How to Plan an Unforgettable Trip to Banff and Lake Louise

Rent a Car

Renting a car from Calgary International Airport gives you the freedom to explore Banff and Lake Louise at your own pace. Enjoy the scenic, two-hour drive along the Trans-Canada Highway, serving as your gateway to the Canadian Rockies. 

If you plan to continue your journey west, you can connect with Rocky Mountaineer in Banff or Lake Louise for a luxury rail journey back to Vancouver.

Book a Shuttle Service

Prefer to sit back and relax? Shuttle services like the Brewster Express or RTB Tours & Shuttles provide convenient, direct transfers from Calgary International Airport. With comfortable seating, onboard Wi-Fi and multiple daily departures, shuttles are an easy, stress-free option for arriving in Banff and Lake Louise. 

Alternatively, you can book a Rocky Mountaineer package that includes motorcoach transfers from Calgary. Enjoy a seamless, all-in-one option that lets you skip the logistics and trust us to take care of every detail. 

Travel by Train with Rocky Mountaineer

For a truly memorable start to your adventure, fly into Vancouver International Airport and join us onboard Rocky Mountaineer for a luxury, all-daylight rail journey through some of the most breathtaking sights in Western Canada and the Canadian Rockies. 

Our popular First Passage to the West route connects the vibrant coastal city of Vancouver to Banff or Lake Louise, with package options that begin or end in either destination, or some that include overnight stays in both.

For many, travelling by train to Banff and Lake Louise is the highlight of their Canadian Rockies itinerary, offering panoramic views from a glass-dome coach as you travel through mystical rainforests and dramatic canyons. Along the way, enjoy regionally inspired cuisine and handcrafted cocktails while onboard Hosts share stories of the land, its wildlife, and the Indigenous peoples who have long called it home.

Make your trip to Banff and Lake Louise unforgettable with a luxury rail journey – explore our rail packages to find your perfect match.

Banff

• Banff Gondola: Soar to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for sweeping, panoramic views of the Bow Valley and surrounding peaks. In the spring and fall, plan your visit for sunset to watch the sun sink behind the mountains as it paints the sky in technicolour hues.
• Johnston Canyon: An accessible and scenic trail that winds through a dramatic limestone canyon, complete with catwalks, waterfalls, and misty lookout points. Be sure to come early during high-season, as this trail is popular for its commanding beauty.
• Bow Falls: Located minutes from downtown Banff, this wide, low waterfall is a quick and picturesque stop, perfect for photos or a relaxing riverside stroll.
• Banff Upper Hot Springs: Savour a refreshing soak in one of multiple mineral-rich pools with sweeping views of Mount Rundle. A classic après-adventure experience in any season.
• Banff Avenue: Meandering through the central Banff, Banff Avenue is known as the heart of the action in this mountain town, with the towering peak of Cascade Mountain perfectly framed between the shops, restaurants and bars that line this charming street.
• Fairmont Banff Springs: Known as the “Castle in the Rockies,” this historic hotel is as much an attraction as it is a luxurious place to stay. Nestled in the forest above the Bow River, its architecture, spa, and mountain views are iconic.

Lake Louise

• Lake Louise: Famous for its glacier-fed turquoise waters, Lake Louise is a must-see. Visit early or late in the day for the calmest reflections and best photo opportunities.
• Moraine Lake: Set in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake is one of the most photographed spots in the Canadian Rockies, and for good reason. Beloved for its vivid colour and mirror-like reflections, this lake is as iconic as it is popular.
• Lake Agnes Tea House: Perched at the top of the Lake Agnes trail, this rustic tea house is your reward after a half-day hike. Serving over 100 varieties of tea along with homemade sandwiches, biscuits, and desserts, this is a great way to blend exercise and indulgence in a cozy alpine setting.
• The Plain of Six Glaciers Trail: Known as the most iconic hike in Lake Louise, this scenic route takes you deeper into the mountains for up-close views of glaciers, dramatic cliffs, and distant peaks.
• Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: An elegant lakeside retreat and historic destination in the region, this grand hotel is an ideal part of the Lake Louise experience. Book an overnight stay, or stop in for an afternoon tea or canoe rental from their boathouse.
• Icefields Parkway: Connecting Lake Louise to Jasper, Icefields Parkway is revered as one the most beautiful drives on earth. Open year-round and offering spectacular sights such as the Columbia Icefields, Peyto Lake, and Athabasca Falls, a journey down Icefields Parkway is the definitive experience of the Canadian Rockies.

Summer

• Hiking: Explore trails for every level, from beginner hikes like Tunnel Mountain to alpine climbs like the Big Beehive or Plain of Six Glaciers.
• Horseback Riding: Saddle up for a guided trail ride through Banff National Park, with options ranging from scenic riverside strolls to multi-hour backcountry adventures.
• Water Activities: Canoe across Lake Louise, pump your adrenaline with a whitewater rafting adventure or opt for a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Minnewanka.

Year-Round

• Wildlife Viewing: Through every season, spot elk, mountain goats and bears, like the legendary grizzly bear The Boss, along various roadways, trails or the outdoor viewing platform onboard Rocky Mountaineer. Early mornings and evenings are best for sightings.
• Photography: Awaken just before sunrise or wait until sunset to capture stunning shots of the Canadian Rockies during the soft sunlight known as alpenglow. Or hop onboard Rocky Mountaineer for the best shots of iconic viewpoints such as Castle Mountain or Morant’s Curve, taken from the outdoor viewing platform or through the glass-dome coach.
• Local Excursions and Exploration: Visit the Banff Park Museum National Historic Site, book an excursion to the Columbia Icefields, or take a day trip to Yoho National Park – there’s endless possibilities for exploration. Book these excursions independently or as a Rocky Mountaineer package add-on before or after your rail journey.

Banff

• The Bison Restaurant: Enjoy locally inspired dishes such as Alberta bison, seasonal plant-based plates, and forno-style creations, paired with a signature cocktail in the mountain-view dining room or on the rooftop terrace.
• Park Distillery: Start your evening with a tour of this working distillery, sampling small-batch spirits made with glacier water, before savouring wood-fired rotisserie favourites from the campfire-inspired menu.

Lake Louise

• Walliser Stube: Tucked inside the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, this cozy lakeview dining room offers a menu of elevated Swiss and German-inspired favourites like classic fondue, cheese raclette, and wiener schnitzel.
• Lakeview Lounge: Also located within the Fairmont, this elegant yet casual lounge offers a relaxed dining experience with Canadian dishes and panoramic views of Lake Louise.

Must-Try Regional Foods

While in the Canadian Rockies, don’t miss out on these local favourites – many of which are also featured in the regionally-inspired menus onboard Rocky Mountaineer: 

• Alberta beef: Raised on open grasslands, AAA Alberta beef is known for its exceptional tenderness and flavour. Enjoy it at multiple local restaurants, or as a gourmet entrée often featured on the GoldLeaf Service menu during your Rocky Mountaineer journey. Please note that onboard menus are subject to change.
• Bison burgers: A lean, protein-rich alternative to beef with a bold, slightly gamey taste.
• Maple-inspired treats: A sweet nod to Canada’s signature flavour, found in everything from desserts to cocktails.
• BeaverTails: A classic Canadian pastry shaped like a beaver’s tail, served warm with cinnamon sugar or decadent toppings. Find this sweet treat at locations in Sunshine Village and Downtown Banff.