8 day itinerary for Banff + Vancouver

Itinerary

An 8-day adventure in Banff and Vancouver sounds like a fantastic way to experience the stunning beauty of the Canadian Rockies and the vibrant city life of Vancouver. Let’s dive into an ideal itinerary that balances outdoor activities, relaxation, and a bit of urban exploration!

## Day 1: Arrival in Banff

Morning: Arrive in Banff! Check into your accommodation and get settled. If you’re feeling adventurous, grab a quick breakfast at a local café like the Wild Flour Bakery.

Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll around Banff Avenue. Visit the Banff Park Museum to get a feel for the local wildlife and history.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Maple Leaf, where you can savor some delicious Canadian cuisine. Don’t forget to try the bison or elk dishes!

## Day 2: Explore Banff National Park

Morning: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Tooloulou’s. Then, head to Lake Louise. Rent a canoe or take a walk around the lake to soak in the breathtaking views.

Afternoon: After lunch, hike the Lake Agnes Trail for stunning views of the lake and the iconic teahouse. It’s a moderate hike, and the scenery is absolutely worth it!

Evening: Return to Banff and unwind at the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Soaking in the warm waters with mountain views is the perfect way to end the day.

## Day 3: Icefields Parkway Adventure

Morning: After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway. Stop at Peyto Lake for a quick photo op. The view is simply mesmerizing!

Afternoon: Continue to the Columbia Icefield. Take the Ice Explorer tour onto the Athabasca Glacier. It’s a unique experience walking on a glacier!

Evening: Head back to Banff and enjoy a casual dinner at Balkan Restaurant. Try their delicious Mediterranean dishes!

## Day 4: More of Banff

Morning: Have breakfast at your hotel or a local café, then take the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views of the Rockies.

Afternoon: Spend some time hiking the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk or simply enjoy the views from the observation deck. Afterward, visit the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies to learn about the region’s art and culture.

Evening: Treat yourself to dinner at The Bison Restaurant, known for its farm-to-table approach.

## Day 5: Travel to Vancouver

Morning: After breakfast, check out and take a scenic drive or a shuttle to Calgary. From there, catch a flight to Vancouver.

Afternoon: Arrive in Vancouver and check into your hotel. Grab lunch at Granville Island Public Market—there are so many delicious options!

Evening: Explore Stanley Park. Rent a bike and ride along the seawall, then enjoy dinner at The Teahouse in Stanley Park for a lovely view of the sunset.

## Day 6: Discover Vancouver

Morning: Start your day with breakfast at Jam Cafe. Then, head to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park for some thrilling views and a walk across the bridge.

Afternoon: Visit Grouse Mountain. You can take the Skyride up or, if you’re feeling energetic, hike the Grouse Grind. Enjoy the views and maybe catch a lumberjack show!

Evening: Head back to the city and have dinner in Gastown. Try The Flying Pig for a lively atmosphere and great food.

## Day 7: Whistler Day Trip

Morning: After breakfast, take a day trip to Whistler. The drive is about 1.5-2 hours along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway.

Afternoon: Explore Whistler Village, take the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for stunning views, and enjoy some outdoor activities like hiking or mountain biking.

Evening: Have dinner in Whistler at Araxi Restaurant & Oyster Bar before heading back to Vancouver.

## Day 8: Last Day in Vancouver

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Café Artigiano. Then, visit the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park.

Afternoon: Spend your last afternoon shopping or exploring Robson Street. If you have time, visit Granville Island again for some last-minute souvenirs.

Evening: For your final dinner, treat yourself at Blue Water Cafe in Yaletown, known for its seafood and sustainable practices.

Departure

After a week filled with adventure, relaxation, and stunning sights, it’s time to head home. Make sure to take lots of photos and cherish the memories of your trip!

Feel free to adjust any of the activities based on your interests or energy levels. Enjoy your trip! 🌲🏔️🌊