Banff National Park
Here is the best itinerary around😊 I am so excited to share this part of the country with you! It really shows such a beautiful piece of Gods creation! We came here in 2017 and fell in love with EVERY PART of it. So we knew we had to get back. We planned another trip for 2019. I talk about both trips in this blog as well as share pictures from both times. Each time we came was in the beginning of September, so I cant really say how the weather is in the winter or summer months. We enjoyed September so much because the weather was PERFECT for hiking. It was around 40-50 degrees at night and 65-70 degrees during the day. Plus they say the water is the bluest around that time because the glaciers have melted the most.
​Our first visit to Banff National Park in 2017 we flew into Calgary and stayed the night and ventured around the city. It was a nice city with good restaurants and a huge river(Bow River). The Bow River is world-renowned for its trout fishing. On our second day we drove into Banff National Park super early and let our adventures start. Our 2017 trip we stayed in the Chalets outside of Banff the whole time and did a road trip to Jasper National Park and Yoho National Park but came back to our chalets each time. Jasper takes about 3 1/2 hours to get there. I wouldn’t recommend doing a day trip to Jasper but for our first trip we didn’t really plan for it and we already had our nights booked at our Chalet so we just did the long drive in one day.. Lets just say we slept in our car for a few hours on the way back because we were so tired. But Jasper was definitely worth the drive. So we changed it up on our 2019 trip.
Our 2019 trip to Banff we decided to spend more time in Jasper as well. We stayed the night in the town of Banff for one night and started our drive to Jasper the next day but made our stops to our favorite spots along the way. We stayed two nights in Jasper then drove back and stayed 4 Nights at our Chalets from our first trip. Either way you do it I would highly recommend driving the famous highway(Icefields Parkway) to Jasper even if you don't go all the way into Jasper. It is one of the most beautiful drives I have ever been on. Plus you have a ton of hikes or stops along the way. Once you arrive in Jasper it is a lovely city and has some really awesome things to see there as well!
Here is a breakdown of both trips to Banff. I have some pictures of our favorite places with details about each of them:
​Enjoy!
Calgary
This is the town you will want to fly in and out of. It has a nice size airport and a pretty big city with lots to do.
Calgary has a WALMART!! I would highly recommend getting your essentials here and maybe buying some BEAR SPRAY(Grizzly Bears actually) We never saw any but it gave me comfort when we were alone hiking! Some people even buy bear bells. Sometimes you are alone on the trails so having it gave me a sense of comfort which then made it more enjoyable for all of us! **The only downside is you cannot fly home with it. Since it could explode on the plane. So we would just leave it at the hotel for the next hikers.** I would also recommend buying water bottles, bread, peanut butter & jelly, chips, and cookies to take care of lunch time when you are out in the nature. I even bought sandwich bags to put it in, paper plates, napkins, and utensils! We would carry them on a hike or set up a picnic. It ended up being the best idea! We were able to save money on lunch and have lunch whenever we needed it. We had some of the best picnic views EVER! There are no fast food places to eat at so it helped. You don’t want to have to turn around just for lunch! You could even buy things for breakfast. So take advantage of the city before you head to the park.
Gas Stations
​They only have a few gas stations once you arrive into the park so make sure you fill up when you are in the towns or even when you see one before you plan on traveling just to be safe! I'm only telling you this because we almost ran out of gas when we left with half a tank and got to far out and didn't know if we would have enough to make it back. So we learned to fill up or top off when we would see any gas station. They will have warning signs when it will be the last gas station before a long drive. So just keep a look out!
Must have APPS!
All trails
Before heading to Banff download the App- ALL TRAILS! It's amazing to look at before you go hike! Tells you so much info about the hike and let’s you look up all the trails around you with pictures and comments from other hikers. This also helps you stay on the trail and will sometimes even work without having service. Highly recommend.
Yelp
This app helped so much in our decisions on places to eat. It shows the top places and gives you great reviews. We don't plan well so it helps us. You can sometimes make a reservations on the app as well.
Banff National Park
Lake Minnewanka
This is the first lake we saw when arriving into the park. You will just be amazed at the beauty and THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING! Lake Minnewanka is the 2nd longest lake in the Canadian Rockies!
Banff Gondola
​We did the Banff Gondola this year. It was amazing! It is 698 meters (2,292 feet) to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. We tried to take the last one up so we could see the sunset which was definitely worth it. You can go at different times and they even have a restaurant you can eat at. They were booked when we tried to go so I would try to plan ahead and get a reservation if that’s something you would like to do. The gondola is a little expensive but worth the views. So if you have time try to do it!
Here is the website to book your tickets or make reservations for dinner:
Banff Gondola Official Page: Amazing Mountain Top Views & Dining (banffjaspercollection.com)
Restaurants in Banff
The Bison Restaurant
If you love meat, it's the place to go! We came here the night of our engagement and had some fantastic Elk Poutine! Everything that we tried we enjoyed. They also plant based foods if you don't enjoy meat! I'll post the website below. But I would recommend getting reservations because we tried to go back here in 2019 and they were all booked up.
Chuck's Steakhouse
We came here wanting a good steak after a long day of hiking! It hit the spot! I will post the website down below!
Chuck's Steakhouse | The best beef experience in Banff, Alberta
Tooloulou's
This place had the BEST breakfast! I love waffles and this hit the spot! We also came back here for lunch one day so we could try there Cajun/Creole type of food. Very good! I will post their website below!
Tooloulou's Restaurant | Cajun Creole | Canadian Rocky Mountian Fusion
Banff Sign
​There are two entrances into the town of Banff and only one entrance has the sign! So you have to keep a look out! They have a place where you can pull off and get a quick picture!
Places to Stay
Park Gate Chalets
As you will find out after research, Banff is super expensive town to stay in so instead of staying in Banff we found a small town outside of Banff (Harvie Heights) with a cute little chalet to stay in. It’s maybe 22 minutes from the Banff National Park Gates. Its between Banff and Canmore. It was perfect for what we needed... and the best price we could find. We just wanted somewhere nice and comfortable. We were so tired every day after exploring we just needed a bed and shower! This is actually where we have stayed on both trips! Very nice people who own them too. They work with you and are always there if you need anything. It was also very clean and some of them are bigger than others.
Here is the website so you can look up where we stayed and a map below:
www.parkgatechalets.com
Canmore
The town of Canmore is closer to the Chalets than Banff so we would typically eat dinner here. It has some of our favorite places to eat here.
The Georgetown Inn & Pub
This restaurant is our absolute favorite place to eat. Everything is fantastic on the menu so it makes it that much better to stay close to here. We recommend on the menu the Scottish eggs and the famous Fish and Chips! We went twice in 2017 and twice in 2019. HA!
Here is the website and map to the pub. It is also an inn so you can get a room here as well.
https://www.georgetowninn.ca/
The Iron Goat Pub and Grill
This restaurant has the PERFECT view on the patio. I would go if you get a chance even if it's just for a drink. I remember getting a rack of ribs and I ate them all. But we couldn’t get over the view. I would make a reservation just to be safe, especially if you want to sit outside.
The website to check out the menu or make a reservation is:
https://www.irongoat.ca
Hiking
WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND WAKING UP EARLY TO BEAT THE CROWDS.
We would get up around 6AM and try to get out to our first hiking spot around 7AM or earlier every morning. We could get good parking and take pictures without the crowds. You have to keep in mind of the bus crowds so this helped getting there before them. This also gives you more time to be alone in the nature without others around. It was some of our favorite times in the early mornings. I will post below some of our favorite spots.
Lake Peyto​
​Lake Peyto is our #1 spot.. which is also where Chris proposed so we are kind of biased but it’s stunning! It’s easy to get to and not very far from where you park. The pathway is paved so it’s an easy hike. Also don’t be worried about the weather if there is a light rain or clouds.. on our hike up it was rainy and cloudy so I was nervous we wouldn't even get to see the lake but once we got up there the clouds started moving and we even got to see a rainbow! It was magical so don’t be fooled by the clouds.
Proposal Day
Peyto Lake via Caldron Peak Trail
Length: 2.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,128 ft.
www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/peyto-lake-via-caldron-peak-trail?u=i
On our 2019 trip Chris wanted to hike to the bottom of the lake. It was gorgeous from a different perspective. To actually see how blue the water was up close. It was a challenging hike, pretty steep but there was a clear path on where to go. I posted the all trails map for you above.
Lake Moraine
Our 2nd favorite lake!
This lake is just mesmerizing. It is one of the prettiest blues you will find. Make sure you get to this spot early. Parking spots go quick and buses start rolling in! Get there by 7am if you can, they have a coffee shop as well. The lake is super close to the parking area so not much of a hike in.
​Lake Louise
Our 3rd favorite. It has some awesome hikes around it, so plan some time here and don't just stop at the famous lake. The crowds get pretty crazy here also, so if you can go early we highly recommend it. It has the famous hotel here as well. Very expensive to stay at but you can walk through it or have dinner or drinks inside. We have never gone inside but it might be something to look at! This lake is huge so you can walk on trails around it, rent a canoe, or go on some hikes.
Lake Agnes Tea House Hike at Lake Louise
Distance: 4.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,420 ft.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/lake-agnes-trail?u=i
​​We decided to go on a hike to the tea house at the top. The tea house only takes CASH so make sure to bring some with you so you can enjoy a cup at the top. The only way up is by foot or horse and that goes for the employees and tea as well. So it makes it very unique. We enjoyed this so much. Once you have your cup of tea and snacks you can take a walk around the lake that is beside the tea house. When you are up there you will see a mountain in the shape of a bee hive. It is actually called the Big Bee Hive Hike. I will tell you more about it below. The alltrails link to the tea house is above!
The Big Bee Hive Trail
Length: 6.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,122ft
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/the-big-beehive-trail
It was such an awesome hike once you got to the top. But the trail is pretty intense. It has a lot of switch backs that are super steep but you can do it if we can. Just drink lots of water(or tea) and have some snacks before you make the trip. It wasn't a very busy trail and we pretty much were alone the whole time. Don't be intimidated of how steep. We didn’t work out before these trips and we survived every hike but I will say Chris says the Big Bee Hive hike was the worst hike of his life so far. LOL! But I have to disagree. The views make it worth it 100%. And believe it or not you have phone service at the top. So we got to facetime our family and show them the awesome view. Alltrails link above!
Castle Mountain
​You will see this beauty when driving between Banff and Lake Louise. We just drove by and took a picture near by! So pretty!!
Yoho National Park
This is park is located outside of Banff National Park. Yoho National Park is a nice drive and I think its worth going to if you have a free day. We went back on our second trip too! It has an awesome waterfall and a lake that is one of Chris’s favorite. So if you have free day, head to Yoho!
Takakkaw Falls
Length: 0.9 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 118 ft
This is the 2nd tallest waterfall in Canada. So its awesome to see! Below is the all trails link:
www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/takakkaw-falls-trail?u=i
Emerald Lake
Length: 3.2 mile loop trail
Elevation Gain: 377 ft.
The lake Chris loves! Its such a relaxing hike and kayaks as well to rent. You can also grab something to eat here or stay in the lodge here as well. We found a great place to have a picnic here. We have not done the whole loop hike because of time.
Here is the all trails link:
www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/emerald-lake-loop
Wapta Falls Hike
Distance: 2.4 miles out-and-back trail
Elevation gain: 180 ft.
When I was making this itinerary I came across this hike. We have NOT done this hike but it looks awesome so you could add it to your list. Check it out on All Trails and see what the reviews say. It looks worth it to me. The link is below:
www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/wapta-falls
It says on maps that it is a 23 min drive to this hike from the Takakkaw Falls. So if you are looking for another hike in this area this one looks awesome!
​ICEFIELDS PARKWAY
After Banff and Yoho we set off for Jasper. You take the Icefields Parkway to head towards Jasper. Its one of the most magical drives we’ve ever been on! There will be a million stops you can pull over to take pictures which I have mentioned a lot of them on this blog! On the way you will see many glaciers but a famous one is the Athabasca Glacier that I will talk about below as well. Here are some driving pictures just to give you an idea with a few stops where we just had to pull over and get a pictures. I don't know the exact spots of some of these pictures but pull over if you see something amazing. They have made it really easy with spots for you to pull off and you will see a lot of parking areas! Make a day out of it so you can enjoy the spots along the way.
​Athabasca Glacier
​You will pass by the Athabasca Glacier! This is the most visited glacier in North America. It’s very "cool" to see! Very COLD! Wear a beanie or a jacket with a hood! My ears were hurting from the wind! But super cool! They have adventures to go out on the glacier which would be super cool but makes me nervous to fall in a crack! You will see them out there when you go! I will put the website below if you want to go on the adventure tour:
https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/attractions/columbia-icefield/
​Johnston Canyon
Length: 3.1 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 774 ft
Johnston Canyon Trail to Upper Falls is a very nice trail that you will pass by. It has some awesome views of canyons. It’s a relaxing hike that I would recommend. They also have a place serving lunch there if you need it! Some of the pictures below show how a rock and waterfall we got close to. This trail to this rock and falls is actually a popular unofficial trail that will take you down into the canyon but it is now CLOSED. It closed to help save the Black Swift bird population. You will have to check on when and if they plan on re-opening the trail.
Sunwapta Falls
Length: 2.0 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 469 ft
​Its on the way to Jasper as well. We always thought this was a nice hike. It’s a popular hike and pretty close to where you park. The river is awesome to see. I recommend doing it!
The Valley of the Five Lakes Trail
Length: 2.8 mile loop route
Elevation Gain: 505 ft.
We did this hike in Jasper or right before we got to the town. Very pretty, peaceful walk! These lakes were amazing. Here is the all trails link below:
www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/valley-of-the-five-lakes-loop-from-icefields-parkway
((they have another trail that is 5.1 miles but we do not recommend only because you see the same lake at the beginning of the 2.8mile hike))
Lake #1
Lake #2
Lake #3
Lake #4
Lake #5
JASPER ​
For our stay in Jasper we just picked one of the better deals on hotels. I don’t really have any to recommend. It’s a great town with some neat shops and some really good restaurants!
Cool fact about Jasper is that it is a dark sky preserve which means it restricts artificial light pollution to promote astronomy. So star gazing here is AMAZING. You can google some top spots within Jasper to star gaze. We chose to go to Pyramid Lake, I will post about it below. ​
Pyramid Lake & Pyramid Mountain
Pyramid Lake was easy to get to and super close to where we were staying in Jasper. It was beautiful at night. I don't have any pictures below at night but the stars were beaming! Then we woke up the next morning to watch the sunrise come up and shine onto Pyramid Mountain. So if you feel like going at night to watch the stars or waking up early to watch the sunrise, we highly recommend it. I will post some pictures below.
Medicine Lake
Medicine Lake is one of my favorites. You don't hike to see it, you will see it as you drive by on your way to Maligne Lake. The first year we went it was dried up. Craziest thing I have ever seen. We walked out to the middle. They say it disapears in an underground stream. No one really knows but the second time we went it was completely full. So neat and it's gorgeous. This is another must stop when you arrive to Jasper.
Maligne Lake
​This was a very pretty lake. It is the longest and deepest lake in the Canadian Rockies. You can take a lake cruise tour or kayak if you want to. It looks fun but we never had time. We decided to just hike alongside it and have a picnic!
They have awesome trails and picnic tables to have lunch.
Here is the website for the lake cruise:
https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/attractions/maligne-lake-cruise/
Jasper Skytram
All we have to say is DO THE JASPER SKYTRAM! Make sure you have plenty of time to hike when you go. We only had an hour and a half until the last ride went back down. I was disappointed because I wanted to go to Whistlers Mountain Summit which is 2,456 meters which is 8,100 feet. It takes about 45 minutes one way so you need plenty of time to get back. We tried... but turned back worrying the skytram would leave us and we would have to hike down at night!
​((they make sure to inform you when the last one down is so don't worry))
Here is the website to book your tickets:
https://www.jasperskytram.com/
Ps. Don’t drink coffee right before.. they sale it at the bottom but we quickly regretted it as we started our steep climb! I would just wait and enjoy some after your hike.
Fly Fishing the Bow River
If you love fly fishing or have never been and wanted to try it, I highly recommend it. We’ve done it both times now. This was both our first time to ever go fly fishing and to ever hold a fly rod! It was so much fun! It is expensive but we planned for it! Both websites I recommend below will supply all the gear and snacks if you want them. The only thing you will need to take care of before you go is a fishing license which you can purchase online! They can help you figure out how to get your license if you need it.
Here is the link below where you can purchase a fishing license and a Wildlife Identification Number (WIN Card).
You will need both. Just follow the directions on this website!
www.albertarelm.com/licensing.page
I posted websites below to book a fishing adventure. We did a different guiding company each time. They were both awesome and worked with us so well so I recommend either one. Our guides we were set up with were AMAZING each trip so you can always request the two I listed! The fishing was some of our favorite moments on the trip.
Our Guides:
In 2017, our guide Naoto was with us and he was great. He worked well with us knowing it was our first time out. Made it such a cool experience. They helped me big time setting it up also. I was trying to surprise Chris with the trip and I didn't even know where to begin but they helped me set everything up in Arkansas and it all went smoothly when we arrived.
https://www.calgarysflyshop.com/
In 2019, Brandon was our guide! He was awesome, made it super fun and got us back into the groove of fly fishing again! We waited last minute on our 2019 trip to book with them.. like a week before we were to go! They made sure to get us on the river even if it was last minute.
https://www.flyfishingbowriver.com/
The fishing we have chosen to do has been in the Bow River by Calgary. The Bow is huge so you can choose different spots to fish at on the website but we chose the Bow near Calgary so we could be close by the airport for our flights the next day.
Last Important Tips:
Call your phone company: We had AT&T. They got an out of country unlimited plan. I highly recommend. Its probably $60 dollars for the time you will be gone. It starts when you land in Canada and ends when you get back. You can do the 10 dollars a day but its not unlimited.
Rent you a car: A front wheel drive car will work. We went in September so we didn’t have to worry about snow or ice. But if you go during snowy weather it might be a different story!
BUY A TRIPOD!! Make sure it has a cell phone holder that comes with it. We got ours off of amazon. It’s a must. You can also buy a clicker that syncs to your phone so you will have more than 10seconds to get in your shot! Ha! This is how we got some of our best pictures! Some tripods have the clicker with them or you can purchase individually.
Buy some good hiking boots! I have a pair of Salomons & Chris wears Merrells. We love ours and have had them for years. I will recommend getting some that are to your ankle at least. I have turned my ankle a million times on rocks so it saved me from breaking it! You also will want them to be waterproof
