7 Days in Banff, Canada: Lake Louise, Banff Gondola & More

Explore the birthplace of Canada's national park system. Discover the natural thermal mineral springs inside a cave and learn about the area's rich natural and cultural history through interpretive exhibits.

"Staff is Very Friendly! They invited and showed us how to play hockey games even in the cold weather, and explain the situation of the ecological environment in the Basin. We had a lot of fun there!Thank you! The trail along the site is also recommended! It is a winter wonderland ❤️"— yuan ting Yang

Visit Canada's oldest national park building. This 'museum of museums' showcases historic taxidermy displays of local wildlife, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region's natural heritage.

"Cute and charming little museum dedicated to stuffed animals and local wildlife. Some of their oldest bird specimens date back to the 1860s, which is amazing to see up close. There’s a small admission fee, but it’s absolutely worth it to help support the local parks and preserve the area’s natural history."— Corina Sirb

Ride the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views of the Bow Valley, Banff townsite, and six surrounding mountain ranges. Explore the scenic boardwalks at the summit.

"🚡 Banff Gondola – A Must-Experience in the Rockies The Banff Gondola is one of those experiences that truly makes you pause and say, “Wow… Canada is beautiful.” From the moment you step into the gondola cabin, the view starts unfolding — trees getting smaller, mountains getting bigger, and the entire town of Banff slowly revealing itself beneath you. At the top of Sulphur Mountain, the 360° panoramic view is simply breathtaking. You see layers and layers of Rocky Mountains, the Bow Valley, and the iconic Banff town below. It feels surreal — like standing on top of a postcard. What I love most: • The boardwalk walk to the Cosmic Ray Station (so scenic!) • The educational exhibits inside • The rooftop viewing deck for photos 📸 • Sunset views (absolutely magical)"— Violet Palisoc

Stroll through these beautifully landscaped terraced gardens located at the foot of Cascade Mountain. Enjoy the stunning floral displays, serene waterfalls, and peaceful pathways, offering picturesque mountain views.

"I recently visited this place and found it to be a wonderful spot for relaxation and enjoying nature. The gardens are beautifully maintained, full of greenery and colorful flowers, with small artificial lakes and charming water fountains that create a peaceful atmosphere. It’s the kind of location where you can easily spend a few hours just walking around, sitting, and enjoying the surroundings. There are plenty of gazebos and seating areas throughout, making it comfortable for visitors to take breaks, have small picnics, or simply sit and take in the view. It’s also an excellent place for group photos or memorable snapshots—almost every corner offers a scenic backdrop with flowers, water, and open spaces. The overall vibe of the garden is very positive, a mix of calmness and liveliness that suits all ages. While entry into the main building wasn’t possible during my visit, the outdoor gardens themselves were more than enough to enjoy. Another great aspect is that there’s no fee or ticket required to access the gardens, which makes it even more appealing. Its location is also convenient, very close to downtown and surrounded by several other museums and attractions. That makes it easy to combine this spot with other sightseeing activities in the area."— gelareh ghomashi

Embark on a captivating hike through Johnston Canyon, following catwalks bolted to the canyon walls. Witness the stunning Lower Falls and continue to the more secluded Upper Falls, a rewarding trek amidst nature's beauty.

"Tucked away in a serene canyon, this trail is a gem for anyone craving a few hours of nature’s embrace. The path meanders alongside the soothing rush of water, creating a tranquil soundtrack for a refreshing hike. Two stunning waterfalls punctuate the journey—one lower, one upper—each a breathtaking reward. The full 5.5 - 6 km loop through the canyon is a delight, though a shorter 2–5 km trek to the lower falls is perfect for a lighter outing. For those willing to push a bit further, the upper falls are an absolute must-see, capping off a scenic and soul-rejuvenating adventure. Highly recommend!"— Jeremie Misquitta

Experience the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Louise from a unique perspective by canoeing across its serene surface, surrounded by majestic mountain peaks and the Victoria Glacier.

"Very nice staff very beautiful lake. Fun to paddle $60 per person for 30 minutes rent. Safe journey with life jackets. Spent total about$190 inc tips. Very fun experience to do. Don’t miss! When you visit lake Louis. Highly recommended."— Benjaphat Tumma (Walk see world)

Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of Moraine Lake, famous for its vibrant blue water set against the backdrop of the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Enjoy a walk along the Rockpile Trail for iconic views.

"Moraine Lake is a must see for visitors to Banff National Park. If staying in Banff you can take the shuttle bus to Moraine and to Lake Louise. It’s very reasonably priced and you can’t take your car. You have plenty of time at both places to soak in the view and go for a stroll. Louise is beautiful but Moraine is awe-inspiring. A photographer’s paradise!"— David White

Journey to the renowned Peyto Lake Viewpoint for unparalleled panoramic views of this stunning, fox-shaped glacial lake, an iconic turquoise gem of the Canadian Rockies.

"Peyto Lake is absolutely breathtaking! The moment you reach the viewpoint, the vivid turquoise color of the lake takes your breath away. It truly looks like a wolf’s head from above — a view that feels almost unreal. The short, well-maintained trail from the parking area makes it accessible for most visitors, and the lookout platform offers incredible panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies. We went early in the morning to avoid the crowds and it was worth it — peaceful, crisp mountain air and a picture-perfect landscape. Even during the busier hours, the beauty of Peyto Lake makes the visit unforgettable. A must-stop along the Icefields Parkway! Perfect for photos, quick hikes, or just soaking in one of the most stunning natural sights in Alberta. Don’t miss it if you’re exploring Banff or Jasper National Park."— Jeremie Misquitta

Embark on a challenging hike beyond the popular Upper Falls to the serene and unique Ink Pots. This extended trail, winding through the canyon and eventually opening to meadows, offers a deeper immersion into the natural beauty of the area, culminating in the sight of vibrant, cold mineral springs. Expect uneven terrain and a good workout.

"🌟 A good hike especially if weather is cool. Takes about 2 hours return. Slight elevation with good walking path. Small landing lets you get up close to the upper falls. Good negative ion with the water falls and river flowing through. (See google map for more pix on Johnston Canyon and the lower falls)"— Bugwagen

Enjoy a leisurely drive along Vermilion Lakes Road, offering stunning reflections of Mount Rundle and a high chance of spotting local wildlife such as elk, deer, and various bird species, especially during the quieter afternoon hours. This scenic route is known for its serene atmosphere and picturesque views.

"Glad that the snow on the roadside parking was cleared. I parked my car and stepped out. The beautiful Vermillion Lakes cradled by snow-capped mountains were in front of me. The lake was covered by snow and ice, reflecting the sunshine. Though the traffic on Route 1 was busy, the view of the lakes and mountains were serene. I was glad that I could stay there by myself for a while."— Chin-Inn

Rejuvenate in the therapeutic mineral waters of the Banff Upper Hot Springs, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and breathtaking mountain views. It's an ideal way to soothe muscles after hiking and enjoy the serene mountain ambiance.

"Fun place to visit for a few minutes but detractors include an extremely large crowd, limited shade, and it's not a very big pool for the number of visitors that are here. Views are good and the pool is warm. It's best not to bring anything in the pool area as there is extremely limited space to store anything. This includes water bottles, towels, watches, etc. Bring your phone if you want to grab a few pictures."— Victor

Embark on an exhilarating whitewater rafting adventure on the Kananaskis River. Navigate thrilling rapids and soak in the stunning mountain views, a perfect blend of adventure and nature.

"Our family had the most amazing day on the afternoon Kananaskis trip with Canadian Rockies, highly recommended! Lots of adrenaline rushes and beautiful scenery. We brought our kids aged 12 and 9 and felt safe with them rafting. The safety gear they provided was reassuring, our guide sat the kids where they felt protected, and he helped ease my 9 year old’s nervousness. Eoghann was hilarious, friendly, and knowledgeable. He told us interesting facts about Kananaskis and the Bow River, and encouraged us to try fun extra activities during the calm water /slower parts of the trip, like back flips & competition to see who could hang off the bridge the longest. We are all looking forward to booking another trip the next time we visit the mountains!"— Wanda Seward

Lace up for a scenic hike on the Grassi Lakes Trail near Canmore. Discover vibrant emerald-colored lakes, a picturesque waterfall, and panoramic mountain vistas. Choose between an easy paved path or a more challenging rocky trail.

"This is a great, easy hike with rewarding views of the mountains and a waterfall. It's a popular trail, so arrive early in the summer to avoid crowds. Recent bear sightings ( July 2025 ) so carry bear spray. Good choice for families and those with dogs!"— Cristina

Embark on a guided evening wildlife safari through Banff National Park. This tour offers excellent opportunities to spot local wildlife such as elk, deer, and possibly bears in their natural habitat during their active hours.

"Loved our snowshoeing and tubing experiences booked through Discover Banff Tours. Everything ran smoothly and all my questions were answered and confirmed by the experienced staff. Our snowshoeing guide, Georgia, was absolutely amazing. She was very knowledgeable and patient with our group. She made the whole experience so fun. We had an absolute blast! The tubing experience on Mt Norquay was another great activity for the kids. They had so much fun!"— Jenni Lee

Embrace the adventure by kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on the serene Bow River, offering unique perspectives of Banff's stunning mountain scenery and an active way to explore nature.

"Lubo was a great guide and the tour was unbelievable! We had a lot of fun on the trip and got lucky seeing A LOT of wildlife(about 60 heads of different species). Wildlife tour was not overloaded with information, yet you can learn a lot and Lubo was happy to answer any questions. You're definitely given enough time to take pictures and be ba(n)ffled with spectacular views. All in all, I would definitely recommend and trip is definitely worth more than it's priced at."— Invictus Spark

Delve into the rich history and culture of the Indigenous peoples of the Canadian plains and Rockies, with exhibits focusing on their connection to the land and wildlife. This offers a cultural insight into the local ecosystem.

"Beautiful artefacts and certainly worth your support. However, the museum struggles to find a red threat and/or guiding red thread throughout all that it has to offer. Also, the lack of a washroom for guests is a minus."— Frank Buijs

Enjoy an easy and scenic walk around Johnson Lake, a beautiful spot for nature appreciation and spotting local flora and fauna. The tranquil setting is perfect for a relaxed outdoor experience.

"A winter walk in **Johnston Canyon** is truly magical. Snow-covered trails, frozen waterfalls, and sparkling ice formations create a breathtaking atmosphere. The wooden walkways are safe and well maintained even in winter, making the hike comfortable and enjoyable. The scenery feels like a winter fairy tale, with fresh air and peaceful silence all around. It’s an unforgettable experience and one of the most beautiful places to visit during the winter season. The final part of the road to it was slippery and therefore we drove very slowly, so it is worth considering this! There were few visitors, there were many free spaces in the parking lot."— Anatoliy

Take a leisurely drive along Tunnel Mountain Road for panoramic views of the Banff townsite, the Bow Valley, and surrounding peaks. Several viewpoints offer great photo opportunities and a chance to admire the mountain landscape.

"We didnt intend to visit the reservoir but good thing we did as the view from the trail head is exceptionally breath taking. Kids had a lot of fun the trails are scenic and doable with kids. Over all highly recommended quick stop for amazing pictures. No washrooms and ample parking. Check out the images and follow for more. Update in winter this can be an amazing tobogganing spot. Check out my other reviews for more travel recommendations."— Vids Tube

Immerse yourself in the art, history, and culture of the Canadian Rockies. Discover the stories of the region's explorers, artists, and Indigenous peoples through engaging exhibits.

"We had a great time as a family for a couple of hours at this museum. It's a small one, but they offer free guided tours and our guide, Helen, provided so much more depth to the experience that we lingered on trying to absorb more afterwards. The museum is divided into an arts area (we learned about how the explosion of Tambora in 1816 in Indonesia and its effect on climate in Europe that summer) became the inspiration for the Frankenstein novel) and a larger, historical space which has a lot of info on the history of Banff and surrounding area. Highly recommended."— Alex Zepka

Embark on a picturesque drive around Lake Minnewanka, enjoying stunning mountain and lake vistas. Take a leisurely walk along the shores of Two Jack Lake, a prime spot for photography and potential wildlife sightings like bighorn sheep and elk.

Wander through the public areas of the iconic 'Castle in the Rockies.' Admire its stunning architecture, grand interiors, and the breathtaking mountain backdrop that surrounds this historic landmark.

"Spectacular on all levels! This hotel is phenomenal and the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion. The entire staff was gracious and welcoming at every turn—from the curbside porter and front desk attendants to the restaurant staff and housekeeping. Throughout our stay we experienced consistent, highly-attentive service that anticipated our every need. As if this historic hotel, set in an unparalleled setting of the Canadian Rockies wasn’t awesome enough, the people who cared for us made it truly a 5-star experience. We’ll be back!"— Claudia Montgomery

Enjoy a peaceful morning walk along the scenic Bow River, offering views of the mountains and opportunities to spot local wildlife like elk or deer.

"We had such a lovely time here. The trail is easy and accessible, making it perfect for families and a casual walk with your pup. The scenic views are beautiful and refreshing, and there are plenty of picturesque areas for photos. Definitely worth visiting!"— Alayne Brigitte Sanchez

Hike to the unique 'hoodoos' rock formations, providing stunning panoramic views of the Bow Valley and surrounding peaks.

Rent bikes and enjoy a leisurely ride along a section of the paved Banff Legacy Trail, offering beautiful mountain scenery and fresh air, a perfect active adventure.

"We longboarded this 22 km trail from banff to canmore. 98% cyclist traffic. Pros: Beautiful trail and scenery Mostly downhill from this direction Paved and well maintained Cons: Very busy on a Saturday There was very little trail etiquette and some pretty rude people A lot of people not abiding by the rules Constant noise from the highway"— SL

Spend some time browsing the shops along Banff's main street for last-minute souvenirs and gifts to remember your trip by.

"Banff Gifts and Souvenirs is a great shop to browse and shop for souvenirs when you're in town. They have a wide variety of items, including a great selection of badges and pins with plenty of options to choose from. The prices were a bit lower compared to other gift shops, and they had some decent deals, which attracted a lot of tourists. It’s a nice place to stop by if you're looking for quality souvenirs at reasonable prices. Worth checking out!"— Jeremie Misquitta

Travel from Banff to Calgary International Airport (YYC) for your flight home to New York, allowing ample time for transfer, check-in, and security.

"International Terminal is great. New and spacious. US Immigration has a special line for US Passports. Very fast. Security was efficient with the newest scanners. Very calm and peaceful. Didn't feel pressured in any way. Came 2 hours before my flight which was early morning. US Immigration opens at 4:30am."— Andrew Cicoria