The Perfect 5-Day Banff Itinerary: Beautiful Lakes, Hikes & Scenic Drives
Banff is one of the most beautiful places in Canada because the scenery and landscape are unmatched! Banff is home to glaciated mountains, bright blue lakes, and Canada’s first and most visited national park, Banff National Park.
Although you could spend weeks exploring everything Banff offers, you can spend five days exploring all of its beautiful attractions. We loved having almost an entire week to visit Banff because it gave us plenty of time to enjoy scenic drives, hikes, and other fun activities.
If you want to plan a trip to Banff, this is the perfect place to start! This guide has everything you need to know to create the perfect 5-day Banff itinerary!
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Travel Tips for Visiting Banff
Since many of the best things to do in Banff are not far from downtown, you can easily explore most of the park within a few days. Five days also gives you plenty of time to add a few hikes to your itinerary.
When we visited Banff, we spent our days exploring everything it offered. We hiked to beautiful views, drove to scenic viewpoints, and explored its many lakes. I know you will love visiting Banff, especially if you have a few days to explore!
Avoiding Crowds
Over four million people visit Banff every year, and the area is busy, especially during peak season. I recommend starting your day early in the morning to beat the crowds at the must-see attractions and avoid congestion getting into the park.
Some popular attractions had full parking lots before 8 AM when we visited! We decided after our first day to wake up earlier to explore the most popular areas first and avoid having to skip some of the things on our itinerary because we could not find parking.
Park Passes
I recommend buying your park pass ahead of time. Most must-see attractions near Banff are in national parks, so I recommend buying a park pass for the total number of days you will be exploring the area. It will allow you to go in and out of Banff National Park without spending time waiting in line to buy passes each day.
If you want to visit Banff National Park or the surrounding parks a couple of times a year, you can buy the Discovery Pass. The Discovery Pass gets you into most National Parks, National Historic Sites, and National Marine Conservation Areas in Canada
Moraine Lake Access
Because Moraine Lake is one of the most popular places to visit in Banff, the national park closed the road to private vehicles to help alleviate traffic and congestion at the spot. Banff offers a few different shuttles to get to it from either downtown or nearby park and rides.
If you are staying in Banff, you can take the Roam Public Transit from downtown. If you want to park closer, you can take the Parks Canada Shuttle from the Lake Louise Park and Ride.
Bear Safety
Banff has many grizzly bears, and we saw many while driving around the park. I recommend packing bear spray, making noise when you hike, and hiking in groups. If you have questions, I recommend speaking with a local park ranger!
When to Visit Banff
Summer vs Fall
Summer and fall are the most popular times to visit Banff since the weather is beautiful and most hiking trails and facilities are open. It is the perfect time to visit if you want to focus on hiking and other outdoor activities.
Summer is the busiest season in Banff, so you will likely share trails and outdoor activities with many others. We visited in August and absolutely loved it! Although it was busy, we loved having the perfect weather for hiking and exploring. We lucked out and had only one day of rain.
Early fall is also one of the best times to explore Banff because of the stunning foliage! It is one of the best places to see the golden larches, which are stunning. Winter conditions can arrive early in the fall, but you are likely to have great weather and hiking conditions in the early fall!
Best Months to Visit
Honestly, you cannot go wrong with any month you visit Banff because each season has fun activities! When you visit comes down to what type of activities you want to include in your itinerary.
If hiking is your main priority, I recommend visiting Between June through October because the weather and trails are in great condition. July and August also have stunning wildflowers along the trails! Sometimes winter conditions can last on some trails through June or arrive early in October, but other than that, it is a great time to hike in Banff!
If you want to ski in Banff, your best bet is to visit Banff between late November and early May. Banff receives a lot of snow and has some of the best ski conditions. You can enjoy fresh powder and beautiful views in the winter in Banff!
If you want to see the golden larches, the best time to visit Banff is September and October. The leaves change during different times each year, but you are likely to see the larches in their prime during early fall.
How to Get to Banff
Flying to Banff
If you are flying into Banff, Calgary International Airport is the best airport to fly into. It is the largest airport near Banff with the most flight options, and it is only a 1.5-hour drive to Banff.
We flew into Calgary, so I can confidently say it is the best option. We were even able to find direct flights which is always nice!
Rental Car vs Shuttles
If you are like me and like having flexibility during your trips, I highly recommend renting a car to explore Banff. I prefer being on my own time schedule and not having to worry about shuttles arriving late, so I rent a car on trips. We rented a car in Banff and appreciated having the flexibility!
If you prefer taking shuttles, Banff has many options that bring you to most must-see attractions. Some shuttles are free, like the ones to Sunshine Meadows and Mount Norquay while others require a fee.
Some attractions in Banff are closed to private vehicles during peak season and require you to take a shuttle. Moraine Lake is one of the most popular lakes near Banff and requires you to take a shuttle no matter what time of day you visit. If you rent a car, you can park in the shuttle parking lot and hop on the shuttle to head over. If you do not have a car, you can take a shuttle from downtown.
Where to Stay in Banff
Banff has everything you need for your visit, including lodging options and food, and is close to the must-see attractions. Hotels in Banff can be expensive, so if you want to save money, you can stay in Canmore, just 20 minutes south, which is where we stayed when we visited.
Banff Hotels
Cranmore Hotels
Blackstone Mountain Lodge - We stayed at this hotel and loved our time there!
Banff Campgrounds
- You can also rent a campervan during your stay! If you are interested in renting one, I highly recommend renting from Escape Campervans.
What to Pack for Banff
The weather in Banff is unpredictable, making it crucial to pack layers just in case the weather changes, especially if you are hiking. Even if you visit in the summer, I recommend packing a warm layer.
Hiking Gear
You should have supportive shoes with good traction, like hiking boots and layers for the time of year you are hiking. Even if you visit in the summer, it is crucial to pack warm layers because mountain weather is unpredictable.
I also recommend packing a backpack to hold your water, snacks, and layers while you hike. And last but not least, make sure to pack the Ten Essentials.
Winter Clothes
If you visit in the winter, it is crucial to pack warm and waterproof layers and insulated jackets. Banff is cold in the winter, and even if you are not enjoying outdoor activities, you should pack warm clothes.
Banff also gets a lot of snow, so you should have waterproof and insulated shoes to help keep you warm.
5-Day Banff Itinerary
Although you could spend months exploring everything Banff offers, you can see most of its popular attractions within a week! We spent 5 days exploring Banff, and it was the perfect amount of time to see everything on our itinerary.
This 5-day Banff itinerary is a great place to start when planning your trip because it is flexible. You can move the days around, depending on the weather and what you want to do.
Always remember to leave no trace. It’s crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Some of these spots have trash bins, so you can easily throw your trash away. If they don’t have trash bins, you can take your trash with you and dispose of it properly when you find a trash bin.
Day 1: Explore Downtown Banff
Your first day in Banff is a relaxed day where you can explore downtown Banff and get into the groove of traveling. Downtown is stunning with its mountain views and offers plenty of things to explore and places to eat.
Downtown Banff is one of the most beautiful mountain towns in the WORLD! You can spend time shopping, eating delicious food, enjoying the views, and visiting museums.
Bow Falls is a beautiful 30-foot waterfall in downtown Banff. The easy 1.8-mile trail follows along the Bow River before crossing the Banff Pedestrian Bridge and bringing you to the Bow Falls Viewpoint.
If you love history, the Cave and Basin National Historic Site is perfect for you. In 1883, a few railway workers found the thermal springs in the historic site, which led to the first national park in Canada, Banff National Park! It is a special place for Indigenous peoples and is a great place to learn about history.
If you are looking to hike, Tunnel Mountain is perfect for you! The 2.8-mile roundtrip trail offers some of the best views near downtown Banff! Although the hike is under 3 miles, it is steep in some sections, but I promise it is worth it for the beautiful views!
Although there are mountain views everywhere, Surprise Corner Lookout is one of the best scenic lookouts in Banff, overlooking Sulphur Mountain and Banff Springs Hotel. Surprise Corner Lookout is also the perfect spot to watch the sunset in Banff!
Day 2: Lake Minniwanka and More Beautiful Lakes
Get your cameras ready! Your second day in Banff explores some stunning lakes and viewpoints.
Two Jack Lake is a beautiful blue lake covering over 52 acres with stunning views of Mount Rundle. I highly recommend watching the sunrise over Two Jack Lake. If you want to hike, there is an easy 2-mile trail that follows along the shores of Two Jack Lake and provides incredible views!
Lake Minniwanka is 13 miles long, making it the second-longest lake in the national parks in the Canadian Rockies. And the best part? There are many things to do! If you want to hike, you can hike the 10-mile roundtrip Lake Minnewanka Lakeside Trail, which follows along the shores of the lake and provides incredible views. If you want to explore the lake from the water, you can explore it by boat! The Lake Minnewanka Cruise has a one-hour scenic boat ride that allows you to take in the beautiful views from the deck while cruising around the lake. You can also rent a boat, kayak, or canoe if you want to explore the lake by yourself.
Cascade Ponds is often overlooked by visitors, even though it is near Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka. The small picnic area offers beautiful views of Cascade Mountain and a peaceful area to have a snack! You can also walk along the side of Cascade Ponds if you want to enjoy an easy hike to a beautiful and picturesque bridge that crosses the pond. You will not be disappointed with Cascade Ponds, even if it is just for a snack stop!
Vermilion Lakes is a stunning lake near downtown Banff, offering views of Mount Rundle and Sulphur Mountain. It is the perfect place to relax, enjoy a picnic, and see wildlife!
Norquay Lookout is on the side of the Norquay Ski Area and has stunning views overlooking Banff, making it the perfect place to watch the sunset. The parking area is on the side of the winding road leading to the ski area and is an easy walk to the lookout. It is the perfect spot to end the day!
Day 3: Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, and Scenic Drives
Now it is time to explore some of the most famous attractions in Banff. You will have to wake up early, but I promise it is worth the early wake-up call!
Moraine Lake is easily the most iconic lake in Banff National Park and is one of the most beautiful sunrise spots. The stunning glacier-fed lake has blue-green waters and views of the Valley of Ten Peaks. Note: Moraine Lake is closed to personal vehicles to help alleviate traffic and congestion at the spot. Instead, you have to use the public shuttle bus system.
You can enjoy the sunrise from the lake shores near the parking lot or an easy three-mile roundtrip hike around the lake! No matter how you experience Moraine Lake, you will be in awe of its beauty.
Lake Louise is a great sunrise alternative if you arrive too late to Moraine Lake. The beautiful glacier-fed lake has stunning turquoise waters and views of Victoria Glacier and the surrounding mountains. You can enjoy the views from the lake shores near the parking lot or various trails.
The easiest trail is the Lake Louise Lakefront Trail. The easy 2.5-mile roundtrip trail takes you around the lake, offering stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains!
If you want to visit an iconic tea house, you can hike the 4.6-mile roundtrip trail to the Lake Agnes Tea House. It was built in 1901 as a refuge for hikers and now sells tea! It is a great spot to enjoy the views while sipping on a hot cup of tea.
Bow Valley Parkway connects the Moraine Lake and Lake Louise area with downtown Banff and is an incredibly scenic road. It runs along the Trans-Canada Highway for 30 miles and has stunning overlooks and fun trails. It is also a great place to see wildlife! When we visited, we saw moose, deer, and bears. It was incredible!
Morant’s Curve and Storm Mountain Lookout are two of the most beautiful overlooks along Bow Valley Parkway. Morant’s Curve is one of the most photographed spots near Banff! Many photographers stop here to take a photo of the train passing along the river with the mountain backdrop.
If you want to hike, there are many opportunities along Bow Valley Parkway. You can hike 4.5-miles roundtrip on the Castle Mountain Lookout Trail, which has views of Castle Mountain. If you are looking for something longer or more strenuous, you can hike the 11-mile roundtrip Rockbound Lake Trail, which brings you to beautiful blue lakes on top of mountains. You also can combine Castle Mountain and Rockbound Lake for one epic and strenuous 16.5-mile loop.
Silverton Falls is a stunning 164-foot waterfall along the Bow Valley Parkway. If you hike to Rockbound Lake, you can easily add the short deter to Silverton Falls to the hike. Or you can hike Silverton Falls alone by a 1.1-mile roundtrip trail. The trail follows a wide path before turning right to follow Silverton Creek. Before you know it, you will hear the rushing waters of Silverton Falls and have beautiful views across from it!
Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular attractions near Banff because it is stunning and has multiple waterfalls. The 3.2-mile roundtrip trail features two main waterfalls and multiple small ones along Johnston Creek in a beautiful canyon. The first waterfall is Lower Falls, which you can view from a viewpoint across from it. Upper Falls is at the end of the trail and has two viewpoints. The lower viewpoint brings you across from the falls, while the upper viewpoint gives you a view from above. Both are worth seeing!
If you want to hike longer, you can add the Ink Pots, which add about four miles roundtrip. The Ink Pots are green-colored mineral springs that sit in a beautiful meadow. Many people turn around at Upper Falls, so the trail to the Ink Pots is much more peaceful.
The Banff Gondola brings you over 7,400 feet and offers some of the best views in Banff! Once you arrive at the top, there are many things to do! You can hike the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak and enjoy stunning views. You can also enjoy dinner with a view at the Sky Bistro. If you want a unique thing to do, you can enjoy the new experience, Nightrise. Nightrise allows you to explore the summit under the stars with soundscapes, projections, and more. No matter how you experience the Banff Gondola, you will love ending the third day of your 5 days in Banff with the views!
Day 4: Icefields Parkway, Glaciers, and Peyto Lake
Are you ready to explore one of the most beautiful lakes in the world and a glacier?! This day could become one of your favorites in the itinerary because of the stunning views!
Peyto Lake is unworldly and one of the most beautiful lakes in the WORLD! It is one of the most popular lakes in Banff National Park because of its bright turquoise waters. And yes, the water is THAT blue! Peyto Lake is glacier-fed, and the sediments from the glacier give the lake its iconic color. Because this is one of the most beautiful lakes near Banff, it is always busy. To avoid the crowds, you should enjoy Peyto Lake during sunrise! The easy 1.5-mile roundtrip trail brings you to multiple overlooks where you can watch the golden light shine over the lake and surrounding mountains.
Icefields Parkway is a 145-mile road that links Lake Louise to Jasper and is one of the most beautiful mountain drives in the world. No matter where you look, you have stunning mountain views! I recommend taking your time driving the Icefields Parkway to your next destination because there are so many beautiful overlooks you do not want to miss.
Athabasca Glacier is the most-visited glacier in North America and a popular attraction to visit off of the Icefields Parkway. It is a part of the Columbia Icefield, the only remaining part of what used to be a large ice mass covering most of Western Canada. Many of the tallest mountains in the Canadian Rockies are near Athabasca Glacier, so the views are amazing. There are many things to do near Athabasca Glacier, so you can choose how you want to experience it!
You can hike the easy Tow of the Athabasca Glacier Trail, which brings you close to the glacier. You cannot go onto the glacier from here because it is dangerous without a guide, but it gives you a great view of it!
If you want to explore the glacier, there are many tours, where you can get an up-close and personal experience with Athabasca Glacier and the nearby mountains, waterfalls, and lakes.
If you want a unique experience, you can walk along a glass-bottomed platform above the Sunwapta Valley called the Columbia Icefield Skywalk.
Bow Lake is on the way as you drive back to Banff and is the perfect place to watch the sunset! Bow Lake is a stunning lake that is often overshadowed by other lakes near Banff, like Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, and Peyto Lake. It is glacier-fed, so the waters are bright blue and gorgeous! It also has beautiful views of Bow Summit, so you will not be disappointed with this sunset spot!
Day 5: Yoho National Park
The final day in Banff explores Yoho National Park. Yoho National Park is about a one-hour drive from Banff and has many fun things to do!
Emerald Lake is the most iconic lake in Yoho National Park because of its turquoise-colored waters. If you are up for it, you can enjoy the sunrise over the 225-acre lake. You can enjoy the views near Emerald Lake Lodge, along its trails, or on the water.
Emerald Lake Loop is an easy 3.5-mile roundtrip trail that brings you around the entire lake and is a great way to escape the crowds. The hike is also a great place to see Burgess Shale and wildlife, including moose. Burgess Shale is one of the only locations in the world that contains both fossilized soft tissues and hard body parts. It is pretty cool!
If you don’t want to hike, you can rent rowboats and canoes from the boathouse and explore the lake!
Takakkaw Falls is an 833-foot waterfall, making it the second tallest waterfall in Canada! “Takakkaw” means magnificent, and let me tell you, this waterfall lives up to its name. The road leading to Takakkaw Falls takes about 30 minutes to drive because it has steep switchbacks. Once you reach the parking lot, it is an easy 1.6 miles roundtrip hike to the bottom of the falls. Takakkaw Falls is so impressive when you stand near the bottom and hear it roar! It also has stunning views looking away from it, so it’s an incredible spot.
If you want to add another hike, you can hike to Yoho Lake! The 7-mile roundtrip trail brings you higher than Takakkaw Falls and has views of the Daly Glacier. It’s a beautiful hike if you are up for it!
Lake O’Hara is easily the most beautiful area in Yoho National Park. You HAVE to make a reservation in advance to visit this beautiful place! The more in advance you can book your bus spot, the better. You can book up to three months in advance. You could also walk down the road to Lake O’Hara, but I would not recommend it because it is about 14 miles one way. If you are lucky enough to get a reservation, you will fall in love with the area!
Some of the best hikes are the 7-mile roundtrip Lake Oesa Trail and the 4.5-mile roundtrip trail to Wiwaxy Gap and Huber Ledges. Both have stunning overs of the area!
You can also hike the easy 1.8-mile Lake O’Hara Shoreline Trail that brings you around Lake O’Hara to enjoy the views from its shoreline.
If you have time, I recommend watching the sunset from Lake O’Hara or one of your favorite lakes! You really can’t go wrong with choosing a lake because they are all stunning. It’ll be the perfect way to end an incredible 4-day Banff itinerary!
Banff FAQs
Is 5 days enough time to visit Banff? Absolutely! Although you can spend an entire week exploring Banff, you can see most must-see attractions within 5 days. If you have extra time, you can extend your stay and explore Jasper National Park, too.
What’s the best time of year to visit Banff? Banff is a year-round destination, so you can visit in any season! Winter is perfect for skiers, while summer and fall are perfect for those looking to hike.
Do I need a rental car to explore Banff? Banff has shuttles you can use, but I recommend renting a car to have flexibility during your trip.
Do I need to take a shuttle to see Moraine Lake? Yes, Moraine Lake is closed to personal vehicles to help alleviate traffic and congestion at the spot. You can take a few different shuttles to see it.
This guide has everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable 5-day Banff itinerary, including the most beautiful lakes, waterfalls, glaciers, trails, and mountain views. If you have more time, you can explore three national parks in the Canadian Rockies on an incredible week-long road trip!
Hey, I’m Nichole!
I am the creator behind Nichole the Nomad, the home of my explorations around the world, mountain hikes, and beautiful pictures taken along the way. I have a deep passion for capturing the world in a beautiful light and sharing my experiences.
I created this blog to share my travels, show how beautiful the world is, provide tips and tricks for traveling, and encourage you to explore. Whether you want to travel across the world or explore what’s in your backyard, I hope this blog inspires you to get outside and find your adventure!
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