3-Day Banff Itinerary For First Time Visitors
Includes:
3-day itinerary for first time visitors
Must-see spots & helpful tips
Add-ons: Jasper & Spirit Island Boat Tour
Bonus: interactive map with pins to save time planning
3-day itinerary for first time visitors
day one: The Classics
Catch a shuttle to Moraine Lake (sunrise recommended), take your time soaking in the views from the Rockpile which is a quick walk from the parking lot to the most picturesque spot of florescent blue water with the stunning backdrop of the Canadian Rockies. Next take a hike via the Moraine Lake Shoreline Trail. This 2.3 mile (3.7 km) trail that is partial trial and partial boardwalk. Getting here requires a bit of planning as the road is closed year round due to high tourism volumes. There is a shuttle option with Parks Canada that stops at both Moraine Lake and Louise Lake. This option worked for me although just after sunrise. Don’t worry if you didn’t book well in advance, they release another round of timed tickets two days prior to your visit at 8am MT. Be prepared to login right away at 8am on the dot to secure a seat. Here’s an option to get you to Moraine Lake for sunrise: Moraine Lake Shuttle. Look into logistics of getting to Lake Louise after with this company. This may require booking an additional ticket.
Next you’ll catch a shuttle to see another gem that should not be missed when visiting Banff National Park: Lake Louise. This parking lot is typically full before sunrise and well after sunset. I preferred using the shuttle system as there are often restrictions unless you are staying as a guest at the Fairmount. At a minimum, walk the Lake Louise Shoreline. If you’re looking for something more, consider adding on Devils Thumb, Big Beehive, Little Beehive, Lake Agnes, or Plain of Six Glaciers Trail. I personally hiked Big Beehive which goes beyond Lake Agnes offering sweeping views of Lake Louise from above and the infamous Fairmont Hotel. Make sure to pack a lunch (there is a tea house located at Lake Agnes offering food and drinks, but be prepared for a line and bring cash), plenty of water, and pack bear spray for adventures out in the park. I’ll go into details about the logistics soon.
If you’re still feeling like you want another experience at either of these lakes, you can rent canoes for another perspective of these already incredible views.
After this you’ll have some downtime to wander around Banff and check out shops before dinner. Make your way to check out a local brewery like Three Bears (also a restaurant), head to a more upscale spot like The Maple Leaf, or even check out Saffron Indian Bistro which is one of my favorites. As a side note, Canada has some excellent beer options. My personal favorite that is usually on tap everywhere is Super Saturation by Cabin Brewing. The Establishment Brewing Company also has excellent hazy IPAs. Both of these breweries are out of Calgary if you spend anytime in the city on the way in or out of town.
day TWO: The DRIVE OF A LIFETIME
I know day one seemed hard to beat, but just wait until you see the Icefields Parkway. This is a drive that extends from Banff to Jasper, Alberta. This is a 144-mile (232 kilometer) stretch of the most beautiful views in the world. This is home of the most iconic lookout points in Alberta that you don’t want to miss during your first trip to the park. Be sure to stop at Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Waterfowl Lakes, Columbia Icefields.
If you do continue to Jasper, don’t miss these viewpoints: Tangle Creek Falls, Sunwapta Falls, Honeymoon Lake, Athabasca Falls, and Goat Lookout. Estimated drive time without stops is 3-3.5 hours. If you have the flexibility, spending a night in Jasper could be beneficial so you don’t have to cut this short. However, remember you won’t see it all in one trip. After four visits in one year to Banff, my list continues to grow.
Optional recommended extension: if you have any extra time, get up to Jasper National Park to take the boat cruise to Spirit Island on glacier fed Maligne Lake. Besides the boat tour, the only other way to reach this spot is via kayak or canoe. This spot is seriously special. This location might just have been the place that inspired me to show up online writing these guides and sharing recommendations that have made a significant impression on me. Please note, that Jasper experienced fires in the summer of 2024 so you may find damage to this area.
day three: Banff views & short day trip
The views don’t stop on day three either. Whether you drove back to Banff or are returning later in the afternoon, make sure to fit in Sulphur Mountain. Once you reach the top, either via hiking or a gondola ride, you’ll find even more incredible views. These panoramic views of Banff are unmatched. At the top of the gondola, you’ll find more touristy restaurants and gift shops, but this spot at sunrise or sunset is so special to see the mountains glow.
Make sure to spend some time downtown Banff Avenue checking out all the outdoor gear shops, majestic views of Mount Rundle, the Cascade of Time Garden, and stroll around the Bow River. Want another experience: Banff Upper Hot Springs is a great way to relax if you’re feeling a little run down from adventuring. Single adult entry is $17.50 CAD which includes a locker token for your belongings.
Before the end of the day, I recommend a quick visit to Canmore, Alberta. This is my favorite place to stay when visiting the region as a home base. You’ll find a quaint downtown, that is a little less touristy than Banff during peak summer seasons. Here’s a few of my favorite stops in Canmore: Cafe Books, Where the Buffalo Roam (cocktails), Bridgette Bar for dinner, Evoolution (olive oil tasting), Engine Bridge, Three Sisters Viewpoint, Rocky Mountain Bagel Company, Stonewaters, and the many photography galleries in town.
Wait a second, what about the bear spray
Wildlife sightings are one of the best things about these parks so it’s important to know a thing or two about bear awareness so you’re prepared if you have an encounter even though these sights are pretty crowded. If you go on any hikes, it’s important to carry bear spray in your group. You also want to know how to use it, keep it within reach, and not let fear of an encounter keep you from experiencing this park. They often recommend hiking in groups; however, I don’t usually have that luxury so I am prepared as possible.
Most of the hotels you’ll stay with rent out bear spray or provide it for free during your stay. Inquire during check in about where to find it. Remember to return it when you leave so you don’t have a delay getting through airport security on your way home.
Click the link for even more information on bear safety when visiting Banff National Park.
final thoughts & bonus offering
I hope you fall in love with this place like I have. If so, I know you’ll be back for more before you know it. As promised, I have created a bonus interactive map as an easy way to remember these spots and save you a little bit of time. Please provide your name and email below and I’ll send you the map as a bonus. Make sure to stay on my email list for pre-release of my Uncut Guide to Banff & Beyond which will cover experiences of the three months I was able to spend in this region of Canada. If you’re extra eager, pre-sales are starting now; however, likely not to release until midsummer. Please don’t hesitate to connect if you have any questions to personalize your trip: comment or send me a message through social media to connect and stay updated on the latest and greatest. Thanks for making it this far. I hope you have the best trip to one of my favorite places in the world.
Send me a message for the interactive map
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Send me a message for the interactive map 〰️
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