Banff National Park is Canada’s first national park (est. 1885), where the Bow Valley meets serrated peaks, turquoise lakes, and storybook forests. For millennia, the Stoney Nakoda, Tsuut’ina, and Blackfoot peoples traveled these valleys; the park’s modern history traces to hot springs discovered by railway workers, sparking a conservation legacy that still shapes your visit today.

June is prime season: trails are melting out, wildflowers pop in the meadows, and days stretch long enough to catch alpenglow at both dawn and dusk. Expect cool mornings (layers) and warm afternoons, with occasional mountain showers. Wildlife—including elk, bighorn sheep, and black bears—is active; give animals space and carry bear spray when hiking.

Practical notes: You’ll need a Parks Canada park pass for your stay. Moraine Lake remains closed to private vehicles—book a shuttle or guided tour. Lake Louise lakeshore parking is paid and limited; start early. This plan bases you in Banff, then Lake Louise, making travel easy while maximizing classic sights like the Icefields Parkway, Sulphur Mountain, and Peyto Lake.

Banff

Banff town is a small alpine hub with big views—Bow Falls thunders minutes from Banff Avenue, while Tunnel Mountain and Surprise Corner give postcard angles without long drives. Cafés, taprooms, and chef-driven kitchens line pedestrian-friendly Bear Street and Banff Avenue.

• Top sights: Bow Falls, Vermilion Lakes boardwalks, Tunnel Mountain, Sulphur Mountain via the Banff Gondola, Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive, Johnson Lake.
• Why visit: Easy access to hikes, wildlife viewing along the Bow Valley Parkway, and a lively dining scene, all ringed by six mountain ranges.
• Where to stay: For a wide range of hotels, lodges, and apartments, browse Banff stays on Hotels.com or cabin-style condos and homes on VRBO Banff. Names to know: Moose Hotel & Suites (rooftop hot pools), The Rimrock (near Upper Hot Springs), Elk + Avenue (central and contemporary), and hidden-gem condos along Tunnel Mountain.

Getting there: Fly into Calgary (YYC), then drive about 1.5 hours to Banff via the Trans-Canada Highway. Search fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Rental cars are common; airport shuttles also run multiple times daily. Typical shuttle fares are about $75–$100 CAD per adult one-way; rides take ~2 hours with hotel drop-offs.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise is where aquamarine water meets hanging glaciers. Short lakeshore rambles, classic teahouse hikes, and canoe rentals keep it busy by day, while evenings are quiet and starry. Nearby Moraine Lake is a world icon—remember it’s accessible by shuttle or guided tour only.

• Top sights: Lake Louise Lakeshore and Fairview Lookout, Lake Agnes Tea House trail, Moraine Lake (by shuttle), Bow Lake, Peyto Lake overlook, and the Icefields Parkway north toward the Columbia Icefield.
• Where to stay: Consider the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (grand hotel on the shore), Post Hotel & Spa (refined, with a noted wine cellar), Lake Louise Inn (value and family-friendly), and cozy cabins in the village. Search options on Hotels.com for Lake Louise or VRBO Lake Louise.
• Getting between towns: Banff to Lake Louise is ~45 minutes by car, 50–70 minutes by regional bus (Roam Transit seasonal express). Expect ~$10–$20 CAD each way; buses run more often in summer—depart early to beat mid-day crowds.

Day 1: Arrive in Calgary → Banff Basecamp

Morning: Fly into Calgary (YYC). For the best schedules and fares, compare on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. Pick up a car or join a shuttle; aim for a mid-day arrival.

Afternoon: Drive 1.5 hours to Banff, check in, then stretch your legs at Bow Falls and Cascade of Time Gardens. Stroll pedestrian-friendly Bear Street for mountain-town vibes and shops.

Evening: Dinner at Bluebird Wood-fired Steakhouse (alberta beef, wood grill, retro-lodge feel) or The Maple Leaf (Canadian fare—elk, steelhead, excellent wine list). Sunset at Vermilion Lakes boardwalks offers mirror-like reflections of Mount Rundle. Nightcap at Park Distillery (house spirits; try the spruce tip gin sour).

Day 2: Trails, Sulphur Mountain, and Hot Springs

Morning: Coffee at Whitebark Cafe (single-origin espresso) or Wild Flour (almond croissants, hearty toast). Hike Tunnel Mountain (4.8 km roundtrip, ~260 m gain, 1.5–2 hours) for sweeping views over town and the Bow River.

Afternoon: Ride the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain for a panoramic boardwalk and six-range views; time your visit for an early lunch at Sky Bistro.

Banff Gondola Ride Admission — Enjoy stunning panoramas from Sulphur Mountain. Expect ~$60–$70 CAD per adult in summer; book ahead.

Evening: Soak at Banff Upper Hot Springs (plan for 60–90 minutes; ~$16–$19 CAD). Dinner at The Grizzly House, a Banff institution since the 1960s known for fondue (book early), or Block Kitchen + Bar for shareable Asian-Med small plates. If you still have energy, walk to Surprise Corner for twilight views of the castle-like Fairmont Banff Springs.

Day 3: Wildlife, Viewpoints, and a Storybook Food Tour

Morning: Join a local naturalist to chase golden-hour light and wildlife along the Minnewanka Loop and Bow Valley Parkway. You’ll hit secret lookouts and learn the park’s backroads and ecology.

Banff Highlights & Wildlife | Award-Winning Small Group Adventure — Typically ~3–4 hours with photo stops; watch for elk, bighorn sheep, and bears (from a safe distance).

Afternoon: Picnic lunch from Little Wild (baguette sandwiches) and a DIY canoe on the Bow River (seasonal rentals near the river; budget ~1–2 hours). Alternatively, stroll the easy lakeside path at Johnson Lake for mountain-and-pine reflections.

Evening: Treat yourself to a culinary history walk inside “Canada’s castle in the Rockies.”

Banff Food Tour: Eat the Castle — Five elevated food-and-drink pairings, chef stories, and behind-the-scenes tales at the Fairmont Banff Springs. A delicious, effortless “dinner with a narrative.”

Day 4: Morning Transfer to Lake Louise + Teahouse Country

Morning: Depart Banff around 8:00 a.m. for Lake Louise (45 minutes by car; ~1 hour by bus). Drop bags, then start the Lake Agnes Tea House trail (7 km roundtrip; ~385 m gain; 2.5–3.5 hours). Sip a mug of black tea and look across a jade lake ringed by cliffs—it’s a Rockies rite of passage.

Afternoon: Return via the Highline for a loop if conditions allow, or descend and rent a canoe on Lake Louise (budget ~$145–$165 CAD per hour; hotel guests may get priority). Quick bites nearby: Trailhead Cafe (breakfast wraps) and Laggan’s Mountain Bakery (meaty pies, strong coffee).

Evening: Dinner in the village or at the Chateau: Walliser Stube for Swiss-style cheese and chocolate fondue, or Fairview Bar & Restaurant for refined Canadian plates with glacier views. Sunset walk along the lakeshore—the peaks glow pink, and crowds thin dramatically by 8–9 p.m. in June.

Day 5: Icefields Parkway Day—Peyto, Bow Lake, and Glacier Country

Make this a full-day guided outing along one of the world’s great drives. You’ll string together the park’s most photogenic lakes and glacier viewpoints without the driving and parking hassles.

Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and the Icefields Parkway Full-Day Tour — Expect stops at Moraine Lake (by shuttle access), Lake Louise, Bow Lake, Crowfoot Glacier, and Peyto Lake, plus select trails and viewpoints. Typical duration ~9–10 hours; budget ~$150–$200 CAD.

Meals: Grab breakfast-to-go from Laggan’s before pickup. Lunch may be at a scenic stop or roadhouse (your guide will advise). Back in Lake Louise, celebrate with Alpine Social (casual après plates and Alberta beers) or the Post Hotel Dining Room (refined, reservations recommended).

Day 6: Lake Louise Lookouts → Afternoon Departure

Morning: Squeeze in the Fairview Lookout (1.6 km roundtrip; ~100 m gain; 45–60 minutes) for a different angle on the Chateau and glacier valley. If you skipped canoeing, an early paddle often means calmer water and lighter crowds.

Afternoon: Drive back to Calgary for your flight (Lake Louise to YYC ~2.25 hours; allow extra time for traffic and rental car return). Compare departure options on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. If you’re shuttle-bound, book a morning or midday pick-up and aim to reach the airport 3 hours before an international flight.

Evening: If staying later, enjoy a last scenic stop at Johnston Canyon (catwalks to Lower/Upper Falls; 2.4–5.2 km roundtrip) on your way east—arrive early or late to avoid peak crowds.

Where to Book and Helpful Tips

• Lodging: Compare Banff stays on Hotels.com or cabin/condo options via VRBO. For Lake Louise, browse Hotels.com and VRBO.
• Flights: Search best fares to/from Calgary on Trip.com and flexible options on Kiwi.com.
• Dining short list (Banff): Tooloulou’s (Cajun breakfasts), Nourish Bistro (inventive vegetarian), Three Bears Brewery (wood-fired pizzas, lagers), Saltlik (steaks), Hello Sunshine (sushi + fun retro vibe), Eddie Burger (casual, excellent poutine).
• Dining short list (Lake Louise): Trailhead Cafe (bagels, wraps), Laggan’s (bakes and pies), Bill Peyto’s (hearty, affordable), Walliser Stube (fondue), Fairview Bar & Restaurant (elevated Canadian), Post Hotel Dining Room (special-occasion).
• Logistics: Reserve Moraine Lake shuttles well ahead; carry layers and rain shell; start hikes early; and keep 30–50 meters from wildlife. Always pack out what you pack in.

Optional Add-On (Swap into Day 2 or 3): Calgary/Canmore–Banff–Lake Louise Day Tour

If you’d rather sample many sights without driving, consider this award-winning guided day covering multiple highlights with time-efficient logistics:

Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Banff Tour from Calgary/Canmore/Banff — A flexible way to see the greatest hits if you’re short on time or prefer a driver/guide.

In six days you’ll trace peaks and valleys from Banff’s lively streets to Lake Louise’s mirrored stillness, with time to hike, paddle, and linger over memorable meals. This June route balances iconic viewpoints with insider moments, so you leave with photos you dreamed of—and a few quiet favorites you didn’t expect.