SO much amazement packed into so little time. Banff was hands down one of our favorite trips to date and already can’t wait to go back. Check out our epic four day itinerary below…seriously, we wouldn’t change a thing.

Itinerary Highlights:

• Duration: At least 3 days. See below for our 4 day itinerary (Friday – Monday)
• How to get around: Renting a car is the best way to go. We flew into Calgary, and then had ~2 hour drive to where we were staying in Lake Louise. Our destinations were spread out, so we wanted to flexibility and didn’t want to rely on buses. We would definitely recommend booking early, especially if you’re going over a holiday weekend. We booked our car out ~2 months in advance and by that time it was $$ and slim pickings. Overall, if you’re going during a busy weekend, think about planning ahead (early arrivals to parking lots, booking shuttles in advance etc.).
• Where to stay: Since we had limited days, we stayed close to our planned hikes in Lake Louise at the Lake Louise Inn. While there was a bit of a premium staying in Lake Louise, the cost didn’t come close to what it would have been at the Fairmont. We spent very little time at our hotel, so prioritized close proximity to our activities and dinner options. If we were going back, we would stay at a similar location in town (probably the cheapest option available) or stay in Canmore (less expensive option, but further from the park). If you are planning on staying at one of the Fairmont hotels, keep in mind that they are a big destination spot – we found that the grounds were usually packed with people.
• Three Trip highlights: Sunset at Peyto Lake (Day 1), Lake SUPing (all days), Cirque Peak (Day 3)
• Packing List Ideas

Our 4-Day Full Itinerary (skimmed)

Click the links below for alllll the details and pictures in our Banff & Lake Louis Daily Journals

Day 1: Calgary to Lake Louise

• Picked up standup paddle boards in Calgary at Sports Rent (cost: ~$300 (CAD) total for two, four day SUPs. Kayak rentals at Lake Louise run about $135 (CAD)/ 30 minutes or $145 (CAD)/ hour.
• Stopped in Canmore for an easy ~2 mile hike at Gassi Lakes Trail.
• Communitea Café in Canmore for lunch (great salad/wrap options). Order the huevo burrito…EXTRA chili dip.
• Stopped on Banff Ave. to see all the scenes – LOTs of people milling around, grabbed some treats and hit the road.
• Made it to Lake Louise! First order of business was to test out the SUPs on the water. Couldn’t help but include a few cold plunges…and it was COLD.
• Drove down Icefields Parkway to Peyto Lake Viewpoint for an incredible sunset. It’s a short walk from the parking lot. BONUS: bring a blanket and some sandwiches for a picnic.

Day 2: Hiking around Lake Louise

• Drove ~10 minutes to Lake Louise (guest lot was full by 6:45 am).
• Hiked Lake Agnes Trail – Lake Louise Highline – Big Beehive – Little Beehive. When you get to the fork, stay right for the quickest route to the Tea House and gorgeous views of the lake. ~7.3 mile, moderate hike. We skipped out on the Tea House (long line, seemed overrated) and brought our own snacks.
• Ate lunch outside on the Fairmont terrace.
• Rode the shuttle to Moraine Lake (the road does not allow for private vehicles, but luckily our hotel had shuttles leaving from the parking lot that we could book). Took the SUPs for another spin. Kayak rentals were closed, so we had the lake all to ourselves.
• Headed to the Fairmont for cocktails on the Terrace. (free guest parking after 7).
• Back to our hotel for a late dinner. Stumbled upon free s’mores for an appetizer while we waited. For dinner had amazing burgers with blackberry jelly…definitely trying at home

Day 3: Cirque Peak – Level : Hard

• Drove ~30 minutes to Cirque Peak trail head. Arrived by ~7:30 am and were the second car in the lot. The hike was a challenging ~10 mile hike with insane views at the top. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart, as it gets super windy and scrambly at the top. Bring layers and avoid a stormy day! We summited just after 10 am, and headed down to avoid the rain rolling in.
• We were back down by ~12:45, and parked by Bow Lake for a little lunch snack.
• Back tot he hotel for some hot tub and relaxation.
• Dinner at The Station Restaurant. Recommend booking reservations beforehand, this seemed to be a more popular option in Lake Louise for dinner.

Day 4: Sunrise send-off at Moraine Lake

• Took the 5 am shuttle with Moraine Lake Bus Company to Moraine Lake for sunrise. This was a last minute booking, so lots of other options were sold out. Would recommend planning ahead and booking one not so early. We were there ~1.5 hours before sunrise and it was CHILLY.
• Packed up, and headed back through Canmore. Stopped at our favorite Communitea Café stop for lunch.

Au revoir! Until next time 🙂