Stayed in Harvie Heights for 10 days (more than enough time to explore Banff) — not too long of a drive from the usual tourist spots like Lake Louise or Lake Minnewanka.
Get bear spray if you're going hiking — we bought ours at Ultimate Sports, which was cheaper than renting it for a week. You can donate the bear spray to the NP visitor centers if you haven't used it (can't fly on airplanes with bear spray).
Banff is very busy in the summertime — I would recommend making dinner reservations, especially for Thurs–Sun.
Places to Eat
Coffee & Snacks
Banff National Perk
Matcha latte wasn't great but coffee seemed ok
COWS Banff
Ice cream was just ok but had a cute gift store to browse
Evelyn's Coffee Bar
Fairly good matcha latte and their strawberry rhubarb pie isn't too bad
MILK TEA at BANFF
Really good boba
Restaurants
Coyotes Southwestern Grill
Good for breakfast
The Balkan Greek Restaurant
Great for both lunch and dinner
The Maple Leaf
Great for breakfast as well as dinner
Tooloulous
Good for breakfast and great service
Places to Visit
Lakes & Hikes
Emerald Lake
Canoeing here is less crowded than at Lake Louise; hiking loop is scenic
Lake Louise
Go early morning or afternoon for parking — definitely worth a visit
Lake Minnewanka
Hiking trail along the edge (need bear spray) and cruises available
Moraine Lake
Now requires a shuttle to access — very beautiful
Peyto Lake
Probably one of my favorite spots — short hike to see Bow Lake too
Tunnel Mountain Summit
Short hike with a pretty view of the town of Banff
Also great from a previous trip
On my list for next time