Banff is the heart of Canada’s first national park, a frontier railway town turned alpine basecamp for high peaks, turquoise lakes, and wildlife-rich valleys. Founded in 1885 around thermal hot springs, it quickly drew travelers with a mix of rugged adventure and grand-hotel elegance. Today it’s a lively mountain hub with galleries, outdoor outfitters, cozy cafes, and trailheads right at the edge of town.

History is everywhere: gaze at Mount Rundle’s tilted limestone layers, trace Indigenous stories along sacred waters, and visit Cave and Basin, the birthplace of Parks Canada. Banff’s main attractions—Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Sulphur Mountain, the Bow Valley Parkway—are icons for good reason, but quieter gems like Vermilion Lakes at sunrise or the Fenland Trail offer peaceful counterpoints.

Practical notes: summer is peak season (book shuttles for Moraine/Louise in advance; Moraine Lake road is closed to private vehicles), shoulder seasons bring fewer crowds and golden larches, and winter offers world-class skiing and ice walks. A Parks Canada pass is required for entry. Expect cool mountain nights year-round; pack layers, bear spray for hikes, and check trail and weather advisories before you go.

Banff

Banff town sits at 1,383 meters (4,537 ft), ringed by Mount Rundle, Cascade Mountain, and Sulphur Mountain. It’s your perfect launchpad to lakes, canyons, and wildlife viewing, with excellent dining and easy logistics.

• Top sights: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Sulphur Mountain (gondola), Lake Minnewanka, Bow Falls, Johnston Canyon, Surprise Corner & the Hoodoos, Vermilion Lakes.
• Essential experiences: Gondola sunset, early shuttle to Moraine & Louise, Lake Minnewanka cruise (summer), dawn wildlife tour, Johnston Canyon hike, soak at Banff Upper Hot Springs.
• Where to stay: Browse cabins, condos, and lodges on VRBO Banff or hotels on Hotels.com Banff. Prefer lakeside? Search VRBO Lake Louise or Hotels.com Lake Louise.
• Getting there: Fly into Calgary (YYC) via Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Drive time YYC→Banff: ~1.5–2 hours (125 km) on Trans-Canada Hwy 1; shuttles run ~1.5–2 hours. Typical shuttle fares are about CA$80–110 per adult one-way; car rental offers flexibility for sunrise/sunset stops.

Day 1: Arrival, Banff Town Walk, and Sunset on Sulphur Mountain

Morning: Travel day. If you arrive early, drop bags and stretch your legs along the Fenland Trail (2 km loop through whispering spruce) just five minutes from town.

Afternoon: Coffee at Whitebark Café (single-origin pours, house-made baking) or Wild Flour Bakery (hearty breads, excellent sandwiches). Stroll Banff Avenue to the Whyte Museum galleries, then wander to Bow Falls for foaming river views beneath the Fairmont Banff Springs.

Evening: Ride the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain for 360-degree views; time it for golden hour if skies are clear. Dine at Sky Bistro up top (Alberta beef, Rocky Mountain trout, and a wall of windows). Then cap the night with a walk along the boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak for stars if conditions allow.

Banff Gondola Ride Admission

Dinner options in town (if not at Sky Bistro): The Maple Leaf (wild game, Canadian seafood, cozy timber interior), Park Distillery (campfire-inspired dishes, on-site spirits), or Block Kitchen + Bar (Asian-fusion small plates, lively bar). For dessert: BeaverTails on Banff Ave—cinnamon-sugar indulgence best eaten warm.

Day 2: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake—the Icons

Morning: Grab breakfast-to-go from Laggan’s Mountain Bakery (if you head straight to Lake Louise) or Wild Flour (if leaving from Banff). Reach the lakes early. Note: Moraine Lake Road is closed to private vehicles; use a shuttle or guided transfer. This shuttle reserves direct time at both lakes—bring layers and a thermos for sunrise chill.

Banff: Moraine Lake and Lake Louise Shuttle | Limited time offer!

Afternoon: At Lake Louise, walk the Lakeshore Trail (flat, photogenic) or hike to the Fairview Lookout for elevated views. Hungry? Alpine Social (inside Fairmont) does hearty burgers and Alberta prime rib; Trailhead Café in the village has excellent wraps and espresso. In shoulder season/winter, swap hikes for ice skating on the lake (usually Dec–Apr, conditions permitting).

Evening: Return to Banff for a soak at Banff Upper Hot Springs (historic bathhouse, steaming pools with mountain views). Dinner at Nourish Bistro (inventive vegetarian with global flavors) or The Bison (farm-to-table Canadian fare; reserve ahead). Nightcap at Rundle Bar in the castle-like Banff Springs—great cocktails and mountain ambience.

Day 3: Johnston Canyon, Lake Minnewanka Cruise, and Cozy Eats

Morning: Breakfast at Tooloulou’s (Cajun-Canadian—try the banana bread French toast or eggs and andouille). Head to Johnston Canyon early to beat the crowds; the catwalks cling to limestone walls leading to Lower and Upper Falls (ice-cleat “icewalk” in winter—check conditions and gear up). Allow 2–3 hours round-trip to Upper Falls; add the Ink Pots for a longer half-day.

Afternoon: Drive the Minnewanka Loop, stopping at Two Jack Lake and Johnson Lake for mirror-like reflections. Then board a one-hour interpretive cruise on Lake Minnewanka—scan slopes for bighorn sheep and hear stories of the sunken village.

Lake Minnewanka Cruise

Seasonal note: The cruise typically runs mid-May to October. In winter, consider a guided ice walk at Johnston Canyon or snowshoeing at Johnson Lake instead.

Evening: Pizzas and craft beer at Bear Street Tavern (try the prosciutto arugula with honey drizzle), or wood-fired Canadian dishes at Farm & Fire (elk meatballs, bannock). For a casual final stop, the Banff Ave Brewing taproom pours local ales with mountain views.

Day 4: Wildlife, Viewpoints, and Classic Banff Vistas

Morning: Join a small-group highlights and wildlife tour that threads through backroads at prime viewing times. Guides share local ecology and history while stopping at hidden overlooks you’d likely miss solo—great photography day and a low-effort way to cover a lot quickly.

Banff Highlights & Wildlife | Award-Winning Small Group Adventure

Afternoon: Explore Banff’s in-town gems: Surprise Corner (picture-perfect view of the Banff Springs Hotel), the Hoodoos Trail for eroded spires above the Bow, and the Cascade of Time Garden (in season). Coffee break at Wild Flour’s Bear Street location or Good Earth in the town center.

Evening: Date-night dinner at Chuck’s Steakhouse (Alberta ranch-to-table cuts, excellent wine list) or The Maple Leaf (Canadian classics). For live culture, check what’s on at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity—readings, chamber music, or contemporary performances rotate year-round.

Day 5: Cave and Basin, Vermilion Lakes, and Departure

Morning: Brunch at Melissa’s MisSteak (since 1978—eggs Benny and fluffy pancakes) or Juniper Bistro (if open during your visit; panoramic views and local ingredients). Visit Cave and Basin National Historic Site to learn how the hot springs sparked Canada’s national park system.

Afternoon: Quick detour to Vermilion Lakes for a parting look at Mount Rundle reflected in shallow waters—especially striking with a light breeze and passing clouds. Pick up last-minute souvenirs on Banff Ave (art prints, locally roasted coffee, maple treats), then drive or shuttle back to Calgary for your flight.

Optional last hurrah: If time allows, rent a canoe on the Bow River for an hour of gentle paddling beneath peaks. In winter, swap for an easy snowshoe at the Marsh Loop or a skate at the downtown rink.

Where to Stay (book early, especially June–September)

• Banff town: For walkable dining and shops. Browse cabins and condos on VRBO Banff or compare hotels on Hotels.com Banff.
• Lake Louise: For dawn/sunset at the lake and quiet nights. See VRBO Lake Louise and Hotels.com Lake Louise.

Getting In and Around

• Flights: Calgary (YYC) is the closest major airport. Search fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Typical flight times: Vancouver 1.5 hr; Seattle 1.5 hr; Toronto 4 hr; NYC 5–6 hr; London 8–9 hr (seasonal).
• Calgary to Banff: Drive ~1.5–2 hr. Shuttles operate year-round; rides are usually CA$80–110 one-way per adult. Winter tires are recommended Oct–Apr; summer traffic builds 8–11am and 3–6pm.
• Within Banff: Roam Transit buses reach major sights; parking is limited at popular trailheads. Shuttles are required for Moraine Lake and strongly recommended for Lake Louise in peak season.

Extra Add-On Ideas (if you have more time)

• Drive a portion of the Icefields Parkway to Peyto Lake and Bow Lake (in good weather)—one of the most scenic highways on earth.
• Horseback ride along the Bow River (summer) or take a guided snowshoe (winter) for a classic Rockies experience.

One more featured activity you can easily slot into Day 2–4 if you prefer more lake time:

From Banff: Shuttle Service to Moraine Lake & Lake Louise

In five days, you’ll trace glacial valleys, ride a gondola into the sky, watch alpenglow paint rock spires above Moraine Lake, and dine well in a true mountain town. With smart shuttles and early starts, you’ll see the icons and the quiet corners that make Banff unforgettable.