In the summertime of 2024, we had an unforgettable household journey in Banff, Alberta, Canada! Over 8 days, we explored the breathtaking landscapes of the Canadian Rockies, launched into scenic drives, loved out of doors adventures, relaxed in soothing scorching springs, and savored scrumptious native delicacies. From scenic drives to thrilling out of doors actions, there have been numerous issues to do on this beautiful area.
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A lot of you requested our detailed itinerary after seeing my Instagram tales throughout our travels, so right here it’s! A recap of our day-by-day journey by means of this lovely a part of the world. And in case you like to journey like we do, be sure you try our Iceland street journey for extra journey inspiration.
Packing Suggestions
Right here is how we packed for this journey that was in mid-August with temperatures various between 44 F to 80 F and a few occasional rain. Notice: If visiting Banff in winter, carry insulated clothes, snow boots, and extra gear like crampons for icy trails and ski tools in case you plan to hit the slopes.
Clothes & Footwear
- Packed a fleece, sweatshirt, or hoodie as even in summer time, mornings and evenings in Banff may be chilly.
- Mountain climbing Pants, quick-drying pants or shorts are perfect for out of doors actions. Pack a mixture of brief and long-sleeve shirts for layering throughout hikes or different actions.
- Sturdy, snug mountain climbing boots or path sneakers are a should for exploring Banff’s trails. Be certain they’re damaged in to forestall blisters. Pack a cushty pair of sneakers for strolling round city or for much less strenuous actions.
- Gloves have been notably helpful on our biking day, because the mornings have been chilly and windy throughout our journey.
- Don’t neglect a swimsuit in case you plan to go to the Banff Higher Sizzling Springs or benefit from the pool at your lodge.
Gear
- Backpack – A cushty daypack is crucial. Be certain to pack it with a reusable water bottle, snacks, and further layers whereas mountain climbing.
- Journey Guides and Maps – A journey information centered on Banff and the Canadian Rockies is helpful for exploring the area. Native maps are additionally useful for finding trails and factors of curiosity, particularly since cellphone protection may be spotty in some areas.
- Well being & Security – Sunscreen, Insect Repellent, First Help Package, Face Masks and Hand Sanitizer.
Day 1: Arriving in Calgary
- Afternoon: We departed from New York, excited to start our journey to Banff. After a layover in Chicago, we boarded our flight to Calgary.
- Night: We touched down in Calgary and made our technique to our lodge.
- Late Night: After an extended day of journey, we checked into the Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Lodge. This handy lodge was excellent for our late-night arrival, permitting us to get an excellent night time’s relaxation earlier than heading to Banff the subsequent day.
Day 2: Driving from Calgary to Banff
- Morning: We began the day with a hearty breakfast on the lodge earlier than hitting the street. Our scenic drive to Banff was full of lovely views alongside the best way.
- Late Morning: We arrived at The Rimrock Resort Lodge in Banff, the place we stayed. The views from our lodge have been completely beautiful!
- Noon: We began our day on the Banff Customer Info Centre, the place we picked up maps and deliberate our actions. Subsequent, we leisurely explored Banff Avenue Sq., looking by means of the outlets and cafes whereas having fun with some window procuring in downtown Banff. For lunch, we made our technique to Park Distillery Restaurant + Bar, the place we sampled regionally distilled spirits and indulged in scrumptious Canadian delicacies.
- Afternoon: After lunch, we took the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain, the place the views of the Rockies have been merely breathtaking. As we ascended, we have been handled to a sweeping panorama of peaks and luxurious valleys, revealing the rugged magnificence that encircles Banff. On the summit, we wandered alongside the boardwalk, discovering much more beautiful viewpoints, which made the expertise actually unforgettable.
- Night: We dined at Sky Bistro, having fun with scrumptious Canadian delicacies with panoramic mountain views.
- Night time: To finish the day, we handled ourselves to some distinctive flavors at COWS Banff ice cream store earlier than heading again to the lodge for an excellent night time’s sleep.
Day 3: Exploring Banff City and Environment
- Morning: We started our day with breakfast on the lodge earlier than visiting the Banff Park Museum Nationwide Historic Web site, the place we realized about native wildlife and historical past.
- Late Morning: We visited the Cave and Basin Nationwide Historic Web site, a landmark of nice significance because the birthplace of Canada’s nationwide parks system. This historic web site is the place the invention of pure scorching springs led to the institution of Canada’s first nationwide park. We explored the cave, admired the distinctive thermal swimming pools, and realized in regards to the crucial position this web site performed in shaping the nation’s dedication to preserving its pure magnificence. It was a compelling expertise highlighting early conservation efforts’ significance in Canada’s historical past.
- Afternoon: Lunch was at Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant, the place we loved a scrumptious meal. Afterward, we drove to Lake Minnewanka for a one-hour guided boat tour, the place we have been immersed within the space’s breathtaking pure magnificence. As we glided throughout the crystal-clear waters, our information offered fascinating insights into the lake’s historical past and geology, whereas we marveled on the surrounding mountain peaks and luxurious forests. Every flip of the lake revealed new and beautiful vistas, making the cruise a very memorable and picturesque expertise.
- Late Afternoon: On the best way again to Banff, we visited Two Jack Lake, a serene spot with breathtaking views. Nestled amid the mountains, the lake’s calm, clear waters mirrored the encircling peaks and forested slopes, making a serene and fascinating scene.
- Night: We had dinner at Primrose Restaurant inside Banff Rimrock Resort Lodge, having fun with a stunning meal earlier than returning to our room to chill out and unwind.
Day 4: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake & Johnston Canyon
- Early Morning: We began our day with an early breakfast on the lodge earlier than assembly our shuttle driver within the foyer for a scenic journey to Lake Louise.
- Morning: We began our day with a guided tour from our lodge, which took us alongside the scenic 1A Bow Valley Parkway to Lake Louise. The picturesque drive supplied beautiful views of the encircling wilderness as we made our technique to this iconic vacation spot. Upon arrival at Lake Louise, we have been mesmerized by the lake’s turquoise waters, framed by the towering Canadian Rockies and the majestic Victoria Glacier. Our information offered insightful commentary as we strolled alongside the shoreline, taking within the serene magnificence and awe-inspiring panorama.
- Late Morning: Persevering with our guided tour, we headed to Moraine Lake, one other breathtaking gem within the Rockies. As we arrived, the colourful blue waters of Moraine Lake instantly captivated us, surrounded by the dramatic backdrop of the well-known Ten Peaks. Our information led us by means of the realm, sharing fascinating particulars in regards to the geology and historical past of this beautiful location. We hung out exploring, having fun with the panoramic views, and marveling on the sheer pure magnificence that makes Moraine Lake considered one of Canada’s most photographed spots.
- Afternoon: We returned to The Rimrock Banff for a brief break and had lunch at Una Pizza + Bar, the place we loved some scrumptious pizza.
- Late Afternoon: We drove to Johnston Canyon and launched into an exhilarating hike to the Decrease and Higher Falls. The path took us by means of a dramatic canyon, with the sound of speeding water guiding our manner. Alongside the hike, we marveled on the lovely waterfalls, every yet one more beautiful than the final, and felt the refreshing mist on our faces as we acquired nearer to the falls. The journey was not simply visually rewarding but additionally an exciting technique to join with the uncooked great thing about nature.
- Night: Dinner was at Shoku, the place we loved a tasty Japanese meal after an extended day of exploration. We then returned to our lodge to relaxation.
Day 5: Scenic Drives and Waterfalls
- Early Morning: We departed early for the Golden Skybridge, prepared for an exciting journey.
- Morning: We arrived at Golden Skybridge and had a improbable time exploring the suspension bridge. We began our journey throughout the primary suspension bridge, feeling the mild sway beneath our toes. As we walked, we might see the sheer drop under, with the canyon partitions framing a speeding river. The joys of being suspended so excessive above the bottom was each thrilling and barely nerve-wracking, making it an unforgettable expertise. For these searching for much more adrenaline, Golden Skybridge options an journey playground and a zipline that runs parallel to the suspension bridges. The boys loved curler coater, ziplining throughout the canyon, and an journey course earlier than we returned to the car parking zone utilizing the decrease suspension bridge. Tip: Attempt to get right here early to keep away from crowds and do not forget bug-repellent spray!
- Late Morning: After our journey, we continued to Yoho Nationwide Park to go to Takakkaw Falls, one of many tallest waterfalls in Canada. A brief stroll from the parking space introduced us to the bottom of the falls, the place we have been awestruck by the sheer peak and energy of the cascading water. The roar of the falls and the mist within the air created an exciting environment as we stood in awe of this pure surprise
- Afternoon: We drove again to Banff, taking in additional lovely surroundings alongside the best way. Lunch was on the Outdated Spaghetti Manufacturing facility, a basic Italian restaurant the place we refueled for the remainder of the day.
- Late Afternoon: After lunch we walked all the way down to Vermilion Lakes for some scenic views and leisure earlier than unwinding at Banff Higher Sizzling Springs, having fun with a soothing pure scorching spring expertise.
- Night: Dinner was at The Maple Leaf, the place we savored Canadian specialties corresponding to Mussels, Seafood, and their Particular Hen Wings. We then returned to our lodge to chill out.
Day 6: Banff Actions and Rest
- Morning: We began with a hearty breakfast on the lodge earlier than renting bikes and setting off on the scenic Sundance Canyon and Fairmont Golf Course Bike Loop, a 20-mile spherical journey. The path took us by means of lush forests, alongside the Bow River, and previous the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course, all with the majestic mountains as our backdrop. It was an ideal mixture of train and sightseeing, making for a very memorable morning.
- Afternoon: Lunch was at Farm & Fireplace, an enthralling eatery identified for its farm-to-table eating expertise. The restaurant prides itself on utilizing regionally sourced components to create scrumptious, healthful meals with a give attention to contemporary flavors and sustainable practices. We then had some free time for procuring and exploring downtown Banff.
- Late Afternoon: We took a fast five-minute drive from Banff Downtown to the Tunnel Mountain Trailhead. The Tunnel Mountain Path is right for becoming in a bit of outside journey earlier than the day winds down, providing beautiful views of the Bow Valley and Banff from the summit. After our hike, we visited the close by Hoodoos Viewpoint, the place we loved a singular perspective of the towering, needle-like rock formations referred to as hoodoos, set in opposition to the majestic backdrop of Mount Rundle and the Bow River—a very breathtaking scenic spot.
- Night: Dinner was at The Bison Restaurant, a comfortable spot famend for its rustic farm-to-table delicacies. The restaurant presents a heat, inviting environment, that includes dishes comprised of regionally sourced, seasonal components. We loved a hearty meal, savoring the wealthy flavors and luxury meals that the menu is widely known for. After dinner, we capped off the night with a candy deal with from COWS Banff, the place we indulged in a few of their scrumptious ice cream earlier than returning to our lodge.
Day 7: Day Journey to Canmore
- Morning: After breakfast on the lodge, we drove to Canmore, an enthralling close by city identified for its beautiful mountain views and laid-back environment. As soon as there, we took a leisurely stroll alongside the Policeman Creek Path, a peaceable path that winds by means of wetlands and presents lovely views of the encircling peaks. We additionally took a while to discover the city, discovering quaint outlets and comfortable cafes that added to Canmore’s inviting appeal.
- Afternoon: Lunch was at Quatro Asian Bistro, the place we loved a scrumptious fusion Asian meal. We then drove again to Calgary and checked in on the Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Lodge.
- Late Afternoon: We explored CORE Procuring Centre and strolled by means of downtown Calgary on our technique to dinner.
- Night: We wrapped up the day with a pleasant dinner at Ten Foot Henry Restaurant in Calgary, an area favourite identified for its contemporary, vegetable-forward dishes and vibrant environment. The restaurant seamlessly blends wholesome, flavorful components with a comfortable, fashionable setting, making for a very memorable eating expertise. We savored a wide range of inventive, shareable plates, every bursting with taste and superbly offered. It was the right place for our closing meal of the journey. Glad and content material, we returned to our lodge, feeling prepared for the journey residence the subsequent day.
Day 8: Heading Again Residence
- Early Morning: We checked out and headed to Calgary Airport for our flight again residence.
- Morning: We departed from Calgary, reminiscing about all of the wonderful reminiscences we made on this journey.
- Afternoon: After a layover in Chicago, we arrived again in New York, feeling refreshed and impressed by our unbelievable journey within the Canadian Rockies.
This 8-day itinerary was full of enjoyable, journey, and leisure as we explored the very best issues to do in Banff and its environment. From breathtaking landscapes and wildlife to charming native tradition and delicacies, each second was unforgettable. We hope you discover this information useful for planning your individual Rockies journey. We are able to’t wait to start out planning our subsequent journey!
