PEAKHOUSE HIKE BANFF 2026

Itinerary

• Dates: July 8-13, 2026

• Location: Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

• Accommodation: Lodging in Banff or Lake Louise

• Transport: Rental vehicles for group travel

• Focus: Iconic hikes, glacial lakes, and unique outdoor experiences

• Bonus Activities: Canoeing, Kayaking, Hot Springs, Banff Gondola

Day 1 – Calgary Arrival & Tunnel Mountain Warm-Up Hike

7:00 AM – Optional Early Morning Run
Kick off the trip with an optional 4-mile shakeout run through Calgary’s downtown before breakfast.

9:00 AM – Morning Café & Meetup
Grab coffee and breakfast at a favorite local spot like OEB Breakfast Co. or Alforno. Meet your trip leaders and fellow travelers before heading into the mountains.

12:00 PM – Carpool & Drive to Banff
It’s a 1.5-hour scenic drive west to the heart of the Rockies. Check in to accommodations.

4:00 PM – Tunnel Mountain Hike (2.7 miles, 875 ft gain)
This short, accessible trail offers panoramic views of Banff, the Bow River, and surrounding peaks—a perfect way to acclimate and stretch your legs after travel.

Day 2 – Larch Valley to Sentinel Pass

7:00 AM – Breakfast
Fuel up early before heading to the Moraine Lake shuttle.

8:30 AM – Hike: Larch Valley to Sentinel Pass (7.5 miles, 2,500 ft gain)
One of Banff’s signature trails, this hike takes you through golden alpine larch meadows with a final push to the dramatic high point of Sentinel Pass. With epic views over Paradise Valley, it’s a bucket list day. Option to turn around at the larch meadow for a shorter hike.

3:30 PM – Optional Wildlife Safari Tour
Join a local guide for an evening drive to spot elk, bears, and mountain goats in their natural habitat.

5:30 PM – Pasta dinner provided at the lodge

Day 3 – Plain of Six Glaciers & Glacier Viewpoint 

7:30 AM – Breakfast & Early Start
Fuel up for a full-day alpine adventure.

8:30 AM – Hike: Plain of Six Glaciers & Glacier Viewpoint (9 miles, 1,600 ft gain)
Starting at Lake Louise, this classic trail winds past steep cliffs, hanging glaciers, and avalanche paths. Pause at the remote teahouse for homemade scones, then continue on to the glacier viewpoint for a high-alpine finale.

4:00 PM - Optional Banff Upper Hot Springs Soak
End the day with a soak in natural mineral pools, a relaxing reward for your muscles.

6:00 PM – Optional Scenic Dinner at Sky Bistro
Take the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain and enjoy a scenic dinner with sweeping views over the Bow Valley.

Day 4 – Johnston Canyon & The Ink Pots

8:30 AM – Johnston Canyon & Ink Pots Hike (7.3 miles, 1,200 ft gain)
Follow a boardwalk path along the canyon to the thundering Lower and Upper Falls, then continue into the backcountry for a peaceful hike to the colorful mineral pools known as the Ink Pots.

2:00 PM – Afternoon at Leisure
Grab lunch in town, relax at your hotel, or explore local shops and galleries.

5:30 PM – Burger and sandwich dinner provided at the lodge

Day 5 – Kayaking & Lake Minnewanka or Cascade Amphitheatre Hike

7:00 AM – Breakfast

8:00 AM –  Optional Kayak Tour on Vermilion Lakes
Paddle through tranquil glacial waters surrounded by towering peaks and meadows teeming with wildlife.

1:00 PM – Choose Your Hike
Options include a lakeside trail along the shores of Lake Minnewanka (up to 5.6 miles round trip) or a moderate alpine climb to the wildflower-filled Cascade Amphitheatre (7.7 miles, 2,000 ft gain).

4:00 PM - Optional Banff Upper Hot Springs Soak
End the day with a soak in natural mineral pools, a relaxing reward for your muscles.

6:00 PM – Chicken dinner provided at the lodge

Day 6 – Icefields Parkway Drive & Parker Ridge Trail

7:00 AM – Early Breakfast in Banff
Fuel up for a full day of alpine adventure with a hearty breakfast before hitting the road.

8:00 AM – Depart for Icefields Parkway
Begin your scenic journey along one of the world’s most stunning mountain routes. The drive from Banff to the Parker Ridge trailhead takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes (150 km), not including scenic stops.

11:00 AM – Parker Ridge Trail Hike
(3.2 miles round trip, ~950 ft elevation gain)
This short but steep switchback trail rewards you with panoramic views of the Saskatchewan Glacier spilling out from the Columbia Icefield. Wildflowers line the path in summer, and the viewpoint feels like you’re standing on the edge of the world.

1:30 PM – Picnic Lunch with Glacier Views
Unpack lunch at the ridge or a nearby pullout—surrounded by peaks and glaciers.

3:00 PM – Icefields Parkway Scenic Stops (Optional on Return)
Take time on the way back for iconic roadside stops:

• Mistaya Canyon – a deep limestone gorge carved by glacial waters

• Peyto Lake Viewpoint – a wolf-head-shaped lake in surreal turquoise

• Bow Lake – mirrored reflections of Bow Glacier and Crowfoot Mountain

6:30 PM – Return to Lodge in Banff
Drive back south along the Parkway (2 hrs 45 min) with golden-hour views of peaks and valleys.

7:00 PM – Farewell Dinner Out in Banff or along the drive back to the lodge

Day 7 – Breakfast & Departure

8:00 AM – Morning Breakfast & Pack-Up
Savor one last coffee with a mountain view before check-out.

10:00 AM – Drive to Calgary Airport
Depart Banff for your return home. It’s a 1.5-hour drive to YYC—leave time for early afternoon flights.

​Pricing

• ​Shared room: $1,995

• ​NOTE: $100 discount for rental car drivers & Payment plans available

• Spaces are limited, so if you’re interested, sign up below!