10 Days of Adventure in Banff!

Olin Hoover

21 Dec 2023

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Banff. Immerse yourself in the rich history and natural wonders of this Canadian gem. From cascading waterfalls to majestic mountains, this itinerary will leave you in awe at every turn.

Trip to Banff

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Gardens, Museums, and Galleries Galore

$13

Tranquil, terraced gardens featuring landscaped paths & sitting areas amid diverse trees & flowers.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

4 - 5 min

Directions

Banff Park Museum National Historic Site

Landmark 1903 building & National Historic Site displaying natural history & educational exhibits.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

5 - 8 min

Directions

Low-key gallery, established in 1974, featuring contemporary local art, sculpture & native crafts.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

4 - 5 min

Directions

Information on regional hikes, parks & other local activities, plus a souvenir shop.

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 2Tee Off in Paradise and Stroll Through Central Park

$63

$ 2

Driving range & a pair of 18-hole golf courses lined with pine forest & backed by mountain scenery.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$63

9 - 11 min

Directions

Green space at a bend in the river with picnic tables, a playground & a gazebo used for events.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 3Conquer Sulphur Mountain and Marvel at Mount Rundle

$ 2

Peak in Banff National Park accessible via hike or gondola, with observation decks & an eatery.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

22 - 27 min

Directions

Wedge-shaped mountain in Banff National Park, sitting at 9,672 feet with an advanced hiking trail.

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 4Discover the Iconic Fairmont Banff Springs and Surprise Corner

$25

Upscale lodging in a castle-like building, offering a golf course, refined restaurants & a spa.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$25

24 - 35 min

Directions

Scenic viewpoint overlooking the 1888 Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel & Sulphur Mountain.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 5Soar to New Heights on the Banff Gondola and Immerse in Indigenous Culture

$44

$ 2

Calm gondola ride to a mountaintop for sweeping views of surrounding peaks, plus dining & a museum.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$38

8 - 10 min

Directions

Fortlike museum with many artifacts showcasing the history of local indigenous Canadians.

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

•

Day 6Relax in the Banff Upper Hot Springs, Admire Bow Falls, and Explore Canadian Art

$29

$ 3

Canada's highest thermal mineral springs, with a preserved 1930s bathhouse & Rockies panoramas.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$19

10 - 12 min

Directions

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

Landscape paintings, Rockies heritage exhibits & preserved examples of early Banff homes & cabins.

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

•

$10

Day 7Unwind at Johnson Lake, Appreciate Art at Walter Phillips Gallery, and Snap a Photo at Banff Town Sign

$13

$ 3

Swimmers & hikers are drawn to this glacial lake with a picnic area & picturesque mountain views.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

18 - 22 min

Directions

Contemporary art space running exhibitions in media including video, plus a permanent collection.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$13

7 - 9 min

Directions

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

Day 8Cruise Along Lake Minnewanka and Capture the Beauty of Vermilion Lakes

$ 2

Glacial lake offering picnic tables, hiking & mountain biking, plus seasonal boating & scuba diving.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

15 - 18 min

Directions

Trio of lakes offering hiking & biking trails, native wildlife & rental boats/paddle boards.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 9Hike Stoney Squaw Mountain and Conquer Cascade Mountain

$ 2

Leafy mountain, part of Banff National Park, located in the Vermilion Range of the Canadian Rockies.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

11 - 14 min

Directions

2,998-metre mountain in Banff National Park featuring a waterfall & climbing route to the summit.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 10Conquer Mount Cory, Hit the Slopes at Mount Norquay, and Dive into History at Cave and Basin National Historic Site

$13

$ 3

9,193-foot mountain popular for its "Hole in the Wall" cave, hiking trails & rock climbing routes.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

21 - 26 min

Directions

Large ski resort & tubing park also offering dining options & year-round recreation activities.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

33 - 40 min

Directions

Canada's first national park, with hot mineral springs in a cave & an outdoor, emerald-colored pool.

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$13

Budget breakdown: $214 In total

Activities & Food:$198

Transport:$16