3 Days In Banff – Ultimate Weekend Itinerary

Banff National Park covers a total of 6,641 square kilometres, so there is a LOT to do in Banff. It’s impossible to see and do everything, however spending 3 days in Banff is a good amount of time to get a taste of what this incredible national park has to offer.

I’ve spent a lot of time in Banff and this 3 day Banff itinerary includes all my top suggested places you absolutely cannot miss! From Moraine Lake to the Icefields Parkway, this itinerary covers all the iconic and beautiful spots.

After many visits, I’ve put together this comprehensive Banff 3 day itinerary, to help you maximize your time. It’s jam-packed with information, so get a pen and paper ready!

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3 Days In Banff Itinerary

Day 1 – Lake Louise & Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake

This 3 day Banff itinerary starts with the place you are probably most excited for – Moraine Lake! Moraine Lake is the biggest attraction in Banff National, and it’s not hard to see why.

Moraine Lake is the most iconic lake in Banff and arguably all of Canada. Despite its popularity, it continues to be my favourite thing to do in Lake Louise.

Unlike Lake Louise, Moraine Lake isn’t accessible year-round—the road typically opens in mid-May and closes around the first week of October, so you won’t be able to see it if you are visiting Lake Louise in winter.

Recent changes mean that visiting Moraine Lake now requires a bit more planning than it used to. In 2023 Parks Canada closed Moraine Lake Road to personal vehicles, this means you can no longer park your own vehicle at the lakeshore parking lot.

There are however several ways that you can choose from to get to Moraine Lake:

The first option is to book the Parks Canada shuttle – this needs to be reserved in advance and they often sell out. Shuttles start at around 6:30 am, allowing you to visit both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. The last shuttle back is at 7:30 pm. You can reserve through the official Parks Canada website.

Alternatively, use the Roam Public Transit system, ideal if you’re visiting Banff without a car. Purchase a Roam “super pass” for access to the “Lake Connector” shuttle, available only to Super Pass holders and Park ‘n’ Ride reservation holders.

The third option is booking a tour. The Hop-on-Hop-off bus tour stops in Moraine lake as part of their circuit. You can also book a small-group guided tour from Banff, Canmore or Calgary.

Can you still visit for sunrise? Yes you can! There are a few tour companies offering sunrise tours of Moraine Lake, and because only tour busses are allowed up the road, this means less people! This Moraine Lake sunrise tour includes pick-up from Banff Station, use of headlamps, and warm drinks.

Whatever option you choose, try to get to Moraine Lake early in the day when it’s most beautiful and least crowded!

Moraine Lake Rock Pile

The best way to truly experience Moraine Lake is by taking a short hike up to the famous Rock Pile. It’s exactly what it sounds like, a big pile of rocks you can hike up to see Moraine Lake from above.

The Rock Pile is an easy hike in Banff and offers an incredible panoramic view of Moraine Lake. From this vantage point, you can see the distinct shape of the Ten Peaks, which are ten mountain peaks that line up perfectly behind the lake. It’s no wonder why this spot is one of the most photographed places in all of Canada!

To reach the Rock Pile, follow the signs from the parking lot – the trailhead is just next to the bathrooms in the parking lot. The hike is short and easy, taking only about 10-15 minutes to reach the top.

Note: Please remember to stay on designated trails and adhere to all safety precautions while visiting Moraine Lake.

Lake Louise

I always make sure to visit Lake Louise on every trip to Banff. This stunning, bright turquoise blue glacial-fed lake should absolutely be on your list of things to do in Banff.

If you weren’t able to watch the sunrise at Moraine Lake, sunrise at Lake Louise is the next best thing. In fact, I think I might actually prefer watching the sunrise over Lake Louise. With Moraine Lake now closed to private vehicles, Lake Louise is busier than ever, so expect to be greeted with crowds.

The good thing is that Lake Louise has a wide lakeshore, so you can stand almost anywhere and still get a great view. My tip? Walk to the right-hand side of the lake. Most people gather at the boardwalk near the parking lot.

I always recommend getting to Lake Louise early, even if it isn’t for sunrise, because parking can be a challenge. Another important thing to note, is that parking at Lake Louise will now cost you $36.75CAD per vehicle per day.

If you are visiting Banff without a car, or just do not want the hassle of parking at the lake shore you can book the Parks Canada Park and Ride shuttle – this leaves from the Ski Louise parking lot and includes the “Lake Connector” bus, which connects Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. You will return to the parking lot from the lake you originally arrived at. This does need to be booked in advance through the Parks Canada website.

Canoe on Lake Louise

Canoeing is definitely the most popular thing to do in Lake Louise. I canoed on Lake Louise during my first visit to Banff and loved every minute of it! But remember, almost every other visitor to Lake Louise also wants to paddle in one of these iconic red canoes, so be prepared for long lines.

Canoe rentals at Lake Louise are run by The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. They don’t take reservations, only walk-ups. The Boathouse, where you rent canoes, is on the far left of the lake as you enter Lake Louise. It usually opens at 8am daily, but check online for the latest hours.

This activity isn’t cheap. A canoe rental costs $145 CAD for one hour or $135 for half an hour. I don’t recommend the 30-minute option; it’s not worth the money, and you won’t get far before having to return. Canoes can fit up to 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

Lake Agnes Tea House

The Lake Agnes Tea House is a staple in Lake Louise. The hike is a 3.4 km (one way) trail that takes about 2-3 hours round-trip and is suitable for most fitness levels, making it perfect if you’re short on time.

When you reach the end of the hike you’ll come to a beautiful log cabin that houses the Lake Agnes Tea House. You should definitely stop here for lunch or a snack! The tea house menu features nearly 100 different teas to choose from! (as an English woman, I highly rate the tea here, so make sure you try it!) For snacks I recommend trying the tea cakes with Jam, but they are super popular so make sure you get there early before they sell out.

The trailhead is next to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and is well-marked. The hike is moderate with several uphill sections but nothing too challenging. The trail is wide and not technical.

Big Beehive (Or Little Beehive) Hike

Hiking is one of the best free things to do in Banff, and besides paying for parking all hikes are completely free! The Big Beehive and Little Beehive are two of the best hikes in Banff, and my personal favourites in the Lake Louise area. Both offer stunning views of Lake Louise from above, but Little Beehive is a bit easier.

If you’re up for it (and have the time!) you could hike both in a day, but this would mean a full-day of hiking with little time for anything else, so just keep this in mind.

When hiking to the Big Beehive, you’ll pass Lake Agnes Tea House. For Little Beehive, there’s a route that bypasses it. I highly recommend stopping by the tea house on your way down if you didn’t on the way up.

The Big Beehive is about 9km round-trip and takes around 3-4 hours round trip, while Little Beehive is approximately 8km round-trip and takes about 2.5-3.5 hours round trip. I would give yourself extra time for photos and a stop for tea! Both hikes start from the same trailhead.

Visit The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Located right on the lakeshore, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is a grand hotel that has been an icon of Banff since 1890. This hotel is stunning in every aspect. If you want to splurge, a stay here is truly magical – I was lucky enough to spend two nights here! You can check out my full review of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for more information.

If you’re visiting Lake Louise early in the morning, grab a coffee from their deli/coffee shop and sip it while admiring the stunning views of Lake Louise. (Try the ham & cheese or chocolate croissants – they’re seriously good, and I never leave without one!)

I celebrated my wedding anniversary with afternoon tea at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, but you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy this experience! I had a fantastic view of the lake while enjoying tea and finger sandwiches. You can request a lake view table like I did, but keep in mind it’s not always guaranteed.

Afternoon tea costs $85 CAD per person, before taxes and service charges. This includes your choice of selected teas, a tiered tray of pastries and sandwiches, and the option to add a glass of champagne.

During high season, many restaurants in the Fairmont Chateau are reserved for guests unless you book ahead, including the afternoon tea. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance by phone or through their website.

Drive The Bow Valley Parkway

After finishing your time at Lake Louise, it’s time to start heading back to Banff, but instead of taking the highway, I suggest taking the Bow Valley Parkway. This parkway runs parallel to the highway but is so much more scenic with some cool stops along the way.

The first place I recommend stopping at is Morant’s Curve, one of the most photographed spots in Banff National Park. There is a small parking lot on the left side, just a few minutes after entering the parkway.

Before you reach Johnston Canyon (the next sop on this 3 day Banff itinerary) you’ll get some fantastic views of Castle Mountain! I think this has to be my favourite mountain in Banff. You can either enjoy the views from your car, or get out at the Castle Mountain lookout for photos.

The Bow Valley Parkway also offers chances to see wildlife, so keep your eyes open and your camera ready!

Johnston Canyon

Your last stop on the Bow Valley Parkway is Johnston Canyon, one of the best things to do in Banff in summer. Johnston Canyon is a popular hiking trail that leads you through a series of stunning waterfalls and canyons. The hike is an easy 5.3 km round trip, making it suitable for most ages and fitness levels.

During peak season, the trail can get quite busy, so I recommend going early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid crowds. I love Johnston Canyon because it’s a hike that’s suitable for almost every fitness level. The great part is that you can choose how far in you want to hike.

The first stop on the trail is the Lower Falls (2.3km), followed by the Upper Falls about 3 km further. You’ll also pass several smaller waterfalls and viewpoints along the way. At the end of the trail, you can continue on to see the Ink Pots (another 6 km) or turn back and head towards Banff.

If you are short on time, I recommend hiking just to the Lower Falls to save time (unless you’re a fast hiker!). It took me between 2-3 hours return to the Upper Falls.

Johnston Canyon is open year-round, so you can still hike it if visiting Banff in winter. Johnston Canyon is possibly even more beautiful in winter, as it freezes over creating some stunning ice formations.

You can take an icewalk tour to experience the frozen falls in all their glory. This small group tour lasts 4 hours and includes both the Lower and Upper Falls. You can book online in advance.

***Johnston Canyon Road Closures*** In 2024, the Bow Valley Parkway will be closed to public motor vehicles from May 1 to June 25 and August 30 to September 30, between the Fireside Day-Use Area and Johnston Canyon. During these times, this 17km stretch will still be open to cyclists.

Day 2 – Banff Town, Bow Falls & Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka

Start your second of 3 days in Banff with a visit to Lake Minnewanka, the largest lake in Banff National Park. Lake Minnewanka is beautiful in all seasons and offers a variety of activities, including boat tours, fishing, hiking, and picnicking.

One of my favourite ways to experience the lake is by taking a boat tour around the lake. These guided tours take you around the lake while learning about its history and spotting wildlife along the way. You can also rent your own motorboat or canoe if you prefer to explore on your own.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Lake Minnewanka is its history. There is an underwater town called Minnewanka Landing, which was flooded when the lake was dammed. Before the dam, the Stoney Nakoda First Nations lived here for thousands of years. Evidence of their presence remains, and you can learn about their history and culture during your cruise.

Plan to get to Lake Minnewanka early because it’s especially beautiful in the morning. The earliest boat cruise is 9am, which I recommend taking so you can enjoy the lake afterwards before the crowds roll in for the day. You can book your Lake Minnewanka tour online in advance to avoid missing out on the best tour times!

Surprise Corner & Banff Hoodoos

Surprise Corner is one of the best photo spots in Banff, and features a great view of Banff’s iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. This lookout offers a stunning view of the hotel with the Bow River and mountains in the background.

There are two small parking lots, but they usually fill up by mid-day. If you can’t find a spot, try coming later in the afternoon. Surprise Corner is located along Tunnel Mountain Road, if you continue driving this road past Surprise Corner, you’ll find the trailhead to the Banff Hoodoos Trail.

The Hoodoos Trail is a short, easy hike in Banff and offers a unique perspective of the Banff Hoodoos. If you don’t know what hoodoos are, they’re tall, thin rock spires eroded by wind and water. You can find them in Banff and places like Bryce Canyon in Utah.

You don’t need to complete the entire hike to see the hoodoos. About 5 minutes in, there’s a lookout point where you can sit in the iconic Parks Canada red Adirondack chairs and enjoy the views.

Explore Banff Avenue

Banff Avenue is the main street in Banff National Park for shopping and dining! If you want to find some cool Canadian souvenirs to take home, this is place to find it!

Some of my favourite stores include The Spirit of Christmas, a year-round Christmas shop, and Big Bear Trading which has the cutest Banff themed t-shirts, sweaters and postcards.

The highlight of walking down Banff Avenue is to see the incredible views of Cascade Mountain, which stands dominantly over the town. Also, try a Beavertail at some point during your trip – it’s freshly fried dough with various toppings and a Canadian staple!

If you want to try some Elk or Bison during your 3 days in Banff, head to the Grizzly House. This iconic fondue restaurant offers a menu with local specialties, from Alberta beef to exotic game meats. It’s my favourite restaurant in Banff and offers a unique experience hard to find anywhere else in Canada.

If like me, you love to try local craft beer when travelling, head to Banff Ave Brewing Co, or the Three Bears Brewery. I have been to both, and did prefer the larger selection of brews at Banff Ave Brewing Co, plus their balcony has fantastic views of Banff Avenue!

Bow Falls

After wandering through the shops along Banff Avenue, it’s time to see one of the park’s most famous waterfalls, Bow Falls.

You can either drive to Bow Falls, or you can take a 20-minute walk from Banff Avenue along the Bow River. If you do decide to walk there, I recommend walking across the Banff Pedestrian Bridge – if you thought the view of Cascade Mountain was good from Banff Avenue, it’s even better from this bridge!

Right next to Bow Falls is the majestic Banff Springs Hotel. This hotel is one of the most famous and iconic hotels in Canada. You can explore the grounds and lobby, even if you’re not staying here as a guest.

Banff Gondola

End your second day by taking a ride on the Banff Gondola, the most famous of the four gondolas in Banff. I enjoy visiting the gondola in the evening as it’s less busy but you can also experience a beautiful sunset from here.

The Banff Gondola is a short 10-minute drive from Banff Avenue. If you are visiting Banff without a car, there is a free shuttle that picks up from the Banff Park Lodge, or you can take the Roam Transit bus #1. The gondola ascends to 2,281 meters up Sulphur Mountain, where you’ll see views of six mountain ranges, the town of Banff, the winding Bow River.

Once you reach the top I highly recommend walking the 1km Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak for even more stunning views. This walk takes you to the Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site and the historic Sanson’s Peak Meteorological Station.

The Banff Gondola is a popular activity in Banff. You can purchase tickets in advance online here.

Day 3 – Icefields Parkway

For your last day in Banff, you’ll be driving one of the worlds most beautiful drives – the Icefields Parkway! This is one of those drives that you need to see in your lifetime, believe me when I say it will take your breath away!

The Icefields Parkway stretches 232km (144 miles) from Lake Louise to Jasper, and it will take you approximately 3 hours without stops. But trust me, once you begin driving along this scenic route, you’ll find yourself stopping every few minutes to take in the incredible views.

Although it is recommend to do a self-drive, it is still possible to experience this beautiful drive on a guided tour. This small-group tour is limited to 12 people and hits all the best stops such as Bow Lake, Mistaya Canyon, Peyto Lake, Weeping Wall and the toe of the Athabasca Glacier. You’ll need to bring your own lunch on this tour.

Another option is this full day tour which includes admission to the Skywalk and the Ice Explorer tour, with a stop at Bow Lake included.

Bow Lake

The first stop on todays drive is Bow Lake, a stunning blue glacial-fed lake. It’s easily accessible from the highway with ample parking, making it ideal for a quick stop.

The first time I ever visited Bow Lake we pulled into the parking lot at around 7am, just as the sun was poking up above the mountain peaks and it was so serene! (definitely a core memory! iykyk)

The walk to the lakeshore is short, and the area is usually quiet in the early morning. The Lodge at Bow Lake (formerly Num Ti Jah Lodge) also sits on the lake, and if the café is open, you can grab a coffee and snack. The lodge is also the starting point for trails leading to Bow Glacier Falls and the Bow Hut.

Peyto Lake

There are SO many stunning lakes in Banff, but Peyto Lake has to be one of the most picturesque. Peyto Lake is well sign-posted, so it’s hard to miss. If you’re using the Gypsy App for your Icefields Parkway drive (and I highly recommend you do) it will prompt you to pull in.

The great thing about visiting Peyto Lake is that it’s super accessible. There are few places in the world where you can see places like this with almost no effort.

This glacier-fed lake is named after Bill Peyto, a trail guide and trapper in the Canadian Rockies in the early 1900s. The lake’s iconic turquoise hue comes from rock flour that flows in from the nearby Peyto Glacier.

A short hike from the parking lot takes you to the Peyto Lake overlook, where there is a new viewing platform that you can take photos from.

Waterfowl Lakes

The next stop on the Icefields Parkway is Waterfowl Lakes, two glacial-fed lakes situated in the Mistaya Valley, and flanked by the impressive Mount Chephren.

These lakes can be easy to miss, as the closest one to the highway only becomes visible after you’ve driven too far. That’s why I recommend using the Gypsy app – it will prompt you to pull over at the right moment.

There are two ways to see the Waterfowl Lakes. You can either pull into the campsite and park in the day use lot, or stop at the small parking lot on the left side of the highway. The first option takes more time but lets you stretch your legs!

If you do pull into the day-use area, you can hike to both lower and upper Waterfowl Lakes as well as Cephren Lake which is just as stunning. This will take a few hours to complete however. If you are wanting to camp in Banff, the Campground is in a beautiful setting with 110 sites available. I really want to return and camp here!

Mistaya Canyon

Mistaya Canyon is a limestone canyon carved out by the powerful Mistaya River, which flows from the nearby Peyto Glacier. Although not as popular as other Icefields Parkway stops, this is definitely one of my favourites.

The trail to Mistaya Canyon is short but steep. It’s a short 0.5 km walk from the parking lot to the canyon’s viewing platform and takes around 30-minutes one way.

In my opinion, Mistaya Canyon is an underrated stop. It’s not mentioned as often as other areas, so definitely add it to your list of things to do in Banff!

The Big Bend & Cirrus Viewpoint

One of the highlights of traveling along the Icefields Parkway is stopping at the Big Bend and Cirrus viewpoint. This is one of the most iconic viewpoints on the drive from Lake Louise to Jasper.

So what is the Big Bend? The Big Bend is a dramatic U-turn in the road where the forest opens up to reveal a stunning vista of rugged mountains and rolling valleys.

Just a short drive away, the Cirrus viewpoint offers an exceptional view of Cirrus Mountain and the section of the Parkway you just traveled through.

As you exit the Big Bend, you’ll see a large pullout on the right side of the road – this is the Cirrus Viewpoint! I love this viewpoint as it really showcases the vastness of the valley and the landscape that surrounds the Icefields Parkway.

Athabasca Glacier & Columbia Icefields

The next stop on this 3 days in Banff itinerary is the famous Columbia Icefields, the largest icefield south of the Arctic. It spans over 325 square kilometres and reaches depths of up to 365 metres – wow, that’s impressive!

The Athabasca Glacier is the biggest attraction within the Columbia Icefields. It’s located right where Banff National Park and Jasper National Park meet.

You can tour the Athabasca Glacier in one of the Ice Explorers. These massive vehicles are specifically designed to drive on glaciers, and the tour gives you an up-close experience on the glacier. The Skywalk is included in the Ice Explorer tour ticket price but can also be purchased separately. It’s a glass platform extending from the mountain, with views of the Sunwapta Valley below. You can purchase Skywalk tickets online in advance.

I had a great time touring the Athabasca Glacier. The tour and Skywalk together took around 3 to 4 hours. If you don’t want to spend this much time here, you can drive up to the toe of the glacier where you’ll also get views of Snow Dome Glacier.

There are a couple of restaurants at the Icefields Centre, but they are quite expensive. For instance, sandwiches cost around $18. There’s also a Starbucks if you’re just looking to grab a coffee.

While the food at the Icefields Centre is pricey, the bathrooms and Wi-Fi are free! Whether or not you decide to take the Ice Explorer tour, you should stop here to stretch your legs, use the bathrooms, access free Wi-Fi — all for free!

This is the point where you’ll head back into Banff, unless you are continuing your trip onwards to Jasper.

Emerald Lake

If time permits, one more stop on this 3 days in Banff itinerary that you won’t want to miss is Emerald Lake, one of the best things to do in Yoho National Park. The lake was officially given its name by famous mountaineer Tom Wilson on his journey through Yoho National Park.

Emerald Lake is just a short drive from the town of Banff, and is often considered one of Canada’s most iconic and picturesque spots. The stunning emerald-coloured water is surrounded by towering peaks and lush forests.

You can take a leisurely walk around the lake, rent a canoe to explore it further or even hike up to the nearby Emerald Basin for some incredible views.

There’s also a beautiful lodge on the edge of the lake, with a restaurant offering delicious meals and stunning views. If you have time, I highly recommend staying here for at least one night to fully experience this magical place. I’ve had the pleasure of staying here myself, and you can check out my comprehensive review of Emerald Lake Lodge for more information.

Where To Stay In Banff

• Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: As mentioned earlier, I stayed at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise a couple of years ago and loved every minute of my stay. This hotel is expensive, I stayed as part of a giveaway so didn’t actually pay to stay here, but now knowing just how special this hotel is, I would absolutely consider it! The service I received from the moment we checked in to check-out was phenomenal, this place really knows how to make you feel special. As for the lake view rooms – they are something else! There is nowhere else in Banff that has a location that even matches this hotel. I would definitely consider at least a night here if you are celebrating something special.

• Banff Park Lodge: The Banff Park Lodge is easily my favourite hotel in Banff. You can’t beat the location when it comes to this hotel. It is about a 2-minute walk to the main throng of Banff Avenue, making it incredibly convenient for exploring shops, restaurants, and local attractions. The rooms are SO big, which I absolutely loved, with plenty of space to relax and unwind after a day of adventure. The hotel amenities are fantastic, including a pool, hot tub, and fitness centre. And one of the best parts is that the free shuttle for the Banff Gondola picks up right outside, making trips to the gondola super easy!

• Moose Hotel & Suites: The Moose Hotel Hotel & Suites is located on Banff Avenue, just a few blocks from the main stretch. The hotel features a fitness centre, a large indoor pool, and two outdoor hot pools on the rooftop with great views of Banff. They offer a free pass for Roam Transit, Banff’s public transportation, which serves local areas. Some rooms are pet-friendly with a $25 fee per pet, per night. Free parking is available in a secure underground garage

Final Thoughts

Banff is by far one of my favourite places in Canada. I hope this 3 day Banff itinerary has given you some ideas for your upcoming trip and shown you just how much there is to explore in this beautiful corner of the world. I hope you enjoy your time in Banff as much as I did and make unforgettable memories along the way.