Banff National Park 5 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and Explore Banff Town
- Start your day by checking in to your hotel in Banff town, which is located in the heart of Banff National Park.
- Head out for breakfast at one of the many cafes in town, such as Wild Flour Bakery or Whitebark Cafe.
- Spend the morning exploring Banff town on foot. Visit the Banff Park Museum, which showcases the natural history of the area, or walk along the Bow River to the Bow Falls viewpoint.
- In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to Lake Minnewanka and explore the lakeshore. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a canoe or take a boat tour.
- End your day with dinner at one of Banff’s many restaurants, such as The Bison or Park Distillery.
Day 2: Hiking and Sightseeing in Banff National Park
- Start your day early and head to Lake Louise, one of the most iconic destinations in Banff National Park. Take a hike to Lake Agnes Tea House or Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House for breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
- After your hike, enjoy lunch at the Lake Louise Lakeside Cafe.
- In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to Moraine Lake, one of the most photographed destinations in Banff National Park. Take a short hike to the top of the Rockpile for an incredible view of the lake and surrounding mountains.
- Return to Banff town for dinner at one of the many restaurants, such as Nourish Bistro or The Grizzly House.
Day 3: Wildlife and Hot Springs
- Start your day with a visit to the Banff Gondola, which offers stunning panoramic views of Banff National Park. You might even spot some wildlife from the top of the mountain.
- After your gondola ride, head to the Banff Upper Hot Springs for a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs.
- In the afternoon, take a drive to Johnston Canyon and hike to the Upper Falls, where you’ll see stunning waterfalls and canyon views.
- Return to Banff town for dinner at one of the many restaurants, such as The Maple Leaf or The Meatball Pizza & Pasta.
Day 4: Explore Yoho National Park
- Yoho National Park is located just across the border in British Columbia, and is well worth a day trip from Banff. Start your day by driving to Emerald Lake, a beautiful turquoise lake surrounded by mountains.
- From Emerald Lake, take a hike to the Natural Bridge, a unique rock formation that spans the Kicking Horse River.
- In the afternoon, visit the Takakkaw Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Canada.
- Return to Banff town for dinner at one of the many restaurants, such as Saltlik or The Bear Street Tavern.
Day 5: Canmore and Departure
- Canmore is a charming mountain town located just a short drive from Banff, and is a great place to spend your last day in the area.
- Start your day by taking a hike to Grassi Lakes, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- After your hike, explore the town of Canmore and visit some of the local shops and galleries.
- Return to Banff town to pack up and depart.
Overall, a five-day itinerary in Banff National Park and the surrounding area could cost approximately $700-$1500 per person, depending on the choices made for accommodation, activities, and dining. This estimate does not include airfare or travel insurance, so be sure to budget for those as well.
Airfare can be as cheap as $331/person from Denver to Calgary (in June): https://www.kayak.com/explore/DEN-YYC
