Banff Summer Itinerary - 5 days, 4 nights
This is a real itinerary that you can use if you plan to visit Banff for a 5 day vacation. This trip includes stops at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
Day 1:
Chill & explore town of Banff!
Arrive in Calgary in the morning. Drive 1.5 hours from Calgary, through Canmore, to Banff. Check into Banff hotel.
Note: You will need to purchase a Canada Park Pass to visit Banff. You can do so when you enter the park by car. Also, Canmore is only a 20 minute drive from Banff and you will be passing through it. Recommended: stop for breakfast in Canmore at Craig’s Way Station restaurant.
Day 2:
Canoe and see Lake Louise!
Book a round-trip ROAM transit from Banff to Lake Louise (this transit ride is a 40 minute drive from Banff to the Lake Louise shuttle). Then take the Lake Louise shuttle to get to the lake. Hike up to Lake Agnes Tea House. Return to Banff on ROAM transit and enjoy dinner at Hello Sunshine sushi restaurant in Banff (make reservations ahead of time!)
Note: you will need to book both ROAM transit from Banff and the Lake Louise shuttle ahead of time. There is no public parking directly at Lake Louise and you can only get there via the Lake Louise shuttle. Avoid disappointment and book ahead as the shuttles fill up quickly!
Day 3:
Visit Bow Lake for an unforgettable hike at the highest point between Banff and Jasper!
Bow Lake is a beautiful one hour drive from Banff up the Trans Canada Highway. This is an out-and-back hike that takes you to the Bow Glacial Falls. Have lunch at the falls. Plan your hike ahead of time by using the AllTrails app. Return to Banff and enjoy a dip in the hot springs.
Note: Banff Upper Hot Springs are first come, first served.
Day 4:
Visit Moraine Lake!
Make this an early morning excursion to beat the crowds. Return to Banff and enjoy downtime at the hotel. Take the downtown shuttle to the Sulphur Mountain. gondola (book for 5:30pm) then have dinner at 7pm at top of Sulphur Mountain at Sky Bistro. Enjoy the sunset festival on the patio/boardwalk.
Note: to see Moraine Lake you will need to book both ROAM transit from Banff and the Lake Connector Shuttle from Lake Louise ahead of time.
Day 5:
Enjoy the town, shops and walk along the river.
This is your last morning in Banff. Drive back to Calgary International Airport.
Checklist of things to book:
Flights to and from Calgary International Airport/rental car
Hotel in Banff
ROAM transit from Banff to Lake Louise (roundtrip) x2
Moraine lake shuttle (the "Lake Connector Shuttle" between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake is included in your regular Lake Louise shuttle ticket).
Sulphur Mountain gondola
Dinner reservations: Sky Bistro on Sulphur Mountain, Hello Sunshine Sushi restaurant
Hotel recommendation
Itinerary style
Action-packed. Family friendly. Perfect for a getaway with friends.
Itinerary Gallery
These photos were taken from a real trip using the itinerary above!
