Options
See details about Farm & Fire
Horse riding in BanffHorse riding in Banff

Horseback Riding in Banff


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
See details about Horseback Riding in Banff

Rose & Crown Banff


  • Vegetarian Options
  • Gluten Free Options
See details about Rose & Crown Banff
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

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.

Mountain Folk Coffee Co.


  • Vegetarian Options
  • Vegan Options
  • Gluten Free Options
See details about Mountain Folk Coffee Co.

Cruise on Lake Minnewanka


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

Where to Stay

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

Paradise Lodge & Bungalows

Hotels & Inns
Location
Lake Louise Area
See details about Paradise Lodge & Bungalows

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

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

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

The Kenrick Hotel

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

Hidden Ridge Resort

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

Elk + Avenue Hotel

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

Fairmont Banff Springs

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

Reservations & Booking

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

Canoe Lake Louise

  • The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Boathouse

Ride the Lake Louise Summer Sightseeing Gondola

On Mountain Dining at Whitehorn Bistro

Moraine Lake

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