One Weekend in Banff National Park - beginners hiking
3 days

What you'll do

One perfect weekend in Banff National Park - no hiking required but lots of incredible views!

Day 1

1

Wild Flour Bakery

cafe

Quality bakery with local favorites

Wild Flour Bakery is an awesome place to go for your morning coffee & a baked good to take on your epic mountain hikes.

The chocolate croissant is our favourite mountain top snack from here!

2

Johnston Canyon

Hike

Magical canyon hike in Banff

Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park is a must-see destination with its suspended catwalks, stunning waterfalls, and scenic views. It's a family-friendly hike that offers a magical experience for all visitors. From the Lower Falls to the Upper Falls and even the option to hike to the unique Ink Pots, Johnston Canyon has something for everyone.

Free parking is available. Go early in the morning or after 5pm for the best times!

3

Shoku Izakaya

restaurant

Trendy Japanese-Asian kitchen and bar

Shoku Izakaya in Banff is a trendy Japanese-Asian kitchen and bar serving up traditional and modern dishes in a cool space. We loved their tofu boa buns & the vegetarian curry!

4

Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive

Sightseeing

Scenic drive with wildlife sightings

The Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive is a 24 km loop that offers stunning views. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, who often roam the area.

5

Lake Minnewanka

tours

Glacial lake in stunning surroundings

Lake Minnewanka, located in Banff National Park, Canada, is a stunning glacial lake known for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings.

There are lots of great boat tours but our favourite is the beer tour. You get served local beer & bread on a boat and learn about the area!

6

Two Jack Lake

Sightseeing

Stunning emerald lake near Banff

Two Jack Lake is a stunning emerald green lake in Banff National Park, known for its picturesque views of Mount Rundle.

There is a easy 4 KM trail around the lake if you just want an easy hike with stunning mountain & lake views!

There is a campground here for tents, RVs (no hookups) & glamping tents.

Located 15 minutes from the town of Banff.

This rustic, unserviced campground is beautifully situated on the shores of Two Jack Lake. It is perfect for tents or small RVs (up to 27 feet / 8.5 metres) and offers lake front sites, mountain views and access to the lake for motorized boating.

- 64 unserviced sites, including 22 walk-in campsites (parking for these sites available at central location), reservations recommended

- 10 oTENTiks, reservations recommended

7

Johnson Lake

Sightseeing

Scenic lake for outdoor activities

Johnson Lake in Banff National Park is a gem for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Located just a short drive from Downtown Banff, this picturesque lake offers a range of activities such as hiking the scenic Johnson Lake Loop, swimming in the refreshing waters, picnicking on the sandy beach, and even stand-up paddleboarding. With facilities like picnic tables, bike racks, and watercraft wash stations, visitors can easily spend a day soaking up the beauty of this tranquil spot. Don't forget to explore nearby attractions like Two Jack Lake, Lake Minnewanka, and Cascade Ponds for even more outdoor adventures in the Canadian Rockies!

8

Banff Social

restaurant

Globally inspired dining in Banff

Banff Social is a top-notch dining and lounge spot in Banff, serving up globally inspired dishes that showcase Canada's culinary diversity. Their menu features a plant-rich selection of Alberta's best meats, seasonal produce, and grains, sourced from local farms for freshness and sustainability. With a focus on quality ingredients and a cozy atmosphere, Banff Social offers a delicious taste of the Rockies right at your table.

9

Cascade of Time Garden

park

Tranquil nature escape in Banff

The Cascade of Time Gardens in Banff is a charming spot located near the town center, offering a peaceful escape into nature. With beautiful flora, ponds, and winding paths, it's a perfect place for a leisurely stroll or to simply soak up the mountain air. Whether you're a plant enthusiast or just looking for a relaxing activity, this free attraction is definitely worth a visit during your time in Banff.

10

Banff Gondola

Sightseeing

Mountain-top experience with stunning views

The Banff Gondola offers a thrilling mountain-top experience with stunning views, a boardwalk hike & a restaurant with mountain-top views!

Make sure to check the weather before you go, if its a cloudy/rainy day then the views on the hike will not be very good.

On a clear day you get epic mountain views!

We ate at the restaurant and enjoyed the views but did not enjoy the food. We thought the food was overpriced but you can get a coffee at the top and walk the beautiful board walk!