9-Day Banff National Park: Ultimate Adventure in Canada's Wild Nature
Explore Banff National Park, the ultimate adventure destination in the Canadian Rockies. Discover stunning hiking trails, turquoise lakes, and incredible wildlife. Plan your perfect outdoor escape with our complete guide to hiking, camping, and exploring Banff's breathtaking landscapes
EUROPERELAXMIDDLE
About
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Banff National Park, Canada's first and most iconic national park, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. This adventure-packed itinerary is designed for nature lovers seeking breathtaking landscapes, wildlife encounters, and thrilling outdoor activities. From exploring turquoise glacial lakes like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake to hiking scenic trails surrounded by towering peaks, Banff offers an unparalleled connection with nature. Experience the tranquility of remote valleys, the exhilaration of whitewater rafting, and the charm of Banff town. Whether you're trekking through alpine meadows, spotting grizzly bears, or relaxing in natural hot springs, this trip promises an immersive and authentic escape into Canada’s wilderness.
Trip Summary
PICKY
DAY 1 - Flight & Arrival
Arrive in Calgary, drive to Banff, explore Banff Avenue, and visit Bow Falls.
DAY 2 - Lake Moraine & Louise Lake
Hike to Lake Agnes Tea House, admire Moraine Lake’s turquoise waters, and relax by the lake.
DAY 3 - Icefield Parkway
Drive along Icefields Parkway, stop at Peyto Lake, and walk on the Athabasca Glacier.
DAY 4 - Wildlife & Johnston Canyon
Spot wildlife at Vermilion Lakes, hike Johnston Canyon’s waterfalls, and enjoy a scenic picnic.
DAY 5 - Yoho National Park
Discover Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls, and hike to Wapta Falls for stunning views.
DAY 6 - Rafting & Hot Springs
Try whitewater rafting on Kicking Horse River, then relax at Banff Upper Hot Springs.
DAY 7 - Going Back
Morning hike at Tunnel Mountain, then drive back to Calgary for departure.
DAY 8 - Flight
Based on your schedule, Enjoy (...) your flight back home
$1060
$2030
More Fancy
Budget Buddies
Price Summary
Per person, based on a 2 persons' trip - flights excluded
Accomodation
Around $50-100 per night
Food
Depending on your stomach
Transfers
Car Rental
Experiences
Rafting, Hiking Permits, ...
$350-700
$280-420
$280-560
$150-350
How are prices calculated?
GALLERY
When To Go
May
May marks the transition from winter to summer, with temperatures rising between 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). The snow begins to melt, revealing lush meadows and rushing waterfalls. It’s a great time for early hiking, as some lower-elevation trails become accessible, and wildlife emerges from hibernation. While some lakes may still be partially frozen, this is an excellent time to visit before the summer crowds arrive.
June to August
This is the prime time to explore Banff’s stunning landscapes, with long daylight hours and warm temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). It’s the best season for hiking, canoeing, and wildlife spotting, as bears, elk, and mountain goats are active. The iconic lakes—Lake Louise and Moraine Lake—reach their peak turquoise hues during these months. However, expect larger crowds, so book accommodations and activities in advance.
September to October
Autumn transforms Banff into a breathtaking wonderland of golden larch trees and crisp mountain air. With cooler temperatures between 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F), this is a fantastic time for scenic drives along the Icefields Parkway, hiking through fiery-colored valleys, and enjoying peaceful trails with fewer visitors. Wildlife sightings increase as animals prepare for winter, making it an ideal time for photographers and nature lovers.
November to April
Banff becomes a snow-covered paradise perfect for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and ice climbing. With temperatures ranging from -5°C to -20°C (23°F to -4°F), the park offers world-class ski resorts like Banff Sunshine and Lake Louise, as well as stunning frozen lakes and waterfalls, such as Johnston Canyon’s ice walk. It’s also the best time to experience the magical Northern Lights dancing over the Rockies.
Summary Recommendations:
The best overall time to visit Banff is from June to September, when the weather is ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the lakes. For a quieter experience with breathtaking fall colors, September to October is a great choice. If you’re looking for a winter wonderland experience, November to April offers excellent skiing and snowshoeing opportunities.
Our Proposal
DAY 1
Arrive at Calgary International Airport and pick up your rental car for a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Banff National Park. As you enter the park, take a moment to soak in the stunning mountain views. After checking into your accommodation, explore Banff Avenue, the heart of the town, lined with cozy cafes, souvenir shops, and restaurants. In the afternoon, head to Bow Falls, a beautiful cascading waterfall just outside Banff town. End the day with a short but rewarding hike up Tunnel Mountain, offering panoramic views of Banff and the surrounding valleys. Enjoy a hearty dinner at a local restaurant before resting for your adventure-filled week ahead.
FLIGHT & ARRIVAL
Check out some rent-a-car
We recommend a comfortable car for the road trip and some probable offroad
DAY 2
Wake up early to visit the world-famous Lake Louise, where you can hike to the Lake Agnes Tea House (a moderate 7.6 km round-trip hike) for a cup of tea with a stunning mountain backdrop. After descending, drive to Moraine Lake, another breathtaking alpine lake known for its vibrant blue waters and the surrounding Valley of the Ten Peaks. Take an easy lakeside stroll or, for a challenge, hike the Larch Valley Trail for spectacular aerial views. Spend the afternoon enjoying a picnic or canoeing on Moraine Lake before heading back to Banff.
LAKE LOUISE & MORAINE LAKE
DAY 3
Today, embark on one of the most scenic drives in the world, the Icefields Parkway. Stop at the Peyto Lake Viewpoint, where a short hike leads to an incredible bird’s-eye view of the bright blue lake. Continue your drive to the Columbia Icefield, where you can walk on the Athabasca Glacier with a guided tour or explore the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored observation platform with dramatic views of the valley below. Return to Banff in the evening, stopping for scenic views along the way.
ICEFIELD PARKWAY
DAY 4
Start your morning with a peaceful visit to Vermilion Lakes, where you might spot elk, beavers, or even bald eagles. Then, drive to Johnston Canyon, one of Banff’s most famous hikes, where you’ll walk along elevated walkways through a deep canyon to see Lower and Upper Falls. If you're feeling adventurous, continue hiking to the Ink Pots, a set of colorful mineral springs in a stunning valley. Enjoy a scenic picnic in the area before heading back to town for a relaxed evening.
JOHNSTON CANYON
DAY 5
Cross into nearby Yoho National Park, home to some of Canada’s most stunning natural wonders. Start with Emerald Lake, where you can walk the lakeside trail or rent a canoe. Then, visit the towering Takakkaw Falls, one of Canada’s highest waterfalls. If time permits, hike to Wapta Falls, a lesser-known but equally stunning waterfall with dramatic views. Return to Banff for the night.
YOHO NATIONAL PARK
DAY 6
Kick off the day with an adrenaline rush—whitewater rafting on the Kicking Horse River. Experience the thrill of navigating rapids surrounded by rugged mountain scenery. In the afternoon, reward yourself with a visit to the Banff Upper Hot Springs, where you can soak in the naturally heated waters while admiring views of the Rockies. End your trip with a celebratory dinner in Banff.
RAFTING & HOT SPRINGS
DAY 7
On your final morning, take one last short hike up Tunnel Mountain or visit the Banff Gondola for a panoramic view of the entire valley. After breakfast, drive back to Calgary International Airport for your departure, with unforgettable memories of Banff’s stunning landscapes and adventures.
RETURN BACK
DAY 8
Based on your schedule, enjoy (...) your flight back