Exploring Banff for 3 Days: A Group Adventure of Breathtaking Moments

There's something extraordinary about embarking on a weekend travel adventure with a group of friends. The laughter and shared experiences amplify the joy of exploring new destinations. Recently, my group of friends and I went on a 3-day long weekend trip to Banff. This nature filled destination with majestic mountains of the Canadian Rockies & turquoise lakes, got us excited to prepare for this adventure. Here are the highlights of our journey and the breathtaking moments we shared during our group getaway to Banff.

Day 0: Arrival and Late-Night Check-in

Our journey began with a flight from New York City to Calgary, with a layover in Toronto. The plan was to have a 2 hour layover, but we got caught in a major delay 😭. Once we landed, we grabbed our rental car and drove straight to our hostel in Banff called HI Banff Alpine Center. By the time we checked in, it was 3am and tired, but we were excited about the private room we reserved for the 5 of us. The showers and rooms were clean, common areas were cozy, and most of all the staff were very kind. We quickly showered and prepped for the next day, because we had planned to wake up bright and early to drive up to Lake Louise to be the first few people to grab parking.

Day 1: Majestic Beauty at Lake Louise, Teahouse Hike and Icefields Parkway

Lake Louise in the Morning

Our first full day in Banff was dedicated to discovering the awe-inspiring beauty of Lake Louise. The week we went was actually still off-season (the last week of May) so there were so many uncertainties about availabilities for roads, activities, parking. So we planned to head out bright and early to get parking by Lake Louise. We got some coffee and breakfast at the hostel, and enjoyed the view outside their porch before heading out. We arrived at Lake Louise at around 8:30am, early enough to get parking right by the lake. Parking was around $21 for the day.

As we walked towards the lake, the magnificent sight of the ice-capped mountains reflecting on the pristine waters left us in awe. The weather was perfect. Clear blue sky, clear blue lake. It was the most beautiful sight. Our cameras were ready to capture the breathtaking moments, and we eagerly posed against the backdrop of nature's masterpiece. Even early in this morning, families & couples surrounded the edges of the lake.

We found a trail that led up to Lake Agnes & Little Beehive Trail. We navigated through the trail and relished the panoramic views of Lake Louise from above. We stopped at various points to get used to the altitude and to take some pictures. Along the way, we heard a loud noise echoing throughout the mountain ranges. It was an avalanche! We couldn't see it in action, but we saw powdery snow floating in the air where the avalanche would have been. Mirror Lake was along the way and was a good stop before approaching the waterfall coming down from Lake Agnes. This is where the Teahouse is located, which is only open from June to Thanksgiving time. Unfortunately we were just a bit too early for the Teahouse, but it would have been a nice touch once you reach the top of the hike.

After coming down from the hike, we noticed the Lake Louise was completely turquoise compared to the clear reflective water from the morning. We also noticed there were canoes being paddled off the dock. We got so lucky, because canoeing is usually only open during the in-season, and open during the off-season only if weather permits. But we were so hungry, so we ate some food at the Alpine Social at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel. We made the mistake of taking too much time eating that the canoe dock closed before we got to enjoy the ride. 😅 So we decided to come back the next day.

Bow Lake

In the afternoon, we set off on a scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway, making a stop at Hector Lake & Bow Lake. Standing together, we marveled at the tranquility and grandeur of the lake, framed by majestic peaks. It was a moment of serenity that bonded us even further, reminding us of the beauty of nature and experiencing it with each other. We made a stop at HI Hostel at Rampart Creek. This was more of a campground more so than a hostel. But we were able to enjoy the views off the campground that sits between the Rockies.

Day 2: Glaciers, Canoeing, and Craft Brews

Day two we headed slightly north towards the Athabasca Glaciers. We ate our breakfast at a buffet at the Altitude Restaurant. Being born and raised in New York, it's rare to be surrounded mountains, beaming sunlight, and sights of glaciers all at the same time! After our glacier expedition, we headed back to Lake Louise to catch that canoe ride. We were blessed yet again with wonderful bright weather. We ordered 2 canoes (around $145/hour at the time), and paddled across the calm lake. The view from the water was so relaxing and peaceful. It made us so happy that the weather was on our side and excursions/activities were running during our visit in off-season.

6 Beer Flight at Banff Ave Brewing Co.

In the evening, we arrived at the town of Banff. It is a small, quaint town, but a beautiful one. We at a snack at Tama Sushi right by their outdoor eating section by the main street. The street leads straight into a view of mountains. After a snack, we stopped by Banff Ave Brewing Co, a perfect spot to unwind and reflect on the day's adventures with a flight of beer. We got a seat on their balcony with a beautiful overlook of the street and mountains. We raised our glasses in a toast, savoring the local craft brews while recounting the incredible moments we had shared. The ambiance of the brewery provided the ideal backdrop for the laughter and conversations that filled the air. We loved the beers and the selection they had. What made it even more special was that they brewed every single beer in-house!

We ate Una Pizza & Wine for a hearty meal. Highly recommend the kale salad and their signature pizza. A night cap at Añejo for some $6 happy hour margs, and we headed back to HI Banff Alpine Center Hostel. It was a night of reminiscing the experience we had the last two days, appreciating the fact that we can travel to experience something outside of the hustling city of NY.

Day 3: Exploring Banff and Farewell

On our final day in Banff, we took the time to explore the charming town again for some coffee & shopping. As a group, we strolled along the streets, exploring the local gift shops, brands originating in Canada (like Lululemon & Canada Goose) and art galleries that lined the way. As a physical therapist and trainer, I hauled on some cute Lululemon gear to wear at work. We stopped by a cute cafe called Wild Flour for some coffee and banana muffins. After some last minute shopping it was time to head back home. We drove back to Calgary for our direct flight back to New York. (No delays this time)

Our 3-day group adventure in Banff surpassed all expectations. From the majestic mountains at Lake Louise to the vibrant town of Banff, every moment was heightened by the shared laughter, camaraderie, and joy that comes with exploring a new place with friends. Banff's natural wonders provided the backdrop for countless breathtaking moments that we will forever treasure. This trip reminded us of the power of friendship and the magic that unfolds when we embark on adventures together. As we returned home, we carried with us the bonds we had formed and the memories that will continue to bring smiles to our faces. Banff, thank you for an extraordinary experience that will forever be etched in our hearts.

Excited for our next adventure moments 😊