The Best Banff Itinerary: A 1 Week Road Trip from Banff to Jasper National Park

Post summary: A complete travel guide for Banff National Park and the perfect Banff itinerary for a 1 week Banff to Jasper road trip 

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Maybe you’re planning your trip to Banff or you’re already there and trying to find the best things to do. Either way – you’re in the right place!

Banff is a truly jaw dropping travel destination with so many things to do that it can be hard to decide what to include in your itinerary. To help you narrow it down, we put together the best things to do in Banff National Park and the best itinerary for a Banff to Jasper National Park road trip. While 1 week is hardly enough time to scratch the surface of all the incredible things to see here, this 1 week Banff itinerary does the best job at squeezing in all the highlights – and then some!

This 1 week Banff to Jasper road trip has it all: towering ice-capped peaks, icy-blue glacial lakes, castles, hot springs, glacier hikes and more.

In this post, we’re covering the best way to spend a week in Banff National Park and Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada on an epic 7 day Banff to Jasper road trip.

Here’s what you’ll find in this post:

There are 13 campgrounds in Banff National Park. Most of them are first-come-first-serve but it’s possible to reserve some sites online on the Parks Canada website.

Most of the campgrounds are only open mid-June to October. The campgrounds fill up incredibly fast, especially between June – September, so make any reservations well in advance. If you don’t have a reservation, make sure to show up early to find a spot as people are leaving.

View all Banff campsites here.

Stop 1: Little Beehive via the Lake Agnes Tea House

No Banff itinerary is complete without a hike up Little Beehive. Little Beehive is one of the best hikes in Banff and leads to jaw dropping views of Lake Louise.

Little Beehive Hike details:

• Distance: 5.7 miles RT (out and back)
• Elevation gain: 1,955 ft
• Difficulty: moderate
• Time to hike: 3.5-4 hours
• This hike is recommended between mid-October and mid-June due to risk of avalanches. Tea house is closed from October – June.

The trail to Little Beehive is well maintained through dense coniferous forest. It’s a pretty steady climb the entire way up, but there are several scenic stops where you can take a break, like Mirror Lake and Lake Agnes.

Frequent breaks in the treeline give you small glimpses of the lake below as you climb in altitude.

At the summit, you’re rewarded with unspoiled views of Lake Louise and the surrounding peaks in Banff National Park. From above, the color of the lake turns a brilliant opaque turquoise, appearing as though someone colored it with a crayon.

On the way back down, stop for a light lunch at the Lake Agnes Teahouse. The line to the teahouse starts getting long around 11AM, so if you get there around lunch time, prepare to wait.

Here are some other amazing hikes around Lake Louise:

• Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail
• Big Beehive
• The Plain of Six Glaciers Trail
• Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass

Tip: Up for a challenge? Combine Lake Agnes Tea House, Big Beehive, The Plain of Six Glaciers (via the Highline trail), and the Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail for one epic full day hike that has a little bit of everything! This route clocks in at roughly 22km with 1,030m (ft) elevation gain.

Stop 2: Canoeing on Lake Louise

A visit to Banff National Park is hardly complete without a paddle across Lake Louise!

When you’re done exploring Lake Louise from above, head down to the dock at the lake shore to explore it from down below. The view from the water is absolutely magnificent as you paddle across the turquoise water with views of Victoria Peak and the Victoria Glacier out in front of you.

The dock is run by Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and is open daily (in-season) from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. The price to rent a canoe on Lake Louise in 2023 is $145 per hour / $135 per half hour (+tax).

Budget Tip: While Lake Louise is the quintessential place to rent a canoe in Banff. But there’s no denying that its super pricey. If you’re on a budget, rent a canoe or kayak at Vermillion Lakes or Lake Minnewanka for about $50 per hour.

The hike to the Peyto Lake Lookout starts at the parking lot. It’s a short but steady uphill walk that takes about 10-15 minutes. The trail leads to a wooden viewing platform overlooking the lake. This is the most popular lookout and gets CROWDED during the day, especially in peak season. To avoid the crowds, try to get here as early as possible or continue past the platform into the rocky clearing.

Find alternate views of Peyto Lake by hiking the Bow Lookout Trail, Observation Point, Caldron Peak and the Peyto Glacier.

If you’re ultra adventurous, a strong paddler, and have two days to spare, it’s possible to canoe or kayak out to Spirit Island. Visit this post for more information.

No one is certain where the name “Spirit Island” came from, but one theory is that it’s so named because it embodies the spirit of the Canadian Rockies. I’d say that’s pretty accurate, would you?

The Athabasca Glacier is just one of six major glaciers in the Columbia Icefield and is flanked by two mountains: Mount Columbia to the west and Mount Athabasca on the east. This glacier is unique because it’s the most accessible glacier in North America. In fact, you can almost drive right up to the base of it!

Located at the southern end of Jasper National Park, there are two ways to see the glacier on you own:

• Toe of the Athabasca Glacier Trail: Easy 0.8 mile walk to the base of the Athabasca Glacier on a well marked trail
• Wilcox Pass Hike: Moderate 5.8 mile hike; 1712 ft elevation gain

You can’t actually walk on the glacier without a guide. The best way to explore the Icefield and see the glacier up close is to plan well ahead of time and book a tour.

The Athabasca Glacier tours only operate from May until October and start at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre. Some tours also include the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, which is a glass walkway that hangs out over the Sunwapta Valley.

Stop 2: Banff Upper Hot Springs

Relax at the end of the day by treating yourself to a relaxing soak in Banff Upper Hot Springs. The hot springs are the only springs in Banff National Park and are a favorite among both locals and visitors. Click here for all the details.

One of the most iconic places to visit on a Banff National Park itinerary is Johnston Canyon and the Bow Valley Parkway.

The Bow Valley Parkway (Route 1A) is another scenic route to add to your Banff itinerary. The parkway is 50km long and connects the town of Banff and Lake Louise. The drive takes you by meadows of wildflowers, meandering streams, dramatic cliff faces, and scenic views of the Bow River.

Best roadside viewpoints (from Banff town to Lake Louise):

• Backswamp pull off
• Hillsdale Meadows
• Castle Mountain Lookout
• Storm Mountain Lookout
• Morant’s Curve

In 2022, Parks Canada approved a 3 year pilot project that closes off the eastern 17km section of the Bow Valley Parkway to vehicle traffic every day between May 1 – June 25 and again from September 1 – 30 each year. The road is closed between the Fireside Day Use Area and Johnston Canyon to allow for vehicle free cycling. If you want to go to Johnston Canyon during this time, you can cycle in or drive to Johnston Canyon via the Castle Junction exit.

Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon is one of the most famous stops on the Bow Valley Parkway and one of the best easy hikes on this Banff itinerary.

The views through the canyon are magnificent – emerald green pools, roaring waterfalls and the peaceful sound of the creek running through it all make it an incredible experience. What’s more, the hike is shorter than many other hikes in Banff while still offering plenty of stunning scenery along the way. Because it’s so accessible, Johnston Canyon tends to be pretty touristy. Parking is limited, so get here before 8AM to avoid the crowds or take the public shuttle.

The hike through Johnston Canyon is short, easy, and one of the most beautiful places to explore in Banff. The trail is well-maintained and leads you through lush forest and over catwalks suspended along the side of the river canyon.

The walk from the parking lot to Johnston Canyon Lower Falls is about 1.2km. The hike to Johnston Canyon Upper Falls is an additional 1.3km, one way. It takes most people about 1-2 hours to complete the Johnston Canyon hike.

You only need 1 day to see the highlights in Yoho. I put together this guide on exactly how to spend 1 day in Yoho National Park.

Have even more time? Tack on an extra week to explore the beautiful pacific coast of British Columbia with a 5-day Vancouver to Whistler road trip.

Getting to Banff National Park

The closest international airport to Banff National Park is Calgary International Airport (YYC), which is about a two-hour drive from the park.

To save money on your flight, you should try to book at least three months in advance – and avoid the peak season and any major holidays.

Flights are generally most expensive around Christmas and New Years, as well as between June and August due to summer vacation.

Here are the best ways to get to Banff National Park if you don’t have a car:

• From Calgary International Airport: There are a few different shuttle options, but The Banff Airporter offers cheap and flexible service from Calgary International Airport to the town of Banff.
• From Canmore: If you’re already in Canmore, you can just park there and take Route 3 on Roam Transit for a few dollars.

Parks Canada Entrance Fees

A National Park Pass is required to enter national parks in Canada, including Banff and Jasper National Park. It’s good for entry into all of Canada’s national parks.

You can purchase a Day Pass or an annual Discovery Pass. Here’s the price for adults:

• Day Pass: $10.50 per day
• Discovery Pass: $72.25 per year

You can buy a park pass online, at the park gate when you enter Banff National Park, or at the visitor Centers in Banff and Lake Louise.

The Park Pass doesn’t cover camping fees, backcountry permits, Banff shuttle fees, or day parking fees at Lake Louise.

The Best Time for a Banff to Jasper National Park Road Trip

The best time to take a Banff to Jasper road trip is June – September. These months have the nicest weather, longest days, and the most sunshine.

But be warned: this is the ultra-high season. Everything is super expensive and crowds around Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are absolutely insane after about 8AM. However, this is my favorite time to visit Banff and we never really have a problem with the crowds on longer hikes or at lesser known spots.

Shoulder season in September and October is a great alternative with lower prices, fewer crowds, but still a fair chance of decent weather. Late September – early October is the best time to see the larches turn gold. However, many places in Jasper National Park are inaccessible between October – June, so do your research ahead of time.

The best time for winter activities is December – February.

Just be aware that many facilities close October – May, so double check before you go if there’s something specific on your to-do list.

The worst time for a Banff to Jasper road trip is early spring because attractions are mostly closed and the weather is still cold and unpredictable.

Tips for avoiding the crowds in Banff National Park

Be warned that with pretty views and striking alpine lakes come the crowds. Lots and lots of them.

So, mentally prepare yourself to share popular the most popular spots on this Banff itinerary – like Peyto Lake, Moraine Lake and Lake Louise – with literal hordes of tourists flooding off tour buses, wielding selfie sticks. Sometimes the crowds get so bad that it can be hard to enjoy the views.

The best advice I can give is to arrive early in the morning or wait until around sunset to visit these attractions.

If you’re more of an early riser, arriving before 8AM will definitely give you a head start on crowds and tour buses. Don’t forget that even in midsummer, the sun sets at 10PM so that’s also a good time to go explore the park without as many people.

Another great option is to visit in the shoulder season (late September – November), when there are far fewer crowds.

If all else fails, try venturing off the beaten path and opt for longer hikes instead – this will definitely help you escape the worst of the crowds.

You might like: How to Find Secret Spots and Hidden Gems (9 Resources to Help You Find Adventure Off The Beaten Path)

What makes the water in Banff so blue?

One of the biggest draws to the Canadian Rockies is the unique color of the lakes and rivers. In Banff, Jasper, and Yoho National Park, many of the lakes turn a brilliant opaque turquoise, appearing as though someone colored it with a crayon.

The color of the lake is surreal, but the explanation lies in the geology of the Rockies. Long ago, the Rockies were shaped by glacial activity. As they moved, the glaciers eroded rock underneath them, creating fine rock silt, which remains suspended in the water column. And it’s the sunlight reflecting off the rock silt in the water that creates the iconic water of the alpine lakes.

The water is at its bluest in the summer months, as the snow melting off the glaciers carries the glacial sediment into the lakes.

How much does a 1-week trip to Banff cost?

Banff National Park tops the list as Canada’s most expensive vacation destination. So, how much money will you need for 1 week in Banff?

On average, you should plan to spend about $170 per day in Banff National Park, which totals $1190 per person for a 7 Banff National Park itinerary. This does not include the price of flights and travel insurance.

The most expensive part of your Banff itinerary is going to be lodging and your rental car.

If you want the convenience of staying at a hotel in the middle of Banff, expect to pay for it. Hotels in Banff cost between $200 – 500 per night in the low season, while hostels run a little bit cheaper at about $100 per night. However, those same hotels skyrocket in price to $350-$800+ per night in the high season.

You can save a ton of money on lodging if you stay outside of Banff, even if it’s for a few days during your Banff itinerary. Check for lodging in Canmore for a mix of affordability and convenience.

The price of rental cars average roughly $80 per day in the low season and $160 per day in the high season. Save money by booking your car about 6 months in advance.

You can expect to spend about $20-$50 on a typical meal in Banff, with food prices being the highest in Banff town.

How much I spent on a 1 week Banff to Jasper road trip in early October

• Round trip flights to YYC: $262.44
• Travel insurance: $94
• Rental car: $57.32*
• Gas: $100*
• Airbnb and hostels: $113.50*
• 1 night of car camping: $0
• Activities: $0
• Parks Canada Discovery Pass: $72.25
• Food: $187.89

GRAND TOTAL: $887.40 USD

*This total was for one person. It’s worth noting that the price of the rental car, gas, and Airbnb was split in half because there were two of us on the trip.

I’ve been to Banff several times and we chose to do this particular trip on an ultra shoe-string budget. To save as much money as possible, we didn’t treat ourselves to any splurge stays, fancy meals, or paid tours.

To keep the cost of lodging down, we stayed in hostel dorms and booked a very small Airbnb in Cochrane, which was about an hour from Banff. We also spent 1 night car camping for free at the Saskatchewan Border Crossing on the Icefields Parkway.

For food, we stocked up on groceries at Save-On-Foods before we got to Banff, which included everything we needed to make lunch almost every day – plus snacks, fruit, and protein bars. We signed up for the grocery story club card which gave us a pretty good discount.

Did you find this 1 Week Banff Itinerary and Travel Guide helpful? Let me know in the comments!

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