Banff, Canada. I thought I knew nature’s beauty, but then I went to Banff. Having lived in the Caribbean for 10+ years, I had been used to white and black sand beaches and lush green sceneries. But in the Canadian Rockies, it’s a completely different story. This spring, I was invited on a press trip with Matador Network and Pursuit Banff Jasper to explore the beauty of Banff Canada for a few days. And since I returned, I have not stopped talking about it. Banff now has a piece of my heart, and I am happy to share this with you.

This travel guide will highlight a simple yet adventurous itinerary if you only have 3-4 days to spend in Banff. Our itinerary was designed and conceptualized by Pursuit Banff Jasper, a travel experience company that takes pride in showcasing to the world the best of the Banff and Jasper regions. Each experience was so beautifully tailored, that it makes me want to go back to Banff Canada again in the winter. With no further ado, travel with me to Banff, Canada!

Where is Banff located in Canada and How do you get there?

Banff is a resort town located in Alberta, one of the provinces in Canada. Banff was initially created as a tourist city around a realm of parks, to support the efforts geared towards building and maintaining the transcontinental highway. Now, it is one of the most visited towns in Canada, and is known for its beautiful mountain peaks, verdant greeneries and breathtaking landscapes all around. To get to Banff, you can take a flight to Calgary, and then take a Shuttle Bus (the Brewster Express) from the Calgary Airport to downtown Banff. The shuttle bus has a terminal stop within the city center, and also stops at some of the popular lodges and hotels located downtown (including the Mount Royal Hotel where I stayed and which I will tell you more about!)

My first Impressions and what I loved about Banff, Canada

Banff took my breath away. The clean air, the scenery, the views. Everything seemed surreal. I felt like I was a drawing on a postcard: it was so beautiful. When I got there, I finally understood why people loved visiting Banff, Canada: it could easily compete for one of the most beautiful cities in Canada in my books, but I need to explore the remaining provinces before I make that call! 

A cute, quaint and charming town

I loved the fact that downtown Banff is also very walkable. As someone who loves exploring by walking, I felt like I was in my happy place. You can walk, stroll around the streets, stop at the restaurants or pop in the locally owned shops to get some souvenirs and tokens. Lower down towards the end of Banff Avenue (Banff Ave), you can see the Nancy Pauw Bridge over the Bow river: tourists and visitors walk  and cycle there all day long: the air is fresh, the nature is calming, and everything feels so magical. How I wish I could be teleported there at this moment.

Prefer video content? Watch the vlog of this experience here!

Green spaces and mountain views all around

Another thing that I loved about Banff was the fact that you could see green spaces all around. This is not very common in popular tourist cities in Canada. It makes it a lot convenient and easy for people to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the day and get reinvigorated by nature. 

Intentional emphasis on Sustainability in Banff

Walking around the city makes you appreciate the views and reduces your carbon footprint. All sightseeing attractions can be accessed by public transportation (the Roam bus), which is free for residents and costs about $2 for visitors. Downtown is filled with local restaurants, which helps to promote the local economy and encourage businesses to thrive. High-end and fine-dining restaurants adopt a “farm-to-table” approach, which gives clients the freshest and best ingredients from Alberta and Canada, while supporting local farmers. There are so many more examples of sustainable initiatives in Banff that I noticed during my trip and could list. These initiatives really make the city stand out in beautiful ways and teaches us how to be better travelers. 

And speaking on better travel, I couldn’t get a better travel itinerary for my first timer in Banff Canada than the one beautifully put together for me by Pursuit Jasper! Let’s dive into it!

Our 4 Day Itinerary to Banff, Canada in the Spring

If you only have 3-4 days to spend in Banff, I’d definitely recommend this itinerary. It is light enough to help you enjoy the city at a slow pace, but also includes the key bucket list experiences you ought to have when you visit Banff.

Day 1: Explore Downtown Banff

Whenever I visit a new city, I always include a day to explore downtown. This helps me to get familiar with the city, feel the vibes and energy of the locals. During this trip, I arrived downtown Banff in the afternoon and as soon as I checked in, I dropped my bags at the hotel and went to explore (by foot)! It took me about 2 hours to walk through the different shops, head to the Nancy Pauw Bridge and take in some views and fresh air. The scenery was splendid, so I got back to my hotel later than expected. If you have an entire day, I’d recommend going on one of the walking or biking trails downtown, and stopping at a few of the many museums downtown Banff. I’ll definitely plan on doing this on a future trip.

In the evening, we went out for dinner at the Sky Bistro lounge, transported via a Gondola ride. An experience I have not had anywhere else (more on this later).

Day 2: Enjoy a Lake Minnewanka Cruise and head to the Columbia Icefield 

After breakfast at your hotel, go on a cruise to Lake Minnewanka. My experience was organized by Pursuit Banff Jasper, and they coordinated my pick up from the hotel and return. If you are visiting Banff Canada for the first time, I definitely recommend booking your experiences with them. As a first time visitor, it can be difficult to navigate a new city or to know which tour operators to trust. But throughout my entire trip, I could tell that Pursuit Banff Jasper is very experienced in organizing unique adventures for travelers, and their team has excellent on-the-ground knowledge of the area.

The Lake Minnewanka cruise is a light, entertaining and culturally enriching experience to start your day with on a high note. From there, we traveled to the Columbia Icefield (a 2h30 minutes ride from downtown Banff) for the rest of our adventure.

I could tell you how beautiful and scenic the drive was, but I’ll let the photos attempt to do it justice (Banff is 10 times more beautiful in person, in the spring/summer). On the road to the Columbia icefields, we were fortunate enough to see a bear on the road, and though we did not stop to take a photo (as it is not allowed), we slowed down to allow the bear to finish crossing the road (which gave us a few seconds to capture some memories!)

Wild Life Encounters in Banff, Canada: WILD!

Wildlife encounters in Banff are just something else. Seeing a bear cross the road on a sunny Monday afternoon? Where else would you see this? Tell me, and I’ll go! (We saw a real life bear on the road to the Columbia Icefield: see for yourself!)

Prefer video content? Watch the vlog of this experience here!

On arrival at the Columbia Icefield, we checked in at the Glacier View Lodge – the only lodge in the area – with majestic views of the Athabasca glacier which I gladly woke up to every morning. We got there just in time for cocktail hour at the Moraine Lounge (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM) where we indulged in charcuterie boards and in-house cocktails before heading to dinner at Altitude restaurant for fine dining and… fine views. 

Day 3: Go on a Columbia Icefield Adventure, and take a thrilling Icefield Skywalk 

After a hearty breakfast at the Altitude restaurant, it was time to hit the road with our long-awaited Columbia Icefield Explorer adventure. This adventure has two parts: an excursion on the Columbia Icefield and a Skywalk experience.

The Columbia icefield is one of the largest icefields in the Canadian Rockies, and is fed by 6 different glaciers. One of these is the Athabasca glacier (which I could see from my room at the Glacier View Lodge). During our expedition, we went up to the base of the Athabasca glacier, learned more about how it is formed, and I was able to drink some real glacier water while there, and take some back with me at the lodge. 

After this, we took a scenic drive to the Skywalk: The bridge, which is made of slowly oxidized steel, is about 30 meters long and gives you a sweeping view of the Sunwapta Valley below, on a foreground of ice-capped rocky mountains. I felt like I was on top of the world. Only one thing though – every time I looked down, I had this dizzying feeling reminding me of how high up we were! 

We concluded our experience with a light lunch at the Chalet (in-house restaurant at the Glacier View Lodge), and had a candid chat with the manager who told us even more about their nature conservation and sustainability work in partnership with local, regional and international research groups. 

The evening was beautifully wrapped by our last supper at the Altitude restaurant, followed by candid conversations (that we did not want to end) at the Moraine Lounge, warmed by each other’s company and some local tea. 

Day 4: Indulge in a slow morning routine at the Glacier View Lodge, before heading out to the airport 

Breakfast in the morning was at the Altitude Restaurant. By then, we had gotten familiar with their menu (which has select delectable options and changes seasonally)/ After rounds of hot chocolate, cheers, chats and croissants, we packed our bags, let the beautiful views linger one last time and drove back to Calgary for our return flights to our different respective cities. 

Where to Stay in Banff, Canada: The Best Hotel Recommendations

My time in Banff was split between downtown Banff and the Columbia Icefields. Here are the places I stayed at and loved.

The Mount Royal Hotel: this hotel is the heart of Banff. It is at the center of everything, and is the prime location to be at if you want to be close to downtown. The hotel has a historical appeal, which to me was a great plus as I am fond of culture and history. Small and charming, it gives you the basic necessities that you need. Its modern restaurant, Brazen, is a locals’ favorite and is a great spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hot tub at the Mount Royal Hotel definitely elevates your experience (in temperatures and views) when you stay there during your visit to Banff, Canada.

The Glacier View Lodge: this is the only accommodation at the Columbia icefields, and after having stayed there for 2 nights, I don’t think I would have wanted to stay anywhere else. The place exudes serenity, peace and modern comfort. The simplistic décor invites you to relax, slow down and take in the moment. This was everything I needed. I also loved the fact that the teas and treats offered there are from local companies: a big score and huge plus when it comes to sustainability. 

Where to eat in Banff, Canada: Restaurant Recommendations in Banff

Each of the places where I ate in Banff offered a Canadian spin on different flavors. Through all the restaurants, I could feel and experience authentic Canadian hospitality. 

• Aardvark Pizza & Sub: one of the travelers I met on this trip had lived in Banff before. He told me that even 30 years later, Aardvark Pizza & Sub is still the best stop to get some pizza in town, and other locals confirmed this. This was my first “bite of the city”, and I definitely appreciated the ambiance, cheerfulness of the staff and the flavours. 

• Sky Bistro: on top of the Sulphur Mountain, this restaurant offers a fine dining experience with elevated views. The menu options are diverse, and there is a pretty interesting selection of items to pick from. There, I tasted bison for the first time, and this was definitely a flavourful experience. 

• Brazen: if you are looking for a chic restaurant with a modern spin on Canadian classics, Brazen is your pick. The direct views to downtown give you the creative landscape you need to plan and start your day. We had breakfast there on our second day in Banff, and I had one of the largest bread slices I had ever seen! I opted for a salmon toast, and tasted delectable potatoes (hash browns) which are a staple ingredient for every Canadian breakfast! And if you end up eating there, don’t forget to start each meal with a glass of water, followed by a round of mimosas!

• Altitude: this is the in-house restaurant at the Glacier View Lodge (Columbia Icefield). I enjoyed the amazing views of the Athabasca Glacier as much as I enjoyed the dinner menu options. Because the menu is small it’s easier to pick a dish. And because it changes according to the seasons, it’s easier to try new things too.

• The Chalet: also at the Glacier View Lodge, the chalet offers a wide variety of ready-made meals, sandwiches and salads to go, as well as local favorites. It’s a great option to grab a quick filling bite before dinner or before an adventure. Chicken and chips seemed like the most popular option, so I went with it and was pretty pleased.

Now that you have more recommendations of where to eat when you visit Banff Canada, let’s look at some bucket list experiences that you must have when in Banff!

Prefer video content? Watch the vlog of this experience here!

The Best Bucket List Experiences in Banff, Canada

When you are traveling to Banff Canada for the first time, it can be so confusing to know the “must do” especially if you are short on time! Based on the itinerary put together for me by the Pursuit Banff Jasper team, I was able to hit some of the top bucket list experiences in Banff, and I am also glad to add one more, which is…

A Sightseeing tour of the city: getting in touch with the local vibes, feeling and energy is something that I love when I travel. I like to feel grounded, and walking downtown is a huge part of it when traveling to a new city. Because Banff Canada is such a walkable city, you can go around by food and feel at home. This is also a great way to travel sustainably.

The Banff Gondola ride: I definitely recommend this experience especially if you are not afraid of heights, or better yet – if you are and want to conquer your fears. The gondola ride in Banff is just about 8 minutes, and after you’re done, you’d wish you could stay on longer. The ride takes you to the top of the Sulphur mountain, and you get to enjoy unique, mesmerizing views from up and above. Whether you choose to dine at the Sky Bistro later is optional. If you wish to do so, you should book ahead of time. 

The Lake Minnewanka cruise: I absolutely loved this cruise as part of my first Banff travel experience. The views from Lake Minnewanka in the spring are surreal. And to think it freezes up during the winter. The experience takes about an hour (cruise time) and 30 mins (travel time), and is a great way to kick start an adventure day. 

The Columbia Icefield Explorer Adventure: this is an experience that can be bundled up with the Columbia Skywalk. You get to drive to the base of the Athabasca glacier, one of the 6 glaciers that feed the Columbia Icefield. It’s definitely a pretty unique thing to come across, and one of the best things to do when visiting Banff/Jasper.

The Columbia Icefield Skywalk Experience: this one is also a pretty high rated experience, especially if you have never walked on a Skywalk before. The landscape painted by nature from the skywalk point is worth overcoming your fears, and I definitely recommend it.

What to pack for your trip to Banff, Canada

I visited Banff Canada in the spring (mid-May), and the temperatures were between 18 – 24 degrees Celsius. This is pretty warm for a city in a province colder than Ontario, and on the hottest day (when I arrived), I could wear a sleeveless, short summer dress. That being said, a lot of locals said that the weather can be very unpredictable during the spring, and understandably so: spring is the transition season from winter to summer, so temperatures can change unexpectedly. So, what should you pack if you visit Banff in the spring?

• Some summer clothes and sandals – whatever you are comfortable with: it could be summer dresses, shorts, pants, sleeveless tops and shirts for warmer days

• Light sweaters and pullovers – these are helpful for evening strolls, as the evenings are generally cooler

• Light winter boots or closed tennis shoes – for your Columbia Icefield adventure at the glacier. Complete the look (and comfort) with a beanie and a warm fleece-lined jacket. Mittens might not be necessary, but pack them just in case.

• A bathing suit – especially if you are staying at a hotel with a hot tub like the Mount Royal Hotel, or plan to dip into any of the Banff hot springs.

When planning my trip (especially as it was my first time in Banff Canada), I found it helpful to read The Banff Blog by Cameron and Natasha, so I’d recommend you checking it out as well. It includes additional information on things to do during different seasons, and what to pack for your trip to Banff.

Ready to plan your trip to Banff?

By now, you’re probably thinking: “I am ready to visit Banff: where do I start?”. Don’t worry, this does not have to be overwhelming. This guide gave you a great start to begin with! Here would be your next best steps:

• Pick a travel season: I explored Banff in the spring, and all the activities I did are also available during the summer and fall. If you want to explore during the winter, bear in mind that some of the activities might not be available during the winter, but there are still a lot of beautiful things you can do in Banff & Lake Louise during the winter months! There are so many winter activities in Banff and Lake Louise that would definitely be worth your while too!

• Book your flights: once you are clear on the season when you want to visit Banff Canada, book your flights! I have created a comprehensive guide to help you find cheap flights wherever you go, and I have added it at the end of this post. (You’re welcome.)

• Book your experiences: my first experience in Banff would not have been the same if I did not travel with Pursuit Banff Jasper. They can organize and take care of all the experiences I included in this guide, and trust me when I say this: it makes a whole lot of difference. When booking with Pursuit, you can customize your packages based on the types of activities you want to do. Don’t wait too long before making up your mind, because activities do sell out!

I hope you have enjoyed this travel guide to Banff Canada! Will you be adding Banff to your travel bucket list? I’d love to know in the comments below!

Until then, see you for the next adventure!

PS: I am on a journey to explore all the 10 provinces and 3 territories in Canada, within 1 year (starting in April 2023). My goal is to unpack at least one thing that makes each province unique. At the time of writing this post, I have been to 2/13 provinces and territories (Ontario and Alberta). Follow along my journey on this blog as well as on my social media platforms: YouTube, Instagram and TikTok to be inspired, snatch some travel tips and support me on this journey! The world is a beautiful place.