The Ultimate 1 Day Itinerary To Banff (2025)

Banff is one of the most famous towns in Canada. Not only is it the gateway to the Canadian Rockies, but also the base of the famous Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Yearly, Banff welcomes thousands of visitors and while most come for the main attractions, I highly recommend planning a 1 day itinerary to Banff to discover what the town itself has to offer.

When I visited, it rained the entire day, and we arrived with fairly low expectations. But to our surprise, Banff offered plenty to see and do, even in just one day.

If you’re planning a longer trip, Banff National Park is well worth more time. In fact, you could easily spend 2 days or even 4 or 5 days in Banff and still have plenty to explore.

What Does This 1 Day Itinerary to Banff Include?

In this 1 day itinerary to Banff, I’ve put together the top attractions around the town of Banff, along with the best things to see and do in a single day. I’ve also included must-try restaurants and extra ideas in case you have more time to explore.

A Bit of History and Some Fun Facts about Banff

Banff is one of the oldest towns in Canada. It’s located within Banff National Park, which is Canada’s first national park, established in 1885. In fact, Banff might not be the tourist destination we know today if it weren’t for the railway workers who discovered the natural hot springs on Sulphur Mountain. That discovery sparked the idea of developing the area into a spa and tourist retreat.

If you’re wondering where the name Banff comes from — it was inspired by Banffshire, a town in Scotland and the birthplace of two Canadian Pacific Railway executives.

During my visit to Banff, I came across some FUN FACTS about the town, which I want to share with you:

1. Banff is the Highest Town in Canada: it sits at an elevation of 1,383 meters (4,537 feet).
2. It all began with the Hot Springs: the Banff Upper Hot Springs were once thought to have healing properties, attracting early visitors from across Canada and even Europe.
3. Bear-Proof Town: Banff has strict rules around garbage and food storage to avoid attracting bears. In fact, you’ll see animal-proof bins everywhere in town. This is very common for all mountain towns in Canada, including Whistler.
4. Canada’s First National Park: Banff National Park was the first national park in Canada and the third in the world (after Yellowstone in the USA and Royal in Australia).
5. Local Residents: despite its international popularity, Banff has a permanent population of fewer than 8,000 people.
6. Wildlife overpasses: these wildlife crossings are designed to allow animals cross the Trans-Canada Highway safely and help reduce collisions.
7. UNESCO Heritage site: Banff National Park is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site, which also includes Jasper, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks, along with Mount Robson, Mount Assiniboine, and Hamber Provincial Parks.

Things to Know Before Visiting Banff

Banff is no ordinary town and there are some important things you should know before your visit:

1. Banff Town is located in a National Park, which means you need a Pass. The best value for money is the Discovery Pass (annual pass). But, in 2025, Parks Canada waived the national park fees between June 20 to September 2, 2025.
2. The weather changes quickly. Just as an example, it snowed in July 2025 along the Icefields Parkway.
3. Parking can be limited. I highly recommend parking outside Downtown Banff and walking there instead. Check out free public lots at the following link.
4. Wildlife can be spotted in Banff Town. In these cases, keep your distance and NEVER feed wildlife.
5. Banff is a tourist hub. Anything from accommodation to dining is quite expensive. So, consider booking early and alternating between eating out and having a picnic on a mountaintop.

How To Spend 1 Day in Banff Town

If you only have one day to explore Banff, don’t worry. There’s plenty to see and do right in town and nearby. If you’re looking for a 1 day itinerary to Banff, you’re in the right place. I’ve picked the best spots to visit, things to do, and places to eat. In fact, that’s how I’ve personally spent 1 day in Banff and had a great time!

Stop for a Picture with the Banff Sign

Although a bit touristy, a visit to Banff isn’t complete without snapping a photo at the iconic Banff Sign. The sign is located at the entrance of the town, just across the street from the Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre. If you want to snap a picture with the Banff Sign, you can park your car at the rec centre and just walk there.

📌Good to Know: the Banff Sign will have soon a new home! The Town of Banff announced that the entrance sign will be moved to Banff Train Station in October 2025. In fact, this move aims to help reduce traffic congestions near the current site.

Stroll Downtown Banff

If it’s your first time in Alberta or Canada, you should definitely make a stop in Downtown Banff. This small town is very picturesque, with a striking mountain backdrop and local shops along Banff Avenue. Check out some of the souvenir shops, grab a coffee or a snack before leaving.

Walk to Cascade Gardens

If you continue to the end of Banff Avenue and cross the bridge, you’ll arrive at Cascade Gardens. These beautiful gardens are completely free to visit and just minutes away from downtown Banff.

Interestingly, the site was once the first administration building of Parks Canada. Surrounded by rose gardens, water ponds and a waterfall, Cascade Gardens offer well-marked paths for you to explore. But, please stay on the paths to protect the surrounding vegetation.

Stop for Lunch in Downtown Banff

Continue your day in Banff by enjoying a warm meal at one of the town’s excellent restaurants. We went to Three Bears Brewery, known especially for its delicious pizza and craft beer.

FAVORITE RESTAURANTS AND CAFES IN BANFF:

• ☕️ Wild Flour Bakery
• ☕️ Whitebark Cafe
• 🍽️ Banff Poutine
• 🍽️ Three Bears Brewery
• 🍽️ Banff Ave Brewing
• 🍽️ Nourish
• 🍽️ The Block

Explore Cave and Basin National Historic Site

The Cave and Basin National Historic Site is a short drive from the Cascade Gardens. This fascinating spot features natural hot springs and interactive exhibits that tell the story of Banff’s origins. You can stroll along wooden walkways outside as well as head indoors for a closer look at the cave itself.

💡Local Tip: Usually, the admission to the area is $9 for adults (or included in the Discovery Pass). But, from June 20 to September 2, 2025 the entrance to the site is free.

Hike Through Johnston Canyon

Although Johnston Canyon is technically outside Banff town, it’s a fantastic addition to any 1 day itinerary to Banff. The hike is easy and suitable for all ages, making it great for families. However, it can get quite crowded, so it’s best to start early in the morning.

The hike takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete. I recommend heading straight to the Upper Falls. In fact, when we visited, the line at the Lower Falls was incredibly long. So, we skipped it and continued hiking to the upper viewpoint instead.

Bonus Activity for a 1 Day Itinerary to Banff

If you have some extra time in your 1 day itinerary to Banff, consider exploring the iconic Sulphur Mountain. You can either hike to the summit or take the scenic Banff Gondola for a quicker ride up. At the top, soak in the breathtaking views of the Rockies and enjoy a delicious meal at Sky Bistro.

Note: If you’re planning to hike in Banff National Park (or anywhere in Canada!) don’t forget to carry bear spray. Visitors from abroad can either purchase it locally or rent it for the duration of their trip.

Is 1 Day Enough to Spend in Banff?

While you could easily spend several days exploring Banff and its surroundings, 1 day in Banff is enough to experience many of the town’s highlights. With a well-planned 1 day itinerary to Banff, you can stroll through downtown, visit historic sites, enjoy scenic views as well as fit in a short hike or gondola ride.

But, if you have more time, you can plan a 2 day itinerary or even a 4 day itinerary in Banff.

Are You Planning 2 Days in Banff?

If you have more than just one day, even better! 2 days in Banff gives you more time to explore beyond the town itself. On your second day, you could visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake or hike to Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park for more outdoor adventures.

But if you prefer a more relaxed itinerary, you can also explore more local dining spots and scenic viewpoints that you might not squeeze into a 1 day itinerary to Banff.