Ultimate 4-Day Banff National Park Itinerary for Summer Adventures

Welcome to the amazing mountains and lakes of Canada! Banff and Yoho National Parks are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking a retreat into the breathtaking landscapes of the Canadian Rockies. In this 4-day travel guide, we'll embark on a journey to explore the majestic beauty, serene lakes, and towering peaks that define Banff.

You can spend months exploring all of Banff and Yoho National Parks, but unfortunately we don't have unlimited PTO and were strapped to a long weekend (4 days) to see and do everything we wanted! Not only did we have time for hikes and canoeing, we also enjoyed a Nordic spa which was one of my favorite experiences on this trip. Banff is massive, and it can require a lot of driving which sucks up your precious outdoors time. That's why I've created this 4 day guide where you rent a car, stay in different hotels and make your way exploring all the beauty of these National Parks. Let's make the most of your time in this natural wonderland!

Day 1: Arrival to Calgary and stay in Kananaskis

The drive time from Calgary airport to the Banff National Park is just over 2 hours. To break this up and to start your trip with relaxation, I recommend you stay in Kananaskis, which is just over 1 hour from the airport.

The Kananaskis Mountain Lodge (~$350/night) is a Marriott Autograph property that has four onsite restaurants, a cafe, and a Nordic Spa. With the beautiful mountain views and modern hotel rooms, this hotel is my top recommendation for your first night in Banff. You can also use Marriott points for your stay here to add budget to splurge on your next hotels.

Begin the afternoon where you can indulge in the outdoor oasis of saunas, pools, hammocks, fireside lounging, and invigorating cold plunges at the onsite Nordic Spa. There are day passes (currently priced at $139 per person) and evening passes with entry starting at 5pm (currently priced at $109 per person). Pro tip: there are often promotions offered to hotel guests or Marriott members during your stay that you can ask (the promotion for an evening pass during our stay was $60pp). I do recommend booking the spa in advance if it's a must do for you as spots can fill up.

Enjoy your evening drinking and eating at one of the four onsite restaurants. In the summer there is usually great evening weather and Woody's Pub and Patio is the perfect place to enjoy a meal and drink around the fireplace.

Day 2: Entering Banff National Park

National Parks passes are required while you are in Banff and Yoho National Parks. You can either purchase the pass online for your travel dates or at the Visitor's Center. The family pass (2 adults) is currently $22 a day, while the annual 12 month Canada National Park Discovery pass is $150. If you're planning to go to another Canadian National Park in the next 12 months or if you're extending your trip and adding on Jasper National Park and your trip exceeds 7 days then it could be more economical to get the Discovery pass. On Canada Day (July 1), Banff is free of charge and while you still have to get a pass online or from the Visitor's Center there is no fee. Passes must be displayed on the dash of your car during your time in the National Park.

If you're eager to get out of the car once you drive into the park, one of the first lakes to stop at is Lake Minnewanka. This is a great stopping point to stretch your legs, take in your first views of the mountain range and potentially even go on a small hike. You'll find plenty of parking lots with signage and maps highlighting the nearby trails.

Banff town is an experience in itself, there is some street parking a few blocks from the town or paid parking lots around as well. With restaurants galore you can't go wrong finding a place for lunch. Along the main town area you will also find galleries, souvenir ships and the famous pastry, beaver tails.

After enjoying your lunch and Banff town, drive up (45 min) to check in at your next hotel, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This is your splurge hotel for one night (~$1,000/night) to enjoy a quiet evening taking in the sunset at Lake Louise without the crowds. While the hotel is expensive, booking through me (a travel agent) will grant you $100 hotel credit to be used for dinner, free breakfast, and room upgrades (if available).

If you arrive earlier than check-in and would like a hike, the most popular is a 3.5 hour roundtrip hike to get a aerial view of Lake Louise, Little Beehive Trail via Lake Agnes (all trails link). At Lake Agnes you can also visit a teahouse (open until 5pm) to enjoy an afternoon tea, just make sure to bring cash!

Day 3: Yoho National Park

Start your morning with sunrise over Lake Louise and a complimentary breakfast at your hotel (perks of booking your hotel with me). Lake Louise is one of the most popular tourist locations in Banff and being able to enjoy the natural beauty without the crowds is worth every penny.

Once you're checked out and ready for the day, it's time to head to Emerald Lake, a hidden gem tucked away in Yoho National Park, offering a serene and less-crowded alternative to canoe. This journey will be a 45 minute drive through beautiful landscapes.

Arrive at Emerald Lake, where the emerald green waters live up to their name. There is ample parking, and you'll see the bridge to walk on for an amazing photo spot. You are able to rent a canoe for $90CAD/hr, and that's plenty of time to get out in the lake, touch the ice cold water, and take in the beautiful scenery around you. After canoeing, there is a restaurant at the lodge for a meal with an unbeatable view.

While in Yoho National Parks, a must visit is Takakkaw Falls, just a 30 minute drive from Emerald Lake. Just note, this is a backroads drive and when you've been driving for a while and think you've gone the wrong way, you're likely almost there! There is a parking lot and restrooms at the head of the trail, then you follow the signs and continue walking to the falls. The walk, scenery, and getting up close to this massive waterfall is an experience unlike any other! A must do when in the area.

Your hotel for this night depends on your budget. Day 4 starts with sunrise at Moraine Lake, but due to the popularity and limited parking, it is closed off to private cars, and the only way to visit Moraine Lake is to stay at the lodge there, or shuttle. The tours are ~$70 per person and the Moraine Lake Lodge is around $1,200/night.

If you decide to do a tour, I would recommend a hotel in Lake Louise to reduce your driving time, but if you'd like an evening to grab dinner and hangout in Banff town, that's another great option (but will add 30 minutes additional drive time each direction on the shuttle).

Day 4: Sunrise at Moraine Lake

Sitting on the rock ledges, watching the sun peek over the mountains and reflect onto Moraine Lake is a bucket list experience. I highly recommend brining some coffee or hot water in a canister, and buying some souvenir mugs in town to enjoy with sunrise and have a keepsake.

When you arrive at Moraine Lake for sunrise, you'll head to the Rockledge trail, just a short walk up from the parking lot (on your left when facing the lake). There are also trails and hikes to walk around the lake, I would plan to bring bear spray if you decide to go on one of these less populated trails.

After sunrise, head back to Lake Louise or Banff and enjoy a nice breakfast and check out of your hotel. As you pack up and make your way to leave Banff, if you have time and want one more activity before you leave I recommend a lake cruise at Lake Minnewanka to have one last moment to soak in the beautiful water, mountains and reminise on all the beauty you just experienced.

Why? I am a travel advisor that is here to take away the stress and hassle of booking your hotels and activities and do it all for you! Not only do I save my clients time, but I also often save my clients money by securing lower rates, or offering additional benefits like free breakfast and a hotel credit.

Is there a cost? Nope! For hotel bookings and simple itinerary planning there is no additional cost to you. I have special hotel partnerships which offer perks to you for staying there, and a commission to me for booking you there. For more detailed itinerary planning, tour bookings, and meal reservations I do charge a planning fee.

If you're ready to get your Banff trip booked, or have questions about this itinerary click the "Book Travel" button below to submit a trip request inquiry to me!