Banff is one of the most visited cities in Canada, and for good reason. Banff and the surrounding Canadian Rockies are home to a plethora of exciting attractions, stunning scenery, and delectable cuisine. Plan out your three days in Banff to get the most out of your trip.
Banff and the surrounding Canadian Rockies have so much to offer, you could easily spend 3 to 7 days or more exploring the area. Here are some recommendations:
•3-4 days: This allows enough time to see Banff’s main highlights at a relaxed pace. You can cover attractions like Banff town, Lake Minnewanka, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, with time for short hikes and dining. 3 days would feel rushed, so 4 days is ideal for a well-rounded short trip.
•5-6 days: This is a great length for a balanced visit that includes the must-sees plus extra activities. In addition to the above, you could:
-Take a guided wildlife or scenic tour to spots like Johnston Canyon or Sunshine Meadows.
-Spend more time in Lake Louise hiking to destinations like the Beehive, Little Beehive or Lake Agnes Teahouse.
-Visit the scenic drives of Bow Valley Parkway and Icefields Parkway.
-Soak in the Banff Hot Springs for a few hours.
-Do an excursion like horseback riding, whitewater rafting or gondola rides up Sulphur Mountain.
•7 days or longer: For a leisurely mountain getaway with time to explore at your own pace, I highly recommend 7 to 14 days in Banff and the Rockies. At this length, you can experience:
-All of the recommendations above without feeling rushed.
-Extra areas like Jasper National Park, Yoho National Park or Kananaskis Country.
-Multi-day hikes for a true immersion in nature. The Rockwall Trail and Berg Lake Trail are spectacular.
-A perfect blend of activities and down time to relax in the beautiful surroundings.
-Banff’s dining, nightlife, shopping and spas without missing out on must-see attractions.
As you can see, 3 to 4 days lets you sample the majesty of Banff, but 5 days or longer allows for a truly in-depth experience of all this alpine paradise has to offer. The hardest part may be leaving! Have an amazing trip. Let me know if you have any other questions.
3-Days Banff Itinerary
Banff National Park, located in Alberta, Canada, is a popular destination known for its stunning landscapes, outdoor activities, and diverse wildlife. Here’s a suggested 3-day itinerary to help you make the most of your visit:
Day 1: Banff and Surroundings
- Banff Gondola: Start your day with a ride on the Banff Gondola up to Sulphur Mountain for breathtaking views of the town and surrounding mountains.
- Bow Falls: Visit Bow Falls, a picturesque waterfall located near the town of Banff1.
- Banff Avenue: Stroll along Banff Avenue, the main street in town, and explore the shops, restaurants, and galleries.
- Lunch: Try one of the many restaurants in Banff, such as Zyka Elevated Indian Restaurant or Hello Sunshine Banff.
- Upper Hot Springs: Relax and soak in the natural hot springs, a popular attraction in Banff.
Day 2: Icefields Parkway and Lakes
- Lake Minnewanka: Start your day with a visit to Lake Minnewanka, a beautiful glacial lake perfect for a morning walk or boat tour.
- Icefields Parkway: Drive along the scenic Icefields Parkway, stopping at points of interest such as Peyto Lake and Bow Lake.
- Lake Louise: Spend the afternoon at the iconic Lake Louise, where you can rent a canoe, hike around the lake, or simply enjoy the stunning views.
- Moraine Lake: End your day with a visit to Moraine Lake, another picturesque glacial lake in Banff National Park.
Day 3: Hiking and Wildlife
- Johnston Canyon: Start your day with a hike through Johnston Canyon, a popular trail featuring waterfalls and lush forest.
- Parker Ridge Trail: If you’re up for a more challenging hike, try the Parker Ridge Trail, which offers amazing views of the valley in Banff.
- Lunch: Refuel at one of Banff’s restaurants, such as The Bison or Bear Street Tavern.
- Wildlife Tour: Join a wildlife tour to increase your chances of spotting some of Banff’s diverse wildlife, including bears, elk, and bighorn sheep.
- Sunset at Lake Minnewanka: End your trip with a sunset at Lake Minnewanka, a perfect way to say goodbye to Banff National Park.
Remember to book accommodations and activities in advance, as Banff can be quite busy during the peak season (late June to September). Enjoy your trip to Banff National Park!
2. Itinerary
Day 1: Embrace the Majesty of Banff National Park
Morning: Start your day off with a hearty breakfast at Tooloulou’s, a beloved local restaurant renowned for its extensive breakfast menu. Once you’ve fueled up for the day, make your way to the Banff Gondola. This will transport you to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, offering panoramic views of six mountain ranges. Make sure to explore the interpretive center and walk along the boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak for the best vistas.
Afternoon: After descending from the mountain, head over to the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel for a relaxing lunch at the Castle Bistro. Following lunch, spend your afternoon soaking in the naturally heated mineral waters at the Banff Upper Hot Springs. These springs have been a popular destination for over a hundred years and offer beautiful views of Mount Rundle.
Evening: For dinner, dine at The Bison Restaurant & Terrace, a farm-to-table establishment serving regionally-inspired dishes with a spectacular view. Wrap up the night by strolling around the town, exploring local shops and galleries such as Canada House Gallery and the Willock & Sax Gallery.
Day 2: Explore Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
Morning: Begin your day at Melissa’s Missteak, a local breakfast favorite, before embarking on your journey to Lake Louise. Only an hour’s drive away, this iconic turquoise lake is surrounded by towering peaks and the grand Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Rent a canoe for a paddle on the lake, or explore the area via several walking trails.
Afternoon: Grab a quick lunch at the Lakeview Lounge in the Fairmont Chateau before heading to the stunning Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Don’t miss the view from the top of the Rockpile Trail—it’s one of the most photographed locations in Canada for a reason!
Evening: Head back to Banff and enjoy dinner at The Grizzly House, a historic fondue and hot rock restaurant known for its wild game. A Banff institution since 1967, it provides a truly unique dining experience.
Day 3: Hike the Trails and Discover Banff’s History
Morning: Start your day early at Wild Flour Bakery, where you can enjoy artisanal pastries and delicious coffee. Next, explore the trails around Tunnel Mountain. The Tunnel Mountain Trail is a gentle climb with rewarding views of the Bow and Spray River valleys.
Afternoon: After working up an appetite, visit Park Distillery for a lunch of campfire-inspired cuisine. Following lunch, take a tour of the distillery to learn how their spirits are made using glacier-fed water. Spend the rest of your afternoon exploring the Banff Park Museum, a National Historic Site, to learn about the natural history of the area.
Evening: Conclude your trip with a special dinner at Eden, Banff’s only Five Diamond Dining Experience, located in the Rimrock Resort Hotel. Enjoy innovative French cuisine and an extensive wine list. Post-dinner, take a leisurely stroll along Bow River, watching the sun set over this beautiful mountain town.
Banff is a town that boasts a blend of outdoor adventure, stunning landscapes, and sophisticated dining. With its clear, glacier-fed lakes, abundant wildlife, and snow-capped peaks, it truly is a natural playground. No matter what time of year you visit, this itinerary will ensure you experience the best of what Banff has to offer.
3. Itinerary
Banff is a beautiful town within Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and offers many outdoor activities and attractions. Here is a sample itinerary for your trip:
Day 1: Explore Banff Town and Sulphur Mountain
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Tooloulou’s, a cozy restaurant that serves delicious dishes like eggs benedict, pancakes, and crepes¹.
- Take a stroll along Banff Avenue, the main street of the town, and browse the shops, galleries, and museums. Don’t miss the Banff Park Museum, a historic log building that displays natural history specimens from the park.
- Hop on the Banff Gondola and ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the valley and the peaks¹. You can also hike along the boardwalk or visit the Sanson’s Peak Meteorological Station, a heritage site that dates back to 1903.
- For lunch, head to Sky Bistro, a restaurant located at the summit of Sulphur Mountain that offers local cuisine and breathtaking views.
- After lunch, descend from the mountain and relax at the Banff Upper Hot Springs, a natural mineral pool that has been soothing visitors since 1886. You can also visit the nearby Cave and Basin National Historic Site, where you can learn about the history and culture of Banff National Park and see the original hot springs that led to its creation.
- For dinner, treat yourself to a fine dining experience at The Maple Leaf Grill & Lounge, a popular restaurant that serves Canadian specialties like Alberta beef, wild game, and seafood. You can also enjoy live music and cocktails at the lounge.
- End your day with a cozy stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, a historic castle-like hotel that offers luxurious rooms, amenities, and services¹ You can also explore the hotel’s grounds, gardens, and golf course.
Day 2: Visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
- After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Lake Louise, one of the most iconic and photographed lakes in Canada. You can admire the turquoise water and the glacier backdrop, rent a canoe or kayak, or hike along the shoreline or up to the Lake Agnes Tea House or the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House.
- For lunch, stop by The Post Hotel & Spa, a charming lodge that offers gourmet dining and a wine cellar with over 25,000 bottles.
- After lunch, continue to Moraine Lake, another stunning lake that is famous for its vivid blue color and the towering Valley of the Ten Peaks behind it¹. You can hike around the lake or up to the Rockpile for a better view, or rent a canoe or kayak.
- For dinner, head back to Banff and enjoy a casual meal at Park Distillery Restaurant + Bar, a rustic eatery that serves wood-fired dishes and craft spirits made from local ingredients.
- Spend another night at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
Day 3: Discover Johnston Canyon and Bow Valley Parkway
- After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Johnston Canyon, one of the most popular hikes in Banff National Park¹. You can walk along the catwalks and bridges that follow the canyon and see the waterfalls, pools, and rock formations along the way. You can also continue to the Ink Pots, a group of colorful mineral springs.
- For lunch, stop by Baker Creek Mountain Resort, a cozy log cabin resort that offers comfort food and scenic views.
- After lunch, drive along the Bow Valley Parkway, a scenic route that connects Banff and Lake Louise. You can see wildlife like elk, deer, bears, and wolves along the way, as well as historical sites like Castle Mountain Internment Camp and Johnston Creek Lodge.
- For dinner, choose from one of the many restaurants in Lake Louise Village or Banff Town.
- End your trip with a departure from Banff or Calgary.
I hope you enjoyed this itinerary for your 3 day trip to Banff. It is just an example of what you can do in this amazing destination. You can customize it according to your preferences, budget, and season.
These are some suggested itineraries, and you can customize it to fit your interests and time constraints. No matter how you choose to spend your time in Banff National Park, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.
Activities, Restaurants, Must-See Sights & Tips
Favorite Restaurants in Banff
- The Bison
- Grizzly Paw Brewing Company
- The Post Hotel
- Park Distillery
- The Juniper
- The Grizzly Paw
- Saltlik
- Eau Claire Distillery
- Park Avenue Brewing Company
- The Bear Street Tavern
Must-See Sights in Banff
- Lake Louise
- Moraine Lake
- Johnston Canyon
- Sulphur Mountain
- Banff National Park Museum
- Bow Falls
- Banff Gondola
- Tunnel Mountain
- Vermillion Lakes
- Sunshine Village
- Mount Norquay
Activities in Banff
- Hiking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Snowshoeing
- Biking
- Boating
- Swimming
- Golfing
- Wildlife watching
- Shopping
- Dining
- Nightlife
Tips for Visiting Banff
- Book your accommodations in advance, especially if you are visiting during the peak season (June-August).
- Purchase a National Park Pass. This pass gives you unlimited access to all of Canada’s national parks for one year.
- Pack for all types of weather. The weather in Banff can change quickly, so it’s important to be prepared for anything.
- Be bear aware. Bears are common in Banff National Park. Make sure to store your food properly and hike in groups.
- Enjoy the scenery! Banff National Park is a beautiful place. Take your time and enjoy the natural beauty.