The Perfect 5 Day Banff Itinerary: Explore the Best of the Canadian Rockies

Banff National Park is one of those rare destinations that truly feels magical from the moment you arrive. Towering mountains, turquoise lakes, and wildlife sightings around every corner make it a bucket-list spot for travelers from all over the world. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, a 5 Day Banff Itinerary is the perfect way to soak in the highlights without feeling rushed.

In this guide, I’ll share a complete itinerary with tips on where to stay, the best tours to book in advance, and how to make the most of each day. I’ve also added helpful links to other Canadian destinations like Vancouver, Victoria, Toronto, and Jasper if you’re planning a bigger Canadian adventure.

My 5 Day Banff Itinerary: How I Fell in Love with the Rockies

Table of contents

• My 5 Day Banff Itinerary: How I Fell in Love with the Rockies
• Where I Recommend Staying in Banff
• Why Banff Stole My Heart
• My 5 Day Banff Itinerary
• Tours I Loved
• Budget Reality Check
• FAQs From My Trip
• Wrapping It Up

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Where I Recommend Staying in Banff

Banff gets busy (like, really busy in summer), so book your stay early. Here are my favorite options:

• Fairmont Banff Springs – If you want to feel like royalty, this is the place. It’s literally a castle in the Rockies. Check prices here.
• Moose Hotel & Suites – Super cozy, great location, and it has a rooftop hot pool with insane mountain views. See rates here.
• Banff Hostel – Perfect for backpackers and anyone saving money for more adventures. Book here.

Why Banff Stole My Heart

You know how some places look almost fake in photos? Banff is exactly like that – except when you finally see it in person, it’s even better.

When I planned my 5 Day Banff Itinerary, I thought I was ready for those turquoise lakes and dramatic mountain peaks. Spoiler: I wasn’t. From the second I stepped out of the car in Banff town and saw the Rockies towering over me, I was hooked.

I want to share my exact 5-day trip with you – the places I stayed, the tours that saved me a ton of hassle, the hikes that left me breathless (sometimes from views, sometimes from altitude), and those magical little moments you just can’t plan.

My 5 Day Banff Itinerary

Day 1: Arriving in Banff Town

I rolled into Banff in the late morning, dropped my bags, and immediately headed out to wander Banff Avenue. The town feels like a postcard – wooden lodges, flower baskets, and mountains from every angle.

I grabbed a cinnamon bun from Wild Flour Bakery (life-changing), and then in the afternoon, I took the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain. Standing at the top with 360° views was the perfect way to kick off the trip.

Dinner was at Park Distillery – their campfire-style trout was delicious. That night, I fell asleep with the windows open, listening to the sound of the Bow River rushing nearby.

If you like exploring Canadian towns, you might also love Winnipeg or Ottawa with kids on other trips.

Day 2: Lake Louise & Moraine Lake – Banff’s Superstars

I set my alarm for 5 am (yes, really) to get to Lake Louise before the crowds. Totally worth it. Watching the first light hit the mountains and reflect in the lake was pure magic.

After coffee at the Fairmont Lake Louise café, I hiked the lakeshore trail. Then it was off to Moraine Lake. I’d seen the photos, but standing on the Rockpile looking down at that unreal turquoise water? Goosebumps.

Parking here is a nightmare, so I booked this tour that shuttled me to both lakes – no stress, just pure enjoyment.

Day 3: Driving the Icefields Parkway

This day was my absolute favorite in the 5 Day Banff Itinerary. The Icefields Parkway is often called the most beautiful drive in the world, and I get why.

I stopped at Peyto Lake (it’s shaped like a wolf head – so cool!), Mistaya Canyon, and Sunwapta Falls. But the highlight was the Columbia Icefield Adventure – riding a giant Ice Explorer onto a glacier and sipping fresh glacier water straight from the source. Unreal.

If you’ve got more time, I highly recommend extending into Jasper – I’ve got a Banff and Jasper 7-day itinerary you can follow.

Day 4: Hiking Day – Finding My Favorite Trail

I wanted to balance sightseeing with some real outdoor time, so I dedicated Day 4 to hiking.

• I started with Johnston Canyon, an easy walk with waterfalls at every turn.
• Then I tackled Tunnel Mountain, right from Banff town. Short but sweaty, with killer views at the top.
• In the afternoon, I went big with the Plain of Six Glaciers hike at Lake Louise. The mountain tea house at the top felt like something out of a movie.

If you’re not a big hiker, don’t worry – I’ve rounded up easy hikes in Banff that are just as rewarding. Or swap hiking for a paddling adventure – here’s my guide on kayaking in Canada.

Day 5: Hot Springs & Farewell to Banff

On my last morning, I wanted something relaxing. The Banff Upper Hot Springs were exactly what I needed – soaking in hot water while staring at snowy peaks is something I’ll never forget.

I squeezed in one last walk at the Vermilion Lakes before brunch at Tooloulou’s (get the pancakes, trust me).

Then I hit the road back toward Calgary, but not before a side trip to Drumheller to see the dinosaur museum. Totally worth the detour!

Tours I Loved

To keep things easy, here are the tours that made my trip smooth:

• Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Shuttle
• Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure
• Banff Wildlife Evening Tour

Budget Reality Check

Banff is pricey, no sugarcoating it. Between hotels, food, and tours, it adds up fast. But with a little planning, it’s manageable. Here’s my full Canada budget breakdown.

FAQs From My Trip

Is 5 days enough in Banff?
Absolutely! This 5 Day Banff Itinerary gave me time to see the highlights without rushing.

Do you need a car?
Yes – unless you’re okay relying on shuttles and tours. Having a car gave me so much freedom.

Best season?
Summer for lakes and hiking, winter for skiing. If you’re a winter person, check out my Vancouver winter guide.

Wrapping It Up

This 5 Day Banff Itinerary was one of my all-time favorite trips. From watching the sunrise at Lake Louise to soaking in hot springs with mountain views, Banff gave me moments I’ll carry forever.

If you’re short on time, my 3 Day Banff itinerary is a great alternative. Or if you want even more adventure, the 7 Day Banff & Jasper itinerary will blow your mind.

Banff isn’t just a trip – it’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave. I’m already planning my return.