Begin your day in the heart of Banff at the Banff Visitor Centre, where you can get park information and maps. Take a stroll through Banff Avenue, lined with charming shops and restaurants. Visit the Banff Park Museum and learn about the park's wildlife. Then head to the Banff Gondola to go up Sulphur Mountain for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. At the top, enjoy a meal at the Sky Bistro while taking in the views. End the day with a relaxing soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs.
Begin your day at Lake Louise, known for its stunning turquoise water and surrounding mountains. Take a leisurely stroll around the lake or rent a canoe for a unique perspective. Next, head to Moraine Lake, which is only accessible during the summer months due to snowfall. The breathtaking blue-green waters are surrounded by mountains and make for a perfect photo spot. End the day with a sunset hike to the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House for dinner and stunning views.
Head north on the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in North America. Stop at Peyto Lake for panoramic views of the turquoise lake and surrounding mountains. Continue to the Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains, where you can take a specially designed ice explorer bus tour and walk on the Athabasca Glacier. End your day with a visit to the Glacier Skywalk, a glass floor observation platform with stunning views.
If you have more time, consider visiting other lakes in the park such as Minnewanka or Bow Lake. For a more adventurous day, try hiking to the Plain of Six Glaciers or doing a guided glacier walk. If you have less time, skip Sulphur Mountain and/or the Columbia Icefield and focus on the highlights of Banff and Lake Louise. Keep in mind that some areas of the park may be closed during the winter months, so plan accordingly.