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7 Days in Banff: A Mountain Adventure

Jamie Blanchaert

Jamie Blanchaert

27 Dec 2023

Embark on a thrilling journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Banff. From majestic mountains to serene lakes, this itinerary is packed with excitement and natural beauty. Join us as we explore Banff's iconic attractions and hidden gems.

Trip to Banff

Day 1Conquer Sulphur Mountain and Marvel at Bow Falls
+

$0

·

$ 6

Sulphur Mountain
Peak in Banff National Park accessible via hike or gondola, with observation decks & an eatery.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
9 - 11 min

~

Directions

Bow Falls Viewpoint
Waking & biking trails run alongside this popular, scenic waterfall featured in several 1950s films.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
Day 2Soar to New Heights on the Banff Gondola and Discover Surprise Corner
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$150

·

$ 6

Banff Gondola
Calm gondola ride to a mountaintop for sweeping views of surrounding peaks, plus dining & a museum.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$150
11 - 14 min

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Directions

Surprise Corner Viewpoint
Scenic viewpoint overlooking the 1888 Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel & Sulphur Mountain.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
Day 3Relax in Banff Upper Hot Springs, Witness the Power of Bow Falls, and Conquer Tunnel Mountain
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$75

·

$ 12

Banff Upper Hot Springs
Canada's highest thermal mineral springs, with a preserved 1930s bathhouse & Rockies panoramas.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
$75
10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Bow Falls
Set in a big river valley eroded by past glaciers, this wide & short waterfall is a local landmark.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
Free
3 - 4 min

~

Directions

Tunnel Mountain
Beyond its scenic, wooded landscape & sweeping views, this mountain features numerous hiking trails.
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
•
Free
Day 4Unwind at Johnson Lake, Immerse in History at Banff Park Museum, and Stroll Along Vermilion Lakes
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$25

·

$ 12

Johnson Lake
Swimmers & hikers are drawn to this glacial lake with a picnic area & picturesque mountain views.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
16 - 20 min

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Directions

Banff Park Museum National Historic Site
Landmark 1903 building & National Historic Site displaying natural history & educational exhibits.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
$25
6 - 8 min

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Directions

Vermilion Lakes
Trio of lakes offering hiking & biking trails, native wildlife & rental boats/paddle boards.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
•
Free
Day 5Discover the Majesty of Lake Minnewanka and Find Tranquility in the Cascade of Time Garden
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$0

·

$ 6

Lake Minnewanka
Glacial lake offering picnic tables, hiking & mountain biking, plus seasonal boating & scuba diving.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
19 - 23 min

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Directions

Cascade of Time Garden
Tranquil, terraced gardens featuring landscaped paths & sitting areas amid diverse trees & flowers.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
Day 6Tee off at Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course and Conquer the Summit of Cascade Mountain
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$250

·

$ 6

Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course
Driving range & a pair of 18-hole golf courses lined with pine forest & backed by mountain scenery.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$250
18 - 22 min

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Directions

Cascade Mountain
2,998-metre mountain in Banff National Park featuring a waterfall & climbing route to the summit.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
•
Free
Day 7Step into the Past at Cave and Basin National Historic Site and Immerse in Indigenous Culture at Buffalo Nations Museum
+

$75

·

$ 6

Cave and Basin National Historic Site
Canada's first national park, with hot mineral springs in a cave & an outdoor, emerald-colored pool.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
•
$50
6 - 8 min

~

Directions

Buffalo Nations Museum
Fortlike museum with many artifacts showcasing the history of local indigenous Canadians.
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
•
$25

Budget breakdown: $628 In total

Activities & Food:$575
Transport:$53