5 Day Banff Itinerary: The Ultimate Banff Travel Guide

Everyone needs to experience the magic of Banff at least once in their life. Nestled amidst the majestic Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is easily one of the most beautiful places on earth.

I have fallen deeply/madly/hopelessly in love with Banff after my recent visit in February and have put together this 5 Day Banff Itinerary so you can fall in love too.

While popular for its epic hiking trails and iconic lakes during summer, Banff National Park transforms into a winter wonderland in the cooler months, with its snow-capped peaks, frozen lakes, and charming alpine lodges.

Trust me, you don’t need to be an expert skier to enjoy the beauty of winter in Banff. As an Australian used to scorching heat, this was my first time seeing SO much snow and I couldn’t imagine experiencing Banff any other way. Banff is truly as perfect as a Christmas hallmark movie, just without the cheesy one-liners!

In this 5 Day Banff Itinerary, you will find the best activities and top things to do in Banff during winter. From adrenaline-fueled adventures on the slopes to tranquil moments relaxing in thermal baths, there are simply so many amazing places to visit in Banff.

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Welcome to Canada! After flying into Calgary International Airport, your Banff road trip begins as soon as you pick up your rental car. From Calgary Airport, it’s a 90-minute drive to Banff National Park.

Before getting stuck into today’s activities, you may want to drop your suitcases off at your Banff hotel and freshen up after a long international flight. Otherwise, you’re fine to leave your luggage in your car and check into your hotel later in the evening. Just make sure to bring a swimsuit with you!

Best hotels in Banff

For your first few days in Banff, I recommend staying in one of the many charming hotels in Banff Town. Staying in Banff Town provides easy access to restaurants, shops, and attractions, as well as proximity to popular hiking trails and outdoor activities.

The best hotels in Banff are Buffalo Mountain Lodge ($), Moose Hotel & Suites ($$), and Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel ($$$) which I recommend for a special anniversary trip/honeymoon or simply if you have the cash to splash. All three of these hotels have heated pools and hot tubs to soak in after a day of Banff winter activities.

Banff Gondola

From your Banff hotel, drive 10 minutes to the Banff Gondola. Outside there is a big parking lot with free parking available. The Banff Gondola is a quintessential experience for visitors to Banff National Park, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies.  

Situated on the slopes of Sulphur Mountain, the gondola whisks passengers up to an elevation of 2,281 metres (7,486 feet) in just 8 minutes.

Tickets cost $60 CAD (£35) for the return gondola trip. Allow 3-4 hours for your visit to Banff Gondola.

At the top of Banff Gondola is a scenic 1-mile long boardwalk which will take you to Sanson’s Peak. There are also various restaurants, cafes and facilities available at the summit.

For kids, there is an interpretive centre that offers an immersive and fun exhibition which showcases the cultural and ecological significance of the Canadian Rockies and local wildlife.

Lunch at Sky Bistro

For lunch, you have to dine at Sky Bistro. This restaurant offers the best panoramic views in the whole of Banff National Park.

Sky Bistro’s dishes showcase the best of Alberta’s locally sourced ingredients, from succulent Alberta beef to fresh-caught seafood and vibrant seasonal produce. 

TIP: I recommend making a reservation here at either 2 or 3 pm because after the midday lunch rush you’re more likely to get a table next to the floor-to-ceiling windows with views like THIS ↓

Banff Upper Hot Springs

After lunch, catch the gondola down Sulphur Mountain and move your car to the Sulphur Mountain Trail car park or simply walk 10 minutes to Banff Upper Hot Springs. These are the famous natural hot springs that pretty much put Banff on the map, dating back to 1886. 

Entry to the springs costs $17.50 CAD (£10). They are open from 10 am to 10 pm daily.

If you forgot to pack your swimsuit, don’t worry, you can rent one for $2.25 CAD (£1.30) as well as towels for the same price. The rental swimsuits may not be the most flattering but trust me, no one is judging you.

The mineral-rich water gets VERY hot, temperatures can range from 37°C to 49°C (98°F to 104°F). In fact, I could only last about 10 minutes in here at a time.

Make sure to bring a big water bottle with you as the experience is incredibly dehydrating (although relaxing!). There is a small cafe here where you can purchase drinks/snacks from.

After your visit to the springs, you’ll no doubt be feeling relaxed and ready for bed  – especially if you’re feeling a bit jet-lagged too! Enjoy an early night and dinner at your hotel.

If you’re staying at Buffalo Mountain Lodge, I recommend dining at their restaurant, The Prow. This restaurant has a super relaxed & cosy log cabin vibe. I suggest ordering their succulent Canadian elk tenderloin or the Canadian rye whisky BBQ pork ribs – both were delish!

For your second day of your bucket list 5 day Banff itinerary you will be exploring Banff National Park via the Icefields Parkway, but you have two options.

1. Do it yourself / self-guided tour
2. Book a day tour with Radventures

Icefields Parkway

Stretching for 232 kilometres through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the Icefields Parkway is one of the world’s most scenic highways. With views of towering mountain peaks and ancient glaciers, you’ll be treated to postcard-worthy moments at every turn.

Along the route, you will discover some of the best attractions in Banff such as Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and the mesmerising Ice Bubbles of Abraham Lake.

If you’re lucky, you’ll also meet paths with local wildlife on your journey. We were so excited when we spotted a female moose, a mother & baby bighorn sheep and various deer & elk.

I highly recommend booking the Radventures Icefields Parkway & Ice Bubbles of Abraham Lake Tour.

While yes, this is more expensive than doing it yourself, I couldn’t imagine doing this trip in winter without a guide. Both for safety reasons and the fact your guides can provide ice skates and snow shoes so you can make the most of the winter terrain. Likely if you’re visiting Banff from overseas, you won’t have brought skates or ice cleats with you.

The tour costs $220 CAD (£130) per person for a whole day tour 9 am – 5 pm. I think this price is extremely reasonable given I’ve spent the same amount for activities in Europe that only lasted 1-2 hours.

Plus, you’ll get picked up and dropped off directly at your hotel in Banff. This tour is perfect for a “no thoughts, just vibes” activity day where you won’t have to stress about driving or parking.

Bow Lake

Regardless of which option you decide, you will want to begin your journey heading towards Bow Lake. It’s about a 1 hour drive from Banff Town. Drive to this car lot (note: parking here is free and there are public toilets too). 

Bow Lake is one of the most famous lakes in Banff National Park. While Bow Lake is frequented more in the summer months and is a popular kayaking spot, this lake is equally as beautiful in winter.

During the colder months, Bow Lake is covered in a thick layer of snow. You won’t be able to go ice skating here but it’s worth visiting for the views alone. I recommend allowing 30 minutes – 1 hour for a visit here. 

While Peyto Lake is only 5 minutes from Bow Lake, I suggest leaving this stop for last as it’ll help break up your journey for the day. Instead, depart from Bow Lake and head north towards Abraham Lake.

Abraham Lake

Abraham Lake is a must-visit during winter in Banff. It’s famous for the ice bubbles trapped beneath its frozen surface, a natural phenomenon that occurs when methane gas gets trapped when the lake freezes over.

I have truly never experienced anything like it, the frozen bubbles are simply magical. The best time to see the bubbles is from early January to mid-February. 

The drive towards Abraham Lake will take 1 hour, put this location in your Google Maps. This will take you to a small free car park on the side of the David Thompson highway.

Look out for a sign that says “Hoodoo Creek Trailhead” (note: if you type this into Google it doesn’t show in the results) and you know you’re in the right spot.

There are free toilets here too! Yes I’ll mention this a lot because not only do I have a weak bladder but I love that there are so many free restrooms in Banff (a rarity in Europe!).

You will need to walk around 15 minutes down to the edge of Abraham Lake. Walking on the frozen lake is seriously difficult to navigate without ice cleats so I was so thankful our guide from Radventures was able to provide these. They also brought ice skates so we could enjoy gliding across the frozen ice bubbles.

Side note, no one mentions how damn windy it is on the lake! This is why you are able to see the frozen bubbles because the wind blows all the snow off the lake.

The wind is so strong it’ll actually push you across the lake’s surface when you’re wearing skates, which is admittedly a lot of fun! Just make sure to pack a beanie + gloves and wear warm layers. Banff packing list.

Peyto Lake

For the last stop of today, drive 1 hour south to Peyto Lake. Peyto Lake is no doubt THE most famous lake in Banff.

You’ve probably already seen photos of this iconic wolf-shaped lake. In summer, this lake is a sparkling turquoise blue but I found it was just as magical in winter, the snow turning the “wolf” white, contrasting with the surrounding trees.

Drive to this parking lot (free toilets here again!). From the car park, you will walk around 15-20 minutes towards the Peyto Lake Upper Viewpoint. It is an uphill walk so make sure you are wearing appropriate shoes + ice cleats will help in heavy snowfall.

The short incline will take you to one of the best viewpoints in Banff National Park. There is a large viewing platform where you can enjoy panoramic views over Peyto Lake.

If you visit Peyto Lake during summer, swimming is permitted however as the water is glacier-fed, it is freezing all year round (never higher than 5°C!).

There are also no kayak rental facilities on Peyto Lake and it’s a challenge getting a canoe down to the lakeshore from the trails. You’re better heading to Bow Lake for water sports.

After a full day of exploring some of the best lakes in Banff, you’ll probably be craving a cosy night in. I loved that our rooms at Buffalo Mountain Lodge had open fireplaces in the living room and bedroom.

If you find yourself wanting to head out for the evening, check out my recommendations for the best restaurants in Banff.

After yesterday’s epic adventure exploring the park, today we are keeping it local and spending the day in Banff Town. Banff Town is the main hub spot in Banff National Park.

The town sits at an elevation of 1,383 metres (4,537 feet) which makes it the highest town in all of Canada. As a result, you can enjoy views of Cascade Mountain and Mount Rundle as you walk through the charming streets.

For today’s agenda, the order of activities is really up to you. You may want to enjoy a sleep-in (go on, treat yourself±) or get up early and go for a hike. Whatever your agenda, here are my top recommendations for the best things to do in Banff Town.

Top Things to do in Banff Town

Cross-Country Skiing 

If you’ve never been skiing before, I highly recommend trying cross-country skiing first. It’s a great way to get used to the gliding & stopping movements and getting your balance right before you hit the slopes. Just at the edge of Banff Town, you can go cross-country skiing on the River Spray Trail.

You can rent equipment from Chateau Mountain Sports, right next to Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and only a 5-minute walk to the start of the trail.

If you’re completely new to any winter sports, I recommend booking a lesson with Bikescape. We had an amazing teacher Anna-Lisa who made us feel confident on the skis.

Self-Guided Banff Food Tour 

Banff Town is filled with many fantastic restaurants and foodie spots! I created my own little mini Banff Food Tour – a great way to try some of the best local cuisine and treats. To start, you HAVE to get poutine from Banff Poutine, it’s simply a right of passage when visiting Canada.

Afterwards, grab something sweet – like a decadent brownie hot chocolate from Wild Flour Banff or a “beaver tail” (a flat donut) from Beavertails – or both!

Don’t miss out on stopping at Mary’s Popcorn who make a variety of gourmet popcorn flavours. I recommend ordering their Banff special (white cheddar & maple syrup popcorn) to snack on later.

These locations are all within walking distance from each other, I’ve saved them to my Google map of Banff so you can easily navigate this self-guided tour.

Banff Spa Packages

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to spas in Banff. Hands down the best of the bunch has to be The Fairmont Spa at the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel with its waterfall treatments, mineral pools and award-winning spa services.

You can also book spa treatments at Meadow Spa & Pools at The Moose Hotel which has a heated outdoor pool. Red Earth Spa at Banff Caribou Lodge has an indoor sauna/hot tub and offers romantic couple massages. 

Others spas in Banff to visit:
– The Grotto Spa at the Royal Canadian Lodge 
– The Rimrock Spa at The Rimrock Resort
– Cedar & Sage Co

Best Restaurants in Banff Town

After today’s whistle-stop tour in town, enjoy dinner at one of Banff’s best restaurants.

For romantic fine dining in Banff, I recommend making a dinner reservation at Eden at The Rimrock Resort. Their Fauna 7-course tasting menu was exceptional. I’m still dreaming about their lobster bisque.

The Vermillion Room, The Bison Restaurant and The Maple Leaf are also fantastic choices for elevated dining experiences.

For a more relaxed vibe, check out these top restaurants in Banff:

– The Grizzly House (serving fondue & exotic meats like alligator & rattlesnake)
– Banff Ave Brewing Co (craft beer, burgers & poutine)
– Nourish Bistro Banff (quirky restaurant serving vegan & vegetarian dishes)
– Bear Street Tavern (Canadian pub grub & thin crust pizza)

Other TOP Attractions in Banff Town

– Cave & Basin National Historic Site
– Guided Johnston Canyon Icewalk
– SnowDays Festival: Snow Sculptures (note: annual event in January & February)
– Banff Gondola
– Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies
– Banff Upper Hot Springs
– Go shopping on Banff Avenue

Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a complete beginner (like me!), Banff’s immaculate snow trails cater to all skill levels, offering a variety of runs and terrain parks to explore.

In Banff National Park you will experience world-class ski resorts that will give you access to some of the finest slopes in the Canadian Rockies. It’s no surprise Banff is one of the most popular ski holiday locations in the world.

The three main ski resorts in Banff National Park are Lake Louise, Mt Norquay and Sunshine Village. For longer visits to Banff, you might get time to visit all three resorts. However, for a 5 day Banff itinerary, I recommend sticking to just one: Lake Louise Ski Resort.

Lake Louise Ski Resort

Lake Louise Ski Resort is famous for its unparalleled beauty and diverse terrain, popular for both skiers and snowboarders alike due to its pristine conditions and stunning alpine vistas. You really can’t beat the view of the Rocky Mountains from the slopes.

With over 4,200 skiable acres and 164 marked runs at Lake Louise Ski Resort, adventurers can explore a vast playground of powder-filled bowls, tree-lined glades, and challenging chutes.

The resort is a 45-minute drive from Banff Town, however, for the last 2 days of our trip, I recommend staying in Lake Louise hotel to cut down on driving time (aka more time for après ski!).

Ski season is open from November through to May at Lake Louise Ski Resort. Open daily 9 am – 4 pm. Full-day tickets cost up to $155 CAD (£90) with access to all lifts.

For beginners sticking to the learning area, it’s up to $109 CAD (£64) for the day and kids 5 and under are free.

Consider joining a group lesson if you’re new to skiing. We had an amazing instructor Misayo who showed us the ropes quickly, so much so that we went down our first-ever run by the end of the day. A half-day lesson costs $185 CAD (£108) which includes access to the learning area slopes.

Even if you don’t fancy skiing, Lake Louise Ski Resort is still worth a visit and offers Snowshoe tours, snow tubing (great for families!), and sightseeing gondolas.

There are plenty of options for dining at base camp and après ski. Warm up with a spicy hot ramen at Kuma Yama and look out for the Polar Ice Palace at the base of the slopes, this vodka bar is made out of 300 pounds of ice!

For ski rentals in Banff, I recommend hiring your equipment from SkiBig3 Adventure Hub located in Banff Avenue. All their staff are incredibly friendly and will help you get fitted correctly with your boots, poles, helmet and skis.

Rentals for 1 day will cost around $79 CAD (£46). I love that SkiBig3 offers a complimentary delivery service where they drop off and pick up your rentals directly from your hotel so you don’t need to worry about returning them to the store.

Sadly all good things must come to an end, but let’s go out with a bang for your last day in Banff. For day 5 in the Canadian Rockies, you’ll be exploring the picturesque hamlet of Lake Louise. This was easily one of my favourite days in Banff so you’re in for a treat.

Dog Sledding in Banff

If you love dogs as much as I do, you’re going to think you’ve died and gone to heaven. Kingmik Dog Sled Tours offers a bucket-list dog sledding experience along The Continental Divide. What was once a highway in Banff, nowadays is now a popular cross-country skiing and hiking trail.

When you arrive at the meeting point for your tour you will be greeted by dozens of working Alaskan huskies. While the mushers (musher = person who drives/steers the dog sled) get ready for the first ride, you are welcome to say hello to all the dogs and give them lots of pets.

I can’t lie, all the dog cuddles were just as enjoyable as the ride so I recommend arriving 15 minutes early.

When your assembled team is ready to go, you will climb in a cosy seat within the sled and after a shout from the musher to start, the dogs go flying. The ride lasts around 1 hour and you will even get a chance to have a go at mushing yourself.

When done, you can feed the dogs a treat. They’ll need it because the dogs eat up to a whopping 12,000 calories a day!

While this experience is on the pricier side, it is worth every penny. The Kingmik Dogsled Tour for 1.5 hours is $575 CAD (£335) for 2 people or you can do a 30-minute ride for $325 CAD (£190) for 2 people.

Lunch at The Station Restaurant

For a unique dining experience in Banff, you need to visit The Station Restaurant. This restaurant used to be the original main train station in Lake Louise – you can even eat in a restored dining car named the Delamere.

This restaurant is a living museum, you’ll find a bunch of antique train paraphernalia dotted throughout each room that tells the story of this historic place.

Warm up with a whiskey next to their roaring fireplace and try some typical Canadian cuisine. I ordered the Bison tenderloin which was cooked to perfection!

Ice Skating on Lake Louise

Ice skating on the famous Lake Louise is a must for anyone visiting Banff. A small section of the lake is cleared of snowfall daily so that skating enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels can glide easily across this iconic frozen lake.

The most convenient way to rent skates is to go to Fairmont Chateau’s Ski and Snow Rental Shop. Here you can rent skates for $23 CAD (£13.50) for a half day or $33 CAD (£19.50) for the full day.

For a more affordable alternative, you can rent skates at Wilson Mountain Sports in Lake Louise Village for $19 CAD (£11) for a full day.

Parking at Lake Louise is limited. The good news is that in winter (October-May), parking at the Lake Louise lakeshore car park is FREE. During the rest of the year, it costs $21 CAD (£12) for the day but it can still be extremely hard to get a spot.

Alternatively, you can park your car for free at the park and ride at the Lake Louise Ski Resort and then get a return shuttle trip to Lake Louise Lakeshore for $8 CAD (£4.70).

Ice Magic Event

When your feet start to ache from skating, dump your skates in your car and then take a stroll around the Ice Magic event as part of the annual SnowDays Festival. Every year in January & February, the Fairmont invites artists from around the world to create whimsical ice sculptures.

The evening event kicks off at 6 pm on select weekends, finishing at 9 pm. Ticket prices are $14 CAD (£8.20) for adults and $7 CAD (£4) for children.

Entry is FREE for guests staying at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and various other hotels in Lake Louise.

Dinner at Walliser Stube

End your perfect day in Lake Louise with dinner at Walliser Stube at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This upscale restaurant offers views across Lake Louise and serves European Alpine cuisine – you’ll think you’re dining in the Swiss Alps.

Speaking of Switzerland, I highly recommend the ‘Château Winter Experience’ for two featuring a 3-course menu. To start, you can’t skip the deliciously gooey Swiss cheese fondue.

For your main, pick from an 8oz AAA Alberta beef tenderloin, wiener schnitzel or Alberta rainbow trout. And for dessert, you can get a second round of fondue, this time with chocolate instead of cheese, served with all the trimmings (marshmallows, banana bread, fruit & pastries).

How to get to Banff

The easiest way to get to Banff is to fly to Calgary International Airport (YYC). From Calgary Airport it is a 1.5-hour drive to Banff National Park.

Car Rental in Banff

Renting a car from Calgary Airport is a super straightforward process. I recommend booking your rental in advance via Discover Cars – this is what I use when I travel as you can easily compare prices from the best rental car companies.

If you’re visiting Banff during winter, you can request snow tyres on your rental vehicle for peace of mind when driving on ice and snow-covered roads.

I’m used to driving on the left-hand side of the road, but found driving on the right side in Banff very easy thanks to the super wide roads – a breeze compared to the tiny streets in Europe. Not to mention drivers in Alberta are incredibly friendly and patient!

Alternatively, you can get a shuttle service from Calgary Airport directly to your hotel in Banff. A return trip for an adult will cost around $140 CAD (£82) or $75 CAD (£43) one way. The two main companies that offer these shuttle services are Banff Airporter and Brewster Express.

Public Transport in Banff

Public transport in Banff and Lake Louise is available, however it’s limited.

The best way to see Banff without a car is booking a Hop-On and Hop-Off Banff Bus which lets you explore at your own pace. This bus stops at the following locations: Banff Town, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the Lake Louise Gondola.

If you’re unable to drive, I recommend booking a guided Banff tour with pickups directly from your Banff accommodation, so you can easily see the best attractions in Banff.

Best time to visit Banff

If you’re wondering when to visit Banff, rest assured that no matter what time of year you visit, you will have an amazing trip. Below is a breakdown of the average temperatures for each season.

My personal opinion? The best time to visit Banff is during winter when Banff National Park transforms into a winter wonderland you’ll rarely get to experience anywhere else.

With fewer crowds, more affordable hotel options AND the opportunity to see the Northern lights, winter is a perfect time to visit Banff.

Summer (June to August)

Average Temperatures: 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)

Summer in Banff is the busiest season, however, you won’t notice the crowds when you’re outside in the wide-open areas of Banff National Park. The long daylight hours allow for extended adventures and activities such as hiking, camping, kayaking, and exploring the sparkling turquoise lakes.

Autumn/Fall (September to November):

Average Temperatures: 0°C to 15°C (32°F to 59°F)

Autumn in Banff offers stunning landscapes adorned with vibrant foliage, making it an excellent time for hiking, photography, and sightseeing. The cooler temperatures create ideal conditions for outdoor activities like horseback riding, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. The season also sees fewer crowds, allowing for a more chilled experience.

Winter (December to March)

Average Temperatures: -20°C to 5°C (14°F to 41°F)

Winter in Banff transforms the region into a snowy paradise, perfect for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and ice skating. Visitors can enjoy cosy evenings by the fireplace, indulge in hot chocolate, and witness the mesmerising Northern Lights.

In Banff, you will experience a dry cold, which makes the colder temperatures more bearable, unlike the wet/humid colds you can experience in the coastal regions of Canada.

Spring (April to June)

Average Temperatures: 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F)

Spring in Banff is dotted with vibrant wildflowers, perfect for long nature walks. The thawing of the ice creates rushing waterfalls and roaring rivers, ideal for sightseeing. The season also offers opportunities for wildlife spotting as animals come out of hibernation.

Where to stay in Banff

Don’t be mistaken, Banff National Park is HUGE, spanning across 6,641 km² (2,564 sm²).

I recommend splitting your stay in Banff between Banff Town and Lake Louise. At least 2 nights in each place will give you a more convenient way of exploring the park.

Banff National Park Pass

The Banff National Park Pass is your ticket to explore one of Canada’s most breathtaking natural wonders. As the gateway to the Canadian Rockies, the park pass provides access to a vast network of hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and outdoor adventures.

Purchasing a Banff Park Pass is essential. You can purchase park passes at the Visitor Centres in Banff Town and Lake Louise Village or at the park gates when you drive into Banff National Park.

You can also purchase your pass online, though it must be printed and displayed on the dashboard of your vehicle at all times.

There are two types of passes available: Day Passes and Discovery Passes. Adult day passes cost $11 CAD (£6.50) per day or $22 CAD (£13) for a group (up to 7 people in a vehicle).

For a 5 day trip to Banff, it is cheaper to purchase 5 daily passes for $110 CAD (£64.50) total. However, for longer visits, you’ll save money buying a family/group discovery pass for $151.25 CAD (£88.50). Each Discovery pass is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

Banff Packing List