Scenic Banff Itinerary: Hiking, Sightseeing, and Fishing from Minnesota

Day 1: Arrival & Settle In

Banff, Canada on July 26, 2025

3:00pm

Check-in at Banff Rocky Mountain Resort

Arrive and settle into your accommodation at the Banff Rocky Mountain Resort, which offers comfortable rooms and easy access to the park.

CAD0, 0h30m

4:00pm

Leisurely Walk Around Banff Town

Explore the charming town of Banff to get familiar with shops, cafes, and the Canadian Rockies ambiance.

CAD0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Maple Leaf

Enjoy dinner with local Canadian cuisine including game meats and fresh fish in a cozy atmosphere. Open 5pm-10pm.

CAD40 per person approx., 1h30m

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Day 2: Hiking & Sightseeing

Banff National Park, Canada on July 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tooloulou’s

Start your day with a hearty breakfast of pancakes and local eggs at this popular Banff spot. Open 7am-3pm.

CAD15 per person, 1h

9:30am

Hike the Johnston Canyon Trail

Take an accessible hike through Johnston Canyon, featuring beautiful waterfalls and a scenic walk through nature. Open year-round, no entry fee.

CAD0, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Banff Ave Brewing Co.

Enjoy casual dining with craft beers and burgers close to downtown Banff. Open 11:30am-10pm.

CAD20 per person approx., 1h

2:30pm

Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain

Take the gondola to Sulphur Mountain summit for spectacular views of the Rockies, ideal for all ages. Open 8am-9pm. Cost covers round trip.

CAD65 per adult, CAD33 per youth, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Bison Restaurant

Enjoy western Canadian cuisine with local meats and veggies in a rustic, elegant setting. Open 4pm-9pm.

CAD45 per person approx., 1h30m

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Day 3: Fishing & Lake Sightseeing

Lake Minnewanka & Surroundings, Banff, Canada on July 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Whitebark Cafe

Fuel up with fresh coffee and hearty breakfast options at this local favorite. Open 7am-4pm.

CAD12 per person, 1h

8:30am

Fishing at Lake Minnewanka

Spend the morning fishing on Lake Minnewanka, known for lake trout and mountain whitefish, with rental boat options. Fishing licenses required, available locally.

CAD20 fishing license approx., boat rental CAD50/hour, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch picnic at Two Jack Lake

Have a relaxing picnic by beautiful Two Jack Lake; bring your own or pick up supplies in Banff.

CAD0 (food cost vary), 1h

1:30pm

Sightseeing at Two Jack Lake & hiking short trails

Explore easy walking trails around Two Jack Lake for peaceful nature views, suitable for all ages.

CAD0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Resort and Rest

Relax at the resort to recover for the next day’s activities.

CAD0, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Grizzly House

Dine in a unique fondue-style restaurant known for exotic meats and cozy ambiance. Open 5pm-10pm.

CAD50 per person approx., 1h30m

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Day 4: Hiking & Wildlife Viewing

Banff National Park, Canada on July 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Wild Flour Bakery

Enjoy fresh bakery pastries and coffee to start your hiking day. Open 7am-5pm.

CAD10 per person, 1h

8:30am

Hike the Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail

An easy and stunning lakeside walk with views of Victoria Glacier, perfect for all ages and fitness levels.

CAD0, 2h

11:00am

Visit Lake Louise Village

Explore the village for shops, cafes, and beautiful views around the famous lake area.

CAD0, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Trailhead Cafe

Enjoy casual fare including sandwiches and soups near Lake Louise. Open 8am-3pm.

CAD18 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Horseback Riding Near Lake Louise

Consider a guided horseback ride along mountain trails for a unique wildlife viewing experience. Reservation recommended.

CAD75 per person approx., 2h

4:00pm

Drive back to Banff

Return to Banff town for evening relaxation.

CAD0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Nourish Bistro

Enjoy fresh, farm-to-table cuisine with vegetarian and meat options in Banff. Open 4pm-9pm.

CAD40 per person approx., 1h30m

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Day 5: Scenic Drive & Sightseeing

Icefields Parkway (Banff to Jasper), Canada on July 30, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Resort

Grab a quick breakfast at the resort before the day's scenic drive.

CAD15 per person, 1h

8:00am

Drive the Icefields Parkway

Drive this famous highway north from Banff towards Jasper, enjoying stunning glacier views; stop at Bow Lake and Peyto Lake for short walks and photos.

CAD0, 5h including stops