After arriving in the Bow Valley, pick up your rental and drive up to Lake Louise Village to check into your budget-friendly accommodation and drop off luggage. Spend the morning stretching your legs on the flat, scenic Lake Agnes Trailhead / Plain of Six Glaciers approach (turn back when comfortable) for close-up views of the valley and to scout dinner options, then grab a relaxed coffee and pastries at Wild Flour Bakery before a gentle lakeside stroll to orient yourselves to the area.
Ease into your first afternoon by driving a short way to Lake Louise Ski Resort Village for panoramic chairlift rides (or the scenic sightseeing lift if open) that sweep you up above the valley for sweeping mountain views, then return for a leisurely walk along the forested Fairview Lookout Trail to soak in alpine vistas without retracing your morning route. As the light softens, stop at The Post Hotel & Spa terrace for an affordable afternoon tea or hot chocolate and capture sunset reflections from the quieter western shore near Fairview Bay before gearing up for your lakeside evening.
As twilight deepens, head to Lake Louise Lakeshore's western end for a gentle sunset paddle in a rented canoe from Fairview Boat Rentals, watching the water mirror the peaks while the crowds thin. Afterward, warm up with classic Canadian comfort food and craft beer at nearby The Station Restaurant in Lake Louise village, or pick up takeaway sandwiches from Laggan's Mountain Bakery and enjoy a quiet picnic on the grassy bluff above the lake before returning to your accommodation.
Start your morning with a stroll through the historic heart of town, popping into the timbered Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies to catch lively local art and mountaineering exhibits, then browse outdoor gear and maple treats along Banff Avenue. Continue to the tranquil Bow River Loop for an easy riverside walk and photo stops at the scenic Banff Springs Bridge, finishing with a cozy brunch and strong coffee at Tooloulou's before boarding the gondola later in the day.
After a morning in town and the gondola, wander over to Central Park for a relaxed picnic and people-watching, then stroll the boardwalk to the historic Banff Park Museum to glimpse early Rockies natural history and taxidermy exhibits. Finish the afternoon with a scenic riverside walk to Surprise Corner for classic views of the chateau, then reward yourselves with craft beer or a light meal on the sunny patio at Park Distillery before evening plans.
As twilight settles, wander to Cascade Gardens for a peaceful stroll among river views and alpine flower beds, then continue to The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity to catch a short live performance or gallery exhibit if available. Finish the night with a relaxed dinner and local brews at Eden (or the more budget-friendly Magpies Mountain Eatery for pub classics), followed by a moonlit riverside walk across Bow Falls Viewpoint to see the chateau glow against the peaks.
Set out early from Banff and head northwest along the Icefields Parkway, pausing first at Bow Lake for crisp morning reflections and a short walk to the glacier-fed shoreline, then continue to the dramatic overlook at Peyto Lake Viewpoint to see the vivid turquoise bowl before the crowds arrive. After soaking the panorama, stretch your legs on the accessible interpretive loop at Mistaya Canyon-a short, invigorating canyon hike with thunderous water-carved rock formations-then refuel with coffee and hearty sandwiches at the roadside Saskatchewan River Crossing café before the full day of driving ahead.
After fueling up at the crossing, continue north to explore the rugged stretch by stopping at Bow Summit Trail for a short climb to a quieter vantage offering sweeping views of the Icefields Parkway corridor, then descend to wander the easy boardwalk around Mistaya River Viewpoint for river-carved scenery and possible wildlife sightings. Later, pull into Crowfoot Glacier Overlook for glacier-front photography, then relax with sandwiches or soup at the rustic Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre patio while watching ice-carved moraines drift into late-afternoon light before heading back toward Banff.
As daylight softens on the return drive, stop for a golden-hour stroll along the short interpretive trail at Bow River Boardwalk to stretch and watch the valley light shift, then pull into Sunwapta Falls for thunderous late-afternoon cascades framed by warming rock faces. Finish with a relaxed picnic at the quiet Athabasca Lookout (bring a thermos and snacks from your earlier stops) and, if skies are clear, scan the ridgelines for elk or bighorn sheep as the stars begin to appear before driving back to Banff.
Beat the crowds with an early drive to Moraine Lake Viewpoint for the classic turquoise reflections and sweeping shots of the Valley of the Ten Peaks, then stroll the easy, scenic Rockpile Trail to catch changing light on the glaciers. After photos, continue with a gentle hike along the lakeshore to Larch Valley Trailhead (turn back when comfortable) for peaceful subalpine meadows and close glimpses of towering peaks before returning to your base for a late-morning coffee and snack.
After the morning viewpoints, take a relaxed loop along the shoreline to Consolation Lakes Trailhead for a peaceful, low-gradient walk through larch and willow flats with great photo ops of secondary peaks, then picnic by the small marsh where waterfowl often gather. Later, wander the gentle Sunshine Meadows access trail (via the short shuttle or a scenic drive toward the Sunshine Village turnoff) for sweeping subalpine meadows and easy boardwalk sections-ideal for spotting wildflowers and lingering on a bench as the light softens before returning to base.
As dusk falls, wander a short way up to Eiffel Lake Trail for a peaceful sunset silhouette view of the Ten Peaks without redoing the morning rockpile shots; the calm evening light and fewer hikers make the alpine pond reflections especially photogenic. After the trail, return toward Moraine Lake village and warm up with a lakeside meal at Moraine Lake Lodge's casual dining room or grab takeout from the lodge kiosk to enjoy on the shoreline benches while listening for pine siskins and the distant rush of mountain runoff.
Begin with an early drive to Johnston Canyon and take the elevated catwalks through the lower canyon to the thunderous Lower Falls, then continue past the quieter bridges toward the mossy approach to Ink Pots for a gentle meadow walk among colorful spring seep pools. After returning, stop at the historic Banff Springs Hotel courtyard for coffee and to admire the castle-like architecture before heading downstream to explore the scenic viewpoints around Bow River above Bow Falls, where easy riverside paths and interpretive signs set the stage for the afternoon's waterfall-focused adventures.
After your morning canyon walk, head upstream for a gentler riverside ramble along the Bow River Trail toward the peaceful picnic meadows at Fenland Trail, where you can birdwatch and look for early wildflowers while enjoying sandwiches. Mid-afternoon, drive back into town to stroll the historic boardwalk around Cave and Basin National Historic Site-explore the short interpretive exhibits and natural springs, then finish with a riverside coffee and people-watching on the terrace at Banff Ave. Brewing Co. before evening plans.
After your afternoon riverside ramble, cross the highway back into town and enjoy a relaxed sunset stroll along the lesser-known Sundance Canyon Loop for quieter creekside trails and mellow golden light. Stop for an early dinner on a budget-friendly patio at The Bison Restaurant (or grab a hearty takeaway from The Bear Street Tavern) before finishing the night with craft beers and live music at the intimate The Rose & Crown Pub, or catch a twilight cinema screening at the cozy Roxy Theatre to unwind after a big day of hikes.
Ease into the day with a serene lakeshore walk from the Two Jack Lake picnic area, watching for loons and early birdlife while the peaks glow; continue on the easy Minnewanka Lakeside Trail toward the historic Cascade Ponds, stopping at the rustic boat-launch viewpoint to watch anglers and kayakers. After a slow stroll, head to the cozy Banff Park Museum café kiosk near the trailhead for coffee and pastries, then take the short drive up to the quiet Tunnel Mountain Road lookout for sweeping valley views before returning for a relaxed lakeside brunch.
After your lakeside brunch, take the historic Two Jack Main road out toward the quieter southern shore and join a narrated cruise from Lake Minnewanka Boat Tours to learn about the submerged townsite and alpine ecology while scanning for bighorn sheep along the cliffs; opt for the shorter interpretive loop if you prefer a gentler outing. Later, wander the peaceful Beaver Boardwalk and picnic near the willow-fringed inlet, then drive the scenic loop toward Mount Inglismaldie viewpoint for late-afternoon light and panoramic valley photos before heading back to town to relax.
As the sun lowers, drive the quiet Lakeside Drive to Two Jack Lookout for golden reflections and a relaxed photo stop, then continue to Cascade Ponds Picnic Area to light a small camp stove or spread a blanket for a lakeside snack while watching anglers and kayakers glide by. Finish with a mellow evening at Banff Upper Hot Springs (soak times available in the evening) to warm up and unwind, followed by a casual dinner at the nearby Park Bistro or grabbing takeout to enjoy back at your accommodation.
Wake early for a final, peaceful photo session at Vermilion Lakes Boardwalk, where mirrored mountain reflections and morning mist make for golden-hour shots; follow with a short, easy walk along the shoreline to spot waterfowl and capture last-minute wide-angle vistas. Afterward, return to town and stop by Banff Farmers' Market (Spring location) or the Banff Avenue Market stall for grab-and-go breakfast treats and local maple souvenirs before a relaxed drive to Calgary, allowing time to refuel the rental and drop off luggage at Calgary International Airport well ahead of your evening flight.
Spend a relaxed afternoon driving the scenic Bow Valley Parkway with a stop at Castle Junction for last-minute mountain panorama photos, then stretch your legs on the easy, wildlife-rich Morant's Curve viewpoint for classic railway-and-peak compositions. After a picnic lunch at Johnston Lake Picnic Area, continue toward Calgary with a detour to Canmore Nordic Centre for a short lakeside stroll or bike rental if time allows, returning the rental car and arriving at Calgary International Airport with buffer time for check-in and a final coffee.
Before your evening flight, enjoy a leisurely final meal at The Bison Restaurant's bar area or grab sandwiches to-go from Tooloulou's for the road, then take a short detour to Two Jack Lake for a last-minute golden-hour photo session of the peaks reflecting in the water. After sunset, savor a hot drink and local pastries at Wild Flour Bakery in Banff village while you collect luggage and make the relaxed drive to Calgary International Airport, allowing extra time for rental-car return and airport security.