Banff National Park

Three days in the Canadian Rockies · July 29–31, 2026
Buffalo Mountain Lodge 700 Tunnel Mountain Dr, Banff
Check in Jul 29 · Check out Jul 31, 11:00a
Day 1 Tuesday, July 29 Arrival · settle in on Tunnel Mountain
Arrive and check in at Buffalo Mountain Lodge — a cozy log-cabin retreat tucked into the pines on Tunnel Mountain, about 3 minutes from downtown Banff. Get the lay of the land, grab dinner at The Prow, and rest up for an early start.
Day 2 Wednesday, July 30 The big lakes day · tickets via Banff Shuttle Co.
Park & board: Lake Louise Ski Resort Park & Ride (1 Whitehorn Rd) — free parking, and every shuttle leaves from here. You're riding with Banff Shuttle Co. today; the gondola is at this same base area.
Be at the stop 10 minutes early. The bus leaves on time whether you're there or not — no refunds or reschedules for a missed bus, and they're usually sold out, so you won't catch a later one. Dress warm for the pre-sunrise chill at Moraine (pants, sweater, jacket, maybe a toque) and pack a rain shell — buses run rain or shine.
Stop 1 · Sunrise

Moraine Lake

6:25a – 9:30a
First light over the Valley of the Ten Peaks — the iconic Banff shot. Book the direct Moraine shuttle for sunrise; private vehicles can't access the road, so the bus is the only way in.
Stop 2 · Paddle

Lake Louise

11:30a – 3:00p
Emerald water below Victoria Glacier. Hop the free Lake Connector over from Moraine, grab lunch, walk the shoreline, and get out on the water.
Canoe rental$180/hr + GST · non-hotel guests
Connector last return~6:00p from Moraine
Stop 3 · Summit

Lake Louise Summer Gondola

arrive ~3:30p
Right at the Park & Ride — not at the lake itself. Ride up for sweeping valley views and one of Banff's best chances at spotting a grizzly on the open slopes.
Closes5:00p — plan the last ride up
Day 3 Thursday, July 31 Check out 11a · glacier on the way home
Icefields Parkway · on the drive out

Athabasca Glacier & Skywalk

tours 10a – 5p
Check out, then head north up the Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield. Ride the giant Ice Explorer onto the 10,000-year-old Athabasca Glacier, then walk the glass-floored Skywalk cantilevered 918 ft over the Sunwapta Valley — before pointing the car toward home.
Drive from Banff~2 – 2.5 hrs north via Hwy 93
On-site time~3 – 3.5 hrs combo tour
Departs fromGlacier Discovery Centre

Your Stay at Buffalo Mountain Lodge

A cozy log-cabin retreat on Tunnel Mountain, minutes from downtown Banff
1-800-661-1367
700 Tunnel Mountain Rd, Banff
info@crmr.com
Confirmation593751637
Check inWed, Jul 29, 2026
Check outFri, Jul 31, 2026 · 11:00a
Dining

The Prow — on-site restaurant

Rocky Mountain–inspired cuisine with local ingredients, right at the lodge — the easy call for dinner after a long day out. Signature bison and seasonal plates; reserve ahead in summer, it fills up. For a night in town, the lodge points to the Banff Dining Guide for everything from casual bites to fine dining.

Good to know

The lodge

108 rooms tucked into 9 acres of pines on Tunnel Mountain. Wood-burning fireplaces, an oversized outdoor hot tub, free parking and free Wi-Fi. About a 3-minute drive (or 15-minute walk) to Banff Ave. Keep an eye out — elk and deer wander the grounds.

Before you head out each day

  • Pack for the mountains: layers, sun protection, sturdy shoes — weather shifts fast, even in July.
  • Early starts win: the sunrise lake runs and glacier drive both reward beating the crowds.
  • Cell service is spotty at Moraine and up the Icefields Parkway — download maps first.
If you've got extra time

The lodge flagged these as worth a look if a plan falls through or you want to add a half-day. Everything's bookable in town — no rental car required for most.

Banff GondolaUp Sulphur Mountain for six-range summit views & boardwalk. Lake Minnewanka CruiseScenic boat tour on the park's largest lake. Banff CanyoningRappel, slide & swim through canyons — 30 min out, no experience needed. Golden SkybridgeCanada's highest suspension bridges, ~1.5 hrs west in Golden, B.C. ViaVia Moraine LakeLodge's activity-booking partner for the lakes & more. Icefield TransportBook seats on the Columbia Icefield adventure tour.