Quick answer
With 3 days, spend one day in Banff town (Gondola, Bow Falls, Lake Minnewanka), one at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake (by Parks Canada shuttle in season), and one driving the Icefields Parkway to Peyto Lake. With 4–5 days, add Yoho National Park and a slower day of hiking. Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles, so plan shuttles or a tour.
Check before you go
Johnston Canyon’s trail and day-use area are closed from October 13 to December 11, 2026 for construction (Parks Canada bulletin). Always check current bulletins.
Getting there
Banff is about 144 km from Calgary International Airport (Travel Alberta), roughly a 1.5-hour drive. No car? See Banff without a car. You need a park pass to stop in the park.
Day 1: Banff town
- Banff Gondola: an 8-minute ride to the upper terminal at 2,281 m on Sulphur Mountain (Pursuit).
- Bow Falls and a walk along the Bow River.
- Lake Minnewanka for an afternoon lakeshore walk (Roam Route 6 runs there May to October).
- Banff Upper Hot Springs in the evening, open daily 10 am to 10 pm (Parks Canada).
Day 2: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles year-round. Only Parks Canada shuttles, licensed commercial operators, Moraine Lake Lodge guests and staff, and emergency vehicles may use it (Parks Canada). In 2026 the Parks Canada shuttle ran to Lake Louise from May 15 and to Moraine Lake from June 1, both until October 12 (Parks Canada shuttle). Fares are $12.75 adult, $6 senior and $4 youth, plus a $3.50 online reservation fee. Parking at the Lake Louise lakeshore costs $42 a day (Parks Canada fees).
Full details: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake shuttle guide.
Day 3: Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North) runs 232 km from Lake Louise to Jasper (Parks Canada). Peyto Lake’s viewpoint is about 43 km from Lake Louise, near Bow Summit (2,070 m). There’s no cell service on most of the parkway, so download maps and fill up on fuel first. Snow tires or chains are mandatory from November 1 to March 31.
Day 4: Yoho National Park
Field, BC is about 30 km from Lake Louise. Visit Emerald Lake, the Natural Bridge and, in summer, Takakkaw Falls. See our Yoho guide.
Day 5: Hike or slow down
Choose a hike that fits your fitness and the season, revisit a favourite lake at sunrise, or drive the Bow Valley Parkway (a park pass is required).
| Trip length | Suggested plan |
|---|---|
| 3 days | Banff town, Lake Louise/Moraine Lake, Icefields Parkway to Peyto Lake |
| 4 days | Add Yoho National Park |
| 5 days | Add a hiking day or continue to Jasper (see Banff vs Jasper) |
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Getting to Banff
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