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.

You'll have a dedicated tour leader on this small group trip as you explore all of my favorite handpicked spots throughout Banff.

You'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 25th - 31st led by Travel With Wes tour leader Luke Windle

This tour features accommodations at the Kenrick Hotel in the heart of Banff.

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

You can read more about this trip and learn about your specific tour leader at my website Travelwithwes.com.

Review the tour cancellation policy here.

My name is Wes, I'm a certified travel advisor and the founder of Travel With Wes. I've been exploring the world since 2010 and have visited 30+ countries (and counting).

I love travel because it's the best way to experience different cultures, stand in front of some of the most beautiful places on Earth and take part in adventures unique to each destination, whether that's chasing the Northern Lights above the Arctic Circle or hiking through the Canadian Rockies.

I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio 🇺🇸 which I still proudly call home to this day. It's the perfect home base for enjoying life between adventures!

What makes a Travel With Wes trip different 🤔

Every trip is professionally curated from start to finish.

As a certified travel advisor, I only offer trips to destinations I've personally explored, and every hotel, activity and restaurant has to meet my high expectations before it earns a spot on the itinerary.

All the research, vetting and logistics are handled long before you pack your bags, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy the experience!

Every departure is also guided by an experienced tour leader who's with the group every step of the way.

On many trips that's me, and on select departures you'll travel with one of my handpicked tour leaders, chosen because they share my commitment to detail and deliver the same seamless Travel With Wes experience.

You can learn more about me and my travels, and join the 75,000+ people who already follow along on social media using the links below:

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Be sure to check Travel With Wes's 5.0 star ⭐️ rating on Google! You can also read reviews from travelers who have participated on my trips.

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

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, schedule a call to chat and answer questions!

I'm always happy to set up a time for us to talk 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 one of my trips.

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

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 a group welcome dinner at Three Bears in town (Wes's favorite spot).

Before and after dinner you'll be free to explore the town of Banff at your own pace - which is easily walkable from your hotel.

*Some guests choose to arrive in Calgary 1 night early to make their arrival day easier. If you do, I recommend staying at the airport in terminal Marriott hotel.

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 near the town of Field for a quick lunch (included) 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 hotel for the evening.

On your third day in Banff you'll spend the morning exploring Johnston Canyon.

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

After exploring Johnston Canyon you'll be dropped off at the Banff Gondola to enjoy as much time at the summit as you'd like. The views are out of this world and it's a great spot to have lunch before returning to town in the late afternoon.

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

Take your pick between a 3 or 6 hour visit as there are two shuttle returns offered.

3 Hour Visit: If you choose to skip the hike, you can either some extra time walking around Moraine Lake, canoeing, browsing the gift shop and head back on the early shuttle pickup.

6 Hour Visit: 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!

Either option will have you back in Banff by the early afternoon with plenty of time to refresh and hit the town for dinner.

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.

Lunch is included today since you'll have limited options on the parkway!

On your final day, you'll start early at Lake Louise, one of Banff National Park's most iconic spots, Lake Louise.

You'll have a choice between a 3 hour or 6 hour visit here.

3 Hour Visit: Walk the lakeshore, take so many photos, rent a canoe, swim in the lake or pop into the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel.

6 Hour Visit: Hike to the Lake Agnes Agnes Tea House which is only reachable by foot. Along the way you'll enjoy different views of Lake Louise and stop for a break at Mirror Lake.

If you want a challenge, continue past the tea house to the Big Beehive viewpoint for one of my all time favorite hiking views overlooking Lake Louise.

After hiking go for a swim (or soak your feet) in the turquoise waters.

The day wraps up with a return to Banff, leaving you free to explore or unwind in town.

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.

It's advised that you don't book a departing flight prior to 10:30am to ensure you can transfer to Calgary and check in to your flight with adequate time.

*Some guests choose to spend this night in Calgary (I recommend the Airport in terminal Marriott) so they can catch an earlier flight home the following day.