3 full days in and round Banff
 

Hello!
We are hoping to travel from USA (East Coast) to Calgary in September for 4 days to explore Banff. Yes, work prohibits must longer then this.
It is a lot of flying so hoping for the best.
We like to do some hiking - but nothing too intense (3 hrs or less per day) due to knee issues.

I would appreciate any recommendations you have for us.
As it is our anniversary we would like lovely accommodations as well.

Thank you in advance!

could you please give us a canadian dollar budget per night that you want to spend. what time does your flight arrive and depart from calgary? assume you are renting a car.

Sure, approximately $300-$375max US Dollars.

We would arrive mid day and depart mid day.
Curious what the temps and/or restrictions are in Mid September as well.

Thanks!

So four days and three nights? That doesn't give you a huge amount of time to explore. You'd probably arrive in Banff late afternoon and need to depart Banff early morning.

Note that if your flight from Calgary is direct to the US, you will go through US immigrations and customs in the Calgary Airport. So you need to arrive a good 2.5 hrs or more early to ensure you have time for security, customs & immigration.

Your budget would cover many nice options in Banff. All legit accommodations are listed at the below link - you might want to explore and then ask us about specific places:
http://www.banfflakelouise.com/

September is a lovely time to be in Banff - there shouldn't be any road or trail closures, though there can always be the occasional restriction due to wildlife issue on trails. Mid September is when the larches turn a spectacular yellow color - best place to see them is at Moraine Lake.

Temperatures can range from very pleasant (15-18c) to cold (below freezing). Your best bet is to bring layers as it might start chilly and get warm over the course of the day.

An itinerary could look something like:

Day 1 - arrive, drive to Banff. Depending on timing, walk around Banff townsite, gondola (if weather is good), hot springs (in the evening)

Day 2 - Lake Louise/Moraine Lake.

Moraine Lake gets VERY popular during larch season, especially on weekends. Once the lot is full in the morning, they will prohibit regular traffic and run shuttle buses. So I'd get up there bright an early, then go over to Lake Louise. Also, any hiking at Moraine Lake other than the lakeshore requires that you be in a tight group of at least 4 people.
Do Moraine Lake early in the morning. Then head over to Lake Louise. If you have time, drive back via 1A and see Johnston Canyon

Day 3 - Banff area. Lake Minnewanka, short hikes in the area, Johnston Canyon if not on Day 1

Day 4 - early morning walk, then drive to airport.

Thanks very much! Yes, we realize not much time. Did not consider the customs delays so very glad you mentioned. All suggestions look incredible, much thanks!