Day 1: Arrival and Explore Banff Town

• Arrive in Banff: Settle into your accommodation in Banff and get acquainted with the town. Banff is a charming alpine town with shops, restaurants, and plenty of local attractions.
• Banff Gondola: If you arrive early, take the Banff Gondola up to the top of Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views of the town, Bow River, and surrounding peaks.
• Evening stroll: Walk around the town and visit Banff Avenue for dinner. You can also check out the Banff Park Museum or the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies.
• Overnight in Banff.

Day 2: Johnston Canyon & Ink Pots

• Drive to Johnston Canyon (30-minute drive): Head out early for a hike to Johnston Canyon, one of the most popular hikes in the park. It’s an easy to moderate hike that takes you through a stunning gorge with waterfalls.
• Johnston Canyon to the Ink Pots: The hike to the Ink Pots (6.8 km, 4–5 hours) takes you beyond the waterfalls into an alpine meadow. The Ink Pots are unique blue-green pools surrounded by the mountain backdrop.
• Return to Banff: After the hike, return to Banff for a relaxing evening.
• Overnight in Banff.

Day 3: Lake Louise and Lake Agnes Tea House Hike

• Drive to Lake Louise (40-minute drive): Start your day with a scenic drive to Lake Louise, one of the most iconic spots in Banff National Park.
• Lake Agnes Tea House Hike: From Lake Louise, take the Lake Agnes Trail (7 km round trip, 3–4 hours) to the Lake Agnes Tea House. The hike is moderate and offers breathtaking views of Lake Louise, the surrounding peaks, and the glacier-fed Lake Agnes. The tea house serves homemade snacks and tea in a historic log cabin.
• Option to hike to Big Beehive: If you’re up for more adventure, extend the hike to the Big Beehive for panoramic views of the entire Lake Louise area.
• Return to Banff: After your hike, head back to Banff.
• Overnight in Banff.

Day 4: Moraine Lake and Larch Valley

• Drive to Moraine Lake (40-minute drive): Moraine Lake is a must-see in Banff, known for its striking turquoise waters surrounded by jagged peaks.
• Larch Valley Hike: The Larch Valley hike (7.4 km round trip, 3–4 hours) is a moderate trek that takes you into a beautiful forest with views of the Ten Peaks. It’s especially stunning in the fall when the larch trees turn golden. If you’re up for a longer hike, you can continue to the Sentinel Pass (5.8 km one-way), which offers some of the best views in the park.
• Return to Banff: After the hike, return to Banff and enjoy a relaxing evening in town.
• Overnight in Banff.

Day 5: Sunshine Meadows

• Drive to Sunshine Village (20-minute drive): Sunshine Meadows is located above the treeline and offers some of the best alpine hiking in Banff.
• Sunshine Meadows Hike: Take the gondola (or hike up if you’re feeling adventurous) to the top of Sunshine Meadows, and explore the area. There are several trail options, ranging from easy walks to moderate hikes. A popular option is the Sunshine Meadows Loop, which passes by alpine lakes, wildflower fields, and spectacular mountain scenery (6–8 km, 3–4 hours).
• Optional hike to Rock Isle Lake: If you’re looking for a shorter and easier hike, the Rock Isle Lake Trail (4.3 km, 2 hours) offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and a beautiful turquoise lake.
• Return to Banff: After exploring Sunshine Meadows, head back to Banff for the night.
• Overnight in Banff.

Day 6: Bow Summit & Peyto Lake / Cascade Ponds

• Drive to Bow Summit (45-minute drive): Start the day with a scenic drive on the Icefields Parkway. Your first stop will be Bow Summit, which offers one of the most stunning views of the surrounding mountain landscape.
• Peyto Lake: From Bow Summit, take the short walk (1 km, 30 minutes) to the viewpoint overlooking the iconic dog-tooth shaped Peyto Lake. The lake is known for its striking blue color and is one of the most photographed spots in the park.
• Cascade Ponds Hike (Optional): On your way back to Banff, stop at Cascade Ponds for an easy, relaxing walk (3.5 km, 1–1.5 hours). The trail takes you through the forest, along the Bow River, and past the lovely Cascade Ponds.
• Return to Banff: After your hike, spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying the town or relax at the Banff Upper Hot Springs.
• Overnight in Banff.

Day 7: Final Day and Departure

• Lake Minnewanka Hike (Optional): If you have time before departing, take the short drive (20 minutes) to Lake Minnewanka for a relaxing hike. The Lake Minnewanka Lakeside Trail (15 km, 4–5 hours) is an easy-to-moderate walk that offers great views of the lake and surrounding peaks. It’s a peaceful spot to enjoy the mountains before heading home.
• Departure from Banff: Depending on your travel schedule, you can spend the rest of the day in Banff before departing.