How to Spend an Unforgettable Weekend in Banff

Spending a weekend in Banff had been at the top of my travel bucket list for years. Those Instagram pictures of brilliant blue water set against majestic mountains seemed almost too good to be true. I’m happy to report that seeing it in person lives up to the hype! And a long weekend in August was the perfect time to visit, especially for someone like me who prefers sunshine over snow.

This Banff guide walk you through everything you need to know to plan your own amazing Banff weekend getaway. We’ll cover where to stay, what to eat, and how to experience the best of this incredible Canadian Rockies destination, from downtown exploration to iconic lake views.

Where to Stay: Canmore vs. Banff

While many visitors stay directly in Banff, we chose to stay in the nearby town of Canmore, which was much more affordable, at the WorldMark and we were really happy with that choice. This timeshare property was fantastic, as always with Worldmark. The rooms are spacious with full kitchens, comfy beds, and wonderful amenities like a sauna and an indoor-outdoor pool.

Canmore has a charming, slightly more local feel than Banff, with unique shops and restaurants. However, both towns offer excellent options from hotels to cozy lodges and rentals. Staying in Canmore can sometimes be a more budget-friendly choice while still keeping you close to all the action.

Day 1: Canmore Charm, Banff Bites & a Canyon Hike

Morning in Canmore

We started our first day at Beamer’s Coffee Bar in Canmore. I’d heard great things about their muffins, and the chocolate chip cherry “healthy” muffin did not disappoint. It was enormous and delicious. The perfect breakfast on the go to enjoy with a coffee and before a hike.

After breakfast, we explored downtown Canmore. The main street area is pedestrian-friendly, which is perfect for a leisurely stroll. We popped into several cute shops, but a standout was evoolution, an olive oil and balsamic tasting bar. The staff was really friendly and encouraged us to sample a few different flavors. We were completely sold on the peach-infused white balsamic, which is amazing when added to soda water for a refreshing bubbly drink. We also couldn’t resist grabbing a bottle of their garlic-infused olive oil.

Afternoon in Banff & Johnston Canyon

Next, we drove up to Banff to explore downtown. It has a similar mountain-town charm to Canmore but with more energy (and people) and a wider variety of shops and restaurants.

We walked around the Cascade of Time Garden, which was lovely. This would be a great spot for a picnic on a sunny summer day. You get views of the mountains and the river while you wander about the flowers and cozy nooks. We had no idea it was there and stumbled on it by surprise, but so glad we did!

We found the perfect late lunch happy hour at Pizzeria Sophia. 50% off pizzas and select cocktails for happy hour? An easy choice. The frozen Bellini was a true standout, and the mango habanero margarita also packed a delicious punch. We shared a pepperoni pizza and tried two of their dipping sauces: the aioli and the spicy pistachio honey. Both were great, but the spicy pistachio honey was an absolute game-changer.

With full belies, we headed into Banff National Park for an afternoon hike at Johnston Canyon.

Johnston Canyon Trail Hike:
This is one of the most popular Banff hiking trails, and for good reason. It’s accessible and stunningly beautiful.

• Lower Falls: The path to the Lower Falls is mostly paved with a guardrail, making it an easy walk suitable for all ages and abilities. We even saw families with strollers on this section.
• Upper Falls: Continuing to the Upper Falls involves a steeper climb, but it’s well worth the effort. This section of the trail is typically less crowded and offers even more rewarding views of the powerful waterfall.

The entire hike to the Upper Falls and back is about 3 miles (5 km) and took us around 90 minutes. You follow the creek the whole way, with lots of photo opportunities. We went around 5 PM, which was the perfect time to have daylight but it was more cool. There’s also a café and restaurant at the trailhead (closes early), and parking was manageable at that time of day.

Evening: A Standout Steak Dinner

For dinner, we were craving a great steak and found an absolute gem in Banff: Bluebird Wood-fired Steakhouse. The restaurant was quite busy, so I highly recommend making a reservation.

Bluebird specializes in prime, grass-fed steaks cooked over a wood fire, and the flavor was incredible. They also offer cheese fondue, which looked like a lot of fun. We opted for a classic steak dinner, adding sides of their cheesy mashed potatoes (my favorite) and charred broccolini. Every single bite was perfection. The potatoes were some of the best I’ve ever had, and the lemon and garlic on the broccolini were fantastic. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.

Day 2: The Famous Lakes & Tavern Pizza

Morning: Resort Relaxation & Shuttle Strategy

We started our second day with a relaxing morning at our resort, enjoying the sauna and a swim. Then, it was time for the main event: Lake Louise and Lake Moraine.

A quick stop at the Whiskey Jack Lodge at Lake Louise Park & Ride gave us a chance to grab a tasty crispy chicken BLT before our shuttle time. This is also where the Lake Louise Summer Gondola departs, which would be a great activity if you have more time.

Afternoon: Lake Louise & Lake Moraine

Important Lake Louise & Lake Moraine Tip:
Accessing these lakes by car is extremely difficult (and impossible for Moraine). The Louise parking lots fill up very early in the morning. The best and most reliable way to visit is by booking a shuttle. You can book through the Parks Canada website or use Roam Public Transit.

• Booking a Shuttle: Reservations are essential and sell out fast. Parks Canada releases a block of tickets 48 hours in advance at 8am Mountain Time. Be ready to book the second they become available. We managed to snag a 4pm slot after refreshing the page multiple times. Even if you can only get a late shuttle, it is absolutely worth it.

Lake Louise
Seeing Lake Louise in person lived up to all the hype. The turquoise water and the surrounding peaks are just serene and perfect. Tip: The main shoreline is very crowded, but if you walk along the path to the right, you’ll find quieter spots to sit and soak it all in.

We had hoped to hike to the Lake Agnes Tea House via the Big Beehive trail, but our late shuttle time didn’t leave us enough time to complete it. Instead, we popped into the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for a cocktail at the Alpine Bar, which is open to the public and offers incredible views of the lake from its patio.

Lake Moraine
A 20-minute connector shuttle ride took us from Lake Louise to Lake Moraine. This lake is also stunning. The water here is an even more intense shade of blue. I learned that it’s famous for its appearance on the old Canadian $20 bill. While it’s best known for sunrise, it was still beautiful later in the day. We enjoyed a quiet walk along the shoreline, taking in the peaceful atmosphere.

Canoe rentals are available at both lakes, but be prepared for a steep price.

Evening: Pizza, Wings, and Ice Cream

After a full day of exploring, we headed back to Banff for a casual dinner at Bear Street Tavern. We shared their “Double Double” pizza (double pepperoni, double cheese) with chipotle mayo and garlic dipping sauces. We also ordered the cast-iron wings, which were incredibly flavorful.

Of course, no day is complete without dessert. We joined the long (but fast-moving) line at Cows for some delicious ice cream for a sweet treat to end an unforgettable day.

Day 3: Hiking Grassi Lakes Trail & Farewell

Morning Hike: Grassi Lakes Trail

On our final morning in Canmore, we set out for the Grassi Lakes Trail, a perfect medium hike to cap off the weekend. Be prepared to purchase a parking pass, which is required, but easy to do from your phone.

There are two routes, the upper and lower hike. We opted for the more challenging upper route, which still wasn’t too difficult but did have some steep sections that got the blood pumping. You cross a few light streams of water falling down the rocks along the way which made it more fun.

The views were absolutely worth it. The turquoise lakes surrounded by rugged rock faces were stunning, and the peaceful atmosphere made it a great way to end our trip. If you’re looking for a manageable hike with breathtaking scenery to finish your weekend, this is an excellent choice.

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Final Thoughts on a Weekend in Banff

Our weekend in Banff was filled with stunning scenery, delicious food, and incredible experiences. Everything I wanted and more!

While we packed a lot in, there’s still so much more to see. On our next visit, we’d love to spend more time exploring Canmore, perhaps walking the scenic downtown boardwalk or hiking the popular Grassy Lakes trail.

Whether you have a long weekend or a full week, Banff is an adventure you’ll always remember. With a little planning, especially around the lake shuttles, you can create the perfect Banff itinerary for your own Canadian Rockies escape.

Happy exploring!
-Hannah

This post is all about planning the perfect weekend in Banff, Canada.