Wilderness wonderland. Culinary hotspot. Adventure lover playground. Canada’s oldest National Park is its most popular. With 6,641 square kilometres (2,564 square miles) of protected Canadian Rockies, deciding what to do in Banff can be a challenge. From our decades of hiking, cycling and exploring, comes our 3 day Banff itinerary.
With pristine wilderness delivering astonishing vistas at every turn, the UNESCO World Heritage site is a world renowned destination. With over 4 million visitors per year, Banff hotels can book quickly.
What to do in Banff in summer – A 3 day itinerary
According to Banff Lake Louise Tourism, occupancy in 2021 from January to May is at about 24% vs. 40% in 2020 and in the 65% range in 2019. Still we suggest planning well in advance as tourism in this mountain paradise recovers.
Planning an itinerary for Banff, mixing scheduled activities with free time in the land of mountains, glaciers, valleys and forests is our suggestion.
Before making plans for your Banff itinerary or things to do in Banff National Park, consult travel information and advisories provided by Banff Lake Louise Tourism. For a full planning guide click here.
Table of Contents
Banff Itinerary – What to do in Banff in 3 days
History of Banff National Park
In 1883, a trio of railway workers from the Canadian Pacific Railway, happened upon a thermal hot spring. Imagining the potential profit of bringing tourists via the railway, thus began their development of the Banff cave and thermal waters.
Canada’s first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, held a very different vision. After conflict arose over claims to the Banff Cave and Basin, he created a 26 square kilometer (10 square mile) reserve.
Mount Rundle and Vermilion Lakes – Banff National Park
This would be the beginning of Canada’s National Park system. The hot pools and surrounding land would be protected as Canada’s first national park.
Banff National Park is Canada’s most popular. The best way to experience Banff is to park your vehicle. Then using the over 1,600 kilometres (1,000 miles) of trails, explore by foot, bicycle, horseback and public transit.
Day 1 – Banff Trip Itinerary
Park for free at the Banff Train Station
Banff Train Station – Photo credit – ROAM Transit/Nick Fitzhardinge
Open from 6am to 11pm daily, over 500 free parking stalls are available to start your 3 days in Banff. Motorhomes and RV spaces are provided. There is a 9 hour time limit per day for parking.
The Train Station parking is at 327 Railway Avenue. Take the Norquay Road exit into Banff and turn left on Railway Avenue.
For information on the options for public transit available to explore Banff National Park click here.
E-Bike and hike Johnston Canyon – White Mountain Adventures
Walk from the parking lot to the White Mountain Adventures office at 202 Bear Street. At a comfortable pace this should take no more than 10 minutes.
No time to read further? Click on our video below to see one of our top suggestions of what to do in Banff.
I love cycling and I despise cycling. Red-faced and gasping on my regular bike, I have pedaled up seemingly never ending hills.
The beauty of Johnston Canyon, one of Banff National Park’s most popular destinations, is undeniable. We have cycled the closed-to-traffic Bow Valley Parkway frequently. The sweat dripping in my eyes often obscuring the gorgeous waterfalls.
The day of our e-bike tour with White Mountain Adventures I feel as though a new world opens before me.
Shuttling by van to Johnston Canyon, I fret about the e-bike. Will I be able to control it? Will the e-bike be too heavy?
After our guided hike through the magnificent canyon, the e-bike instruction and practice in the parking lot begins. My anxiety soon turns to confidence and we are easily pedaling uphill.
The grin never leaves my face. A whole new world of cycling possibility is opening up on this Banff itinerary.
E-bikes on the Bow Valley Parkway with White Mountain Adventures
White Mountain Adventures offers other e-bike tours as well as hiking, heli-hiking and ATV assisted hikes.
Lunch at Three Bears Brewery
Once the e-bike tour is complete, walk across the street to Three Bears Brewery. The design leaves one feeling as though the outdoors has come inside.
Cheers to the second floor view Three Bears Brewery
On the second floor, the open ceiling and patio overlooking the new pedestrian area of Bear Street, gives an outdoorsy mountain feel. That and the 25 foot pine tree in the restaurant.
No ordinary pub food here. My pick is the tomato and whipped feta salad and of course one of the craft beers made in house.
Tomato & whipped feta salad at Three Bears Brewing
Check into the Dorothy Motel
Banff’s first boutique motel nestles against the forest with stunning Cascade Mountain as a backdrop. Inspired by strong women from the Banff area, who made the backcountry their home, the Dorothy Motel is accommodation made simple for other explorers.
Dorothy Motel – Banff itinerary accommodation
For your time in Banff, the Dorothy offers a mini-fridge, microwave, in-room safe, air conditioning, WIFI, bike storage and a bike repair station.
We found the rooms to be immaculately clean and completely renovated. The location is quiet, due to being at the far end of Banff Avenue. It is about a 20 minute walk to downtown Banff or a 5 minute bike ride. A ROAM bus stop is also nearby.
If you choose to cycle downtown, a free bike valet service is open from 10:30an to 7:30pm 7 days a week, near the visitor centre building. 
Please note that the check in process for the motel is at the Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa at 521 Banff Avenue. There are no staff or front desk services on site at the Dorothy Motel.
Dinner at Shoku Izakaya
Cocktails at Shoku Izakaya Banff
This Japanese pub/tavern concept restaurant opened in 2021. The Shoku Izakaya is quickly gaining popularity in Banff. When planning your Banff National Park itinerary we suggest this scrumptious stop.
It’s not often we splurge on cocktails, however our Mango Togarashi Mojito and Nigori Colada left us feeling transported to Japan, or possibly the Caribbean.
Asian influenced dishes from grilled meat and fish to vegan rolls, fill the mouth-watering menu.
The restaurant does not take reservations and thus, due to the stream of patrons we saw coming on a Monday night, we suggest you arrive early for dinner.
Vegan roll
Day 2 Banff National Park Itinerary
Breakfast and lunch to go at The Uprising Bake Shop and Espresso Bar
Tantalizing aromas of freshly baked bread draw us nose first through the door. A chocolate croissant for breakfast? Seems like a brilliant idea.
Should you want something more substantial, The Uprising, in the heart of Banff, has several options.
With 20 years of bakery experience, owner Patrik Beil’s passion for freshness ensures every item is 100% made from scratch. Every baked good is made each morning in a traditional bake shop style.
Freshly baked each morning. Photo credit – The Uprising
The European style pastries are hard to resist, which I could not. Freshly made breakfast bagels, open-faced sourdough sandwiches and lunches-to-go are available.
Grab a barista made latte or cappuccino with your lunch and head to the next stop on your Banff travel itinerary.
Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata
No time to read on? Click on our video below to see one of our top picks of things to do in Banff in summer.
Italian for iron road, Via Ferratas are protected mountain routes equipped with fixed cables, rungs or ladders and bridges. Today more than one thousand exist worldwide, with the majority being in Europe.
Just outside of Banff, Alberta, Mt. Norquay provides six breathtaking Via Ferrata routes to choose from.
This being our fifth time on the Banff adventure, it is our personal choice of the best of the Banff activities summer has to offer.
The origin of the Via Ferrata rests in finding ways for inexperienced climbers to safely navigate a mountain and are most commonly associated with the First World War. Several Via Ferratas were built in the Italian Dolomites to aid in the safe movement of troops across mountain passes.
All smiles on this Banff itinerary – Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata
By placing steel steps, long handles referred to as towel racks, ladder rungs and the cable in the rock, climbers can securely traverse a mountain route. No previous climbing experience is required and a mountain guide is always present.
To book your own Via Ferrata adventure at Mt. Norquay click here.
Dinner at Maclab Bistro
With the largest patio in the Bow Valley, Maclab Bistro is one of Banff’s hidden gems. Located at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, the views overlooking the town of Banff are spectacular.
Maclab Bistro Banff Centre
If you prefer to dine in Banff downtown, The Radiant with its founding principles of beauty, indulgence, inclusivity and arts and culture, is a new and unique addition to the dining and entertainment scene on Banff Avenue.
Day 3 Banff itinerary – Options
After the e-bike tour to Johnston Canyon and the Via Ferrata at Mount Norquay, you may decide that what to see in Banff includes a patio and a beverage to relax. Fair enough.
For those looking for more Banff sightseeing or adventure options on their Banff itinerary, here are some choices.
Explore Banff National Park on Horseback – Banff Trail Riders
From 1 hour to multi-day experiences, Banff Trail Riders offer off the beaten path access to some of Canada’s most beautiful scenery. The horseback trails follow some of the same historic routes that the original explorers of the Canadian Rockies created in the 1920’s.
Day trips from Banff on horseback with Banff Trail Riders
Lake Minnewaska Cruise
Archaeological evidence of stone tools suggests the original shores of Alberta’s Lake Minnewanka, served as camping and hunting grounds for as long as 10,000 years. The Stoney Nakoda people named the glacial lake Minn-waki or Lake of the Spirits.
A Lake Minnewanka boat tour is an easy way to experience the beauty of the surrounding mountains while learning about the history and geology of the area.
Banff Lake Minnewanka is minutes from the town
For more than a century, the Lake Minnewanka boat tours have given visitors some of the most extraordinary views of Canada’s first National Park.
Open Top Tour of Banff National Park
One of the newest possibilities on a Banff itinerary, is a ride in a 1930’s feel vintage inspired, open top coach. With a guide in period costume and the modern convenience of USB charging ports for your phone, it is a new versus old twist in Banff tours.
Open Top Tour – Photo credit Pursuit Collection Amanda Hudson Cassell
All you need to do is sit back and relax, enjoy the glorious scenery and listen to the fascinating stories of the Open Top Tour.
Add Lake Louise and Moraine Lake to your Banff itinerary
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are two of the most popular destinations within Banff National Park. They are turquoise jewels within the Canadian Rockies.
We have written an article on how to get to Moraine Lake, as the parking lot often fills before sunrise.
The easiest way to guarantee access to both lakes is to book a tour. Discover Banff Tours offers hotel pick up as well private or group tours.
Mountain Park Transportation offers direct shuttle services from the Calgary International Airport, Lake Louise, Banff and Moraine Lake.
Moraine Lake
For further information on what there is to do in Banff, the Banff Visitor Centre is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm at 224 Banff Avenue.
Banff Visitor Center
What is your top pick of things to do in Banff?
Our 3 day Banff itinerary is in partnership with Banff Lake Louise Tourism and our recent visit was hosted. Our gushing opinions and love of Banff National Park are our own.
Banff is such a fantastic place. I love the museums there as well. I remember doing a museum day with my daughter and her friends and we had such a good time. There was also a 50s style restaurant that they thought was super.
Darlene thanks for sharing your enthusiasm and memories of Banff. The museums and dining could keep one busy for a good deal of time. Wonderful to see Banff welcoming visitors again.
I’d love to go there, but there’s so much to see in the US still, too.
That bread makes my mouth water! So I’ll have my breakfast now. 😉
Pit it is true we both live in countries full of so much beauty. We are so happy that finally our borders are planning an opening.
Enjoy your breakfast. I can attest to the mouth watering deliciousness of The Uprising. 🙂
Amazing photography, beautiful views, Sue! You guys are amazing. I wish I had your health and energy. 😎🇨🇦❤️
You are very kind John. I will say that by the end of day 2 I was plenty tired. Grateful for this beautiful backyard and the good health to enjoy it!
I’m starting to want to travel more than once a year. This looks like fun.
Jacqui hoping your travels will being you to Banff!
The more I see of Canada, the more I want to go visit again.
GP Happy to inspire you to make that visit. It is a beautiful country even if we are rather biased. 🙂
I’ve always loved Banff. It’s so peaceful. I keep forgetting just how beautiful our country is. Thanks for sharing!
Glad to bring back some
happy memories. We feel so fortunate to live near Banff National Park and we’re happy to put this itinerary together to help visitors plan ahead.
I am reading this post and nodding yes to everything, although I would feel a little nervous going on the Via Ferrata. Fantastic itinerary and thank you so much for sharing your suggestions and beautiful photos.
Thank you for the kind feedback Gilda. Hoping one day soon you may be able to use some of the tips! The Via Ferrata is designed to give all the excitement and incredible views while climbers are safely harnessed in. With the six different routes there are levels of adventure for everyone.
We are still not sure exactly what the rules will be when the US-Canada border reopens, but we are really looking forward to getting back to Canada again.
Ray in early August the Canadian border opens to fully vaccinated Americans. My understanding is that you need a negative COVID test before entry. Hope you can visit again in the future.
Your very enthusiastic article on Banff does justice to this expertly maintained national park. It feels like travelling through a postcard.
What a lovely way to express it! If we can make people feel as though they are in a postcard then we have done Banff National Park justice. Thank you!
We hope we can re-visite Banff in the near future. We were there for 5 days last time. Beautiful images, Sue!
Amy in early August the Canadian border is opening to fully vaccinated Americans. Hopefully soon you will be able to plan a return.
Sue this is such a comprehensive and alluring itinerary. The photos are stunning. Love the ones of the lakes and the ind of the horseback riders crossing the river. The video is great. It really captures the landscape but my stomach dropped to the floor watching you guys on those wires and wobbly “bridge”. No, that’s not a bridge! Whew you two are very adventurous. Bravo!! Great post.
Peta
Peta thank you for the kind feedback. The photo of the horse riders is of Dave and i with a guide. What a way to see Banff National Park. Off the beaten path!
Dave and I were
rock climbers for 15 years so being on a Via Ferrata feels like going ‘home’ without any of the danger. There are 6 different routes to choose from, some with more challenging aspects then others. It’s in a lot of ways more mentally challenging than physically demanding. A mountain guide is always with climbers and of course one is harnessed into the metal cable.
We always appreciate your visit and thanks again for the generous comment.
Oh my this all looks and sounds divine! Apart from the hanging off edges and crossing those scary walkways, although I ma glad to see you were attached, I still don’t think I could do it. What glorious scenery and so much to do in this area. Thanks for the opportunity to travel out of our wet winter for a few minutes 🙂
Debbie having watched your adventures for years I know you could do one of the Via Ferrata routes. Some are shorter for those who would like to try but not have quite as many challenges. Yes harnessed in and a guide present. Happy to take you away for a bit.
Oh, it all sounds so amazing. We would love to visit for a few days and do lots of exploring. I would really enjoy the boat trip.
Hoping one day travel will allow you to visit Banff. So many fabulous things to do here. The Minnewanka boat trip is a fabulous way to see the surrounding landscape.
Absolutely brilliant post, so much info and so interesting. We loved Banff and the national park so much, would love to come back someday when travel restrictions allow. Could be a while looking at how the world is though.
Sadly it could be a bit that’s for sure. For now we are happy to share the beauty of Banff and hope you can return to take in all Canada’s first national park has to offer in the future.
I’ve been to Banff on numerous occasions and have loved it every single time. Your itinerary looks awesome. I will save it for my next trip there.
Donna that is wonderful to hear that you have had so many great experiences in Banff. I’ll look forward to reading of future adventures!
I want to do ALL the things!
I “explored” Banff and Jasper back in the summer of ’74 (when I had no money) by driving through and stopping here and there. I’d love to go back.
Alison of course the scenery remains however much has changed since 1974. I smiled at your enthusiasm for ‘ALL the things’ in Banff. Hopefully one day you will return to take everything in.
Great post Sue! Banff is on my bucket list for years and your post is full of great insight and suggestions!! Thanks for all the information!! Banff or bust!!!!
Banff or bust! I’m going to hold you to it Kirt. Imagine all of the incredible art inspiration. Happy to share the beauty virtually for now. Thanks so much for the visit and your enthusiasm.
What a wonderful – and tasty – itinerary! One to cherish and save for later. 🙂 Such a stunning national park. And so much to see and do! I’m glad you got to experience cycling on e-bikes! It truly opens up a new world. We love ours! I’m a “flatlander” and my bike makes almost any destination feasible and pleasant to reach. 🙂
I’m afraid my e-bike experience has taken me to the ‘dark side’. Or perhaps the ‘bright side’ of cycling. What a difference it makes and as you say makes the ride pleasant. For future cycling tours I would definitely rent one and then perhaps use my regular bike for cycling in the city.
This is so helpful! I can’t wait to put it into use someday. It looks like we may be allowed in soon, but I’m sure we will have to wait for next summer to really spend some time. How far into the fall would you say affords decent weather? I bet the fall leaves there are amazing!
Lexie in early August fully vaccinated Americans will be able to come to Canada. At least that’s the current plan.
Fall is tricky in the mountains. I’d say you don’t want to push past the end of September. You may get lucky and avoid a snowstorm but I would look at the third week of September. The best weather is typically the first week of August. The fall colours and the larch trees are astounding and of course the summer crowds have thinned. Here are a couple of posts we did last fall.
https://traveltalesoflife.com/fall-in-banff-guide-larch-trees/
https://traveltalesoflife.com/mountain-getaway-charming-inns-of-alberta/
Would be happy to chat more about this. My email is traveltalesoflife@gmail.com
I miss Banff! And my mouth is watering at your description of all the yummy new restaurants. I hope I’ll soon be able to make a trip back to Alberta!
Diane there is no shortage of excellent restaurants in Banff now. Lots of deliciousness awaiting your next visit.
In all my years, Sue, I have never spent any time exploring Banff. When my wife’s brother used to live in High River, during one of my visits we did take a drive there. And went to the visitors centre. And walked a bit in the town itself. But that’s about it.
Very interesting history, the one thing that would most appeal to me are the fixed climbs. How interesting these 1st were installed for troop movement during the 1st World War.
Thank you for sharing. I really enjoyed this! 🙂
Carl hopefully one day you can return to explore more of Canada’s first national park. I did want to clarify that the first Via Ferratas were in Europe used in the war if I wasn’t clear. Via Ferratas to day are for recreational purposes and provide such wonderful vistas usually saved for only experienced mountain climbers.
What an adventure filled three days! Wow!
Diana we had a wonderful time in Banff as we always do. so many great adventures.
There is a bike rental place in Canmore not far from the former Best Western hotel (which is now a different name, and independent) ..which has bikes that fit me! I recommend people phone several days in advance to book. I’m not kiddin’. And it’s not a hodge podge of different bike styles.
I recommend this East Indian restaurant in Banff: https://masalabanff.com/ Great service, great food. Japanese pub looks great to try..glad to know this.
Thanks for these great suggestions Jean. wonderful to find a good bike rental place with a variety of sizes. Booking in advance is always wise. Thank you!
This is such a thorough 3 day Banff itinerary, Sue. Well done on putting it together. Canada has always been on my to-vist list, especially the Banff region which I’ve come to learn a lot about through your blog. The Uprising does look like it makes amazing bread and it would be hard to leave without taking some away. It is lovely to hear Via Ferrata is friendly for inexperienced climber – and it seems perfect for someone like me 😀
Mabel how wonderful it would be to have you visit! We will keep our fingers crossed for that. The Via Ferrata gives such extraordinary views of the mountains and we love as well that anyone who can climb a ladder can partake. I hope this finds you well and I’ll keep hoping for that visit one day.
Ooooooo! I want to go to Banff!
We can’t wait to welcome you!
This was a delightful itinerary, Sue, and you and Dave are so experienced with Banff that it truly is a gift to receive these recommendations. I enjoyed both videos and all the photos. The e-bike adventure you really were smiling the whole time. And you make the mountain trekking look so easy and calm. Thanks so much for all these travel suggestions.
Jet as always we appreciate your kind feedback. We have always loved Banff and during the pandemic its beauty has given us great comfort. My first e-bike outing certainly won’t be my last! Best wishes to you and Athena and hoping you are enjoying the summer.
Great post Sue. I have wanted to go to Banff for a number of years now. We will be moving up to the Seattle area sometime before the end of the year and I now can so see this as a destination vacation from there in the next couple of years!!
That’s wonderful news Kirt. Well I’m thinking it brings you closer to Canada and yes a vacation in the future. Looking forward to hearing more about the move.
I’d have to plan for a month or more to see and do everything!, Then another month in a different season! You a lucky to have such a beautiful place “in your backyard”
Laura you are spot on. There is so much to do in Banff and its national park home, it is sometimes hard to know what to suggest first. I agree each season brings new adventures. We have always been grateful to live close by but more so in these past 18 months. We have consoled ourselves should we never be able to travel again at least we have mountain paradise nearby.
I haven’t tried ebike cycling yet. I must admit, I like my control of the pedal. Was it pedal assist ebike…where you must bike..to get it going… Tell me what it felt like..
It was a pedal assist so you had to be pedalling. It had 9 levels so it could be set to assist as little or as much as you wanted. It felt a bit like when you shift gears down on your regular bike and the pedalling becomes easier. That with some extra power. I had been worried about not feeling like I was in control but it was easy to manage.