72 Hours in Banff: The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary
After driving into Alberta from Montana, I spent three unforgettable days exploring Banff National Park on a solo adventure. From sunrise at Moraine Lake and hiking above Lake Louise to cruising the Icefields Parkway, this itinerary includes some of the most iconic experiences in the Canadian Rockies.
If you’re planning a trip to Banff, here’s exactly how I’d recommend spending 72 hours in the park.
Banff Itinerary at a Glance
Duration: 3 Days
Best For: First-time visitors
Region: Alberta
Highlights:
-Moraine Lake
-Lake Louise
-Peyto Lake
-Bow Lake
-Lake Agnes
Day 1: Moraine Lake & Downtown Banff
Sunrise at Moraine Lake
If there’s one place worth setting an early alarm for in Banff, it’s Moraine Lake. Watching the first light hit the Valley of the Ten Peaks while the turquoise water sits perfectly still is an experience I’ll never forget. *Sunrise tour or shuttle can be booked for this experience.*
Canoeing on Moraine Lake
After sunrise, I rented a canoe and spent some time paddling across the lake. (Be there right when they open, it’s first-come, first-served). Seeing Moraine Lake from the water gives you a completely different perspective of the surrounding peaks and is one of the most iconic experiences in Banff.
Explore Downtown Banff
After spending the morning at Moraine Lake, I headed back into town for coffee and a stroll through Downtown Banff. The mountain views, local shops, and relaxed atmosphere make it worth setting aside a few hours to explore.
Highlights
- Moraine Lake
- Downtown Banff
Overnight: Luxury Stay at Fairmont Lake Louise
Overnight: Budget Stay at Canmore Downtown Hostel
Day 2: Lake Louise, Lake Agnes & Big Beehive
Visit Lake Louise
The next morning head to Lake Louise to check out this iconic view, another one of Banff’s iconic destinations. Surrounded by towering mountain peaks and fed by glacial waters, Lake Louise is every bit as stunning as you’ve probably seen online. The bright turquoise water almost looks unreal. While many visitors stop at the shoreline, I highly recommend exploring beyond the lake itself.
Hike to Lake Agnes Tea House
From Lake Louise, I began the hike to Lake Agnes Tea House. The trail steadily climbs through the forest before opening up to views of Lake Agnes and the historic tea house tucked beside the water. The hike is moderately challenging but very manageable for most visitors. There’s something special about enjoying tea and pastries in the middle of the mountains after a morning of hiking.
Continue to Big Beehive
After leaving the tea house, I continued on to Big Beehive. The extra effort is absolutely worth it. From the top, you’re rewarded with panoramic views overlooking Lake Louise, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, and the surrounding mountain peaks. This viewpoint quickly became one of my favorite views in all of Banff National Park.
Highlights
- Lake Louise
- Lake Agnes
- Lake Agnes Tea House
- Big Beehive Hike
Overnight: Luxury Stay at Fairmont Lake Louise
Overnight: Budget Stay at Canmore Downtown Hostel
Day 3: Driving the Icefields Parkway
One of the Most Scenic Drives in the World
I spent my final day exploring part of the Icefields Parkway, a stretch of road often considered one of the most scenic drives in the world. The route connects Banff and Jasper National Parks and offers endless mountain views, glaciers, alpine lakes, and photo opportunities along the way.
Bow Lake + Peyto Lake
My first major stop was Bow Lake. With its crystal-clear water and dramatic mountain backdrop, it’s one of the easiest and most rewarding stops along the parkway. Next, I stopped at Peyto Lake. Known for its striking blue color and unique shape.
Athabasca Glacier
If you have extra time along the Icefields Parkway, consider continuing to Athabasca Glacier. Located within the Columbia Icefield, it’s one of the most accessible glaciers in North America.
Highlights
- Icefields Parkway
- Bow Lake
- Peyto Lake
- Athabasca Glacier
Overnight: Luxury Stay at Fairmont Lake Louise
Overnight: Budget Stay at Canmore Downtown Hostel
Final Thoughts
From sunrise at Moraine Lake and hiking above Lake Louise to cruising the Icefields Parkway, these three days showcased some of the very best Banff has to offer. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or adding Banff to a larger Canadian Rockies road trip, this itinerary is the perfect introduction to one of the most beautiful national parks in the world.
Save This Itinerary For Later
Planning a future trip to Banff? Save this guide and come back when you’re ready to book your adventure.
Follow along on Instagram or TikTok: @travel.drey
What I Booked for This Trip
Rental Car
4WD Recommended
I picked mine up directly from the airport, but there are other pickup options.
👉 Book Rental Car https://economybookings.tpx.lu/gaU4bWli
Banff Luxury Accomodation
Farimont Lake Louise
Great for couples, solo travelers and or families.
👉 Check Availability
https://klook.tpx.lu/6lA2QL9s
Banff Budget Accomodation
Canmore Downtown Hostel
Great for couples, solo travelers and or budget conscious visitors.
👉 Check Availability
https://www.klook.com/en-US/hotels/detail/1610265-canmore-downtown-hostel/
Flights
Great resource to find the best flights. You can fly into Calgary and then drive to the park.
👉 View Flights
https://www.aviasales.com/?params=DFWREK1
Camera Gear:
*linked on name*
Sony 7iii: My favorite camera for landscape shots.
DJI Mini 4K: Best way to capture amazing aerials.
Insta360 GO 3S: Perfect for capturing things on the move.
Insta360 2-in-1 Selfie Stick + Tripod
SANDISK 512 GB Memory Card: The only way to hold my million photos.
Travel with Drey 
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