Vermilion Lakes, Cave and Basin and the gondola, then Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and the Lake Agnes Tea House, and Lake Minnewanka and Tunnel Mountain.
3 days, 19 stopsBalanced paceJun to SepApproved by TravPa Editors, Nov 4, 2026
Trip at a glance
Add your first day to see each day's date, weather, sunset and closing days.
Day 1: Vermilion Lakes, Cave and Basin and the gondola
Morning calm at Vermilion Lakes, the hot cave where Canada's parks began, lunch on Banff Avenue, the gondola up Sulphur Mountain and a soak in the hot springs.
1
9:00 AMVermilion LakesWalk or cycle part of the 4.3 km road and sit on the docks facing Mount Rundle while the water is still.About 45 min here
Park pass needed
Bike or taxi, about 15 min
2
10:00 AMCave and Basin National Historic SiteOpen daily 9:30 AM to 5 PM from mid-May to mid-October; the rest of the year, Thursday to Monday from 11 AM.About 1 hour 30 min here
3:30 PMOptionalBanff Upper Hot SpringsSoak in the hot pool, open daily 10 AM to 10 PM. Swimsuits and towels can be rented on site.About 2 hours 15 min here
Pool admission, adult: CA$19.75 (about $14) · Buy a ticket
6:00 PMBear StreetHave dinner at one of the restaurants on Bear Street, a short walk from Banff Avenue.
Pay as you go
Before you go
Book these aheadBanff Gondola (day 1), Lake Louise Lakeshore, Lake Louise (day 2): timed tickets, or tickets that often sell out.
Buy a park pass firstVisitors to Banff National Park need a park pass. Parks Canada shuttle tickets do not include it, so you need both.
Leave the car for Moraine LakeMoraine Lake Road is closed to private vehicles year-round. Go by Parks Canada shuttle, Roam and the Lake Connector, or a licensed tour.
Come between June and early OctoberShuttles to Moraine Lake ran June 1 to October 12 in 2026, and the Lake Agnes Tea House opens from June to early October.
Book Roam passes aheadRoam Route 8X to Lake Louise needs a Super Pass booked in advance in summer, and Route 6 to Lake Minnewanka runs in summer.
Carry water on the trailsThe Lake Agnes Tea House has no drinking water for hikers. Carry at least 1 liter per person for the climb.
Where to stay for this plan
Stay in the town of Banff near Banff Avenue: Roam buses to the gondola, Lake Louise and Lake Minnewanka leave from downtown.
Map and live prices from Stay22 and its booking partners. TravPa earns a commission if you book; your price stays the same.
Plan last checked Nov 4, 2026. Check individual fee sources before you go. TravPa earns a commission when you book through a partner; your price stays the same.
