Banff

The overview

Banff National Park offers a spectacular mountain escape perfect for a four-day adventure. The park's true magic lies in its impossibly turquoise lakes, like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, framed by rugged, snow-capped peaks, and the abundant wildlife you can often spot from the roadside. Hiking trails range from gentle strolls around Johnston Canyon to challenging ascents with panoramic rewards, and summer offers the best chance for wildlife viewing and access to higher elevation trails. For a four-day trip, consider basing yourself in the town of Banff for easy access to restaurants, shops, and shuttles to popular sights, or in the quieter village of Lake Louise if your priority is immediate access to the iconic lake and surrounding hikes. An insider truth often missed is that purchasing a Parks Canada Discovery Pass online in advance can save you time at the park gates compared to buying it at the entrance.