Banff packs an unusual amount into a small area. Most of what follows sits within 40 minutes of the town, which means you can plan full days without long drives.
The essentials
- Lake Louise at first light, before the parking and shuttle systems fill
- Moraine Lake by the seasonal shuttle or authorised transport
- Banff Gondola for the valley view from Sulphur Mountain
- Banff Upper Hot Springs, ideally at the end of a hiking day
- Bow Valley Parkway for slow wildlife spotting at dawn or dusk
Worth the extra effort
- Johnston Canyon catwalks to the lower and upper falls
- Lake Minnewanka cruise or shoreline walk
- Tunnel Mountain — a short, steep climb with a big reward
- Canoeing on Lake Louise or the Bow River
- A drive up the first section of the Icefields Parkway to Peyto Lake
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many days do I need in Banff?
- Three full days covers the main lakes, one gondola or hot springs afternoon and a hike. Four or five lets you add a Jasper overnight.
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