How to Spend 3 Days in Banff

Tempting with glacier adventures and wildlife hikes, Banff draws in thrill-seeking travelers year-round. Plan a trip that includes a grizzly bear tour, horseback riding trip, and white-water rafting adventure. Here are a few ways to spend three days in Banff. 

Day 1: Welcome to Banff

Get your bearings in Banff with an introductory tour. Climb aboard the hop-on hop-off bus for quick and easy transportation with stops at Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon, Moraine Lake, and Samson Mall. Catch a bird’s-eye view of Banff National Park with an admission ticket to the Banff gondola and go for a ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain with views of six mountain ranges. Maximize time in Banff National Park with a tour that might include Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Leave the driving to your guide and admire views as you travel between these two lakes. Travelers that are interested in seeing Banff’s famous wildlife might want to sign up for a grizzly bear-themed tour that typically includes a stop at the Grizzly Bear Refuge. 

Day 2: Outdoor Adventure

Experience the adventurous side of Banff with an adrenaline-pumping day of outdoor activities. You might choose a rafting adventure on the Kananaskis River, a horseback riding excursion in Banff National Park with Rocky Mountain views, or a canoe tour along the Bow River with wildlife sightings. Travelers who are interested in glaciers may want to join a trip to the Athabasca Glacier, which typically includes a drive along the Icefields Parkway and a walk across the glass-bottomed Glacier Skywalk. For a glimpse into the backcountry, head out on a guided snowshoeing excursion. To see the views, but skip the exertion, opt for a mountain lakes and waterfalls day trip that often includes a bus tour with stops at Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls, and the Victoria Glacier. 

Day 3: Photography, Food, and Sleigh Rides

Capture the beauty of winter in Banff with a photography tour led by a professional photographer. Visit several Rocky Mountain landscapes, which might include Abraham Lake for the chance to photograph natural phenomenons like the ice bubbles beneath the lake’s surface. Discover the culinary scene in Canmore with a food-themed walking tour—many of which cover local ingredients such as Alberta-grown bison. Go for a ride in the mountains of Banff National Park on a horse-drawn sleigh ride and cuddle up beneath warm blankets while admiring the views. Both group tours that are a fit for families and private tours designed for couples are available.