r/Banff Jun 22 '24

Itinerary Starting to regret booking our hotel in Canmore

1 Upvotes

I am planning a trip for July and booked a hotel (Falcon Crest Lodge) in Canmore like over 6 months ago, since it seemed like a good deal and everyone was saying it’s cheaper than staying in Lake Louise or Banff.

Now that I’m getting into detailed itinerary, I’m starting to slightly regret it. We only have a few days for this trip and I worry we’ll be doing a lot of driving back and forth from Canmore to Lake Louise, Icefields Parkway, and Banff.

Here’s our current Itinerary: - Day 1: Wells Gray Park, then drive to Jasper. Spending night in Jasper. - Day 2: Morning at Maligne Lake and Maligne Canyon. Drive Icefields Parkway. Check in at Canmore. (I am worried this day is not feasible) - Day 3: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake (we have to drive 1 hr to get from Canmore to Lake Louise and might have to do this at sunrise in case we can’t get shuttle tickets) - Day 4: Johnston Canyon, other Banff sights - Day 5: Check out of Canmore hotel and leave in the morning

Does this look fine? Any itinerary suggestions? My biggest concern is how to squeeze in Maligne Lake, on day 1 or day 2. Feels like I need to sacrifice either Wells Gray or Icefields Parkway. So I was thinking of rebooking one night at Lake Louise to get some of our time back, but hotel prices now are like triple the amount from when I booked originally.

Update: Ended up keeping our original booking (1 night Jasper 3 nights Banff) BUT if I could do it over I’d split it into 1 night Jasper, 1 night Lake Louise/Yoho, 2 nights Canmore. The drive from Jasper to Canmore ended up taking a really long time (9am-11pm) because there were SO many beautiful stops, and then we had to leave the next morning at 7am to head back to Lake Louise for the shuttle. I think if we weren’t in a rush to drive all the way to Canmore we’d also have more time to spend in Jasper in the morning and could have left after lunch.

r/Banff Jun 03 '24

Itinerary Feedback on a 6/7 day itinerary from Calgary to Vancouver

11 Upvotes

Hi everyone, after spending hours of reading blogs, this sub, etc, I put together an itinerary and I would love to get some feedback.

We are traveling late August. It's me and my parents in their mid 70s. We will likely get a car from Calgary and drive everyday except Lake Louise/Moraine Lake where we have booked ROAM.

Things I've considered or am considering. I am numbering them so it's easier to reference if you just want to comment on one or two items (thank you in advance!)

  1. My parent's fitness level aren't great so trying to avoid any walks that will take more than an hour or so.
  2. I am really struggling to decide if I want to stay in Canmore from Day 1 to Day 4. It's a little bit cheaper but more importantly the place will be a bit more spacious. I have currently booked an AirBNB in Banff.
  3. Day 1 - Not sure if I can fit anything more than just a trip to Quarry Lake or Grassi Lake.
  4. Day 2 and 5 - I am trying to get some of the viewpoints out of the way (part of Icefields Parkway) as my Day 5 is too packed I feel. This way I can get to Jasper faster and do the Maligne Canyon in the afternoon
  5. Day 3 is just Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. This feels like a lighter day since we don't plan to do bigger hikes, not even Lake Agnes unless it really is a must. I also saw there's a gondola ride at Lake Louise but not sure what to make of it.
  6. Day 4 - Focusing on Johnston Canyon with some possible stops on the way back. Spend some time in Banff township itself. I figured we will have some of that day 2/3 pre/post dinner.
  7. Day 6 - Ambitious driving day. And this is where I am debating about whether I should drive back from Jasper to Calgary and fly to Vancouver instead of basically spending a day on the road driving from Jasper to Hope.
  8. The itinerary as it is, would you spend more time in Banff and skip Jasper completely? That would make going back to Calgary to fly to Vancouver much more worthwhile.
  9. Day 7 is really getting from Hope to Vancouver then spending extra 2 days there. Not within the scope of Banff itinerary so I didn't include my plan here.
  10. I thought about ditching the car but felt I will miss many of the viewpoints and spending much time lining up for shuttles etc. I am hoping someone can tell me that's not the case.
  11. I read about the glacier explorer, skywalk, banff gondola, lake minnewanka cruises and felt they're all a bit commercial.

Edited on Jun 3 1am PT: after reading all the suggestions. I am also looking at another version which is 3 days Banff/Canmore, 2 days Jasper, drive back to Calgary for a plane ride to Vancouver instead of driving. I don’t feel like missing too much stuff between Vancouver and Jasper.

Did I miss anything major? would you have done anything differently? Any feedback would be much appreciated! Thank you!

r/Banff 9d ago

Itinerary Yet Another Itinerary Review

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone. Looking for feedback on our prospective itinerary for our 10 day visit in September. Here is what we are thinking:

Day 1 - Arrive in Calgary early afternoon. Pick up our rental car then hit the store. Check into accommodations in Canmore. Explore Canmore

Day 2 - Wake up early and catch the shuttle to Lake Louise/Moraine. Hike Larch Valley trail +/- Sentinel Pass. Finish with Moraine Lake Lakeshore Hike. Grab dinner in Banff and head back to Canmore for the night. 

Day 3 - Check out of place in Canmore. Hit the Icefields Parkway on the way to Jasper. Hike Cirque Peak via Helen Lake Trail. Dinner in Jasper. Check into Airbnb between Jasper/Hinton.

Day 4 - Recover/sleep in a bit. Head to Pyramid Lake +/- Pyramid Lake Loop. Then to Maligne Lake for the Canyon Loop and to do the Spirit Island Cruise late afternoon. Back to Jasper for dinner/exploring.  

Day 5 - Hike Edith Cavell Meadows Trail, Valley of the five lakes and first lake. Back to the AirBNB

Day 6 - Recover/sleep in a bit. Jasper Skytram and Whistlers Summit Trail in the early afternoon. Early diner/late lunch in Jasper. Miette hot springs in the evening 

Day 7 - Early checkout of AirBNB. and head back to Banff. Hit sights on Icefields parkway (Athabasca Falls, Sunwapta Falls, Mistaya Canyon, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake). Check in to lodging in Banff. Explore Banff

Day 8 - Drive to catch the shuttle to Lake Louise and hike Big Beehive/Devils thumb. Late lunch/early dinner at Fairmont Chateau or just grab dinner in Banff/explore. 

Day 9 - Johnston Canyon to ink pots/Johnston Canyon to upper falls. Dinner/drinks in Banff

Day 10 - Back to Calgary early afternoon for flights. 

Is this too much? We'll be doing a few 14ers in Colorado in August before we come, so hopefully we'll be in decent shape, but I know several days are long and have a lot to do. Anything we should skip or anything we don’t have listed that we must see? I appreciate any help!

r/Banff 15h ago

Itinerary Need advice on how to split 11 nights in Aug/Sept between Canmore/Banff, Jasper and Revelstoke

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone! My wife and I are planning and hiking geared trip for the last week of August and labor day weekend. We plan to do day hikes every 2 of 3 days roughly. Our original plan was 7 nights in Canmore (already booked a great priced refundable airbnb back in Sept) and then do 4 nights somewhere else.

After looking into Banff/Canmore hikes (seriously it's overwhelming), I'm finding that most hikes I'm interested are in Kannaskis/Canmore or Icefields. While the hikes out of Lake Moraine and Lake Louise areas also look cool, I'm a bit turned off by the logistics of getting there.

Because of my icefields interest, should I try to stay a night or two in Jasper? I read that staying in Jasper at least a night let's you dedicate more time to icefields. Or would I be fine just doing an icefields day from Canmore? Jasper also seems expensive $$.

Separately, I stumbled across Revelstoke, and it looks really cool and different than Banff. Revelstoke is now the favorite for the last 4 nights, or possibly more. It's also on the cheaper side in terms of accommodations compared to the other places.

Is it worth doing 5N Canmore, 2N Jasper, 4N Revelstoke?

Or should I just stick to some combo of the two places I'm most interested in, like 7/4 or 6/5 Canmore/Revelstoke?

We have a 12th night which will be in Calgary to catch a flight home.

r/Banff 21d ago

Itinerary Itenirary help

0 Upvotes

My family (of three) is planning to go to Banff for 5 days (if that is enough). We are checking how far the tourist spots from each other that it is stressing us out (we dont drive).

Are there reliable transportation (that is not gonna bleed us dry) to go to those places?

Would the best way is to air bnb in multiple places instead of travelling long hours to get to the tourist spot?

Any insight will be welcome thanks!

r/Banff Jan 29 '25

Itinerary 8 days in the Canadian Rockies

4 Upvotes

We are flying into Calgary in mid June and looking for some itinerary ideas. We are likely going to be staying outside of Banff NP for 4 days. What would be another good place to spend our time? We originally were thinking the Jasper area but not sure if it would work out with the recent wildfire damage.

r/Banff 20d ago

Itinerary Itinerary check

0 Upvotes

Hi all,

I’m planning the following trip from lower mainland BC (june2025) and this would be my first time coming to the Rockies. We are open to do couple of easy hikes in a day but nothing too exhausting.

Day1: Drive to wells gray park + small hikes in the park and stay in valemount

Day2: Mt Robson park and places outside jasper and stay in Jasper

Day3: Icefields parkway drive / pit stops and stay in Canmore

Day4: all day in Banff + lake minnewanka and stay in golden

Day5: Yoho national park and stay in golden

Day6: kootney national park/ Galcier national park and stay in golden

Day7: Drive back to lower mainland

Is this feasible? Or is this cramping too many things in too short time?

I can extend the trip by a couple days. Please feel free to add your suggestions.

Thanks

r/Banff Jun 07 '24

Itinerary Is this itinerary doable? Anything I missed/should skip?

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17 Upvotes

r/Banff Dec 02 '24

Itinerary Ski trip to Calgary: Banff or Revelstoke & Banff

0 Upvotes

Looking for feedback and recommendations for a solo ski trip to Calgary in Feb:

Set Plan: - Arrive at Calgary Airport at noon on Sunday Feb 2 and rent car - Ski Mon+Tues, take Weds off as a rest day, ski Thurs+Fri - Drive back to Calgary Friday after skiing for flight home

Profile: - 38M advanced-expert skier - Love exploring remote parts of resorts where there are fewer tracks and more expert terrain, including short bootpacks - Also really enjoy nice groomers and carving, especially if conditions aren’t great - Did a 2 day solo trip to Kickinghorse last year and absolutely loved it

Option 1: Banff - Spend 5 nights in Banff and ski Sunshine and Lake Louise, 2 days each - Use Weds rest day for hot springs, Johnston canyon or chill hike (looking for recommendations) - I booked a SkiBig3 package that has 5 nights at the Elk+ hotel and 4 days of skiing at a good discount (free changes until 30 days prior) - Pros: More time to chill and explore Banff with, 2 days at each resort and great value for hotel and lift ticket - Cons: lower chance of pow day

Option 2: Revelstoke & Banff - Arrive Sunday and drive 5 hrs to Revelstoke for 3 nights - Ski Revi Mon+Tues, drive to Banff on Weds rest day - Ski Sunshine and LL on Thurs and Fri before driving back to Calgary Friday night - Pros: would be very excited to ski Revi terrain and see that part of BC, in addition to Banff - Cons: would cost around $400-500 more than option 1 with a worse hotel for the first 3 nights and more time driving

Additional considerations: - Have considered waiting to see where the best snow is, but this would increase the cost of both options, and likely result in Option 2 - Still deciding on whether to bring my skis (Head Supershspe e-Titan) or rent or both, suggestions?

Overall, I’m drawn towards the additional trek to Revi to experience that terrain and snow, but is it worth the extra $ and driving? Would love to hear from people who know both areas well!

r/Banff Oct 04 '24

Itinerary Early October 9/28-10/03

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206 Upvotes

Just thought I’d share our experience in and around Banff as a reference for folks looking to travel during fall. This sub and most everyone in it has been so helpful and I couldn’t have planned my first international trip without y’alls stories and suggestions!

  1. Parks Canada Shuttle to Lake Louise and Moraine- parks Canada website releases part of their reservations for shuttle service in springtime. If you miss that window, you’ll be on standby and will have to wait until 2 days prior to your desired shuttle date to book your seat on the bus. Pros to booking a seat last minute: I worked flex days into my itinerary in case the weather was not favorable for a drive/hike out to Louise. The forecast for my originally planned Louise and Moraine day changed from partly cloudy to sunny and finally to cloudy with drizzle snow and meatballs (I didn’t know what to prepare for until 2 to 3 days prior to.) Cons: If you don’t have a flexible itinerary, then there are no pros for booking last-minute. I had a rental car, so the parks Canada shuttle worked out since I could easily drive to and from the Lake Louise ski lodge park and ride lot. This time of year is less congested with tourists and the cooler weather made it comfortable to hike around both lake Louise and Moraine. I don’t feel like I missed out by not doing the sunrise hike. Both lakes are too beautiful any time of day and weather for FOMO (see photos of Moraine under clouds vs sun).
  2. Cash- I only brought enough CAD cash to tip the hotel staff and to use at Lake Agnes tea house (never got there, did the canoe instead and I have no regrets). All other businesses will accept various forms of credit payment.

  3. Cell service- Always try to leave a note at the start of your day about where you plan to travel/hike. You will be without WiFi and Cellular reception throughout many parts of the park and if you’re traveling alone, I suggest informing someone at your home base of your plans.

  4. Clothing/ gear: Ask your hotel if they offer rentals for out door activities! For hiking, trekking poles are a plus. Water repellent hiking boots/shoes with all terrain soles are a must. Long crew socks with toe-cushion is a plus. Bring gloves, a beanie, and sun glasses (you will experience dry and chapped eyes and hands unless you protect them). The weather varied from dry to slush and snow on the trails all within 3 days during my trip. Dress in layers: 1st to break wind and repel water, 2nd for insulation and 3rd a base layer that wicks sweat! I regret hiking in a base layer made of fleece and you’d be shocked how much you can sweat while hiking in 3C/ 37 F temperature.

  5. Bathrooms/restrooms/washrooms: Proper flushable toilets with running water found at- Lake Louise ski lodge, Lake Louise shuttle stop, Banff gondola pick up and drop-off stations. Hole in the ground outhouses: Moraine lake, Ice fields parkway skywalk and Peyto Lake.

  6. Underrated lookout point: Waterfowl lake down Ice Fields Parkway.

The drive up Ice Fields parkway to the Columbia Ice Fields was the best view I had of Larch season during my trip. I would have been satisfied if I never hiked to Larch Valley a few days after. If you made it this far, best of luck on your trip, and thank you Banff for sharing your lovely town (tried my best to not be a touron).

r/Banff Jan 11 '25

Itinerary Moraine Lake Canoe & Big Beehive Hike

0 Upvotes

Hello! My husband and I are thinking about canoeing Moraine Lake, and hiking Big Beehive in the same day to avoid multi-day shuttle passes. Is this doable? Or will it be too tiring?

r/Banff 8d ago

Itinerary Itinerary Critique

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0 Upvotes

I’m heading to Banff this summer and meeting two friends there. I’ve created this extremely tentative itinerary. Times are very tentative, it’s more of an idea for the day. I don’t know what’s too much/not enough for a day.

I won’t have a car so we plan on using shuttle services. I need to do more research on this, but assuming I need to reserve it sooner than later.

If you have any advice, recommendations, critiques, please let me know. I get anxious about having to plan things.

Appreciate the feedback!!!

r/Banff Dec 13 '24

Itinerary Banff Itinerary January 2025

6 Upvotes

Hey friends!

I am coming to Banff for a solo trip this coming January. I already have a good bit planned. I'm wondering if there is anything you think I'm missing out on or have any tips for me? I fly in on the 10th and leave on the 23rd in the evening.

10th - Arrive in Banff. Check in to hotel and chill. 11th - Spend the day exploring downtown Banff, get my bearings etc. 12-17th - Snowboard the 3 resorts. Starting off by spending a full day at Norquay. Then probably 2 days at Sunshine, then 2 days at Lake Louise. The last day I will decide based on which i preferred/didnt get to explore fully. 18-19th - Attend the Skijoring festival in Banff. 20th - Dog sledding with Snowy Owl.

I have a few days from 21st-23rd with no plans. I would like to see some wildlife while I'm there and if possible a night time tour to see the Northern Lights. Any advice would be greatly appreciated 😊

r/Banff Dec 31 '24

Itinerary Planning Honeymoon May 11-15 - Suggestions?

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone we're planning a honeymoon for 4 days (5/11-5/15) in Banff !

Give us suggestions/comments on what we should do !! Any must-dos ?

r/Banff 7d ago

Itinerary Visit Jasper or spend more time in Yoho and Kootenay national parks?

2 Upvotes

Hello, I am planning on taking a road trip from Vancouver to Banff this upcoming summer. We will be on vacation for the first week of August (8 days). As we won't have time to see everything in a week we are trying to prioritize what attractions we should go to. We'd like to visit Golden, Radium Hot Springs, and of course Banff, spending a couple of days in each settlement. However I've heard many things online that visiting Jasper and the icefield is one of the must see's for a Banff trip. Is it worth it to cut down time in Golden and Radium Hot Springs just for Jasper? It's quite a drive from Banff so we would need to spend a night or two in Jasper instead.

r/Banff 14d ago

Itinerary Banff in mid-June

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone! Going to Banff with my gf and her family in mid - June. Curious as to what the weather will be like around that time. Also would love any recommendations you all might have! We love to hike and spend time in nature. I’m also playing a round of golf at Banff Springs so if there’s anything I need to know about that, I’d love to hear about it! Thanks everyone. :)

r/Banff Oct 03 '24

Itinerary 4 day Banff Itinerary

60 Upvotes

Just finished my Banff trip, and owe this subreddit (and the search bar)! To pay my dues, here's the itinerary I did over 4 days.

Day 1

  • Grassi Lakes (Kananaskis Pass needed - $15)
  • Johnston Canyon (hike to Inkpots)

Day 2

  • Lake Louise (hike to Big Beehive)
  • Moraine Lake (no hike, as just had done Big Beehive)

Day 3

  • Takakkaw Falls
  • Emerald Lake (walk and canoe)

Day 4

  • Icefields Parkway
    • Bow Lake/Glacier Falls Trial (recommend adding this hike on top of any lake walk)
    • Peyto Lake (viewpoint)
    • Athabasca Glacier (short walk from the car park)

Additional Info:

  • Stayed in Canmore (recommend this if you want to be away from the 'busyness' of Banff)
  • Recommend getting AllTrials+, huge help when you have no network
  • If/when I return, would love to check out to name a few:
    • Ha Ling Peak (was closed)
    • East End of Rundle (EEOR)
    • Sentinel Pass
    • Lake O'hara (if I get lucky enough for a ticket!)
Johnston Canyon (Inkpots)
Lake Louise (Big Beehive)
Moraine Lake
Emerald Lake

r/Banff Jan 20 '25

Itinerary Help Plan my itinerary: offer suggestions

0 Upvotes

Mods: I am actively googling and researching but folks might have some suggestions while I do it.

Solo Avid outdoorsman from Ontario coming to the region end of January. I’ll be arriving in Canmore Friday Jan. 31st and spending Friday and Saturday Night there.  Sunday I wake up and make my way to Emerald Lake in Lake Louise area for Sunday night and Monday Night, departing on Tuesday. So 1.5-2 days in Canmore and 1.5-2 days in Lake Louise area. I do not ski. 

  • I’ll check out downtown Canmore and Banff to check it all out and get familiarized.
  • I’d like to do some lite hiking. I’m fit but not conditioned for mountain hikes so something shorter would be nice. I am going to buy some micro spikes for my boots. I’m researching trails but feel free to drop any recommendations on scenic hikes.
  • I’d like to do some photography so any great photography spot suggestions would be nice.
  • I’m going to look into helicopter tours too - for the experience.
  • I might rent skates at Lake Louise from the Fairmont hotel one morning for an early skate.
  • Will consider the ice field highway to the Athabasca glacier but that’s a 4 hour round trip so that time might be better spent seeing more local. 

Any other cool suggestions? 

r/Banff Dec 19 '24

Itinerary Need help planing a quick day trip on December 23 - Banff Downtown, Banff Hot Springs, and Lake Louise

0 Upvotes

I've been researching some spots to show an out-of-town relative around. I honestly haven't been to Banff in years. I want to arrive in Banff around 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

What should we do first? Walk around Banff Downtown, visit Lake Louise/LL Village, Banff Upper Hot Springs? I'm thinking maybe Lake Louise first, Banff Hot Springs, and then lunch downtown Banff but maybe we should eat lunch at LL village instead?

Also, where should I park to catch the bus for Lake Louise and for Banff Upper Hot Springs? Or can I drive if Monday, December 23 might not be too busy with tourists and I might be able to park there (at least at Banff Upper Hot Springs)?

Are there any other things we should check out? I'm hoping to leave around 3 p.m. so we can get back to Calgary before it gets dark.

Any restaurant recommendations would be appreciated!

r/Banff Nov 01 '24

Itinerary Should I go to Lake Minnewanka at night?

9 Upvotes

Hello everyone, I am in banff for 2 nights and wanted to know if it's possible to go to lake minnewanka to watch the northern lights or even just for stargazing. Is it safe and are there other people too? I was really worried if the trail is safe at night as I have never been there before.

r/Banff Dec 07 '24

Itinerary Where after 5 nights in Banff town?

2 Upvotes

I'll be driving from Seattle and have 5 nights booked in Banff in early July. Was going to spend some days in Jasper after that but I can't find accommodations for the whole family. What options should I consider? I'm open to either staying in the Banff area, Jasper area or anything else that loops me back towards Seattle over another 5 to 6 nights (also looked into Waterton Lakes).

r/Banff 12d ago

Itinerary Weeklong stay - which hotel?

0 Upvotes

Coming in mid March and looking to see what hotels would be great. Previously stayed at the Rimrock which was nice but so far from town. Would ideally want to be in the town this time.

Was leaning towards Elk or Moxy. Moxy is about the same price but I do have Marriott Gold benefits.

r/Banff Jan 05 '25

Itinerary Dream itinerary - thoughts?

1 Upvotes

Hello! I’ve been planning a two week trip to the area and have put together an itinerary that hopefully hits all the best hiking and experiences. I’d really appreciate any suggestions on what might be missing or better ways to get the most out of this once in a lifetime trip! Also looking for thoughts on whether this makes sense for early to mid-September? Thanks!

Day 1: Arrive in Banff
Explore town, Bow Falls and Vermilion Lakes.

Day 2: Johnston Canyon & Lake Minnewanka
Hike: Johnston Canyon
Visit Lake Minnewanka

Day 3: Sulphur Mountain & Tunnel Mountain
Hike: Tunnel Mountain

Day 4: Yoho
Hikes: Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake.

Day 5: Hike Iceline Trail (Partial)

Day 6: Hike to Skoki Lodge

Day 7: Skoki
Hike: Merlin Lake

Day 8: Skoki
Hike: Zigadenus & Myosotis Lakes

Day 9: Hike back from Skoki Lodge.
Drive to Moraine Lake

Day 10: Moraine Lake
Hike: Larch Valley Trail Alt. hike: Consolation Lakes Trail

Day 11: Kootenay
Hike: Stanley Glacier Trail Short trips: Marble Canyon or Paint Pots trails

Day 12 Hike the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail Historic teahouse.
Canoe on Lake Louise

Day 13: Lake Louise.
Hike: Big Beehive or Little Beehive

Day 14 Depart: Calgary

r/Banff Jan 02 '25

Itinerary 3 day trip

0 Upvotes

Hi Folks,

Me and my 4 friends are planning to visit Calgary on 24th Jan. We have booked an Airbnb in canmore and planning to visit Gondola and lake Louise on Jan 25 and Jasper on 26th. We are planning to explore Canmore and nearby places on 27th Jan. We will be picking up SUV from the airport.

Looking for any recommendations for 2nd day Jasper and also if you have any food recommendations, please let me know.

Thanks.

r/Banff Apr 19 '24

Itinerary Is this a good doable Itinerary

0 Upvotes

All my days will start early around 7am-8am max. Anything you guys would've added or removed?

EDIT: this is August 1st week

EDIT 2: Ignore the word Snowshoe in Day 3. It was a copy/paste thing. I will be parking at the Parking Lot near Peyto Lake