One day in Banff: Lake Louise, Lake Moraine and Peyto Lake
My friend and I went to Banff over the Summer and had an amazing time exploring the turquoise blue lakes and majestic Canadian Rockies. We rented a car and spent a day road-tripping up and down the iconic Icefields Parkway, blasting music and taking pictures. We only had 1 full day in Banff, so here is the recap of our trip!
Where to Stay:
We stayed just outside Banff in a town called Canmore. The benefit to staying in Canmore over Banff is that Canmore is less expensive, less crowded and it’s only about a 20-minute drive to Banff depending on traffic. We found Canmore to be a charming town with cute shops and places to eat.
Favorite places to eat in Canmore/Banff:
- Rocky Mountain Bagel Co. in Canmore has delicious bagels with lots of toppings that you can load up however you like. They open early, so you can grab a bagel before driving into Banff.
- Commmunitea Cafe has an amazing menu of healthy fresh bowls, sandwiches, soups, and wraps. They also have freshly roasted coffee and an extensive list of 80+ loose-leaf teas.
- Hello Sunshine in downtown Banff is a gorgeous modern Japanese restaurant with a fun menu, they also have karaoke rooms for rent.
Our 1 day Banff itinerary:
With only one full day in Banff, we narrowed down the top places we wanted to see. We decided our main priorities were Peyto Lake, Lake Louise, and Lake Moraine. These three lakes are relatively close together and can be done in one day (and more!) if you start early enough.
full-day recap:
- Wake up early in Canmore and get a bagel at Rocky Mountain Bagel Co.
- Drive to Peyto Lake (About 1hr 20min drive from Canmore)
- Hike up to the second platform vista point at Peyto Lake (We spent about 1hr altogether here)
- Meet up with our shuttle bus tour that will take us to Moraine Lake & Lake Louise
- Spend 1 hour at Lake Louise
- Spend 1+ hour at Moraine Lake (You choose your return time when you book the tour)
- After the tour, drive to downtown Banff
- Explore the town/shops and have dinner at Hello Sunshine for sushi
- Drive back to Canmore
*Reminder: You will need to buy a daily Banff park pass, purchase this in advance online.
Important Note: Moraine Lake doesn’t have public parking, and parking at Lake Louise is limited and typically fills up by sunrise. It is best to book a shuttle company that will take you to both lakes. We booked with Moraine Lake Bus Company and had a great experience with them. The shuttle runs daily from June to October.
What to Pack:
In Banff, the weather can shift on a dime, so it’s wise to pack plenty of layers! We took our trip at the end of July, and I found myself alternating between lighter and warmer attire. I reached for my cozy crewneck and half-zip fleece in the mornings and evenings but then wore a tank top when it warmed up mid-day. Bring comfortable walking shoes, I was glad I brought hiking boots for exploring the trails around Peyto Lake. I wore my Birkenstocks around everywhere else for maximum comfort.
I hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Banff! Until next time,
-Bre