⭐️ Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions
Afternoon: Arrival in Banff
- Flight: Arrived Calgary International Airport (YYC)
- Drive: Enjoy a scenic drive from Calgary to Banff, marveling at the stunning landscapes along the way.
Evening: Check-in and Dinner
- Accommodation: We picked the Superior Two Bedroom Suite at the Basecamp Suites Banff
- Basecamp Suites Banff | Address: 101-316 Marten St, Banff, AB T1L 1E6, Canada - offers modern amenities while maintaining a cozy, mountain lodge feel. Each suite comes with a fully equipped kitchen and living area, making it feel like a home away from home. The location is incredibly convenient, being within walking distance to downtown Banff. It’s the perfect spot for easy access to all the attractions and dining options.
- Parking: They offer indoor garage parking at $30 per day, with an additional $7 per entrance if you need to go out during the day. However, you can park on the street for FREE between 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM. Additionally, there is free public parking for Banff visitors near the train station, which is only about a 7-minute walk from the suites. Metered parking in downtown Banff is $5 per hour.
- Alternative: When planning our stay in Banff, we opted for the convenience of being right in the heart of the action. While staying in the town of Canmore, which is only about a 20-minute drive from Banff, can be a more budget-friendly option, we decided that the accessibility and convenience of Banff would suit our short trip better. By staying at Basecamp Suites Banff, we had full access to the local shops, restaurants, and attractions, all within walking distance. This allowed us to maximize our time exploring the charming town of Banff and its stunning surroundings without the need for additional travel. Being centrally located made it easy to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and unique experiences that Banff has to offer.
- Dinner: Ramen Arashi
Ramen Arashi | 215 Banff Avenue, Sundance Mall, 2nd Fl, Banff, AB T1L 1B2, Canada - offers authentic Japanese comfort food. It has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike since opening its doors. Known for its delicious ramen, this cozy eatery brings a taste of Japan to the Canadian Rockies.
Evening Stroll
- Banff Downtown
- Enjoy an evening walk around Banff Avenue, the heart of this charming town. The mix of local shops, cafes, and stunning mountain views is simply breathtaking.
⭐️ Day 2: Adventures in the Glacier
Morning: Journey to Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure
Columbia Icefield Adventure
Address: Icefields Parkway, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0, Canada
- Drive: Start our day with a scenic 2.15-hour drive from Banff to the Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure. Be sure to book your tickets online in advance, although they are also available onsite. After checking in, board the shuttle and transfer to the impressive Big Wheels bus. You can visit the Columbia Icefield Adventure website for more information and to book your tickets.
- Activity: Explore the Columbia Icefield, one of the largest icefields in North America. The Athabasca Glacier, part of this icefield, is over 10,000 years old and moves several centimeters per day. Walking on the estimated 1200-foot thick ice is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Don't miss the chance to taste the fresh, pure glacier water!
Midday: Journey to the Skywalk
Columbia Icefield Skywalk
Address: Icefields Parkway, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0, Canada
After exploring the Icefield, we boarded the shuttle bus and transferred to our next destination, the Skywalk.
Activity: Head to the thrilling Skywalk, a glass-floored walkway suspended 280 meters above the Sunwapta Valley.
Highlight: The panoramic views from the Skywalk are truly breathtaking, offering a unique perspective of the majestic Rockies. This experience is a must-see for anyone visiting the area. During our visit, it was snowing, and the sight of snowflakes flying from the valley to the top created a stunning view beyond words.
Afternoon: Driving Through The Icefields Parkway, Return to Banff
- Drive: On our way back, we drove through The Icefields Parkway, a 227 km stretch of mountain road built between Jasper and Lake Louise.
- Scenic Stops: Along the way, we had the chance to stop by several checkpoints for scenic views. The Icefields Parkway is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, offering numerous spots to capture the majestic beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
- Fun Fact: The Icefields Parkway is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world, featuring stunning glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant turquoise lakes.
Evening: Dinner at The Grizzly House
The Grizzly House
Address: 207 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1B4, Canada
- The Grizzly House is an iconic restaurant located in the heart of Banff, offering a unique dining experience that has been a favorite among locals and tourists since it opened in 1967. Originally established as a disco nightclub, The Grizzly House quickly transitioned into a fondue restaurant, making it one of the most unique dining spots in Banff.
- Fun Facts
- Unique Phones: Each table at The Grizzly House is equipped with a vintage phone, originally intended for patrons to call other tables during its nightclub days. Today, they add a quirky touch to the dining experience, allowing guests to chat with other diners or even call the kitchen.
- Fondue Pioneers: The Grizzly House was the first restaurant in Canada to offer hot rock cooking, where diners can cook their own meat on a heated stone.
- Celebrity Visits: Over the years, The Grizzly House has welcomed numerous celebrities and public figures, adding to its legendary status in Banff.
Whether you're in the mood for a classic cheese fondue or eager to try something new and exotic, The Grizzly House promises a memorable dining experience in the heart of Banff.
⭐️ Day 3: Iconic Lake Louise Experiences
Morning: Coffee Tour and Local shops
Start our day with a freshly brewed coffee and a delicious pastry in a few of Banff's cozy cafés. Enjoy walking down Banff Avenue and exploring all the local shops and sights.
- Good Earth Coffeehouse
Address: 333 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1B1, Canada - Evelyn’s Coffee Bar
Address: 214 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1C3, Canada - Little Wild: Coffee & Gelato
Address: 119 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1B6, Canada
Banff Avenue is home to over 150 unique shops and galleries, making it a shopping haven for visitors seeking everything from local crafts and handmade goods to high-end fashion and jewelry. The avenue’s charming architecture and the majestic backdrop of Cascade Mountain and the Bow River add to its allure. Festivals and events frequently bring the street to life, showcasing the vibrant culture of Banff.
Afternoon: Joining the Local Tour to Lake Louise
Lake Louise
Address: 111 Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0, Canada
- Activity: Driving from Banff to Lake Louise typically takes about 45 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 57 kilometers (35 miles). The tour stopped at a few spots for more mountain views, and we were lucky enough to see some wildlife friends. Driving through the Bow Valley Parkway, we encountered a black bear and a group of deer.
- Visit the iconic Lake Louise, renowned for its stunning turquoise waters and majestic mountain backdrop. As glacial meltwater carries sediments, it creates a suspension in the water, scattering light and causing it to appear blue. The combination of glacial milk and the reflective properties of the suspended rock flour particles results in lakes such as Lake Moraine and Lake Louise exhibiting breathtaking shades of blue. Note that the water is not safe for drinking. Lake Louise, initially named Emerald Lake, was discovered by Tom Wilson in 1882 and renamed in honor of Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, daughter of Queen Victoria.
- Size and Location: The lake is 2.4 km long and sits at an elevation of 1,731 meters in Banff National Park. It is fed by the Victoria Glacier and flows into the Bow River.
- Tourism: The area around Lake Louise is bustling with visitors from May through October, with popular activities including hiking, canoeing, and sightseeing. The Lake Louise area also transforms into a winter wonderland from November to April, offering one of the longest ski seasons in North America.
- We had a late lunch at the Lakeview Lounge in Fairmont Château Lake Louise. Excellent customer service and delicious food, though a bit pricey. It's worth it to spoil ourselves once in a while.
Evening: Banff Gondola and Dinner at Sky Bistro
We returned to Banff and took a scenic cable car ride on the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain. We purchased the tickets ahead of time and made a dinner reservation at Sky Bistro, which I highly recommend as it’s a very popular spot for sunset dining. The panoramic views of Banff and the surrounding mountains were breathtaking, and the sunset was one of the most stunning sights I have ever experienced. Be sure to book in advance to secure your spot for this unforgettable dining experience.
Address: Mountain Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1B2, Canada
The Banff Gondola operates daily with varying hours depending on the season. Generally, it runs from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM on weekdays, and from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekends. The last ride up is typically 1.5 hours before closing, and the last ride down is at closing time.
⭐️ Day 4: Emerald Adventures and Waterfalls
Morning: Coffee at Wild Flour Bakery
Start our day with a delicious latte and good vibes at Wild Flour Bakery. This is by far my favorite local coffee shop.
Address: 211 Bear St #101, Banff, AB T1L 1A8, Canada
Late Morning: Drive to Emerald Lake
Begin our journey from Banff to the stunning Emerald Lake. Driving from Banff to Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park typically takes about 1 hour, covering a distance of approximately 70 kilometers (43.5 miles). Visit Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, known for its striking turquoise color. As the largest of Yoho National Park’s 61 lakes and ponds, it offers various hiking trails to suit different preferences. Boat rentals are available, allowing you to enjoy the serene beauty of the lake from the water. For those wishing to extend their stay, there is a lodge available.
Address: Emerald Lake, Yoho National Park, Field, BC V0A 1G0, Canada
Lunch: Return to Banff for Korean Food
Head back to Banff for lunch and enjoy a meal at Seoul Country Korean Restaurant. I am incredibly grateful to have enjoyed the spicy seafood tofu soup. It always makes me feel good, especially when I am away from New York City.
Address: 215 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1B5, Canada
Afternoon: Visit Bow Falls
Explore the powerful Bow Falls, located near the Banff townsite. This is an easily accessible destination for a quick adventure without the need for a long drive. The thundering sound and mist of Bow Falls create a mesmerizing experience.
Address: Bow Falls, Banff, AB T0L, Canada
Fun Facts about Bow Falls:
- Bow Falls gained international fame after appearing in the 1953 Marilyn Monroe film "River of No Return." The picturesque waterfall served as a dramatic backdrop in several scenes.
- The falls were formed by the Bow River, which flows through Banff National Park. The cascading water over the rocks creates a powerful and mesmerizing spectacle.
- The appearance of Bow Falls changes dramatically with the seasons. In the spring and early summer, the falls are at their most powerful due to melting snow from the mountains. In winter, the area around the falls can become a stunning icy landscape.
- The area around Bow Falls is a great spot for wildlife sightings. It's not uncommon to see deer, elk, or even the occasional bear in the vicinity.
Afternoon Treat: Hankki Korean Dessert
After our short hike at Bow Falls, we accidentally stumbled upon a Korean dessert place called Hankki Korean Street Food. We decided to try the Mango Bingsoo, and it was absolutely delicious. The refreshing dessert was the perfect treat after our hike, providing a sweet and cooling end to our adventure.
Address: 206 Buffalo St, Banff, AB T1L 1E4, Canada
Evening: Last Exploration
Finish your shopping list and gather any final souvenirs before leaving Banff. Enjoy your last evening in Banff, making the most of the beautiful surroundings and vibrant local scene. For dinner, order sushi takeout from Sushi Bistro.
Address: 206 Caribou St, Banff, AB T1L 1C3, Canada
