Banff National Park is full of incredible things to do and is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers! This perfect Banff itinerary is 5 days of jagged mountain peaks, turquoise lakes, and pristine alpine meadows that await your exploration.
5 days in Banff is the ideal amount of time to see the best Banff sites, finish the best Banff hikes and explore some hidden gems as well. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply seeking a serene escape into nature, we will guide you through an unforgettable journey.
We visited Banff when we were living the vanlife and we spent 2 months in Canada in total. During our 2 months we explored Yoho National Park, Kootenay National Park, Jasper National Park, Kelowna, Vancouver and of course 5 days in Banff. Here is our adventure in video form. Check it out to see more of these amazing hikes, sites and views!
Banff is a truly special and magical destination with stunning landscapes characterized by towering, snow-capped peaks, crystalline lakes, and lush forests. The jewel-like lakes, including the famous Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, boast vivid turquoise waters.
Banff is also known for its abundant wildlife, with opportunities to spot iconic species such as grizzly bears, elk, and bighorn sheep.
The charming town of Banff itself adds a touch of civilization amidst the wilderness, with its inviting shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Now let’s get to it! The perfect Banff itinerary for 5 days exploring Banff National Park in summer.
Where to Stay In or Near Banff
The best place to stay in Banff National Park is Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This hotel is right on Lake Louise so you will be right in the action. Take advantage of a terrace, shopping on site, and a coffee shop/cafe at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Active travelers can enjoy ice skating, horseback riding, and rowing/canoeing at this hotel.
Check price and availability at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise!
However, if this is over budget or already booked here are some other great options!
Lake Louise Inn and Mountaineer Lodge are also near Lake Louise and the Lake Louise gondola! Both are much more reasonably priced and you’ll still be close to the action! The Mountaineer Lodge even offers a free continental breakfast.
Check price and availability at Lake Louise Inn!
Check price and availability at Mountaineer Lodge!
If you’d prefer to be in Banff town where there are more shops and restaurants, consider booking your stay at High Country Inn or Mount Royal Hotel. Both are right on Banff Avenue which is the main street that goes through Banff town. There will be plenty to do during your evenings within walking distance!
Check price and availability at High Country Inn!
Check price and availability at Mount Royal Hotel!
Free Camping Near Banff
One thing we haven’t mentioned yet which made our experience in Banff National Park so awesome was that we did it on a BUDGET! We spent a grand total of $0 (ZERO DOLLARS) on lodging, and since we had a Canadian National Park pass from our time in Yoho National Park, we didn’t spend anything to get into the park to hike either!
SO how did we get free campsites every night we stayed here? We used iOverlander to find free campsites outside of Banff National Park! Camping outside of official campgrounds isn’t allowed inside the National Park, other than at the Lake Louise Overflow Lot, so we took advantage of that as well.
Banff Itinerary
The following 5 day itinerary for Banff will minimize your daily travel as much as possible. You’ll be able to have all of the fun and adventure you can possible imagine during just 5 days in Banff National Park.
Of course, feel free to make this your own! If you want to add in a day of rest here or there, go right ahead! If you want to skip a few options, then you should skip them. This will be your adventure after all, make this Banff itinerary of 5 days exploring exactly what you want it to be.
Day 1 – Banff Itinerary
Sunrise at Lake Louise
We are starting this 5 day itinerary for Banff National Park with a bang! Starting out hot with watching the sunrise at Lake Louise. This was one of our favorite mornings in Banff as we simply could not believe the beauty of Lake Louise.
The sky during a Lake Louise sunrise is all shades of pink and purple. These shades make their way onto the surrounding mountains, and reflect of the stillness of the lake in the morning. Add in the light blue shade of Lake Louise and you have a pretty dang awesome view, one that you won’t be able to get anywhere else.
What is one thing you may have heard about Lake Louise? It’s beautiful. Yes of course. What is one other thing? It is busy. HOLY CRAP it gets busy! Busy enough that you won’t be able to find parking normally.
Parking at Lake Louise
If you can’t find parking, you have to park at the Lake Louise Overflow Lot and shuttle in. And you have to PAY for the shuttle. You pay for the chance to wait in a long line and take a bus in to the same place you could have gotten if you found a parking spot. What does that tell you? You should GET A PARKING SPOT!
Easy to say, tough to do. To get a Lake Louise parking spot, you will have to get up before the buttcrack of dawn. We woke up at 4:30 AM to drive in and get to a parking spot around 5:00 AM, and we got one. The lot filled up around 5:45-6:00, but we did NOT want to cut it close.
Hike to Lake Agnes Teahouse
After sunrise, you can do one of two things: hike the Lake Agnes Tea House trail or collapse from tiredness and take a nap. We chose number 2, and took a quick cat-nap in our van until about 10:00 AM and did the hike then!
The hike to Lake Agnes Tea House is just under 2.5 miles each way, and has a few incredible overlooks of Lake Louise along the way. Plan to have lunch either at the Tea House or packing a picnic to enjoy at some point on your hike.
Once you reach the top, just as the name suggest, there is a tea house! The Lake Agnes Tea House is a PERFECT stop for you along the hike, and is such a unique experience. I mean how many places is there a legitimate tea house ON A HIKE?!
One really cool aspect of the Lake Agnes Tea House is that it is full self-sustaining. There isn’t electricity or indoor plumbing, they rely on people hiking up with baking and tea-making ingredients. There is something special about enjoying a hot biscuit in this back-country structure.
Make sure to spend some time admiring the lake before hiking back down. It makes a great place for a picnic lunch before continuing your hike.
All in all, the Lake Agnes Tea House trail is a wonderful and unique experience that everyone should have during their 5 days in Banff. You may have to wake up early to experience it, but it will be MORE than worth it!
Hike Details
Lake Agnes Tea House Google Maps Link
- Distance: 7.6 km (4.7 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 430 m (1410 ft)
- Trailhead: Lake Louise
Explore the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
If you are staying there, you’ll have plenty of time to do this. However, if you’re not, this is the perfect opportunity on your 5 day itinerary in Banff National Park.
After completing the Lake Agnes Tea House hike, you’ll be right there. Adventure into this beautiful chateau and have a look around. Plan to have dinner here tonight or book a spa treatment!
Day 2 – Banff Itinerary
Sunrise at Moraine Lake & Hike Rockpile Trail
Folks, we found it. The hike with the lowest effort and highest reward. In the whole world. Okay, we haven’t hiked every hike in the world, however we are pretty confident that none of them have the combination of effort & reward that the Rockpile Trail has. It is an absolute must on your Banff itinerary of 5 days!
To be perfectly honest, we didn’t know if we could call the Rockpile Trail a hike. It is a quarter mile each way (yeah, a half mile TOTAL) and is extremely easy. And the reward at the end? Almost beyond belief.
Moraine Lake is without a doubt one of the most stunning bodies of water on earth. It 100% legitimately looks fake. In reality, there aren’t enough words in the English language to convey how incredible this lake is. You will have to see it to believe it. Typically, we edit our pictures to bring out colors, we didn’t have to with these.
The Rockpile Trail takes you, as the name suggest, up a small rockpile to an overlook of Moraine Lake. This trail, similar to Lake Louise, is best done bright and early in the morning, for 2 reasons.
First off, sunrise. The sunrise at Moraine Lake paints the mountains pink, and contrasts beautifully with the blue of the lake. This setting is every photographer’s dream
The second reason to start early? Parking.
Parking at Moraine Lake
The parking situation at Moraine Lake is extremely similar to the parking situation at Lake Louise. The only difference? The parking lot at Moraine Lake is even smaller than the parking lot at Lake Louise!
Thankfully, Moraine Lake is a tad less busy than Lake Louise. Therefore, you are going to have to again wake up extremely early to get a parking spot. We recommend that you plan on getting to the lot around 5:00 AM.
If you aren’t able to get up this early, then you will likely be stuck going to the Lake Louise Overflow Lot and taking the shuttle in to Moraine Lake. Again, this is NOT recommended! You will have to wait in a LONG line and you have to PAY to use the shuttle. Avoid both and just wake up early!
Hike Details
- Distance: .8 km (.5 mi)
- Elevation Gain: Barely anything
- Trailhead: Moraine Lake
Hike Larch Valley to Sentinel Pass
After witnessing one of the best sunrises on earth it might be time to head back to the car for a nap. We sure did! But after your nap, it’s time for another incredible hike. Another must on your Banff itinerary of 5 days!
One reason this hike is wonderful is because of where it starts: Moraine Lake.
In fact, the Larch Valley to Sentinel Pass hike is the only hike we will be doing that starts at Moraine Lake (outside of the Rockpile Trail, if you call that a hike…). The Larch Valley trail starts with a pretty steep ascent, but then levels out after the initial struggle.
The middle of the trail opens up to the Valley of Ten Peaks, a beautiful piece of land that has a backdrop of ten jagged-sawtooth mountains. The peaks are all similar heights and make for a wonderful scene with the green valley before them and the big skies beyond.
After hiking through the valley you will come to Minnestimma Lake, a PERFECT stop for a picnic. The lake is crystal clear, and if you stand at the right angle it reflects the mountains in such a way that you will NOT want to leave.
The final section of this hike is up Sentinel Pass, a mountain pass that offers a 360 degree panorama of the surrounding area. The view from atop the pass is breathtaking, another place for a quick break and a few photos!
All in all, at 3.4 miles each way, this hike is relatively short considering all of the incredible sites along the way.
Hike Details
Sentinel Pass Google Maps Link
- Distance: 11 km (6.8 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 800 m (2620 ft)
- Trailhead: Moraine Lake
Day 3 – Banff Itinerary
Horseback Riding or Tour of Choice
On day 3 of your 5 days in Banff we suggest booking a tour of something you really want to do. We enjoyed horseback riding through Banff and loved our experience. We booked this tour since it started in Banff town which was the perfect place for our next activity. Our horse took us on the Sundance Loop, along the Bow River and around Banff!
Check availability and price for horseback riding through Banff National Park here!
If you enjoy canyoning, consider booking a tour to canyoneer Ghost Canyon. Or try a safari tour and spend the morning looking for wildlife in Banff.
If you aren’t able to visit Yoho or Jasper National Park on this trip, we highly recommend taking a day trip tour to see one or the other.
Check availability and price for Jasper day trip – Athabasca Glacier
Hike Sulphur Mountain for Sunset & Gondola Ride Down
It’s time for another incredible hike on your Banff itinerary of 5 days. We are getting a great variety of hikes and seeing this part of the world from different perspectives, literally!
Let’s get one thing straight: the hike up Sulphur Mountain is not easy. It is a grind! If you’d rather take the gondola up as well, you can purchase a gondola tickets and ride up instead of hike!
However, it is SO worth the trip to the top. On top of Sulphur Mountain you will have an experience unlike any you’ll have anywhere else in the park! Why? A few different reasons!
First off, there is a boardwalk that takes you ALL AROUND the top of the mountain. The boardwalk gives you the opportunity to get to places you wouldn’t ordinarily be able to get to. As a result, you’ll get awesome perspectives of the surrounding mountains and valleys!
Secondly, there is a full-fledged visitor center at the top! In this visitor center there is a gift shop, restaurant, restrooms, and bar that often has live music playing!
Hot Tip: Do the hike up and take the free Gondola back! Most days the Gondola ride down Sulphur Mountain is free after a certain time of day. When we were there it was 7 PM. Check at the local Visitor Center for details on the Gondola while you’re there!
Finally, the altitude of the mountain gives you the opportunity to look down on all of Banff Town and the surrounding landscape! And the sunset from atop the mountain is drop-dead gorgeous. Go for the view, stay for the sunset, and take the free Gondola ride back to your car.
Hike Details
Sulphur Mountain Google Maps Link
- Distance: 5 km (3.2 mi)
- Elevation Gain 740 m (2430 ft)
- Trailhead: Sulphur Mountain Trailhead
Day 4 – Banff Itinerary
Explore Lake Minnewanka & Hike as Long as You Want
Lake Minnewanka kicks off day 4 of our 5 days in Banff itinerary. We recommend doing the Lake Minnewanka hike on a day that you wish to explore Banff Town, which is a cute town full of touristy shops and cafes.
There are a few AWESOME things about Lake Minnewanka. First, the trail is easy. High reward for low effort, the best kind of trails. However, if you want to make it hard, you can! The trail goes as far and as high as you want, and there are fantastic views the entire way.
Second, there are a lot of opportunities for fun you can do that doesn’t even involve hiking. Rent a canoe or boat, do a cruise on the lake, or even have fun on a fishing trip!
Third, this is a GREAT place to hang out and relax and recharge. Because of that, we recommend making Lake Minnewanka a day after one of the longer, more strenuous hikes we have planned. You can soak up the sites and sun at one of the best lakes in Canada and plan the rest of your incredible adventure!
Hike Details
Lake Minnewanka Google Maps Link
- Distance: As long as you want around the lake!
- Elevation Gain: None
- Trailhead: Lake Minnewanka
Explore Banff Town
Banff, located in Alberta, Canada, is a stunning town nestled within Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are numerous activities and attractions to enjoy in and around the town, making this a must do on your Banff itinerary of 5 days.
First, explore Banff Avenue. This is the main street in town, lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries. It’s a great place to stroll and soak in the mountain atmosphere. Next make sure to visit Bow Falls, a scenic spot located a short drive or walk from the town center.
As always in Banff, remember to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife while exploring the town. Lastly, maybe check out Banff Upper Hot Springs to relax and unwind after all the hiking you’ve done on this Banff itinerary.
Day 5 – Banff Itinerary
Sunrise at Lake Louise
This is optional, as you’ve already done this once. However, if you weren’t satisfied with your first sunrise, maybe due to weather, this is your 2nd chance. Or maybe you want to experience one last Banff sunrise before your trip comes to an end. Or maybe you just want to sleep in. That’s cool too!
Hike Little & Big Beehive, Plain of 6 Glaciers Loop
We saved our favorite hike for day 5 of your Banff itinerary. This hike starts at Lake Louise, and continues in a big loop stopping at a few different jaw-dropping points before bringing you back to Lake Louise.
In fact, this one is going to give you the best possible views overlooking Lake Louise from above! We are talking bird’s eye view, people.
To start this hike, we will be taking the same trail as the Lake Agnes Tea House, however after a little time we will come to a fork in the trail. Here, follow signs for Little Beehive.
Little Beehive offers a cliffside trail that overlooks the lake and displays the unique light blue that makes Lake Louise so unique! Spend some time taking in this view, have a snack (maybe breakfast if you started right after sunrise…) and rest your legs.
Leaving Little Beehive we will head on the trail to Big Beehive, which offers an even BETTER view of Lake Louise! If that is even possible…
Big Beehive is not an easy trail, it will be a hike UP a large dome! It is BIG Beehive after all. However, the hike is worth it, as you will have an unbelievable view of Banff National Park spread before you at the top.
From the top of Big Beehive, you’ll have to retrace your steps a little bit to get back to the main trail. However, once you do get back to the trail, you will now follow signs on the main loop towards the Plain of Six Glaciers, our final stop on this hike!
The Plain of Six Glaciers is an awesome stop for a few reasons! First off, there is also a tea house along this trail! Though not as popular as the Lake Agnes Tea House, this tea house is just as quaint, and is even more deep in the back-country!
Secondly, you have the opportunity to see living glaciers in action! These active glaciers are still carving the Canadian Rockies year-by-year. The incredibly huge fields of ice and snow make for a unique site, one that you won’t get on any other hike we’ve done thus far!
Finally, a third reason that the Plain of Six Glaciers is a must-do is to say thank you! For what? Well, for creating Lake Louise! These are the glaciers that melted over time and CREATED Lake Louise!
We absolutely loved being able to see the life-cycle of the glacier and lake, and this was the only hike where we could see that. On the return trip down the valley, you’ll follow the snow melt from start to finish.
Hike Details
- Distance: 18 km (11.2 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 1000 m (3300 ft)
- Trailhead: Lake Louise
Drive up to Peyto Lake & Hike to Panorama
Peyto Lake is best saved for last chronologically, but in no way does that mean it isn’t awesome. Why is it last? Because Peyto Lake will be the furthest North that we go in Banff!
The Peyto Lake hike is extremely short, just under a mile each way. But don’t let that fool you, the reward at the end is still incredible! The blue of Peyto Lake is very similar to the Lake Louise and Moraine Lake blues. These lakes leave you in awe with their color alone, not to mention the gorgeous mountain backdrop and huge Canadian skies.
Once you reach the panorama overlook, if you are itching for an even BETTER view of Peyto Lake then listen up. There is a trail through the forest that brings you to a rock field that you can explore and get an even cooler perspective of the lake. We recommend taking this trail, as there are basically 0 tourists and you’ll be able to get into your element by getting out into the elements.
Hike Details
- Distance: 2.7 km (1.7 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 115 m (380 ft)
- Trailhead: Peyto Lake
Dogs in Banff National Park
We can’t write a blog about Canadian National Parks and not include our FAVORITE part about Canadian National Parks… They are dog friendly!! You will be able to bring your four-legged friend along for the adventure of their lifetimes!
Now, there are some limits to where your dog can go inside the park. Some trails are off-limits due to wildlife activity, and dogs aren’t allowed in every building. Just follow the signs in your area accordingly!
Gear for Banff National Park
Here is some gear that we recommend if you plan on having the adventure of a lifetime in Banff National Park! Full disclosure, these are affiliate links, if you click them and purchase the item it helps us continue to provide free content and hiking recommendations!
We personally have used these items and have shopped around for the best. We are EXTREMELY conscious of price (we live on a monthly budget of $1,000 TOTAL…) and we believe these are the best products for the cheapest cost on the market.
Conclusion
Thank you SO much for reading our blog on the perfect Banff itinerary for 5 days in the park! If you loved this article, please us the below images to Pin It and save it for later! And if you have any questions about Banff National Park or any other place we’ve been, reach out to us in the Comments section and we will reply ASAP!
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