A trip to Banff is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, with its rocky peaks, abundant wildlife from moose and grizzly bears to adorable marmots, and, of course, the plethora of turquoise glacial lakes that define the Canadian Rockies.
We`re privileged to have done this once-in-a-lifetime journey multiple times so far, and our goal with this guide is to utilize our experiences to compile a detailed itinerary that will aid others in planning their own trip.
In this guide, we’re going to go through ALL the information we think you need to plan an incredible 4 day Banff itinerary, with ideas on what to do with more time at the end of the resource.
We’ll begin with the important logistical details – like where to fly in and out of, how to structure your trip to maximize your time, and so on. – and then move on to a day-by-day itinerary that you can copy and paste for your own trip (in this case, we’re okay with plagiarism!).
It’s all based on our own individual experience over multiple trips to the Banff and the Canadian Rockies, and we’ll provide you the details on what`s worth spending time on, what`s not (looking at you Columbia Icefield Skywalk!), and what we wish we had done differently.
Sound good to you? Let’s get into it.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.
Table of Contents
How Many Days Should You Spend in Banff?
After two separate visits to Banff, we concluded that allowing a minimum of four days is needed to experience Banff, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the Icefields Parkway.
Many years ago, we wrote a guide for a three day trip, and we decided to entirely rewrite this entire guide to recommend a four day visit to Banff because three days is simply not enough time.
We believe four days provides the best balance, considering the wealth of amazing activities in Banff and the constraints of vacation time.
If Banff is part of a more extensive trip to the Canadian Rockies for you, we have two full guides dedicated to planning an itinerary that exposes you to more of this beautiful alpine realm.
First is our itinerary for the Canadian Rockies, which incorporates Banff, Jasper, and Yoho over 10 days.
Second is our 7 day Banff and Jasper itinerary (coming soon!), which is a whirlwind trip from Banff, up the Icefields Parkway to Jasper, and back again.
Do You Need to Rent a Car for Your Trip to Banff?
In essence, we strongly believe that experiencing Banff to the fullest extent is best achieved through independent transportation. The most straightforward way to accomplish this (if arriving via air) is renting a vehicle upon landing at Calgary International Airport, then returning it before departing.
However, I will note that, unlike our trip more than five years ago, Banff has progressed significantly in terms of public transportation, and it is now possible to combine public transportation and guided tours to organize an itinerary.
There are public buses (via Roam Transit) between Banff and Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Sunshine Meadows, and Johnston Canyon.
However, the important point here is that you’re going to be giving up A GREAT DEAL of flexibility. While options exist, the routes don’t always come very frequently, and the first bus of the day is often later than what would be recommended to start your day.
An alternative to driving the scenic Icefields Parkway ourselves would be to take an organized tour, which could make multiple stops along the route for sightseeing and photography, though perhaps not as many stops as we might prefer to make independently.
Therefore, planning to rent a vehicle is definitely advised, but creating an itinerary without driving is possible.
Where to Stay in Banff
This is a place where we have a fairly strong opinion based on our own personal experience. As you’ll see in the itinerary below, we have you spending two full days near Lake Louise – one for Lake Louise and the hikes there, one for Moraine Lake and the hikes there.
Given the 45-60 minute drive or shuttle between Banff and Lake Louise (with Moraine Lake adjacent to Lake Louise), we think splitting where you stay on your trip is best-spent half in Banff itself and half near Lake Louise.
On our first trip, we did exactly that, and the 7 minute drive from Paradise Lodge and Bungalows (where we stayed) to the shore of Lake Louise was magical, and allowed us to beat the crowds and sleep in a little bit.
On our last trip, we had our dog with us (who, we found out midway through going to bed in a tent, DOES NOT like being confined in a tent), and we ended up staying in Banff, taking separate trips out to Lake Louise.
And we strongly disliked having to drive around two hours every day for a few days to reach our destination.
It`s not the end of the world if lodging directly by Lake Louise isn`t feasible – accommodations in that vicinity ARE highly limited and competitive – but we firmly believe it simplifies your experience (unlike our most recent trip to Banff).
Following the 4 day Banff itinerary below, that means spending two nights in Banff (or Canmore, more on that in a second) and two nights near Lake Louise if you can make it work.
Now that the overarching lodging approach for Banff has been outlined, specific accommodation recommendations within each area will be explored.
P.S. We have a whole guide focused on . Read that for significantly more information than we’ve included here!
Staying in Banff vs. Canmore
On the front end of your trip, you have somewhat of a choice to make regarding where you want to stay.
Most visitors remain in Banff, which is potentially the most famed mountain town in North America, and it is charming and central, yet very busy and very expensive.
Canmore is another excellent mountain town located just outside the eastern edge of Banff National Park, and it can be viewed as a better mountain community because ordinary people genuinely live there (unlike Banff, which is essentially all tourists). It possesses a more relaxed atmosphere, superior cuisine and beverages, and more affordable prices.
However, taking a route that is 15-20 minutes longer each way means you won`t be as close to as many lodging options compared to Banff.
For whatever it`s worth, we`ll likely never lodge in Banff again, solely utilizing Canmore for future trips in the area.
In Banff, we stayed at the Tunnel Mountain Resort and it was reasonably satisfactory. Good location, decent prices for a place in Banff that is pet-friendly with kitchen facilities, but our room was basically a windowless lower level space.
In the future, we’d stay at Basecamp Suites after an excellent experience in Revelstoke at a Basecamp property.
In Canmore, we’d consider another Basecamp property – Basecamp Suites Canmore. We enjoyed ourselves with Basecamp elsewhere in the Rockies, and we feel we should have picked to reside here instead of in Banff.
If you’re looking to camp, you should do everything possible to get a site at Two Jack Lake Campground (only tent camping, RVs should probably consider Tunnel Mountain Campground instead).
Staying near Lake Louise
Regrettably, lodging options near Lake Louise are not very plentiful. And the alternatives that do exist will be expensive and book up far in advance. You should reserve your accommodations here as far ahead as possible!
We stayed at Paradise Lodge and Bungalows, where there was a pleasant mix of room alternatives ranging from lodge rooms to cabins, all within a seven minute drive of the Lake Louise Lakeshore. This location and facilities we would highly recommend.
There are a couple other options available here that are at opposing ends of the budget range.
- One affordable lodging selection is the HI Lake Louise Alpine Centre, which provides both shared and private accommodations. It sits in Lake Louise Village, approximately a 10 minute drive from Lake Louise.
- Among the most expensive options is the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, situated directly on the shore of the lake. You will pay for both the prestigious Fairmont name and the unbeatable setting, but it will be a stay you won’t forget anytime soon. Plus, you don’t have to deal with parking difficulties at Lake Louise at all (though annoyingly, they do charge for parking).!
SoWa Open Market: Regrettably, this particular event was not taking place when we recently visited Boston, but if you`re visiting between May and September, be sure to stop by on Sundays for an interesting outdoor crafts exhibition! It`s a sizable area that is home to numerous Bostonian artisans, and images of the Sunday Market appear truly appealing – food, artisans offering their handmade goods, and more.
The Best Time to Visit Banff
There is little uncertainty that the peak time to be in the Canadian Rockies is summer, usually mid-July through late August.
The early autumn months (September through mid-October)provide weather that is moderately unpredictable (we saw snow in mid-September on our first trip) but with fewer visitors to enjoy the sights.
Note that, presently, access to the crown is temporarily closed, so it is not possible to purchase this type of ticket.
This Banff itinerary is written for a summer/early fall trip. It will be nearly impossible to follow this itinerary as outlined in the winter or spring.
In the summer, you’ll get the finest weather (though it’s still the mountains, so expect some rain, clouds, and thunderstorms irregularly), extended days with plenty of daylight for exploring, and snow-free roads and hiking trails.
There are two potential downsides to visiting Banff in the summer of which you should be aware.
The first thing is that it is, overwhelmingly, the most busy time to visit Banff. It will be overcrowded, and our best recommendation is to plan on waking up early each morning to beat the crowds to trailheads (which is what we did).
It will also be a costly venture. Prices ascend in July and August, as many individuals flock to the Rocky Mountains to experience the raw natural magnificence with their own eyes. Arrange your accommodations early to gain the best selection! For our most recent excursion up to Banff and Jasper, we reserved our places to remain in January for a July trip.
Another thing to be aware of when touring Banff and Jasper in the summer is that the chance of encountering smoke from nearby wildfires has increased each year.
During the Banff leg of our first Canadian Rockies trip in 2017, we experienced some haze from nearby wildfires, as can be seen in some of the pictures below.
During this latest trip, we encountered smoke for the Jasper leg of our journey, and you could barely see the mountains for most of our time in northern areas.
There is little which can be done about it, but it is something to keep in mind. Our first trip was in September, and we thought “oh, let’s go earlier in the summer to beat the fires next time.” Then, in early July, identical scenario.
Getting to Banff
If you’re not coming from a nearby location, you’ll have to fly, rent a vehicle, and drive. Which, luckily, is also quite simple thanks to the nice airport located in Calgary.
Though located in Canada, the drive to Banff from places such as Seattle, Vancouver, and the northern United States (Idaho, Montana, etc) is totally feasible.
Driving from Portland, the journey took us roughly two full days, though we broke up the drive between Vancouver and Banff across approximately 4-5 days.
Flying to Banff
If you’re not driving to Banff, the easiest way to get to Banff is going to be to fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC).
Arriving here positions you within roughly two hours of the town of Banff, and it possesses the strongest selection of flights and rental vehicles in the region.
Driving to Banff
If you’re traveling to Banff by vehicle, expect a lengthy drive from just about any location outside Alberta.
We met a couple from Toronto on the trail and, without considering the geography involved, asked if they drove to Banff. Which, of course, is illogical. It’d be like driving from NYC to Glacier National Park, which we’d never envision.
For reference, that drive would take 34 hours.
Here are some examples of travel times and distances from nearby significant urban centers (excluding Edmonton and Calgary here):
- Vancouver, B.C.: 9 hours, 526 miles
- Seattle, WA: 10.5 hours, 596 miles
- Spokane, WA: 7 hours, 361 miles
- Portland, OR: 12 hours, 711 miles
- Glacier National Park (Whitefish, MT): 5 hours, 284 miles
For reference, on our route we drove from our home in Portland up to Vancouver, British Columbia, spent a few days exploring Vancouver, then continued eastward from there to Banff.”
The drive from Vancouver to Banff is worthwhile with several good stops along the way, but it’s a lengthy journey and we’d only recommend it if you have somewhere between five days to spend on the drive in either direction.
Things to Know Before Your Trip to Banff
Here are a few things you need to know before your trip to Banff.
You need a Parks Canada Pass While You’re in Banff National Park
You have two possibilities – purchase a pass for the number of days required for it or purchase a Discovery Pass, which gifts you access to all national parks in Canada for a full year.
At a high level, the math on the Discovery Pass works out if you’re spending 7 days or more in the parks, though there are some variations around family passes that might make the math change in your particular instance.
You can obtain both versions at the park entrance stations, or pre-order online.
Book Your Shuttles for Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in Advance
We have entire sections dedicated to this below, but here’s a brief overview. Lake Louise is accessible with private passenger vehicles, BUT the parking fills up exceptionally quickly at 6:30am in the summer.
If that timeframe is too early, use the Parks Canada Shuttle or Roam Transit Bus. Vehicular access to Moraine Lake is restricted to buses only.
, so shuttles are your sole choice of transportation. Again, you have two primary options – the Parks Canada Shuttle or using Roam Transit.
Far more in-depth details are provided below in their respective sections.
Prepare Yourself for Early Mornings and Late Evenings
There’s no getting around it – Banff is crowded during peak seasons. However, many visitors aren’t up for very early morning activities, which is why we strongly advise starting your day sooner to avoid large crowds.
We often initiated hikes between 7:00am and 7:30am, and were among the initial few groups on the trail, whereas on the way down the trails were packed.
Another good time to be out exploring is around sunset, when most people are eating dinner or winding down for the evening.
The Weather Apps Are Not to Be Trusted
I’m writing this on a day when the weather applications – both the Apple weather and Accuweather (I generally prefer the latter) – stated it would be sunny or partly sunny throughout the day.
As it turns out, alternating thunderstorms and heavy rain fell for most of the day.
Don’t trust the weather apps, be prepared for all kinds of weather when you head out in the morning. It is the Rocky Mountains, after all. Anything can occur!
Be Prepared to Experience All Seasons…in a Day
This point relates to the earlier discussion about weather applications, but visitors should expect a hike to start with exertion in warm conditions before potentially ending soaked from sudden thunderstorms.
An identical situation occurred both times during our trips. On multiple occasions.
Sometimes the cities become eerily quiet suddenly, especially in the busiest areas like Mission Beach or Pacific Beach, once peak season ends. And while the crowds disappear, the warm summer-like weather in San Diego usually lingers into early October.
You’re in Bear Country
Both black and Grizzly bears inhabit the Rockies, and we saw representatives of both species (though thankfully never up close on a hiking trail).
Our biggest recommendation is to make plenty of noise on the trail – Matt is known for impromptu singing as we hike – so that you avoid any unexpected encounters.
You`ll also want to carry bear spray, which can be obtained in town for those flying in (bear spray is prohibited on aircraft).
You should check with your hotel or lodge because many of the highly rated places to stay in Banff will lend it to you.
You’re at elevation in the Rockies
Remember that you’re at elevation in the Canadian Rockies (Banff is at 4,500 feet above sea level, and Lake Louise is closer to 6,500 feet), so if you’re coming from sea level, hikes are going to feel a little harder than you’re accustomed to.
For this reason, we advise starting with an easier hike initially to acclimatize, and saving the more challenging routes for later in your trip.
Keep Wildlife Wild
You’re more expected to see other types of wildlife other than bears on your journey to Banff. We saw moose, lots of elk, bighorn sheep, a family of mountain goats (incorporating babies!), plenty of marmots, a family of grouse (at least that’s what we think they were).
Be sure to give them adequate space (if on the trail, stop and let them leisurely pass with plenty of room) because, despite not naturally preying on others, they`re still wild creatures.
Keep dogs on a leash to minimize surprises and avoid disturbing them as much as feasible.
Dogs are Allowed on Trails in Banff
But – and this is very, very important – they need to be on a leash at all times to protect fragile ecosystems and avoid unpleasant encounters with local wildlife.
Yes, that means even your dog.
Yes, I know they’re a good dog.
No, that doesn’t matter.
Put them on a leash!
4 Days in Banff: How to Plan A Perfect Banff Itinerary
The main purpose of your visit is about to begin: here is the planned itinerary.
One thing to know – the creators has intentionally designed this 4 day Banff itinerary for people who have four complete days in the park, which means arriving the night before the itinerary starts.
To make this occur, we’d strongly advise reserving a late flight out on your last day so that you have time to visit Moraine Lake on that last day.
Here’s what that itinerary looks like, written out:
- Day 0: Arrival (lodging in Banff or Canmore)
- Day 1: Johnston Canyon, exploring Downtown Canmore, and Sunset Drive (lodging in Banff or Canmore)
- Day 2: Vermillion Lakes at Daybreak and the Icefields Parkway (overnight stay at Lake Louise)
- Day 3: Lake Louise (staying at Lake Louise)
- Day 4: Moraine Lake and return drive to Calgary (depart by air)
Day 1: Johnston Canyon, Downtown Banff, and Sunset Views
On your first day in Banff, begin with a comparatively easy hike through a canyon containing multiple waterfalls to marvel at, then explore downtown Banff prior to departing on an evening drive seeking out some of Banff’s best panoramic views (and wildlife).
Johnston Canyon (and the Inkpots?)
Start your time in Banff National Park with a hike of relatively low difficulty, while retaining the option to increase the challenge if desired.
It’s also one of the more unusual hikes in the park, taking visitors up through a ravine formed by thousands of years of erosion rather than to yet another gorgeous alpine lake (SO DULL AM I RIGHT?).
This is a popular spot, and the fact that most of the trail is along a narrow boardwalk means that it’s somewhat unpleasant around midday, when you’ll be stuck in a long line of people trying to navigate the trail and stopping for countless pictures.
GET THERE EARLY. Seriously. Plan on starting your hike before 8:00am. You will be able to experience at least a slice of tranquility in the canyon. Thank us later.
`
.
`
Some climbing is required after viewing the Lower Falls, so those with limited mobility may wish to stop there to avoid roughly half of the trail.
If travelers still have energy remaining, it’s worth venturing out to the Ink Pots, a group of colorful cold water pools (as opposed to hot springs) that are situated in a pleasant valley.
It’s a 7 mile hike to get there and back, and the stretch from the Upper Falls to the Ink Pots is a moderate, fairly uneventful climb through the forest. More trail information here.
Exploring Downtown Banff
After your hike, spend some time in and around the town of Banff, which is on the one hand very “touristy” in the sense that nearly everyone you’ll encounter outside of service workers is a tourist, but also has some pretty cool spots to check out.
The primary route in town is (not surprisingly) titled Banff Avenue, and it’s where you’ll locate most restaurants, shops, and other places of interest of that nature. However, there are also a couple of walkable/drivable places with nice views that are worth seeking out.
Here are a few of our favorites.
- Unexpected Viewpoint: This is the classic view of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel backed by the mountains. You can walk there from town, but it is uphill along a busy roadway. However, that’s likely preferable to navigating the parking predicament, which is usually full of tour buses.
- Bow Falls: Potentially not the most dramatic waterfall you’ll see on this trip (particularly if you make it over to Yoho National Park), but definitely the most accessible from downtown Banff thanks to the brief flat riverside trail. It could be argued the best views are in fact not of the falls, but rather of the mountains towering over town (Norquay and Rundle).
- Cascade of Time Garden: This was Alysha’s discovery, and it’s worth walking through on your way back to town. It’s a little oasis with nice views of downtown Banff and some enjoyable landscaping.
If you`re up for a bit more walking, you can do all three spots as a fun short route from the town center.
Here is a map of what that route looks like.”
Lake Minnewanka + Two Jack Lake
After some rest and relaxation, venture out of town to the north to visit two of our favorite destinations near Banff; Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake.
A scenic drive connects the two locations, often allowing sights of both elk and bighorn sheep based on past experiences on this route.
Travel clockwise first, driving out to Lake Minnewanka, which is a huge lake near Banff. The best way to see the lake is to get out on the water – either on a guided boat tour, or by renting a kayak and exploring independently.
You can also venture along the lakeshore on foot, and if getting out on the water isn`t your preference, it`s worthwhile traversing the shoreline. Just a short way into the hike, it feels almost isolated despite being roughly a 15 minute distance from the town of Banff, which is decidedly unlike being `nowhere.`
Once you’ve admired the lake, hop back in the car and continue the mini loop over to Two Jack Lake, which is much smaller but arguably more beautiful thanks to the lofty form of Mount Rundle directly south.
The two parking areas – upper and lower – both provide access, but it`s advisable to park at the lower one because that`s where the main attractions and panoramic views are located.
While the outlook from the parking lot is pleasant, featuring Parks Canada red chairs, we enjoyed heading out to the peninsular mini peninsula referenced here for views facing south of the aforementioned mountain.
Sunset Views at Mount Norquay
Mount Norquay came as a pleasant surprise for us. It was a spontaneous decision to head up there around sunset one evening, and we were amazed by the caliber of views from the grassy area near the top of the road, just below the ski resort ( location on Google Maps).
The hiking trail ascends in stages, with switchbacks following after switchbacks carrying visitors higher for a panoramic vista. Be sure to watch closely for glimpses of bighorn sheep amongst the terrain, as we spotted a group with newborn lambs on our way up.
Day 2: Vermillion Lakes at Sunrise and the Icefields Parkway
On your second day in Banff, spend the morning along the shores of Vermillion Lakes, one of the premier sunrise spots in Banff, and then head out for a drive along the Icefields Parkway, considered one of the most scenic roadways in all of North America.
At the end of the day, you’ll check into your hotel near Lake Louise (if you’ve been able to secure a room there) to prepare for the next two days and, as a bonus, experience the lake near sunset.
Vermillion Lakes at Sunrise
Vermillion Lakes is among our favorite locations in Banff to see the sunrise (we’ve also been there at sunset, which is magnificent as well). The reason is you can watch the sunrise over the lake with Mount Rundle’s iconic silhouette bathed in its golden glow.
Bring coffee, breakfast food, and keep an eye out for wildlife who might be having their own morning meal and/or bath on the lakeshore.
The Icefields Parkway
The majority of this day is spent driving what might be the most scenic road in North America – the Icefields Parkway.
This scenic stretch covers the approximately 140 mile distance between Lake Louise and the town of Jasper located within Jasper National Park, requiring about two and a half hours to drive straight through without stopping (which would not be advised).
If you’re remaining in Banff and not traveling farther to Jasper, we think it makes the most sense to start the first half of the route by vehicle, which takes you to the Columbia Icefields Discovery Center and the base of the Athabasca Glacier.
There are a nearly unlimited number of stops to make along that drive, along with a few of our favorite hikes in Banff, so it will take most of the day.
One thing to note – there is basically nowhere to eat or drink on this drive (except for the Bow Lake Lodge), so we’d recommend packing your own picnic lunch to enjoy on the road.
Choose Your Own Adventure: Hikes on the Icefields Parkway
First, we`ll discuss hiking along the Icefields Parkway. There are three hikes along this stretch of road that we highly recommend providing a brief overview of all three in this section, along with where to include them on your mini road trip.
Here are those three hiking routes listed in the order of our personal preferences.
Wilcox Pass (5.8 Miles / 1,700 feet elevation gain): This trails ranks among our top three when discussing the best hiking paths in Banff. Admittedly, we strayed from Banff technically as it`s just over the border in Jasper National Park. And we hiked it on a day with quite a bit of smoke, so the views weren`t quite as nice as they could be on a clear day. That`s how much we like it!
It’s a brief climb up to the ridge, and then it’s nonstop highlights in terms of views, culminating in an incredible view of the Athabasca Glacier.
We have an entire guidance on hiking to Wilcox Pass, which you can read for more details.
Helen Lake (7.2 Miles / 1,600 foot elevation gain): Another great hike, this one is directly across from Bow Lake, so you’ll do it early in your driving tour.
The trail spends the first half of the climb amidst the forest, alternating between steep climbs and flat stretches. Then, the real enjoyment begins when you emerge from the tree line and into a spectacular set of alpine meadows, with views in every direction. Eventually, you’ll arrive at Helen Lake, where you’ll have great views across the lake to the looming Cirque Peak.
We have an entire guide to hiking the trail to Helen Lake in my article, along with potential extensions to Cirque Peak and Dolomite Pass.
Parker Ridge hike (4 Miles / 1,108 feet elevation gain) is located just before crossing over into Jasper National Park, making it the final stop before reaching the Icefields Discovery Center.
The trail basically ascends directly up switchbacks to reach the ridge top, then divides. To the right are superb 360 degree views of the valley and surrounding peaks; head left to follow the ridge for unbelievable views back towards the Saskatchewan Glacier.
More information regarding trail details on Alltrails can be found here.
Herbert Lake
This is a brief (and underestimated) stop just for the view across the lake. That’s it! It’s a small gravel parking area, and we were alone when we were here for the picture-perfect reflections on the surface of the lake.
Later in the day, this would make a superb spot to bring a picnic and personal water transport like kayaks or paddle boards.
There`s also an outdoor toilet facility at the parking area, if you need to use the restroom.
Bow Lake
Bow Lake is one of the larger lakes along the Icefields Parkway, and there are numerous activities available here
Contingent on which trek you chose, this would be a perfect lunch stop, either to enjoy a packed lunch on the shore of the lake, or to get a quick bite to eat at the historic Lodge at Bow Lake (which is one of the only places to dine on the Icefields Parkway).
Taking a stroll along the lakeshore, particularly travelling towards the west from the lodge in the direction of Bow Glacier Falls, which can be seen from across the turquoise waters near the opposite shore, is also worthwhile.
We did not walk all the way there, but we walked the section of the trail that follows the lake (before it turns away from the lake to climb to the falls) and the views were excellent, and the crowds were basically nonexistent once you got a few hundred feet down the trail.
Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake has similarly garnered fame online. Unlike Bow Lake offering direct access, viewers here observe from above.
It’s a highly visited area, so be prepared for possible waits finding a parking space, as tour buses commonly fill the lot. A brief walk from the parking area leads to the initial viewpoint.
There are now multiple viewpoints at Peyto Lake, and a short 1.5 mile trail (round trip) connects them all. With the crowds, it can be difficult to capture pictures, but the further you go, the thinner the crowds.
If truly wanting to flee the crowds and obtain a stellar perspective of the lake, a route up to Bow Summit, a 4.5 mile trail taking you up to a ridge with a panoramic vista over the valley.
The Columbia River Icefields Discovery Center
The culminating stop of your day exploring the Icefields Parkway, the Columbia Icefield Discovery Center is situated in Jasper National Park at the base of the formidable Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in the Rockies.
The Discovery Center is worth exploring especially the lower level with its displays discussing the geography and geology of the icefield and broader Alberta region.
If experiencing a glacier firsthand is part of your vision for a trip to the Rocky Mountains, this locale is worth considering. One of the better approaches is a guided ice trek that takes visitors out onto the glacier, which appears to be the sole way to actually walk on a glacier (as far as we are aware).
Magville Hotel Milano is a lovely boutique lodge found in a safe, tranquil area just east of Porta Venezia.
An important note here – we decidedly do not advise undertaking the Columbia Icefield Glacier Skywalk. We truly cannot deduce why they constructed a viewing area in this location (we speculate perhaps it preceded the considerable glacial retreat?), but there are undoubtedly more impressive perspectives available – notably from the Wilcox Pass Trail.
Lake Louise at Sunset
By connecting Lake Louise to the town of Jasper, the Icefields Parkway is perfectly positioned for a pause at beautiful Lake Louise for visitors returning southwards toward Banff.
Which is ideal if you accepted our recommendation and booked a position to stay near Lake Louise for the last two days of this itinerary.
Day 3: Lake Louise and Choose Your Own Hiking Adventure, Part 1
On your third day exploring Banff, you’ll commence investigations of the surrounds of Lake Louise with an epic outing to one of the most renowned sights in all of Canada; Lake Louise.
Getting to Lake Louise
Of the two lakes here, Lake Louise is slightly easier to get to. But only slightly. As of 2023, you can still drive to the parking lot at Lake Louise, while the parking lot at Moraine Lake is only accessible via shuttle or bus (more on that in the section on Moraine Lake).
You have three options regarding how to reach Lake Louise: drive yourself and arrive very early, or take the shuttle or bus to the lake.
Each of the three alternatives has its own benefits and drawbacks, which we’ll examine here.
Option 1: Driving Yourself to Lake Louise
The first option is to drive yourself, which gives you more flexibility and allows for an earlier start on the trail (unless you’re on the first shuttle). However, the disadvantages arguably outweigh the benefits here.
The primary disadvantage is that you need to arrive extremely early,which is partly why we advise staying nearby so that it’s a 10 minute drive, not an hour. There are two big parking lots at Lake Louise, and by 7:00am or so on summer days, they are both complete. You need to arrive by 7:00am at the latest to secure a spot. From our own personal experience, we were there at around 6:15am, and they were almost full by the time we had strapped on our hiking boots and headed to the trail.
The second downside is the $21 cost to park for the day, between 7:00am and 7:00pm. However, this may in reality prove cheaper than the shuttle with a full vehicle of people, so this is likely less of a downside and more something to be aware of going in.
Option 2: Taking the Parks Canada Shuttle
An alternate choice is taking the Parks Canada Coach, which begins and concludes at Lake Louise Ski Resort, just across the road from Lake Louise ( here on Google Maps).
This is a good selection if you don’t want to get up extremely early to deal with the nightmare parking situation at the lake, or if you want to do both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in the same day using the Connector shuttle that runs between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
However, there are two downsides to this choice. First is less flexibility – you’re reliant on shuttles for the journey there and back, and the tickets are very competitive, so you might not be able to snag an early morning seat unless you book months in advance…when you won’t know what the weather will look like that day.
The second option is that it’s not extremely convenient if you’re lodging in Banff or Canmore. Note that this choice would mean driving out to Lake Louise, which is 45-60 minutes from the town of Banff. If you’re staying in Banff, we have a better choice next.
Buses run every 20 minutes from 6:30am to 7:30pm, and you should make advanced reservations as soon as feasible. More information here.
Roam Transit Bus 8x from Banff
The third alternative is to take Roam Transit bus 8x – the Lake Louise Express – from Banff High School in downtown Banff out to Lake Louise. This is the best choice if you’re arriving from Banff because it means you don’t have to drive 45-60 minutes to catch the Parks Canada shuttles.
There exists an alternative here to attach with the Parks Canada Moraine Lake Shuttle, and you’ll necessitate to obtain the “Superpass” to do so (for the record, we advise doing the two lakes on separate days).
This is the most convenient option if you’re coming from Banff, but it’s also the priciest at $10 each way per adult (seniors pay $8 each way, and kids 17 and under ride free).
Reservations should again be made as far in advance as possible. Additional information here.
The Shores of Lake Louise
Whichever way you decide to arrive at the lake, your first stop should be the shore of the lake. Don’t plan on finding solitude here – or anywhere around Lake Louise, really – but you should plan on finding some quite spectacular views.
The primary viewpoint presents panoramic views of the lake`s expanse, crowded with photographers capturing the perfect image. Wider framing of the scenery left also includes the canoe rental facility.
Additionally, there are some impressive panoramic perspectives of Fairview Mountain available while traversing along the right shoreline of the lake.
Choose Your Own Hiking Adventure: Plain of Six Glaciers vs. Lake Agnes + Big Beehive
For the main activity of the day, there are two excellent hikes that begin from the shores of Lake Louise. In this section, we’ll cover both options (including combining them into one epic day) and help you decide which would be best for you.
The two main routes here involve either taking the Plain of Six Glaciers path along the lakeshore and up a valley at the far end of the lake, or heading up the mountain on the northern side of the lake via Lake Agnes and the Beehives, offering great views over the water and valley.
For what it’s worth, if we can only have one, we’re doing the Plain of Six Glaciers because it’s a more unique landscape if you’re coming from sea level.
Here’s a bit of a deeper examination into each of those two trails.
The Plain of Six Glaciers (9.1 miles, 1,929 feet elevation gain): Of the hikes at Lake Louise, this is our preferred trail (we’ve traversed it twice now, and it was awe-inspiring both times). It takes you out and back to a magnificent perspective of Abbot Pass and the glaciers above, with a fun teahouse stop along the route. Stunning sights the whole way through! Read our trail guide: Hiking the Plain of Six Glaciers.
The Big Beehive Loop(6.7 miles, 2,552 feet elevation gain): This hike takes visitors up past picturesque Lake Agnes (and the teahouse of the same name) to the top of the Big Beehive mountain, which has scenic views out over Lake Louise and the Bow River Valley. It’s a great autumn hike especially when the colorful Larches along Lake Agnes turn bright gold.
The Glacier and Beehive Loop Hike:(12 miles, 3,500 feet elevation gain): If you have substantial hiking experience, are mentally and physically prepared, and truly want to experience both sites, you can link the two hikes into one long route, which is what we did on our last trip. It`s a demanding hike but doable if you come stocked with plenty of snacks, water, and a suitable level of fitness. You`ll spend all day, especially if (like us) you linger at each of the two huts to rest.”
If you are going to do the full loop, we’d advocate for two aspects.
First is opting to not visit Little Beehive, because the effort doesn’t seem worthwhile since you’ve already explored the larger Big Beehive location.
Second is hiking clockwise, out to the Plain of Six Glaciers initially (which is very exposed and difficult in the strong sun) then looping back to Lake Agnes and the Big Beehive.
Essentially all of these hikes are going to take up most of the day, and you’ll desire to spend the rest of it recovering and restoring your energy, because there’s another big day upcoming tomorrow!
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise makes a splendid spot to relax with a beverage (or cup of tea) after hiking exertions. It`s undoubtedly pricey for lodging (well outside our usual budget), but amenities include multiple dining and drink establishments, enhanced by the peerless panorama of the lake.
Day 4: Moraine Lake and Drive Back
In some manners, we’ve saved the most excellent for final here. While, yes, you’ve viewed quite impressive alpine lakes over the course of your Banff itinerary, Moraine Lake is practically in a group of its own.
So significantly that they’ve closed the road to Moraine Lake completely to private vehicles to curb the deluge of visitors camping in the parking lot to get a view of the most famous lake on Instagram at sunrise.
On your final day, conclude your trip with a morning visit to Moraine Lake for scenic views, a hike along trails, and then dry your eyes as you make your way back towards the airport in Calgary.
Getting to Moraine Lake
The first thing we need to address here is getting to Moraine Lake, which has changed over recent years as record traffic numbers overwhelmed the infrastructure at the most popular lake on Instagram and necessitated some limitations on visitation.
As of 2023, vehicles other than buses or tour vehicles are prohibited on Moraine Lake Road – the sole access route to the lake.
That means that the only way to access Moraine Lake is by shuttle or bus, and there are both public transportation options and private options available. It’s also worth noting that the lake is only accessible by vehicle from May to October.
Both public and private transit choices will be discussed, although public transport options will be emphasized more.
The primary choice is the Parks Canada Shuttle service. This choice departs from Lake Louise Ski Resort, which is located just across the highway from Lake Louise Village. That does entail that, if you’re traveling from Banff or Canmore, you will need to drive approximately an hour to catch the shuttle (the subsequent choice may be preferable, dependent on what you’re searching for). This choice connects you to the Lake Louise Lakeshore, Moraine Lake (via a connecting shuttle that leaves from Lake Louise lakeshore), and the Lake Louise Campground. It runs often – every twenty minutes between 6:30am and 7:30pm – but it still fills up in the summer months. Book well in advance. More information here.
The second option involves combining the Roam Transit Lake Louise route (route 8x) with the Moraine Lake Connector shuttle run by Parks Canada. This is a great option if you’re staying in Banff, because it means you don’t have to make the 45-60 minute drive out to Lake Louise Ski Resort to connect with the Parks Canada Shuttle. Instead, you take the 8x from downtown Banff to the shore of Lake Louise, and then board the Parks Canada connector that transports you to Moraine Lake. This requires you to purchase the “Roam Superpass” when booking your ticket, which provides access to the connector shuttle. More information here.
The third option involves the Moraine Lake Express operated by Roam Transit (route 10). Most notably, this option is solely available in autumn, from September through mid-October. This route departs from the town of Banff (in front of Banff High School) and proceeds directly to Moraine Lake, rendering it a convenient choice for those lodging in Banff wishing to visit Lake Louise without driving. More details can be found here.
All three choices are very challenging to get, and you should book your tickets well in advance, especially if you want the coveted early morning time slots.
Keep in mind that even if you want to just use the connector to Moraine Lake, you need to check in at Lake Louise Ski Resort and take the shuttle from there to Lake Louise.
There are two private transportation alternatives we want to highlight for different causes.
The first is the Sunrise Shuttle, which is the only option for photographers wishing to see Moraine Lake at sunrise (aside from investing $$$ to stay at Moraine Lake Lodge). It takes you from Banff to the lake, arriving around 45 minutes before sunrise, where you’ll remain for two hours before being transported back to Banff. It’s costly, and we wish there was an option to stay at the lake to get an early start on a hike, but it`s the sole way to have the lake to yourself at sunrise.
The second option involves the open-air buses operated by Wow Banff, because it’s the sole means of bringing a canine companion to Moraine Lake (their route travels from Lake Louise Ski Resort, to Lake Louise, to Moraine Lake). Pets are only permitted on the upper deck, and we seriously contemplated utilizing this approach to reach Moraine Lake accompanied by our dog, Lupine.
Moraine Lake (and Where to Find the Best Views)
There’s a reason Moraine Lake is one of the most popular views on Instagram. One of the things we appreciate about it is how it changes throughout the course of the day.
Prior to sunrise light reaching the surrounding peaks, the water demonstrates a vivid yet placid blue reflection of the Valley of Ten Peaks.
As sunlight fills the water in the morning, tiny glacial particles cause it to take on a unique cloudy light blue shade.
There are two spots you should go to find the finest perspectives of the lake.
The first is the rockpile at the northeastern end of the lake, which you can access via a short trail from the parking area. You’ll head around the back of the rockpile and climb up over the top, where you’ll be offered the iconic view.
The second suggested route is the trail along the lakeshore, which we definitely planned to walk for at least a short distance along the edge of the large body of water. We especially enjoyed this vantage point early in the day with the colorful canoes in the foreground and the lake and peaks in the more distant background.
To this day, even after taking tens of thousands of pictures during our travels, this remains one of Matt’s favorite photos he has ever captured.
Hiking at Moraine Lake
There are a few excellent hiking routes departing from the shore of Moraine Lake, and we want to give special mention to the trail climbing to Sentinel Pass through Larch Valley, which is likely our favorite walk in the Canadian Rockies.
Reaching the pass requires significant effort, but the vistas from the summit are truly stunning and absolutely worth any challenges of ascending there.
Plan on spending your morning hiking before, sadly, needing to head back to the airport to catch your flight home.
- Consolation Lakes(approximately 4.6 miles, 1,000 feet elevation gain): This trail continues past the rockpile to two small lakes located in succession. It has the most gentle grade of the three routes mentioned.
- Eiffel Lake(7.6 miles, 2,000 feet elevation gain): Another mountain lake similar to Sentinel Pass is located along this path that is somewhat lengthier involving more differences in elevation, yet remains a moderate category hike. The initial mile and a half follows the same switchbacks as Sentinel Pass, which aren`t easy to traverse, but afterwards it`s mainly level walking out to Eiffel Lake, another turquoise lake with only a tiny portion of the crowds at Moraine.
- Sentinel Pass and Larch Valley(7 miles, 2,600 feet elevation gain): The beginning and ending parts up the hills are the most difficult stretches, with a nice stroll through beautiful Larch Valley in the middle offering relief. The views from Sentinel Pass backwards across Larch Valley and Minnestimma Lake are breathtaking, as is the final ascent to the high point.
More Than 4 Days in Banff? Here’s What to Add to Your Banff Itinerary
If you have more than 4 days in Banff and want to add some other activities to your itinerary, here are a few things we’d recommend including (along with approximate additional time needed).
It’s worth emphasizing that the very first thing we’d add is an extra half day to the last day of the itinerary above, so that you don’t have to drive back to the airport to catch a flight after a morning of hiking at Moraine Lake.
More Hikes (+1 Day for Each)
If you’re into hiking, there are plenty (PLENTY) of other great hikes in Banff National Park to add. We’ve included a bunch of extra hikes above in the “choose your own adventure” sections, but here are a few more to consider.
- Healy Pass (11.1 miles / 2,814 feet increase in elevation): We thoroughly enjoyed this hike. It’s a must if you’re in the Rocky Mountains in early summer (call it mid-July?) for the stunning wildflowers or mid-October when the larches are illuminating. From the pass, you have a nice view of the Ramparts and the Monarch in one direction, and the peaks behind Egypt Lake in the other. It also leaves from the Sunshine Meadows parking lot, which is huge, which means there’s no issue finding parking.
- C-Level Cirque (5.8 miles / 2,490 feet elevation gain): We referenced this earlier as an option around Lake Minnewanka, and we mention it here again as a moderate option requiring only a brief drive from Banff. Hikers embark into the woods for the initial miles before emerging into a rocky bowl, at which point a brief scramble leads to scenic views back towards the lake.
- Helen Lake (7.2 miles / 1,700 feet elevation gain): This scenic trail provides panoramic views of mountain peaks and forests. Hikers experience diverse landscapes while climbing through woodlands and grassy fields before reaching the lake`s serene mountain setting. Cirque Peak towers above the tranquil waters.
We’d basically advise adding a full day for each of them, because they’ll likely take 4-5 hours each.
Yoho National Park (+1-2 Days)
Yoho National Park borders Banff National Park and sees far fewer visitors than either Banff or Jasper. If using Lake Louise as your home base for exploring Louise and Moraine Lakes, we’d recommend allocating extra nights to venture out to Yoho, accessible via a brief drive west on the Trans-Canada Highway.
We wouldn`t consider it hidden exactly – it`s very much along a well-traveled route – but we think it rivals Banff and Jasper for natural attractiveness.
For one day, our plan was to head out to Emerald Lake to see the sunrise before large crowds arrived (and to see the picture-perfect reflections on the tranquil surface of the lake) and then go to Takakkaw Falls afterwards, which is one of Canada’s tallest waterfalls.
After the waterfall, there are a few great hikes that leave from the falls.
The first hike we did in the Rockies involved climbing straight up the valley wall to get above the treeline, known as the iconic Iceline Trail. From the ridge, there are excellent views back towards the falls and a sweeping view out over the valley.
It’s somewhere between a moderate and difficult hike, and we’d do it as a loop down past Celeste Lake rather than as an out-and-back.
The second choice is the less difficult (mostly flat) hike out to Laughing Falls, which trails the river out into the Little Yoho Valley with a few lovely waterfalls along the route.
For those seeking more adventure, it is possible to continue hiking past Laughing Falls deeper into the valley towards Twin Falls, roughly doubling the distance covered.
Jasper National Park (+2-3 Days)
With 7+ days, we`d recommend allocating time in Jasper National Park since, by the time you`ve driven to the Icefields Discovery Centre on the Icefields Parkway, you`re about halfway there anyway.
However, we’d only include this if you have a complete two days to dedicate to Jasper, because it is somewhat of a lengthy (but beautiful) drive to get there and back.
If you’re wanting to know what there is to do in Jasper, we would direct your attention to our Canadian Rockies itinerary, which provides a breakdown of how to spend two days in Jasper.
