Exploring Banff and Beyond: A Perfect 3-Day Itinerary

Exploring Banff and Beyond

This Perfect 3-Day Itinerary will give you some great ideas as to where to go while exploring Banff and beyond.

Day 1: Exploring Banff

Morning:

1. Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at one of Banff’s cafes or restaurants.
2. Banff Avenue: Stroll along Banff Avenue, the main street of town, and explore the shops and boutiques for souvenirs and local goods.

Late Morning:

3. Banff Springs Hotel, Bow Falls and Golf Course Road: Visit Bow Falls as well as a scenicview of the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel and then drive along the Golf Course Road, keeping an eye out for possible elk sightings.

Lunch:

4. Downtown Dining: Enjoy lunch at one of Banff’s many dining options. There are plenty of restaurants serving delicious Canadian and international cuisine.

Afternoon:

5. Banff Gondola: Ride the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and explore the interpretive center. Make it a hike up and down.

6. Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk: Walk along the boardwalk at the summit for even more stunning vistas.

Evening:

7. Dinner: Dine in one of Banff’s upscale restaurants for a special evening meal.

8. Banff Upper Hot Springs: Unwind at the Banff Upper Hot Springs, where you can soak in the warm mineral waters while surrounded by the Rockies.

Day 2: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

Morning:

1. Breakfast: Grab a quick breakfast before heading out for your day of outdoor adventure.
2. Lake Louise: Drive to Lake Louise, about 40 minutes from Banff. Marvel at the emerald waters and the stunning Chateau Lake Louise.

Late Morning:

3. Lake Agnes Tea House Hike: Hike to Lake Agnes Tea House, a picturesque alpine teahouse overlooking Lake Louise. Enjoy tea and snacks while taking in the view.

Lunch:

4. Picnic: Enjoy a packed picnic lunch by the shores of Lake Louise or at one of the picnic areas nearby.

Afternoon:

5. Moraine Lake: Drive to Moraine Lake (about 15 minutes from Lake Louise) and admire its vivid blue waters surrounded by mountains. Take a leisurely walk along the shoreline.

6. Canoeing or Hiking: Depending on your interests, you can rent a canoe and paddle on Moraine Lake or choose from several hiking trails in the area

Evening:

7. Return to Banff: Drive back to Banff and freshen up at your accommodation.

8. Dinner: Enjoy a relaxed dinner in Banff, trying some local cuisine or international options. My personal favorite is Magpie and Stump, great Mexican food with a wonderful atmosphere and a rooftop patio.

Day 3: Sundance Canyon, Cave and Basin, Cascade Gardens, and Tunnel Mountain

Morning:

1. Breakfast: Begin your day with breakfast at your accommodation or one of Banff’s cafes.
2. Sundance Canyon: Drive or take a short shuttle ride to Sundance Canyon trailhead. Hike along the scenic trail that follows the creek, leading you to a beautiful waterfall and picturesque canyon views. Don’t forget your camera!
3. Cave and Basin National Historic Site: Visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, which is the birthplace of Canada’s national parks system. Explore the cave, learn about its history, and take a walk through the serene boardwalks and gardens.

Lunch:

4. Downtown Banff: Head back to downtown Banff for lunch at one of the local restaurants or cafes.

Afternoon:

5. Cascade Gardens: After lunch, visit the Cascade Gardens located near the Banff Park Administration Building. Stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens with colorful flowers and tranquil fountains.

Late Afternoon:

6. Banff Park Museum: If you have time and are interested in history and natural history, consider a visit to the Banff Park Museum. This small museum showcases the wildlife and cultural history of the Canadian Rockies.

Evening:

7. Dinner: Enjoy dinner at one of Banff’s diverse dining establishments, trying a different cuisine or revisiting a favorite spot from your previous days.

8. Tunnel Mountain Hike: In the evening, take a hike up Tunnel Mountain for panoramic views of Banff and the surrounding mountains. It’s a relatively short and moderate hike, perfect for sunset or stargazing. It is right in the heart of Banff, great day hike for the whole family.

This 3-day itinerary will give you a comprehensive experience of Banff’s natural beauty, history, and outdoor activities. Remember to check the opening hours and any seasonal variations for the attractions, as they may vary throughout the year. Enjoy your time exploring the stunning landscapes of Banff!

Alternative Choices

Is to visit Lake Louise Gondola for scenic views, hiking and food.

Or a hike up to Bow Glacier at Bow Lake.

Or a Gondola ride up to Sunshine Meadows for a scenic hike or short walk on the boardwalk and food.

Or Johnston’s Canyon, is a great walk along a canyon to stunning falls for all seasons.

Banff Parking And Visiting Morraine Lake

Banff is now all-paid parking on all streets. There are pay booths randomly placed for payment.

Common parking violations and their corresponding fines in Banff could range from $50 to $100 or more. Some common parking violations include parking in a no-parking zone, exceeding the time limit in a time-limited zone, parking without a valid permit, or parking in a handicapped zone without the appropriate permit.

Moraine Lake

The only way to access this lake as of 2023 is by Shuttle Bus or Bike/electric bike however the road leading to Moraine Lake in Banff National Park, known as Moraine Lake Road, is approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) long. Open only in the summer season.

Lake Louise is best to arrive early to get a spot as it fills up quickly.

Safety while visiting Banff

I can’t stress enough on being aware of your surrounding while in the Canadian Rockies. Wild animals can be encountered at any place, anytime. In town there are many Elk herds throughout town. Why it is always a good idea to carry bear spray or even a simple air horn for protection.