2 Days In Banff Itinerary (2025 Guide)
Planning a trip to Banff is an exciting adventure that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Located in the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park offers stunning natural landscapes, diverse wildlife, and endless outdoor activities.
I have spent a lot of time in Banff, with trips ranging from one day to 4 days in Banff. It’s easily become one of my favourite places in the world. But no matter how long you have, every trip is always worth it!
There is a lot to do in Banff, and putting together a plan can be overwhelming. This itinerary will help you make the most out of your trip to Banff, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a longer vacation.
After many trips and lots of exploring, I have put together this 2 days in Banff itinerary which hits the best spots, lakes viewpoints and more!
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Essential Links For Booking Your 2 Days in Banff!
Transport: Book your rental car here.
Top rated tours and experiences in Banff:
My accommodation recommendations for Banff:
→ Check out my Canada packing list for all seasons for all the essential items you’ll need when visiting Canada year-round, from hot to cold! (Don’t come unprepared like I did!)
2 Days In Banff Itinerary
There is a LOT to do in Banff. You could easily spend a week here. But since you only have 2 days, this itinerary features only the very BEST things to do in Banff. These are the ultimate cannot-miss attractions.
My biggest tip when visiting Banff is to get up EARLY! This place is growing in popularity every year and can get crowded quickly. Beat the crowds and enjoy the beauty of Banff by starting your day early.
At the end of this post is additional information on how to get to Banff and how to get around once you arrive in Banff. Let’s get straight into this itinerary!
Day 1: Lake Louise/Moraine Lake/Big or Little Beehive
Sunrise at Moraine Lake
My first day of any trip to Banff is always a visit to Moraine Lake and/or Lake Louise. This itinerary is designed for 2 FULL days in Banff – so either you checked in before day 1, OR you can switch the days and do day 1 as day 2 (if booking 2 nights) since we are starting at sunrise!
In my opinion the best attractions in Banff National Park are in the Lake Louise area, and the best time to see them, is early in the morning!
Choosing whether to watch the sunrise from Moraine Lake or Lake Louise is a hard one. I have done both and loved them both. I have watched the sunrise at Lake Louise a few times, and it never disappoints, but Moraine Lake is something else entirely.
With the new road restrictions at Moraine Lake (more on this below) seeing Moraine Lake is not as easy as it once was – you now have to book a tour, take public transit or book the Parks Canada shuttle.
*** Moraine Lake Road Closures *** In 2023 Parks Canada closed Moraine Lake Road to personal vehicles – this means you can longer drive your own car to the lake and park at the parking lot like you used to. Going forward, only parks shuttles, and tour busses will be permitted. What does this mean? – well, it means visiting Moraine Lake requires a little more planning. But don’t worry! It’s actually not as hard as it sounds!
- Option 1: Take the Parks Canada Shuttle from the Ski Lake Louise parking lot ($8.00 per person round trip). These buses run every 30 minutes, starting at 6:30am and ending at around 7:30pm. The New Alpine Start shuttle runs 2 departures daily at 4am and 5am and returns at 7pm.
- Option 2: Take Public Transit from Banff. The Roam public transit buses run all year round in Banff, and they also offer a special service between Banff and Lake Louise during the summer months (bus 8x). You will need to purchase a Roam Super Pass to access the Lake Connector Shuttle to Moraine Lake. The first bus leaves at 6am from Banff and it takes about an hour each way.
- Option 3: Book a tour with one of the many tour companies in Banff. This Moraine Lake sunrise tour includes a warm beverage while you watch the sunrise and then a visit to Lake Louise afterwards. Book online in advance to secure your spot.
- Option 4: Take the Banff Hop On Hop Off Bus. The hop on, hop off bus that runs between Banff and Lake Louise includes stops at Moraine Lake and other popular attractions like the Bow Valley Parkway.
Visit Lake Louise
If you weren’t able to watch the sunrise at Moraine Lake, you should start your day with sunrise at Lake Louise. Both lakes are situated perfectly situated to experience some incredible alpenglow!
Sunrise at Lake Louise is just as spectacular as Moraine, so don’t worry if you can’t make it to Moraine. I have watched the sunrise at Lake Louise on a few occasions and it’s definitely a core memory!
After sunrise, take a walk around the Lake Louise Lakeshore. The morning light is beautiful and the crowds will be minimal compared to later in the day.
If you want to grab a coffee, head to the Deli inside the Fairmont Chateau – is it expensive? Yes. But is it amazing? Also yes! I’ve mentioned this in several posts, but the coffee and croissants really are some of the best I’ve ever tried (I might have even dreamt about them…)
Go Canoeing on Lake Louise
There are a few things you can do after watching the sunrise and wandering the lake shore. The first is canoeing on Lake Louise. It’s pricey, but it’s the activity most visitors want to do when they come to Lake Louise.
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. It usually opens at 8am daily, but check online for current hours.
A canoe rental costs $145 CAD for one hour or $135 for half an hour. I wouldn’t recommend the 30-minute option; it’s not worth the money. Canoes can fit up to 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.
Lake Agnes Tea House
The second option is to hike up to the Lake Agnes Tea House. This moderate 3.4km hike takes you through beautiful scenery and ends at a cozy tea house overlooking the stunning Lake Louise. The perfect spot for a mid-morning break! I think this is the prettiest place to have lunch in Lake Louise. The last time I was here I chose a vanilla Earl Grey tea (they have over 100 tea options!) a chicken sandwich, and their famous homemade tea cakes. They also offer a homemade lemonade if you don’t want tea.
Big or Little Beehive
The Big Beehive and Little Beehive are two of my absolute favourite hikes in Banff National Park. They both offer similar panoramic views of Lake Louise from above, but the Little Beehive is slightly easier.
The Big Beehive is a 11km round trip hike with steep sections and an elevation gain of 718m. The Little Beehive is easier at only 9kms round trip with an elevation gain of 586m. The trailhead for all three hikes is located just in front of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Afternoon Tea At Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
If hiking isn’t on your list of things to do in Lake Louise, you can still enjoy the area and take a slower pace by booking the afternoon tea at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
This iconic hotel sits on the shores of Lake Louise and is one of my absolute favourite hotels in the world! If you reserve ahead of time you can even request a table with a lake view.
Afternoon tea at the Fairmont Chateau 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.
Johnston Canyon
Next up on this 3 day Banff itinerary, is the famous Johnston Canyon! The best way to get there is via the Bow Valley Parkway – this is the scenic route! Make sure you stop by Morant’s Curve before you arrive at Johnston Canyon.
This is one of my favourite places to visit in Banff National Park, and it’s only about a 30-minute drive from Lake Louise. This beautiful canyon offers several hiking trails through the narrow gorge, past waterfalls, and over catwalks. The most popular hike is the lower falls (1.2km each way) which takes you to the base of a stunning waterfall.
If you have time, I also recommend doing the upper falls hike (2.7km each way). It is more challenging but the second waterfall is much bigger and way more impressive!
What I love about Johnston Canyon, is that it’s great for everyone, even if you have never hiked before. The trail is super easy to follow and not technical at all.
If you are visiting Banff without a car, you can book the Hop on Hop off bus ticket which makes a stop here on its route.
Dinner At Farm & Fire
After a long day of exploring and hiking, you’ll probably have worked up quite an appetite. For dinner, head to Farm & Fire located inside the Elk + Avenue Hotel. This farm-to-table restaurant offers delicious wood-fired dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
Their menu changes based on seasonal availability, but some popular dishes include their famous rotisserie chicken, wood-fired pizzas, and fresh salads. They also have a great selection of local beers and wines to enjoy with your meal.
Day 2: Lake Minnewanka/Banff Gondola
Breakfast at Tooloulou’s
Start your second day in Banff with a delicious breakfast at Tooloulou’s, a cozy and rustic restaurant located in the heart of downtown Banff.
This is one of the best breakfast places I have been to anywhere in Canada! Their menu is full of mouth-watering options, but their specialty is Cajun-inspired dishes like bennies, omelettes, and sandwiches. Don’t forget to try their famous beignets for a sweet treat!
I have had breakfast here on a few trips now, trying something new each time. I definitely recommend the bananas foster french toast and eggs benny!
Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Just a short 15-minute drive from downtown Banff, Lake Minnewanka spans approximately 22 square kilometres (8.5 square miles), making it the largest lake in Banff National Park. This glacial lake is not only notable for its impressive size but also for its striking, deep blue waters bordered by towering mountain peaks.
The best way to experience Lake Minnewanka is by taking a boat cruise. These cruises offer a unique perspective of the lake and you’ll get to learn about the area’s history and wildlife. The cruise typically lasts about an hour and costs around $69 CAD per person. Booking online in advance is recommended to secure your chosen time-slot.
Before the damming of the lake, an area known as Minnewanka Landing existed as a small resort town. Today, the remnants of this town lie beneath the lake’s surface, making it one of the most intact submerged villages in Canada.
Long before this resort town, the Stoney Nakoda First Nations people inhabited the region for thousands of years, and visitors can learn about their rich cultural heritage at an interpretive trailhead near the lake.
The area also accommodates fishing and kayaking, with rental services available nearby if you wish to explore the lake at your own pace.
Visit A Brewery
After a morning exploring Lake Minnewanka, make your way back in Banff town to unwind with an ice-cold beer! I rarely visit a new place without trying the local beer, and Banff does not disappoint.
Banff Ave Brewing Co. has the best views in town – I’m talking about the jaw-dropping views of Cascade Mountain from its rooftop patio. Plus, their craft beer selection is fantastic! Their menu also offers delicious pub-style food options if you’re feeling hungry.
My other favourite brewery in Banff is the Three Bears Brewery. Also located in the downtown area on Bear Street (obviously!) This cozy brewery has a great selection of beers, and their wood-fired pizzas are to die for! They offer Happy Hour from 3-5pm.
Another great option is the Park Distillery. This unique distillery and restaurant offers a range of handcrafted spirits and cocktails alongside tasty Canadian-inspired dishes. The atmosphere is cozy and rustic with a modern touch.
Explore Banff Avenue
After enjoying some local brews, take a stroll down Banff Avenue, the main street in town. If you’ve ever seen photos of Banff online, then you’ve probably seen the iconic photos showcasing the stunning views of Cascade Mountain from the middle of Banff Avenue!
Lined with quaint shops and restaurants, this pedestrian-friendly street is perfect for an afternoon of leisurely exploration. This is the time to get all your Canadian souvenirs! My favourite stores include the Roots store which sells Banff branded t-shirts and hoodies, and Big Bear Trading which is also amazing for all things Banff themed!
If you want a mid-day snack, try a Beavertail, a delicious Canadian pastry that comes in various flavours, or some yummy popcorn from Mary’s!
Bow Falls
Bow Falls is one of the best waterfalls in Banff, and the best part is it’s super easy to get to! Bow Falls is a short 5-minute drive from Downtown Banff (you can see the falls from the parking lot, no hiking required) OR you can take a 20-minute walk along the Bow River.
If you have the time, I’d recommend the walk as it passes through some amazing viewpoints and through the Art in Nature Trail. From downtown Banff, cross the Banff Pedestrian Bridge – this bridge showcases some of the best views of Cascade Mountain. You’ll follow the trail along the Bow River until you reach the falls.
Surprise Corner & Banff Hoodoos
Surprise Corner is a scenic lookout with breathtaking views of the Bow River, Mount Rundle and the famous Banff Springs Hotel, known as the “Castle in the Rockies. This is one of the top photo spots in Banff. I think it gives some serious some Harry Potter vibes (winter in Hogsmeade anyone?)
You can drive to Surprise Corner where there is a small parking lot. This place is VERY popular in Banff as the view requires no effort (it is almost directly next to the parking lot)
After Surprise Corner continue along Tunnel Mountain Road to the Hoodoos Trailhead. This is one of the easiest hikes in Banff and features views of the Banff Hoodoos, a unique geological formation that can be found in only a few places in the world.
You can either choose hike the entire trail which is a total of 10km, or you can hike the short way in to the viewpoint of the Hoodoos. Here you’ll find a pair of iconic red Parks Canada Chairs where you can sit and enjoy the view.
Banff Gondola
The Banff Gondola is an 8-minute scenic ride that takes you to the top of Sulphur Mountain where you’ll get stunning panoramic views of six mountain ranges and the town of Banff below.
The best views are once you reach the top, there are several viewing platforms and a 1km scenic boardwalk that will take you to the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site.
I love walking along Sanson’s Boardwalk, it’s one of the easiest ways to see mountain views in Banff with little to no effort.
At the top, you’ll also find a gift shop, restaurant, and interactive exhibits about the surrounding area. Admission costs around $59 CAD for adults and includes access to all areas of the gondola experience. It is recommended to book tickets online in advance as there can be long wait times during peak seasons.
Tip: Book your Banff Gondola admission in advance to avoid missing out!
Dinner at the Grizzly House
After a full day of exploring Banff, end your last night with a unique dining experience at The Grizzly House. This is my favourite restaurant in Banff and the place to come for game meats such as bison, elk and wild boar. The Grizzly House has been serving up delicious fondue and hot rock dinners for over 50 years.
Choose from an array of meats, seafood, and vegetables to cook on a sizzling hot rock at your table or dip into melted cheese or chocolate fondues. The cozy atmosphere and quirky decor make for an unforgettable dining experience.
Where Is Banff?
Banff is a town located within Banff National Park in the province of Alberta, Canada. It is situated in the heart of the Canadian Rockies and is approximately 128 km (80 miles) west of Calgary, one of Canada’s major cities. The town sits at an elevation of 1,400 metres (4,600 feet) above sea level and is surrounded by breathtaking mountain peaks.
How To Get To Banff
There are a few different ways to get to Banff. I often take a road trip from Whistler to Banff (which I highly recommend!) or if you’re flying into Vancouver, a Vancouver to Banff road trip is another great option.
I have also flown into Banff from Vancouver. If you are not from British Columbia or Alberta, chances are you will be flying into Calgary International airport, which is the nearest major airport to Banff.
By car, the drive from Calgary to Banff takes around 1.5 hours and it is an easy and scenic drive along the Trans-Canada Highway. You can also take a shuttle bus from Calgary International Airport which will take you directly to Banff in approximately 2 hours.
There are also several bus tours that operate from major cities such as Vancouver or Edmonton, offering guided trips through the Canadian Rockies with stops in Banff. This 2 day Banff tour includes a stop at Johnston Canyon, Lake Minnewanka, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Peyto Lake AND Bow Lake! Accommodation not included. Secure your spot on this by booking online.
Best Time To Visit Banff
I think the best time to visit Banff is during the summer months, anywhere between mid-June and mid-September. This is when the weather is usually sunny and warmer, and the famous lakes have thawed.
But the weather is never guaranteed in the mountains, and even in the summer you can experience, wind, rain and snow! Remember to pack a warm coat even when visiting in summer. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so accommodation prices may be higher and popular attractions may be busier, which is why it’s a good idea to plan your trip in advance.
If you prefer a quieter and more affordable visit, consider visiting Banff during the shoulder seasons of late spring (late April to May) or early fall (late September to October). You’ll still get to enjoy mild weather and beautiful scenery without the crowds.
Banff is also a fantastic destination during the winter months (December to March). Skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities are popular. Plus, you may be able to score some great deals on accommodation during this time. Just remember to pack warm clothes and embrace the cold weather!
Where To Stay In Banff
Accommodation in Banff is not cheap – booking well ahead of time is the best way to save money. In the past I have booked up to a year out in order to secure the best rates.
Banff Park Lodge: I stayed here a couple of years ago, and managed to secure a VERY cheap rate of $395 CAD for 3 nights (again, I booked over a year in advance to get this rate) I’m not sure if this was glitch or what, because I have never ever seen a hotel in this area this cheap. But I will say that I’d happily pay more for this hotel. I loved everything about it. The location was FANTASTIC – just a short walk away from Banff Avenue. The rooms had everything you needed, and were so spacious.
Moose Hotel & Suites: I’ve yet to stay at this hotel, but from walking by several times I’m already sold. Apart from the amazing Moose statue outside, this hotel offers a fitness centre, a large indoor pool, and two rooftop outdoor hot pools with great views of Banff. They provide a free pass for Roam Transit, Banff’s public transportation system. Some rooms are pet-friendly for a $25 fee per pet, per night. Free parking is available in a secure underground garage.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: This is the ultimate bucket-list worthy hotel in Banff National Park, and I’m lucky enough to say I have stayed here. This iconic hotel sits on the edge of Lake Louise and offers a few lake view rooms with views of Lake Louise. It’s definitely a splurge, but worth every penny for the luxurious experience and unforgettable scenery. You can check out my full review here.
Is 2 Days In Banff Enough?
There’s so much to see and do, and you’ll likely find even more once you get there. With stunning views in every corner of this National Park, you’ll want to enjoy them for as long as possible.
You can definitely enjoy Banff in 2 days, in fact you can visit Banff in one day if that’s all the time you have! On my very first visit here, I spent 4 days in Banff alone, and 2 in Lake Louise. We also spent a day driving from Lake Louise to Jasper on the Icefields Parkway – like I said there’s a LOT to do. This itinerary features the absolute cannot-miss places, but there is way more things to do in Banff.
While two days may not be enough time to experience everything Banff has to offer, it is still possible to have an enjoyable trip in this amount of time. With this itinerary and proper planning, you can see some of the top attractions and get a taste of the beauty and adventure that Banff has to offer.
And not to mention Yoho National Park, which is right next door to Banff and very worthy of your time. If you are planning a Canadian Rockies Road Trip, 8 days is the minimum I would recommend. You can check out my Banff and Jasper itinerary which details everything you need to know for visiting.
Parks Canada National Parks Pass Info
If you are visiting or planning a trip to any of Canada’s National Parks (Including Banff, Jasper and, Yoho), you will need to purchase a parks pass. There are a number of options available.
Single Day Admission:
This option is great if you only plan to spend a day or two in a National Park. Valid for one person per day. See the Parks Canada website for current rates. Children 17 or younger are free.
Group Daily Admission:
This is a great option if you have up to 7 people per one vehicle. It is cheaper than purchasing a pass for each person. See the Parks Canada website for current rates.
Parks Canada Discovery Pass:
A discovery Pass is, in my opinion, the best option for people visiting in groups for a week or more. This is an annual pass and is valid from the day you buy it. It will give you 365 days of entry to all of Canada’s National Parks. I purchased this for my 12 day trip to the Banff and Jasper in 2021 and used it 3 more times in Banff in 2022 and another for Pacific Rim in Tofino. If you are planning on traveling around Canada for an extended period of time, this is worth the money!
The Discovery Pass will cover up to 7 people per vehicle. You can purchase the Discovery pass online or in person when you arrive. See the Parks Canada website for current rates.
Final Thoughts
I hope this itinerary has given you a glimpse of the beauty and adventure that awaits in Banff. It’s a place that blows me away each time I visit – it really is somewhere you need to see for yourself! No matter how much time you have, Banff will not disappoint. If you have two days in Banff (or more!), make sure to plan ahead and prioritize your must-see attractions. And don’t forget to leave some room for spontaneity and discovering new hidden gems along the way.
