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This itinerary covers 3 days in Banff, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

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Plan your perfect 3 days trip to Banff. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

3-Day Scenic and Adventure Tour of Banff National Park, Canada

Viewed by 106 travelers

Day 1: Explore Banff Town

Banff, Canada on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Wild Flour Bakery

Start your day with fresh artisan pastries and coffee at this popular bakery located in Banff Avenue. It's a local favorite and opens at 7am.

CAD15, 1h0m

9:15am

Banff Upper Hot Springs

Relax in the soothing natural hot springs with stunning mountain views. Open daily from 10am to 10pm, perfect for a morning soak.

CAD8.50, 1h30m

11:00am

Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain

Take the gondola up to Sulphur Mountain and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Rockies. Opens at 9am, last ride at 8pm.

CAD65, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Maple Leaf

Enjoy Canadian-inspired cuisine in an elegant setting right in the heart of Banff. Open from 11am to 9pm, known for wild game dishes.

CAD40, 1h0m

2:45pm

Walk around Banff Avenue and Banff Park Museum

Stroll along Banff Avenue to explore shops and galleries, then visit the Banff Park Museum to learn about local wildlife and history. Museum open 10am-5pm.

Free entry, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Park Distillery

Dine at this restaurant which distills its own spirits, offering a unique menu with local ingredients and cocktails. Open 4pm-10pm.

CAD45, 1h30m

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Day 2: Lake Louise & Moraine Lake

Lake Louise, Canada on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Laggan's Mountain Bakery

Grab a quick and tasty breakfast from this local bakery famous for hearty breakfasts and baked goods. Opens at 7am.

CAD15, 45m

8:00am

Travel to Lake Louise

Drive approximately 45 minutes east from Banff to Lake Louise, enjoying the scenic mountain views en route.

CAD0, 45m

9:00am

Lake Louise Lakeside Walk and Canoe Rental

Walk along the beautiful shores of Lake Louise, then rent a canoe to paddle on the turquoise lake (canoe rental opens 8am).

CAD70, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Moraine Lake

Drive 20 minutes to Moraine Lake to see its stunning blue waters surrounded by ten peaks. The area opens early in the morning and is less crowded at mid-day.

CAD0, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Station Restaurant in Lake Louise

Enjoy hearty Canadian meals at this cozy spot near the Lake Louise village. Open 11am-9pm.

CAD30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Hike the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail

A moderate 4.5 km hike that offers magnificent views of glaciers and mountains. Plan for 2-3 hours and bring water and proper footwear.

Free, 2h30m

6:00pm

Return to Banff and Dinner at Nourish Bistro

Enjoy a health-conscious, fresh menu featuring locally-sourced ingredients. Opens 4pm-10pm.

CAD40, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Lake Louise

Day 3: Icefields Parkway & Jasper

Banff to Jasper, Canada on May 21, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Eddie Burger + Bar

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast of eggs, pancakes or breakfast burgers. Opens at 7am, try to be early for quick service.

CAD20, 45m

7:15am

Drive Icefields Parkway to Jasper

Travel along one of the world’s most scenic highways, stopping for photo opportunities at viewpoints like Bow Lake and Peyto Lake.

CAD0, 3h0m

10:30am

Athabasca Glacier Icewalk

Experience a guided walk on Athabasca Glacier for an up-close look at ice formations and learn about glacial geology. Book in advance; tours depart daily 10am-3pm.

CAD100, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Jasper Brewing Company

Relax and refuel with locally brewed beers and hearty pub fare. Open 11am-10pm.

CAD35, 1h0m

2:15pm

Explore Jasper town and Maligne Canyon

Visit Jasper town’s shops and galleries, then take a gentle hike at Maligne Canyon, one of the deepest in the Rockies. Open all day, no entry fee.

Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Drive back to Banff

Return along Icefields Parkway to Banff for evening rest.

CAD0, 3h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Bear Street Tavern

End your day with casual dining, famous for great pizza and local craft beers. Open 4pm-11pm.

CAD30, 1h0m

Find Hotels in Banff to Jasper

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Itinerary created by Plantrip Team May 18, 2025 AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Step 1 Outline Preview:

3-Day Scenic and Adventure Tour of Banff National Park, Canada

Day 1: Explore Banff Town

8:00am

9:15am

11:00am

1:30pm

2:45pm

5:00pm

Day 2: Lake Louise & Moraine Lake

7:00am

8:00am

9:00am

11:30am

1:30pm

3:00pm

6:00pm

Day 3: Icefields Parkway & Jasper

6:30am

7:15am

10:30am

1:00pm

2:15pm

5:00pm

8:30pm

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