Adventure-Packed 6-Day Itinerary for College Guys in Banff, May 2026

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Banff, Canada on May 10, 2026

9:00am

Breakfast at Wild Flour Bakery

Start your trip with fresh baked goods and coffee at this popular local spot, ideal for fueling a day of adventure.
CAD15, 1h0m

10:30am

Explore Banff Avenue

Walk the heart of Banff Village for shops, souvenirs, and stunning mountain views. It's a great way to get a feel for the town.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Bear Street Tavern

Enjoy casual dining with a focus on wood-fired pizzas and local beers - great atmosphere for a group.
CAD20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lake Minnewanka Boat Tour

Take a scenic boat tour on Lake Minnewanka, the largest lake in Banff National Park, offering beautiful mountain views and history.
CAD50, 1h30m

3:30pm

Relax and Check-in

Settle into your accommodations and rest after travel before dinner.
Varies, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Maple Leaf

Enjoy Canadian specialties like elk or bison in a cozy rustic environment, perfect for your first night.
CAD40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Hiking and Hot Springs

Banff National Park, Canada on May 11, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast at Tooloulou's

Fuel up with hearty breakfast options before hitting the trails.
CAD18, 1h0m

9:00am

Johnston Canyon Hike

Explore the beautiful canyon with waterfalls and catwalks spanning 5.4km round trip; the hike is moderately easy and stunning.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Park Distillery

Return for a casual meal with local spirits and hearty dishes, great to relax after the hike.
CAD25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Banff Upper Hot Springs

Enjoy soaking muscles in natural hot springs with mountain views; open daily from 10am to 10pm.
CAD8.50, 2h0m

5:00pm

Downtown Banff Free Time

Explore shops, grab coffee, or just relax before dinner.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Bison Restaurant

Taste regional cuisine emphasizing fresh, local ingredients in a trendy atmosphere.
CAD45, 1h30m
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Day 3: Lake Adventures

Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, Canada on May 12, 2026

7:00am

Breakfast at your accommodation or grab takeaway

Quick breakfast to get an early start to the popular lakes.
CAD10, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Lake Louise

Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy the famous turquoise lake and hiking trails.
Park Entry CAD10 per vehicle, 30m drive

8:30am

Lake Louise Shoreline Walk or Lakeshore Trail

Easy 2km walk to admire the lake and surrounding mountains.
Free, 1h0m

10:00am

Hike to Lake Agnes Tea House

3.4km hike upward leads to tea house with snacks and stunning views; open 8am to 6pm.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Lake Louise Village Grill & Bar

Casual spot just outside the lake area with comfort foods.
CAD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is a short drive and offers another incredible glacial lake view; arrive before parking restrictions start (opens 8am to 8pm).
CAD10 park entry if not covered by park pass, 20m drive

2:30pm

Rockpile Trail at Moraine Lake

Short 15-minute hike up for iconic panoramic views of the valley, a must-see photo spot.
Free, 0h45m

4:00pm

Relax at Moraine Lake Shore

Hang out at the shore or paddle in rental canoes (open May through Oct, approx. 9am to 7pm). Canoes about CAD45/hr.
CAD45 (optional canoe rental), 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Maple Leaf back in Banff

Return to Banff for upscale Canadian dining with great ambiance.
CAD40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Icefields Parkway Day Trip

Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Canadian Rockies, Canada on May 13, 2026

7:00am

Breakfast at Bear Street Tavern

Tasty breakfast options to prepare for a long day driving and exploring.
CAD18, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive along Icefields Parkway

One of the world’s most scenic highways, head towards Bow Lake and Peyto Lake with planned stops.
Free, 1h0m

9:00am

Stop at Bow Lake

Short hike or walk around the lake for beautiful views.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Peyto Lake Lookout

10-minute hike to iconic turquoise glacier-fed Peyto Lake viewpoint.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Packed Picnic Lunch at Bow Summit Picnic Area

Enjoy your own picnic with scenic mountain views. Prepare supplies in Banff before departure.
CAD20 (groceries), 1h0m

1:00pm

Return Drive to Banff

Head back towards Banff with photo stops if desired.
Free, 1h0m

2:30pm

Optional visit to Banff Park Museum or Whyte Museum

Small museums showing local history and art, good for a relaxing and cultural afternoon.
CAD10 entry, 1h30m

4:00pm

Rest at accommodation before dinner

Recharge for evening activities.
Varies, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Balkan Restaurant

Experience flavorful Mediterranean and Balkan dishes, perfect for a lively group dinner.
CAD35, 1h30m
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Day 5: Canoeing and Town Fun

Banff, Canada on May 14, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast at Juniper Bistro

Enjoy a meal with spectacular mountain views; somewhat upscale but casual.
CAD22, 1h0m

9:00am

Canoe Rental on Bow River or Two Jack Lake

Rent canoes for an active morning on the calm waters surrounded by mountains and forest. Rentals generally open 9am to 7pm, approx. CAD45/hr.
CAD45, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Eddie Burger + Bar

Casual, fun spot for indulgent burgers; a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
CAD20, 1h0m

1:00pm

Explore Banff Local Craft Shops and Coffee Shops

Check out unique local boutiques and enjoy specialty coffees at places like Whitebark Cafe.
Free, 2h0m

3:30pm

Optional Mountain Biking or Visit Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Rent bikes for trails or explore the birthplace of Canada’s national parks (open 9am - 5pm, tickets CAD10).
CAD20-30 (biking rental) or CAD10 entrance, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Maple Leaf or Park Distillery (flexible choice)

Finish your Banff meals with excellent Canadian cuisine or creative cocktails.
CAD40, 1h30m
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Day 6: Sulphur Mountain and Departure

Banff, Canada on May 15, 2026

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Laggan's Mountain Bakery

Grab baked goods and coffee for the last day adventures or travel.
CAD15, 1h0m

8:00am

Sulphur Mountain Gondola Ride

Open from 10am to 4pm in May, take the gondola to the summit for panoramic views over Banff and the Rockies. Buy tickets online to save time (CAD65).
CAD65, 2h0m

10:30am

Summit Boardwalk and Relax

Walk along the boardwalk and absorb spectacular views before descending.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Banff Ave Brewing Co.

Enjoy pub fare and craft beers to celebrate your final meal in Banff.
CAD25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Pack and Prepare for Departure

Head back to accommodation to pack and check out.
Varies, 2h0m
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