Four days is a reasonable minimum for Banff National Park, though longer genuinely helps — the park's biggest draws involve driving between viewpoints, and rushing the access logistics (particularly at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise) undermines a lot of what makes the trip worthwhile. Day 1 stays in Banff townsite itself, partly to adjust to the altitude and partly because the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain is a low-effort, high-reward way to start the trip — a 360-degree panorama over the Bow Valley without requiring any hiking. Spend the rest of the day around Bow Falls and the town itself, and consider the Cave and Basin Historic Site if you want context on how Banff became Canada's first national park. Day 2 is the big lake day, and it requires the earliest start of the trip. Moraine Lake's personal vehicle access is restricted in peak season, with shuttle or tour bookings often required well in advance — check current access rules before you go, since they've changed in recent years and continue to evolve. Aim to be at Moraine Lake at sunrise if at all possible; the colour of the water is genuinely most vivid in the first hour of light, and parking fills fast regardless of restrictions. Move to Lake Louise afterward, where a canoe rental or a simple lakeside walk both work well before the crowds peak around midday. Day 3 covers Johnston Canyon and a scenic drive. The canyon's catwalk trail leads to lower and upper waterfalls and is one of the park's most accessible great hikes — manageable for most fitness levels while still feeling like a genuine hike rather than a paved walkway. In the afternoon, drive up the Icefields Parkway toward Peyto Lake, one of the most scenic drives in the world and a worthwhile use of an afternoon even if you don't go all the way to the Columbia Icefield. Day 4 is for wildlife and a slower pace after three active days. The Bow Valley Parkway, an alternative to the main highway between Banff and Lake Louise, is a slower, more scenic route where wildlife sightings — elk, occasionally bears at a safe distance — are genuinely common. Finish the trip with a soak at the Banff Upper Hot Springs, a relaxed way to end a few days of hiking and driving. A few practical notes: a park pass is required for any vehicle entering Banff National Park — buy online or at the gate before you need it. Bear spray is recommended for hikes like Johnston Canyon, and keeping a safe distance from any wildlife you encounter is essential, not optional. And pack layers regardless of season — mountain weather shifts quickly even in summer.