This 3-day Banff itinerary is best for:
• First-time visitors who want to see the best sights
• Early summer – early fall travel
• Light to moderate hiking (with options for longer hikes)
• Travelers renting a car
Banff is one of the most stunning destinations in Canada, and you can experience so much of its beauty in a three-day Banff itinerary. That’s what we did, and we absolutely loved our experience!
When we visited in early June, we explored Banff with my parents and our 1-year-old. We stayed in Banff for three nights and departed late on the fourth day, giving us basically three full days in Banff.
It was and remains to this day one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited (glassy turquoise lakes, anyone??)! Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Banff has something for everyone.
Before our trip, I did a ton of research to curate our perfect trip. Now that we’ve experienced it firsthand, I’ve tweaked and perfected it to share what I think is the best Banff itinerary out there!
Here I’ll share my recommended itinerary for a three-day trip to Banff, including the best places to stay, eat, and explore. You’ll discover the majestic mountains, beautiful lakes, and charming towns that make Banff so special!
Whether you want to explore the natural beauty of the mountains, lakes, and glaciers or indulge in some outdoor adventures, you can find it all in this three-day Banff itinerary.
Before we jump in, let’s briefly cover a few basics about Banff in case you haven’t been before or are unfamiliar with this part of Canada!
Before You Go: Key Things to Know for Banff
- Best time to visit: Early summer through early fall is ideal for accessible roads, warm weather, and sightseeing. We visited in early June right when Moraine Lake opened for the summer, which was perfect as there were fewer crowds than in peak summer.
- Where to stay: Banff town is central and convenient; Lake Louise offers stunning lake views and outdoor access; Canmore is quieter and often more affordable. We chose to stay near Banff town for the convenience.
- Getting around: A rental car is easiest for exploring the park and surrounding attractions. Public buses, shuttles, and bikes are available if you prefer not to drive. If you’re flying into the region, Banff is about an hour and a half away from Calgary International Airport. We rented a car from the airport for the duration of our stay. While we did our Banff itinerary with a rental car, you can customize this itinerary to work with public transportation.
- What to pack: Layers, layers, layers! Don’t forget a waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes for hiking, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle.
- Banff National Park Pass: Required for entry. Daily passes or annual Discovery Passes are available; purchase online or at the park entrance. We purchased ours at the park’s entrance on the road from Calgary.
Banff National Park Pass Tip:
If you’re exploring national parks in Canada for more than a week, it’s cheaper to buy a Parks Canada Discovery Pass. This pass is valid for a full year and gives you access to more than 100 national parks, marine conservation areas, and historic sites across Canada. See current pricing here.
Alright, now what you came here for… the best Banff itinerary for a three day trip!
Banff 3-Day Itinerary Overview
- Day 1: Lake Louise + Moraine Lake + Yoho National Park
- Day 2: Icefields Parkway + Bow Valley Parkway + Johnston Canyon
- Day 3: More Lakes + Banff Town + Hot Springs
I’ve included everything we did and some tips for other things you can do in the area! You’ll get all of the absolute must-do things in Banff along with hidden gems.
You could also spread this out over more days if you’re looking for a longer Banff itinerary. And, of course, feel free to eliminate items if you’re visiting over the weekend and want a two-day Banff itinerary.
Let’s get to it! Here’s my 3-day Banff itinerary for you!
Banff Itinerary Day 1: Lake Louise, Morraine Lake, and Yoho National Park
On day 1 of this 3-day Banff itinerary, you’ll get to see Banff National Park’s most stunning lakes! Then, you’ll pop into Yoho National Park to see its most majestic lake and natural wonders as well!
Lake Louise
For one of Banff’s most iconic destinations, visit Lake Louise in Banff National Park. It is famous for its glacial lake surrounded by majestic mountains, lush forests, and a historic castle-like hotel.
Hiking Trails in Lake Louise
Some of the most popular hiking trails are the Lake Agnes Tea House Trail (2.1 miles or 3.5 km one way, 400m elevation gain), the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail (4.5 miles or 7.3 km one way, 514 m elevation gain), and the Big Beehive Trail (3.2 miles or 5.2 km one way, 564 m elevation gain). These trails offer spectacular views of the lake, the glaciers, and the surrounding peaks.
The walk around the lake shore is an easy and scenic option, suitable for all ages and abilities. It is about 1.2 miles (2 km) long and takes about 40 minutes to complete. You can enjoy the reflection of the mountains on the water, watch the canoes glide by, and admire the historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
And don’t forget that you can rent a canoe, too! It’s a pricey endeavor, but definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Fairmont Banff Springs vs. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
These two properties are often confused, but they offer very different experiences.
The Fairmont Banff Springs, frequently called the “Castle in the Rockies,” sits just outside Banff town. It offers sweeping mountain views, scenic walking paths, and easy access to nearby attractions like Bow Falls and the Banff Upper Hot Springs. (You’ll learn more about those on Day 3.) This hotel is best for travelers who want a luxury resort feel while staying close to Banff’s restaurants, shops, and activities.
The iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is more remote and scenery-driven, located directly on the shores of Lake Louise. With immediate access to alpine hiking trails and iconic lake views, it’s ideal for travelers who want to prioritize nature, photography, and outdoor adventures over town amenities.
How to Get to Lake Louise
Though you can park right at Lake Louise, you may find parking difficult, especially during peak times. For the best shot at a parking spot, head there early in the morning!
I will say that when we visited in early June, we were able to get a parking spot, even though it was 10am. However, the later you go in the summer, the busier Banff gets, so keep that in mind!
For a guaranteed way to see the lake, take a shuttle bus from the Park and Ride. It’s located at the Lake Louise Ski Resort. You need to book your shuttle ticket online in advance.
I’ll talk more about the Park and Ride option in just a bit. You can also take Roam Public Transit from the town of Banff.
Moraine Lake
One of the most breathtaking places I have ever visited is Moraine Lake in Banff National Park, Canada.
This glacially-fed lake is famous for its brilliant turquoise color and its stunning backdrop of the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Surrounded by majestic mountains and pine forests, I felt like I was in a fairy tale as I explored the shoreline and hiked the nearby trails.
Don’t forget to bring your camera and capture the breathtaking views of the lake and the mountains! (You can see exactly what’s in my camera bag here!)
Hiking Trails in Moraine Lake
You can enjoy the views from the Rockpile Trail, a relatively short and easy hike. I highly recommend it! If you do one hike here, let this be it. It gives you incredible views of the lake, as pictured above. From this high up, the lake also appears even bluer than it does from ground level!
Or you can explore some other amazing trails that start from Moraine Lake, such as the Consolation Lakes Trail, the Eiffel Lake Trail, or the Sentinel Pass Trail.
These trails vary in length and difficulty, but they all offer incredible scenery and opportunities to see wildlife.
How to Get to Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is about 9 miles (14 km) from Lake Louise, and you can get there by taking a Parks Canada shuttle, Roam Public Transit, a commercial bus tour, or hiking/biking there. They no longer allow personal vehicles, so these are your only options! Plan ahead and book your shuttle ticket in advance; I’ll cover more on the Park & Ride Shuttle in the next section of this Banff itinerary.
If you want to arrive for sunrise, some buses run as early as 4am! You can see schedules and timing on Roam Transit here.
All in all, Moraine Lake is a must-see destination on your Banff itinerary. It’s truly breathtaking and a memorable experience for anyone who loves nature and adventure. I’m not being dramatic when I say it’s a Canadian paradise!
Park and Ride – Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Shuttle
If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to visit one of the most stunning lakes in the world, look no further than the Park & Ride shuttle service to Moraine Lake in Banff. This convenient and affordable option is one of the best ways to see Moraine Lake, where driving yourself is not an option.
You’ll board a comfortable and spacious shuttle bus at the Lake Louise Park & Ride lot, located just off Highway 1, and travel along the scenic Moraine Lake Road to your destination.
Once you arrive, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the turquoise waters, towering peaks, and hiking trails of Moraine Lake. When you’re ready to head back, you will join the bus line at Moraine Lake to hop on the next return shuttle. (When we departed for Moraine Lake, there was no wait at all, but the line to return ended up being around a 40-minute wait.)
Book your Park & Ride shuttle reservation online here!
Tip: If you see that the online shuttle is fully booked and you are willing to take time out of your day, you can go to the Park and Ride and inquire about walk-up tickets. We saw people in line to buy tickets when we got there with our online passes, and I was under the impression that tickets were sold out. So it may be an option for you!
Emerald Lake
At this point in my 3-day Banff Itinerary, I recommend driving the pretty short drive to Yoho National Park to see the gorgeous Emerald Lake.
Note: Even though you’ll be entering a new national park, your Banff National Park Pass covers entry to Yoho National Park as well.
Emerald Lake is a gorgeous glacial lake that sparkles with a turquoise hue, surrounded by majestic peaks and lush forests. It owes its brilliant color to the fine glacial sediment that reflects the light. It’s the largest of the park’s 61 lakes and ponds.
Some of the most popular things to do at Emerald Lake are to enjoy a scenic hike around the lake or rent a canoe and paddle on the turquoise water.
Emerald Lake is also a great spot for wildlife viewing. You might see moose, elk, deer, bears, and many birds.
Hiking Trails by Emerald Lake
One of the best ways to explore Emerald Lake is by hiking along its scenic trails. There are several options to choose from, depending on your fitness level, time, and interests. Here are some of the most popular Emerald Lake hikes:
- Emerald Lake Loop: This is an easy and flat hike around the lake shoreline, offering amazing views of the water and mountains. It’s suitable for families and wheelchair users, as part of the trail is paved. The loop is roughly 3 miles (5.1 km) long and takes about 2 hours to complete.
- Emerald Lake Trail / Emerald Basin: This hike is similar to the loop trail but detours up the Emerald Basin, where the lake’s water source originates from glaciers high above. You’ll hike through forests and avalanche chutes and see a waterfall and a rock amphitheater. The trail is moderate and steep in some sections, and it’s 6.2 miles (10 km) long and takes about 3 hours to complete.
- Emerald Triangle: This is a jaw-dropping hike that climbs to Yoho Pass, where you’ll have panoramic views of Emerald Lake, Yoho Valley, and Takakkaw Falls. You’ll also pass by two other beautiful lakes: Yoho Lake and Wapta Lake. The trail is challenging and requires some scrambling. It’s 12 miles long (19.5 km) and takes about 7 hours to complete.
How to Get to Emerald Lake
To get to Emerald Lake, you’ll need to drive along a quiet 2-lane paved road about 9 miles (15 km) long that connects the busy Trans-Canada Highway with the lake.
The exit is well-marked, and there’s a large parking lot at the end of the road. You can also take a shuttle bus from nearby towns like Field or Lake Louise.
To sum it all up, Yoho National Park is a great detour from Banff National Park, and you’ll love Emerald Lake’s natural beauty and tranquility. Whether you want to hike, canoe, ski, or just relax, it’s a great place to add to a 3-day Banff itinerary!
Natural Bridge
On your way back from Emerald Lake, you’ll want to stop at this Canadian natural wonder in Yoho National Park. Natural Bridge is a rock formation that spans the Kicking Horse River. It creates a stunning arch that looks like a bridge.
The river has carved out a deep gorge over thousands of years, creating a hole in the limestone behind what was once a more standard waterfall. The result is a spectacular sight that attracts thousands of visitors every year. The river is a beautiful turquoise color and flows with great force through the narrow opening.
Budget a half hour for this spot, though you can easily spend more or less time here, depending on your interest level. You simply park and walk right up to the various viewing platforms here.
You can admire the Natural Bridge from these viewpoints or even walk across it if you are feeling adventurous!
Now that you’ve explored Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and parts of Yoho National Park, it’s time to head back to your lodging. You can explore the town of Banff if you have extra time.
Banff Itinerary Day 2: Icefields Parkway, Bow Valley Parkway, and Johnston Canyon
On day 2 of this 3-day Banff itinerary, you’ll head northwest to the Icefields Parkway and explore Johnston Canyon on your way back south.
Columbia Icefield Tour
If you’re looking for an amazing adventure in the Canadian Rockies, you should definitely check out the Columbia Icefield tour. It’s about 2 hours away from Banff, but it’s an incredibly scenic drive that is well worth it, in my opinion!
Once you reach the Columbia Icefield visitor’s center, allow around 3 hours for this experience.
The trip’s highlight is the Athabasca Glacier, a massive sheet of ice covering an area of 2.3 mi² (6 km²) and is 984 ft (300 m) thick.
The Athabasca Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world, where you can ride on a specially designed Ice Explorer vehicle and walk on the ice.
Trust me, you will be awed by the beauty and power of nature! Our tour guide told us to take a sip of the glacier water, and it was insanely refreshing!
Glacier Skywalk
On the Columbia Icefield Tour, you’ll also get to experience the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored observation platform that offers stunning views of the Sunwapta Valley and the surrounding mountains.
While your time on the glacier is limited (I believe it was about 30 minutes!), you can stay at the Skywalk as long as you want.
The cost of the tour varies depending on the season and availability, but you can expect to pay around $109 CAD per adult (ages 13+) and $70.85 CAD per child (ages 6-12). Children under 5 are free. You can book your tickets online here.
Note: If you prefer a Columbia Icefield tour that departs from Banff, this full-day tour also includes stops at scenic locations along the Icefields Parkway, such as Bow Lake. You’ll learn about the natural history and geology of the area from your friendly and knowledgeable guide and enjoy a delicious picnic lunch along the way. The Columbia Icefields tour from Banff is a full-day excursion that lasts about 11 hours.
Icefields Parkway
At the Columbia Icefield and have time to see more in the area? One of the most amazing experiences you can have in Canada is visiting the Icefields Parkway in Banff.
This scenic route stretches for 144 miles (232 km) from Lake Louise to Jasper National Park. It offers stunning views of glaciers, mountains, lakes, and waterfalls.
You can stop at beautiful attractions along the way, such as the aforementioned Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier, Peyto Lake, and Bow Lake. You can also enjoy hiking, biking, wildlife watching, and camping in this natural wonderland.
Bow Valley Parkway
On your way back to Banff, instead of taking the Trans-Canada Highway the whole way, veer off and drive down the Bow Valley Parkway. It runs parallel to the main highway for about 31 miles (51 km) and offers a more relaxed and intimate experience of the Canadian Rockies.
It’s an incredibly scenic drive that only adds an extra 20 minutes to your route. Along the way, you’ll see stunning views of mountains (like Castle Mountain pictured below), forests, rivers, and lakes.
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife- you might spot elk, deer, black bears, grizzlies, wolves, coyotes, moose, and more. (We saw a black bear on our drive!)
You’ll also find plenty of hiking trails, picnic areas, historic sites, and attractions to explore. Some of the highlights include Johnston Canyon, Castle Mountain, Baker Creek, and Morant’s Curve.
Be sure to stop at Morant’s Curve for the incredible view of the Bow River that you see above. And next on this Banff Itinerary, we’ll hit up Johnston Canyon, also on the Bow Valley Parkway!
Johnston Canyon
On your way from the Columbia Icefields back to Banff, Johnston Canyon is the perfect detour. It is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Canadian Rockies, and for good reason. You will be amazed by the stunning views of turquoise waterfalls, limestone cliffs, and lush forest.
The trail is well-maintained and suitable for all skill levels. It’s relatively stroller-friendly, too. We pushed James around in his stroller and only had a few instances where we had to lift his stroller up over tree roots/rocks.
I recommend hiking to at least the Lower Falls. These falls require a short hike – only half a mile (1.1 km) from the parking lot. And don’t miss the tunnel entrance to the Lower Falls! It’ll get you right up close to the falls (but be prepared to get very wet if you enter).
From the Lower Falls, you can continue an additional .81 miles (1.3 km) to reach the Upper Falls. We turned back because James was getting fussy, but my dad continued to the Upper Falls and got these photos of the journey:
If you are feeling more adventurous, you can also hike to the Ink Pots. They are seven colorful pools of mineral water located 1.8 miles (3 km) beyond the Upper Falls. No matter how far you go, Johnston Canyon is a really neat experience. I highly recommend adding it to your 3-day Banff itinerary!
Banff Itinerary Day 3: More Lakes, Banff Town, and Hot Springs
On the last day of this 3-day Banff itinerary, you’ll stay right around Banff. You’ll get to explore some beautiful lakes and experience more of the Banff townsite.
Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka means “Water of the Spirits” in Nakoda, the language of the indigenous people who lived in the area for thousands of years. They believed that spirits inhabited the lake and, as such, respected its power and beauty.
Lake Minnewanka is 13 miles (21 km) long and 466 ft (142 m) deep. It is a glacial lake formed by the melting of ice sheets during the last ice age. The Cascade River and several streams feed the lake.
This stunning lake is the largest in the park and offers many activities for all seasons. You can enjoy a boat cruise, a hike, a bike ride, a picnic, or even a scuba dive in the summer.
In fact, Lake Minnewanka is a fascinating place for diving enthusiasts.
The lake has a submerged resort town called Minnewanka Landing. It was flooded in 1941 when a dam was built to increase the lake’s water level! You can see the remains of buildings, bridges, wharves, and artifacts under the water.
The lake also has a unique thermocline that creates different layers of water temperature and visibility.
Lake Minnewanka is also a great place to spot wildlife, such as elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and bears.
Hiking Trails in Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka also has several trails for hiking and biking of various lengths and difficulties. The most popular trail is the Lakeshore Trail, which follows the shoreline for 9.7 miles (15.6 km) one way. It is an easy walk with minimal elevation gain and stunning views of the lake and mountains.
You can also hike to Stewart Canyon, Aylmer Lookout, or Aylmer Pass for more challenging options. Just watch out for bears!
How to Get to Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka is only a 10-minute drive from the town of Banff. It is easily accessible by car, bus, or bike.
There are two large parking lots: one for regular cars and one for RVs and trailers. We had no trouble getting a parking spot here.
You can also take the Roam Route #6 bus from Banff throughout the summer season. You can also cycle here along the scenic Lake Minnewanka Loop.
Two Jack Lake
While visiting Lake Minnewanka, consider adding Two Jack Lake to your Banff itinerary. This beautiful lake is surrounded by majestic mountains and lush forests. It offers many activities for visitors of all ages and interests.
You can enjoy swimming, kayaking, fishing, hiking, biking, or simply soaking in the views.
You can also camp at the lakefront or stay at one of the nearby lodges or hotels.
Though we didn’t have time for Two Jack Lake, I wanted to add it so that you know it’s an option while in this area!
Johnson Lake
Here’s one more lake in this area that you can consider visiting if you have extra time. Johnson Lake in Banff is a beautiful lake and popular swimming spot. It’s one of the warmest lakes in the Rockies because it’s not glacier-fed!
Stunning mountain views surround Johnson Lake. It offers a variety of activities for all ages and skill levels. You can enjoy swimming, kayaking, fishing, hiking, biking, or just relaxing on the shore.
Johnson Lake is also a great spot for wildlife watching, as you might see elk, deer, bears, or even moose.
Johnson Lake is easily accessible by car or bus from Banff, and picnic tables, washrooms, and parking facilities are available.
Banff Town
It’s about time I included the town of Banff in this Banff itinerary! Banff offers a variety of activities for all seasons, such as hiking, skiing, wildlife watching, and hot springs.
Fun fact: the Banff townsite is the highest town in Canada, with an elevation of 4,537 feet (1,383 meters)!
Here are the top things to do in Banff that you can choose from!
Note: I’ve made Banff its own section highlighting different Banff activities. If you have made Banff or Canmore your home base, you can sprinkle these throughout your time in Banff National Park if you find yourself with extra time each day.
Or, if you’re following this Banff itinerary closely, you can dedicate an afternoon to Banff and knock out your favorite things on this list!
Walk Around the Banff Townsite
The Banff townsite is so charming and filled with some great shops and restaurants.
Whether you need some outdoor gear, souvenirs, clothing, art, or books, you will find something to suit your taste and budget!
Here are some of the best shops to visit in the Banff townsite:
- Banff Springs Hotel Gift Shop: This is not your typical hotel gift shop. Here you can browse through a selection of fine jewelry, clothing, accessories, and local crafts. You can also find some unique items related to the history and heritage of the hotel and Banff National Park.
- Mountain Galleries: If you are looking for some beautiful art to take home, you should check out this gallery that features works by Canadian artists. You will find paintings, sculptures, pottery, glassware, and more in a variety of styles and themes.
- Banff Book & Art Den: This cozy bookstore offers a wide range of books on topics such as history, nature, travel, fiction, and more. You can also find some local art, maps, postcards, and magazines. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy a good read.
- Rocky Mountain Soap Company: This is a must-visit for anyone who loves natural and organic products. You can choose from a variety of handmade soaps, lotions, bath salts, candles, and more that are made with ingredients from the Rocky Mountains.
Mount Norquay Lookout
If you’re looking for a scenic spot to enjoy the beauty of Banff National Park, you should check out the Mount Norquay Lookout.
It’s a short and easy walk from the top of the Mt Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift, which takes you up to 7,000 feet above sea level in just 8 minutes.
From the lookout, you can admire the stunning views of the Bow Valley, the Canadian Rockies, and the town of Banff. You can also see the famous Mount Rundle, which is one of the most photographed mountains in Canada.
The Mount Norquay Lookout is a great place to take some amazing photos, relax, and breathe in the fresh mountain air.
You can also grab a bite or a drink at the Cliffhouse Bistro, which is located near the chairlift terminal.
The Mount Norquay Lookout is open from June to October, you can get tickets for the chairlift here.
You can also take a free shuttle bus from Banff town to Mount Norquay, which runs several times a day.
Banff Gondola
If you’re looking for an amazing mountaintop experience in Banff, you should definitely check out the Banff Gondola. The Banff Gondola is a cable car that takes you to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. There you can enjoy an amazing birdseye view of the national park and stunning views of the town, Bow Valley, and the Canadian Rockies.
The gondola ride is about 8 minutes long in each direction. See tickets and pricing here.
The Banff Gondola is located at the end of Mountain Avenue, about a 5-minute walk from downtown Banff. You can also take a free shuttle bus from various locations in town.
Once you reach the top, you can explore the world-class mountaintop discovery center, which features an interpretive center, a theater, a rooftop deck, and a boardwalk to the Cosmic Ray Station and Sanson Peak.
You can also dine at the award-winning Sky Bistro or grab a snack at Northern Lights. There are often live music, events, and special programs to enhance your experience.
Don’t forget your camera and dress warmly, as it can get chilly at the summit!
Note: this isn’t the only gondola in this part of Banff!
The Banff Gondola offers a more polished, accessible experience. It has interpretive exhibits, boardwalks, and dining. It’s ideal for first-time visitors and casual sightseeing. Alternatively, there’s the Banff Sunshine Summer Gondola. The Sunshine Village Gondola feels more immersive and outdoors-focused. It’s better suited for travelers who want to explore alpine terrain through hiking in summer.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
Banff Upper Hot Springs are Canada’s highest-elevation operational hot springs, at 5,200 ft (1,585 m) above sea level.
You can enjoy the outdoor hot pool with a stunning view of the mountains. Its mineral-rich waters have attracted visitors since 1886.
Other than relaxing, you can also learn more about the history and geology of the hot springs at the interpretive exhibits and the Wonder of Water hydrology exhibit. You can also rent a historic swimsuit from the 1920s for a fun photo opportunity!
Don’t forget to bring your own towel or rent one for $2.00 CAD.
How to Get to Banff Upper Hot Springs
The Banff Upper Hot Springs are located near the top of Sulphur Mountain, 2.5 miles (4 km) south of the town of Banff. You can get there by car, following the signs on Mountain Avenue, or by taking the Roam transit route 1, “Sulphur Mountain,” from downtown Banff.
The transit buses run every 20 minutes during the regular hours of operation, and parking at the site is limited and fills quickly.
The walk from the parking lot to the hot springs is about 10 minutes, depending on your pace. The distance is about 500 meters, and the path is paved and well-maintained. The walk is not very steep or difficult, but you may feel some effects of the altitude if you are not used to it!
Legacy Trail
If you’re looking for a fun and scenic way to explore Banff National Park, try cycling the Banff Legacy Trail. This is a paved and multi-use trail that connects Banff and Canmore, two charming mountain towns in Alberta, Canada. You can enjoy stunning views of the Rockies, stop at picnic areas, and learn about the history and nature of the park from interpretive panels along the way.
The Banff Legacy Trail is 13.8 miles (22.3 km) long, but you can extend your ride to 16.6 miles (26.8 km) if you include the section outside the park gates that leads to the Travel Alberta Visitor Information Center in Canmore. This is also known as the Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail. The trail is mostly flat, but some gentle hills and curves keep things interesting. Depending on your speed and how often you stop, you can expect to spend 2-3 hours for a round-trip hike.
The trail is easy to access from both Banff and Canmore. You can start from the Bow Valley Parkway near the town of Banff or from the Travel Alberta Visitor Information Centre in Canmore. There are also several parking lots along the trail where you can leave your car and hop on your bike. You can find a map of the trail here!
The Banff Legacy Trail is a great way to experience the beauty and culture of Banff National Park in an environmentally friendly way. It’s suitable for all ages and abilities, and you can rent bikes from several shops in Banff or Canmore if you don’t have your own.
The trail is best enjoyed from mid-April to mid-October, weather permitting. So grab your helmet, water bottle, and camera, and prepare for an unforgettable ride!
Surprise Corner Viewpoint
This is a quick stop that I’m kicking myself for missing on my trip to Banff!
Surprise Corner Viewpoint is one of the easiest places to see the Fairmont Banff Springs without setting foot on the property. From this overlook, you’ll get a clear view of the hotel framed by the Bow River and surrounding mountains.
It’s a quick stop just minutes from Banff town, with a small parking area and a short walk to the viewpoint.
3-Day Banff Itinerary Map
Here is a Google map of all of the various spots you’ll visit on this 3-day Banff itinerary.
I recommend downloading Google offline maps. That way you can still navigate throughout the park even with very spotty cell coverage.
You can save my Google Map so that you can reference it while on your trip.
In conclusion…
Banff is a stunning destination that offers something for everyone.
I hope this Banff itinerary makes your trip incredibly beautiful and memorable.
You’ll be amazed by how much you can see and do in such a short time, and you’ll leave with unforgettable memories and a desire to return.
Banff is more than just a place; it’s a Canadian paradise where you will make the most incredible memories. Don’t miss this chance to experience it for yourself!
Safe travels,
Jasmine
One Response
Great information and pictures!