Banff
The wild heart of the Canadian Rockies.
Banff is one of those places that feels almost too beautiful to be real. From the first moment I saw the turquoise lakes surrounded by snow-capped mountains, I knew this wasn’t going to be an ordinary trip. If you’ve ever daydreamed about fresh alpine air, dramatic landscapes, and endless opportunities for adventure, then Banff needs to be on your travel itinerary. There’s just something about being out there that shifts your perspective. You breathe deeper. You slow down. And somehow, you feel more alive.
Planning your own trip can feel a little overwhelming at first, just because there are so many things to do in Banff. I get it. I was the same way before my first visit. But once you arrive, it all falls into place. You start to follow what calls to you in the moment. Maybe that’s a sunrise hike to a mountaintop. Maybe it’s soaking in a hot spring after a long day outside. Or maybe it’s grabbing a coffee in town and just people-watching with a mountain view as your backdrop. Any travel itinerary here should leave space for a little of that.
What really blew me away about Banff is how easy it is to feel immersed in nature without ever being too far from comfort. You can spend your morning paddling across Moraine Lake, then grab a great meal in town by early afternoon. You don’t have to be a hardcore hiker or an outdoor expert to enjoy the scenery. Some of the most memorable moments for me were simple ones. Just sitting quietly and taking it all in. That kind of stillness sticks with you.
There are endless things to do in Banff, whether you’re visiting in summer or winter. During warmer months, you can bike scenic trails, go wildlife spotting, or drive along the Icefields Parkway. In winter, it turns into a wonderland. I had one of my best ski days at Lake Louise, and even if you don’t ski, you can snowshoe or just wander through the quiet, snowy forests. It’s the kind of place where every season brings something special. That’s why I always tell people to build some flexibility into their travel itinerary. Let the weather guide your plans and lean into what Banff is offering that day.
The town itself has a friendly, laid-back vibe that makes it really easy to settle in. It’s not flashy or overdone, which I appreciated. People are there because they love the outdoors, and you feel that energy everywhere. You’ll meet fellow travelers at cafés, on trails, or in hot springs, and there’s a shared sense of awe that connects you. Whether you’re there for a weekend or a few weeks, you’ll find that the list of things to do in Banff keeps growing the longer you stay.
If you're trying to map out your travel itinerary and wondering if Banff is worth the effort, I’d say stop wondering. Just go. It’s one of those places that stays with you long after you’ve unpacked your bags. The photos you take will be incredible, sure, but it’s how it feels to be there that you’ll remember. Peaceful. Wild. Completely unforgettable.
3 Day Banff Travel Itinerary
Day 1
Morning
Start your day in Banff town. If you're staying nearby, it's an easy walk to Bow Falls. They’re not massive, but the energy of the water pounding through the rocks gives you that “I’m in the Rockies” feeling right away. From there, take the trail that follows the Bow River downstream. You’ll pass fewer people the farther you go, and it’s a peaceful way to ease into the day.
Walk back toward town and wander through Cascade Gardens. They’re usually quiet in the morning and give you great views of Banff Avenue framed by the mountains. It’s also a great spot for photos without having to compete for space.
Afternoon
Hop on the Roam Transit bus or drive to the Banff Gondola. The ride up Sulphur Mountain only takes a few minutes, but the views from the top feel endless. Walk the boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak, take your time, and don’t rush it—even if the weather shifts, you’ll get something special out of it.
If you’re up for a bit more adventure, take the trail down instead of riding the gondola. It’s about two hours, all downhill, and gives you that alpine forest solitude that most visitors miss.
Evening
Walk along Vermilion Lakes Road just before sunset. You can rent a bike or just stroll. The reflections on the water during golden hour are unreal, especially if Mount Rundle lights up. Some evenings the lake is like glass. It’s one of those places where time kind of stops if you let it.
Day 2
Morning
Start early and head to Lake Louise. It’s no secret, and yes, you’ll be sharing it with plenty of other people—but that first view? Totally worth it. Walk the Lakeshore Trail to get away from the crowds and see the lake from different angles. Don’t rush back—those early hours before the tour buses hit are the best.
If you want something more active, take the hike up to Lake Agnes. It’s steady but not extreme, and the trail winds through the trees with glimpses back toward Louise. When you reach the lake, it’s calm and tucked into the rocks like a secret. You might even get a little moment of silence, which is rare up there.
Afternoon
Head to nearby Moraine Lake if the shuttle is available. You can’t drive yourself anymore, but getting there is absolutely worth the effort. I always find Moraine to be more dramatic and moody than Lake Louise. Climb the rockpile for the classic view, but also walk the trail along the lakeshore. It’s quieter and feels more immersive. (If you are up for two early mornings, this makes for a great early morning trip too.)
If you’ve still got energy, drive back to Banff via the Bow Valley Parkway. Take it slow—there’s a good chance you’ll see elk, deer, or even a bear from a safe distance. Stop at Johnston Canyon if you’ve got time. Even just the lower falls are worth the short walk through the canyon.
Evening
End your day with a soak at the Banff Upper Hot Springs. It’s touristy, sure, but after all the hiking, your legs will thank you. Best time to go is after the sun starts to set—less crowded and more atmospheric.
Day 3
Morning
Drive out to Lake Minnewanka early. It’s one of those places that shifts depending on the weather. On a calm morning, it’s pure reflection. Take the Stewart Canyon trail that hugs the shoreline and crosses a bridge into the forest. It’s not long, not steep, and usually pretty quiet.
On the way back, stop at Two Jack Lake. You won’t need long here, but the view is different enough that it doesn’t feel repetitive. Sometimes there are paddleboarders out, and the mountains across the lake look like they’ve been carved from a painting. We also found this to be a great spot for Milky Way photography.
Afternoon
Head up Tunnel Mountain. You can walk from town to the trailhead, and the hike itself takes under two hours roundtrip. The view over Banff and the valley never gets old. This is one of those hikes that rewards you way more than the effort you put in.
Spend your afternoon wandering Banff Avenue if you haven’t already. Duck into a few of the smaller art galleries or check out the Banff Centre if you're interested in creative work inspired by the mountains. It’s not just tourist shops—there’s culture tucked between the cafés.
Evening
Wrap up your last night with a walk along the Fenland Trail just outside town. It’s short, flat, and quiet, running through thick forest with small streams and views back toward Mount Norquay. Go near dusk, and the light filters through the trees in a way that makes you slow down.
That final walk might not be in the brochures, but it's the kind of quiet that sticks with you.