Are you planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies? Look no further! I recently returned from an incredible trip to Banff National Park, and it was truly the trip of a lifetime. I'm excited to share my personal experiences and recommendations with you.
This guide is packed with adventure and my own personal recommendations. It includes:
- 36 curated spots.
- A FREE 6-day itinerary.
- Discount suggestions where possible.
- A collection of trails for day hiking.
- A collection of places to stay.
- A collection of must-do activities.
- A collection of good cafes, restaurants, and coffee shops.
- A collection of outdoor stores for mountain gear.
- A list of important, must-know information such as wildlife, seasonal information, and useful tips from someone who has hiked the Rockies.
Hi! I’m Sam & I am a certified luxury travel planner based in the Midwest! If you want me to help you book a trip to Banff, please email me at samantha@alwaystravelseason.com.
Good Eats
Explore Banff's vibrant culinary scene, where exceptional food is the main attraction. From locally sourced farm-fresh produce to carefully selected high-quality ingredients, each dish shares a tale of authenticity and flavor, encouraging you to relish the essence of the Rockies on your plate.
Start the day with a cup of locally roasted coffee and a fresh-baked organic pastry at Wild Flour Bakery, which sits on the spot that, in the late 1800s, housed Banff’s first bakery.
Good food doesn’t have to be complicated. Their menu features only the freshest ingredients from local Canadian farmers. Slow-roasted and wood-fired, it brings out the natural flavors Mother Nature intended.
Rocky Mountain Flatbread is an award winning pizza and restaurant with in Vancouver & Canmore. Their farm to pizza food philosophy is to use local and organic produce, Ocean Wise seafood as well as free-range organic meats. They have supported over 50 farmers & suppliers since 2004! They are also proud to be a 100% nut-free restaurant that offers gluten-friendly, vegan, and vegetarian options.
Serves up delicious traditional fare such as domestic and exotic, hand-made burgers, salads, fish and chips, and a smoked brisket sandwich that’s to die for. Enjoy a pint of their handcrafted beer on tap or try their taster set to sample one of each.
Make a reservation. Located inside the historic Mount Royal Hotel in the heart of Banff Avenue, Brazen brings a bold dining concept to town. Honouring the spirit of Banff’s mountaineers and explorers, we serve contemporary takes on classic cocktails, seasonally inspired Canadian fare and a taste of old-world style.
Make a reservation! Friends & family unite in little Banff Italy. An Italian spot featuring mountain view patios, private dining spaces, and la vita bella.
Make a reservation. A distinctly Canadian spin on a classic French brasserie, The Vermillion Room is a Banff favorite for an indulgent breakfast, a sumptuous brunch or a sophisticated dinner. An expertly sourced wine list seals its reputation among the very best restaurants in Banff.
Spectacular glacier views wrap the restaurant and provide the perfect backdrop to the Canadian inspired and locally-sourced menu developed by Executive Chef Michael O’Neill.
Indulge in a delicious breakfast or unwind and soak in the quiet and spectacular scenery with dinner and cocktails from Altitude's incredible à la carte menu.
Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen holds its inspiration close. Their buffet-style restaurant serves hit-the-spot favorites that beckon back to core alpine cuisine, from classic ski lodge comfort food to the hearty packed-away meals of early mountain guides. Prepared with fresh, local ingredients and served on the summit of Sulphur Mountain, a meal at Northern Lights is an unforgettable experience all its own.
Friendly and intimate, with lots of dark wood and big views, Walliser Stube feels like an upscale dining room nestled in the Alps. Critics call the deliciously gooey traditional cheese fondue the best outside Switzerland.
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Best Hikes
Wander the shores of glittering turquoise waters, scramble along a mountain ridge, visit the glowing larches in the fall, or journey across a wintry frozen lake. From pleasant walks to multi-day backcountry epics, hiking in Banff and Lake Louise offers some of the world's most scenic and inspiring hikes. Â
*Bear spray is an essential item to bring when hiking in Banff National Park. You can purchase bear spray at any outdoor gear store in Banff.
*EASY HIKE*
This short picturesque trail is great for families and is one of Canmore’s most popular hikes. Choose from the easy route, which takes you up a gentle incline to the spectacular turquoise lake, or the more challenging wooded trail that passes by a waterfall and offers beautiful views of Canmore and Bow Valley.
🚗You will need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass to park here!
*EASY HIKE* Moraine Lake is a stunning turquoise lake, cradled by the Valley of the Ten Peaks, located in Banff National Park.
Tip: Be aware of the new transportation system. Personal vehicles can no longer go here unless you stay at the Moraine Lake Lodge. Luckily, there are plenty of options to get to this great place! Be sure to book in advance.
*EASY HIKE*
Peyto lake is a glacier-fed lake located on the Icefields Parkway. The distance from the parking lot to the main viewpoint takes most people around 15 minutes to get to the viewing platform. It’s a paved trail to the main viewing platform, making it wheelchair and stroller accessible!
*EASY HIKE*
Johnston Canyon is a natural wonderland that invites you to wander through a spellbinding world of water and rock. The trail weaves along suspended catwalks and bridges, guiding you deep into the heart of the canyon, where crystal-clear waters cascade into emerald-hued pools and ancient geological formations reveal the captivating story of time.
*MODERATE HIKE*
This was my favorite hike!
Distance: 5.7 miles
Elevation: 1,922 ft.
Time: 4 hours
Trail Type: out & back
Location: Banff National Park
You can stop at Lake Agnes Tea House for a snack. They don’t accept credit cards, so bring cash.
Canoe at Lake Louise! One of the most iconic things to do in Lake Louise is hop in one of their bright red canoes and see the lake from a new vantage point. As the saying goes – the best way to see Lake Louise is on Lake Louise! Canoe rentals are available at the Boathouse, located on the west shore of the lake.
Drive Icefields Parkway (one of the most scenic roads in the world)
The Icefields Parkway is a legendary stretch of road that winds through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, connecting Banff and Jasper National Parks. Along this iconic highway, you'll have the chance to spot elusive wildlife such as bears, elk, and bighorn sheep against a backdrop of towering peaks. Don't miss the opportunity to pause at awe-inspiring stops like the Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Falls, and Peyto Lake, where nature's grandeur is on full display. Spanning approximately 232 kilometers (144 miles), the Icefields Parkway is a scenic marvel that beckons you to embark on a leisurely drive of around 3 to 4 hours, allowing ample time to savor its panoramic vistas and make unforgettable memories.
The Bow Valley Parkway offers a serene and enchanting drive through the heart of Banff National Park. This picturesque route treats travelers to potential wildlife sightings, including elk, deer, and bears, as they graze along the roadside meadows. Along the way, be sure to stop at Johnston Canyon, where the enchanting trail to waterfalls beckons, and the iconic Castle Mountain viewpoint, providing breathtaking panoramas. Stretching approximately 51 kilometers (32 miles), the Bow Valley Parkway is a leisurely drive of about 1 to 2 hours, inviting you to revel in the stunning landscapes and natural wonders that make Banff an unforgettable destination.
Capture a feeling of absolute wonder at the edge of the Sunwapta Valley. The Columbia Icefield Skywalk experience features fossils, waterfall views and incredible glacier landscapes along a one-kilometre interpretive walkway, situated near routes frequented by mountain goats and other wildlife. The journey is memorable, but your destination is unforgettable — a suspended platform where glass is all that separates you from rugged and wild terrain 918-foot (280 m) below.
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Where to stay
These are the hotels where either I have personally stayed or where I have had clients stay.
 Get your bear spray here! These stores offer a comprehensive selection of hiking essentials to winter-ready attire, ensuring you're well-equipped and dressed for every exploration in the stunning wilderness of the Rockies.
- Weather: Mountain weather can be unpredictable. Be prepared for rapid changes in temperature, sudden rain or snow showers, and fluctuating conditions. Dress in layers and carry essential gear to stay comfortable.Â
- Trail Conditions: Check trail conditions and closures before you start hiking. Be prepared for different levels of difficulty, from easy to challenging, and ensure you have the appropriate skills and fitness level for your chosen trails.
- Wildlife Safety: These parks are home to a variety of wildlife, including bears. Familiarize yourself with bear safety protocols, carry bear spray, make noise on the trails, and store food properly to avoid attracting animals. Some trails are closed for groups under 4 people during berry season.Â
- Reservations: During peak seasons, accommodations and campsites can fill up quickly. Make reservations for lodging and camping well in advance to secure your stay.
- Emergency Preparedness: Cell phone coverage may be limited in remote areas. Carry a map, know your route, and inform someone about your plans. Be prepared for emergencies with a first aid kit, communication devices, and knowledge of the nearest medical facilities.
- Driving: Roads within the parks can be narrow and winding, with potential wildlife crossings. Drive cautiously, adhere to speed limits, and be aware of other drivers and wildlife on the road.
Free ItineraryÂ
Day 1 | Arrival in Banff
-Arrive in Banff and check in at Fairmont Banff Springs HotelÂ
-Grab cocktails at Rundle Bar - located inside the Fairmont
-Dinner at LUPO Italian Ristorante
Day 2 | Explore Canmore
-Sunrise at Two Jacks LakeÂ
-Drive to Canmore for breakfast at Rocky Mountain Bagel Co.
-Go for a hike at Grassi Lakes
-Explore the shops downtown in Canmore
-Grab a late lunch/early dinner at Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co.
-Spend the evening relaxing at Fairmont Banff Springs HotelÂ
Day 3 | Drive Icefields Parkway
-Drive along the Icefields Parkway
-Stop at Peyto Lake and take a short hike to the viewpointÂ
-Have lunch at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Center
-After lunch, take a shuttle to the Skywalk
-Drive back to Banff and relax at the hotel before dinnerÂ
-Dinner at Brazen
Day 4 | Banff Adventures
- Morning drive along the Bow Valley Parkway to watch wildlife
- Stop at Johnston Canyon and hike Lower and Upper Falls
-Ride the Banff Gondola and grab lunch at Northern Light Alpine KitchenÂ
-Check-in at Fairmont Lake Louise
-Explore Lake Louise and relax in the courtyardÂ
-Dinner at Walliser Stube
Day 5 | Explore Lake Louise
-Wake up early to watch the sunrise at the lake before the crowds
-Grab coffee and pastries from Guides Pantry (make sure to tell them you're a hotel guest—you will get a discount!)
-Morning hike to Lake Agnes Tea House and Little BeehiveÂ
-Eat lunch at Lake Agnes Tea House (cash only)
-Spend the afternoon relaxing at Lake Louise
-Dinner at the Bison Restaurant
Day 6 | Lake Louise & Moraine Lake
-Wake up early and take a drive to find wildlife
-Rent a canoe at Lake Louise BoathouseÂ
-Check out of Fairmont Lake LouiseÂ
-Grab a shuttle to Moraine Lake & hike the rockpile trail (you will need to reserve a seat on the shuttle in advance!)
-Drive to Calgary, drop off rental car, and spend the night at Hyatt Place Calgary Airport HotelÂ
Hi! I’m Sam & I am a certified luxury travel planner based in the Midwest!
Here on Thatch, I create detailed guides and itineraries for destinations I have personally visited or plan to visit. These destinations embody everything I love about travel! I love going off the beaten path to find the best-hidden gems.
If you are interested in having me book a trip as your travel planner with potential upgrades and perks, email me at samantha@alwaystravelseason.com
My upcoming trips are Harbor Springs (MI), Los Cabos, and Seaside (FL)
