Travel Raven

Exploring the World, One Adventure at a Time

Exploring Glacier & Banff: A 5 Day Journey Through Nature’s Wonders

A crystal-clear alpine lake reflects jagged mountain peaks, a bright blue sky, and fluffy white clouds. The lake's shallow, rocky bottom is visible beneath the reflection, creating a mirror-like effect. Surrounded by evergreen trees and dramatic cliffs, the serene landscape captures the natural beauty of a high-altitude wilderness, in Banff National Park.

If you’ve ever dreamed of towering peaks, crystal-blue lakes, and feeling very small in the best way—Glacier National Park and Banff National Park are calling. On this five-day adventure, My husband and I traveled with an awesome group of friends, flew into Montana, explored Glacier for three days, then road-tripped across the border to soak in two more days of Canadian beauty in Banff and Lake Louise.

Here’s everything we did, loved, and recommend—plus helpful planning tips (because this trip takes a little strategy, but it’s worth every bit).

✈️ Day 1: Arrival in Montana

Flew into: Glacier Park International Airport (FCA)
Rental: Booked a car through Turo
Explored: Kalispell & Whitefish

We kicked things off exploring Kalispell and Whitefish, two small towns with charm, cozy shops, and great food. Whitefish, in particular, felt like the perfect pre-mountain warm-up before diving into the national park. Our Accommodations were in Kalispell through Airbnb, about 45 minutes to the park west side entrance.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is raw, wild, and absolutely stunning. From active glaciers and alpine meadows to grizzlies and goats, it’s a true slice of North American wilderness. Whether you’re a beginner or an avid hiker, there’s something for everyone here—from scenic drives to intense elevation gains.

Note on park access:
Glacier has been the most strict park we’ve visited so far.

  • Timed entry passes are required between 7 AM and 3 PM for many areas.
  • Weather, wildlife related and construction closures are common, and sometimes entire sections are shut down.
  • Always have a backup plan, check the NPS site before your visit, and book early where needed.

Despite the logistics, it’s 100% worth it. This park is packed with beauty, wildlife, and views that look like something out of a movie.

🥾 Day 2: Siyeh Pass Trail – The Rainy Hike

  • Trailhead: Siyeh Bend
  • Distance: ~10.3 miles (point-to-point)
  • Elevation gain: ~2,240 ft
  • Shuttle needed: Yes

We started this hike at 6:30 AM, and didn’t see another soul. The solitude was probably thanks to the rain, which never really let up—but we powered through. This point-to-point trail winds through a variety of terrain, and the shift in scenery kept us energized despite the drizzle.

Hands down one of my favorite hikes of the trip.

🌫️ Day 3: Highline Trail – The Cloudy Hike

  • Trailhead: Highline Trail via Logan Pass Visitor Center
  • Distance: ~11.8 miles point-to-point (to The Loop)
  • Elevation gain: ~800–1,800+ ft (depending on detours)

This hike is popular—we arrived at 6:30 AM and the parking lot was already filling up. We started in dense fog that added a moody, mystical vibe, but as we continued, the clouds began to clear and revealed dramatic mountain views.

Due to an injury, my husband and I personally turned back around the halfway point, but the rest of the trail continues on, with the option to add the Grinnell Glacier Overlook—a tough climb but reportedly a phenomenal view.

Later that day, we drove through the park and made several scenic stops. One of the highlights? Spotting a grizzly bear from the road (at a safe distance, of course!).

Stops along Going-to-the-Sun Road:

  • Haystack Creek
  • Bird Woman Falls Overlook
  • Logan Pass Visitor Center
  • Jackson Glacier Overlook
  • Sun Point Nature Trail (optional 1.9-mile walk)
  • Wild Goose Island Lookout
  • Saint Mary Visitor Center

🚗 Day 4: The Road Trip to Canada

We left Glacier and began our road trip north. The drive through the Rockies is absolutely stunning and full of scenic pull-offs that are perfect for stretching your legs or snapping a quick photo.

Stops Along the Way:

  • Columbia Lake Viewpoint
  • Sinclair Canyon (drive-through tunnel)
  • Kootenay Valley Viewpoint
  • Marble Canyon (quick photo stop)
  • Banff Visitor Centre & Downtown Walk
  • Accommodations: Airbnb in Canmore

🍁 Part 2: Banff National Park

Banff is massive, and in just two days we barely scratched the surface—but what we did see was jaw-dropping. We focused on Lake Louise, which is an amazing starting point. Between hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, and simply being in the presence of that unreal turquoise water, there’s no wrong way to experience it.

🫖 Day 5: Lake Agnes Tea House + Little Beehive

This was the perfect final hike for our trip. The trail was shaded, cool, and gradually climbed through the forest to Lake Agnes, where we stopped at the historic Tea House for tea and snacks. (Bring cash!)

We continued up to Little Beehive for panoramic views over Lake Louise and Château Lake Louise. There were tons of trail options around this area.

Later, we made a quick trip back into Banff town and took the Banff Gondola up to a scenic overlook. While it was a beautiful ride, I’d suggest using your time to explore more hikes around Lake Louise or head further north into less crowded areas of the park.

🔁 Day 6: The Drive Back to Montana

On our final day, we drove back to Montana to return our Turo rental and fly out of Glacier Park International Airport. Not the most convenient route, but we made it work!

👉 You can rent a car in Montana and drop it off in Canada (or vice versa), and even fly out of Calgary for an easier exit—but this round-trip route was the most cost-effective option.

🗺️ Bonus Trails for Next Time

Glacier National Park:

  • Grinnell Glacier Trail (11 miles round trip, ~1,600 ft gain) – Best when construction is done or if you have a reservation in Many Glacier
  • Hidden Lake Overlook (2.7 miles, 540 ft gain) – Popular for a reason
  • Avalanche Lake via Trail of the Cedars (4.5 miles, 750 ft gain)
  • St. Mary and Virginia Falls (3 miles, 450 ft gain)

Banff – Lake Louise Area:

  • Johnston Canyon (3.1 to 7 miles depending on how far you go – beautiful waterfalls)
  • Tunnel Mountain Summit (2.7 miles round trip, 948 ft gain – quick and rewarding)
  • Peyto Lake Viewpoint (Easy 0.6-mile walk – unreal views of the wolf-shaped lake)

✨ Final Thoughts

This Glacier-to-Banff adventure was filled with foggy hikes, turquoise lakes, hidden tea houses, wildlife sightings, and so many breathtaking views—and getting to do it with friends made it even more unforgettable.

The logistics can be a little tricky between the timed entries, road closures, and international border crossing, but with good planning, it’s totally doable. Just pack your hiking boots, expect some weather, and prepare to be awed.

Have you done this trip? Planning one soon? Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments below—I’d love to hear what your favorite trails or stops were! 🌲🦌🍁