Banff National Park
Banff National Park is one of the most striking mountain landscapes in the world, defined by towering peaks, glacier-fed lakes, and wide open alpine valleys. From walking the shores of Lake Louise to driving scenic parkways and hiking quiet mountain trails, Banff offers endless ways to experience the Canadian Rockies. With thoughtful planning and local insight, we help you explore Banff beyond the busiest viewpoints—balancing iconic sights with slower moments and memorable stays. It’s a destination we truly enjoy designing at Highline Horizons, and one that leaves a lasting impression long after the trip ends.
Park History
Banff National Park has a deep and meaningful history shaped by glaciers, hot springs, and the people who have lived in and traveled through this area for thousands of years. Long before Banff became Canada’s first national park in 1885, Indigenous peoples—including the Stoney Nakoda, Blackfoot, and Tsuut’ina Nations—used these valleys and mountain passes for travel, hunting, and gathering. The hot springs near present-day Banff were especially important places, valued for both their physical and cultural significance.
In the late 1800s, the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway brought Banff to the wider world, turning it into an early mountain destination. Grand hotels, scenic rail journeys, and early park infrastructure helped shape the Banff experience we know today. Many of those historic lodges, rail routes, and viewpoints are still part of the journey, creating a place where Banff’s past blends naturally with the dramatic landscapes that continue to draw travelers to the Canadian Rockies.
While every Highline Horizons trip is fully customized to your travel style, the sample itinerary below offers a glimpse of what this experience could look like.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Banff National Park
Arriving in Banff feels like stepping straight into the mountains. Spend the afternoon walking along the Bow River, checking out Bow Falls and Surprise Corner, or wandering Banff Avenue to get your bearings. End the day at a scenic overlook and watch the light fade on Mount Rundle—no agenda, just time to settle in.
Day 2: Banff Gondola & Bow Valley Views
Start the day with a ride on the Banff Gondola for big views over the Bow Valley and surrounding peaks. At the top, walk the boardwalk and take your time soaking it in. Afterward, explore Tunnel Mountain Road, stop at Hoodoos Viewpoint, or take an easy hike like Fenland Trail for a quieter afternoon.
Day 3: Lake Minnewanka Boat Tour
Head to Lake Minnewanka for a guided boat tour across one of Banff’s largest lakes, with stories about the area’s history and wildlife along the way. After the tour, explore nearby Two Jack Lake or take a short hike along the lakeshore. This part of the park feels wide open and less rushed.
Day 4: Lake Louise & Tea House Hike
Today is one of the highlights. Start at Lake Louise and follow the trail up to Lake Agnes Tea House or continue on toward the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House. The hike offers steady climbing, waterfalls, and incredible views the higher you go. Taking a break at the tea house feels like a reward you’ve earned.
Day 5: Moraine Lake & Valley of the Ten Peaks
An early start gets you to Moraine Lake when it’s at its best. Walk the Rockpile Trail for a classic viewpoint, then spend time along the shoreline or hike a short section of the Lakeshore Trail. Afterward, enjoy a scenic drive with stops around the Bow Valley Parkway or Castle Junction.
Day 6: A Slower Day in the Rockies
Today is about following your energy. Options include biking the Bow Valley Parkway, hiking to Johnston Canyon early in the morning, or heading to Sunshine Meadows for wide-open alpine views. This is the day to slow down, revisit a favorite spot, or explore somewhere that didn’t make the first cut.
Day 7: One Last Morning
Spend your final morning enjoying something simple—coffee by the river, a short walk like the Marsh Loop, or one last scenic pullout you didn’t want to miss. You’ll leave Banff feeling like you really got to know it, not just pass through.