day Banff itinerary
Banff is a tourist town that attracts thousands of visitors yearly. As host to the most popular national park in Canada, it derives most of its revenue from the park to support its economy. Besides the park, the town has various attractions that showcase the beauty of the natural resources in the area. In Banff, outdoor adventure is the best way to explore the town and create unforgettable memories. If you have only four days in Banff, here are some ways to spend your vacation time alone or with family.
Day 1 – Around Banff
- Explore downtown Banff
Start your 4 days in Banff by sightseeing in downtown Banff which is filled with various attractions such as museums and galleries. Banff Avenue, the main street in the town is always bustling with activity, giving you a chance to watch the local people go by their daily lives. To escape the crowds, make your way to Cascade of Time gardens filled with gorgeous flowers and a beautiful bridge. Make sure you grab a filling breakfast at Tooloulous restaurant to gain energy for the day ahead.
- Drive to Lake Minnewanka Loop and take boat cruise
The Minnewanka Loop drive is a great way to explore the lake and attractions like Two Jack Lake. The road connects both lakes to Banff making it possible to drive round and come back to the town without driving back. The best way to experience more of the lake is to take a boat ride which operates daily. On the cruise you get to see beautiful landscapes, wildlife and take in some fresh air.
- Fairmont Banff Springs
In the afternoon, go back in time by visiting the famous Fairmont Banff Springs built in the 19th century. The fairytale hotel has beautiful grounds that are fun to walk through as you admire its various facilities. It is also the perfect place to take your lunchtime meal which is served at 1888 Chop House, the in-house restaurant. Guests can also relax at the various lounges and enjoy their favorite drink.
- Hike nearby trails
A short distance away from Fairmont Banff Springs is Bow Falls and Surprise Corner. Take a walk along the river to Bow Falls which are breathtaking at first sight. The gushing waterfalls are a great sight to behold due to their width which is three times their height. For a different view of Banff Springs, consider visiting Surprise Corner to get an incredible view of the area as you end your day.
Day 2 – Outskirts of Banff
- Sulphur Mountain Gondola
Get a 360 degree view of Sulphur Mountain from a gondola as you go up the slopes in the morning. You could even capture the sunrise depending on how early you start the ride. If you prefer hiking up the mountain, make sure you book with a local tour company to have a professional guide your exploration to the top. At the summit of the mountain, take brunch at Sky Bistro while enjoying a beautiful view of the Rocky Mountains.
- Banff Upper Hot Springs
After brunch, get back on the gondola and ride back down to walk to the Upper Hot Springs. Make sure you take a dip in the hot spring bath while enjoying gorgeous views of Sulphur Mountain. The springs are open to the public and are great for soothing your muscles, if you had hiked up the mountain in the morning.
- Cave & Basin
Discover one of the original hot springs in Banff, Cave & Basin, which is also a national historic site. The site can be accessed through a trail that takes you straight into a cave that hosted the first springs. You will find the site both fun and informative as you walk through and explore the gorgeous spring.
- Vermillion Lake
End your day by watching the sunset at Vermilion Lake which is a popular spot with locals. As the sun sets, it reveals a sky with hits of purple, orange and yellow colors that are reflected in the water, resulting in a fantastic view. Besides the breathtaking view of the sky, spending time on the lake also gives you a chance to enjoy beautiful views of Sulphur Mountain.
Day 3 – The Rockies
- Sunrise at Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is a popular attraction and receives hundreds of visitors daily. To make the best of your trip to the lake, plan to be arrive between 6am and 7 am. The lake is beautiful and worth admiring from its banks or on a canoe for those that want an up-close view. Getting to the lake will require that you use the Rockpile Trail which is great for hiking, birdwatching and walking. Canoeing is also allowed on the lake with canoes that can accommodate two to three people at one go.
- Lake Louise
Combine your tour of Moraine Lake with Lake Louise which is also a beautiful lake in Banff. The lake can be accessed using numerous trails that lead up to its shoreline. On location, visitors can take a gondola ride on the lake for unique views of the water and grizzly bears. You can also relax on the shoreline and watch as ripples form on the top of the water. During lunch hour, make your way to Whitehorn Bistro sumptuous Canadian cuisine in a dining area with magnificent views. After lunch, hike to Lake Agnes which is the closest to the establishment and offer quality services. Make sure you enjoy the services offered at the tea house and sumptuous meals on the menu.
- Bow Valley Parkway
On the way back drive down the scenic Bow Valley Parkway which has a number of stops with interesting views. The route which is fifty kilometers long is an excellent alternative to the many roads that connect Lake Louise to Banff. Along the way, you can choose to explore hiking trails, cycle or just sit quietly while reflecting on life.
- Johnston Canyon
One of the popular spots along the Bow Valley Parkway route is Johnstone Canyon. It is a unique feature that showcase the marvelous work of nature as its forms various sculptures in the canyon walls. You can explore the canyon further by hiking on any of the trails to reach the ink pots, upper and lower falls. These areas give you a chance to immerse yourself in the sounds and sights of the canyon.
Day 4 – The Icefields Parkway
The Icefield Parkway is a scenic route filled with over a hundred glaciers that are fascinating to visitors. Some of the stops along the scene that are a “must-see” as you finalize your Banff 4 day itinerary include:
Peyto Lake Peyto is a stunning lake that offers a great view of its green water that changes with different seasons and is popular with those exploring the scenic route. The scenic location can be reached when hiking up the trail which is about 3.8 miles from the parkway route. Finding the viewing point of the area will be easy for you because of the many signposts put up for travelers.
- Bow Lake
The next stop is at Bow Lake which is one of the largest water bodies in the Banff area. It is also on the icefield parkway route making it easy to connect from Peyto Lake while driving. You can choose to take a short hike while at Bow Lake and enjoy looking at its aquamarine waters. If you have time, you can choose to picnic at the site before proceeding to the next stop.
- Crowfoot Glacier
Another sight that you cannot afford to miss is the Crowfoot glacier which can be seen from the icefield parkway. The massive glacier which initially resembled three crow toes is surrounded by forest greenery and is popular with tourists. Make sure you pull over at this amazing site to get a closer view of the glacier nestled in the rocks of Crowfoot Mountain.
- Mistaya Canyon
As you near the end of the icefields parkway, you will come across Mistaya canyon which is formed by a river with the same name. The canyon has distinctive curvy walls which are worth the stop for many tourists. It can be accessed using a short trail that leads to the viewpoint of the canyon. Remember to take many photos of the site and its unforgettable appearance when at the viewing point.
- Athabasca Glacier
End your four day trip to Banff by walking up to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier. The natural wonder is endangered and will likely have disappeared in another few years. It is easily accessible and can be explored by tourists that want an up close look of the massive glacier that is retreating gradually. Alternatively, you can opt for a tour that involves the use of experienced guides that help you safely walk on the glacier. Some popular tours of the glacier are IceExplorer tour, Columbia Icefields Discovery Centre, and Icefields Skywalk.
Where to Eat in Banff
Banff has a lot to offer visitors that make the choice to spend their long or short vacation in the town. Although small, the town goes over and above to make each visitors stay unforgettable. One of the ways to enjoy time in Banff is to explore the Canadian cuisine that is provided in most restaurants. Luckily, the eating out options available in Banff are a great mix of both local and international cuisines.
Breakfast establishments that are popular in the town include Tooloulous which provides a filling meal worth every cent. If you prefer sleeping in and enjoying a delicious brunch, then you can stop by the Bison restaurant or Maple Leaf. Food lovers have numerous places to eat their lunch when in Banff, with some offering a la carte options to patrons. High-end restaurants are also available in Banff including the Three Ravens restaurant which have an excellent menu that is perfect for an evening out.
Besides restaurants that offer diverse menus, you can also opt to indulge in sweet snacks and pastries when visiting Banff. For such treats, make a stop at BeaverTails which is a household name in Canada for its diverse wheat pastries and snacks. A majority of the snacks are affordable and can be purchased as a dine-in or take-away option.
Where to Stay in Banff
Staying 4 days in Banff will be successful when you book your accommodation as early as possible. Fortunately, the town has several options available to travelers seeking a place to stay during their vacation. These options may vary depending on one’s needs, number of people, length of stay and budget available. Even so, some of the popular places to find accommodation in Banff include hotels, Airbnb, lodges and bed & breakfast establishments.
Most of the places to stay in Banff have excellent facilities that make your stay more enjoyable and restful. The facilities such as spas, hot tubs, saunas, swimming pools, and Jacuzzis are available in most high-end establishments’ in Banff. Hotels such as Fairmont Banff Springs are popular with travelers that want to experience luxury while on vacation. The less fancy establishments also offer quality services that can be appreciated by tourists visiting in the town. To get the best deal, compare prices and amenities provided by different accommodation option before booking online or your preferred option. Also read as many online reviews as possible to get an idea of the level of service to expect from an establishment before confirming booking.
Besides, the accommodation options available to travelers, it is important to consider the area in which they are located. Always go for areas that are considered safe and you can access during the day or night. Hotels and lodges in downtown Banff, especially Banff Avenue are a good choice for those on a budget. When on a budget, go for accommodation that is near popular tourist attractions that allow you to walk or take a short ride on public transportation to your destination. If you prefer to stay within the national park, then epic lodges and cabins are the perfect fit.