Banff is the beating heart of the Canadian Rockies—Canada’s first national park, established in 1885 after railway workers discovered hot springs along Sulphur Mountain. What started as a frontier spa town grew into a global alpine destination, framed by glacier-capped peaks and turquoise lakes. Streets bustle with mountaineers, photographers, and travelers swapping trail stories under the shadow of Cascade Mountain.

Expect bucket-list scenery: Lake Louise’s milky-blue water, Moraine Lake’s ten jagged peaks, and the Bow River’s gentle curves through town. In town, you’ll find craft distilleries, cozy bakeries, and inventive kitchens that spotlight Alberta beef, foraged mushrooms, and wild berries. Banff’s compact center makes car-free wandering easy, with scenic lookouts a stroll or short shuttle away.

Practical notes for a smooth trip: a Parks Canada pass is required to enter the park; wildlife is wild—give elk, bears, and bighorn sheep a wide berth. Summer brings trail traffic and long daylight hours; winter swaps wildflowers for icewalks and northern skies bright with stars. Moraine Lake’s access is by shuttle/tour only, and Lake Louise parking fills early—book transport ahead.

Banff

Banff townsite sits at 1,383 meters (4,537 ft), where Bow and Spray Rivers meet and mountains crowd the skyline. It’s a rare place where you can hike a canyon before lunch, ride a gondola to a historic ridge walk by sunset, then dine on wood-fired steaks or plant-forward plates in the evening.

• Top sights: Sulphur Mountain boardwalk, Bow Falls, Lake Minnewanka, Vermilion Lakes, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake (seasonal).
• Can’t-miss bites: Alberta beef and bison, berry crumbles, local lagers, and small-batch gin from a mountain distillery.
• Fun fact: Fairmont Banff Springs—“the Castle in the Rockies”—opened in 1888 and helped put Rocky Mountain rail travel on the map.

Where to stay (town center or Tunnel Mountain for views): Browse cabins, condos, and chalets on VRBO Banff or compare hotels and lodges on Hotels.com Banff. For walk-everywhere convenience, look along Banff Avenue and Bear Street; for tranquility and trail access, consider Tunnel Mountain.

How to get here: Fly into Calgary (YYC), then travel ~1.5 hours to Banff by car or shuttle. Search flights on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Typical fares from major US hubs range ~$250–$600 round-trip depending on season; car rentals average ~$60–$120/day before insurance.

Day 1: Banff Town, Bow River, and a Sulphur Mountain Sunset

Morning: Travel to Calgary and continue to Banff. If you arrive early, grab a dialed-in flat white at Whitebark Coffee (single-origin roasts, quiet nooks) or a hearty breakfast sandwich and cinnamon knot at Wild Flour Bakery on Bear Street. Stroll Banff Avenue to get your bearings; the view up to Cascade Mountain is your North Star all trip.

Afternoon: Stretch your legs on the flat Bow River Trail to Bow Falls (1–1.5 hours round-trip with photo stops). Then ride the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain for ridge-top boardwalks, interpretive exhibits, and sweeping views of six mountain ranges.

Banff Gondola Ride Admission — reserve a late-afternoon slot for golden hour.

Lunch ideas before you ride: Bear Street Tavern (thin-crust pizzas with spicy honey), Nourish Bistro (inventive vegetarian—try the 27-ingredient nachos), or Masala Authentic Indian (butter chicken and garlic naan hit the spot on cool days).

Evening: Time dinner to sunset. If you’re atop Sulphur Mountain, dine at Sky Bistro (Alberta beef, Arctic char, and a Rockies-forward wine list; book ahead). Back in town, go for a cozy steak-and-chophouse vibe at Bluebird (wood-fired ribeye, tableside Caesar), or modern Canadian plates at The Maple Leaf (elk carpaccio, AAA beef).

Optional night activity: Join a guide to marvel at dark skies and mountain silhouettes on a short, guided walk:

The Banff Stargazing Tour - 2hr Walking Tour

Nightcap picks: Park Distillery (house gin and campfire cocktails), Three Bears Brewery (citrus-forward IPAs, rooftop greenhouse), or a game of ten-pin at High Rollers (beer hall + bowling).

Day 2: Lakes and Lookouts—A Small-Group Highlights Tour

Maximize a short stay with a curated small-group tour that strings together Banff’s icons—ideal if you aren’t renting a car or if Moraine Lake’s shuttle-only access complicates logistics. Expect postcard stops, local stories, and time for photos along the Icefields Parkway when conditions allow.

8 Iconic Stops. 12 Comfy Seats. See Banff's Best in First Class.

Typical flow: early pickup in Banff; Lake Louise for mirror-like reflections of Victoria Glacier; (seasonal) Moraine Lake with its unreal turquoise and a short rockpile stroll; scenic pullouts such as Bow Lake or Peyto Lake viewpoints when road and weather permit. Your guide weaves in wildlife facts, geology, and photography tips. Pack layers, water, and snacks. Many tours pause for lunch (grab a deli sandwich in town first at Wild Flour or Little Wild to save time and money). Winter variants may swap to frozen-lake vistas and canyon walks.

Back in Banff by late afternoon or early evening, celebrate with dinner at The Bison (seasonal Canadian—short rib, bison striploin, prairie grains) or go shareable at Hello Sunshine (sushi, skewers, and a hidden-karaoke lounge). Sweet finish: a scoop at COWS Ice Cream or a warm maple fudge from Banff Sweet Shoppe.

Seasonal alternative (winter favorite): Trade the lake circuit for an ethereal canyon of blue ice and frozen waterfalls on a guided icewalk (spiked boots provided).

Johnston Canyon Icewalk

Foodie bonus (if you prefer a culinary afternoon on Day 1 or as a swap): Taste history at the “Castle in the Rockies” with paired bites and drinks, plus behind-the-scenes storytelling.

Banff Food Tour: Eat the Castle

Breakfast and coffee ideas throughout your stay: Wild Flour (artisan loaves, granola parfaits), Whitebark (Aussie-style espresso), Melissa’s Missteak (classic Canadian breakfasts), and Tooloulou’s if you spot a line—pancakes, eggs Benny, and a Cajun twist.

Getting home: Depart Banff by late morning to reach Calgary for an afternoon flight. Re-check fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com and plan ~1.5 hours driving plus airport security time.

In two days, you’ll ride above the treeline, wander riverside paths, and stand before lakes the color of dreams. Banff blends frontier history with modern mountain culture—great coffee, better views, and a dinner table you’ll talk about on the flight home. You’ll leave with rosy cheeks, a full camera roll, and a promise to return in another season.