Canadian Rockies Hiking: Banff & Lake Louise
6 days | 8 days with Canmore extension
- Physical activity
- Group size
- 5–22 travelers
Where staggering peaks meet gorgeous glacial lakes
Stretching nearly 1,000 miles from northern British Columbia to Alberta, the Canadian Rockies are home to breathtaking nature, more than a thousand glowing glaciers, and some of the region’s most bucket list-worthy hikes. Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its dramatic peaks and glittering glacial lakes, is a dream for nature-lovers. From the summit of Sulphur Mountain, you’ll have picture-perfect views of the namesake Banff Town, before setting off on your drive along the famous Icefields Parkway, which holds the title as one of the world’s most scenic highways. Venture through wildflower-filled meadows hiking to one of the Rockies’ signature, jewel-toned glacier lakes, Helen Lake. Then settle into a regal chateau-turned-hotel on the banks of turquoise Lake Louise—one of Banff’s gems—before exploring along the shores on the Lake Agnes Teahouse trail, journeying to a perched log tea house rising above the glittering Lake Agnes. And no hiking trip to Banff National Park would be complete without summiting the Sentinel Pass—the highest point in Banff—for sweeping shots of the Valley of the Ten Peaks below. Between your hikes, you can stroll through the charming shops and restaurants of Banff Town and sample Canmore's thriving craft brewery scene—creating an unforgettable adventure in the Canadian Rockies.
What's included
- 5 nights in handpicked hotels
- Private bus for local transfers
- 5 breakfasts
- 2 lunches
- 2 dinners
- 1 tea & scones tasting and 1 beer tasting
- An expert Canadian Tour Director
- Local licensed guides for select hikes
- Select guided sightseeing tours
Why you'll love it
- Conquer 2,080 feet of elevation summiting Sulphur Mountain in Banff National Park
- Journey through one of the most beautiful alpine meadows hiking to Helen
- Pause for a pot of tea and scones at the Lake Agnes Teahouse
- Hike between Little & Big Beehive viewpoints over Lake Louise & Lake Agnes
- Tackle the Sentinel Pass Trail from Lake Moraine through the Larch Valley
- Discover Canmore’s vibrant craft beer scene during a brewery tour and tasting
Itinerary
Banff
Day 1: Fly to Calgary & transfer to Banff
The Rocky Mountains are calling! You’ve counted down the days and the time is finally here. Grab your bag and passport and head to the airport for your flight just over the Canadian border to Calgary. Once you arrive, settle into the 2-hour transfer to Banff, where you can rest up at your hotel before your adventure begins tomorrow.
Note: Transfer from the airport to the hotel is only available to travelers who book round-trip flights with EF Adventures.
Day 2: Sulphur Mountain hike, Banff Town visit, and optional river float
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Welcome to Canada’s first national park, Banff! Today you’ll get a full circle introduction to the beauty that Banff National Park has to offer, from summiting Sulphur Mountain, named after the hot springs blanketing the slopes, to wandering the streets of charming Banff, a compact alpine town encased by mountains on all sides whose downtown is filled with château-style hotels, art galleries and museums. Now that you’ve gotten a taste of the park’s trails, experience a different side of Banff and spend the afternoon floating on the Bow River on an optional excursion past waterfalls and impressive rock pillars.
Sulphur Mountain hike
- Physical intensity: 3 out of 5
- Distance: 3.1 miles
- Elevation change: 2,080 ft gain
Jump straight into your hiking adventure as you tackle a series of steady switchbacks and head uphill to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Keep an eye out for wildlife like bighorn sheep and marmots as you make your way to the top, where sweeping views over craggy Cascade Mountain and the Sundance Range’s 15-mile-long line of peaks await. At the summit, grab a bite at the award-winning Sky Bistro, stroll the boardwalk to the Cosmic Ray Station to learn more about the national park, or make your way to Sanson’s Peak, the highest point of the mountain.
- Get to know your fellow hikers and Tour Director during a Welcome Orientation.
- Set off on your first hike of the trip up Sulphur Mountain, then descend down 2,000 feet inside a glass-encased gondola.
- Share highlights from your first hike over a Welcome Lunch in town before free time exploring Banff’s charming shops and cafes.
- Embark on an optional floating down the jade-colored Bow River or enjoy dinner on your own in Banff during a free evening.
Handpicked accommodations
From boutique hotels to 5-star luxury retreats, our accommodations are curated with the expert eye and attention to detail that come from 60 years of travel experience, always prioritizing authenticity. We select high-quality properties that balance comfort, location, sustainability, and local charm. From bustling city centers to serene countryside and picturesque small towns, each hotel is chosen to complement your adventure’s unique style. While the specific accommodations may vary based on your travel dates, you can always count on staying at fantastic properties that meet our standards for quality and character.
Flights
Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
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