Itinerary help for July/Aug trip

Question

My husband and I are planning a trip to Banff and Glacier for our 20th anniversary this July/August. Below is the basic plan and what we've booked so far. We know these areas could use more time for deep dives, but we want to hit the highlights on this trip so we know where we might want to come back. We're fit and capable of longer drives, especially scenic ones. Our car is booked and hertz has no issues with us crossing the border.

I could use some advice on #1 how to handle that last day and getting back to the Calgary airport, and #2 if in general there are other efficiencies we could gain by switching locations up. The only requirement is that we are at the Fairmont Lake Louise on our actual anniversary on Day 4 :)

Day 1: Fly into Calgary, get to hotel in Banff (Peaks Hotel and Suites)

Day 2: Johnston Canyon hike, afternoon in Banff, sunset drive near Lake Minnewanka (Peaks Hotel)

Day 3: Vermillion Lakes at sunrise, and Icefields parkway (switch to Fairmont Lake Louise)

Day 4: Lake Louise area hike/boating (Fairmont Lake Louise)

Day 5: Get up early to drive down to west side of Glacier, planning this to take all day and take scenic routes. (Belton Chalet)

Day 6: Guided fishing trip in Glacier-booked (Belton Chalet)

Day 7: Scenic drive through Glacier over to Many Glacier (switch to Many Glacier for one night)

Day 8: not sure yet, maybe a Red Bus tour (switch to tiny home at St Marys Village; hoping to get another night booked at Many Glacier if one pops up)

Day 9: not sure yet (tiny home St Marys)

Day 10: Flight out at 10am from Calgary. Could get up early and make the 3 hour drive, or we could stay somewhere closer to Calgary the night of day 9. Thought about Waterton but the drive from there is only ~15 mins closer to Calgary.

Any and all advice is appreciated!

Answer

Congratulations on your 20th anniversary, and it sounds like you have a wonderful trip planned! Here are some suggestions for optimizing your itinerary, as well as thoughts on your last day and overall travel plan:

Day 1: Your arrival in Calgary and transfer to Banff will set you up for a great start. Banff is stunning, and staying at Peaks Hotel is a great choice for easy access to the town's highlights. Be sure to take a stroll along Banff Avenue, especially if you have some free time in the evening.

Day 2: Johnston Canyon is a great hike—make sure to get an early start to avoid crowds. The sunset drive near Lake Minnewanka will be a highlight. If you have time, consider a short detour to Lake Louise on your way back for a quick look at this iconic spot, though you’ll be returning for a proper visit on Day 4.

Day 3: The sunrise at Vermilion Lakes is absolutely worth it for the beautiful reflections of the surrounding peaks. Driving the Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic routes you can take in the world, so be prepared to stop often for photos! It’s a longer drive, so your transition to Fairmont Lake Louise will offer a chance to unwind and take in more breathtaking views.

Day 4: Lake Louise on your anniversary sounds magical! Try to get there early to avoid crowds if you plan to do any hiking or renting a canoe. The Boathouse offers great options for canoe rentals, or you can take a more leisurely approach and enjoy a walk around the lake.

Day 5: Driving to the west side of Glacier will take a good chunk of the day, especially with scenic detours, but the landscapes along the way will be stunning. The Belton Chalet is a great place to stay—close to the park entrance. Consider stopping at "Many Glacier" before you check in if you have some extra time, as it's a great preview for Day 7.

Day 6: Your guided fishing trip will be a fantastic experience! Glacier National Park has some incredible waters, and having a local guide will make the trip even more special. In the afternoon, consider taking a short hike or boat tour to explore some of the park's most scenic areas.

Day 7: A scenic drive through Glacier and onto Many Glacier will be a highlight of your trip. Many Glacier is one of the most remote and beautiful parts of the park. Spending a night here is a fantastic idea, as it allows you to enjoy the area’s beauty without rushing.

Day 8: The Red Bus tour in Glacier is a great way to see some of the park’s highlights without doing a lot of strenuous hiking. If you have time, a visit to the historic Many Glacier Hotel is highly recommended for its stunning views and historic charm. If you're able to get another night at Many Glacier, it would give you a bit more time to explore.

Day 9: For Day 9, it depends on your energy levels and what you want to see. If you’re interested in a more relaxed day, you could explore St. Mary’s area or even take another scenic drive around the park. If you're up for more hiking, consider a visit to "Hidden Lake" or "Grinnell Glacier." The tiny home at St. Mary’s Village sounds like a cozy base for a quieter day in the park.

Day 10: For your last day, I suggest staying somewhere closer to Calgary the night before. Although Waterton is a beautiful spot, the drive from there won’t save you much time. Staying in or near Calgary (such as Canmore) would give you more time to relax before your flight. Alternatively, you could stay in a place like "Kananaskis" for a quieter, scenic setting, which would be closer to Calgary and still in the mountains.

Additional Suggestions:

If you enjoy scenic drives, consider detouring through Yoho National Park when heading to Lake Louise. It's a beautiful area with fewer crowds.
For scenic stops along the Icefields Parkway, stop at Peyto Lake and the Columbia Icefield. Both are iconic spots for photos.
If you have time in Glacier, consider doing a hike to Grinnell Glacier—it’s a longer trek but offers incredible views.

In general, your itinerary is well-paced, but if you're trying to minimize driving time, staying closer to Calgary on Day 9 would be ideal. Otherwise, if you're up for longer drives, your plan to stay in different spots throughout Glacier will give you a good mix of experiences. Either way, your trip will surely be memorable with breathtaking scenery at every turn!