A Weekend in Banff National Park
This summer I had the opportunity to drive from Montana to Canada for an incredible 3-day trip through Banff, Lake Louise, and the Icefields Parkway, and it definitely lived up to the hype. We managed to fit in a mix of exploring, hiking, good food, and chill time without feeling too rushed. If you’re planning something similar, here’s how our itinerary looked:
Day 1: Banff Vibes & Mountain Town Charm
We kicked things off with lunch and a stroll through downtown Banff, soaking in the alpine town energy. Banff Avenue is picture-perfect, framed by snow-capped peaks and lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants. We grabbed a casual bite and explored a bit before heading to check into our AirBnb in Canmore.
Banff Ave Brewing Co.
This place is a must for craft beer lovers—or anyone who wants mountain views with their pint. The upstairs seating area has panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, and it’s the perfect way to ease into mountain time.
Afterward, we made the scenic 20-minute drive to Canmore, our home base for the trip. We checked into a cozy Airbnb that gave us easy access to Banff without the crowds and price tag.
Dinner at Lupo Italian Ristorante
Back in Banff for dinner, Lupo delivered big-time with rustic Italian vibes, handmade pasta, and a wine list that did not disappoint. Pro tip: Book a reservation early—this spot fills up fast.
Day 2: Moraine Lake, Lake Louise & Big Beehive
We started the day early (and trust us, it’s worth it) with a plan to visit the iconic Moraine Lake. Since personal vehicles aren’t allowed during peak season, we parked at Lake Louise and took the Parks Canada shuttle between 8-9 AM. (Heads up: You need to book your shuttle in advance—don’t skip this step or you won’t get in.) The shuttle drops you off right near the lake. From there, it’s just a short walk—maybe a quarter-mile—to reach the classic viewpoint. We spent about 30 minutes taking in the views and snapping a few photos. Even with the crowds, the scenery is unreal.
Before heading out, we grabbed coffees from the small café near the lake and hopped back on the shuttle to Lake Louise to start our hike.
Big Beehive Hike
From Lake Louise, we laced up our boots and headed up one of the best hikes in the area: the Big Beehive. The trail winds past waterfalls and forest trails before opening up to insane views over the turquoise lake.
Lunch at Lake Agnes Tea House
A little detour up to the Lake Agnes Tea House is so worth it. It’s like stepping into a Swiss fairytale—nestled beside a peaceful alpine lake, with homemade soup, sandwiches, and fresh-baked treats. Bring cash and a healthy appetite.
Afternoon Drinks at the Fairmont’s Rundle Bar
After the hike, we treated ourselves to some well-earned cocktails on the Rundle Bar patio at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. It’s one of those “how is this real life?” moments—overlooking the lake with mountain views all around.
Canoeing on Lake Louise
Next up: canoeing. It’s touristy, yes, but 100% worth it. Gliding across Lake Louise’s glowing blue water, surrounded by glaciers and rugged peaks? Unreal.
Dinner at Walhaus – Chalet-Style Fondue
For dinner, we booked a table at Walhaus, a cozy chalet restaurant that does fondue like nowhere else. Think wood-paneled walls, alpine charm, and a cheesy, melty feast that warms your soul.
Late Night at Rose & Crown
To cap the night off, we swung by Rose & Crown, a classic Banff bar with live music and an amazing crowd. The band was incredible, and we ended up dancing way longer than planned—but hey, that’s what mountain getaways are for.
Day 3: Icefields Parkway Adventure
This day was all about the journey. We hit the road early for one of the most scenic drives on Earth: the Icefields Parkway, stretching from Banff to Jasper. It’s impossible to describe how beautiful this drive is—you just have to experience it.
We made several stops along the way for photos, roadside waterfalls, and spontaneous mini-hikes. But one hike stood out:
Parker Ridge Hike – Don’t Miss This One
This trail offers insane views for relatively little effort. You climb up a ridge and suddenly—you’re staring down at a glacier-fed valley that looks like something from another planet. Add it to your list. Trust me!
