A full week in Banff lets you go beyond the highlights and truly experience the depth of the Canadian Rockies. This itinerary covers the essentials and takes you to places most visitors never reach.
Day 1: Arrival & Banff Town Exploration
Arrive in Banff and settle into your accommodation. Spend the afternoon walking Banff Avenue, browsing shops, and getting oriented. Visit Bow Falls and the Cascade of Time Garden. Watch the sunset from Surprise Corner Viewpoint with the Fairmont Banff Springs in the foreground. Dinner at Block Kitchen + Bar.
Day 2: Sulphur Mountain & Hot Springs
Ride the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain (or hike the 5.5 km trail for a challenge). Walk the summit boardwalk to Sanson's Peak. In the afternoon, soak in Banff Upper Hot Springs, then visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. Evening at Park Distillery.
Day 3: Lake Louise Deep Dive
Full day at Lake Louise. Start with the lakeshore walk, then hike to Lake Agnes Tea House (3.4 km). If you're feeling strong, continue to the Big Beehive for incredible aerial views of Lake Louise. In the afternoon, explore the Plain of Six Glaciers trail for dramatic glacier views and another teahouse. Dinner at the Chateau Lake Louise.
Day 4: Moraine Lake & Valley of the Ten Peaks
Take the shuttle to Moraine Lake at first light. Climb the Rockpile Trail, then tackle the Sentinel Pass hike (5.8 km one way) -- the highest point reachable by maintained trail in the Canadian Rockies at 2,611m. The views of the Valley of the Ten Peaks from above are life-changing. Canoe on the lake in the afternoon. Quiet evening at Vermilion Lakes for sunset.
Day 5: Icefields Parkway Day Trip
Drive the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93N) -- considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Key stops: Bow Lake, Peyto Lake (the famous wolf-head-shaped lake), Mistaya Canyon, Columbia Icefield and the Glacier Skywalk. If time allows, walk on the Athabasca Glacier. Return to Banff via the same route.
Day 6: Johnston Canyon & Lake Minnewanka
Morning at Johnston Canyon (arrive before 8am). Walk to the Upper Falls, then continue to the Ink Pots -- five cold-water springs bubbling up through vivid green and blue pools (additional 3 km past Upper Falls). Afternoon at Lake Minnewanka for a boat cruise and visit Two Jack Lake. Evening wildlife drive along the Bow Valley Parkway -- one of the best spots to see elk, deer, and bears.
Day 7: Hidden Gems & Farewell
Spend your final morning hiking Tunnel Mountain (2.3 km, easy) for a panoramic goodbye view of the valley. Visit Banff Indian Trading Post for authentic Indigenous art souvenirs. Grab brunch at Wild Flour Bakery. If time allows, bike the Legacy Trail to Canmore (26 km, paved, stunning scenery) and shuttle back. Farewell dinner at The Bison Restaurant.