Please see the bottom of the post for a day-by-day itinerary.
My parents, the avid hikers that they are, have been reminiscing about our first trip out West. So they booked their tickets, packed the bags and ventured out to Banff once more. You try it once and you'll be hooked for the rest of your life, I promise you. Their stories seem fake, pictures seem photo-shopped, and it's always great to see their faces light up as they tell stories of the hikes they've done, the mountains they've conquered and the colours they've captured.
Below is an itinerary of their trip, Banff 2.0. The first itinerary is from a trip my family did in 2013, which is a combination of Banff and Jasper. However, it looks like Banff (and the parks close by), on their own, will fill your week just fine. Rain or shine, the Canadian outdoors does not disappoint. It is a physically challenging trip, yet so worth it. Get your cameras ready, your hiking shoes on and bring some bear spray just in case - no you do NOT spray it on yourself as many people have asked me. See it once, I dare you. There's lot's to do, lot's to see and a magnificent time to be had. If you're still not convinced, look below and tell me that this is not one of the most beautiful places on Earth!
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Tip 1: You may have it all planned out, but weather can change quickly. I suggest having an itinerary but remaining flexible as some hikes are better to do when the sun is out. Having said that, don't let rain scare you. Have appropriate gear and clothing and go regardless of rain because, once again, weather can change quickly.
Tip 2: In terms of accommodations, I suggest booking a cottage so that you have the availability of a kitchen. As you'll be starting the hikes early (since they take most of the day and you don't want to be hiking in those forests at night, trust me), you'll need to wake up, make breakfast and go. I suggest stopping at Costco located at 99 Heritage Gate SE in Calgary (since this is where you will most likely fly into) - it's a bit further away from the airport but tones of amazing selections and organic products (you have to take Highway 2 to get there).
In addition, buy food to make sandwiches for your hikes as you'll be gone most of the day.
Tip 3: This one may be a bit obvious, but there are markings everywhere on all trails. Follow the signs to stay on the right path as many trails cross.
Day 1
- Larch Valley Trail - around Moraine Lake area. This trail goes high above Moraine Lake and takes about 4-5 hours. You can see paradise valley from the top and all ten peaks. Be aware that if it's raining the path gets very slippery. As you climb higher you feel like you're on top of the world.
Day 2
- A more relaxing trail for day two is Consolation Lake - around Moraine Lake area. Once again, this one is better to do in good weather. This is a relaxing hike through the forest with great views along the way of alpine meadows and a glacier.
Day 3
- Eiffel Lake - around Moraine Lake area. This hike starts with elevation. It goes parallel to the ten peaks. Here, good weather is mandatory. The trail takes you through forest and a tundra-like area. Wear warm clothes and bring gloves and a hat because on this trail it gets cold from the wind at the top. The texture of rocks you'll see is unbelievable and you'll feel as if you're on a new world.
Day 4
- There is a short hike called Fairview Lookout at Lake Louise that starts on the left hand side (beside the canoe rental). It is about a 40 minute hike with elevation. You can see the hotel from the top of the trail. if you go past the sign that says path not maintained, you will reach an area with rocks that'll open up a really nice view of lake.
Day 5
- Lake O'Hara - Yoho National Park. This is a magnificent hike that is slightly more difficult to get to. To do this hike, you need to book a bus months in advance. Specifically, the reservations open up on April 20 and are gone within minutes. If you do not book a bus, it is a 11 km walk just to get to the beginning of trail. You can find the information on how and when to book here. This is a very sensitive area to human presence and the park is doing its best to protect this area. Please be conscious of that fact. This is a very diverse hike as you'll hike through the forest, alpine meadows and the lake. Good weather is preferred of course.
- This website shows all the trails around Lake O'Hara and includes a map
Day 6
- Paradise Valley - This is a longer hike. There is a possibility to go one way, camp the night (you have to make reservations ahead of time) and go back in the morning. You get to see Mount Temple and the Giant Steps Waterfall.
Packing List - mid July:
- Hiking Shoes
- Hiking Pants/Athletic Pants
- Waterproof and Windproof Jacket
- Thin Gloves and Hat
- Layers: base layer and warm sweater - it gets cold closer to the glaciers
- Backpack
- Sunscreen and Sunglasses
- Baseball Cap
- Water-bottle
- Camera and a Tripod
- Bear Spray and Bug Repellent