Looking for a Banff to Glacier itinerary? Planning an epic road trip through Glacier National Park and Banff?
If you’re looking for a great mountain road trip, this one will leave you in awe. You will drive through three national parks within two countries. This road trip through Banff and Glacier National Parks, with stops along the Cowboy Trails and Waterton Lakes National Park, is one not to be missed.
This 10-day itinerary shows you the best spots from three national parks in two countries (Canada and USA… don’t forget your passports!). From beautiful lakes in Banff to cool waterfalls in Glacier National Park, you’ll see places like Lake Louise, go on beautiful hikes, and even spot some wildlife.
This Banff and Glacier National Park itinerary is about seeing amazing places and having fun outdoors.
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Banff to Glacier Itinerary RECAP
- Days 1-3: Visit Banff National Park. See Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, and drive the Icefields Parkway.
- Day 4: Drive the Cowboy Trail to Waterton Lakes.
- Days 5-6: Explore Waterton Lakes National Park. Hike trails and see waterfalls.
- Day 7: Travel to Glacier National Park.
- Days 8-10: Enjoy Glacier National Park. Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road and hike to see lakes and waterfalls.
DAY 1-3: Banff National Park
Day 1: Moraine Lake, downtown Banff
On your first day in Banff, wake up early and visit Moraine Lake. You’ll need to book your shuttle to Moraine Lake in advance, as it’s not possible to drive your own car.
Once at Moraine Lake, hike to the Moraine Lake Rockpile. It’s an easy trail that will let you admire the lake from a higher viewpoint. It’s 0.8 km out and back and has only 10 m of elevation gain! You’ll have a wonderful lake view.
💡 PRO-TIP: Want to continue hiking?
Try the Consolation Lakes Trail. This is another beautiful trail surrounded by a lush forest. The lakes here are not turquoise like Moraine, but they’re still beautiful to explore! It’s 7.4 km out-and-back with 262 m of elevation gain.
When ready, you can drive back into town and explore downtown Banff. Walk around Banff Avenue and shop around. If you’re traveling with kids, stop at one of the candy stores and let them burn off some energy at the kids’ playground at Central Park.
You can walk across the bridge and wander at the Cascade of Time garden.
Day 2: Icefields Parkway
On your second day, drive along the Icefield Parkways. I don’t recommend driving to Jasper round-trip in a day, but if you can add a couple of extra days, it’s definitely worth it.
If you have a full day, I recommend driving to Peyto Lake and turning around. If you want to venture further, you can drive to the Columbia Icefields, which is 136 km away from Lake Louise.
On the way, make sure to stop at Bow Lake. It’s a great place for a picnic and to walk near the lake. Then, hike to Peyto Lake overlook. It’s a short and easy trail with a wonderful view of the wolf-shaped lake.
If you decide to continue to the ice fields, take your time and walk around. It’s pretty impressive.
💡 PRO-TIP: Bring some layers. It can get cold and windy near the glacier.
Day 3: Lake Louise
On your last day in Banff, you’ll want to visit the iconic Lake Louise. I highly recommend planning for a few hours and adding the beautiful hike to Lake Agnes. It’s a 7.4-km out-and-back trail that leads to Lake Agnes and the historic teahouse. During this trail, you’ll have beautiful views over Lake Louise and grab a tea and chocolate cake at the teahouse. It’s pretty cool.
Why not visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake on the same day?
I don’t recommend visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake on the same day. Yes, you’ll save on shuttle fees, but it’s time-consuming, especially during peak season. There might be a lot of waiting for the shuttle at the main parking lot at Lake Louise Ski Resort and at each lake. It becomes an overwhelming day. If you plan to visit the lakes to grab a few pictures, you can surely visit both on the same day. But if you’re planning on doing a hike, I would recommend fully enjoying each lake and what the area has to offer and splitting it in two.
Enjoy the rest of your day in Banff. You can visit Cave & Basin National Historic Site and catch the sunset at Vermillion Lakes.
Day 4: Drive along the Cowboy Trail (AB-22) to Waterton Lakes
The drive from Banff to Waterton Lakes National Park via the Cowboy Trail is 375 km. You’ll pass between the prairies and the mountains, and it’s a beautiful drive.
There are so many great stops along the way, but our favorites are:
- Bragg Creek: It’s a unique historic town with a cowboy vibe. It’s at the start of the Cowboy Trail when driving from Banff. You can stop in the historic center, visit a few art galleries and local shops, and grab lunch at the Powderhorn Saloon.
- Bar U Ranch National Historic Site: Located in Longview, the Bar U Ranch is a living museum that recreates ranching life from the late 1800s. Visitors can visit a few historic buildings, ride a horse sleigh, and learn about the farming era.
💡PRO-TIP: Stop at the Longview Jerky Shop for beef jerky just before heading to Bar U Ranch.
- Lundbreck Falls: The Lunbreck Falls is approximately 1.2 km off the Crowsnest Highway. You can walk around the park and see the waterfalls from the top or walk down for another perspective.
- Waterton Scenic Spot: This is a beautiful scenic spot on the way to Waterton Lakes National Park. You’ll have a great view of the area. It’s a great picnic spot.
Once you get to Waterton Lakes National Park, enjoy the townsite. You can walk around the little town and the marina.
💡 PRO-TIP: Find the red Parks Canada chairs at Marina Point.
Day 5-6: Waterton Lakes National Park
Waterton Lakes National Park is a unique Canadian Rockies’ national park. After visiting Banff, you’ll see that they are completely different, still both worth visiting.
Day 5: Bear’s Hump, Prine of Wales, Cameron Falls
Start your first day with an epic hike: the Bear’s Hump hiking trail. It’s one of those hike that is short, but the rewards are amazing. It’s s a 2.8 km out-and-back trail, but it’s considered as moderate due to its steep incline. It is an elevation gain of 255 m. The hike is still feasible with young children.
💡 PRO-TIP: Look around on your way up, and you might see some mountain goats.
At the summit, you’ll have a 360° view of Glacier and Waterton parks, the Prince of Wales Hotel, and the Waterton Valley and Upper Waterton Lake.
Then, head over to the Prince of Wales Hotel and wander around. You might be able to attend a high tea or simply enjoy the views from the hotel.
Later in the afternoon, see the Cameron Falls. They are located right in the township, near the campground. You can walk to the falls from downtown or park at one of the nearby parking spots. If you still have the energy, you could also hike to Lower Bertha Falls. It’s a 5.3-km out-and-back trail from the campground.
End your day by Upper Waterton Lake.
Day 6: Red Rock Canyon
On your last day in Waterton Lakes, you can drive to Red Rock Canyon. The Red Rock Parkway is a 15-km scenic drive. During your drive, you’ll drive through beautiful spots and other Waterton hikes opportunities such as:
- Bellevue Trailhead
- Crandell Lake Trailhead
There are also a few viewpoints and picnic areas.
You can hike to Red Rock Canyon at the end of the road.
You might also want to drive along the Akamina Parkway if time permits. It’s a 16 km drive that leads to Cameron Lake.
Day 7: Drive from Waterton Lakes to Glacier National
The drive from Waterton Lakes National Park to Glacier National Park is short. It will take you:
- Less than 100 km to St. Mary
- 255 km to West Glacier
💡 PRO-TIP: Don’t forget your passport!
On your way out of Waterton Lakes, stop at the Bison Paddock Loop Road, where you can see the bison herd.
When you get to Glacier National Park (St. Mary entrance), you can take the shuttle (or your car if you have an entry reservation) and hike St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls. It’s a 2.9-mile (4.7-km) out-and-back easy trail that allows you to admire both waterfalls.
💡 PRO-TIP: Watch out for grizzly bears. When we visited, we had to turn around after St.Mary Falls because of a grizzly bear on the trail. Be bear aware and always carry bear spray.
Day 8-10: Glacier National Park
Day 8: Many Glacier
Start your first full day in Glacier National Park at Many Glacier.
You can start by hiking the Swiftcurrent Nature Trail, which is perfect for families. This 2.6-mile (4.8-kilometer) loop around Swiftcurrent Lake offers relatively flat terrain, gorgeous scenery, and possible wildlife sightings.
Then, take the Many Glacier boat tour to see Grinnell Lake. The boat tour goes to Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine. It’s only a 0.9-mile (one-way) hike to reach the lake from the boat dock. Otherwise, if you don’t take the boat, it’s a 7.1-mile loop from Many Glacier Inn.
You’ll also see Lake Josephine on the Many Glacier boat tour.
Day 9: Going-to-the-Sun Road
On your second day in Glacier National Park, with a drive on the Going-to-the-Sun road.
Note that you’ll need a vehicle reservation to drive your vehicle on the Going-to-the-Sun road. Otherwise, you must use the free park’s shuttles or enter before 6:00AM.
There are many stops to do on the drive. You’ll see many signs for viewpoints and hikes. But here is what we recommend for your day:
- Stop at Logan Pass and hike the Hidden Lake Overlook.
This 3.0-mile (4.8-kilometer) round-trip trail begins at Logan Pass. It offers breathtaking views of alpine meadows, jagged peaks, and the beautiful Hidden Lake.
Watch for potential wildlife encounters, as you may spot mountain goats, bighorn sheep, or even a bear in the distance. Remember to follow park guidelines and maintain a safe distance from any wildlife you encounter.
💡 PRO-TIP: Bring some layers as it gets windy and chilly at Logan Pass
- Oberlin Bend Overlook
It’s just a little past Logan Pass when you’re driving toward West Glacier. Mountain goats are often seen nearby, so take a chance.
- Big Bend
This is where the Going-to-the-Sun road bends to create a U-shape. There is a pull-off that offers beautiful panoramic views of the Glacier.
- Haystack Falls
- Trail of the Cedars
It’s a 0.9-mile (1.45-km) easy loop. Be careful; it’s an area frequented by grizzly bears. Always carry your bear spray, keep your kids close, and make noise.
There are many more hiking options in Glacier National Park for the family.
You can also continue hiking to Avalanche Lake from the Trail of the Cedars trailhead.
Day 10: Lake MacDonald & West Glacier
On your last day in Glacier National Park, enjoy Lake MacDonald and West Glacier.
You’ll love seeing the colorful pebbles of Lake MacDonald. Apgar Village and Lake MacDonald Lodge are great places to enjoy the lake.
Then, you can stroll West Glacier and shop (don’t miss Huckleberry products).
If time allows, you might want to venture to Polebridge to taste a bear claw. Tasting a Bear Claw in Polebridge is an experience that should not be missed when visiting Glacier National Park. This small, off-the-grid town feels like a step back and offers a unique charm that resonates with every visitor.
Final Thoughts: Banff to Glacier Itinerary
From Banff’s crystal-clear lakes to Glacier National Park’s icy wonders, you’ve experienced some of the best outdoor sights. Remember the fun of exploring downtown Banff, the thrill of spotting wildlife, and the peace of standing atop a glacier.
This trip isn’t just about the places you’ll visit; it’s about the adventures you’ll have and the stories you’ll tell.
