Long Weekend in Banff National Park, Canada

Location: Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Trip Length: Friday–Monday
Best Time to Go: July–August (Peak season = big crowds + high hotel prices)

Banff has been on my list for a while, and this long weekend trip gave me a taste of what makes it so special. Jaw-dropping lakes, cool mountain air, endless trails—it’s a place that really earns the hype. If you’re thinking about going, here’s everything we did, what we learned, and what I wish I’d known before landing in Calgary.

Budget & Planning Tips

You can spend a little or a lot. We booked a cheap flight on WestJet from Atlanta to Calgary. I used my Delta Silver Medallion status for a free checked bag, but depending on your airline, you might need to pay extra.

Currency Tip: Everything feels pricey at first glance, but the USD-CAD exchange rate (as of August 2024) works in our favor. For example, something listed at $10 CAD is really about $7.32 USD. We used Apple Pay and cards everywhere and never needed cash.

What You’ll Need

• Airfare (WestJet has direct flights from Atlanta to Calgary)
• Rental car (We used Thrifty, but Alamo, Hertz, and others are available at the airport. We booked via Booking.com.)
• Hotel (We stayed two nights in Canmore. See more on that at the end.)
• Banff National Park Pass ($11 CAD/day per person)
• Shuttle tickets to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake ($11 CAD/person)

Pack This

• Raincoat (We got rained on even with a low forecast)
• Hat and sunscreen
• Backpack for snacks and gear
• Charging cable for your rental or battery packs (Cell service is spotty and navigating drains battery fast)
• No need for plug adapters—Canada uses the same outlets as the U.S.

Day 1: Arrival + Canmore

We flew into Calgary and picked up our rental car—but be warned, even with a reservation, the wait was long. We stood in line for 30 minutes to check in and another 45 minutes before we got the keys.

We decided to stay in Canmore, which is just outside Banff National Park. It’s a bit quieter, has a solid grocery store, and decent restaurants. After checking in, we explored:

• Policeman’s Creek – peaceful, good for a walk
• Engine Bridge – great views and photo spot
• Grocery run – We grabbed sandwich supplies, snacks, and breakfast items to avoid overpriced meals in the park

Day 2: Lake Louise + Moraine Lake + Downtown Banff

Lake Louise

Get up early. You’ll need to take the Parks Canada shuttle from the Lake Louise Ski Resort since private vehicles aren’t allowed. Tickets are only $11 CAD, but you have to book ahead—set a calendar reminder for 10 a.m. two days before your visit to snag last-minute spots.

We spent about three hours walking the shoreline. You can add a canoe ride or hike up to the Agnes Lake Tea House if you want to extend your time. It’s a 6.7-mile roundtrip hike with a steady incline—doable, but bring water and good shoes.

We brought our own lunch and ate it walking around the lake. No food vendors were available at Louise when we went, but Moraine Lake had a small café.

Moraine Lake

Hop the shuttle again for Moraine Lake. The café there sells chips, candy bars, and drinks. Canoe rentals were $160 CAD—pricey, so we skipped it.
We hiked the Rockpile (an easy half-mile) and then walked along the shoreline for about an hour. The views here are unbelievable.

That evening, we headed into Downtown Banff. Parking is tough, so park near the train station for free and walk into town. Tons of restaurants to choose from. Very touristy but still worth a visit.

Day 3: Johnston Canyon + Icefields Parkway

We started the day at Johnston Canyon—a popular trail with boardwalks, waterfalls, and a solid hike if you go all the way to the Upper Falls (my watch logged it as 25 flights of stairs). It’s a free trail, but you’ll still need your park pass.

Then we drove along Icefields Parkway, stopping at:

• Bow Lake
• Peyto Lake – 15-20 minute walk to the viewpoint, mildly steep but very rewarding

Other recommended stops we didn’t make but heard good things about:

• Waterfowl Lakes
• Mistaya Canyon

Day 4: Heading Home

We packed up and drove back to Calgary for our return flight. Simple as that.

Where We Stayed

We went budget on this trip and booked Rundle Chalets in Canmore for $439 (two nights, taxes/fees included). It’s not luxury—think rustic, a little dated, but functional. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it unless you’re looking to save money and don’t mind very basic accommodations. You can check it out here: Rundle Chalets

Final Thoughts

A weekend wasn’t nearly enough, but it gave us a solid feel for Banff: quiet mornings at the lakes, clean mountain air, and views you really can’t describe unless you’ve been there. The whole place has a kind of stillness, even with the crowds. You wake up early, sip coffee with a view of the mountains, and spend the day outside surrounded by lakes that look photoshopped in real life. It’s the kind of trip that slows you down without making you feel like you’re missing anything.

Would I go back? Absolutely. Next time, I’d stay longer and maybe spend a little more on accommodations closer to the park to cut down on driving. I’d also add Jasper National Park to the itinerary and build in more time to rest between hikes. But even as a short getaway, Banff delivers.

If you’re on the fence about planning a trip, don’t let the logistics scare you off. The shuttles and parking can be a hassle, and the hotels are expensive during peak season, but it’s all worth it. Start with the flight and build from there. You don’t need to be a hardcore hiker or seasoned traveler to enjoy this place. Just show up curious and prepared, and Banff will take care of the rest.