Introduction
Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada is one of the most visually stunning places on Earth. Impossibly turquoise glacial lakes, jagged Rocky Mountain peaks, and sprawling alpine meadows make every trail feel like a painting. Here's how to spend four incredible days in Banff.
Day 1: Lake Agnes Tea House + Little Beehive
Start at Lake Louise — one of the most photographed lakes in the world — and hike up to the Lake Agnes Tea House (3.5 miles round trip, 1,300 feet gain). The Victorian-era tea house serves hot drinks and snacks. Continue up the switchbacks to Little Beehive for a panoramic view of Lake Louise far below. Total distance: 5.5 miles.
Day 2: Plain of Six Glaciers
From Lake Louise, take the lakeshore trail west toward the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House (5.5 miles round trip). Beyond the tea house, a rough trail leads to a moraine with views of several active glaciers including the Victoria Glacier. Total: 8.7 miles round trip. Note that the tea house is only open July–September.
Day 3: Sentinel Pass via Larch Valley
Drive to Moraine Lake (reservations required for parking — book months in advance or take the Parks Canada shuttle). From the trailhead, climb through the legendary Larch Valley, a high alpine meadow surrounded by larch trees that glow gold in late September. Continue to Sentinel Pass at 8,580 feet for views of the Valley of Ten Peaks. This is one of the top day hikes in all of North America. Distance: 7.2 miles round trip, 2,400 feet gain.
Day 4: Johnston Canyon + Ink Pots
End your trip with a different kind of hike — Johnston Canyon follows a river through a narrow limestone canyon on metal catwalk bridges to a series of waterfalls (Lower Falls at 1.1 miles, Upper Falls at 2.5 miles). Continue beyond the Upper Falls to the Ink Pots, a series of cold-water mineral springs that bubble in otherworldly blue and green colors. Total: 7.4 miles round trip.
Moraine Lake Parking
Moraine Lake Road has no walk-in or bike-in access — you must either reserve a parking spot on the Parks Canada reservation system (extremely competitive) or take the shuttle bus from the Lake Louise Park & Ride. Book shuttle seats as soon as they open in spring.
Where to Stay
Banff town is the main base with hotels, hostels, and restaurants. For a splurge, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise puts you right at the trailhead. Tunnel Mountain Campground is the closest camping to town.
