10-Day Banff Adventure Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Explore Banff Avenue
    Walking distance from hotels in downtown Banff

    Stroll along the bustling main street to find unique shops, cozy cafes, and great restaurants.

  2. Day 2: Hike to Tunnel Mountain Summit
    10-minute drive from downtown Banff

    Enjoy panoramic views of the town and the surrounding mountains after a moderately steep 2.5km hike.

  3. Day 3: Rafting on Kicking Horse River
    1-hour drive from Banff

    Get your adrenaline pumping through class 3 and 4 rapids with an experienced guide on a full-day tour.

  4. Day 4: Johnston Canyon Hike and Explore Lake Louise
    30-minute drive from Banff to Johnston Canyon, then 30 minutes to Lake Louise

    Enjoy ethereal waterfalls, hanging bridges, and turquoise waters on a 5.5km hike in the morning. In the afternoon, explore the iconic lake Louise and its surrounding trails.

  5. Day 5: Go Mountain Biking in the Canmore Nordic Centre
    30-minute drive from Banff

    Rent a bike and hit the trails of this 1988 Winter Olympics venue. With over 70km of cross-country tracks, technical trails, and obstacles, there's a trail for every level of expertise.

  6. Day 6: Explore the Banff Gondola and Sulphur Mountain
    10-minute drive from downtown Banff

    Ride the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for stunning mountain views and short hikes, including an interpretive boardwalk.

  7. Day 7: Sport Climbing at Grassi Lakes
    25-minute drive from Banff

    Test your rock-climbing skills on iconic routes near emerald-colored lakes. Rentals and lessons are available at the nearby town of Canmore.

  8. Day 8: Explore the Icefields Parkway
    2-hour drive from Banff

    Drive along one of the world's most scenic routes between Banff and Jasper. Stop at natural attractions like Peyto Lake, Athabasca Falls, and Columbia Icefields.

  9. Day 9: Soak in Banff Upper Hot Springs and Hike to Sundance Canyon
    10-minute drive from downtown Banff

    Relax in the natural warm waters of Banff's historic hot springs, then hike through a beautiful canyon surrounded by towering mountains and forested riverbanks.

  10. Day 10: Mountain Lakes Horseback Ride
    20-minute drive from Banff

    Experience the Rockies on horseback on a scenic ride to a mountain lake. Refreshments included.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Banff Gondola (2 hours, $65)
  • Kicking Horse River Rafting (8 hours, $175)
  • Grassi Lakes Climbing Rental and Lesson (4 hours, $125)
  • Mountain Lakes Horseback Ride (4 hours, $125)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $490 USD

Useful Tips

For travelers with less time, consider skipping the Icefields Parkway and replacing it with a hike in Moraine Lake or the nearby Sunshine Village Ski Resort. For those with more time, add a day trip to Yoho National Park or a multi-day backpacking adventure in the backcountry.

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