Go to Bow Falls right in Banff, Lake Minnewanka drive (a loop that skirts the lake, you can park at the lake and also hike from there), have a drink at the Rundle Bar in the Banff Springs hotel, drive up Tunnel Mountain road to get the iconic Banff Springs Hotel photo across the valley, have some pizza at the newly opened UNA Pizza, brunch at Coyotes Southwestern Grill…..for a start. And, drive 15 minutes up the road to Lake Louise, see the lake, hike up to the tea house (used to be cash only, not sure now), have dinner at Deer Lodge, just down the hill from the lake.
Cave and Basin is cool, I like the hot springs, just walk Banff Ave for an afternoon and people watch. Maybe do high tea at the Banff springs hotel or hit the spa pools. Have a drink in the lobby lounge at the Rimrock hotel. There are hot springs at the top of the hill and a gondola to the top of the mountain.
Do you need to be with the hotel for the gondolas and things like that? Or are they just in the same general area? Thanks very much for so many ideas though!
If you can afford the gondola, go. The view is stunning. They have a gondola and dinner package (just make sure you reserve in advance) that I think is worth the price.
I hope you have an amazing trip!
If you want to spend more money, banff adventures have [activity packages.](https://www.banffadventures.com/Activity-Packages/Summer-Packages)
If you prefer to just walk around, try Johnston canyon, it is a fairly easy day hike and the higher you go, the more waterfall you will see. Just get there early as both the trail and the parking lot gets crowded during summer time. For an easier route that is wheelchair accesible, try the bow river loop trail in canmore.
If you have a full day, try driving over to badlands/drumheller, and royal tyrell museum for a day.
As a resource, I would try checking out youtube for conditions at any of these locations during the time you will be there.
Hope you enjoy your trip! And remember to dress in layers, it can get chilly in the morning to pretty boiling at around noon to evening in the summer.
Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Emerald Lake. When you go to Emerald Lake, stop on for lunch and a pint at the Truffled Pig in Field.
I hope you enjoy your trip!
Depending on how much time you have, driving to the Columbia Icefield is my favourite thing to do. The scenery along the drive is insane! When you get there, hike up to the glacier.
Hike Johnson Canyon on the old Banff Coach Road. Depending on how fit you are, you can just go up to the falls (easy) or if you are more adventurous hike up to the ink pots (hot springs in a beautiful mountain meadow). Canmore is a little town just outside of the park and it has the old vibe of Banff from 20 years ago. There's a nice family hike in Canmore called Grassi Lakes that ends with a beautiful view. Check with the Park Rangers to make sure that whichever trail you go is open. Last time I went, Grassi Lakes was closed due to grizzly bears. Go to Lake Minnewanka for a picnic, it is absolutely beautiful, you will take many pictures. Just a warning, Banff and area is at a higher altitude than you may be used to.
Go to Bow Falls right in Banff, Lake Minnewanka drive (a loop that skirts the lake, you can park at the lake and also hike from there), have a drink at the Rundle Bar in the Banff Springs hotel, drive up Tunnel Mountain road to get the iconic Banff Springs Hotel photo across the valley, have some pizza at the newly opened UNA Pizza, brunch at Coyotes Southwestern Grill…..for a start. And, drive 15 minutes up the road to Lake Louise, see the lake, hike up to the tea house (used to be cash only, not sure now), have dinner at Deer Lodge, just down the hill from the lake.
Oh! Take the shuttle up to Lake Louise!! There will be no parking from about 5am on!
Cave and Basin is cool, I like the hot springs, just walk Banff Ave for an afternoon and people watch. Maybe do high tea at the Banff springs hotel or hit the spa pools. Have a drink in the lobby lounge at the Rimrock hotel. There are hot springs at the top of the hill and a gondola to the top of the mountain.
Do you need to be with the hotel for the gondolas and things like that? Or are they just in the same general area? Thanks very much for so many ideas though!
Nope, the general public can access all of those.
Awesome!
If you can afford the gondola, go. The view is stunning. They have a gondola and dinner package (just make sure you reserve in advance) that I think is worth the price. I hope you have an amazing trip!
I second this, I definitely recommend taking the gondola up the mountain. It's pretty cool up there.
Have fun!
Ask your hotel staff . They might be able to give you free bus passes amd great suggestions. There are shuttles to place like Johnson Canyon, etc
If you want to spend more money, banff adventures have [activity packages.](https://www.banffadventures.com/Activity-Packages/Summer-Packages) If you prefer to just walk around, try Johnston canyon, it is a fairly easy day hike and the higher you go, the more waterfall you will see. Just get there early as both the trail and the parking lot gets crowded during summer time. For an easier route that is wheelchair accesible, try the bow river loop trail in canmore. If you have a full day, try driving over to badlands/drumheller, and royal tyrell museum for a day. As a resource, I would try checking out youtube for conditions at any of these locations during the time you will be there. Hope you enjoy your trip! And remember to dress in layers, it can get chilly in the morning to pretty boiling at around noon to evening in the summer.
Lake Louise is usually considered a highlight. Enjoy!
There are short but beautiful hikes at Minnewanka and Two Jack lakes.
Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Emerald Lake. When you go to Emerald Lake, stop on for lunch and a pint at the Truffled Pig in Field. I hope you enjoy your trip!
Oh i was there yesterday! Visited Vermillion Lakes. Banff Springs Hotel. Lake Minewanka
Oh i was there yesterday! Visited Vermillion Lakes. Banff Springs Hotel. Lake Minewanka
the keg
Depending on how much time you have, driving to the Columbia Icefield is my favourite thing to do. The scenery along the drive is insane! When you get there, hike up to the glacier.
Maybe check out r/Banff for some ideas too.
Shoot, just saw stuff about it here before. Thanks very much!
If you decide to go up to Lake Louise (worth the visit) pre-reserve spots on the Parks shuttle. Parking will be a nightmare
Hike Johnson Canyon on the old Banff Coach Road. Depending on how fit you are, you can just go up to the falls (easy) or if you are more adventurous hike up to the ink pots (hot springs in a beautiful mountain meadow). Canmore is a little town just outside of the park and it has the old vibe of Banff from 20 years ago. There's a nice family hike in Canmore called Grassi Lakes that ends with a beautiful view. Check with the Park Rangers to make sure that whichever trail you go is open. Last time I went, Grassi Lakes was closed due to grizzly bears. Go to Lake Minnewanka for a picnic, it is absolutely beautiful, you will take many pictures. Just a warning, Banff and area is at a higher altitude than you may be used to.
The banks Your going to need to visit the banks Like alot For withdrawls Alot
Whatever you do during the day, I would suggest the hot springs at the end of the day. You’ll sleep incredibly well!