Start the day with a hike to Johnston Canyon and see the stunning waterfalls along the way. Next, head to Lake Louise to view its crystal blue waters and enjoy lunch at its historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Spend the rest of the day exploring Banff National Park, stopping by Moraine Lake for breathtaking views before returning to Banff townsite for dinner.
Begin the day with a scenic drive on the Bow Valley Parkway and lookout for wildlife along the way. Head back to Banff townsite to take a dip in the hot springs in Cave and Basin National Historic Site. After lunch, visit the Banff Gondola for panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains. Finish the day with a stroll around Banff Avenue, visiting local shops and enjoying dinner at one of its many restaurants.
Start the day with a thrilling white water rafting tour on Kicking Horse River. Next, visit Banff Upper Hot Springs to soak in the warm waters and relax. After lunch, hike up to the Sulphur Mountain Summit for unforgettable views. Finish the trip with a sunset horseback ride towards Bow River Valley.
It is recommended to rent a car to explore the areas around the National Park. Alternatively, shuttle buses run between Banff and Lake Louise. Taxi services are available within Banff townsite, and bike rentals are available to explore the Bow Valley Parkway. Travel times vary depending on the distance between destinations, but most drives will take around 30 minutes to an hour. Estimated travel costs are around CAD $300-400 for car rental.
If you have more time, consider extending your stay in Banff and explore more of the National Park's hiking trails. For those with less time, choosing between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake is recommended. If you are visiting in peak season (July-August), arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and obtain a parking spot.
The nearest airport to Banff is the Calgary International Airport (YYC), located around 130 km away. There are several shuttle services available to transport you between Calgary and Banff. Taking a rental car or taxi is also an option, and the drive will take around 1.5 hours. Other airports, such as the Edmonton International Airport (YEG) and the Vancouver International Airport (YVR), can also be used but require a longer drive to Banff.