5-Day Itinerary for Banff National Park

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Banff Townsite

• Morning: Arrive in Banff and check-in to your accommodation
• Afternoon: Visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, a natural hot spring that was discovered in 1885 and led to the establishment of Banff National Park
• Late Afternoon: Take a stroll along Banff Avenue, exploring the shops, restaurants, and galleries
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at one of Banff’s many fine dining establishments

Day 2: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

• Morning: Drive to Lake Louise (20 minutes) and take a scenic walk around the lake
• Afternoon: Continue on to Moraine Lake (10 minutes), known for its turquoise water and stunning mountain views
• Late Afternoon: Take a guided boat tour or hike one of the many trails in the area
• Evening: Return to Banff and enjoy dinner at a local eatery

Day 3: Icefields Parkway and Athabasca Glacier

• Morning: Drive along the Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93), one of the most scenic highways in the world
• Afternoon: Stop at the Columbia Icefield and take an interpretive tour or ride the Ice Explorer bus onto the glacier
• Late Afternoon: Visit the Athabasca Glacier and take a guided hike or ice climbing adventure
• Evening: Return to Banff and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant

Day 4: Banff Gondola and Sulphur Mountain

• Morning: Take the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views of the townsite and surrounding mountains
• Afternoon: Hike one of the many trails in the area, such as the Sulphur Mountain Loop Trail or the Rimrock Trail
• Late Afternoon: Visit the Banff Upper Hot Springs for a relaxing soak in natural hot water
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant

Day 5: Johnston Canyon and Ink Pots

• Morning: Drive to Johnston Canyon (30 minutes) and hike down to the lower falls or continue on to the upper falls
• Afternoon: Visit the Ink Pots, a group of natural hot springs located in a scenic meadow
• Late Afternoon: Return to Banff and enjoy some last-minute exploration of the townsite before departing

This itinerary provides a mix of scenic drives, hiking opportunities, and cultural experiences that showcase the best of Banff National Park.