4-Day Banff National Park Summer Itinerary
Banff National Park, straddling the border of British Columbia and Alberta in the stunning Canadian Rockies, had been a long-standing dream destination of mine. This past summer, I finally made it happen for my birthday, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable celebrations I’ve ever had.
The area offers an endless array of activities and sights to explore. As an avid hiker, I was tempted to tackle some of the bigger trails and peaks, but since it was my first time visiting, I opted to check off some of the more iconic, “touristy” spots first. Looking back, I think I crafted a nearly perfect 4-day itinerary for experiencing the best of Banff.
How to get to Banff
If you’re flying into Banff, you’ll most likely land at Calgary International Airport (YYC). From there, you can either drive or take a shuttle bus to Banff’s town center. The drive is about 1.5 hours west of Calgary and offers scenic views to kick off your trip. If you’re using GyPSy Guides audio tours, your adventure starts right from the airport.
If you’re not planning to rent a car, there are several shuttle buses from downtown Calgary and the airport. While shuttles and buses can get you around, renting a car gives you more freedom and the chance to explore beyond the main attractions.
PRO TIP: Book your rental car well in advance. Banff is a hugely popular destination, and demand for rentals is high. We waited three hours for our car—despite having a reservation and arriving on time—so plan for potential delays. To save time and frustration, consider alternatives like Turo or Getaround. Though we didn’t try it, it likely would have been faster and more convenient than waiting at the airport.
For reference, some rental companies handled the rush better than others. Budget (our choice), Dollar, and Thrifty had significant delays, while Enterprise and Alamo seemed to run more smoothly.
Best time to Visit Banff
This is a tough question and one we asked many locals during our visit. This itinerary focuses on summer since we went in the first week of August. Summer (mid-June to August) is a fantastic time to visit, with gorgeous weather and easy accessibility, but be prepared—it’s extremely busy. If you’re not a fan of crowds and don’t mind cooler temperatures or some snow, the shoulder season might be a better fit.
One of our servers recommended visiting in late September or early October. The crowds thin out (somewhat), and the cooler weather makes for a more relaxed atmosphere. However, keep in mind that certain roads and attractions may close for the season, so it’s important to plan ahead. If you’re up for a snowy adventure, April and May can also be beautiful times to visit. Ultimately, it depends on your expectations and what kind of experience you’re looking for.
Where to stay in Banff
Unlike many U.S. National Parks, Banff offers a wide range of lodging options to suit nearly every budget. If you’re visiting in the summer and looking to save money—or if you want a more immersive experience—consider camping! For those preferring more traditional accommodations, here are options across different price tiers:
Budget-Friendly Options
Type: Hostel
Price Range: $50–$100 CAD per night
Features: Dorm and private rooms, shared kitchen, free Wi-Fi, scenic views.
Best For: Backpackers and travelers looking to save on lodging.
Type: Hostel
Price Range: $60–$120 CAD per night
Features: Free breakfast, communal kitchen, walking distance to downtown.
Best For: Budget-conscious travelers who want a central location.
Type: Hostel
Price Range: $70–$130 CAD per night
Features: Free breakfast, social atmosphere, bar on-site.
Best For: Solo travelers and those seeking a vibrant, social vibe
Mid-Range Options
Type: Hotel
Price Range: $200–$300 CAD per night
Features: Modern rooms, central location, boutique style, and underground parking.
Best For: Couples and families seeking a stylish, comfortable stay close to downtown.
2. Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
Type: Hotel
Price Range: $150–$250 CAD per night
Features: Suites and condos, indoor pool, hot tub, pet-friendly.
Best For: Families and groups needing extra space.
Type: Hotel
Price Range: $250–$400 CAD per night
Features: Rooftop hot pools, spa, on-site dining, modern design.
Best For: Travelers seeking comfort and excellent amenities.
Luxury Options
Type: Luxury Hotel
Price Range: $400–$700 CAD per night
Features: Stunning mountain views, fine dining, full-service spa.
Best For: Couples and those celebrating a special occasion.
Type: Luxury Hotel
Price Range: $600–$1,200 CAD per night
Features: Iconic castle-like architecture, world-class service, golf course, spa.
Best For: Luxury seekers and those wanting a historic experience.
3. Post Hotel & Spa (in nearby Lake Louise)
Type: Luxury Hotel
Price Range: $700–$1,500 CAD per night
Features: Award-winning dining, serene spa, alpine charm.
Best For: Upscale retreats and romantic getaways.
Getting Around Banff
1. Car Rental
Renting a car is one of the most popular and flexible options for getting around Banff and the surrounding National Park. It gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, access more remote trails, lakes, and attractions, and take scenic drives like the Icefields Parkway. However, parking can be limited in the busy summer months, so be prepared for crowded lots at popular spots like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
2. Banff Roam Public Transit
Banff’s Roam Public Transit system is a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around town and visit popular destinations. The Roam buses operate on several routes, including one that connects Banff to Lake Louise, the Banff town center to Sunshine Village, and even a route to Canmore. It’s an affordable option, especially if you plan on staying within town or heading to popular tourist areas without a car.
3. Shuttle Services
For those without a car, shuttle services are a great alternative. Banff offers shuttle options to key destinations such as Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the Columbia Icefield. Many of the hotels and tour operators also offer private or shared shuttle services for their guests. During peak season, some shuttle companies even offer express trips to reduce waiting times.
In 2025, access to Moraine Lake will still require using a shuttle, as the Moraine Lake Road will remain closed to private vehicles. This shuttle system operates from June to mid-October, depending on snow conditions. Reservations for the shuttle to Moraine Lake are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons. You can book a spot on the Parks Canada shuttle or opt for alternatives such as the Moraine Lake Bus Company, which also provides sunrise shuttles and return service, helping to avoid long waits at the end of the day.
Additionally, if you are staying in Lake Louise, the free Park and Ride Connector shuttle offers convenient transportation from the village to the Park and Ride area, where you can catch a shuttle to Moraine Lake. For those traveling from Banff, Roam Transit also provides shuttle service to Moraine Lake during peak seasons, with several departures per day.
Be sure to plan ahead, as parking and transportation to these popular spots can be challenging during busy months.
4. Biking
Banff is an incredibly bike-friendly destination, with several bike rental shops available throughout the town. Cycling is a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the Banff townsite and nearby trails, such as the scenic Bow River Parkway and the Legacy Trail. Many trails are suitable for both road bikes and mountain bikes, depending on your preference and experience. Additionally, Banff’s flat terrain makes biking a pleasant option for most visitors.
5. Taxis and Ride-Sharing
Taxis are readily available in Banff, though they can be limited during peak times. Ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft have not yet made it to Banff, but local services such as Banff Taxi provide convenient and reliable transport for getting around town and to more remote areas. It’s a good option if you prefer a private ride without needing to rent a car.
6. Walking
The town of Banff is small and walkable, with many attractions, shops, and restaurants within walking distance of each other. If you're staying in the town center, walking is an easy and scenic way to get around. There are also several nearby trails that can be accessed directly from town, offering beautiful hikes with minimal effort required.
Day One: Los Angeles > Calgary > Banff
Living in Los Angeles has its perks, like the relatively quick 3-hour flight up to Calgary. We opted for an early flight to make the most of our travel day and still squeeze in some sightseeing. In August, the region enjoys long days with sunsets around 9:30 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to explore.
However, the car rental process was less than ideal. What should have been a straightforward pickup turned into a 3-hour ordeal from the time of our scheduled appointment to actually getting behind the wheel. It was a frustrating start but didn’t dampen our excitement for the trip ahead.
The drive from Calgary to Banff along the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) is a scenic journey offering a mix of urban, rolling foothills, and spectacular mountain views.
Upon our arrival in Banff we checked into our room Peaks Hotel. After a quick refresh we walked into town to do some exploring and grab a bite for dinner. We decided to keep it casual and grabbed a table at Block Kitchen. They specialize in Japanese yakitori.
Thanks to the late summer sunsets, we headed out to Two Jack Lake after dinner, just a quick 15-minute drive from town. From the water’s edge, we watched the mountain transform as the sun dipped lower, shifting from red to pink to deep blue, while the moon rose gracefully overhead. Despite sharing the beach with a few other travelers, the atmosphere was peaceful and surprisingly serene.
Day Two: Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive, Johnston Canyon & Banff Gondola
On our first full day in the park, we wanted to familiarize ourselves with our surroundings, so we did a short driving scenic drive along Tunnel Mountain Road and Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive, one of Banff’s most breathtaking routes. As we cruised through the picturesque drive, we made sure to take in the sparkling waters of Lake Minnewanka with towering mountains as the backdrop. There are several spots to pull over for photo opportunities, and we enjoyed a few peaceful moments by the lake before heading to our next adventure.
Next, we made our way to Johnston Canyon for a moderate hike to the famous Johnston Canyon Waterfalls. The trail, which is easy to follow, winds through the canyon and offers stunning views of the turquoise waters below. Here, you’ll pass by the Lower and Upper Falls, where you can hear the rush of water echoing off the canyon walls.
We decided to continue past the Upper Falls to the Ink Pots—colorful pools of spring-fed water nestled in the mountains. It’s a peaceful spot to relax and take in the natural beauty.
After your hike, head back to Banff and take the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain. The 8-minute ride offers spectacular panoramic views of the Bow Valley, Lake Minnewanka, and the surrounding peaks. Once at the top, you can enjoy the scenic boardwalk before making your way to Sky Bistro for dinner. With floor-to-ceiling windows, Sky Bistro offers an unforgettable dining experience with a view. Feast on local cuisine while watching the sun set over the mountains, creating an unforgettable end to a perfect day in Banff.
Day Two: Lake Louise, Lake Agnes Tea House, Big Beehive and Plain of Six Glaciers
We started this day extra early to attempt to score a parking spot at Moraine Lake. Sadly, even with a 3am wake up call, by the time we made it to Moraine Lake, the lot was full and we were denied entrance. So instead, we opted for our plan B, and decided to continue further to explore the serene beauty of sunrise at Lake Louise. Parking can be quite difficult here as well, but we managed to be early enough to grab a spot. And luckily, the sunrise at Lake Louise is equally stunning. The soft glow of morning light gradually illuminates the turquoise waters of the lake and the towering mountains that surround it, creating a truly magical scene. We sat quietly along the shore, chatting with other couples as we sipped coffee and watched the surrounding peaks change colors. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the tranquility of the lake before the crowds arrive.
From the lake, we then embarked on a scenic hike to the Lake Agnes Tea House, located just above the lake. The 3.4 km (2.1 miles) trail gently winds through the forest, offering glimpses of wildflowers and breathtaking views of Lake Louise below. As we reached the tea house just before 9am, we decided to enjoy a well-deserved breakfast.
The line for breakfast can get pretty long here, but it’s worth the wait! I promise. The cozy tea house serves up homemade pastries, hearty soups, and warm beverages—a perfect break on this long hike, all while surrounded by the stunning alpine scenery. We grabbed a slice of chocolate cake as a mini pre-birthday celebration, a couple of biscuits and some delicious Masala Mountain Chai.
After breakfast, we continued on the the Big Beehive trail. This trail takes you to the top of the Big Beehive, where we were rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of Lake Louise, the surrounding mountains, and the Bow Valley. It’s a bit of a climb, but the vistas from the summit are more than worth the effort.
After taking in the views on Big Bee Hive, we followed the Highline Trail out to the Plain of Six Glaciers trail. This moderately challenging hike takes you higher into the mountains, offering incredible views of glaciers, rugged cliffs, and the surrounding wilderness. As you follow the trail, you’ll get closer to the imposing glaciers that feed the lake below, making it one of the most spectacular hikes in the area. The vistas of the glaciers, valleys, and distant peaks are truly breathtaking.
After a full day in the Lake Louise area, we retired back to the town of Banff and filled our bellies with some comfort food at Three Bears Brewery.
Day Three: Icefields Parkway, Athabasca Glacier Hike
Day three required another early start with a scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most iconic routes in Canada. This 232-km (144-mile) highway winds through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, offering jaw-dropping views of towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and glaciers.
As you drive, make stops at iconic viewpoints like Peyto Lake, with its wolf-shaped outline, and Mistaya Canyon, where the rushing waters carve through smooth rock (we chose to make these stops on our way back to Banff) The Icefields Parkway itself is a visual feast, and every twist and turn offers another stunning panorama of glacial landscapes.
Eventually, we arrived at the Athabasca Glacier within the Columbia Icefield (technically in Jasper National Park). In the parking lot we met our Rockaboo Guides for a super fun and informative glacier hike. Rockaboo’s experienced guides equipped us with everything we needed for a safe and unforgettable experience on the glacier, including crampons and walking poles. The hike takes you onto the ice itself, where you'll explore the crevasses, ice falls, and deep blue meltwater pools that make up this stunning frozen landscape.
As we walked on the glacier, our guides shared fascinating insights about the history and science of glaciers, explaining how they formed and how they’re changing due to climate change. I learned SO much on this tour. We even had the chance to repell into a crevasse, which was especially memorable for me, because our entire group sang Happy Birthday to me as I descended into the icy crack. We had plenty of opportunities to take photos, marvel at the beautiful ice formations, and even drink straight from the glacier itself.
I couldn’t imagine a better way to spend my birthday. And to cap it all off, we finished the evening out back in Banff at Hello Sunshine, a modern sushi spot. The menu features a variety of sushi rolls, nigiri, and sashimi, prepared with high-quality, fresh ingredients. In addition to classic sushi, Hello Sunshine also offers creative specialty rolls that incorporate local and seasonal ingredients, as well as a selection of small plates, like tempura, edamame, and miso soup, to complement your meal. AND, if you still have energy after a full day in the park, you can always try your hand at Karaoke there too!
Day Four: Bow River > Back to Calgary
On our final day in Banff, we decided to start with a relaxed and hearty brunch at Farm & Fire. This cozy spot in the heart of town offers a fantastic menu with locally sourced ingredients, featuring dishes like wood-fired pizzas, flavorful omelets, and house-made pastries. It's the perfect place to fuel up for a day of sightseeing.
After brunch, we drove up to the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and peeked around the grounds and inside. Often referred to as the "Castle in the Rockies," this historic luxury hotel is not only a stunning architectural masterpiece but also a key piece of Banff’s history. We spent some time exploring the grand lobby, admiring the castle-like structure, and taking a quick stroll around the nearby manicured gardens.
Lastly, we made our way to Bow River Falls, just a short drive or walk from the town center. This picturesque waterfall is one of Banff’s most photographed spots, and it offers an easy yet stunning hike along the river. Here we took in the sights of the cascading water with the beautiful backdrop of Mount Rundle and the surrounding mountains. It was a nice spot to reflect on all of our adventures over the last few days.
