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A Cool Girls Guide to a Banff Roadtrip
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items Just came from a girls trip to Banff National Park and allll the gorgeous spots around it (Yoho! Jasper! Canmore! and more!) and wow. I think this may be the most gorgeous nature I've ever had the pleasure of seeing with my eyes. I absolutely will be...
Sections
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Where to Stay 🏕️
What to See/Do 🏔️
Where to Eat 🍳
What to Bring 🥾
Where to Stay 🏕️
Banff can be quite expensive (though beautiful). If you're a bit more budget conscious, try staying in Canmore instead
okay Im starting out with an expensive one BUT its here for a reason. Its incredibly famous and historic (its listed on the National Historic Register!). Built in 1888 and GORGEOUS (also maybeee haunted) but anyways
Fairmont Banff Springs
I stayed at the hotel next, but Ive stayed at Moxy before (in Seoul!) and really loved it. It was in a great location, justttt off Moose St
Moxy Banff
We stayed here :) Mostly because of the hot spring and sauna. I loved the wood and rustic vibe. A bittt of a walk out of the main part of town (maybe 15 minutes) but that made it more affordable than other hotels in my opinion!
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
Have you considered Canmore? Its about 15 minutes outside of Banff and MUCH cheaper than staying in Banff. This is where we stayed in Canmore, I'll be honest- I don't actually recommend it. It wasnt my favorite hotel. But I thought I'd put it here ju...
Basecamp Lodge Canmore
Another Canmore option, and listed as one of the best bang for your buck in the area:)
MTN House By Basecamp, Canmore (updated prices 2025)
We saw this while walking around! Looks much nicer than where we stayed!
The Malcolm Hotel, Canmore (updated prices 2025)
This lodge is IN Yoho National Park. And while the park is on the smaller side, I can personally vouch for its beauty. Even if you don't stay here (which you should) at least get a meal here!
Emerald Lake Lodge, Field (updated prices 2025)
If you plan on exploring Jasper National Park at all, its a bittt too far to do in a day from Banff- meaning you'll need to at least spend a night or two. Why not here?
Patricia Lake Bungalows, Jasper (updated prices 2025)
What to See/Do 🏔️
There is SO MUCH to do on a Banff roadtrip! I put in a few hikes (though I have many more if you're wanting more!) but otherwise here are some of my other favorite activities from the trip)
If you've ever seen that iconic canoe shot on insta- this is where you can get it. Its a whopping $160 for an hour of canoe rental at either Lake Louise or Moraine Lake but we did it, and I'm so glad we did
Moraine Lake Canoe Rental: Everything You NEED to Know
My Girls Trip Video- (in two parts!) Here is Part 1, part 2 soon to follow
Banff Road Trip Part 1: Lake Louise & Moraine Lake (The best Girls' Trip!)
Anddd the part 2 of my banff youtube series, check it out for some gorgeous hikes and views!
Banff Road Trip Part 2: Canoeing Moraine Lake, Tea House Hike, Seeing Bears & Glacier Walk!
If you're short on time but want to see some underrated highlights, this is a great tour
Banff: Hidden Gems, 3 Parks, Takakkaw Falls, Emerald & More
If you decide to drive the Icefields Parkway (which you should!)- one of the best stops is here- walk on the Athabasca Glacier and the Skywalk. Its expensive (what isn't in Banff) but we found this one wayyy worth it
Columbia Icefields and Skywalk Ticket
If you want to get out on one of Banff's many lakes, this is a great way. This tour is more than just a boat ride too- they talk about the history and much more!
Lake Minnewanka Boat Tour
We bought this audio tour and loved it (no sponsorship, no commission- we just REALLY loved it). It knows where you are based on GPS and tells you anything you'd like to know and see along the route!
Don’t miss a thing with GuideAlong Audio Tours App
If you're more adventurously inclined, try whitewater rafting
Banff: Kananaskis River Whitewater Rafting Tour
So this one cost us quite a bit…like $100 a person. However it's listed as one of the top things to do in Banff. I'll be honest, Im notttt sure its worth the cost but it is pretty
Banff Gondola Tickets
The reason Banff is the tourist town it is today! Now you can't swim in it because there are a species of snails that literally only exist in that one hot spring- buttt its a nice stop! We got in free for the summer Canada Strong promotion
Cave and Basin National Historic Site
Jasper is a national Dark Sky Preserve :) See the Milky Way and more
Jasper Night Tour
One of our favorite hikes, and not even in Banff! I wasn't joking when I said Canmore is underrated! Definitely do this hike if you can!
Upper Grassi Lakes Trail, Alberta, Canada - 8,426 Reviews, Map | AllTrails
We spent one ady just exploring Canmore, and I'm so glad we did. Its really really great. Explore it before its ‘discovered’ (its already discovered obviously lol but not as many tourists go here as Banff)
How to Spend 1 Incredible Day in Canmore, Canada - Oceanus Adventure
Between Calgary and Banff theres a really cool Wolfdog Sanctuary - stop here on your way out or into Banff!
Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary
The Bow Valley Parkway was the 'highway' before the modern highway. A gorgeous mountain road that weaves through the park (and you're decently likely to see animals like we did!)
9 Must-Visit Stops On The Bow Valley Parkway | Banff & Lake Louise Tourism
My absolute FAVORITE day of the drive (this is where we saw two bears!). Absolutely stunning and Icefields is accurate- you will see sooo many glaciers
Icefields Parkway Popular Stops Along the Way, Attractions, Viewpoints
Not the easiest hike in the world but WELL worth the effort. After you get to the summit (or you can keep going onto another hike for even greater heights and views!) you reach a gorgeous tea house high up IN the mountains. So cool. Cash is preferred...
Lake Agnes Trail, Alberta, Canada - 13,071 Reviews, Map | AllTrails
Where to Eat 🍳
I don't actually think we had a bad meal the entire trip. You'll need to fuel up for these long days!
If you'd like to treat yourself to a nice afternoon (and if you can't afford to say here like we couldn't) why not have afternoon tea at the Fairmont instead!
Experience Afternoon Tea - Fairmont Banff Springs
One of our favorite meals of the trip- even if you're not staying in Canmore, I recommend coming here for dinner at least once!
Bridgette Bar Canmore
Supposedly the best croissant in Canada. Well I can't say that for sure but I can say it was delicious!
Le fournil Bakery
Leaning into the Alpine vibes, why not end your hiking day with some fondue. Its not cheap (honestly nothing in Banff is) but we really enjoyed dinner here
The Grizzly House
This is the teahouse I mentioned in the ‘what to do’ section! Get the maple tea :)
Lake Agnes Tea House
My Canadian friend recommended this one. Its basically like a flat, fried donut with toppings. A nice treat but messy
BeaverTails- Queues de Castor (Banff East)
A really fun and casual spot. The happy hour is REALLY good. I'm not a drinker but they have drinks, mocktails and food included!
Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant
Super vibey and delicious sushi. The saki portions are VERY generous. Get the lobster rolls if you can!
Hello Sunshine Sushi & Karaoke
What to Bring 🥾
This a nature heavy trip! Don't go in unprepared
Banff and the surrounding areas are very much in bear country. Don't go in unprepared, keep both you AND the bears safe!
Bear safety Info
You no longer can visit Moraine Lake in your vehicle so this is the ONLY way you an see Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in one day. You'll need to plan ahead though- getting these shuttle tickets are like winning the lottery
Visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
I have this shirt in two colors (blue and green). And its the best for hiking- light and UV protective!
Women's UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Sun Shirt
This is the hiking pack I use! Its great for day hikes (anything longer than that and you'll need a bigger one). Make sure to also buy a water bladder!
Osprey Sirrus 24L Women's Hiking Pack
The aforementioned water bladder :) . I would recommend getting minimum 2 liters. 2.5-3 is even better though
Hydration & Reservoirs
In addition to my hiking pack, I wear this. Yes my pack has hip a hip belt but as a camera lover this is way easier for me
Cotopaxi Hip Packs
I stand by Merrell as my hiking shoes of choice. I use the ones without ankle support (I need a bit more breathability) but I love them!
Women's Hiking Boots for Rugged Trails & Support