What kind of activities are planned for Lake Louise?

Day 2 focuses on Lake Louise with a classic hike along the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail, photography stops at the lakeshore, and a lakeside lunch at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

How do we get to Moraine Lake?

Day 3 plans an early morning drive in your rental car from Banff to Moraine Lake, but advises confirming Parks Canada shuttle or parking reservation requirements before your visit.

What's included in the Yoho National Park day trip?

The day trip to Yoho National Park includes visiting Emerald Lake, the Natural Bridge, and Takakkaw Falls, with options for a lakeshore walk and short trails.

Where will we be staying?

Your base for four nights is the Moose Hotel & Suites in downtown Banff, which is centrally located for walking to restaurants and accessing shuttles.

What should we do on the last morning before our flight?

On your final morning, you'll grab breakfast at Wild Flour Bakery, enjoy a short walk on the Bow River Trail, and then drive to Calgary Airport (YYC) for your afternoon flight.

Moraine Lake's turquoise water below the Valley of the Ten Peaks in Banff National Park

Photo: Florian Fuchs / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Sample itinerary · 5 days

Banff and Lake Louise with Friends: 5-Day Summer Hiking Itinerary

This trip will immerse you and your friends in the stunning Canadian Rockies, balancing active days with relaxed evenings.

Going to: Banff and Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada
Length: 5 days
Travelers: Friend groups
Trip total: $3,604–$7,088

$3,604–$7,088

The total covers flights from Denver, Colorado, lodging, getting around and tickets and tours for the whole party, plus food, gas and parking estimated in the breakdown below.

Things to do

Sulphur Mountain Gondola (Day 1)
Banff Park Museum (Day 1)
Evening · Banff town night-out (Day 1)
Lake Louise lakeshore (Day 2)
Plain of Six Glaciers Trail (hike) (Day 2)
Rest · return to your Banff downtown base (Day 2)
Moraine Lake · Rockpile viewpoint (Day 3)
Consolation Lakes Trailhead · hike (Day 3)
Banff Upper Hot Springs · soak (Day 3)
Evening stroll · Banff Avenue (downtown) (Day 3)
Emerald Lake (Day 4)
Natural Bridge (Kicking Horse River) (Day 4)
Takakkaw Falls (Day 4)
Short hike · Yoho Valley trails (near Takakkaw) (Day 4)
Bow River Trail — short walk (Day 5)

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Why this plan works

Arrive through Calgary, pick up the rental car and settle into downtown Banff with a late-afternoon gondola summit view and a relaxed evening on Banff Avenue.

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7:00 AM
United · DEN → YYC
7:00 AM
An early flight leaves you an easy afternoon in Banff and helps beat crowds at the gondola and lakes the next days.
Book ahead · Fares typically open ~11 months out and are usually cheapest 2–4 months ahead
Morning flight DEN → Calgary (YYC); arrive at airport before departure and grab breakfast at the terminal before boarding.
9:30 AM
Pickup · Calgary Airport Rental Car (arrive YYC)
9:30 AM
A rental car gives flexibility for Banff, Lake Louise and Yoho day trips and carries your group and gear together.
Collect your reserved rental car at Calgary Airport; choose a vehicle sized for four adults and luggage and confirm insurance and winter/summer driving notes with the agent.
11:30 AM
Drive · Calgary Airport → Banff
11:30 AM
Driving directly to Banff maximizes afternoon time for the gondola and lets you check into downtown lodging before sunset.
Scenic drive to downtown Banff via Trans-Canada Highway; plan one short comfort stop en route and expect park-entry checks as you enter Banff National Park.
1:15 PM
Moose Hotel & Suites
1:15 PM
Central location keeps you within walking distance of restaurants and the gondola shuttle; rooms should be booked to sleep all four comfortably.
Book ahead · Rooms usually open ~12 months out; book 2–3 months ahead for choice
Boutique downtown Banff stay within easy walk of Banff Avenue; reserve two rooms or a suite configuration that fits four adults and luggage for four nights.
2:30 PM
Sulphur Mountain Gondola
2:30 PM
A summit gondola visit is the best afternoon activity on arrival — high views with minimal hiking effort and easy timing.
Book ahead · Timed-entry tickets usually release a month or two ahead; confirm with the venue
Ride the gondola to Sulphur Mountain summit for wide valley and mountain views, take short summit boardwalks and photo viewpoints.
4:15 PM
Banff Park Museum
4:15 PM
A short, accessible indoor stop complements the outdoor summit and gives context on local wildlife and geology.
Quick visit to Banff Park Museum to see regional natural history exhibits and photography-friendly specimen displays.
6:00 PM
Stroll · Banff Avenue (shops & viewpoints)
6:00 PM
An easy early-evening stroll brings you into town energy without tiring the group after travel and sights.
Leisurely walk along Banff Avenue window-shopping, visiting local galleries and stopping for photos of Cascade Mountain from Bow Falls viewpoint.
7:15 PM
The Maple Leaf — Canadian Bistro
7:15 PM
A local gem near your hotel that serves approachable, regionally sourced dishes — ideal first-night dining for four adults.
Book ahead · Call ahead: most restaurants open tables about a month out, and large parties often need longer
Dinner at this local-favorite bistro featuring regional dishes and Canadian comfort food; fits a friendly night out on Banff Avenue.
9:00 PM
Evening · Banff town night-out
9:00 PM
Soft finish to day one with social time in Banff's compact nightlife scene close to your lodging.
Choose a drink at a nearby pub or an after-dinner walk through lit streets; downtown is compact and safe for a relaxed night out.

If you fall behind

What to cut if you fall behind: Banff Park Museum.

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Bookings & costs

$3,604–$7,088

0 of 5 bookable items booked

Food not included: about $1,090, listed below

0 of 5 bookable items booked

Locked in

paid or reserved

Still to book

$4,980

est. $3,400–$6,560 · 5 items

Gas & parking

$370

est. $204–$528

Booked prices are exact. Everything else is an estimate.

Know before you go

Practical notes for this trip — the things worth sorting before you leave.

Shuttles & parking

Moraine Lake and Lake Louise often require either a timed-parking reservation or shuttle in summer — plan an early shuttle option and confirm reservation rules before you go.
Time-sensitiveMoraine Lake · Rockpile viewpoint

Trail access & wildlife

Trail closures and seasonal wildlife restrictions change frequently; check the Parks Canada trail status page before each hike and carry bear spray if recommended.
Time-sensitivePlain of Six Glaciers · trail

Timing & crowds

Aim to arrive at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake before sunrise or very early to beat crowds and secure parking or shuttle seats.
Time-sensitiveLake Louise lakeshore

Driving & logistics

Mountain driving is straightforward in July but includes narrow, winding sections; allow extra time between Banff and Yoho, and park in marked lots only.

Weather & packing

July weather is warm by day but cool at elevation; pack a light insulated layer, waterproof shell, and sun protection for long exposed hikes.

Money & tipping

Canada accepts cards widely; have a backup card and a small amount of cash for transit or smaller vendors, and tip service staff in line with local custom.

Health & safety

For routine travel health advice see the CDC travel page and consider a travel clinic if you have medical questions; carry a small first-aid kit for day hikes.

Entry & documents

Border and entry rules for U.S. passport holders can change; check the official government travel and customs sites before you go and carry passport documentation.
Time-sensitive

Cell, maps & apps

Cell coverage is intermittent in backcountry areas; download offline maps, load shuttle operator apps ahead of time and keep a paper or offline copy of driving directions.

Local resources

If you need emergency consular help or up-to-date government advice while in Alberta, refer to the U.S. embassy/consulate locator before you travel.

Getting around

On Day 2, before lunch at Fairview Bar & Restaurant, choose one adult as the designated driver. They skip all alcoholic drinks and drive the onward leg; everyone else may choose whether to drink.

Embassy & emergency

U.S. Consulate (nearest to Banff: Calgary)Canada
See U.S. Department of State embassy locator; confirm current details
See U.S. Department of State embassy locator; confirm current details
Confirm current details

Want this trip on your dates?

Make this yours — free, no account, no card.

Plan a trip like this

Questions about this plan

What kind of activities are planned for Lake Louise?: Day 2 focuses on Lake Louise with a classic hike along the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail, photography stops at the lakeshore, and a lakeside lunch at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
How do we get to Moraine Lake?: Day 3 plans an early morning drive in your rental car from Banff to Moraine Lake, but advises confirming Parks Canada shuttle or parking reservation requirements before your visit.
What's included in the Yoho National Park day trip?: The day trip to Yoho National Park includes visiting Emerald Lake, the Natural Bridge, and Takakkaw Falls, with options for a lakeshore walk and short trails.
Where will we be staying?: Your base for four nights is the Moose Hotel & Suites in downtown Banff, which is centrally located for walking to restaurants and accessing shuttles.
What should we do on the last morning before our flight?: On your final morning, you'll grab breakfast at Wild Flour Bakery, enjoy a short walk on the Bow River Trail, and then drive to Calgary Airport (YYC) for your afternoon flight.