Discover Banff's Beauty: A 5-Day Hiking and Sightseeing Tour

Your Canadian adventure begins in Calgary, Alberta. After landing, pick up your rental car and embark on a scenic drive to Lake Louise, about a two-hour journey. Once you settle into your hotel and have dinner, you can embark on your first adventure. Head up to the famous Lake Louise and enjoy a peaceful evening stroll around the lake, taking in the stunning scenery. Parking is free after 7 pm and the crowds are a lot lighter.

Day two starts early with a return to Lake Louise, but not for the lakeshore alone this time. Embark on the Lake Agnes Teahouse hike, a moderate-level trail that takes you past the picturesque Mirror Lake and up to the charming Lake Agnes Tea House. This historic tea house, nestled amid the stunning mountain scenery, offers a welcome respite with its selection of teas, snacks and light meals. It's the perfect spot to relax and soak in the views before continuing your hike or returning to Lake Louise. If you are feeling up for more, you can continue up to Little Beehive, which is only an additional 30 minutes one way, where you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas of Lake Louise from above. Take your time to soak in the beauty of the surrounding mountains. Once you have gotten your fill of the Little Beehive or Lake Agnes, begin your descent back to the lakeshore.

In the afternoon, you will make your way to Lake Moraine, another iconic gem in Banff National Park. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the lake, taking in its turquoise waters and towering peaks. You can climb the Rockpile for a unique perspective of Moraine Lake. This short but rewarding hike offers stunning panoramic views of the lake and its surrounding mountains.

If you want to break away from the crowds and feel up for another hike, the hike to Consolation Lake. This lake is anything but a consolation. This moderate-level hike takes you through a picturesque forest and leads to Consolation Lake, a smaller, more secluded lake surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

Check out of your Lake Louise accommodation and start your journey along the Icefields Parkway. This 230-kilometer scenic highway winds through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, offering incredible views of mountains, glaciers and lakes which will have you wanting to stop often.

Head first to the Parker Ridge Trailhead, which is towards the end of Icefields Parkway, taking in the views along the way. This hike ends with stunning views of the Saskatchewan Glacier.

After completing this hike, you will begin your drive back, stopping at all of the wonderful viewpoints you passed on the way up.

The first stop is Big Bend Viewpoint, where you'll be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This is only a short drive from Parker Ridge.

Next, stop at Mistaya Canyon, a towering gorge carved by the Mistaya River. Take a short walk along the rim of the canyon for stunning views of the waterfall and surrounding landscape.

After Mistaya, make a brief stop at Waterfowl Lake, a small but picturesque lake surrounded by mountains before continuing on to Peyto Lake.

Peyto Lake is renowned as one of Canada's most photographed lakes, and captivates visitors with its vibrant turquoise hue, a result of glacial silt and algae. For a more secluded experience, consider venturing beyond the main viewpoint of Peyto Lake and hiking to the panoramic viewpoint, where you can escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the turquoise waters and surrounding mountains.

Lastly, you will stop at Bow Lake, which is a picturesque glacial lake known for its serene beauty and stunning backdrop of mountains and glaciers. Its turquoise waters, reflecting the surrounding peaks, create a picture-perfect scene. Bow Lake is a popular spot for photography, picnics and leisurely walks along its shoreline.

Continue the drive back to the town of Banff or Canmore and check in to your next hotel. After settling in, take some time to explore either town and grab dinner and/or drinks.

For an early start, consider visiting Two Jack Lake to catch the sunrise. This tranquil lake offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife. Even if you don't catch the sunrise, a short scenic drive around Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka is a must. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and take in the peaceful atmosphere.

Next, head to Sunshine Village, a popular ski resort that offers stunning views and a variety of activities year-round. Take the gondola and chairlift up to one of the peaks for panoramic views of Sunshine Meadows from the Standish Viewing Deck, including Rock Isle Lake, Grizzly Lake and Laryx Lake.

If you are interested in doing some hiking in the area, there are several great options. For a shorter hike, follow the trail down from the viewing deck to the Rock Isle Junction and then continue down Rock Isle Road to the Village. This ends back at the top of the gondola. For a longer option, you can take a right at the Rock Isle Junction, to complete the Grizzly/Laryx Loop first.

For the last day of the trip, you will spend the day in Kananaskis Country. Kananaskis Country, located just outside of Banff National Park, is a vast and rugged wilderness area encompassing a diverse landscape of mountains, forests, rivers and lakes. It's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking and wildlife viewing. Kananaskis Country provides a quieter and more secluded experience compared to the bustling Banff townsite, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature's tranquility.

For a challenging but rewarding hike, try the Tent Ridge Horseshoe Trail. This five-to-six-hour hike includes steep inclines and a rock scramble, but the views of Spray Lake and the surrounding mountains are worth the effort.

The hike begins at the Spray Lakes trailhead, where you will follow a well-marked trail through a dense forest. The trail gradually climbs, and you will soon reach a series of switchbacks that lead up to the first viewpoint. From here, you will have stunning views of Spray Lake and the surrounding peaks.

After enjoying the views, continue along the trail, which becomes steeper and more challenging. You will eventually reach a rock scramble, which requires some scrambling and the use of your hands. The rock scramble is short but challenging, and it is important to be careful and take your time.

Once you have completed the rock scramble, you will reach the summit of Tent Ridge. From here, you will have 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Take some time to enjoy the views and rest before beginning your descent.

The descent is just as challenging as the ascent, and it is important to be careful and take your time. The trail is steep and slippery, and there are several sections of loose rock. Once you reach the bottom of the descent, you will follow a well-marked trail back to the trailhead.