Alberta, Canada, Canada · Trip plan
5 days in Banff
Frozen turquoise lakes, three ski resorts and hot springs in the Canadian Rockies.
- Best time
- Dec – Mar, Jun – Sep
- Ideal length
- 5 days
- A day, mid-range
- $330 per person
- Trip for two
- about $3,300
Planning a 5-day trip to Banff? Here's a day-by-day Banff itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
In winter Lake Louise freezes into a giant skating rink, Banff's three ski resorts open, and the Icefields Parkway turns into a snowy wonderland.
Banff is Canada's first national park and a mountain town of lodges, hot springs and wildlife, surrounded by the Rockies' most famous lakes.
- Jan: a good time to go
- Feb: a good time to go
- Mar: a good time to go
- Apr
- May
- Jun: a good time to go
- Jul: a good time to go
- Aug: a good time to go
- Sep: a good time to go
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec: a good time to go
December to March: -15 to -2°C.
Don't miss
Best things to do in Banff
- 01
Lake Louise
Skating on the frozen lake beneath Victoria Glacier.
- 02
Ski Big 3
Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise and Mt Norquay on one pass.
- 03
Banff Upper Hot Springs
Hot pools with mountain views.
- 04
Johnston Canyon
An ice walk past frozen waterfalls.
Day by day
Banff itinerary for 5 days
- D1
Day 1: Banff town
- Morning
- Drive or shuttle from Calgary (about 1.5 hours) into Banff National Park.
- Afternoon
- Ride the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain and walk the boardwalk to the weather station.
- Evening
- Soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs at dusk with snowy peaks all around.
Buy gondola tickets online for a discount.
- D2
Day 2: Ski Sunshine Village
- Morning
- Ski Banff Sunshine Village, which straddles the Continental Divide and is known for dry, light snow.
- Afternoon
- Lunch at the Mad Trapper's Saloon on the mountain.
- Evening
- Dinner on Banff Avenue.
The gondola leaves from a car park 15 minutes from town.
- D3
Day 3: Lake Louise
- Morning
- Skate on the frozen Lake Louise beneath Victoria Glacier, with the ice castle on the lake.
- Afternoon
- Ski the Lake Louise resort, one of the biggest in Canada, with views of the lake.
- Evening
- Afternoon tea or dinner at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Skates can be rented at the Chateau.
- D4
Day 4: Johnston Canyon and the Icefields Parkway
- Morning
- Ice walk through Johnston Canyon on catwalks to the frozen Lower and Upper Falls.
- Afternoon
- Drive part of the Icefields Parkway to Peyto Lake's viewpoint.
- Evening
- Back to Banff for dinner.
Rent ice cleats; the paths are slippery.
- D5
Day 5: Home
- Morning
- Breakfast and a last walk along the Bow River.
- Afternoon
- Drive back to Calgary.
- Evening
- Fly home.
Winter tyres are required on park roads.
Shorter or longer
Banff in 4, 5 or 7 days
4 days in Banff
Follow days 1 to 4 above and leave out “Home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
7 days in Banff
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in Whistler.
What it costs
Banff trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 5 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $170 | $1,700 |
| Mid-range | $330 | $3,300 |
| Luxury | $800+ | $8,000 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Banff is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in Banff for every budget
What to eat
Food to try in Banff
Alberta beef
Steaks and burgers.
Poutine
Fries, curds and gravy.
BeaverTails
Fried dough pastries.
Getting there
How to reach Banff
- Travel
- Calgary airport is about 1.5 hours by shuttle or car.
- Getting around
- Roam buses in town; shuttles to the ski hills.
- You need a Parks Canada pass.
- Winter tyres are needed on mountain roads.
Before you go
What to pack for Banff
- Power bank and charging cables
- Passport and visa printouts
- Thermals, gloves and a woollen cap
- Waterproof boots
- A small first-aid kit
- A reusable water bottle
- A forex card or some local cash
- Travel insurance
Good questions
Banff trip FAQs
How many days are enough for Banff?
5 days are enough to see the highlights: Lake Louise, Ski Big 3, Banff Upper Hot Springs. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 5-day Banff trip cost?
Roughly $170 a day per person on a budget, $330 mid-range and $800+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $3,300 for 5 days.
What is the best time to visit Banff?
Dec – Mar, Jun – Sep. In winter Lake Louise freezes into a giant skating rink, Banff's three ski resorts open, and the Icefields Parkway turns into a snowy wonderland.
Where should I stay in Banff?
Budget: HI Banff Alpine Centre (Banff), from about $70 a night. Mid-range: Hotels on Banff Avenue (Banff), from about $280 a night. Luxury: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (Lake Louise), from about $700 a night.
How do I reach Banff?
Calgary airport is about 1.5 hours by shuttle or car.
Is 4 days enough for Banff?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 4 of the itinerary above and skip "Home". 5 days is the comfortable length.
What is the weather like in Banff?
December to March: -15 to -2°C.
What food should I try in Banff?
Alberta beef: Steaks and burgers. Poutine: Fries, curds and gravy. BeaverTails: Fried dough pastries.
How do I get around Banff?
Roam buses in town; shuttles to the ski hills.
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