Banff National Park 7 Day Itinerary

September 22, 2024

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Morning: Arrive in Banff and check into your accommodation
10:00 AM: Visit the Banff Gondola to take in the stunning views of the town and surrounding mountains from the top of Sulphur Mountain
12:30 PM: Grab lunch at one of the many restaurants or cafes in town
2:00 PM: Explore the Banff Avenue shops and galleries, including the famous Banff Art Gallery and the Banff Visitor Centre
4:00 PM: Take a leisurely walk along the Bow River Trail, which follows the gentle curves of the river and offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains
7:30 PM: Enjoy dinner at one of Banff’s many restaurants, such as Melissa’s Restaurant or Earls Kitchen + Bar

Day 2: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

8:00 AM: Start the day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation or at a local café
9:30 AM: Drive to Lake Louise (approximately 45 minutes) and take in the stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains
10:30 AM: Take a guided hike to the tea house at Lake Agnes, which offers panoramic views of the lake and valley below
1:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or grab something quick from the café on site
2:30 PM: Drive to Moraine Lake (approximately 10 minutes) and take in the breathtaking views of this glacial lake surrounded by towering mountains
5:00 PM: Return to Banff and enjoy a relaxing evening, perhaps with a soak in the hot tub or a massage at one of the local spas

Day 3: Icefields Parkway and Athabasca Glacier

8:00 AM: Start the day early and drive along the Icefields Parkway (approximately 1 hour) to the Columbia Icefield
9:30 AM: Take a guided tour of the Athabasca Glacier, which includes an ice explorer bus ride onto the glacier itself
12:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants or cafes in the area
2:00 PM: Continue driving along the Icefields Parkway and take in the stunning views of glaciers, mountains, and lakes
5:00 PM: Return to Banff and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant

Day 4: Johnston Canyon and Ink Pots

8:00 AM: Start the day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation or at a local café
9:30 AM: Drive to Johnston Canyon (approximately 20 minutes) and hike down to the lower falls, which is approximately 1.5 kilometers round-trip
12:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at one of the picnic areas or grab something quick from your car
2:00 PM: Visit the Ink Pots Hot Springs, a natural hot spring located in a scenic meadow surrounded by mountains
4:00 PM: Return to Banff and enjoy a relaxing evening

Day 5: Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake

8:00 AM: Start the day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation or at a local café
9:30 AM: Drive to Lake Minnewanka (approximately 10 minutes) and take in the stunning views of this large lake surrounded by mountains
11:00 AM: Take a guided boat tour of the lake, which offers a unique perspective on the surrounding landscape
1:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at one of the picnic areas or grab something quick from your car
2:30 PM: Visit Two Jack Lake (approximately 10 minutes), a smaller lake surrounded by mountains and forests
5:00 PM: Return to Banff and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant

Day 6: Banff Upper Hot Springs

9:00 AM: Start the day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation or at a local café
10:30 AM: Drive to the Banff Upper Hot Springs (approximately 20 minutes) and soak in the natural hot springs, which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains
1:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at one of the picnic areas or grab something quick from your car
3:00 PM: Take a leisurely walk around the Banff townsite, exploring shops and galleries
6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at one of Banff’s many restaurants

Day 7: Departure