Short on time but still want to see stunning scenery and awe inspiring sights in Banff? You need a proven Banff Itinerary for getting the most from your trip!
The lively resort town of Banff, is located in Banff National Park in the province of Alberta, Canada. With the peaks of both Mt Cascade and Mt Rundle as it’s backdrop, it is easy to understand it’s popularity.
Banff Itinerary For 3, 4 or 5 Days
Banff is a formidable mountain destination with many facets to its personality. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, it showcases all that is stunning about nature. Snow capped peaks, gushing waterfalls, turquoise blue reflective lakes and kilometres of scenic hikes, sit alongside a quaint yet rustic bustling main street.
You could easily spend a few weeks here with so many sights to explore. However, this guide is for those of you with a limited amount of time, looking to visit the top highlights of Banff and the surrounding area. The must see places are subject to taste, opinion and interest, so these are our suggestions based on personal tries and tested visits.
BEST TIME TO VISIT BANFF
Banff is a year round destination, moving seamlessly from season to season, each having their own characteristics. Banff in Summer brings warmer temperatures, longer daylight hours, open trails, higher accommodation costs and more visitors. Banff in Winter brings skiers, shorter colder days, frozen lakes and closed trails.
This Banff Itinerary is best between Late June and Mid September
The months of June and September bring some warmth, enough daylight to pack in a good day’s worth of sightseeing, cheaper accommodation and less crowds. We have visited during both June/July and September and can recommend them for a great trip.
ARRIVING INTO BANFF
Option 1 – Calgary to Banff
- The easiest option for International Visitors, is to arrive into Calgary International Airport and take the Trans Canada Highway west into Banff National Park. The journey time driving from Calgary to Banff is approximately 127 km / 1.5 hours. You will see the most amazing views of mountains along the way.
Option 2 – Edmonton to Banff
- Visitors can also drive from Edmonton to Banff in approximately 414 km / 4.25 hours.
Option 3 – Calgary Airport to Banff
- If you do not wish to drive to Banff, use Banff Airporter, a shuttle which leaves Calgary roughly, every hour. Check out the official site for schedule and rates.
GETTING AROUND BANFF NATIONAL PARK
The best way to get around Banff and the surrounding area, is in your own car or rental vehicle / RV. This offers the most flexibility, allowing you to get to places early and at your own pace.
Car Rental depots are located at Calgary International Airport as well as downtown Banff, and you can find the best prices through Rentalcars.
You will find parking at main tourist spots and hiking trails, but bear in mind that during summer months, these spaces will fill up quickly.
Parking within Banff Town is at a premium, so use BanffParking to locate available parking spaces dependent on your vehicle type.
Roam Shuttle Bus
A great initiative for getting around Banff Town and the numerous attractions, is the ROAM transit bus service. You park your vehicle at one of several designated parking lots, then use the cheap ROAM bus to get around. For schedules, routes and fares, check out the official site.
Parks Canada Shuttles
Leave your vehicle at the Park and Ride, located 6km east of Lake Louise Village and take the shuttle to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. All Parks Canada shuttle fares must be booked in advance. Reservations are required for entrance on a Parks Canada shuttle – walk-up seat sales are not permitted.
HOW MANY DAYS ARE NEEDED IN BANFF?
This really depends on what you want to do and how long you can afford to spend on the trip. If you are very active and want to include a couple of hikes then I suggest at least 3 days to fit in the main highlights. The optimal time for Banff and the surrounding area is 3-5 days.
This time frame will enable you to cover Banff, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Icefields Parkway and perhaps Yoho National Park.
BANFF ITINERARY FOR 3 DAYS
DAY 1 / JOHNSTON CANYON & BANFF TOWNSITE
Plunging Waterfalls & Iconic Banff Sights
OVERVIEW:
Banff National park was established in 1885 following the discovery by 3 railway workers of a natural hot spring. The rest is indeed history! Thankfully you can now discover the sheer beauty that this park holds. From the simplicity and delight of popular Banff Townsite to glaciers, ice fields, majestic scenery, mountain peaks and scenic trails to georgeous blue lakes and historic buildings. There is a new discovery to be made around every corner!
SIGHTS SEEN:
Johnston Canyon, Whyte Museum, Bow River & Falls, Banff Springs Hotel, Tunnel Mountain Trail and Lake Minnewanka Scenic Loop
START / Leave Banff on Trans-Canada Hwy heading west, then take the exit for Bow Valley Parkway. Johnston Canyon is signposted on the right hand side. Aim to arrive at the Canyon by 8.30 am as it can get very busy, detracting from your enjoyment.
JOHNSTON CANYON
This is a very popular and easy hike with the trail leading to lower falls, upper falls and several smaller pools of mineral springs that bubble to the surface, known as the Ink Pots.
Access into the deep canyon is courtesy of catwalks, affixed to the limestone cliffs. You will reach the lower falls in 30 min, upper falls in an hour and the return trip to both falls should take about 2.5 hours.
Return to Banff for a leisurely lunch. Park in Bow Avenue South car park and take the ROAM bus around town for the rest of the day.
WHYTE MUSEUM OF THE CANADIAN ROCKIES
Discover the history and culture of Banff and the Rocky Mountains to get an excellent perspective on the town and its surroundings. Opened originally in 1968 by local artists Catherine & Peter Whyte, the museum houses a heritage gallery, art, and artifacts and is the largest privately funded public museum in Canada.
Whyte Museum / 111 Bear St, Open daily 10 am – 5 pm, Adults $10
Part of the appeal of Banff is that you can walk everywhere, plus many sights are easily accessed from the town centre. Wander around its avenues, browse its boutique shops and sit and relax in one of its independently run coffee shops.
Visit the excellently run and stocked visitor centre at 224 Banff Avenue, and grab a Trail Map.
BOW RIVER TRAIL & BOW FALLS TRAIL
This easy, quiet riverside trail with scenic views, follows Bow River and can be accessed at the corner of Bow Avenue / Buffalo Street from Central Park. Cross over the pedestrian bridge and continue along the south shore of the river on the Bow Falls Trail, to view the roaring rapids of Bow Falls.
From here, continue along River Avenue, Bow Falls Avenue and Spray Avenue to the iconic Banff Springs Hotel. Stroll around its ornate lobby and admire its 1920’s architecture.
Global Gadding Tip / Climb the grand staircase to Mezzanine Level 1, and wander through Rundle Lounge. Take the side door out onto the Upper Bow Valley Terrace for great views. Then stop for a coffee and slither of cake in STOCK Food & Drink on the Lobby Level.
Take ROAM Route 3 (Orange) downtown, exiting at St Julien. Pick up the Tunnel Mountain Trail Lower trailhead on St. Julien Road, near the Banff Centre.
TUNNEL MOUNTAIN TRAIL
The trail, with moderately steep switchbacks, takes you up the forested side of the mountain. Once at the top, you will have fantastic 360 degree views over the townsite, Bow and Spray River valleys and surrounding mountain peaks.
Tunnel Mountain Trail / Elevation 300 m, 4.3 km / 2-3 hours return
Return to your car by late afternoon. From Banff Avenue, head towards Highway 1 and cross under it. On the other side it becomes Lake Minnewanka Drive. The drive takes 30 / 40 minutes at a leisurely pace without stopping, but trust me, you will want to stop and hopefully snap some incredible sunset photos from one of the lakes.
LAKE MINNEWANKA SCENIC LOOP
The scenic loop road is 24 km in length and the first place you will arrive at is Cascade Ponds.
CASCADE PONDS
What a stunner. With a quaint bridge crossing over the lake and glorious Rundle Mountain in reflected perfection over the water, you could be mistaken for thinking you had landed in paradise.
After Cascade Ponds, keep right heading counter-clockwise on the road and your next stop is Johnson Lake.
JOHNSON LAKE
With a sandy beach and a 3 km looped trail, this is a local’s favourite.
TWO JACK LAKE
Two Jack Lake is a beauty, especially during sunrise / sunset. There is a popular campground, picnic tables and a surreal mountain view. Stroll along the shoreline and gaze at the stunning mountain range reflections in the tranquil water!
LAKE MINNEWANKA
The largest lake in Banff National Park with a backdrop of mountain peaks, canoeing, picnicking, trails and a boat dock. Scenic cruises ply the lake back and forth to Devil’s Gap. At 21 km in length, there is plenty of scope for stunning reflections to be viewed.
The only thing left to do is head back into town and enjoy dinner to finish the day.
DAY 2 / ICEFIELDS PARKWAY & ATHABASCA GLACIER
Drive the spectacular Icefields Parkway
OVERVIEW:
The Icefields Parkway is often referred to as one of the most scenic roads in the world. In fact, National Geographic named it “the drive of a lifetime“, a journey, not a destination.
To do this drive justice, I strongly suggest that you make an early start. Yes, about 6am! A huge swath of sensational scenery, waterfalls, glaciers and roaming wildlife is packed into the 232 km stretch of mountain road. While you can fit in the main highlights in a day, if you have more time, it is definitely worth an overnight stop in Jasper so that some longer hikes can be done. Either way, be prepared to make numerous stops to take in the astounding and staggeringly beautiful scenery which appears around every corner.
SIGHTS SEEN:
Bow Lake, Bow Summit & Peyto Lake, Mistaya Canyon, Big Bend Lookout, Columbia Icefield & Athabasca Glacier, Sunwapta Falls, Tangle Creek Falls, Saskatchewan Crossing, Herbert Lake and hopefully lots of wildlife.
START / Leave Banff on Hwy 1, then join Hwy 93N at Lake Louise towards Jasper
BOW LAKE
A great first stop along the Bow River to see the beautiful glacier fed Bow Lake, with stunning reflective views of Bow Summit in the turquoise coloured water.
BOW SUMMIT AND PEYTO LAKE
Peyto Lake is very popular, so it pays to get here early. From the carpark it is a short gentle uphill 2 km (1.2 mile) hike to the main viewpoint and an extra 10 min walk to the Upper Peyto Lake Viewpoint. Make sure you read the information boards which explain how the lake gets its vibrant blue colour.
**** Parks Canada are currently in the process of doing improvements at Peyto Lake, so be sure to check the main website for up to date information of closures. ****
MISTAYA CANYON
From the parking area, it is a 300 m downhill walk through forest to a wooden bridge, where you cross over the river and can see the deep canyon. Walk around to get different views of the raging water and rock formations.
BIG BEND LOOKOUT
Continue along the Parkway for a further 39 km / 32 min before stopping at this scenic lookout point. Aptly named “Big Bend”, the hairpin turn leads to a roadside pullout affording fantastic views of the Parkway and it’s accompanying mountains.
COLUMBIA ICEFIELD & ATHABASCA GLACIER
Next stop is the largest Icefield in the Canadian Rockies and south of the Arctic Circle. The mighty Athabasca Glacier can be viewed from the roadside, via a short trail or even by walking onto the ice with a tour.
- Option 1 – Park in the Icefields Parkway Discovery Centre, cross the road and follow the signed trail to view Athabasca glacier’s toe close up. Distance 1 km return / 20 mins (FREE)
- Option 2 – To actually set foot on the ice, book a Columbia Icefield Adventure experience which also includes admission to the Skywalk, a cliff-edge walkway with spectacular views below, of Sunwapta Valley. (You CAN’T do the Icefield Adventure on it’s own)
Starting from the Glacier Discovery Centre, you are transported onto the ice aboard the Ice Explorer, and informed about everything glacial by your driver. Once on the ice you have about 20 minutes to wander around admiring this ancient glacier before heading back.
You then travel by coach to the Glacier Skywalk, the second part of your tour. Here along a km length of glass-bottomed walkway, you learn about the geology of the area.
DETAILS / Details of both tours, hours of operation and rates found here.
SUNWAPTA FALLS
A line of spruce trees frame this gushing waterfall which is reached via a short hike. An island splits the river into two and you can view the upper and lower falls easily.
ATHABASCA FALLS
Not as picturesque as other falls, they are mighty powerful and the trail allows you to view them from several different angles, giving a different perspective.
JASPER
Depending on what time it is, one option is to continue to the town of Jasper for lunch. Journey time is 32 km / 45 min each way. This is a cheaper place to re-fuel and stock up on snacks if you didn’t bring any with you and there are numerous cafe options.
Otherwise, you will turn back towards Banff after your stop at Athabasca Fall.
TANGLE CREEK FALLS
Keep an eye out for these roadside falls as they are easy to miss as you are driving along. Pull over and take a closer look, they are a delicate cascade of water.
SASKATCHEWAN RIVER CROSSING
Stop at the crossing, where fur traders and travellers used to cross the North Saskatchewan River in the 19th century as they journeyed to British Columbia. Makes a good refreshment / washroom stop.
HERBERT LAKE
This is your last stop and hopefully you will witness the lake at its best, still water, and photogenic mirror image reflections of the trees and mountains. A perfect end to a fantastic day!
Continue your drive back to Banff and enjoy a great dinner at one of the many restaurants in town.
GLOBAL GADDING TIPS FOR THE DAY
- Fill up with fuel in Banff or Lake Louise as it will be cheaper than your only other option at Saskatchewan Crossing.
- Ensure that you have a National Parks Pass on display, which is compulsory.
- Start the morning with a BIG breakfast as you will have a long day ahead of you!
- Ideally take a packed picnic with you and find a “spot with a view” to enjoy it. Use the washrooms at the Icefields Discovery Centre.
- Leave as early as possible, you will not regret it!!
- Finally, keep a look out for wonderful wildlife.
DAY 3 / MORAINE LAKE, LAKE LOUISE, BANFF
Discover Turquoise Blue Lakes
OVERVIEW:
An iconic view that most people will easily recognise of the Rockies is sublime Moraine Lake and serene Lake Louise. The latter was named after Queen Victoria’s fourth daughter, and is simply stunning any time of year.
Together with the imposing and historic Chateau Lake Louise, a luxury lodge, there are numerous scenic trails to allow you sight of the surrounding majestic mountains. And back in Banff, you are able to see the town from above, as you soar up the tree-line in a gondola.
SIGHTS SEEN:
Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Lake Agnes Teahouse Trail, Vermilion Lakes, Banff Gondola
START / Leave Banff on Hwy 1 towards Lake Louise. Turn off 6 km east of Lake Louise Village and leave your vehicle in the Park and Ride car park.
Getting To And Around Lake Louise Area
Planning ahead is the key to a smooth travel experience to both Moraine and Lake Louise due to their increasing popularity. Visitors staying in the area between May and October will experience full parking lots in both areas by sunrise!
For the purposes of this Banff Itinerary, I have assumed that most people will NOT want to be up, and parked at this hour of the morning. But fear not, there is a very organised way to take the hassle out of arriving and enjoying your time here. The answer? Parks Canada shuttles!
Parks Canada shuttles all start from the Park and Ride and MUST be booked in advance. Walk -up seat sales are not permitted. This will ensure that you have an allocated seat on the shuttle and cut down on waiting times too. You can make reservations online or by phone beginning April 1, 2020. Full details are available from Parks Canada.
MORAINE LAKE
Moraine Lake: Parks Canada shuttle – Reservations required
- May 22 to October 12, 2020
- Proof of reservation needed to enter Park and Ride car park lot
- Departs 8 am to 5 pm, every 15 minutes from Park and Ride
- From June 22 to September 20 there is an early departure shuttle to Moraine Lake, every 30 minutes from 6 am to 8 am
Catch the 6 am early departure shuttle to Moraine Lake and the trailhead for your hike begins just beyond the Moraine Lake Lodge. Sunrise views are sublime!
Moraine Lake Lakeshore Hike is 3 km / 45 min round trip and with minimal elevation gain, is a great way to explore this beautiful lake together with views of Mount Fay and Fay Glacier.
GlobalGadding Tip /
- If you fancy another quieter hike, try the easy 2 hr / 5.8 km round trip hike to Consolation Lakes for spectacular views.
- Grab a drink from Moraine Lake Lodge’s Snowshoe Café and sit to admire the view.
All trails are described on a map board so you can’t get lost.
**** This area is renowned for bear activity, and Parks Authorities sometimes enforce a “hiking in groups of 4 person minimum” restriction for hikes. Check the official site before you set off and always carry bear spray and a whistle with you for safety. ****
From Moraine Lake take the shuttle to Lake Louise, your next stop.
LAKE LOUISE
Lake Louise is one of those iconic Rockies sights that most visitors have on their bucket list, so the surroundings are usually busy. Try and arrive as early as possible (hence the early arrival at Moraine Lake!).
LAKE AGNES TEA HOUSE TRAIL
Walk past the Fairmont Chateau Hotel along the lakeshore path. The trail to the Lake Agnes Tea House is marked off to your right and is the starting point for this great trail.
The trail climbs steadily from start to finish, so take your time if needed and enjoy the views along the way of Mirror Lake. You are rewarded at the top with a stop at the delightful tea house and Lake Agnes.
Considering the lack of electricity or running water, the wonderful staff offer a variety of yummy temptations, one of which is apple crumble, although after all your walking you will probably be ready for lunch!
Lake Agnes Tea House Trail is 3.6 km / 1 hour plus each way, with an elevation gain of 400 m / 1312 ft. It can be hard going for your knees coming back down. The tea house is cash only and while there is often a queue, the food and views are worth the wait.
Global Gadding Tip / If the hike to Lake Agnes Tea House is too energetic for you, why not try the easy and accessible Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail. Starting from the Upper Lake Louise parking area, the 4 km / 2 hour trail ends at a milky creek that gives the lake its alluring colour.
Return to Banff on Hwy 1 and take the right hand turn into Vermilion Lakes Road.
VERMILION LAKES
Vermilion Lakes Road is 4.3 kms of glorious scenery and the chance to spot some of Banff’s wildlife. Self guided interpretive panels give an insight into the area, a series of wetland lakes.
Find a spot to sit and admire the views of Mount Rundle.
Head back to town to enjoy your final stop of the day.
BANFF GONDOLA
You can either have dinner in one of the restaurants in town, or treat yourself to a dining experience with a view!
Discover Banff from a different perspective, by taking the Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. The four-passenger enclosed gondola, climbs over the treetops in eight minutes. When you arrive at the top (elevation 2,281 m / 7,486 ft), you have perfect views over 6 mountain ranges, stretching in every direction.
Be sure to walk around, look at the interpretive exhibits and take in the view from the rooftop observatory deck.
If you have chosen to dine here, there are several options to choose from. Check them out here.
Banff Gondola /
- Hours, Location and pricing details can be found on the website.
- Buy online and save! Advanced tickets will always cost less.
BANFF ITINERARY FOR 4 DAYS
If you have more than 3 days for your trip, then read on for more exploration of this stunning area.
DAY 4 / YOHO NATIONAL PARK
Discover Waterfalls, Lakes And Railway Engineering
OVERVIEW:
Yoho National Park, established in 1886, lies along the western side of the Continental Divide, in British Columbia. Although smaller than the other Parks, it is still full of natural wonders to discover. In fact, it’s name is a Cree expression meaning “awe and wonder” which aptly describes it’s mountains, peaks, waterfalls and lakes!
SIGHTS SEEN:
Spiral Tunnels, Kicking Horse Pass, Natural Bridge, Emerald Lake, Town Of Field and Takkakaw Falls
START: Leave Banff on the Trans-Canada Highway 1 and head West
LOWER SPIRAL TUNNEL SCENIC VIEWPOINT
Your first stop of the day, and a chance to see a master of railway engineering, that is, the Spiral Tunnels. Walk to the viewing platform for incredible views of Mt Ogden, Yoho Glacier and Yoho Valley below.
The engineering marvel of the spiral tunnels, reduced the railway grade in the treacherous and steep Kicking Horse Pass. Today, as many as 30 trains pass through the tunnels daily, on their route through the Rocky Mountains.
Read about the history of the railway and tunnels provided on several interpretative displays, then keep your eyes open for a train!
Lower Viewpoint : 18 km west of Lake Louise / Off right hand side of Hwy 1
NATURAL BRIDGE
This once solid piece of ancient rock, has over time, by carved and cut by the strong rushing torrents of Kicking Horse River. Stop and view this natural wonder, 1.6 km along Emerald Lake Road.
Global Gadding Tip / Visit Takkakaw Falls in the afternoon when the light provides better viewing.
Continue approximately 7 km / 10 mins along Emerald Lake Road to your next stop.
EMERALD LAKE
This is a very popular lake, named after it’s incredible emerald green colour water. Complete the easy trail around the circumference of the lake, where you can enjoy different vistas, including the strategically placed hand-hewn timber lodge.
The shores of the lake make for a scenic picnic spot, or you could enjoy a drink in Cilantro Café, while you gaze at the incredible mountain views.
After refreshments, hire a canoe from The Boathouse Trading Company located across the main bridge by the upper parking lot.
Trail Around The Lake / 5 km and 1.5 hours return
Canoe Rental / $70/hr per canoe for up to 3 Adults maximum, or 2 adults and 2 small children. Summer hours (July & August) 9 am – 5.45 pm / Spring and fall (May ,June, September & October) hours are shorter, typically from 10 am – 4:45 pm.
Make your way back along Emerald Lake Road and turn left onto Trans-Canada Hwy 1 East, continue to the town of Field.
TOWN OF FIELD
The small historic town of Field, was originally built back in 1886 by the Canadian Pacific Railway Company. Today it serves as the only settlement in Yoho, a close-knit community of about 200 residents, with a visitor centre, accommodation, artisan crafts and a few nice eateries.
Wander around to admire the buildings, many of which date back to when the Railway Company’s headquarters were in town. There is also a great view from the edge of town, overlooking the river.
Then it’s time for a late lunch stop at the legendary Truffle Pigs Bistro, where you can enjoy innovative dishes such as Wing A Dingdings, Big Rig Pig Burger and Stoner Naan.
After a leisurely lunch overlooking the incredible mountain scenery, return to Hwy 1 and head east before turning left onto Yoho Valley Road, about 4 km east of Field.
Truffle Pigs Bistro / 100 Center Street, Open 7 days a week
YOHO VALLEY ROAD
This scenic road is only open from mid-June to mid-October, and is best suited to small vehicles due to steep and tight switchbacks. The scenery and views of glaciers, rivers, mountain peaks and waterfalls are sublime as you travel through a deep valley.
Keep an eye out near the 2-3 km mark, where the Upper Spiral Tunnel in Cathedral Mountain can be seen from the pull-off viewpoint.
A short distance further on, is the Meeting of the Waters viewpoint, and a chance to see the raging Kicking Horse River being joined by Yoho River.
At the end of Yoho Valley Road you will find the parking area for your next stop, Takkakaw Falls.
TAKKAKAW FALLS
With a sign stating that the word “takakkaw” means “magnificent” in the Cree language, this waterfall has a lot to live up to.
With a total height of 373 m (1,224 ft), a main drop of 254 m (833 ft) and holding a position of 2nd tallest waterfall in Canada, they are indeed magnificent.
Easily accessible from the parking lot via a short trail, their roaring sound can be heard immediately. Cross the bridge over the Yoho River to the base of the falls to admire their beauty. Be sure to protect your camera equipment from the heavy mist.
Leave Yoho National Park on Hwy 1 towards Lake Louise, then pick up the Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A) towards Banff. Keep a look out for any wildlife along the way.
CASTLE CLIFFS
Stop at this parking area for an incredible viewpoint of Castle Mountain with it’s terraced exterior face. The platform is reached via a short pathway.
Continue back to Banff, parking downtown and taking ROAM bus, route 1 up Sulphur Mountain. Follow the foot path to Banff Upper Hot Springs.
BANFF UPPER HOT SPRINGS
What a perfect way to end the day, soaking in the hot mineral water as you gaze out over the glorious mountain scenery. A truly authentic experience when visiting Banff.
BANFF ITINERARY FOR 5 DAYS
If you have more than 4 days for your trip, then read on for more exploration of this stunning area.
DAY 5 / WOLFDOG SANCTUARY & SUNSHINE MEADOWS
Make Friends With A Wolfdog & Visit Sunshine Meadows
OVERVIEW:
For the chance to see a wolf, you can visit a well regarded sanctuary and really learn a lot about their behaviour. Banff is a year round destination with renowned ski runs, however, the summer months are a great time to go hiking at the ski resorts.
Banff Sunshine Village is located on the Continental Divide of the Rockies, placing it within both Alberta and British Columbia. There are numerous hiking opportunities and the Sunshine Meadows are glorious to explore.
SIGHTS SEEN:
Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, Sunshine Meadows, Mt Norquay Scenic Drive
START / Leave Banff on Hwy 1A towards Calgory, turning left onto Range Road 53.
YAMNUSKA WOLFDOG SANCTUARY
Take the 10.30am Interactive Tour, lasting 45-60 minutes to better understand these beautiful wolfdogs. The non-profit organisation oversees rescue of abandoned or neglected wolfdogs and via education, responsibility of ownership.
During the tour you get to meet some wolfdogs and wolves up-close, and come away with a better understanding of their behavior, plus plenty of photos!
Return to Banff and then head west on the Trans Canada Highway, and follow the signs for the Sunshine Village exit. Continue on the Sunshine access road for 8.3 km. There is plenty of parking with easy access to the meadows via the gondola.
SUNSHINE MEADOWS
From the parking lot, the high-speed eight-passenger gondola elevates you in 25 minutes, to the Upper Village. Here, you can enjoy lunch at one of the cafes. Check out your choices here.
From the Upper Village you can ride the Standish Express Chairlift to the top of Mount Standish in approximately 8 minutes. From here, follow the trail to Rock Isle Lake.
Alternatively, follow Rock Isle Road Trail to Rock Isle Lake Viewpoint. I suggest the trail on the way up and the chairlift on the way back down.
Rock Isle Road – Village To Rock Isle Viewpoint / 1.8 km / 2 hour round trip.
The views are incredible and be sure to watch out for wildlife! Continue walking to the Standish Viewing Deck for more magnificent scenery, before taking the chairlift back down.
Details /
- Check the hours of operation for the chairlift
- Prices are listed here.
- Print out a trail map here.
- If you don’t want to drive, Sunshine Village operates a daily shuttle service to and from Banff.
From the parking lot follow Sunshine Road back to Hwy 1 before turning left onto Mt Norquay Scenic Drive. You are able to view Banff and the surrounding area from a pull-in viewpoint.
Head back to Banff and enjoy the rest of the day wandering around the shops and cafes, unless you want to tackle another trail!
OTHER ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
National Park Pass
You will need to purchase a park pass for the total number of days that you are visiting the park. You can visit all the Parks in this itinerary using the same pass and come and go between them as you want. The pass MUST be clearly on show through the windscreen.
Daily passes are valid until 4 pm the next day, regardless of what time it was purchased. If there are more than 2 adults entering the park for a day / couple of days, it will be cheaper to buy the daily Family/Group Pass.
Daily Pass Fees are currently $10 Adult / $20 Family Group, but check the official site for up to date costs.
Where To Stay In Banff
While you have a multitude of accommodation options, more importantly you have to book in advance. Especially during the summer months, it is not too early to book accommodation 6-12 months in advance to avoid disappointment.
BANFF TOWN
- Fairmont Banff Springs – With an idyllic location, this iconic castle in the sky, offers a superb range of facilities, luxury and will leave you feeling very special. Be sure to check prices, as you can often get an affordable price – or simply treat yourself!
- Rimrock Resort – Overlooking Banff and located on the slopes of Sulphur Mountain, this hotel offers charm and sophistication. Check out the rooms, you won’t be disappointed.
- Moose Hotel And Suites – Offers a great location along Banff Avenue, with a contemporary mountain lodge feel. Check out the homely and warm feeling suites.
- Elk & Avenue – Offers a modern design and a great town centre location. It’s not difficult picturing yourself curled up on the bed after a day of sightseeing.
LAKE LOUISE
- Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – You can be sure of a memorable and luxurious stay at this iconic grand hotel. With stunning views and located on the shores of beautiful Lake Louise, you can be sure of a truly memorable stay.
What To Pack
The weather can be unpredictable and the temperature variable no matter which months you visit.
As a general guide, pack several layers that you can build on and then remove, as the temperature rises. For hiking, bring sturdy boots, boot socks and quick drying absorbent tops as well as a good waterproof / windproof jacket. Some general packing items are :-
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect Repellent
- Sunglasses
- Water Bottle
- Bear Spray and Whistle (Can purchase in Banff)
- Memory Card, Battery Charger & Wide Angle Lens
Even if you only have 3 days to spend in Banff, this itinerary will have hopefully shown you, just how many fantastic sights and activities you can experience. So go ahead and start planning your own trip!
MORE CANADA READING
- Ultimate Planning Guide To A Canadian Rockies Trip
- Complete Icefields Parkway Itinerary For A Show Stopping Ride
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