Romantic and Adventurous Rockies Road Trip in Banff: A 5-Day Itinerary from Calgary

Day 1: Arrival and Ease In

Calgary to Banff, Canada on June 20, 2025

9:00am

Fly from Hong Kong to Calgary

Start your journey with your flight arriving into Calgary International Airport. Prepare for your adventure ahead!
Included in airfare, N/A

12:00pm

Transfer from Calgary to Banff

Drive from Calgary to Banff National Park, approximately 1.5-2 hours. Enjoy the scenic route along Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1).
CAD60 (car rental and fuel approx.), 2h

2:00pm

Check-in Mountain Chalet Banff, or a similar hotel within HKD 500/night (~CAD85)

Settle into your cosy, romantic accommodation located centrally in Banff while staying comfortably within your budget.
CAD85, 1h

3:30pm

Afternoon walk at Bow Falls

Visit Bow Falls for a gentle romantic stroll with stunning river and waterfall views. Perfect intro to the Rocky Mountains.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Maple Leaf

Enjoy Canadian cuisine with a romantic ambiance. Their elk and trout dishes are recommended. Open until 10pm.
Approx. CAD60 per person, 1.5h

8:30pm

Night stroll through Banff Avenue

Take a peaceful evening walk along Banff Avenue soaking in the mountain town charm with ambient lighting.
Free, 1h
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Day 2: Iconic Views & Adventure

Banff National Park on June 21, 2025

5:30am

Sunrise at Vermilion Lakes

Begin early to witness breathtaking dawn reflections of Mount Rundle on Vermilion Lakes. A truly romantic start.
Free, 1.5h

8:30am

Breakfast at Wild Flour Bakery

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and coffee at this local favourite, open from 7am.
Approx. CAD15, 1h

10:00am

Sulphur Mountain Gondola

Ride up to the summit for panoramic views over Banff and the Rockies. The gondola runs 8:30am-8:30pm.
CAD65 per person, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Sky Bistro

Dine at the mountaintop Sky Bistro with stunning views. Reservations recommended; open for lunch 11:30am-3pm.
Approx. CAD50 per person, 1.5h

3:30pm

Hike to Sanson’s Peak

Take a short hike from the Gondola upper terminal to Sanson’s Peak for unique views and crisp mountain air.
Free, 1.5h

6:00pm

Relax at hotel

Rest and refresh before your evening plans.
Included in stay, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Three Ravens Restaurant & Wine Bar

Savour an intimate dining experience with spectacular views overlooking the valley; open 5pm-10pm.
Approx. CAD70 per person, 2h

9:30pm

Star Gazing near Banff Springs Hotel

End the romantic day with stargazing away from town lights at an open area near Banff Springs Hotel.
Free, 1h
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Day 3: Lake Louise & Moraine Lake

Banff National Park on June 22, 2025

5:00am

Sunrise at Lake Louise

Be among the first to see the stunning pastel colours on Lake Louise’s glacier-fed waters and Victoria Glacier backdrop.
Free (Park permit included with stay), 2h

7:30am

Breakfast at Lake Louise Village Market

Grab a quick fresh breakfast sandwich or coffee before your next adventure. Opens at 7am.
Approx. CAD15, 1h

8:30am

Hike the Lakeshore Trail at Lake Louise

Walk the flat trail along the shore for stunning views, mild exercise, and romantic moments by the water.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Drive to Moraine Lake

Short 20-minute drive to Moraine Lake, an iconic turquoise glacial lake framed by the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
Free, 30m

11:30am

Explore Moraine Lake and Rockpile Walk

Climb the rockpile viewpoint for the postcard view, then stroll around the lakeside trails. Open year-round.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Picnic lunch by Moraine Lake

Grab picnic supplies from Lake Louise Village or early market and enjoy a scenic al fresco meal.
Approx. CAD30, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Banff

Drive back to Banff for some relaxation.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Visit Banff Upper Hot Springs

Relax in the soothing natural hot springs with mountain views from 10am to 10pm daily.
CAD9.50 per person, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bear Street Tavern

Informal, cosy dinner spot with delicious wood-fired pizzas and share plates. Open from 11:30am to 9:30pm.
Approx. CAD35 per person, 1.5h

9:00pm

Evening walk along Banff Avenue

Enjoy the peaceful night atmosphere, lit by quaint lightposts and mountain stars.
Free, 1h
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Day 4: Icefields Parkway Adventure

Banff to Icefields Parkway, Canada on June 23, 2025

6:00am

Early drive to Icefields Parkway

Head north on the famed Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most scenic highways featuring mountain vistas at every turn.
Free, 2h

8:00am

Breakfast at The Crossing Resort

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at The Crossing Resort before heading into the Icefields Parkway.
Approx. CAD20, 1h

9:00am

Athabasca Glacier Walk

Take a guided walk on the Athabasca Glacier or board the Ice Explorer. Operates from 8:30am to 5pm, guided tours last about 1 hour.
CAD90 per person, 1.5h

11:00am

Visit Columbia Icefield Skywalk

Walk the glass-floored skywalk extending over a dramatic canyon for unforgettable alpine views. Open 9am-6pm.
CAD35 per person, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Glacier View Lodge

Scenic dining with glacier views. Perfect for a quick lunch – open from 11am to 3pm.
Approx. CAD40 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Drive back to Banff

Return along Icefields Parkway, stopping for photos at glaciers and waterfalls.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Rest and freshen up at hotel

Recharge after the day’s long drive and adventure.
Included in stay, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Nourish Bistro

Farm-to-table restaurant offering fresh, healthy dishes in a warm setting. Open 5pm-9pm.
Approx. CAD50 per person, 1.5h

9:00pm

Sunset viewing at Vermilion Lakes

Cap off the day with a peaceful sunset by the lakes, a romantic and tranquil spot.
Free, 1h
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Day 5: Scenic Farewell Day

Banff National Park, Canada on June 24, 2025

6:00am

Sunrise at Tunnel Mountain

Hike Tunnel Mountain for a short but rewarding climb with magnificent sunrise mountain views. Trail open year-round.
Free, 2h

8:30am

Breakfast at Wild Flour Bakery

Refuel with delicious pastries and coffee at your favourite bakery.
Approx. CAD15, 1h

10:00am

Visit Banff Park Museum

Discover natural history and local wildlife of the Rockies at this free, charming museum open 9am-5pm.
Free, 1h

11:30am

Leisure time in Banff town

Browse shops, buy souvenirs, or relax at a local café before departure.
Variable, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Eddie Burger & Bar

Casual but delicious burger spot; great for a last-day tasty meal. Open until 9pm.
Approx. CAD25 per person, 1h

2:30pm

Drive back to Calgary International Airport

Head back to Calgary for your onward flight, allowing about 2 hours for the drive and rental car return.
Free, 2h
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