Banff Itinerary for 3 Days in Banff Canada

Banff National Park is one of the most spectacular regions in Canada. Even if you only have 3 days in Banff, you’ll have plenty of time to fit a lot into your Banff itinerary as the town is fairly compact.

This Banff 3 day itinerary packs in the best of Banff’s natural beauty, from scenic drives to soaring mountains to picturesque lakes. Banff is a year round destination, and I’ve followed a similar itinerary for Banff in winter and Banff in summer. Yup, even down to the hiking!

Visiting Banff in winter? Read more about the best Banff winter activities before you go!

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Itinerary for Banff – Day 1

Morning – Vermilion Lakes and Banff Gondola

Start your day the scenic way by viewing Banff’s spectacular Sulphur Mountain from the bottom via the Vermilion Lakes scenic drive and from the top via the Banff Gondola.

The Vermilion Lakes scenic drive winds around stunning lakes and marshlands set against a backdrop of jaw-dropping mountains, including Sulphur Mountain. The drive is relatively short (4km one way), but extremely pretty. If you’re up for it, walk the Fenland Trailhead 2km marshland walk at the start of Vermillion Lakes.

Why not continue the scenic theme and take to the skies in the Banff Gondola for sweeping panoramic views over Banff from the top of Sulphur Mountain (photo above). Aim to arrive by mid-morning to avoid the lunchtime crowds, or a bit later you want to have lunch up the top.

You’ll want to ride the gondola on a clear day for the best views. Once up top, walk the 30 minute boardwalk to check out views over Banff from different perspectives.

The Banff Gondola is pretty exxy at $64 return for adults. Alternatively, get some fresh air and exercise and walk the steep 5.5km path up Sulphur Mountain to get the same views for free!

Afternoon – Banff Upper Hot Springs and Banff Fairmont Springs Hotel

After an active morning, soak your weary bones in the Banff Upper Hot Springs. The Banff Upper Hot Springs are outdoor mineral pools with mountain views, and are open year round. Although at around 40 degrees, I’m not sure how pleasant the hot pools would be in the height of summer!

Once you’re refreshed, explore the nearby Fairmont Banff Springs, a Banff institution. The Fairmont Banff Springs is a fairytale like hotel that was built in the late 19th century and is located on the Bow River.

Depending on the time, you may want lunch or just a drink at one of the hotel’s many bars. We enjoyed the Waldhaus Pub at the hotel for tasty German food.

From the Banff Fairmont Springs Hotel, it’s a short walk down through the hotel’s grounds to the Bow River. Take a stroll along the Bow River to the Bow Falls, a low but gushing waterfall. In fact, Bow Falls are around three times as wide as they are high!

End your afternoon with a short drive across the Bow River for a different perspective of the Fairmont Banff Springs from Surprise Corner Viewpoint (photo above). Yet another spot that is equally beautiful in summer and in winter.

Evening – Banff Town

Banff Town is a pretty alpine town with low rise wooden chalet buildings. The town is bustling in winter and summer alike, as tourists descend into town and hit the bars after a day of skiing or hiking.

Make a reservation at one of my favourite Banff restaurants, the Park Distillery for a trendy bar with tasty food, or Maggie and Stump if you have a hankering for Mexican food. After dinner, have a drink at Banff Ave Brewing Co. See my suggested Banff bars and restaurants below.

Banff Itinerary – Day 2

Morning – Bow Valley Parkway and Johnston Canyon Hike

It might seem a leeeetle strange, but one of the best things to do in Banff is to leave Banff. Say what?! As pretty as Banff is, you don’t want to miss driving the Bow Valley Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in the world.

The Bow Valley Parkway is a 51km road between Banff and Lake Louise. Drive along the valley beneath the towering Banff mountains and stop at some of the scenic lookouts, hiking trails and picnic rest-stops along the way.

Johnston Canyon is my pick for a beautiful hiking trail along the Bow Valley Parkway. The Johnston Canyon Trail entrance is on the right hand side around 17km down the Bow Valley Parkway. The highlight of Johnston Canyon is two sets of stunning waterfalls, the lower and upper falls. Allow 1.5 – 2.5 hours return for the 5-6km return hike to both sets of falls.

Even better, the Johnston Canyon hike can be tackled in summer or in winter. While we loved the flowing falls in summer, it was pretty spectacular to witness frozen falls in winter and to conquer winter hiking for the first time.

After your hike, finish your drive along the Bow Valley Parkway to picturesque Lake Louise. In summer, you might be lucky enough to spot bears along your drive. (We were not, despite spending two weeks in the Canadian Rockies in summer. Boo.)

Tip: If you’re in the Canadian Rockies for a longer holiday, the Icefields Parkway drive to Jasper is quite possibly even more spectacular, and is lined with mountains, lakes and glaciers.

Afternoon – Lake Louise

Spend the afternoon exploring Lake Louise. In summer, try your hand at canoeing across Lake Louise, take one of the many hiking trails or even go horseback riding. In winter, if you’re less clutzy than me, don a pair of ice skates and take to the frozen Lake Louise. If you’re a hazard to yourself, check out the ice sculptures, ice bar and meander around the lake. Year round, ride the Lake Louise gondola for even more incredible views.

Feeling peckish? Have a late lunch at one of the restaurants at Chateau Fairmont Lake Louise. When we visited, the Lakeview Lounge was only open to hotel guests as it was a busy winter’s day. However, we really enjoyed the more casual Alpine Social downstairs, albeit with less spectacular views.

Evening – Mt Norquay

In the evening, take the old school chairlift up Mt Norquay for a spot of apres-ski or apres-hike. (I’m telling you, that’s a thing.) Dine at Cliffhouse Bistro with views back over Mount Rundle.

Banff National Park – Day 3

Morning – Cave & Basin

On the final morning of your Banff itinerary, why not enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Banff town and stroll around the pretty streets.

Just out of town, visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site which marks the site of Canada’s very first National Park. There’s a museum with exhibits on the history of Canada’s national Parks, a small but pretty cave, and some short hiking trails.

If you haven’t already been up, take the scenic drive up Mt Norquay.

Afternoon – Banff Hike or Canmore

If you’re staying in Banff for another night, hit up one of the beautiful hiking trails in Banff National Park. There’s plenty of Banff hikes to chose from, from short 2km loops to all day hikes.

For some unique scenery, walk the 4.8km one way Hoodoo Trail from Surprise Corner to the Hoodoos Viewpoint to see the hoodoo rock columns, also known as fairy chimneys.

Alternatively, if you’re heading back towards Calgary to fly or drive to your next destination, stop in at Canmore along the way. Typical of the Canadian Rockies, Canmore is yet another lovely alpine town framed by mountain ranges.

In Canmore, check out the cute town, walk along the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk or drive to the Three Sisters mountain peak range.

Where To Stay in Banff Canada 

Beaujolais Boutique B&B

$$ Mid Range (>$200)

On a previous summer trip to Banff, I stayed at the Banff Park Lodge. Banff Park Lodge is a reasonably priced good hotel in a central location, just a short walk from the main Banff Ave strip of restaurants and bars.

$$$ High End ($200-$350)

During our winter Banff trip, we stayed at the cosy Beaujolais Boutique Bed & Breakfast at Thea’s House. This was the perfect choice, as it was super quiet but only a few blocks from bustling Banff Ave, with gorgeous rooms, lovely helpful hosts, and one of the most incredible breakfast spreads I’ve ever eaten.

If you prefer hotel style accommodation and don’t mind being a few minutes drive out of town, check out The Rimrock Resort Hotel with views of the Canadian Rockies. I haven’t stayed at the Rimrock, but it’s on my list for next time!

$$$$ Luxury ($350+)

If you have cash to splash for a Banff hotel, you can’t go past the iconic historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. I soooooo wanted to stay at the Fairmont, and clicked ‘book’ several times, but was ultimately put off by the price as I couldn’t find anything less than $500+ per night for the weekend we were visiting. Boohoo.

Even if you’re not staying at the Fairmont, it’s worth visiting for a nosey around the architecturally stunning hotel and beautiful grounds, and a drink or meal at one of the hotel’s many restaurants.

Best Banff Pubs, Bars and Restaurants

While many of the activities in this Banff itinerary are free (yahoo!), we still managed to rack up a pretty expensive long weekend as we spent at least 30% of our weekend inside Banff’s best pubs, bars and restaurants when we visited during winter. (Don’t judge me, it was cold out.)

Park Distillery

The Park Distillery Banff is a popular bar, restaurant and distillery on Banff Avenue. This was my favourite Banff pub for the trendy-but-not-snobby vibe, the good cocktails, and the tasty menu with a variety of pub-grub and healthy food alike. The Park Distillery Banff gets pretty busy, so either make a reservation or walk-in and wait for a table at the bar or a nearby pub.

Maggie and Stump

Maggie & Stump is a Mexican bar and restaurant just off Banff Avenue, serving delish Mexican fare and and margaritas. The restaurant is colorful, vibrant and eclectic with a casual vibe.

Try the individual tacos for a mix and match meal of your favs. If tequila’s your jam, check out the extensive tequila menu. (Tequila is most definitely not my jam after a few too many university tequila parties. Ugh.)

Elk & Oarsman

The Elk & Oarsman is a classic sports pub and restaurant upstairs at 119 Banff Avenue. The bar has wooden decor with some antique winter sports equipment like snow-shoes and skis.

The fare is non-fussy pub grub including good burgers. Sit by the window to people watch on Banff Avenue below, or around the bar for a bit of sports on the telly.

Banff Ave Brewing Co

Just down the road you’ll find Banff Ave Brewing Co at 110 Banff Avenue. Banff Ave Brewing Co is a lively and popular bar, and was a favourite of mine for a post dinner tipple.

Wild Bill’s Legendary Saloon 

Wild Bill’s Legendary Saloon is another gem along Banff Ave (upstairs, 201 Banff Ave). While it may not be the fanciest joint in town, Wild Bill’s is great fun with live music, a saloon country-vibe, a massive wrap around bar, and excellent people watching opportunities over Banff Ave. Yeehaw!

Banff Fairmont Springs and Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

The Fairmont Hotels are like little villages, with sprawling castle-like hotels and a wide range of bars, cafes and restaurants. We prefer pub-type settings, so chose the Alpine Social at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and the Waldhaus Pub at Banff Fairmont Springs. The drinks at the Fairmont are a little pricier than elsewhere in Banff. Expect to pay $10-15+ for a glass of beer or wine, and more for cocktails.

If you fancy something a little more posh, get dressed up and treat yourself to an English style high tea at one of the Fairmont Hotels.

I hope this post helps plan your itinerary in Banff! Keen to visit a lesser known Canadian National Park? Check out Grasslands National Park in the Saskatchewan Prairies for a completely different type of beauty.

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