Seven days in Banff and Lake Louise

Seven days in Banff and Lake Louise

Follow a week-long outline in the Canadian Rockies, with example arrival options, local transport ideas, and viewpoints you can visit at a measured pace.

How to arrive in the Rockies

Most travelers start in Calgary and connect onward to Banff by shuttle, rental car, or bus. If you are arriving from overseas, consider spending one easy night in Calgary to reset before driving into the mountains the next morning.

From Calgary International Airport, the drive to Banff typically takes 90 minutes in good conditions. In winter, add extra buffer time for snow, slower traffic, and photo stops along the Trans-Canada Highway.

A gentle seven-day pace

This outline assumes you prefer time to wander, sit with a view, and return to favorite spots instead of racing through every attraction. Plan one primary focus per day, then add optional short walks or viewpoints if weather and energy levels allow.

• Day 1: Arrival in Banff townsite, short riverside walk, and evening in town.
• Day 2: Banff gondola or a low-effort viewpoint, plus Bow Falls or Surprise Corner.
• Day 3: Lake Minnewanka scenic drive with flexible stops and short trails.
• Day 4: Transfer toward Lake Louise with viewpoints along the Bow Valley Parkway.
• Day 5: Classic Lake Louise shoreline walk and a lakeside café stop.
• Day 6: Flexible day for a second lake visit, canoe rental, or a longer hike if conditions allow.
• Day 7: Exit day with time for last-minute photos or a relaxed brunch before travel.

Local transport ideas

In peak summer, parking can be tight at Lake Louise and popular viewpoints. Consider using regional shuttles, Roam Transit buses, or guided day tours on your busiest days to reduce stress and guarantee access.

If you rent a car, choose flexible days for driving-intensive outings and keep at least one lower-key day in town to recover from early starts and late sunsets.

Read itinerary