Overview

Best of Banff National Park | Canada
Banff, AB, Canada
Duration: 7 days
Travel With Wes image
Travel With Wes
$4,750
Deposit: $500

About your trip

Enjoy the best of Banff National Park without spending a minute on planning, even if you aren't a hiker!


Located in the Canadian Rockies 🇨🇦, Banff National Park has become a Mecca for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.


I’ll be your dedicated guide and photographer 📸 on this small group trip as we explore my favorite viewpoints and some of the best hiking trails within the park.


We'll visit popular spots in the area such as Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, The Icefields Parkway, Columbia Icefields, Yoho National Park and more!


Ever since my first visit to Banff I’ve been in love with this place. It’s home to some of the best hiking in North America 🥾 but also offers a ton of less intense activities that help round out your trip.


Available dates for this tour include the following:


📆 July 12th - 18th, 2026


This tour features luxurious 4-star accommodations at the Rimrock Resort & Hotel in the town of Banff.


Each morning our group's private transportation will pick us up at the hotel and take us to different areas of Banff and Yoho National Parks.


You can read more about this trip at my website Travelwithwes.com.

Review the tour cancellation policy here.

🇨🇦 About Your Guide

My name is Wes - I'm a travel junkie who has visited 30+ countries and counting.


I love travel because it's a great way to experience different cultures, visit some of the most beautiful places on Earth and take part in adventurous activities unique to the destinations I visit.


I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio 🇺🇸 which I still call home to this day. It serves as the perfect home base for enjoying life back home when I'm not out on the road exploring!


On my tours you'll enjoy a high level of attention to detail and planning. I'm an experienced guide and I've already spent days exploring Banff by foot and car, and I can't wait to show you all of the natural beauty that the Canadian Rockies 🏔️ have to offer.


You can learn more about me, my travels and join the 50,000+ people who already follow along with me on social media using the links below:


Instagram

TikTok

YouTube

Facebook


Be sure to check out my 5.0 star ⭐️ rating on Google! You can also read reviews from travelers who have participated in my tours.


Have a question about the trip? Shoot me a message on Instagram or text me at 513-202-3064, I'm here to help!

✅ How to Reserve Your Spot

You can use the "Book Now" button on this page to submit your deposit and secure your spot on the trip.

If you'd prefer - before submitting your deposit, we can get to know each other!


I'm always happy to set up a time for us to chat, video call or answer questions about my tours over email.


You can find my contact information below:


Wes Mergard

513-202-3064

wes@travelwithwes.com

www.travelwithwes.com


My social links:


Instagram

TikTok

YouTube

Facebook


If you're located in Cincinnati, I'm always happy to meet in person over coffee to discuss.

Once you're ready to reserve your spot, you can do so by submitting your deposit using the form on this page.


Can't wait to explore Banff National Park 🇨🇦 with you!

What's included

4 Star Lodging

6 Nights at the Luxurious Rimrock Resort in Banff

Breakfast (6)

Enjoy breakfast each morning at our resort.

Dinner (1)

Enjoy a complimentary 3 course meal at our resort.

Airport Transfers

Roundtrip transfers to and from the Calgary International Airport.

Activity Transportation

Private transportation for our group to and from all activities.

Park Admission

Park fees for visiting Banff National Park and Yoho National Park are included.

Activity Fees

Access fees for the Banff Gondola, Lake Minnewanka Boat Tour, Columbia Icefields, Columbia Skywalk.

What's not included

Flights

Airfare is not included in the trip price.

Other Meals

Unless otherwise noted.

Travel Insurance

I strongly encourage all travelers to insure their trips.

Day 1

Day 1 image

Welcome to Banff!

Upon arriving at Calgary International Airport, you’ll take a pre-arranged Brewster Express transfer to the Rimrock Resort in Banff, which takes about 2 hours.


Aim to land between 1 PM and 2 PM for a smooth check-in at 4 PM. The day’s main activity is the Banff Gondola, just steps from the resort, with plans to visit during sunset.


Consider dining at the resort or in town beforehand, or make a reservation at the Sky Bistro on Sulphur Mountain. After enjoying the sunset, it’s time to rest for the night.

Day 2

Day 2 image

Yoho National Park Highlights + Lake Minnewanka

On day two, you’ll explore the highlights of Yoho National Park, which is often overlooked by visitors.


Your first stop is Emerald Lake, where you can walk the nature loop, swim in the chilly waters, or rent a canoe.


There’s also a lovely café for snacks and drinks with stunning views.


Afterward, you’ll visit the Natural Bridge and then stop in the town of Field for supplies before heading to Takakkaw Falls, the second tallest waterfall in Canada.


You'll get close to the falls for fantastic photo opportunities, so be ready to get a bit wet!

Finally, you'll take a late afternoon cruise on Lake Minnewanka before returning to the resort for the evening.

Day 3

Day 3 image

Johnston Canyon

On our third day in Banff we'll spend the morning exploring Johnston Canyon.


The hike features a suspended trail with stunning waterfalls, and we'll start early to avoid crowds.


After exploring Johnston Canyon we'll return around lunch time, leaving you a free afternoon to spend as you please. Popular options that past guests have enjoyed include golfing, renting e-bikes, horseback riding or soaking in the nearby hot springs.


For dinner, consider checking out my favorite restaurant in Banff, The Three Bears Brewery for great food and drinks!

Day 4

Day 4 image

Morning at Moraine Lake, hike to Sentinel Pass

On day four, you'll start early for the iconic Moraine Lake, perfect for photography in the soft late morning light while avoiding crowds.


For those hiking, the group will head to Consolation Lakes, a 4.0 mile hike that features large boulder fields and a shaded hike along a stream before reaching the base of Mount Babel for lunch.


After hiking, you can either swim in the lake or rent a canoe to explore the waters.

If you choose to skip the hike, you can either spend some extra time walking around Moraine Lake or head back on the early shuttle pickup.

The day concludes with a return to the resort for a relaxed late afternoon and evening.

Day 5

Day 5 image

Exploring the Icefields Parkway

On day five, you'll experience the stunning Icefields Parkway, known as one of the world's most scenic drives.


The journey includes a stop at the Peyto Lake Upper Viewpoint, a highlight in Banff National Park.


The main goal is to reach the Columbia Icefield, where you'll ride onto the glacial ice and explore on foot, as well as enjoy views of Sunwapta Valley from the Skywalk.


You'll also stop to take in the beautiful Bow Lake. It will be a full day of activities, returning to Banff in the evening for a late dinner in town.

Day 6

Day 6 image

Lake Louise, Tea House and the Big Beehive

On our final day, you'll start early at Lake Louise, one of Banff National Park's most iconic spots. You'll have time to experience the vibrant lake before we head into the surrounding mountains on our hike.


The hike includes stops at Mirror Lake for a snack and the Lake Agnes Tea House for tea and stunning views. The roundtrip hike to the Tea House is around 4.0 miles.


After enjoying some tea, you can either head back to spend more time at Lake Louise or continue on to some nearby viewpoints. Adding on the Big Beehive stop to this hike will add around 2.5 miles of hike for 6.5 total on the day.

You'll also have an opportunity to canoe on Lake Louise if you'd like!


The day wraps up with a return to Banff, leaving you free to explore or unwind at the resort.

Day 7

Day 7 image

Depart from Banff

On day seven, the group will head back to Calgary for flights home.


The shuttle service to the airport takes about two hours, but it's wise to allow an extra 30 minutes.


Multiple shuttles are available, so you can choose one that fits your flight schedule.

Location

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1. Banff, AB, Canada

Banff, AB, Canada

About your organizer

TW
Travel With Wes
Welcome to Travel with Wes! I've turned some of my favorite travel destinations into group tours where you'll have the opportunity to meet other like minded travelers and form lasting friendships. Join me in exploring bucket list travel destinations on carefully crafted trip itineraries that live up to my high vacation standards!

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