3 Days in Banff National Park in the Spring Time

Located only about 90 minutes from Calgary, arriving in Banff is pretty easy. Grab your rental car and drive in. Try to get a car with at least all-wheel drive as the weather is so unpredictable in this part of the world. Enjoy lunch at Melissa's. I had the beef deep, made with Alberta beef. This was an amazing start to our weekend. Delicious! We headed west, deeper into the mountains to Marble Canyon. This hike is a bit of a hidden gem. It's very short, and really more of a walk than a hike. It's just less than a mile in length. But you hike along a gorgeous river that leads into a gorge, and ends with a waterfall. The water is a spectacular shade of turquoise. Bring your camera and some water. And take your time. From here, head up to Lake Louise, and then over to Takakkaw Falls. Lake Louise will likely be frozen over through the end of October until the middle of June, but it is still an amazing view with the most beautiful mountains.

Stay at the beautiful Mount Royal Hotel. This four-star hotel is located right in downtown Banff, which makes it the perfect place to park your car and walk everywhere in the townsite. Parking can be VERY limited, so staying central to the city makes it so much nicer for dinner, as well as exploring the town itself.

We were literally able to park and walk across the street for all of our meals. Pro tip, make sure to savor a beavertail (a local Canadian dessert) in Banff. It will satisfy your sweet tooth.

On your second day in Banff, drive up to Sulfur Mountain and ride the gondola to the top. If the weather is clear, or you're feeling adventurous, hike up Sulfur Mountain for your views. It is a well-traveled and moderate hike that will take you anywhere from two and a half to four hours.

Taking the gondola up is also an option. This is the oldest gondola ride in Canada. It takes you approximately 7,500 feet up to the top, where you'll enjoy views for days. Be prepared, as it's about 15 degrees (F) colder at the top compared to down below.

Make your lunch reservations at the Sky Bistro at least a month in advance for full relaxation and enjoyment. Once you arrive back at Banff, head about 25 minutes west to Johnston Canyon. If there is snow on the ground, there is snow in the canyon. It's not a bad idea to throw some spikes for your shoes in your pack.

It's about three miles round trip to the upper falls. This is a classic Banff hike. Absolutely gorgeous. It's an easy hike, but the weather can be cooler in the canyon.

Before you leave Banff, head over to Surprise Corner just down Tunnel Mountain Road. You'll get a beautiful view of the Banff Springs Hotel as well as Bow River. This is also right by the trailhead to Hoodoos Trail, an easy 5.5 mile trail with beautiful views. Keep your eyes peeled for bears!

Leaving Surprise Corner, head over to Bow River Falls, which is about a five-minute drive. Here you can get right up to the river for a perfect view of the Falls. Heading east out of Banff, stop by Tim Hortons for a double-double and some TimBits for your drive into Canmore.

For lunch, grab a quick sandwich from Bella Crusta and head to Spray Lakes. Here you'll have incredible views of the Three Sisters Mountain Peaks. Grassi Lakes is a ten-minute drive up from here, an easy one-mile-in hike to a gorgeous, crystal clear lake. An after-dinner walk is always a good idea. I recommend the Bow River loop, via Engine Bridge. This is an iconic bridge which was featured in the television show "The Last of Us," be on the lookout for elk. Take a seat on the bridge and watch folks reel the fish in at the river.

Extend your Banff adventure and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Rockies. Contact me for personalized itinerary plans to make the most of your extra days in this stunning national park.