Looking to really get out there and experience a nature-packed getaway that combines urban charm and stunning wilderness? Look no further than Banff National Park in Alberta! In just four days (a long weekend trip), you can explore the city of Calgary, hike alongside waterfalls, paddle on turquoise lakes, and summit mountain peaks—all while soaking in the best of the Canadian Rockies. Here’s your ultimate long weekend itinerary.
Practicalities
Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Recommended length of stay: as little as 3 days to 2 weeks+
Month of visit: September, October
Useful tips:
- Rent a car. You can get around with shuttles but then you are bound by the shuttle schedule. This place is BUSY and you’ll have to wait in long lines for shuttles and ride-shares.
- Banff is way more expensive than we thought it would be, and we probably spent more on this trip on lodging and dining than we have on any other trip. This is even though we did not stay in luxury hotels or have any special dining experiences.
CDC’s Recommended Vaccinations: Click here!
Pro Tips:
If you’re not Canadian, download the ArriveCan app ahead of time and fill it out before you land for a smooth entry.
You’ll need a National Parks Pass for Banff.
Cell service may be limited in remote areas—download maps ahead of time.
Make sure to pack layers as weather can change quickly in this climate! We noticed a big difference when the sun went behind a cloud.
CDC’s Recommended Vaccinations: Click here!
Day 1: Arrive in Calgary, check out the city
Fly into Calgary International Airport, grab your rental car (we always love having wheels during our trips), and set out to explore this dynamic city before heading into the wild. Note – there ARE shuttle services available from Calgary to Banff, but rental cars give you much more flexibility to get off the beaten path and explore.
Start your morning strolling around Calgary via Skyline Bridge, one of Calgary’s most Instagrammable spots, offering panoramic views of the city. We also liked the views from the Elbow River Suspension Bridges.
Grab a picnic lunch from one of Calgary’s many diverse eateries and unwind at Prince’s Island Park, a peaceful green space right in the heart of downtown. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs and take in the riverside views – we loved just spending time relaxing on the grass and watching the world go by.
Wrap up your urban day with panoramic views from the top of the Calgary Tower (definitely recommend trying to get there around sunset). Note – you can do all this either at the beginning or the end of your trip to Banff, if you’re itching to get to the mountains skip it and do it on your return!
Day 2: Banff Bound!
After breakfast, hit the road for a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Banff. As you approach the Rockies, the mountains grow closer and more dramatic—camera ready at all times! Literally had to keep stopping to take photos along the way.
Start your Banff adventure with a stop at Castle Mountain Viewpoint, where rugged peaks rise dramatically above the forest.
Just a short drive away, enjoy the tranquil beauty of Silverton Falls, a lesser-known but worthwhile stop. We really enjoyed hiking up to the falls and encountered only 1 or 2 other people along the way, so you’ll likely have it mostly to yourself.
Spend your afternoon at Johnston Canyon, one of Banff’s most popular hikes. We had a picnic just off the Lower Falls Trail which is a wheelchair accessible scenic walk along a boardwalk that leads to a bridge going behind a waterfall—prepare to get slightly (or very) misted! The Upper Falls Trail to the inkpots were closed when we visited due to weather, but we’ve heard they are a must-do when visiting. Side note – this place was PACKED when we visited, it was basically single file all the way along the boardwalk, so be prepared.
Check into your stay—either the cozy Johnston Canyon Cabins which is very close to the above attractions, or the stylish Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa in town (closer to what you’ll be doing on day 3).
Day 3: Lakes Galore!
Today is all about iconic Banff lakes and unforgettable mountain experiences – exactly what comes to mind when you hear the word “Banff”.
Get a VERY early morning start at Lake Louise, preferably arriving prior to sunrise. Note: it is VERY difficult to get parking in the lot around sunrise time, we had to wait for someone else to leave in order to get in (and we arrived before sunrise). A workaround, if you can afford it, is to stay at the Fairmont Lake Louise, which has its own parking garage and you’ll be in prime location to simply exit your hotel and see the sun rise over Lake Louise directly.
We also recommend walking the Lakeshore Path (4km) for unbeatable views of the emerald lake framed by Victoria Glacier. If you’d prefer to see it from above, check out the Lake Louise Gondola—keep an eye out for grizzly bears and deer from above! We were lucky enough to see a mom and baby deer at the top.
Depending on the season you travel in, you may be able to rent a canoe and paddle across Lake Louise before embarking on a hike to the Lake Agnes Tea House. The views (and tea) are well worth the climb—just remember that it’s cash only! We found there was nothing more restorative than a hot cuppa after the trek upwards. The Plain of Six Glaciers hike was also stunning and we definitely recommend it.
In the afternoon, take a mini road trip along the Icefields Parkway, making stops at Hector Lake, Bow Lake, and the stunning Peyto Lake—famous for its wolf-head shape. Out of all of the lakes, we were most impressed by the stunning blue color of Peyto Lake. Moraine Lake is another popular stop near Lake Louise, but it is often closed in the winter season so we have never been ourselves.
Day 4: Soak up your last day in Banff
Spend your last day soaking in Banff’s peaks and natural hot springs – after all that hiking, you deserve to treat yourself!
Start with a ride on the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for a 360-degree view of the surrounding peaks. There is a delicious restaurant at the top (Sky Bistro) that offers stunning views over the surrounding area – try to get seated near the window if possible!
Follow that with a soothing soak at the nearby Banff Upper Hot Springs. These outdoor hot springs are popular with hikers to soothe aching muscles. The views are spectacular, but we found it to be more of a very large hot tub than what we usually think of as a natural hot spring (but we still enjoyed!). There is a parking lot available and towels, swimsuits and lockers can be rented. At the date of writing (April 2025) the entry fee is $17.50 CAD.
Spend your final hours in Banff visiting Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, and Tessa Falls, all offering great short trails and photo spots. We particularly fell in love with Two Jack Lake and noticed a beautiful campground there -we’ll have to come back! End your trip with a beautiful drive back to Calgary Airport, where you’ll head on home.
Ready for your adventure? Banff is calling! Check out our Canada landing page here for more fun filled getaways.