3 Days in Banff: The Perfect Rockies Itinerary
Three days in Banff gives you the marquee sights — Sulphur Mountain, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake — plus a hike or two and time to soak in the hot springs. It's the ideal first-timer's Rockies weekend.
Three days in Banff gives you the marquee sights — Sulphur Mountain, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake — plus a hike or two and time to soak in the hot springs. It's the ideal first-timer's Rockies weekend.
The full plan
Ride the Banff Gondola to the Sulphur Mountain summit boardwalk for 360° views over the Bow Valley.
Lunch at the Summit Bistro atop the gondola, or back in Banff town at a café.
Soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs, then stroll Banff Avenue and the Bow River trail.
Dinner in downtown Banff — try the Bison or Eden for Rocky Mountain cuisine.
Walk the Surprise Corner viewpoint over the Banff Springs hotel at dusk.
Banff town
Drive to Lake Louise early (before 8am) and canoe the turquoise water while it's calm.
Picnic or the Lake Louise village deli.
Take the Parks Canada shuttle to Moraine Lake and walk the Rockpile Trail; if time, hike to the Lake Agnes Tea House.
Dinner at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or back in Banff.
Rest — tomorrow is a big hiking day.
Banff town or Lake Louise village
Hike Johnston Canyon to the Upper Falls (or the Ink Pots) along the Bow Valley Parkway.
Lunch in Banff town.
Choose a hike — Tunnel Mountain for an easy summit, or Sundance Canyon for a quieter trail.
Farewell dinner in Banff.
Drive the Lake Minnewanka loop for wildlife at dusk before you leave.
Banff town, or onward to Canmore or Jasper
Where to stay
Banff town for walkability and dining; Lake Louise village to be closer to the lakes.
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