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Trip Ideas

Car Free Banff

Duration
6 Days
Num of Experiences
21 Experiences

Who's it For?

  • Eco conscious families

When to Go

  • June - October

Trip Itinerary

Getting to Banff and Lake Louise

With plenty of transportation options to get you to and from the Banff and Lake Louise area, you can rest easy knowing you'll be able to plan a seamless journey from start to finish.

Learn about getting here.

Day 01

Day 1 descrition

A couple sits on the lakeshore of Lake Louise at sunriseA couple sits on the lakeshore of Lake Louise at sunrise

Lake Louise


Duration
< 1hr
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year round
See details about Lake Louise
View looking across Lake Agnes to the Lake Agnes Tea House with mountains in the backgroundView looking across Lake Agnes to the Lake Agnes Tea House with mountains in the background

Lake Agnes Tea House Trail


Duration
3-6 hrs
Difficulty
Moderate
Operating Dates
Jun - Oct
See details about Lake Agnes Tea House Trail
Moraine LakeMoraine Lake

Moraine Lake


Duration
< 1hr
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Jun - Oct
See details about Moraine Lake

LUPO Italian Ristorante & Patio


  • Vegetarian Options
  • Vegan Options
  • Gluten Free Options
  • Keto
See details about LUPO Italian Ristorante & Patio

High Rollers Pizza & Craft Beer


  • Vegetarian Options
  • Gluten Free Options
  • Keto
See details about High Rollers Pizza & Craft Beer
A couple walking through a lit up Cascade of Times Garden for In Search of Christmas Spirit in BanffA couple walking through a lit up Cascade of Times Garden for In Search of Christmas Spirit in Banff

In Search of Christmas Spirit


Date
Select dates from November 13 - December 31, 2025
See details about In Search of Christmas Spirit

Day 02

Purchase a day pass as you'll be using Roam Route 6 multiple time today.

Two paddleboarders on Two Jack Lake in the summerTwo paddleboarders on Two Jack Lake in the summer

Two Jack Lake


Duration
< 1hr
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Two Jack Lake
Cruise on Lake MinnewankaCruise on Lake Minnewanka

Cruise on Lake Minnewanka


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
May - Oct
See details about Cruise on Lake Minnewanka

Shoku Izakaya


  • Vegetarian Options
  • Vegan Options
See details about Shoku Izakaya

Day 03

Head out to Johnston Canyon for a morning or a day of hiking. Hiking to the lower and upper falls is a must and if you want to enjoy a longer hike continue on to the Ink Pots. We recommend jumping on the first scheduled bus so you can hit the trails early and have the best experience. Head back to town to grab a well deserved lunch and if you have the energy, take a stroll to nearby Cascade Gardens in the evening.

Hike Johnston CanyonHike Johnston Canyon

Hike Johnston Canyon


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Hike Johnston Canyon

Farm & Fire


  • Gluten Free Options
See details about Farm & Fire
View from Cascade Gardens looking down Banff Avenue on a summer morningView from Cascade Gardens looking down Banff Avenue on a summer morning

Visit the Cascade of Time Gardens


Duration
< 1hr
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Visit the Cascade of Time Gardens
Nightrise at the Banff GondolaNightrise at the Banff Gondola

Nightrise at the Banff Gondola


Date
Every night from November 22, 2025 to March 29, 2026.
See details about Nightrise at the Banff Gondola

Day 04

A sightseeing tour bus driving the Icefields Parkway with Bow Lake in the backgroundA sightseeing tour bus driving the Icefields Parkway with Bow Lake in the background

Guided Icefields Parkway Tour


Duration
6+ hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
May - Oct
See details about Guided Icefields Parkway Tour

High Rollers Pizza & Craft Beer


  • Vegetarian Options
  • Gluten Free Options
  • Keto
See details about High Rollers Pizza & Craft Beer

Day 05

Take the free shuttle up to Mount Norquay and enjoy a chairlift ride up to one of the best viewpoints in Banff! If you're feeling adventurous book yourself onto a Via Ferrata tour or grab a meal and enjoy the view from Cliffhouse Bistro.

View of the Mt. Norqauy Sightseeing Chairlift in the summerView of the Mt. Norqauy Sightseeing Chairlift in the summer

Ride the Mt. Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift


Duration
< 1hr
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Jun - Sep
See details about Ride the Mt. Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift
A group of people crossing a wooden suspension bridge at the Mt. Norquay Via FerrataA group of people crossing a wooden suspension bridge at the Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata

Climb the Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata


Duration
3-6 hrs
Difficulty
Moderate
Operating Dates
Jun - Oct
See details about Climb the Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata
A person in a restaurant with a glass of wine in hand and a charcuterie board with mountain views in the background.A person in a restaurant with a glass of wine in hand and a charcuterie board with mountain views in the background.

On Mountain Dining at the Cliffhouse Bistro


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Jun - Sep
See details about On Mountain Dining at the Cliffhouse Bistro

Day 06

Today's mode of transportation is people powered! Start your morning by renting a bike or an e-bike and take a tour around the golf course loop. Keep your eye out for Banff's resident elk herd on the green but remember to always keep a safe distance. Grab a sandwich at Downtown Sally to refuel and then head to the Banff Canoe Club to rent a canoe, kayak or stand up paddleboard for a paddle on the Bow River.

Two people biking the golf course loop on a summer day in Banff National ParkTwo people biking the golf course loop on a summer day in Banff National Park

Bike the Golf Course Loop


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
May - Oct
See details about Bike the Golf Course Loop

Downtown Sally


  • Vegetarian Options
  • Vegan Options
  • Gluten Free Options
See details about Downtown Sally
Group of people paddling the Bow River on a Big Canoe Tour with the Banff Canoe ClubGroup of people paddling the Bow River on a Big Canoe Tour with the Banff Canoe Club

Paddle the Bow River


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
May - Oct
See details about Paddle the Bow River

Where to Stay

Here's some accommodation options that work for this trip:

Elk + Avenue Hotel

Hotels & Inns
Location
Banff Town Area
See details about Elk + Avenue Hotel

Paradise Lodge & Bungalows

Hotels & Inns
Location
Lake Louise Area
See details about Paradise Lodge & Bungalows
See more options

Reservations & Booking

Some of the activities require reservations or bookings upfront. Here is an overview of all providers:

Lake Agnes Tea House Trail

  • Lake Agnes Tea House

Moraine Lake

In Search of Christmas Spirit

Cruise on Lake Minnewanka

Nightrise at the Banff Gondola

Guided Icefields Parkway Tour

Ride the Mt. Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift

Climb the Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata

On Mountain Dining at the Cliffhouse Bistro

Bike the Golf Course Loop

Paddle the Bow River

Restaurants & Dining

Good to Know

Maximise your trip enjoyment with a little pre-planning. Here's our pro tips:

  • Get a Park Pass

  • Make a reservation for gear/ activities in advance

  • Book public transit and shuttles in advance

  • Check the weather forecast