There are some places that completely stop you in your tracks and Banff National Park is one of them. Tucked into the heart of the Canadian Rockies, this place has everything: emerald lakes, dramatic mountain peaks, glacier-fed rivers, wildlife sightings, and alpine hikes that feel like stepping into another world.

We spent four unforgettable days exploring Banff in the summer of 2025—and while we packed a lot in, the best moments were often the ones we didn’t plan. Watching the sunrise over Moraine Lake in complete stillness. Hiking into the clouds on the Plain of Six Glaciers trail. Ending our days with mango bingsu and stories of the day’s highs (and sore calves).

If you’re dreaming up your own trip, here’s everything we learned, from essential park logistics to scenic stops, favorite meals, shuttle tips, and our exact itinerary. This guide will help you make the most of a long weekend in Banff, especially during peak season.

Banff at a Glance

Where to Stay

At Wits End B&B

This was our favorite place to stay on the trip. The location is perfect as it’s just a few minutes’ walk to downtown Banff but it still feels peaceful and tucked away. At Wit’s End offers three clean and cozy rooms all with private bathrooms and TV. The home feels welcoming, with a shared lounge, kitchen area (microwave, toaster, fridge), free Wi‑Fi, and a sheltered patio that overlooks the garden and mountains.

Tan-Y-Bryn B&B

This charming heritage home was a quiet retreat after long hiking days. It felt like staying in a family home. We loved how close of a walk it was to downtown. It was also one of the more affordable options we found in Banff. It offers eight uniquely styled rooms with down duvets, feather pillows, mini‑fridges, and shared bathrooms (one room has a private bath).

Both B&Bs had bear spray available for guests to borrow, which saved us from having to buy our own—and made it easy to stay safe on the trails without the extra hassle.

Tip: Banff fills up months in advance—book as early as possible, especially if you’re traveling June through September.

When to Visit

Winter in Banff is peaceful and magical but also comes with limitations. Most high-elevation trails are buried in snow and many scenic drives are closed for the season. That said Banff turns into a cozy alpine town perfect for skiing snowshoeing and stargazing. The crowds thin out and wildlife tracks crisscross the snow. We have yet to visit in winter but it’s on our list for a future trip complete with hot chocolate and a quiet soak at the Banff Upper Hot Springs.

Spring is a quieter time to visit if you want to catch the park coming back to life. Waterfalls are at their most powerful and wildlife becomes more active. Trails at lower elevations start to open in May but many alpine hikes are still snow-covered through early June. We love that spring brings the chance to see bears elk and other animals along the Bow Valley Parkway but always from a safe distance.

Summer is Banff’s peak season. This is when everything is open and accessible and the lakes show off that bright turquoise color Banff is known for. Long daylight hours give you time to explore from early morning through golden hour. But you’ll need to plan ahead—shuttles and accommodations book up fast and popular trails like Lake Agnes and Moraine Lake are busy by mid-morning. On our trip in July we beat the crowds with a 4am shuttle to Moraine Lake and watched the sunrise in near silence. It was one of the most memorable moments of our trip.

Fall might just be the most underrated time to visit. Late September brings golden larch season when the alpine forests turn brilliant yellow. The crowds start to thin the air is crisp and conditions are perfect for hiking. Just keep in mind that snow can start falling early in the mountains and some services begin to wind down by October. If we return in fall we’d plan our trip around the larch window and hike the Larch Valley trail at sunrise.

How to get to and around Banff National Park

The easiest way to get to Banff is by flying into Calgary International Airport. From there it’s about a one-and-a-half hour drive to Banff on the Trans-Canada Highway. The drive is smooth and scenic and you’ll start seeing mountain views before you even reach the park gates. We picked up our rental car at the airport and stopped for groceries and bear spray on the way into town.

You’ll need a rental car for most of your trip unless you plan to stay right in Banff and rely on shuttles. A car gives you the freedom to explore areas like the Icefields Parkway Yoho National Park and the Bow Valley Parkway. That said parking is limited in peak season especially at popular trailheads. We often left before sunrise to make sure we had a spot or booked shuttles when needed.

For Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Parks Canada shuttles are the best way to go. Personal vehicles are not allowed at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise lots fill up early. We booked our shuttle tickets months in advance and were glad we did. Our 4am alpine start to Moraine Lake gave us a peaceful sunrise without the crowds. Shuttles leave from the Lake Louise Ski Resort Park and Ride and it’s worth arriving early.

The town Banff is very walkable and there are plenty of cafes shops and restaurants within a few blocks. We stayed close enough to downtown to walk everywhere in the evenings and it was nice not having to move the car after a long hike. If you stay farther out Roam Transit buses are an option for getting around town and nearby areas.

4 Days in Banff National Park

Day 1

Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake

We started our Banff adventure with a relaxed morning at Lake Minnewanka and nearby Two Jack Lake. Both spots are just a short drive from downtown Banff and make a beautiful first impression. The water was calm and glassy, with reflections of the mountains so clear it felt like a painting. We arrived early and had the lakes mostly to ourselves, which gave us time to slow down and soak it all in. If you’re easing into the trip or recovering from a travel day, this is the perfect low-effort, high-reward start. We also had some luck and saw a black bear on the road to Lake Minnewanka.

Whitewater Rafting with White Wolf Rafting

Next, we headed out to meet up with White Wolf Rafting for a Kananaskis River tour. It was about an hour’s drive from Banff, but totally worth it. The rapids were fun and bouncy to keep things exciting. Our guide made us feel totally safe, cracked jokes the whole time, and even pointed out a bald eagle nesting in the trees overhead. The best part? Floating through the canyon and catching glimpses of the mountains rising above the river. If you’ve never tried rafting, this is a great introduction.

Tip: You’ll get wet, but wetsuits and gear are included. Bring a towel and change of clothes for afterward—there are bathrooms and changing rooms on-site.

Dinner at Hello Sunshine

Back in Banff town, we stopped for happy hour sushi and drinks. The place had a laid-back, bright vibe with lots of natural light and friendly staff. Their sushi rolls were fresh and flavorful, perfect for unwinding after an active day. It was exactly the kind of casual spot we wanted to relax in without feeling rushed.

Johnston Canyon Evening Hike

After eating, we drove out to Johnston Canyon for an early evening hike. The trail to the lower falls is short and family-friendly, with catwalks suspended over the rushing creek. We kept going to the upper falls and arrived just as golden hour hit—lighting up the canyon walls and making the water look almost silver. It was much quieter than earlier in the day, and the cool canyon air felt amazing after the sun and rafting. If you’re up for a bit more, the Ink Pots trail continues from the falls, but we saved that one for next time.

Dessert and Check-In

To finish the day, we grabbed a warm BeaverTails pastry topped with Hazelnut chocolate and Cinnamon Sugar. Walking through the quiet streets of Banff with that sweet treat in hand felt like the perfect reward after a full day outdoors. Then we checked into our cozy B&B where we rested up for the early morning shuttle to Lake Louise.

Day 2

Lake Louise Sunrise Shuttle

Day two started early… really early. We left Banff around 5:30 in the morning to catch our 6:30 Parks Canada shuttle to Lake Louise. The ride was quiet and a little sleepy but as soon as we stepped off the bus and saw the lake everything shifted. The water was glowing that unreal turquoise and the first light was just starting to hit the peaks behind the lake. Most people head toward the Lake Agnes trail but we were aiming for something longer and a little less crowded.

Hiking the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail

The Plain of Six Glaciers Trail is a must if you want views that keep getting better with every mile. We followed the shoreline before heading up into the valley. The mountains felt close enough to touch and we could hear the occasional crack of shifting ice from the glaciers above. There were marmots squeaking from the rocks and two curious pika that popped out to check us out. On our way back, we stopped at the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse for a break. It is simple and cash-only but sitting on a wooden bench eating chocolate pudding with a glacier view was one of the most surreal and satisfying moments of the trip.

Big Beehive Loop

Instead of heading straight back we added on the Big Beehive Loop which climbs steep switchbacks above Lake Louise. This section was steep but the reward was huge. At the top the lake looked like a tiny gemstone far below surrounded by mountains and forest. We sat on a rock at the viewpoint, at lunch, and just took it all in. The full loop was around twelve miles and we were definitely feeling it by the end but it was worth every step.

Tip: Start early and bring snacks and plenty of water and wear layers. Temperatures shift fast in the alpine and there is very little shade once you pass the treeline.

Dinner at Hankki

After a full day of hiking we were more than ready for dinner. We headed to Hankki a casual Korean spot in Banff and ordered rice bowls topped with spicy pork and kimchi. We also shared a mango bingsu (which we LOVED!) for dessert. It was cold, sweet, and absolutely perfect after twelve miles on our feet. The place had a relaxed vibe and great food and it was exactly what we needed to end the day.

Day 3

Sunrise at Moraine Lake

This was the morning we were most excited for. We booked a sunrise shuttle weeks in advance and left our B&B at 4am to catch it. The drive through the dark felt quiet and surreal but as soon as we arrived at Moraine Lake everything came alive. The sky was just starting to lighten and the peaks around the lake were glowing with soft pink light. It felt like the world had paused. There were only a few other people around and we all stood silently at the shoreline just watching the reflections in the water. This moment alone made the early wakeup worth it.

Breakfast at Trailhead Cafe

Once the sun was fully up we headed into Lake Louise Village for breakfast at Trailhead Cafe. This place is small and popular but it moves fast. We grabbed breakfast burritos and strong coffee. After a freezing morning at the lake the hot food felt amazing. If you need something quick before or after a big hike this is a great stop.

Icefields Parkway Road Trip

After breakfast we hit the road for one of the most scenic drives in the world—the Icefields Parkway. This stretch of Highway 93 runs north from Lake Louise and is packed with roadside stops glacier views and crystal-clear lakes. We stopped often and followed whatever caught our eye. At Bow Lake the wind was sharp and cold and the water looked like glass. At Peyto Lake we hiked up to the overlook and saw the lake shaped like a wolf’s head glowing turquoise in the sun.

We also stopped at Herbert Lake which was quiet and calm and had perfect mountain reflections. It felt like a hidden gem compared to the bigger stops.

Columbia Icefield and Parker Ridge

Further up the parkway we reached the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre. We did not book a glacier tour but still enjoyed the views of the Athabasca Glacier from the edge of the parking area. Just a few minutes down the road we hiked the Parker Ridge Trail which climbs steadily up to sweeping views of the Saskatchewan Glacier. This hike was short but steep and the wind at the top was wild. Still the views were incredible and it felt like standing on the edge of the world.

Waterfalls and Canyon Views

On our way back toward Banff we made quick stops at Panther Falls and the Weeping Wall—both visible from the highway with short trails nearby. We also explored Mistaya Canyon which has deep swirling rock formations carved by glacier runoff. The roar of the water echoing off the canyon walls was intense and the whole area felt powerful and raw.

Dinner at Grizzly House

Back in Banff we ended the day with a fun dinner at Grizzly House. This place is quirky and old-school with hot stone fondue and a menu full of wild meats. We went all in and tried the sampler which included buffalo and alligator and even a tiny bite of rattlesnake. The retro vibe and sizzling fondue made it feel like a true Banff experience and it was a fun way to wind down after a full day on the road.

Day 4

Sunrise in Banff Town

For our last morning in Banff we kept things simple. We took a quiet walk through town just after sunrise and snapped a few photos while the streets were still empty. The mountains lit up with soft morning light and the whole town felt peaceful and calm. It was one of those slow moments that helped us appreciate just how special this place really is. We grabbed coffee from a local spot and wandered through a few gift shops before hitting the road.

Bow Valley Parkway Scenic Drive

From Banff we hopped on the Bow Valley Parkway for one last scenic drive. This route runs parallel to the main highway and winds through dense forest open meadows and mountain views around every corner. We made stops at Hillsdale Meadows and Moose Meadows both great places to spot wildlife in the early morning. We did not see any moose this time but the views were beautiful and the pull-offs were quiet.

Next up was Castle Junction a crossroads area with striking views of Castle Mountain. We parked and took a few minutes to admire the rock face glowing gold in the morning sun. Just a little farther down the parkway we reached Morant’s Curve—a famous photo spot where trains curve through the valley backed by mountains and pine forest. We were lucky enough to catch a train just as we arrived and it made the whole scene feel like a postcard.

Day Trip to Yoho National Park

From there we crossed into Yoho National Park which is only about thirty minutes from Banff but often gets overlooked. Our first stop was the Natural Bridge where rushing water carved a path right through solid rock. Then we headed to Takkakaw Falls—one of the tallest waterfalls in Canada. You can feel the mist from the parking lot and the roar of the water up close is unforgettable.

We also made a quick stop at the Bear Sanctuary viewpoint where we learned about local conservation work and scanned the valley with binoculars. We did not see any bears but loved knowing these protected spaces exist.

Our last stop of the trip was Emerald Lake. The water really is emerald and the quiet mountain backdrop made it feel like a storybook scene. We took a short walk around part of the lake and just sat for a while soaking it all in. It was the perfect final stop before heading back to Banff.

Final Treats

We returned to town to return our borrowed bear spray and made one last stop for bingsu, the perfect ending to a four-day adventure through the Rockies. Then it was time to head to the Calgary Airport and say goodbye to one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever explored.