canadian rockies tours 5 days

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canadian rockies tours 5 days

The Most Epic 5 Day Itinerary & Road Trip into the Canadian Rockies

Buckle up and get ready for an exhilarating adventure as we embark on the most epic 5-day itinerary and road trip into the mesmerizing Canadian Rockies. From the bustling city of YYC to the charming town of Canmore, the iconic landscapes of Banff, the pristine beauty of Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, the captivating hues of Peyto Lake, this journey will take you on a whirlwind exploration through some of nature's greatest masterpieces. Get ready to witness jaw-dropping vistas, chase unforgettable sunsets, and create lifelong memories in the heart of the Rockies. Let's hit the road and dive into the wilderness like never before!

canadian rockies tours 5 days

Day 1: Arrive in Calgary, and drive to Canmore

Calgary is one of the largest cities in Alberta and is also the closest International Airport near Canmore and Banff National Park. The airport has a large number of rental car companies within the domestic departure level.. You can also book through the Banff Airporter Shuttle service that will drop you off close to the Town Centre, at the Coast Hotel. This will run you about $79.99 one way or $160 return and tickets can be purchased online. Our recommendation is to use Vivo Green , which will run you about $55 pp one way, and will drop you off at the Northwinds Hotel Canmore .

Driving time from Calgary to Canmore is 1.2 to 1.5 hours dependent on the road you take:

  • Fastest Route: Calgary to Canmore on the Trans-Canada Highway. Takes 1 hr 20 min across 122.0 km via the Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W.
  • Scenic Route: Taking an additional 20 minutes to Canmore, you’ll exit towards Cochrane and take Highway 1A from Cochrane to Canmore.

Within Canmore and Banff public transit is free, and between locations, the price to get from Canmore to Banff is $6.

Recommended itinerary for the day:

  • Head into Canmore's downtown area and find a cozy local café ( Rocky Mountain Bagel Co and Eclipse Coffee Roasters are just a couple of our favs) for breakfast.
  • The Canmore Museum is  worth a visit if you're interested in the history and culture of the area. Take a peek at the Big Head on the main street, steps away from one of our recommended properties, the Lamphouse, which backs onto the river.
  • Choose a hiking trail that suits your fitness level and interests. Some popular options include Grassi Lakes Trail , Ha Ling Peak , East End of Rundle or the easier Policeman's Creek Trail.
  • Walking Trail - Policeman Creek Boardwalk ‍
  • Hiking Trail - Grassi Lakes ‍
  • For an adventurous experience, consider joining a cave tour. Canmore Cave Tours offer guided explorations of Rat's Nest Cave, where you can crawl through passages and marvel at the unique underground formations.
  • End your day by taking a seat at Rhythm & Howl aour very own restaurant serving up serving up dishes inspired by the surrounding landscapes, using only the freshest, locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.

canadian rockies tours 5 days

Top Canmore Lodging Recommendations:

For the budget conscious travelers

For the unique and comfort travelers

For the instagrammable location

Top Canmore Restaurant Recommendations:

For the eclectic flavours: Rhythm & Howl

For the best pizza in town: Rocket Pie

For the best Canmore pub food: Tank310

canadian rockies tours 5 days

Day 2, 3 & 4: Travel to Banff National Park and the Townsite of Banff

Banff National Park is a breathtakingly beautiful protected wilderness mecca located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. It is Canada's oldest national park, established in 1885, and covers over 6,600 square kilometers of rugged mountains, glaciers, and turquoise lakes.

To venture in Banff National Park, you'll need to purchase a park pass. Passes can be purchased for up to seven people within one vehicle, and the individual prices can be found here . Entry and service fees are charged at most national parks and national historic sites, where revenues are kept to support visitor services and facilities. If you’re planning to travel into other Canadian National Parks, the Discovery Pass may be an alternative option for you depending on how many days you will be traveling through.

You can also take local transit from Canmore to Banff with Roam Transit. The Route is called Canmore-Banff Regional Route 3, and the schedule can be found here along with the various bus stations.

Driving from Canmore to Banff is about 25-30 minutes by the Trans Canada Highway, watch for the signs to exit into Banff Town Centre and follow the route.

Day 2: Lake Minnewanka and Hot Springs

  • Start your day with breakfast at Wild Flour Bakery , a cozy bakery and cafe in Banff.
  • Drive or take a shuttle to Lake Minnewanka , a lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Hike around the lake, or simply relax and take in the view.
  • How to get there via Transit: Roam Route 6 : Daily service operating May - September
  • Take a boat tour around the lake.
  • Head towards Two Jack Lake , a serene and picturesque lake located just a short distance from Lake Minnewanka. Take a stroll around the lake or relax on the sandy beach, taking in the views of Mount Rundle and the surrounding forests.
  • Head back to Banff and have lunch at The Eddie Burger + Bar , a popular local spot for burgers and craft beer.
  • Spend the afternoon exploring Banff's downtown area, which is full of shops, restaurants, and art galleries. You can also visit the Banff Park Museum or the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies to learn about the area's natural and cultural history.
  • In the evening, soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs and enjoy the sunset over the mountains.
  • For dinner, head to The Bison Restaurant , which offers contemporary Canadian cuisine using locally-sourced ingredients.

canadian rockies tours 5 days

Day 3: Banff Gondola & Two Jack Lake

  • Start your day early and head to the Banff Gondola . Take the scenic ride up to Sulphur Mountain and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
  • Take the Banff Gondola up - There is only one price per day. The pricing does change based on the day of your visit (weekends vs weekdays) and how far in advance you buy your tickets. Same day tickets are higher but it is one price for the entire day regardless of the time of the day you visit. ‍
  • Hike up Sulphur Mountain ‍
  • Have lunch at the Sky Bistro ‍
  • Spend some time exploring the interpretive center and boardwalks at the summit, which offer information about the local ecology and wildlife.
  • After lunch, take a hike up Tunnel Mountain , one of the best birds eye views of Banff, that will take around an hour and 40 minutes to complete, round trip.
  • End your day with a nice Italian dinner at LUPO , a popular restaurant in Banff that has great specials throughout the week.

Top Lodging in Banff:

Best Stay in Banff

Top Banff Restaurants:

For amazing views and Canadian cuisine

For contemporary cuisine

For quick bites

canadian rockies tours 5 days

Day 4: Johnston Canyon

Carved over centuries by the rushing waters of Johnston Creek, this picturesque canyon offers a captivating hiking experience. Visitors can meander along the well-maintained pathways, passing by stunning waterfalls, turquoise pools, and towering limestone cliffs.

Getting to Johnston Canyon by car takes around 30 minutes to get to. Get to Johnston Canyon trailhead by bus with Roam Transit. A one-way fare costs around $2.50-5.00. The route is called Johnston Canyon Route 9 and the stations can be found here. Make sure you reserve your tickets in advance.

  • Start your day by rising early and embarking on a journey to Johnston Canyon , making sure to pack some snacks and lunch for your upcoming hike.
  • Begin your hike towards the Lower Falls, taking in the captivating sights along the way.
  • Continue onwards to the Upper Falls.
  • For a break, find a spot along the trail or at a designated picnic area to enjoy your  packed lunch amidst the breathtaking beauty of nature.
  • Afterward, retrace your steps and hike back down to the parking lot, covering a total distance of 5.3 kilometers (3.3 miles).
  • As the day winds down, treat yourself to an early evening meal and drinks at the Rose and Crown rooftop patio. Take in the views and enjoy the sunshine.

canadian rockies tours 5 days

Day 5: Baker Creek & Icefields Parkway

Experience the enchanting turquoise waters of Lake Louise and the mesmerizing hues of Peyto Lake, surrounded by the breathtaking Canadian Rockies.

The Brewster Bus offers direct transportation from Banff to Lake Louise. The bus usually picks up passengers from most hotels in Banff or the Brewster Transportation Centre. The one-way fare is approximately $40.

canadian rockies tours 5 days

Roam Transit operates two routes from Banff to Lake Louise. The 8X route, known as the Lake Louise Express, provides non-stop service from Banff to Lake Louise Village. The 8S route, called the Lake Louise Scenic Route, offers a scenic journey to Lake Louise with multiple stops. The one-way fare for Roam Transit is $10, and various pass options are available.

If you prefer to drive, it takes around 40 minutes to reach Lake Louise from Banff. The route involves taking the Trans Canada Highway or Bow Valley Parkway. This option provides flexibility and the opportunity to explore other attractions along the way.

Recommended Itinerary for the day:

  • Start your day early and drive to Lake Louise, one of the most iconic destinations in Banff National Park. If you’re not driving this trip, take our convenient shuttle service that departs from Baker Creek daily with Ten Peaks Shuttle . Hike the Lake Agnes trails, or simply enjoy the stunning scenery.
  • Have lunch at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise , a historic hotel with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
  • In the afternoon, take a scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway and stop at Peyto Lake, which is renowned for its stunning turquoise color and breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
  • On the way back to Banff, stop at Bow Lake for more beautiful views.

Top Lake Louise Lodging Recommendations:

For incredible scenery and the cutest cabins

For a funky jacuzzi suite

canadian rockies tours 5 days

Top Restaurant Recommendations:

For the rustic lovers

For some brews with a view

For the pub lovers

For the upscale crew

Best scenic viewpoint:

‍ Bow Summit Viewpoint

Best stop along the way to Baker Creek:

‍ Morant’s Curve , only 6 minutes down the road from Baker Creek

To reserve this incredible itinerary, please reach out to our groups and events email when booking multi-property stays. By booking the entire itinerary with your preferred properties from all destinations in the itinerary, you'll enjoy a fantastic 15% discount on your entire booking.

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Canadian Rockies

Alpine bliss begins here. When you catch that first glimpse of the majestic Canadian Rockies, it can be described as startling in a way that makes you feel very small on this beautiful earth. The magnificent mountain ranges that start near sea level and soar almost speak for themselves as they set the stage for a wilderness region that yearns to be discovered on a much deeper level.

Canadian Rockies Tours

  • ITINERARIES
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Welcome to the Canadian Rockies

Few places inspire your imagination quite like our Canadian Rockies tours where you'll immerse in breathtaking wilderness vistas that take you to the top of the world...

Explore athabasca glacier aboard an ice explorer, walk on the surface of athabasca glacier during a journey aboard an ice explorer.

Learn all about glaciers and nature's mighty power when you visit the Columbia Icefield (largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains – its glacial water flows to the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic oceans) and walk on Athabasca Glacier via a journey aboard the Ice Explorer, a vehicle designed especially for traveling across glacial ice.

Explore five national parks

10 days... 5 national parks... and some of the most spectacular scenic vistas on earth.

Experience awe-inspiring wilderness and wildlife in five great national parks, from icefields to prairies, towering alpine peaks to grasslands, canyons and glacier-fed mountain lakes. Waterton Lakes... discover this uncrowded, pristine wilderness where dramatic mountains meet the prairie, wildflowers spill across meadows and glacier-carved lakes mirror peaks and forests. Glacier National Park... scenic vistas of alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and glacial panoramas leave you speechless. Kootenay National Park... marvel at ice blue glacial lakes, cliffs of white marble and red iron, paint pots, alpine forests, semi-arid grasslands, narrow Sinclair Pass. Banff National Park... Canada's oldest national park embraces the emerald waters of Lake Louise, spectacular glacial mountain vistas along the Icefields Parkway and lush forest settings. Jasper National Park... home to waterfalls, canyons, crystal lakes and stunning mountain peaks...

Into the Rockies by rail aboard Rocky Mountaineer

A breathtaking rail journey from vancouver to the rockies in a glass-dome coach aboard rocky mountaineer.

Enjoy a front-row seat for the scenic splendor of an exciting rail journey from Vancouver to the breathtaking Canadian Rockies in a GoldLeaf Service glass-dome coach aboard Rocky Mountaineer, with an overnight stop in Kamloops. During your two-day rail journey from Vancouver to Jasper, you'll be immersed in the beauty of British Columbia and Alberta – and enchanted by a passing parade of diverse landscapes, from lush farmlands and vineyards to rushing rivers, evergreen forests, deserts, and the snowcapped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Soak in the views from the comfort of Tauck's reserved seats in a glass-dome coach, or from the exclusive GoldLeaf Service outdoor viewing platform, taking in the fresh mountain air.

Hiking at Lake Louise and Jasper National Park

Trekking through the rockies' wilderness wonderlands.

Breathe in the fresh mountain air and expect to see some pretty dramatic sights – not to mention the moose, deer, bighorn sheep or mountain goats you might spy along the way – as you join our local guide on a hike along the shores of shimmering Lake Louise that's alive with wilderness fun in Banff National Park. More hiking opportunities await in magnificent Maligne Canyon and at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in the heart of Jasper National Park, as you explore this amazing natural playground with your family!

Flightseeing from Vancouver to Victoria

Inspiring the imagination....

Among the many modes of transportation on our Grand Canadian Rockies journey, the floatplane excursion from Vancouver to Victoria is often cited as guests' favorite. Flightseeing takes you over the pristine Gulf Islands, numbering more than 200, en route to Victoria – easily identified from the air by its remarkably winding coastline.

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The Discoveries Of

10 Days in the Canadian Rockies: The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary

Discover the beauty of the Canadian Rockies with this in-depth 10-day itinerary.

A few years ago, I spent a blissful 6 months gallivanting around the Canadian Rockies. I was put on a work assignment in nearby Calgary, Canada, and every weekend I’d rent a car and drive out to admire and hike around the majestic peaks and evergreen forests of Canmore, Banff, Jasper, and Waterton Lakes.

And while some of my memories include run-ins with bears or gracefully getting caught in a thunderstorm while hiking above the treeline, the majority of my Canadian Rockies road trip days were pure happiness.

After my travels there, a lot of friends and readers asked me about my travel tips for a Canadian Rockies itinerary. Several readers even went there solely because they’d seen my photos on Instagram.

To be honest, I’m not surprised at all that people see photos of the Canadian Rockies and immediately book a trip.

Yes, it’s actually that beautiful.

Moraine Lake

And that’s how this Canadian Rockies itinerary was born.

This itinerary is arguably the most spectacular Canada road trip, and it’s definitely one of the most naturally striking and totally out-of-this-world-beautiful trips you can take in the entire world.

But don’t take my word for it! Read on to learn all of my first-hand tips for planning the ultimate Canadian Rockies road trip.

For your information, this is a SUPER comprehensive guide (read: long and detailed sections to come)! I just wanted to make sure all of our best tips, guides, and resources for the Canadian Rockies were all in one place for you to access easily.

Soooo, grab a glass of your favorite adult beverage, cozy on up, and let’s chat by the crackling fireside about how to plan a kickass Canadian Rockies itinerary!

Travel Tips for Planning Your Canadian Rockies Road Trip

Canadian Rockies

One thing that’s really important to keep in mind is that the Canadian Rockies is becoming a more popular travel destination every. single. year.

That’s why it’s crucial to plan your trip in advance. 

If you’re planning on visiting the Canadian Rockies in the highest season (June through August), I’d recommend planning your trip and making all of your bookings AT LEAST 2-3 months in advance.

If you’re going in the shoulder season (May through early June or September through October), you can plan 1-2 months in advance.

From my own personal experience, here’s everything you need to know as you plan your Canadian Rockies road trip:

Important Tips to Know Before Traveling in the Canadian Rockies

Rockies in Winter

Weather conditions can be very unpredictable. One minute it’s blue skies and sunny and the next, it’s sleeting. This is normal life in the Canadian Rockies, and it’s something you’ll have to get used to if you’re traveling in from a more temperate climate.

Be sure to bring gear for both cold and warm weather (we’ve provided our favorite recommendations a little later in this post), and have waterproof shells for when the weather turns sour.

Accommodation books up very, very quickly. When I was planning my most recent trip to the Canadian Rockies, I noticed Banff and Jasper were already booked at over 80% capacity…2 months before my arrival.

As soon as you think you want to go to the Rockies, you should book cancellable accommodation (Booking.com is great for that!) to make sure you can secure  something .

There’s wildlife everywhere. Talk to any local in the area and they’ll tell you wildlife is commonplace here. It’s not out of the ordinary to see a bear or an elk grazing on the side of the road.

You can absolutely admire these animals from a distance (and even go on a special tour to see them!). But whatever you do, KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE and DO NOT FEED ANY ANIMALS. This is their home and we need to respect and protect them.

You need to buy a ticket to enter the parks. While Canmore isn’t part of this, in order to enter Banff, Jasper, or Yoho, you need to pay the entrance fee. The fees are per person, per day, so depending on the size of your group, you’ll either want to pay individually or splurge for a family/group pass. You can see all prices and conditions on the Parks Canada page.

If you want to avoid the crowds, wake up early. This itinerary will be taking you to many different locations, some more popular than others. However, if you’re not a morning person, you miiiiight want to become one during this trip, as the early morning is a) the best time to avoid the crowds and b) the best time for photos of the park because of the lighting.

When to Visit the Canadian Rockies

Rocky Mountains

The Canadian Rockies are a year-round travel destination. This means that, yes, you can visit during any month of the year, but what you can do drastically depends on the weather. You’ll need to have the right expectations about weather and available activities. 

Visiting in Summer or Fall

Summer and fall usually boast the best hiking and camping weather, but also attract the largest crowds.

Typically, all of the hiking trails and summer adventure activities are open and available during this time of year, meaning that the hotels and lodges are often almost completely sold out and there’s actually traffic.

If you’re planning on visiting the Canadian Rockies during the summer, you’ll need to plan a few months in advance to secure accommodations, car rentals, and tours.

Visiting in the Spring

Canadian Rockies in Spring

Spring is the shoulder season, especially after the ski slopes begin to melt but the trails are still covered in winter ice. Weather during this time of year can mimic winter or summer, depending on when in the season you visit.

The first time I ever visited the Canadian Rockies, we went in mid-May and, while not all of the hiking trails were open yet, we experienced very few crowds and even had Lake Louise completely to ourselves.

Not a bad trade-off if you’d prefer a more tranquil, quiet experience!

FYI, this Canadian Rockies itinerary is based on a spring, summer, or fall road trip. 

Visiting in the Winter

Rockies in winter

However, that’s not to say you can’t make a Canadian Rockies road trip in the winter. Winter is the least-crowded season in the area, but your activities will be limited to snow sports (e.g., skiing, snowboarding, tubing, etc.) and ice activities (like ice climbing and ice trekking, which are pretty cool, IMO).

If you’re planning on doing any of these outdoor winter sports, I recommend grabbing yourself a pair of crampons, a durable, insulated jacket , and thermal snow pants, as you’ll DEFINITELY need them. Also, make sure that you have all of the most important gear for hiking in winter .

If you’re going to take a road trip during the winter season, I’d strongly recommend having experience driving in snowy/icy conditions, and please make sure to have the right gear, like snow chains, ice scrapers, etc.

How to Get to & Around the Canadian Rockies

If you haven’t already guessed by the fact that this is a “road trip” itinerary,  I strongly recommend driving yourself or renting a car to get to and around the Canadian Rockies. Why? Because having your own car gives you the most flexibility for where you can go in the park and what time.

How to Rent a Car in Calgary

Luckily, it’s pretty easy to rent a car at an affordable price from the nearby cities of Calgary, Edmonton, and even Vancouver. You can even rent a car in Banff town. If you’re not from the area, I strongly recommend flying into Calgary International Airport (YYC), as it’s the closest airport to this itinerary’s starting point.

You can rent a car from Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise directly from the airport. However, if you want to save some moolah, I’d recommend checking the prices at Calgary’s downtown car rental locations as well. I’ve found rental cars downtown tend to be cheaper, costing sometimes 20-40% less per day than renting at the airport. Plus, the taxi downtown from the airport only costs ~$15 USD one way.

Getting Around the Canadian Rockies

Once you’ve got a car, there are gas stations all over the Trans-Canada Highway and the Icefields Parkway (the two primary roadways you’ll be using in this itinerary). Before heading anywhere, I strongly recommend checking the Parks Canada road reports, so you know if there are any road closures or bad weather conditions ahead of time.

Where to Stay in the Canadian Rockies

There are places to stay in the Canadian Rockies for any budget level, from penny-pinching backpackers to luxury lovers.

To make planning your accommodations suuuper easy, for each day of this Canadian Rockies itinerary, I’ll be providing two recommendations for places to stay, one budget option and one mid-range option.

I’ll also suggest the most convenient campsite for each day of the itinerary.

However, if you’d like more suggestions or information on where to stay in the Canadian Rockies, we’ve got you covered with 2 complete accommodation guides (Banff and Jasper):

  • Where to Stay in & around Banff National Park
  • Where to Stay in Jasper National Park

And, for those of you interested in camping in the Canadian Rockies, we’ve got 3 complete and detailed guides on that as well:

  • The Ultimate Guide to Camping in Banff National Park
  • The Ultimate Guide to Camping in Jasper National Park
  • What to Pack for a Camping Trip: The Ultimate Camping Packing List

What to Pack for the Canadian Rockies

Clothing to pack for the canadian rockies.

  • Waterproof hiking boots – While on a Canadian Rockies road trip, there’s a good chance you’ll be caught walking in mud, snow, and stream crossings. To keep my feet warm and dry during day hikes, I have a cozy pair of Ahnu waterproof hiking boots that always do the trick! My boots have been with me to Patagonia, Peru, Slovenia, and more, and they’re still kicking ( haha, get it?! ).
  • Wool socks – You’ll want to bring some warm wool socks to pair with your hiking boots. Not only will these help keep your feet cozy and dry, but they can also help prevent blisters from your boots. We love our Darn Tough hiking socks for all of our outdoor adventures and literally bring them everywhere with us.
  • Merino wool layers – It’s a really good idea to bring a merino wool baselayer , which will keep you cool in the summer and warm in colder weather. Merino is soft, sturdy, stink-free, and sweat-wicking, AKA the best fabric ever for staying warm and dry in the Canadian Rockies’ unpredictable climate.
  • A waterproof rain shell – No matter what time of year it is, there’s a decent chance of a sudden downpour in the Canadian Rockies. Yes, it literally happens even when the skies are clear and blue minutes before. Bring a sturdy, waterproof rain jacket to stay warm and dry at all times.
  • A compressible down jacket – Temperatures in the Canadian Rockies can be chilly even in the summer, especially as you gain altitude. For this reason, I always make sure to pack my thermal puffer, all rolled up into a tiny ball that I can shove into my day pack or clip onto the outside of my bag with a carabiner.

Toiletries & Personal Items

  • Mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and sunglasses – Don’t forget these! Just like most other outdoor areas, the Canadian Rockies get lots of sunshine and mosquitoes in the summer, so plan ahead.
  • Snacks – Whether you’re hiking, rafting, or driving, you’ll definitely want some snacks to carry with you. I strongly recommend purchasing packaged or resealable snacks as the food scents can be an issue with wildlife in the area.
  • Good road trip playlists – You’ll be driving a LOT in the Canadian Rockies, so having a good car playlist downloaded to your phone is a must!

Other Helpful Things to Pack for the Canadian Rockies

  • Bear spray – Like I mentioned before, there is a LOT of wildlife in the Canadian Rockies. Be sure to purchase a canister of bear spray if you plan on doing lots of hiking or camping. You most likely won’t have to use it (I never did in 6 months!), but it’s smart to have on you in the event of a chance run-in with a bear or a wolf.
  • Head lamp – If you want to catch a stunning sunrise, a colorful sunset, or some epic stargazing, a good, comfortable head lamp is a MUST. Luckily, they’re not too expensive and once you buy one, you can just replace the batteries forever and ever (until the bulbs physically burn out). I like my Black Diamond head lamp for exploring in less-than-optimal lighting.
  • Reusable water bottle & filter – We always bring our trusty reusable water bottle (Rafael and I both have Hydro Flask bottles that we LOVE) on our adventures to cut down on plastic waste and keep our water cold. Most of the time you should have plenty of access to clean, filtered tap water, but on long hikes you may need to refill at a stream or cascade. In this case, you’ll also want a water filter or purification system to ensure your water is always potable. We recommend the rechargeable SteriPen, which purifies your water using a portable UV light.
  • Carabiners – These are always super useful to have while hiking or exploring. I use them to hang my water bottles, hats, shoes, wet clothes, etc. on the outside of my bag, and they work fantastically. You can literally just buy a pack of 20 carabiners and throw them in your hiking bag when you’re ready for an adventure.

Gear for Camping & Sleeping

  • Durable camping gear – If you’re planning on camping, you’ll definitely want some high-quality camping gear to bring with you.
  • Hammock – While definitely not a requirement, it’s really nice to have a hammock for relaxing after a long hike or at a riverside campsite. We have an ENO Double Nest (of course, in the brightest, most psychedelic colors they sell) and we basically live it in when we’re not in the car or the tent. It’s perfect for sharing between two people or snuggling up by yourself.

The Ultimate 10-Day Canadian Rockies Itinerary

Day 1: calgary to canmore.

Calgary

On this day, we recommend arriving in Calgary and driving to Canmore, which is the first stop of our Canadian Rockies itinerary.

You do have the option of staying in the for a day and doing some hikes (which could be a really cool option, especially if the Calgary Stampede is going on).

While many people opt to go directly from Calgary to Banff, I chose to include Canmore because it’s often overlooked by tourists, but it actually is home to some of my favorite hikes and viewpoints in all of the Canadian Rockies. 

While often overshadowed by their northern neighbors (Banff and Jasper), Canmore and the Kananaskis area are, in my opinion, some of the most underrated adventure destinations in all of Alberta.

Striking mountaintops, amazing hiking trails, and beautiful alpine lakes will greet you as you explore Canmore, but you can expect smaller crowds here, even during the high season.

Morning: Arrival in Calgary

If you opt for a direct morning flight from anywhere in the USA or Canada, chances are you’ll most likely be arriving in Calgary Airport in the late morning or early afternoon. Once you’ve arrived, proceed through customs (if necessary) and grab your bags.

  • For car rentals at the airport: From the arrivals area, follow signs to the main rental car area to pick up your car from your designated agency.
  • For car rentals from downtown: Exit after baggage claim and grab a taxi (NOT a black car, these are 2-3x the price!). Make sure you have the address of your rental agency on hand and let the driver know where you’re going. If you’ve decided to rent from Avis (which we usually recommend), their shop is right next to the Calgary Tower.

Lunch in Calgary

After you leave the airport, I recommend grabbing some lunch in nearby Calgary before heading to Canmore.

Known for its ranching industry, Calgary is known around Canada for its meats. For some of the most delicious steaks in the city, Vintage Chophouse is a fantastic place to try. Since I’m not actually a steak person myself, my favorite dish there is the lobster mac and cheese , which is exactly the heavenly deliciousness it sounds like: large lobster chunks mixed in with a perfect blend of pasta and melted cheeses.

For a cheaper, vegetarian-friendly lunch option, The Coup is a fantastic choice. Their bright, open space and delicious, healthy lunch options are AMAZING. Share a Vegan Char”coup”terie board or order the Satay Bowl for lunch… you won’t be disappointed.

After lunch, if you have extra time to check out the city, explore some of the many things to do in Calgary !

Afternoon: Driving In & Exploring Canmore

Canmore

After lunch, you’ll drive ~1 hour down the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) to Canmore. At first, you might think you’re in the wrong place, with flat farmlands for miles.

The plains eventually turn into rolling hills, and then…BAM… you’ll see it: the beautiful, majestic Canadian Rockies. At first just a faint outline on the horizon, they’ll eventually grow larger and bluer right before your eyes. 

It’s, like, ridiculously magical. 

For outdoor lovers, seeing the Canadian Rockies for the first time is kind of like the feeling you get when you see the Disney Castle. It’s magical, heart-wrenching, glorious. You might cry (I definitely did). Seeing the mountains and knowing that you’ll be spending the next 10 days there? Priceless.

Depending on how much time you have in Canmore before dinner, you can take a drive around the area and even hop on a short hiking trail (see the next section on Day 2 for some recommendations). You can also check into your accommodations (see below for our recommendations) and wander around the town center for a while.

Evening: Dinner at PD3 Blake Canmore 

Full disclosure: I’ve never eaten at Blake Canmore . BUT I have a good excuse — the TWO times I tried to go, it was either full with a wait (and I was hangry from hiking) or it was closed. You can choose to dine at Blake Canmore’s more traditional dining hall, but I’d recommend going for the more casual PD3, which is a double decker bus converted into a local dining institution (and the food smelled absolutely heavenly ).

Whatever you choose, don’t be like me: plan ahead and eat your first Canadian Rockies dinner at Blake.

Not only does the food look super drool-worthy (I think I could literally inhale their “crack fries” in approximately 2 seconds), but it’s also reasonably priced and the atmosphere is among the most unique in the region. They also have homemade ice cream flavors and signature drinks/cocktails in case you want to end your day 1 with a sweet treat!

Overnight in Canmore

You’ll spend (at least) the first two nights in Canmore, where hotels and hostels tend to be significantly cheaper than staying in nearby Banff. Here are some of our top recommendations for places to stay in the Canmore area:

  • Mid-Range Hotel: The Georgetown Inn – Imagine an old-time pub and inn that magically plopped down in the middle of Canmore and you’ve got The Georgetown Inn. This adorable home-style inn is the perfect landing place for you after long days of hiking, since they boast large, comfy rooms and there’s an attached restaurant.
  • Budget Hostel: HI-Canmore – Currently Canmore’s only hostel, HI-Canmore is a fantastic place to stay for budget travelers, solo travelers, and backpackers. With dorms and private rooms, HI-Canmore caters to a wide variety of travel preferences and budgets, while offering typical amenities like laundry, kitchen, and cooking supplies.
  • Campsite: Bow Valley Campground – Situated right next to the Bow River and the nearby hiking trails, the Bow Valley Campground is the perfect base in Canmore. The campsites are spacious, the rangers are attentive, there are all of the necessary amenities, and the views are totally epic.

Check Additional Accommodation in Canmore

Day 2: Hiking in Canmore

Canmore

As I say whenever anyone asks me, hiking is the best way to experience the Canadian Rockies , even if you’ve never hiked before or get serious anxiety when you think about climbing uphill (*raises hand and blushes*).

Whether you’ve been hiking since your childhood years or are hitting the trails for the first time ever, there are tons of picturesque hikes in Canmore (and ALL of the Canadian Rockies) suitable for your skill level and preferences.

On day 2 of your Canadian Rockies itinerary, you have a few options: choose 1-2 short hikes in Canmore, or embark on a longer half- or full-day hiking excursion in the area. I’ve listed several hikes, ranging from easy to challenging, in each of the categories below so you have LOTS of options to choose from!

Pro tip: Get started with hiking EARLY. While it will definitely be a little colder outside in the mornings, the most beautiful views of the Rockies happen when the sun is low in the sky, and you definitely won’t want to miss those ideal morning mountain photo opportunities.

Short Hikes in Canmore

Canmore

Bow River Loop – (3.5 kilometers, 1-1.5 hours) This is a nice little trail that starts in Canmore town center and loops around to the Bow River. If you’ve arrived in Canmore early enough on Day 1 for a short hike, this is a perfect one to try. Stunning views of the river, evergreen forests, and the surrounding mountains will greet you.

Grotto Canyon – (4.4 kilometers, 1.5-3 hours) One of the most unique hikes in Canmore, the Grotto Canyon trail takes you through huge rock structures where local climbers can often be found scaling the vertical rock faces. The trail is surrounded by large rocks and ends at a waterfall.

Grassi Lakes – (4 kilometers, 1-2 hours) Grassi Lakes is one of Canmore’s iconic hikes and is a local favorite that’s perfect for hikers of all levels. The trail takes you to two deep turquoise alpine lakes surrounded by evergreen trees, and it’s a super tranquil place to go for a short morning hike.

Quarry Lake – (3 kilometers, < 1 hour) This family-friendly loop trail winds around the banks of Quarry Lake, offering beautiful views across the water toward the mountains. You can also swim in the lake if the weather is warm enough!

Half-Day Hikes in Canmore

Ha Ling Peak ( CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE ) – (5.3 kilometers, ~4 hours) This is arguably one of the coolest and most picturesque summits in Canmore. But don’t let Ha Ling Peak’s short trail distance fool you: the hike is actually quite difficult, as you’ll ascend well over 800 meters in less than 3 kilometers. The peak itself rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the Bow Valley below.

Lady MacDonald Tea House – (9 kilometers, 4-6 hours) This hike, named after a tea house that was never actually built, is a gorgeous trail that has beautiful views start to finish. One of the more popular hikes in Canmore, this moderately difficult hike is a perfect half-day adventure for hikers looking for a bit of a challenge and the reward of stunning photogenic viewpoints.

Full-Day Hikes in Canmore

Mount Yamnuska

Mount Yamnuska – (11 kilometers, 6+ hours) By far, Mount Yamnuska is one of my favorite adrenaline-pumping, muscle-throbbing hikes in ALL of Canada! This 11-kilometer trail takes you through an evergreen forest, up a steep rocky scramble, around a chain cliffhanger (seriously), and up to the summit of this iconic Canmore peak. It’s a whopping 900+ meters of elevation gain, so be ready for some SERIOUS uphills and downhills if you choose to tackle this one.

Heart Mountain Horseshoe – (11 kilometers, 6+ hours) I haven’t actually hiked this one, but I’ve heard awesome things about it from friends back in Calgary. This is a moderate to difficult trail that involves a bit of rock scrambling towards the top. The views from the trail and the summit are said to be absolutely incredible.

When You Get Hungry: Breakfast or Lunch at Communitea

Depending on your schedule, you’ll be hungry eventually, and if you need a great stop for breakfast or lunch, I strongly recommend Communitea . It’s a little coffeeshop/cafe hybrid with delicious, healthy dishes and a cute, colorful atmosphere.

Head there for breakfast for a caffeine fix before a big hike, or pick up one of their hot drinks and a delicious, filling savory bowl for lunch after hitting the trails in the morning.

Evening: Dinner at Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co

A Western Canada chain, Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co is literally the perfect post-hiking meal. They’ve got a HUGE oven they use to bake their flatbreads, which come out nice and piping hot to your table. If you’re planning on going during the height of dinner time, I’d strongly recommend making a reservation.

When you check out the menu, you’ll see they have DOZENS of pizza and pasta options to choose from (I may be biased, but you should definitely try the sundried tomato pizza ). You can also grab a Canadian craft beer or a signature cocktail with your dinner.

You’ll spend the night in the same Canmore accommodation you chose on Day 1.

Day 3: Banff Town & Iconic Sights

Banff Town

I know I gave you a day full of hiking yesterday, so today, you’ll be taking it a bit more easy on the legs. You’ll drive the short distance to Banff National Park, explore the Banff Town area, eat a delightful dinner at one of my favorite restaurants in Banff, and end the night with some stargazing if it’s clear outside!

Morning: Drive to Banff & Breakfast at Tooloulou’s

Since you’ll be exploring the area near Banff Town today, you can choose what time you’ll want to head out. ( Banff is about a 30 minute drive from Canmore, so make sure you are in the car driving before you get struck with the iron fist of breakfast hanger. )

You’ll continue down the Trans-Canada Highway until you reach the Banff Entrance (which consists of small huts on each lane of the highway where you pay your entrance fee). Pay the fee, which is $9.80 CAD per adult, then continue driving alllll the way to Banff town.

Along the way, you’ll catch a glimpse of Canmore’s stunning Three Sisters and Banff’s Mount Rundle.

Once you arrive in Banff, head to Tooloulou’s , arguably the best traditional breakfast place in town. It’s a Louisiana-style Cajun restaurant with a Canadian flair. Here, you can get french toast, omelettes, and hashbrowns in HUGE (shareable) portions. It’s delicious, especially since I know you’ll be hungry by the time you arrive in Banff.

Late Morning/Afternoon: Explore Banff Town & Surrounding Areas

After you’ve wrapped up breakfast, you’ll hop back in the car and explore the Banff town area. You might be thinking,  Kay, I didn’t come to the Canadian Rockies to spend time in a town. But actually, Banff town is pretty small and picturesque, and it’s the town’s immediate surroundings that you’ll be getting to know on this day.

Depending on your energy levels and the amount of time you have, there are several options you can try. Here are a few of the main highlights in and around Banff Town:

Banff Gondola – One of the most fun and picturesque non-hiking activities in Banff is a ride on the Banff Gondola. While the ride is only ~8 minutes each way, the Gondola takes you up to a complex with an incredible panoramic observation deck, a cafe and restaurant, and amazing views for days. ( Pro tip: Head up on the Gondola later in the day when the sun is low in the sky for extra special views!)

Surprise Corner – The Surprise Corner is Banff’s worst kept secret, an unofficial viewpoint that has never *officially* been recognized as a landmark. As a roadside viewpoint just outside the city, the Surprise Corner is actually a popular place to stop off and admire views of the Bow Valley and the Banff Springs Hotel sticking up out of the trees. There are also several trails leading from the parking area around and into the valley below.

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel – You’ve probably seen photos of the Fairmont Banff Springs all over the internet. If you’re looking for luxury and history all in one place, the Banff Springs Hotel is a fantastic landing spot for you. Situated in the scenic Bow Valley, the hotel boasts several restaurants, a spa, and several amenities for actual guests. However, if you just want to take a look, head there for a leisurely lunch in one of their dining spots.

Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka – Lake Minnewanka is one of my favorite places in Banff, if not for the sheer fact that there is SO much to do there. You can rent a kayak or take a boat cruise, wander the lakeside trails or sit down for a picnic. In the night time, you can even stargaze here! I’d recommend heading over there and seeing where the day takes you…but beware: you might end up spending your ENTIRE day here!

Bow River Falls – This is a short, easy hike down to a wide waterfall on the Bow River. It’s a nice, scenic, paved trail that is family-friendly and will take you near Banff town down the river.

Banff town center – If the weather is bad or you’re just too dang tired to do anything, sticking around in Banff town center is NOT a bad option. There are scenic mountain views from the streets, as well as a handful of restaurants, shops, and museums that you can check out to learn more about Banff’s history, including the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies.

If you have more than just 2 days to spend in Banff, here’s our complete guide to the park with a list of 23 amazing adventure activities to try:

Read our complete guide on the best activities & things to do in Banff

Evening: Dinner at Park Distillery & Stargazing

Stargazing Banff

By the evening, you’ll probably be REALLY hungry and ready for a hearty, delicious meal in a relaxed place. I’ve got the perfect place to you: Park Distillery . Their mission is “campfire-inspired meals” and they really do play the part well, from char-grilled meats and steaks to the amazing smell of campfire inside and around the restaurant.

After your dinner, if you’re still a liiiiittle hungry, stop by Beaver Tails nearby for an amazing Canadian dessert: baked (fried?) dough topped with delicious sweet condiments like Nutella, M&Ms, cinnamon, and more.

If the sky is clear while you’re heading out from the restaurant, you can hop in the car and head to a nearby lake for some amazing stargazing opportunities. Outside of the town center, you can see a lot of stars and constellations in areas with little tree cover.

Here are a few beautiful spots in Banff I’d recommend for stargazing:

  • Lake Minnewanka
  • Vermilion Lakes
  • Two Jack Lake

If it’s cloudy or rainy, just head back to your hotel/hostel and cozy up in your blankets. Tomorrow is a day of hiking so you can definitely use a good night’s sleep!

Overnight in Banff National Park

The blessing and the curse of Banff is that there are SO many places you can stay. And making a decision on where to stay in Banff can be a little overwhelming. So, here are my recommendations for a few popular places to stay (or you can read this post for the full list, from luxury lodges to budget hostels):

  • Mid-Range Hotel: Moose Hotel & Suites –  This is possibly the cutest lodge in Banff, with a big wood fireplace in the lobby and stunning views of the Rockies. If you’re looking for an affordable full-service hotel option in Banff, this one is arguably the best.
  • Budget Hostel: Samesun Banff –  A cozy hostel located in Banff’s downtown area, Samesun come highly recommend by budget travelers. People really love their laid-back atmosphere, low prices, and kitchen facilities (because, ya know, those restaurants can really add up!). 
  • Camping: Two Jack Lakeside –  This is my #1 favorite campsite in the Canadian Rockies. Located right next to Two Jack Lake, the campsites offer stunning sunrise views of Mount Rundle, as well as amazing stargazing options. Campsites come with access to showers and running water, as well as fire pits (extra fee) and spacious areas to pitch your tent/hammock/whatever.

Click here to check reviews and prices for accommodations in Banff

Day 4: Hiking in Banff National Park

Hiking in Banff

Yup, you guessed it: today is a full day dedicated to hiking! There are SO many fantastic trails in Banff, and it’s worth trying at least 1 or 2 of them before you leave. Before beginning any hike in Banff, it’s wise to   check the Parks Canada website   for updates on trail conditions and weather forecasts.

Morning & Afternoon: Go Hiking in Banff

Since we’ve got Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, and Johnston Canyon on the agenda for tomorrow, I’d recommend not choosing those for your hiking day today. Here are 3 other wonderful options for hikes in Banff that you can try on today’s itinerary:

Lake Minnewanka Loop Trail  (Easy): An easy loop around one of the most beautiful lakes in the area, the Lake Minnewanka Loop is a fabulous day hike for beginner hikers or families. If you didn’t get over to Lake Minnewanka yesterday, I’d definitely recommend this option!

Cascade Amphitheatre (Moderate): Cutting through a valley with rocky mountaintop views, forested trails, and bubbling streams, this hike is a tranquil adventure into the woods. The Amphitheatre itself is a green valley surrounded by vertical rock faces and almost 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. 

Mount Rundle  (Difficult):  One of the most iconic mountains in Banff National Park, Mount Rundle is an amazing and challenging summit hike to the peak of this beast. If you’re planning to tackle this hike, be sure you’re fully prepared by reading this post and bringing all of the  necessary day hiking items  you’ll need.

For even more hiking recommendations, check out our complete guide to Banff’s most incredible hikes (for all levels of hikers!): 

When you’re not hiking and need some food/refreshments, I recommend heading to Good Earth Coffeehouse in Banff’s town center. It’s a cute, cozy coffee shop that serves warm drinks and food all morning and afternoon.

Evening: Soak in the Upper Hot Springs & Grab Dinner at Banff Ave Brewing Co

Banff at Night

Once you’re done hiking for the day, head to the Banff Upper Hot Springs , which is just outside of Banff town. Here, you can kick back in the steaming hot pool and relax your muscles after a long day of hiking. The pool is clean and spacious, perfect for relaxing for an hour or two before heading off to dinner.

The Banff Upper Hot Springs costs $8.30 CAD for adults and you can rent a towel and/or swimsuit for $1.90 CAD each.

After your soak in the springs, grab some light eats and a beer at Banff’s craft brewery, Banff Ave Brewing Co . They serve up a delicious, affordable, vegetarian-friendly menu and a sizeable variety of beers, ranging from chocolatey darks (my style) to light, sour IPAs (Raf’s style). Get the crunchy fried broccoli and house nachos, or go for a heavier option like the Alberta Beef Burger or the Mushroom Gnocchi.

You’ll spend the night in the same Banff accommodation you chose on Day 3.

Day 5: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, & Johnston Canyon

This is one of the most iconic days in the itinerary, where you’ll be headed to the famous Moraine Lake (yup, the one you see in all those Instagram photos of Banff), Lake Louise, and Johnston Canyon.

But here’s the catch: this day starts EARLY.

If you can be out of the house by 5:30 AM or before sunrise, that’s ideal.

This way, you’ll avoid the treacherous crowds at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, and you can spend the afternoon strolling through Johnston Canyon (Or, like, napping in a tree from waking up so early. Both are acceptable.).

Early Morning: Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake

Set that alarm for 5 AM and grab a Clif bar to go for your breakfast as you leave your Banff hotel to drive ~40 minutes to the Lake Louise area.

You’ll see the iconic Lake Louise a bit later in the morning, but you’ll first want to drive up to nearby Moraine Lake to catch that epic sunrise view that EVERYONE AND THEIR MOTHER wants to see. 

The parking lot for Moraine Lake is pretty small, which is why I’m recommending getting up so early. When Rafael and I went there for the first time, we arrived around 6 AM and, while we weren’t the only people there, we had the place largely to ourselves.

Park in the parking lot and go for a stroll around the lake, or up onto the famed Rock Pile to get that incredible view that everyone raves about (there’s a reason why this is one of the most Instagrammed places in Banff ).

Morning: Breakfast & Hiking at Lake Louise

Lake Louise

Once you’re finished at Moraine Lake, you can either head straight to Lake Louise or stop at Trailhead Cafe for a coffee and a bite to eat. Their “The Cure” sandwich is amazing to start (continue?) your day.

When you’re ready, head to Lake Louise and try to snag a parking spot as close to the entrance as possible. During the high season, the parking lot fills up and you have to park at a different one a few miles away and then shuttle in (which sucks, don’t do it).

If you get to Lake Louise early enough, you won’t have this problem. Instead, you can park right in front of the hotel and stroll right into the main lake area. Once you arrive at the lake, you’ll see the otherworldly turquoise water, the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, the amazing glacier, and striking mountains around you.

Lake Louise

At Lake Louise, you have a few options. You can simply hang out around the hotel and the waterfront, or you can:

  • Rent a kayak and explore the lake on the water
  • Have brunch at Poppy Brasserie , the Fairmont’s breakfast restaurant which boasts table-side views of the lake and the surrounding mountains
  • Do the Lake Agnes Tea House hike , which takes you up to a hidden alpine lake and a cozy tea house that serves warm drinks and snacks in the summer
  • Embark on the Plain of Six Glaciers hike , which is a half-day hike that takes you to some pretty epic glaciers and landscapes around and above Lake Louise

If you’re planning on just stopping by Lake Louise, you won’t need more than an hour in the area. However, if you plan on doing any of the above activities, plan for 3-4 hours (5+ hours for the Plain of Six Glaciers hike).

Afternoon: Hiking at Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon

After you’ve wrapped up at Lake Louise, you can head towards Johnston Canyon, which is a nearby trail system that travels through a beautiful, stark canyon with teal rivers and waterfalls running through it. If you’re hungry, at the entrance is a small gift shop and cafe where you can buy soups and sandwiches.

On the trails, there are a series of catwalks that take you through the canyon to two sets of waterfalls – the Upper and Lower Falls – and a lake area called the Ink Pots. At the Ink Pots, you can see multicolored pools of water that look really unique and cool for pictures.

You can choose to only visit one or both of the falls, but keep in mind that the total Johnston Canyon trail from the start to the Ink Pots is ~11.7 kilometers round trip.

Evening: Dinner at Bill Peyto’s Cafe

After your busy, busy day in the northern part of Banff, there’s nothing better than sitting down for a big, warm dinner. Bill Peyto’s Cafe is an affordable and popular choice in the Lake Louise area for exactly that.

Full disclosure: I’ve actually never eaten here , but I’ve heard raving reviews about this place, which is actually attached to the HI-Lake Louise Hostel . After a long day (which this one definitely was), it’s a great place to enjoy hearty, affordable Canadian food and drinks.

Try the elk burger with a side of Canadian craft beer , and don’t forget to try their famous hot sticky toffee pudding cake .

Overnight near Lake Louise

On this night, you can choose to stay in your same Banff accommodation as the last two days, OR you can relocate closer to Lake Louise. I tend to prefer the latter because tomorrow, you’ll be heading north toward the Icefields Parkway, and it will eliminate over half an hour of driving for you the next day. Gotta make up for the sleep you lost last night!

Here are a few options for places to stay near Lake Louise:

  • Splurge Resort: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – I know I haven’t been giving many “splurge” recommendations for this itinerary, but if you’re going to splurge for ONE NIGHT on your trip, this is it. I’ve been dreaming of spending a night or two in the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise since the first time I visited, and I’ll be saving those pennies until I can do so one day. Anyway, if you’ve got the cash, there’s no better place to spend a night than this iconic hotel, which rests on the banks of Lake Louise itself.
  • Mid-Range Hotel: Paradise Lodge & Bungalows – Perfect for larger groups, this family-friendly set of bungalows is located on the road to Lake Louise and offers large full kitchens in-unit. There’s no on-site restaurant, but the Lake Louise Visitor’s Centre isn’t far.
  • Budget Hostel: HI-Lake Louise Alpine Centre – HI-Lake Louise Alpine Centre is located just outside of Lake Louise near the Visitor’s Centre. As another Hostelling International hostel, you can expect clean, cozy dorms and private rooms, large social areas and a kitchen, and affordable rates.
  • Camping: Lake Louise – This tent camping spot is located right near Lake Louise and is the perfect place to spend a night in the area.

Day 6: Icefields Parkway

Icefields Parkway

On Day 6, you’ll head up to Jasper via the most beautiful highway in the Canadian Rockies (and maybe in Canada…or the world…).

Nothing screams Canadian Rockies road trip more than driving its most scenic route, and today you’ll have the chance to do that, with a bunch of stops in between.

While the drive itself only takes ~3 hours, you’ll definitely want to stop for some photos, fresh air, hiking, and more. In this part of the itinerary, we’ve laid out all of your options for places to stop and things to do along the Icefields Parkway.

Morning: Alpine Lake Viewpoints

Grab an early breakfast to go at Trailhead Cafe in Lake Louise. I’d also recommend grabbing some extra sandwiches to go for lunch later, as you may not want to stop for food during your road trip.

Then, head out north on the Icefields Parkway towards Jasper. There are tons of amazing places to stop as you leave the Banff National Park area and turn into the Columbia Icefield.

First, stop at Peyto Lake, which is about 40 minutes from Lake Louise. Peyto Lake is a stunning turquoise lake that you can admire from its highway upper viewpoint, and it’s definitely worth at least a short photo stop before continuing onward. 

Late Morning & Afternoon: Choose Your Own Adventure

After you’ve stopped at Peyto Lake, you have a TON of options for things to do along the way. Here are just a few of the many hikes, activities, and viewpoints you can stop at along the Icefields Parkway:

Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre – The discovery centre sits off of the icefields parkway about an hour and a half away from the Jasper Information Centre. Here you can get some scenic views from the top of the centre and you can book excursions out into the icefields. If you are feeling hungry, grab a bite in the attached Altitude restaurant. If you are just passing by on the way to Jasper, plan to spend 30 minutes here for a quick pit stop.

Glacier Skywalk

Glacier Skywalk – Take a 400 m walk along a glass-bottomed walkway that overlooks the gorgeous Sunwapta Valley 280 meters below. Tickets for the attraction can be purchased at the nearby Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, which is about 6 km away towards Banff on the Icefields Parkway. Tickets cost $35 at the door, but you can pre-purchase them online for a slight discount. Plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour there.

Do a Glacier Walk – Take an Athabasca Glacier Tour where you can walk on and drink from the 10,000 year old sheet of ice. You’ll be taken out to the glacier on a huge all-terrain bus with a knowledgeable guide who will teach you about the area’s history. After arriving on the glacier, you’ll get to walk directly on the ice and explore crevasses and hills. Some tours are all day events (10 am – 5 pm), but you can find shorter trips at the Discovery Centre that are 3 hours in length.

Mistaya Canyon – If you are looking for a short half hour break while driving up to Jasper, consider stopping at Mistaya Canyon. Look for a small parking area about 5 km South from the Saskatchewan Crossing. You’ll take a short 10 minute hike that crosses a wooden bridge where you can see beautiful views of the mountains and waterfalls surrounding Mistaya Canyon. This spot is not as well known to many tourists, so it’s a good peaceful place to stop on your way to Jasper or Banff.

Herbert Lake – Herbert Lake is only 6 km away from Lake Louise along the Icefields parkway. Similarly to Mistaya Canyon, looks for a small pull-out area next to the highway where you can park your car. A short 5 minute trail will take you to a brilliant, scenic view of a tranquil, mirrored lake. You’ll have the option of following the trail around the perimeter of the lake if you choose, or simply enjoy the serenity and tranquility of this secluded area.

Chephren Lake – Stop off at the trailhead for Chephren Lake, one of my favorite lakes on the Icefields Parkway. You have to hike in ~3 hours round trip to get there, but I promise the views are totally worth it. By the time you finish up with Chephren Lake, it should be early afternoon and you’ll be ready to continue on to the rest of the Icefields Parkway.

Parker Ridge – About an hour and half from Lake Louise, Parker Ridge offers unparalleled views of the Icefields and Saskatchewan Glacier. The hike is a short 2.7 km that climbs 250 m. You’ll be above the treeline for the majority of the hike. Set aside about 2 hours for the entire round trip. Parking is limited.

Evening: Dinner at Evil Dave’s Bar & Grill in Jasper

For a cozy dine-in experience, Evil Dave’s Bar & Grill is a local favorite. With eclectic decor and delicious, large dishes, it’s a really awesome choice for a post-road trip dinner in Jasper.

They serve up Western Canadian favorites, like Tenderloin and Grilled Chicken sourced from Alberta, but they’ve also got a whole list of amazing vegetarian and vegan options as well.

Overnight in Jasper

  • Mid-Range Hotel: Pyramid Lake Resort – This resort looks like a giant log cabin from the outside and sits right next to a lake. Guests will have scenic views of the mountains and can dip their feet in the water just a couple of feet from the hotel.
  • Budget Hostel: Jasper Downtown Hostel – With dorms and private rooms, the Jasper Downtown Hostel is the best place for backpackers in Jasper. It offers all the proper amenities of a hostel, including common areas, a shared kitchen, and laundry machines on-site.
  • Campsite: Wapiti Campsite –  Wapiti is located next to the Athabasca river and offers gorgeous views of the mountains. The site includes access to hot showers, electricity, and fire pits. It is also close to the main town so you can make quick runs for supplies.

Day 7: Hiking in Jasper

Jasper National Park

Day 7 is all about exploring Jasper by foot! ( Do you like how I’ve left a whole day in every destination on this itinerary for hiking? Yeah…I kind of like hiking… ) There are several hikes in Jasper for hikers of all levels, from “never hiked before” beginners to experienced mountaineers.

Today, you’ll spend most of the day hiking, then you’ll relax in the hot springs before treating yourself to dinner in one of Jasper’s best restaurants.

Morning & Afternoon: Hiking in Jasper

Like I mentioned, there are dozens of hikes you can try in Jasper ranging from easy, flat trails to rock scrambles. I’ve listed out some of the most popular ones for you here so you can choose 1-2 and plan your day:

Easy Hikes in Jasper

Maligne Canyon:  (Easy, 3.9 kilometers) An easy, short hike, Maligne Canyon brings you through a striking canyon, passing by ranging rivers and breathtaking waterfalls in the process. Perfect for families or beginner hikers wanting to see some of the most awesome views in the park!

Valley of the Five Lakes: (Easy, 4.5 kilometers) The magic of the Valley of the Five Lakes trail is exactly what it sounds like: five gorgeous, picturesque lakes with the Canadian Rockies lying majestically in the background. It’s perfect for beginner hikers wanting an easy half-day adventure on one of the most tranquil and iconic Jasper hiking trails.

Moderate/Challenging Hikes in Jasper

Edith Cavell Meadows

Edith Cavell Meadows: (Moderate, 6 kilometers) Edith Cavell Meadows is one of the most popular trails in Jasper, and for good reason – it’s got a bit of everything, from mountain views to alpine meadows to hanging glaciers and more. The first part of the path is paved, leading you to a lookout point over Angel Glacier. After the lookout point, the trail continues ascending, and the path leads to two more viewpoints – most people (myself included) choose to stop at the second one.

Bald Hills: (Challenging, 13.2 kilometers) As one of the most popular full-day Jasper hikes, Bald Hills is an amazing and challenging trail that will bring you up to some of those drop-dead gorgeous views you see in the postcards. This summit hike is one of the best hikes you can do in the park, and we highly recommend it if you’re up for the challenge. 

If you’re in need of some food for fuel or relaxation, head to Coco’s Cafe in downtown Jasper. They serve amazing coffee beverages and snacks for hungry hikers (including some seriously mouth-watering vegetarian and vegan items), and their prices are affordable.

Evening: Dinner at Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen

For the perfect smoky, rich, locally sourced meal, there’s no better place in Jasper to try than the Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen . Located next to the Maligne Canyon trailhead, this small, charming restaurant embodies the spirit of Canadian Rockies gastronomy, with locally sourced meats and produce. 

If you’re super tired from the trails, you can also grab their mouth watering dishes to go, but why not stick around and enjoy the fresh smells and flavors in-house?

You’ll spend the night in the same Jasper accommodation you chose on Day 6.

Day 8: Jasper Town & Iconic Sights

Jasper Town

After your big day of hiking yesterday, you’ll take it a little bit easier on Day 8. However, you’ll start your morning super early with a beautiful sunrise view, head to one of the most picturesque lakes in ALL of Jasper, and then explore the area surrounding Jasper town before heading toward Yoho National Park.

Early Morning: Sunrise at Pyramid Lake

Pyramid Lake

You’ll head out before 6 AM (check the sunrise forecast on your Weather app for a more accurate departure time) to Pyramid Lake.

This dramatic lake is home to a towering mountain peak, a beautiful blue lake, evergreen forests, and a large wooden lodge.

You should get there when the sky is still a deep navy blue, but just bundle up and wait for the sunrise. If it’s clear enough outside, you should start to see the faint hues of pink and red slowly start to paint the mountain face (like the photo I took a few years ago below). 

If you’re looking for an alternative view, nearby Patricia Lake is also a really lovely place to watch the sun as it peeks over the horizon. Patricia Lake’s water is a lot more still than the water at Pyramid Lake, creating a gorgeous “mirror lake” effect.

Head back to Jasper town center to grab a quick coffee and breakfast at Coco’s Cafe (or another one of Jasper’s coffeeshops!). 

Morning: Maligne Lake

Maligne Lake

From Jasper town center, it’s a bit of a drive to arrive at Maligne Lake. However, once you’re there, you can spend the rest of the morning simply wandering around the area, doing a nearby hike or getting out on the water.

Here are a few ways to spend your morning in Maligne Lake:

Admire Spirit Island – One of the famous views in Jasper is Spirit Island, a tiny, evergreen-filled island jutting out into the middle of Maligne Lake. It’s super picturesque amidst the backdrop of the clear, turquoise waters of Maligne Lake, and makes for a super picturesque spot to spend the morning.

Take a boat tour – There are a handful of motorized boat tours that travel through the Maligne Lake area, and you can book one very easily. If you’re feeling tired from all of your travel (I understand, this itinerary is SUPER jam-packed!), opt for a relaxing boat cruise around the beauty of the lake.

Kayak around the lake – If you’re looking for an active alternative to the boat cruise, you can rent a kayak and explore around the lake yourself!

Go hiking – There are tons of trails and hiking areas that extend from Maligne Lake up into the nearby mountains.

Early Afternoon: Explore the Jasper Town Area

Now that you’ve spent virtually the entire morning outside, you’ll return to Jasper town center and enjoy some of the more laid-back attractions in the area.

Since you won’t have a TON of time to do things in Jasper town, here are a few suggestions for things you can do with 2-3 hours:

Ride the Jasper Skytram – The Jasper Skytram brings you close to the top of Whistlers Mountain. There’s a sizeable observation deck and an area where you can grab food and drinks. Or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, hop on the hiking trail near the platform to reach the summit of the mountain.

Go cycling on Jasper’s bike paths – Rent a bike at Vicious Cycle Canada and hit the trails! There are plenty of bike trails in and around Jasper’s town center where you can explore on wheels.

Visit the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum  – Located in the center of Jasper, the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum discusses how Jasper’s community began, and provides important historical context to the area that’s now largely known for its natural beauty and adventure activities.

For our entire list of things to do in and around Jasper town, check out the complete guide:

Click here to read our complete guide to things to do in Jasper

Late Afternoon & Evening: Drive to Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park

The drive to Yoho, your next stop, takes 3.5-4 hours, and since you’ve already made your stops on the Icefields Parkway, you can drive it straight. However, I’d plan to leave Jasper no later than 2 PM to make sure you have plenty of daylight to drive all the way to Yoho. 

Once you’re in Yoho, you’ll actually stay in Field, the town of Yoho. There, you can grab dinner (I recommend Truffle Pigs Bistro & Lodge ) before settling in to your accommodation for the night.

Overnight in Field (Town of Yoho National Park)

  • Mid-Range Hotel: Truffle Pigs Lodge – This 12-room inn is a small, comfortable, mid-range hotel option. With private rooms and bathrooms and an attached restaurant, it’s the perfect full-service accommodation option for Yoho. It’s also located in the heart of the tiny town of Field, perfect for access to all of the main park attractions.
  • Budget Hostel: Fireweed Hostel – Built into a two-story log cabin, this cozy hostel is the perfect backpacker lodge for budget travelers in Yoho. Located in the town of Field, it’s an easy drive from most of the park’s main attractions, and there are typical hostel amenities like communal hangout space and a kitchen. It’s perfect for backpackers and solo travelers!
  • Campsite: Kicking Horse Campground – A well-maintained, quiet campsite in Yoho National Park, Kicking Horse Campground offers campers a place to rest their heads (and shower, and get access to running water) from late June to October.

Day 9: Hiking & Sightseeing in Yoho National Park

Today is your full day in Yoho National Park, which is the smallest Canadian Rockies park and one of the most easily overlooked stops on any Canadian Rockies itinerary.

It’s actually in British Columbia, so it’s often not listed on “places to visit in Alberta” lists. But it’s equally, if not more, beautiful than its neighbors. 

In fact, the word “yoho” in Cree, a local indigenous language, means something like “WOW!!!!” When you see it, you’ll probably agree that Yoho National Park is definitely deserving of such a high honor.

On Day 9 of your Canadian Rockies road trip, you’ll take the full day to explore Yoho. Banff is just a short drive (~40 minutes) away, so you can hang out here until about dinner time and then head over to Banff to spend the night.

FYI: Yoho doesn’t actually fully open all of its roads until late June, so you may need to modify your Canadian Rockies road trip plans if you come earlier in the season.

Morning: Takkakaw Falls and Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake

Takkakaw Falls is the second highest waterfall in Western Canada and is a super spectacular spot to head to in the morning. The access road is only open from June through early fall, so unfortunately if you are headed to the Canadian Rockies in the spring, you won’t be able to see the fall at that time.

To get to the end of the falls, you’ll need to take a trail, which is only ~1.5 kilometers. Once you arrive at the base of the falls, you can stand close enough to feel the cool water sprinkle your face. Cool (literally), huh?

Next, head to Emerald Lake, a stunning alpine lake in Yoho not far from Field. Here, the f ine sediment from the glaciers sits in the water and gives it its characteristic emerald color after which it is named. You can rent a kayak here or hike the 5.3 kilometer loop trail around the lake!

Afternoon: Lake O’Hara

Lake O Hara

Lake O’Hara is an alpine lake, and is one of the main sights in Yoho National Park. It’s definitely worth the long journey it takes to get there.

Situated at 2000m in elevation, you need to hike up a trail in order to get there (but you may be able to pay to take a shuttle down back to the parking lot during the summer months. Note, however, that this is not a guarantee!)

Advance reservations are required to go up to the lake, however, you are still able to hike the 11 km up to the top even if you weren’t able to get a bus reservation.

If you don’t get a bus reservation, you will have to hike back down the 11 kilometers you came (which means this will easily turn into a full-day excursion!). However, if you are able to take the bus back down, plan to be around Lake O’Hara for 4-5 hours. (If you have to hike both ways, plan for 6-7 hours.)

Evening: Dinner in Banff 

For your last dinner, you’ll head back to Banff’s town center. You can eat at one of your favorite restaurants from before, or opt for a bit more of a “fine dining” experience at one of these Banff local restaurants:

Saltlik – Enjoy a nice quality steak dinner at one of Banff’s premier steakhouses. There is a separate bar area for drinks. The restaurant has a great selection of side dishes. Try the mac and cheese!

The Bison – This picturesque dining establishment features wood-fired inspired food, and their dishes are LITERALLY to die for. For meat lovers, choose between ribs, bison, duck, or trout. Vegetarian dishes are also available. And, of course, before you leave Canada, you’ve got to try their poutine!

You’ll be back in Banff for your final night of this Canadian Rockies itinerary, so enjoy it! Again, here are my recommendations – the same ones as before – for a few popular places to stay (or you can read this post for the full list, from luxury lodges to budget hostels):

Day 10: Return to Calgary

Calgary

It’s the last day of your Canadian Rockies itinerary, and sadly you’ll have to return back to your normal life soon. But before you go, you’ll spend one last blissful morning amidst the peaks and forests before heading back to Calgary.

Morning: Sunrise at Vermilion Lakes

Wake up early (before 6 AM) and head to Vermilion Lakes for your final morning in the Canadian Rockies. This is THE sunrise spot, and we left this for the last day so that you can enjoy one last morning of tranquil mountain magic before heading back to the real world (*sobs*).

Even on misty mornings, the sunrise here can be quite beautiful, so I’d recommend going even if it looks cloudy outside. Park in the parking lot at Vermilion Lakes and walk into the shore area, where you can sit and enjoy a warm drink or just listen to the sounds of the morning.

It’s here where you’ll bid farewell to Banff and the Canadian Rockies and all of your amazing memories you’ve just made over the last 10 days. From personal experience, I will say that this place really sticks with you, forever. The landscapes of the Canadian Rockies have truly made an impression on me that my heart will always yearn for.

Returning to Calgary

You’re finally reaching the end of your Canadian Rockies road trip. (Sad face emoji!)

Depending on what time your flight is scheduled to depart, you’ll need to make your way back to Calgary. When you’re ready, dry your eyes and hop in the car, taking the Trans-Canada Highway all the way back to the city. Drop off your rental car wherever you picked it up, head back to the airport, and bid those incredible mountain vistas adieu .

Feeling some serious post-Rockies depression already? Well then you’ll just have to plan another trip up here! There are LOADS MORE things to do in the Canadian Rockies than we had time for in this itinerary, and until then, you can drift off to sleep at night with visions of the snow-capped rocky peaks and magical turquoise lakes dancing around in your mind…

Other Places to Visit on a Canadian Rockies Itinerary

If you’re one of the lucky ones who actually has more time in the Canadian Rockies than 10 days, read on for a few more areas you can add to your Canadian Rockies itinerary:

Waterton Lakes National Park

Waterton Lakes

Waterton Lakes National Park (along with its US neighbor, Glacier) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Peace Park. This Alberta national park consists of a giant glacial lake system surrounded by mountains, and it rests on the Canadian border with Montana. Its a bit far from the rest of the parks on our itinerary, but it’s definitely a worthwhile addition to any Canadian Rockies road trip!

Like its northern neighbors, Waterton Lakes is full of amazing, spectacular views and hiking trails, including its famed Triple Crown hiking challenge. To learn more about Waterton Lakes and the hiking trails there, visit our complete guide:

Kootenay National Park

Kootenay National Park , located in British Columbia, is another lesser-known Canadian Rockies national park. Located southwest of Banff National Park, you can experience all kinds of beautiful hiking trails here, with amazing, breathtaking alpine lakes and mountain passes to explore. It’s not far from the rest of the places on this Canadian Rockies itinerary and would be the perfect addition if you have a few extra days to spend in the region.

I haven’t actually personally been to Kootenay National Park, but this guide to 25 things to do in Kootenay is an excellent starting point if you’d like to explore the area.

Additional Canadian Rockies Travel Resources

Phew! If you’ve made it this far, congratulations. You’ve literally gotten your hands on all of the information you need for all of the stops on this itinerary. However, we do have even MORE detailed guides on each of the stops in the Canadian Rockies on our website and beyond.

The below resources (both our guides and the external ones) are all really helpful for learning more about the attractions at each stop on this itinerary, or for adding activities and extending your trip.

Have a look and remember — these are ALL just our recommendations. Doing more research on the area enables you to make your Canadian Rockies itinerary the perfect one for YOU!

Our favorite (external) Canadian Rockies travel resources:

  • Lonely Planet: Banff, Jasper, and Glacier National Parks – If you’re into physical guidebooks to take with you when you travel, this is the ultimate companion to our Canadian Rockies itinerary. The Lonely Planet guide to Banff, Jasper, and Glacier has all the information you need to get around, find a nice place to stay, and book tours for the adventures you want to try.
  • Moon Canadian Rockies – Another comprehensive print guidebook about Banff, Jasper, and more! It never hurts to have more than one, right?
  • Parks Canada Website – This website is the ultimate resource for up-to-date information about the national parks in Canada. Here, you can find out about road and trail closures, construction occurrences, weather warnings, and more.
  • To Banff and Beyond – A wonderful Banff-focused travel blog which includes several tips, hikes, and activities to do in the Canadian Rockies area!

10 Days in the Canadian Rockies Itinerary: Read Next

All of our own guides, tips, and misadventures in the Canadian Rockies

  • Incredible Hikes in Canmore
  • 23 Incredible Things to Do in Banff National Park
  • Where to Stay in Banff National Park
  • 17 Spectacular Things to Do in Jasper National Park

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10 Days in the Canadian Rockies: The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary

I’m Kay. I’m originally from small town Virginia, but have moved all around the East Coast and the United States for basically my entire life. I spent my childhood days blissfully wandering through the Blue Ridge Mountains, rolling in leaves, playing in creeks…you know, the usual overly adventurous 5-year-old stuff.

But those early years spent outside gave me a real problem: I’m now an adventure addict. Basically, if I’m not at my computer banging out articles or photos, I’m probably out hiking, biking, or camping somewhere beautiful.

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Best Places to Stay in Jasper National Park

Best Places to Stay in Jasper National Park

Hey – What an amazing blog, thank you so much.

If you had an extra 3-4 days, where would you spend them? Additional destinations or adding more days to places like Banff and Jasper?

Thank you SO MUCH (!) for putting this together. I am planning a canadian rockies road trip with my dad this summer and this is perfect. I honestly dreaded planning a bit because I know how much there is to do / see and to think of but this just made my life so much easier and now I can’t wait!

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Mapping Megan

Authored by Chan Komagan

About a year ago a message popped up on my Twitter feed. It said that all national parks in Canada will be free in 2017 to mark its 150th anniversary. Home to some of the most incredible scenery in the world, I immediately started planning my trip.

With the aim to avoid the peak tourist season, I planned to go in early June and spend 5 days across 4 major national parks –  Jasper, Yoho, Glacier and Banff. Late spring or early to mid autumn is the best time to visit if you’re not a fan of shoulder to shoulder crowds.

I rented a mid-size car from Edmonton for less than $80 a week. It was about a 4-hour drive to the entrance of Jasper National Park . Now, I’ve done a few amazing scenic drives in my lifetime, like the Pacific Coast Highway along the California coast, Hue to Hoi An in Vietnam, and Lisbon to Algarve in Portugal. But with exhilarating vistas of forest, craig, glacier, ice fields and wildlife, the drive from Jasper to Banff takes out the top spot on my list. It’s easily one of the most beautiful drives in the world.

The following is a rough 5-day itinerary. If you’re thinking of a self drive adventure through the Canadian rockies, I encourage you to follow this route.

How to Self Drive the Canadian Rockies: A 5 Day Itinerary From Jasper to Banff

You’ll need to order a Park permit pass (which is free of cost) in order to obtain access to the parks. As you can imagine Canadian National Park issued a record number of passes this year due to high demand. You can order your pass from the Canadian Parks Website.

Day 1 – 2: Jasper National Park

Lake Maligne. The first stop was Lake Maligne. By the time I arrived it was late in the day and the kayak rental was closed. But there was enough time for a 2 hour hike around the lake.

Athabasca Falls: The water that you see in the falls originates from the Mt. Athabasca Glacier. This was my first sighting of a Grizzly bear in the wild.

Columbia Ice Field:  Hiked to see remnants of the once magnanimous Glacier that used to occupy the car park but has now it has receded far from this area. Ironic that I was here the same week when Trump announced pulling out of the Paris agreement . Very sad!

Bow Summit: You hike up almost 1000 meters to the top of the summit to see the most beautiful lake you will ever witness in your life – Peyto Lake. Bow lake is the longest lake that goes from Jasper to Banff.

Wilcox Pass: If you want to experience an amazing hiking opportunity go to the top of the Wilcox pass. It’s here that you can sit in the infamous red chair you see in most travel guides. As an added bonus you can witness many Mountain goats hanging around enjoying the sun.

Car rental Canadian rockies

From top: Car Rental / Wilcox Pass / Peyto Lake

Find Hotels & Airbnbs near Jasper NP

Day 3 – yoho national park.

Wapta Falls:  Initially took the wrong road while looking for the trail head but ended up finding a beautiful vantage point from where one can see the Wapta Falls from far. I also bumped into a large black Grizzly bear.

Once I found the right trail head, the real hike to Wapta Falls took about 2 hours. But getting lost is the best way to experience the most interesting things!

Natural Bridge : If you want to witness history being made, make sure you visit the Natural bridge . The forceful water from the melting Glacier is slowly carving (what once used to be) a rock bridge into a canyon.

Lake Emerald: My favorite lakes in all of the National Parks for its serenity and vista. Managed to complete a loop around the lake in 3 hours.

Related Post: Tips For Bear Safety When Hiking in North America

Day 4 – 5: Banff National Park

Banff is the most touristy and most advertised national park in Canada, mainly due to the attraction of Lake Louise . It is undoubtedly beautiful, though in my opinion overrated, as it’s far too over crowded for my taste. Instead I recommend you visit:

Lake Morraine:  This is underdeveloped, rocky and still covered in ice. But when you climb to the top of the hill you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the lake with the backdrop of surrounding high mountains.

Johnston Canyon:  I hiked about 1.5 km and saw the fast flowing river carving a deep canyon. Also saw a grizzly bear here.

Sulphur Mountain: Avoid the easy Gondola ride instead take the steep hike to the top of the mountain. The climb is about 2 hours to the top and it was simply the best workout you will ever get. Once there you will go to several scenic spots. There is a cosmic ray telescope

Banff Minnewanka Lake: Another underrated lake but a must see if you go to Banff.

That said, if you do decide you want to take in Banff National Park, here are 100 ideas for things to do .

The most overrated and touristy of all the places. Beautiful view but over crowded for my taste.

From top: Lake Louise / Lake Morraine / Grizzly bear

That Beautiful Blue

You will that notice most of the lakes throughout Canada’s National Parks are blue. This is due to the constant grinding of glacier with rocks. The rubble left behind (also called “Rock Flour”) in the water scatters the blue-green rays of light, giving the lake its special blue color.

There are of course many other hikes throughout each national park which I didn’t have time to include. The highway from Jasper to Banff has a ton of sightseeing/hiking opportunities, and the great thing about a self drive vacation is that you can experience them at your own pace, depending on your time and your fitness level.

If you’re into nature, wildlife, camping and hiking you must visit Canada’s National Parks this year. They’re free!

OUR FAVORITE CANADA TRAVEL GUIDES! CLICK TO LOOK INSIDE ↓

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A 5 day itinerary from Jasper to Banff National Parks

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canadian rockies tours 5 days

Chan is an avid traveler and a tech enthusiast who has traveled to 5 continents and 40 countries in his lifetime. He quit his job last December to pursue his dream of traveling to the far corners of the world.

Based in New York, while traveling he does stock trading and blogging at Tayora.com . You can connect with Chan on  Facebook  and  Twitter . You can read more of his guest posts on this blog on his  author page .

34 Comments

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Such an epic experience and I must enjoy the view of the mountain immensely that I would forget I have to drive :D thanks for the post and awesome pictures! @ knycx.journeying

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Haha very good point – might want to plan for some extra time with all the likely stops along the way, and pull overs into the viewing lanes!

Hope you have the chance to visit soon :)

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Love touring in Canada, haven’t made it to the Rockies yet. So many great places on the way.

Hope you have the chance to visit again and take in the Rockies on your next trip :)

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I have lived in Canada my whole life and never explored this area properly. I really need to get out there!

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Yes I’ve met many Canadians during my trip and have never been to the Rockies or the Maritimes. But same goes for many people in other countries who have not had time to explore their own country.

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Great tips – and I love the close up of the bear!

Glad you enjoyed the post :)

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I am all about the combination of FREE (yay!!) and doing things in the off season (SO much less crowded!!)

As a Canadian, I have to shamefully admit that I’ve never been West of Ontario but every time I see photos of Alberta it just tugs at my heartstrings – what a gorgeous, gorgeous area.

Hi Vanessa – It is the best kept secret of Canada (and New Foundland as well). Hope you make it there soon.

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Thanks for the car rental tip! $80 for a week seem like a good price. Would love to do a roadtrip between these parks soon. Thanks for off season tip too.

Hey Carla – Yea if you check carrentals.com in advance you can see some amazing rental prices. Best to pick up the car from Edmonton or Calgary. Some people drove all the way from Vancouver and I don’t recommend it as the flight is very cheap and fast.

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I have done the same road trip but didnt have time to do a hike at the time due to time but visited most of these places mentioned. Love the Rockies and would recommend them to anyone who loves nature and scenic landscapes. Fantastic post and I cant wait to get out there again next June.

Thanks Danik. I would have spent more time hiking if I didn’t have my remote job :)

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The Canadian Rockies are beautiful. But you didn’t mention Lake Louise, perhaps the most well-known lake in the Canadian Rockies. And the hike to the two tea houses.

Hey John – Thanks for reading. I did mention Lake Louse in the post on Day 4. Although I found it very touristy it is still worth a visit. Yes I hiked around the lake for half a day.

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The more I see about Jasper, the more I want to visit. These parks rival anything I have seen in the USA and it is amazing. (Then again, it’s the same mountain ranges so I shouldn’t be surprised but I am,) I would love to do this road trip some time soon.

Hope you have the chance to travel soon! I agree, I think Canada National Parks wipe the floor with the USA :D Though that said, it’s a difficult call because America has some stunning landscapes too. Nice thing being you can combine Canada and the US into one long road trip and see them all :D

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Oh I wish, wish, wish I could transport myself (only for a day) to the very top of the Wilcox pass and be sat in that infamous red chair.

And wowza, 80 bucks for a weeks car rental is amazing. For some reason I thought travelling in Canada wasnt easily achievable for those of us who dont have much of a budget.

Your guide is very cool, inspires me to get my fit on and actually tick a few of these impressive hikes and walks off my list.

Hi Anna – Yes, the car rental is very cheap. I was surprised as well. The hike to the top of Wlcox pass is amazing. You hardly come across other people. Glad you enjoyed my article. Thanks for reading.

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Five days of exploring with these breathtaking landscapes must be such really wonderful experience! I love the lakes with snow capped mountains as a backdrop. It’s just so beautiful! All the photos are really stunning!

Hope you have the chance to plan a self drive through Canada soon :)

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It has been such a rare treat to have free access to the parks this year to celebrate Canada 150! I live an hour from Banff and have been taking advantage all year. So beautiful there!

Great to hear that wanderlust wayfarer!

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Where did you sleep? Did you take a tent? I am currently having the heartbreak of probably cancelling my Canada trip as the price of camper vans are insane in Canada compared to the rest of the world!

Hi Hannah, sorry to hear that you’re having trouble hiring a campervan. You can either camp, or book into the various hotels that are around the national parks. There are plenty of hotels and lodges around Jasper and Banff, though there’s not really any need for overnight accommodation between these two towns.

Parks Canada’s page with information about the national park campgrounds is here https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/jasper/activ/passez-stay/camping

Most campgrounds are booked on a first come, first served basis, though you can make reservations for some of them; I would check on Parks Canada’s website for up to date info on each one.

Hope that helps! Happy travels :)

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Where did you find such an amazing deal on car rental?

Hi Tom – Thanks for reading my article. I recommend renting it from carrentals.com site. You get really good rates. If you book in advance you get a good rate plus you don’t have to pay in advance.

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Such a stunning destination. I went on a road trip there with family. Nice itinerary ?

It is indeed! So glad you had a fabulous trip :)

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Great post and beautiful photos, for the five days where do recommend to stay? We were thinking of splitting nights in between Banff and Jasper. Not so keen on meeting a bear!

Thanks Glenda, glad you enjoyed the post :) Splitting your time between Banff and Jasper is the best approach. They’re only 3 and a half hours apart from each other by road, and Yoho National Park is right there too, so it’s pretty close in terms of driving distances.

Re avoiding bears, I would book hotels for your accommodation … typically if you go camping bears will often find you!! The most popular bear hotspot is Lake Louise Gondola. People also commonly spot them along Bow Valley Parkway, Lake Moraine Road, or the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive. And they’re most commonly out and about at dawn and dusk. So if you’re in those areas and don’t want to run into them, just practice extra caution. Generally though they’re totally fine, and won’t attack unless they feel cornered in or threatened. So if you do see a bear give it a wide berth and don’t get intentionally close.

Have a fabulous trip!!

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You said you visited 4 parks including Glacier park as well but you don’t even have it in the itinerary…

Hi Denis, you’re right, it looks like Chan has missed out including Glacier NP in his itinerary. Glacier is an hour drive from Yoho National Park, so my recommendation is to plan for an extra couple of days after that before heading down to Banff. I’ll shoot Chan a note and see if he can update the itinerary with this too :)

Happy travels!

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Canadian Rockies by Train

About this tour.

From the lush green Pacific coast of Vancouver, board VIA Rail’s The Canadian for a once-in-a-lifetime overnight train journey. Relax in the dome car and experience panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes, rushing rivers and the sheer unspoiled wilderness of Canada. Arrive in Jasper and see the dramatic Maligne Canyon and its picture-perfect lake. Journey along the unforgettable Icefields Parkway. Marvel at Athabasca. Discover the natural beauty of Moraine Lake and the powerful Bow Falls. Experience a day on a ranch in the Alberta plains, complete with a wagon ride in search of buffalo and a BBQ lunch in the great outdoors. End your journey in cosmopolitan Calgary. Discover the natural beauty only found in the Canadian Rockies.

Your Tour Includes

  • 6 Handpicked Accommodations
  • 2 Choice on Tour Options

Included Highlights

  • British Columbia

Your Tour at a Glance

7 Breakfasts

2 - Moderate

Travel Style

Customize your tour.

Optional Excursions

Starting at $79.00

Activity Level

  • Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour&#39;s activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Travel Styles

Highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

Experience the beautiful city of Vancouver with a sightseeing tour.

Witness spectacular views on your VIA Rail train ride.

Drive the unforgettable Icefields Parkway.

Marvel at the power of Bow Falls in Banff.

Cultural Experiences:

See the dramatic Maligne Canyon, one of the area’s most spectacular landmarks.

At Athabasca Glacier, choose a ride on the glacier or walk on the Columbia Icefield Skywalk.

Behold spectacular Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks.

Culinary Inclusions:

Enjoy breakfast at picture-perfect Maligne Lake.

Delight in a traditional Albertan barbecue.

  • Maligne Lake
  • Athabasca Glacier
  • Choice on Tour
  • Lake Louise

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Getting Prepared

Know before you go, travel tips, enhance your tour.

  • Choice On Tour

Pre and Post Night Stay

Unique Experience

Cultural Experiences

Enhance Your Trip

  • Tour Extensions

Today in the Icefields area, you have the choice between two activities. First you may choose to ride onto the surface of the Athabasca Glacier by Ice Explorer; a massive vehicle specially designed for glacial travel. An experienced driver-guide shares a wealth of fascinating information about glaciers, icefields and their impact on our environment. Your other option is to walk beyond nature's edge and enjoy the view from a fully-accessible, cliff-edge walkway that leads to a glass-floored observation platform 918 feet (280 metres) above the Sunwapta Valley.

Hotel-Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre

Hotel-Calgary Marriott Downtown

A scenic ferry crossing transports you to Vancouver Island to visit the incomparable and lovely Butchart Gardens. Set on over 55 acres, Butchart Gardens are among the world's most beautiful and are a veritable explosion of color and fragrances. Then, take a short sightseeing tour of the "City of Gardens," Victoria, and enjoy leisure time to explore this charming, seaside city. This evening you will journey back to the mainland via a short ferry ride.

Experience the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies from a birds-eye perspective -- leave the ground behind and behold the incomparable beauty of the region with a helicopter tour. Nothing compares to the total exhilaration of soaring above some of the most incredible scenery the world offers. Soar to the “Matterhorn” of the Canadian Rockies, Mt. Assiniboine, which rises majestically 11,870 feet along the Great Divide. The surrounding glaciers and icefalls will astound you and capture your imagination. This is a photographer's dream come true!

Set off on the Athabasca River for the adventure of a lifetime! Climb aboard a specially-designed raft with a licensed National Parks guide and explore this great waterway as it flows through the Alberta wilderness. Float through many small sets of rapids and calm waters as you trace a route once used by early fur traders. This is a great excursion for travelers of all ages and a safe, gentle way to experience one of the world’s true wild rivers. Each raft is 25 feet long and seats 25 people. The fully-trained guides possess endless streams of knowledge of the local wildlife, history and folklore. Don’t miss an unforgettable chance to experience the fascinating Canadian wilderness. Watch as they row through six to eight short sets of mild rapids as well as calm stretches over 10 miles (16 kilometers) of river.

Accommodations

Arrive earlier.

Pre Night: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre From $175 per night

Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre

Via rail canada, forest park hotel, the fairmont chateau lake louise, the fairmont banff springs, calgary marriott downtown, stay longer.

Post Night: Calgary Marriott Downtown From $100 per night

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canadian rockies tours 5 days

Key West Travel Logo

West Coast Triangle

5-day canadian rockies bus tour from vancouver.

Embark on a 5-day fully guided bus tour from Vancouver to the Canadian Rockies and Kelowna, the wine country. Journey through the stunning peaks and valleys of the Canadian Rockies, discovering the most captivating must-see attractions along the way. Conclude your tour in the picturesque wine country, where you will indulge in a delightful wine tasting experience.

Why West Coast Triangle?

  • Tour Features
  • Comprehensive 5-day motorcoach tour in the Canadian Rockies
  • 4 nights of hotel accommodation ( 2 nights in Banff, 1 night in Jasper, 1 night in Kelowna)
  • 4 breakfasts
  • National Parks Pass and Toll-fee
  • Winery tour and wine tasting in Kelowna
  • Complimentary booklet of the Canadian Rockies
  • Excursions / Activities **: Ice Explorer tour, Gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain
  • An experienced and friendly mountain tour guide is at your service.
  • A deposit is required.
  • Pick-up time: 8:00 a.m. from Hyatt Regency Hotel Vancouver.
  • ** Optional activities, an additional fee will apply

2024 Tour Rates

*All Prices are in Canadian Dollars

2024 Tour Dates

  • Tour Itinerary

Start your Vancouver to Rockies tour with a scenic drive through the charming farming communities of the Fraser Valley with a memorable photo stop in the quintessential town of Hope. As you continue, you’ll ascend into the majestic Coastal Mountains and follow the picturesque Coquihalla Highway to Kamloops. After the lunch break, you’ll retrace the historic route of the famous Overlanders, following the course of the North Thompson River to Jasper. Along the way, you’ll have a stop to marvel at the spectacular Mount Robson, which is British Columbia’s tallest peak. Overnight in Jasper.

Start your morning with a refreshing hike (optional) through the Maligne Canyon, a remarkable limestone gorge adorned with six narrow bridges and picturesque waterfalls. Continuing our journey south along the magnificent Icefield Parkway, often hailed as one of the most beautiful highways in the world, we will explore its must-see attractions, including Athabasca Falls, Peyto Lake, and Crowfoot Glacier. At the Columbia Icefield, ride the “Ice Explorer”** on Athabasca Glacier or visit the Glacier Skywalk**. Overnight in Banff. [B]

Prepare yourself for another exhilarating day of sightseeing and activities in Banff National Park. As we make our way to Lake Louise, we will pause at Johnston Canyon for a leisurely hike (optional) along the trail that guides us to the breathtaking Lower Falls. While at Lake Louise, you’ll find numerous viewpoints offering splendid photo opportunities of the majestic Victoria Glacier towering over the lake. In the afternoon, our adventure continues as we explore other notable attractions in the Rockies, including Moraine Lake, Banff Springs Hotel, and Bow Falls Don’t forget to take advantage of the gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain** for a breathtaking panoramic view of Banff town and its surrounding or Upper Hot Springs for a soothing soak in the hot, mineral-rich water. Overnight in Banff  [B]

After re-boarding your coach, get ready to explore the world-famous wine country of the Okanagan Valley. This region is renowned for its sandy beaches, beautiful wineries, lush orchards, and picturesque gardens. In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Kelowna, where you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing tour of one of the best wineries in the area. Sample some of the finest wines produced in this fertile valley. [B]

the journey from Kelowna to Vancouver is a fascinating one, featuring diverse landscapes, historic sites, and ample opportunities for relaxation and adventure. As you travel through the agricultural town of Keremeos, known as the “Fruit Stand Capital of Canada,” we will stop and visit an orchard. Here you can pick your own fruit, take a tour of the orchard, or simply enjoy the area’s serene natural beauty. Further along, your route, nestled in a picturesque valley, is the small town of Hedley. Once a booming gold mining community, Hedley now offers visitors a chance to step back in time. Arrive in downtown Vancouver in the evening. [B]

[B]  = Breakfast ★★ For these optional activities, an additional fee will apply ★ Departure and arrival times may vary

STANDARD – Jasper: Tonquin Inn or Jasper Inn – Banff (2 nights): Banff Aspen Lodge or similar – Kelowna: Royal Anne Hotel

PREMIUM – Jasper: Whistlers Inn or Jasper Inn – Banff (2 nights): The Rimrock Hotel (Premium View Room) – Kelowna: Delta Grand Okanagan Resort

OCCUPANCY – Double:  two people sharing a room with one queen/king bed or two twin beds – Single – one person in a room with a double or queen bed – Triple- three people sharing a room with two queen beds – Quad – four people sharing a room with two queen beds

While you are on the tour, you have the chance to experience the unique beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Although optional, our mountain tour guides recommend following activities to enhance your Canadian Rockies experience:

– Columbia Ice Explorer Tour – Glacier Skywalk – Sulphur Mountain (Banff) Gondola Ride – Canoeing on Lake Louise – Upper Hot Springs – Wine Tasting Tour

For more information on above activities (and their costs), click  HERE .

1 -Accommodation:

Probably the most important part of your tour! If you wish to visit many must-see places and have quality time to explore, join a tour that offers accommodation in the Banff and Jasper National Parks themselves. Our hotels are centrally located in Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise.

2 -Transportation:

Canadian Rockies tours involve long drives, which can sometimes be winding, steep and bumpy. Key West Travel uses large highway coaches (55-seaters) to bring you the comfort you need. Expect comfortable reclining seats, panoramic windows, and washroom facilities – none of which are available on smaller coaches.

3 -Tour Director:

Before booking any tour package, you should always consider who the tour package is geared towards, as this will provide insight into your fellow travelers and what to expect. Our tour groups are geared towards those in the 30+ age range, but we often have families and students join our tours as well! Essentially, our tours are geared towards those who want to explore the Rockies as much as possible with a more mature tour group in a relaxed environment.  

4 – Itinerary/Activities:  

Thanks to our hotel locations, the Circle West itinerary contains many can’t-miss highlights of the Canadian Rockies. We also offer optional activities, at an additional cost, that guests can choose to participate in if they are interested. If guests are not interested, there are always free activities instead!  

Our tours are conducted in English only, by a professional tour director with over 10 years of experience!

Pent-up demand for 2024 Canadian vacations has been extremely high, and we highly recommend booking your seats as early as possible (to secure your preferred date and avoid hotel downgrades)

Key West Travel does not offer individual pick-ups as our tour guests would like to depart Vancouver as scheduled. Usually, the tour departs from Hyatt Regency Downtown Vancouver (655 Burrard Street).

Standard hotels are mountain lodge-style while premium hotels are resort-style. The majority of our guests choose standard accommodation as these hotels are very clean and comfortable, and travellers will get their own private room and washroom. If you want to book premium accommodation, be sure to book early as these hotels sell out quickly – they usually aren’t available within 6 months of departure!

Gratuities are not included in the prices (unless indicated). While it is neither our place nor our wish to tell you how much to tip, gratuities in Canada are often given in recognition of service excellence.

This depends on the day. When we are travelling between Vancouver and Jasper or Banff, it will be a minimum of 10 hours. However, every 2-3 hours, we leave the bus for mini breaks. During the sightseeing days, you will spend little time on the bus as you will be walking/sightseeing/hiking & etc.

canadian rockies tours 5 days

“Excellent tour and saw amazing places and experienced lovely things. It met our needs of visiting the Rockies and was well priced for what it had offered. Well worth the money. Brad was very well spoken and knowledgeable with all the information he provided. He knew his information/history and provided us with all necessary information. Len was very friendly and professional one of the best drivers from a tour company we have experienced .”

 Ronald & Amanda Mallia Swansea,  NSW, Australia

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National Parks

  • Grand Canyon
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Nature

5-Day Unique Canadian Rockies Tour from Calgary: Banff, Jasper and Yoho National Park

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Tour Themes: Nature, UNESCO

Get in touch with Mother Earth; Visit locations designated as World Heritage Sites by the United Nations

Tour Type: Guided

Multiple local tour guides/drivers available throughout your tour/activity

Group Size: Standard Group

Tour with fellow travelers from all over the world

Activity Level: Moderate

Designed for travelers in good health who are comfortable with light walking or hiking

Quality: Value

Travel with professional guides, enjoy more time at attractions and/or stay at comfortable accommodations.

Home - Calgary

Hotel: Coast Calgary Downtown Hotel & Suites by APA / Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Calgary Downtown or similar

Meal: Breakfast: Excluded Lunch: Excluded Dinner: Excluded

Welcome to Calgary, also known as "Cowtown". Upon arrival, we will arrange transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. You may join our local tours as below or explore the city by yourself. If you arrive before 12:00pm you can join following optional itineraries: 【Calgary City Tour (3 hours) 】 A guided tour takes you to explore the city; from the historic site to the newest modern building. (Includes guide service, transportation, admission) 【Heritage Park with Transportation/Admission (3.5 hours) 】 Explore Canada's largest living history museum in Calgary. See and feel the past as it comes to life in front of you. (Includes transportation, admission) 【Crossiron Mill Outlet Shopping Tour (5 hours) 】 Discover the biggest one-level shopping center in Alberta. (Includes transportation 【 The Calgary Zoo with PublicTransportation Ticket/Admission 】 The Calgary Zoo takes you to see almost 900 animals from around the world, including popular gorilla, hippos, grizzly bear, penguins, endangered red pandas and amur tigers, and etc for you to explore. (Includes Public Transportation Ticket/Admission)

Visiting Attractions

Admission fees.

  • All mandatory fees must be paid in cash to the tour guide and tickets cannot be pre-purchased separatedly.
  • Any optional activities you wish to join must be paid to your tour guide in cash.
  • Breakfast: Excluded
  • Lunch: Excluded
  • Dinner: Excluded

Lake Louise - Moraine Lake - Yoho - Spiral Tunnel - Emerald Lake - Natural Bridge

Hotel: Banff Aspen Lodge / Or pay extra to stay at featured hotels - Banff Mount Royal or Elk + Avenue Hotel or similar

Meal: Breakfast: Included (Compulsory Selection) Lunch: Excluded (Group Meal Option Available) Dinner: Excluded

Start your journey to Famous Canadian Rockies from Calgary and you will visit the Lake Louise and Yoho National Park. 【Lake Louise】 This beautiful lake is named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta. The turquoise color of the water comes from the Victoria Glacier. (approx. 2 hours) 【Moraine Lake/Ten Peaks Valley】 Set in the rugged Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake creating a scene so stunning it almost seems unreal. (approx. 60 mins) * Moraine Lake open from (early June to early Oct). If closed, it will be replaced by the Vermillion Lake 【YOHO National Park】 Named for a Cree expression of awe and wonder, Yoho lies on the Western slopes of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. 【Spiral Tunnel】 The construction and extra track effectively doubled the length of the climb and reduced the gradient to 2.2%. (Pass through) 【Emerald Lake】 It's the largest lake of the Yohos. The color of the water is cause by powdered limestone. (approx. 20 mins) 【Natural Bridge】 Natural Bridge is a powerful reminder of how much influence water has in shaping the landscape. (approx. 15 minutes)

  • Breakfast: Included (Compulsory Selection)
  • Lunch: Excluded (Group Meal Option Available)

Bow Lake - Columbia Icefield (Ice Explorer/Glacier Skywalk) - Athabasca Falls - Jasper Town

Hotel: Mount Robson Inn / Lobstick Lodge / Whistlers Inn Hotel or similar

Continue your journey to Jasper National Park, the biggest National Park in Canada. 【 Icefield Parkway 】 One of Canada's national treasures and most rewarding destination. 【 Bow Lake 】 It is the headwaters of the Bow River that runs south through the city Calgary and onto the Oldman River ultimately to Hudson Bay (approx. 20 mins) 【 Columbia Icefield 】 Visit the largest icefield Canadian Rockies and tour over the Athabasca Glacier in a giant Ice Explorer (total approx. 3.5 hours) * Ice Explorer (Optional) (Snocoach): a massive vehicle specially designed for glacier travel. * Skywalk (Optional): a breathtaking view of the glacier from The Glacier Skywalk. 【 Athabasca Falls 】 It is rather known for the shear amount and force of the water that flows through it from the Columbia Glacier. (approx. 30 minutes) 【Jasper Town】 It is the heart of Jasper National Park. 2nd biggest town in the Canadian Rockies. (stop time - your own arrangement)

Jasper - Maligne Lake - Maligne Canyon - The Crossing - Peyto Lake - Glacier

Today, continue your journey in the Jasper National Park. 【Maligne Lake (Optional - Lake Cruise)】$$ It is the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. You can take an optional cruise to enjoy the scenery of the lake. (stop for about 100 minutes) 【Maligne Canyon】 It is carved into the Palliser Formation, a layer of limestone deposited in a shallow tropical sea by lime-secreting plankton about 365-million years ago. (stop for about 30 minutes) 【Medicine Lake】 During the summer, glacier melt waters flood the lake, sometimes overflowing it. In fall and winter the lake disappears, becoming a mudflat with scattered pools of water connected by a stream. Medicine Lake is one of the largest known sinking rivers in the Western Hemisphere. It is also maybe the largest inaccessible cave system anywhere in the world! (pass through) 【 Peyto Lake】 It is a glacier-fed lake in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. During the summer, significant amounts of glacial rock flour flow into the lake, These suspended rock particles give the lake a bright, turquoise color. (stop for about 20 minutes) / ( It will be replaced by Waterfowl Lake if it is closed) 【 The Crossing】 A starting point for tours on the Columbia Icefield. It is also the only place for basic services including public bathrooms, gas station and a restaurant. (stop for about 10 minutes) 【 Crowfoot Glacier】 Named after its shape when was discovered. A must-see stop with the climate change nowadays. The "Third Toe" was melted and barely visible. (stop for about 15 minutes)

Banff Gondola - Johnston Canyon Walk - Bow Falls - Surprise Corner - Hoodoos - Banff Town

Today you will visit the Banff National Park, Canada's first national park. 【Banff Sulphur Mt Gondola (Optional)】 Go up to the top of the mountain and enjoy a 360o view of Banff. (approx. 90 mins) 【Johnston Canyon】 Known for its walking trail throughout the year. (approx. 60 mins) 【Bow Falls】 Location of the film "The River of no return" in 1960's. (approx. 15 mins) 【Surprise Corner】 Great spot where most of the famous pictures have been taken of the historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. (approx. 15 mins) 【Hoodoos】 Hoodoos are composed sedimentary rock covered by harder rock that is harder to erode. (approx. 15 mins) 【Banff Town】 The biggest town among National towns, many shops and restaurants wait for your discovery. (approx. 90 mins)

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canadian rockies tours 5 days

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Spectacular Canadian Rockies

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Spectacular Canadian Rockies Guided Tour

9 Day Canada Tour from Vancouver to Calgary

9 days, 1 country and 8 cities

Accommodation

8 Breakfasts, 1 Welcome Reception, 3 Lunches, 1 Dinner

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Your Canada sightseeing will have you strolling historic Vancouver and Victoria, visiting UNESCO-listed Mount Robson, Jasper and Banff National Parks. 

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9 days itinerary trip from Vancouver to Calgary visiting 1 country and 8 cities Extend Your Tour

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Choose to end your tour in Calgary or extend your trip with Rocky Mountaineer train or Alaskan Cruise.

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Travel through western Canada exploring iconic sights from cities to national parks.

Rocky Mountaineer (Silverleaf)

Extend your tour with a two-day return option on the Rocky Mountaineer train with Silverleaf service level.

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Extend your trip with a two-day return option upon the Rocky Mountaineer train with Goldleaf service level.

About this trip

Sightseeing highlights.

Explore Vancouver, Victoria, Jasper National Park, Banff National Park, Columbia Icefield Adventure

Visit Mt Robson Visitor Center, Maligne Canyon during a guided walk

View Lake Louise, Stanley Park Totem Poles, Athabasca Falls, Mount Robson, Bow Falls & Surprise Corner

Scenic Drive along Icefields Parkway

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Specific transfer information can be found here:

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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

All transport and transfers shown

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Optional Experiences and free time

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

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5 of the Best Canadian Rockies Tours from Vancouver

Paradise on Earth is a big statement, but for sheer scale of unspoilt wonder and sense of freedom, the Canadian Rockies certainly come close. A land of majestic, snow-capped peaks, crystal clear inlets, simply bursting with wildlife, a trip here is like tonic for the soul. And it’s all within striking distance of one of the world’s great cities.

canadian rockies tours 5 days

Photo: Moose Travel Network Courtesy Viator

Rocky Mountain tours have been being run out of Vancouver for years, and in that time have been refined into a fine art. So whether you’re interested in trekking into the hills, touring them by coach, or taking part in the main adventure activities you’ll find within them, then look no further. We’ve assembled five of the best, which cater to all tastes, below.

10-day Rocky Mountains Whistler Big West Tour from Vancouver

A trip for the adventurously inclined. This ten day tour takes you by bus through some spectacular scenery, then offers you the chance to leap out into it: if you want literally. There’s ziplining and bungee jumping on the itinerary, as well as white water rafting and kayaking on vast lakes. Accommodation is in mixed-gender dorms with the other people taking the tour, so be prepared to get to know your fellow travellers very well, and perhaps make friends for life.

Book at Viator

Circle West – Canadian Rockies Round Trip Bus Tour From Vancouver

canadian rockies tours 5 days

(Photo: Key West Travel & Tours Courtesy Viator )

A shorter more sedate tour, which will nevertheless take your breath away. You’ll be driven out into some of the most spectacular landscapes of the Rockies, and invited to head on short walks out into their vastness. Waterfalls and glaciers await, as do pre-arranged meals and comfortable pre-booked accommodation, meaning there’s no administrative stress getting in the way of your enjoyment of this magnificent environment’s bountiful wonders.

Canadian Rockies 7–Day National Parks Group Tour

Delving deeper into the mountains, this seven day coach tour for wilderness explorers takes you out along the Icefield Parkway – regarded by many as one of the most beautiful roads in the world – and invites you to kayak out on the glacial waters of Moraine Lake, to cycle off into the wilderness, even to strap on a set of crampons to set foot on Athabasca glacier. Accommodation is in pre-booked hotels, though for lunches you’ll have to fend for yourself.

Book at GetYourGuide

Vancouver: Private 6-Day Rocky Mountain Explorer Tour

If you’ve got the cash to spare and want to go private, this is the tour for you. Have all the spectacular landscape of the Rockies introduced and explained to you by your own personal guide as you ascend into the wilderness: complete with a dip in hot springs, a winery tour, and a gondola ride to the top of a mountain. Note that the accommodation and meals for this tour are not included, which on the upside means that if it’s luxury you’re after, there’s nothing holding you back. The tour company will of course help plan these elements of the trip.

Whales & Bears of British Columbia

canadian rockies tours 5 days

A bear in the woods (Photo: Courtesy Bookmundi )

Because as well as its sumptuous scenery, this part of Canada is also a wildlife spotter’s dream. From salmon hunting grizzly bears to pods of cresting orcas, a trip here can feel like being in the midst of your very own nature documentary, as long as you know where to look. This trip offers exactly that, taking you up the coast from Vancouver and into a wilderness where as well as bears and whales, there are seals, elk, and a vast menagerie of bird life all awaiting the snap of your telephoto lens.

Book at Bookmundi

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Planning the Perfect Canadian Rockies Itinerary (7 or 10-days)

S tepping out of my car on the first day of our Canadian Rockies itinerary, I took a deep breath of the crisp mountain air and looked over at the rare smile on my teen daughter’s face. She gazed up at the towering mountains with wonder and awe, telling me this was the perfect choice for our annual mother-daughter trip.

Perhaps my childhood of family vacations to Vermont was deeply embedded in her DNA, but she is definitely a mountain girl. It can take a lot to impress a teen, but the stunning mountain landscapes and dreamy glacial blue water of the lakes of the Canadian Rockies sure did the trick.

Everyone has seen pictures of red canoes floating on the bright blue waters of Lake Louise, and images of hikers overlooking dramatic mountain vistas. These iconic sites draw over four million visitors to Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada each year.

The Canadian Rockies, specifically Banff , Lake Louise, and Jasper , have been on my bucket list since first encountering these destinations while working at AAA in college. Yet planning a trip to this region took a good deal of research and coordination.

To help, I have put together both a 7-day and 10-day Canadian Rockies itinerary for you to use based on our trip and what we learned along the way. If you really want to squeeze in the highlights in five days in Banff , you can, but you will be pretty tired at the end! It is much better to spend at least a week in Alberta.

Canadian Rockies Itinerary Summary

If you only have a week to spend in the Canadian Rockies, I would recommend the classic big three — Banff (or nearby), Lake Louise, and Jasper. Depending on when your flights arrive and depart, you may want to drive straight to Lake Louise. You could then break your trip up as follows:

  • Day 1: Fly into Calgary and drive to Lake Louise
  • Day 2-4: Drive up the Icefields Parkway to Jasper for 3 nights
  • Day 5-7: Drive down to Banff or Canmore for 3 nights and then depart early on the last day to fly home

If you can spend 10 days in the Canadian Rockies, you will have even more time to soak in the natural beauty. I’d recommend following the itinerary above and then adding on time in Kananaskis.

  • Day 5-7: Drive down to Banff or Canmore for 3 nights
  • Day 8-10: Pomeroy Mountain Lodge in Kananaskis then return to Calgary for your flight home

Getting to the Canadian Rockies

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission.

The Canadian Rockies mountain range spreads over parts of Alberta and British Columbia in Western Canada. The most popular destinations within the Canadian Rockies are Banff National Park, Lake Louise, and Jasper National Park. Therefore, most itineraries are centered around these three main destinations.

However, if you have more time or you are interested in getting off the beaten path, you can also include visits to Kananaskis, Waterton Lakes National Park (which border’s the U.S.’s Glacier National Park in Montana ), Yoho National Park, or Kootenay National Park.

Unless you are driving or taking the Rocky Mountaineer train over from Vancouver, most visitors will fly into either Calgary or Edmonton. There isn’t a big difference in driving times if you are visiting both Banff and Jasper, but if you are visiting only Banff, Calgary is the easier option and if you are only visiting Jasper, it makes sense to fly into Edmonton.

We flew in and out of Calgary on Air Canada. Since we had to connect in Toronto (leave PLENTY of time for that connection), we arrived in the mid-afternoon and departed in the early morning. Therefore, we spent our last night at the Courtyard Marriott near the Calgary airport. Depending on your flight times, you can always shuffle your visit around.

7 Day Canadian Rockies Vacation Itinerary

I have designed this itinerary to minimize your driving times on arrival and departure days and assume you are flying into and out of Calgary. You can also fly into Calgary and out of Edmonton but you may find a round trip airfare from the same city more affordable.

Day One: Arrive and Drive to Lake Louise

Upon arrival in Calgary, hop into your rental car and head straight up the Trans Canadian Highway for the two-hour drive to Lake Louise. You should arrive in time to spend the late afternoon or evening exploring the Lake. Just be prepared for crazy traffic and parking challenges in Lake Louise. If you are not staying on Lake Louise, you will need to book a shuttle well in advance to access either Lake Louise or Lake Moraine.

Everyone is tempted to hire one of those iconic red canoes for an hour and paddle around the lake. Just keep in mind that they come with a hefty price tag (around $145 an hour!) so you may want to just take a picture and save your canoeing for later in the trip. You can still enjoy walking around the lake and taking in the view from the various vantage points.

If you have the budget, you can’t beat the location and views at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise . However, if you haven’t won the lottery recently, the Post Hotel & Spa , a Relais & Chateaux property, makes a lovely second choice. Just be warned that the “discount” side faces the train tracks and may be loud for light sleepers. We were kindly upgraded to a suite on the “preferred side” and slept like a rock.

We really enjoyed this charming property that offers the character of a Swiss Chalet and luxurious touches without feeling pretentious. The hotel is also renowned for its fine dining restaurant, although we were to tired from a busy day for a fancy meal, so we availed ourselves of the more casual Outpost restaurant.

It is easy to see why this hotel was named one of the top 10 resort hotels in Canada by Travel & Leisure. We would have happily stayed a few nights but if time is limited, you are better off moving on to Jasper were the crowds thin out and there is plenty to do. If you have some more time, follow my friend Brianna’s tips for seeing the best of Lake Louise .

Day Two: Icefields Parkway to Jasper

Before you head out of town the next morning, you will likely want to stop in at Lake Moraine. This is an extremely popular tourist attraction and you need to book a shuttle ride well in advance and get there very early to avoid crowds (like the crack of dawn.)

If you miss Lake Moraine, don’t fret, there are plenty of other beautiful lakes to see in the Canadian Rockies! Before you head out on the Icefields Parkway , one of the most scenic drives in the world, pick up breakfast at The Trailhead Cafe, fuel up on gas, and grab some snacks as there is only one service station and a handful of places to eat between Lake Louise and Jasper.

There are countless beautiful view points to stop and enjoy along the Icefields Parkway. I will tell you about some of the top “can’t miss” stops and you can decide if you want to fit them all in or save some for your drive back. About one hour from Lake Louise, you will come upon Bow Lake and the Crowfoot Glacier. There are a couple of nice pull outs that have paths down to the lake.

Just 10 minutes past Bow Lake you will come to the Bow Summit Trail overlooking the famous fox-shaped Peyto Lake. The Canadian Government recently made a major investment in the infrastructure and the Peyto Lake parking lot, walking path, and viewpoint have been reopened.

The lake is not visible from the parking lot, and if the parking lot is full, there is parking along the access road. I read that it is a 3.8 km round trip, although it felt shorter. Keep in mind though that a section is uphill so you need to be prepared for a bit of a climb. Altogether, this stop should take about an hour.

The viewing platform can be extremely crowded, but if you can get into the corner of the lower platform, you should be able to get an unobstructed view of the lake.

Mistaya Canyon

Another 25 minutes will bring you to Mistaya Canyon. The big busses seem to skip this stop so it is a little quieter and therefore, more enjoyable. It is about a one kilometer hike down to the canyon (which means back uphill on the return.)

Here you will cross over a bridge that spans the Mistaya River and be able to walk along the rim of the canyon and see how the water has carved its way through the stone. Take a few minutes to walk down on the rocks and observe the powerful water. I’m not sure why this spot wasn’t more crowded, but I’m glad it wasn’t as it made me love it even more!

The Crossing

A few minutes further up Icefields Parkway and you will come to The Crossing, which offers gas, a restaurant, cafe, gift shop, and most notably, bathrooms. Alberta Parks actually does a good job offering rest rooms at most of the major attractions and trailheads, but those aren’t always pristine and can have long lines so this is a good stop to make.

Bridal Veil Falls

After The Crossing, you will start to ascend into the mountains. The road winds up and around to the land of the big horn sheep. If you are lucky, you may see some grazing along the highway. There is an overlook that allows you to see the road and the valley below from a higher vantage point. Nearby you will find Bridal Veil Falls, although it can be easy to miss and the parking lot is small.

Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre

After you cross into Jasper National Park, you will come to one of the jewels of the Icefields Parkway, and that is the Athabasca Glacier and the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre. This is the home base for exploring the glacier and the various related activities.

Inside the visitor center you can eat at the restaurant or cafe, explore the exhibits or take in the movie downstairs, hit the bathroom, and meet up with various tours. Pursuit Banff offers two types of experiences, the Glacier Ice Explorer and the Glacier Skywalk, which can be combined into a Glacier Adventure ticket.

If you are interested in either of these activities, I would highly recommend you book a timed-ticket in advance or you may arrive to find them sold out for the day, or that you need to wait two hours before the next availability.

We were hosted on the Glacier Adventure and we arrived early to have lunch in the cafe. At our appointed time, we joined the queue to load the bus out to the glacier. Once arriving at the foot of the glacier, we then loaded up into the Ice Explorer vehicle for a drive out onto the glacier.

Once we arrived, we were given 30 minutes to explore on the glacier within the noted boundaries. Unfortunately they didn’t do a good job warning people of the dangers of going onto the glacier and we saw many people taking risks by going onto the glacier on their own beyond the boundaries and even some wearing completely inappropriate clothing (sandals and skirts!) to walk on the ice.

If you have never been on a glacier before (we have done glacier hikes in Iceland), then it is a cool experience. However, the lack of safety enforcement and the negative environmental impact of these large glacier vehicles left a bad taste in our mouths and I have trouble recommending it.

Another alternative could be a glacier hike with a proper glacier guide or just hiking on your own from the parking lot to the foot of the glacier (but please, never go onto a glacier without a licensed guide!)

After our time on the glacier, we boarded another bus to the Glacier Skywalk. It is called the Glacier Skywalk but don’t be confused by thinking that this glass walkway is over the glacier. Instead, it juts out over the gorgeous Sunwapta Valley and has views of the glaciers in the distance.

If you don’t mind glass floors, this Skywalk offers beautiful views. The only downside is that it is only accessible via a bus from the glacier or the Icefields Discovery Centre. So waiting for your timed-ticket and then waiting for the next return bus can really eat into your day for a stop where you will likely only spend 15 minutes on site.

There are many more stops to make along the Icefields Parkway, but you may want to save these for your return journey because chances are you will be getting tired or it will be getting late. However, I will list them here just in case.

Tangle Creek Falls

If you choose not to continue straight on to Jasper, your next stop will be Tangle Creek Falls. When traveling north, the falls are on your right (northbound side) but the parking lot is across the street on the left (southbound side) so be careful crossing the street.

This tiered waterfall is quite close to the road but if you want to climb up to the upper falls, you will need to scramble over some rocks. Hannah loved getting close enough to stick her hand into the falls, even if it did get her sweatshirt soaked.

Sunwapta Falls

Another 35 minutes north will bring you to the turn off for Sunwapta Falls. The upper falls are just a short walk from the parking lot, but if you want to see the lower falls too, it is a little further (less than a mile.)

Even though the walk is short and it is a popular spot, I would suggest that you still carry your bear spray. I can’t remember if it was Sunwapta Falls or Athabasca Falls, but one of them recently had a bear walk right across the bridge over the falls, dodging tourists along the way. Having to decide whether to face down a bear or jump into the falls is not a choice you want to make.

Athabasca Falls

The last recommended stop before you get into Jasper is at Athabasca Falls, about 15-20 minutes further north. It can get really crowded when the busses arrive but there are different paths that you can take to get away from the crowds.

These powerful falls have carved through the rock, similar to what you find at Mistaya Canyon. There are different viewing platforms where you can capture some great pictures of the falls. You can also follow the signs to view the Lower Canyon, and get a great view of the Athabasca River.

When you arrive in Jasper, I would recommend grabbing dinner at Jasper Brewing Company if the line isn’t too long.

Where to Stay in Jasper

If you can afford to stay at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge , you likely will not be disappointed. We stopped in there before our visit to the Jasper Planetarium and it was beautiful. However, there are also plenty of other cute and affordable cabin resorts near town.

We stayed at the Jasper House Bungalows and really enjoyed our four night stay. The cabins are cute and some have beautiful views of the Athabasca River. There is also a restaurant on site and plenty of space to roam around. We shared a one-bedroom cabin with a pull out couch in the living room. It also had a small kitchen so you could prepare your own meals if you wanted.

Personally I liked staying outside of town and it was always easy to drive into town and we had no problem finding a place to park. Some of the other resorts that looked attractive were the Alpine Village Cabin Resort , Tekarra Lodge , and the Pyramid Lake Resort .

Day 3: Maligne Lake and Maligne Canyon

On your third day in the Canadian Rockies you will get to see more of Jasper National Park.

Maligne Lake

On your first full day in Jasper , I would recommend heading down to Maligne Lake. Get there early before the parking lot fills up, but give yourself plenty of time to get there are there are often “animal jams” on the road. You can grab a delicious breakfast at the Waffle Hut at the lake.

You can rent canoes to paddle the lake, but you need to look out for boat wakes. Maligne Lake is huge and the water can get a little choppy. It would take something like 10 hours to paddle to the end of the lake. So if you want to see more of Maligne Lake than the area around the historic boat house, pre-book a scenic boat tour out to Spirit Island.

Spirit Island was made famous by Kodak in an advertising campaign in the 1960s. While the true meaning of the name is still unknown, First Nations people view this beautiful island as a sacred place. The 90-minute narrated cruise includes a 15 minute stop at a photo spot overlooking Spirit Island.

After the cruise, you can hike along the lake or have lunch at the Lake House Cafe. When we finished, we weren’t hungry yet (still full from those waffles), so we headed back to Maligne Canyon.

Maligne Canyon

From Maligne Lake, it is about a 40 minute drive to Maligne Canyon. At Maligne Canyon, you can have lunch at the Maligne Wilderness Kitchen . The food is delicious and the outdoor patio is perfect on a nice day. Just be prepared for a bit of a wait. It will give you time to rest up before hiking along the canyon.

Maligne Canyon is the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park, with a depth of more than 50 metres at certain points. You can hike along the rim and criss cross the canyon over six bridges at various points of the canyon. The First and Second bridges are easy hikes, but if you head up to the Third Bridge, you can get a view of the waterfall.

If you want to do a longer hike, you can continue all the way to the Sixth Bridge, but keep in mind that it is going to be uphill on the way back. Round trip would take about three to four hours.

In the evening, you can head into Jasper for dinner at Earl’s Kitchen or Evil Dave’s (see other suggestions on where to eat in Jasper .) Keep your eyes peeled because elk love to graze along the side of the roads at the evening.

Day Four: Peak-Nic and Pyramid Lake

On your last day in Jasper, it is time for some truly unique experiences.

Jasper Food Tours

There are so many things to do in Jasper , but if you only have a few days, you should hit the highlights. One of our favorite activities of our trip was our hosted “Peak-Nic” experience with Jasper Food Tours . We met up with Estelle from Jasper Food Tours at the Old Fort Point trailhead.

Our tour started off with a hike up to the top of Old Fort Point, with beautiful views of Jasper and the Athabasca River. At the top, we commenced a back country cooking lesson. Estelle amazed us with how easy it was to prepare a gourmet meal with just what we carried in on our backs. Lunch consisted of dal, rice, chili, fry bread, and chai.

Even if we never camp and use what we learned, it was still a unique and fun experience (and a delicious lunch!) We worked off that food with a hike the long way back down.

Pyramid Lake

In the afternoon, I would recommend either splashing around at Annette Lake, a local favorite, or rent a canoe to paddle around Pyramid Lake. If you visit Pyramid Lake, be sure to also walk out to Pyramid Island. We spent a late night out there with Jasper Photo Tours learning about night sky photography and taking pictures of the stars.

Jasper is a Dark Sky Preserve so make sure you take some time to go star gazing! You can sign up for the night sky and telescope program at the Jasper Planetarium at the Jasper Park Lodge.

Day Five: Jasper to Banff

If you have more time, I would add in another day in Jasper. But if you only have a week, it is time to head back down the Icefields Parkway to Banff. If you already hit all the sights on the way up, you can always take a trip on the Jasper SkyTram or hike the Valley of Five Lakes.

Once you get to Lake Louise, take the Bow Valley Parkway down to Banff. Give yourself time because this is a great spot for wildlife spotting. Just please, please stay in your car. We saw two bears and at one sighting many people were out of their car and approaching the bear (with their kids!)

Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular day hikes in Banff National Park. Expect the parking lot to be full and to have to park on the road, unless you get there very early or go late in the day. We arrived around 5:30 pm and there were plenty of parking spots.

The walk to the Lower Falls isn’t too long, but the walkway can be quite narrow so expect some pedestrian traffic jams. A bridge over the river gives a nice view of the falls, but you can get a better one if you want to wait in line to go through the tunnel to the other platform.

The hike to the Upper Falls is steeper but not as crowded. We visited after a very active and tiring day and therefore stopped once we got to the Lower Falls.

Banff Trail Riders

When you arrive in Banff, you may want to take an evening trail ride with Banff Trail Riders . We were hosted on a trail ride along the beautiful Bow River to a cowboy cookout. Once we arrived, we enjoyed a delicious steak dinner before saddling back up for the ride back. Just keep in mind that these go out rain or shine, so dress appropriately! We were quite soaked when it decided to rain on our ride back.

Where to Stay in Banff

If you really want to stay in Banff, the place to be is the Fairmont Banff Springs . Of course, it costs a small fortune. Even cute hotels in town, like the Elk + Avenue get pricey in the summer.

So I say, why stay in Banff ? Canmore is only 20 minutes away and it offers the same cute, mountain town vibe as Banff but without as many people (and a good deal cheaper.) Canmore has a lot of condos that are available on Airbnb, and offer tons of space for families.

We had a hosted stay at the conveniently located Basecamp Resorts . Our one-bedroom suite had a gorgeous full kitchen and a living space with a pull out sofa. There was even a rooftop hot tub we could use and with Rocky Mountain Bagels right next door, breakfast was a breeze before hopping onto the highway into Banff.

Day Six: Banff

There are so many things to do in Banff , from shopping to hiking to gondola rides and hot springs. However, if you are feeling more adventurous, we had a fabulous time doing the Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata .

Via Ferrata

We were hosted on a four-hour Ridgewalker Via Ferrata course at Mt Norquay (one of Canada’s Big 3 ski resorts ). Even though the Via Ferrata is designed for beginners, it is still a quite a workout to scale the mountain, clipped onto cables and clinging to rungs while balancing on small holds. There was even a narrow plank bridge to cross. But we made it to the top and the beautiful views, sense of satisfaction, and major mom points made the effort worth it.

After climbing, we had a great lunch with a view at the Cliffhouse Bistro before taking the chairlift back down to the lodge. Try the gorditos or the bao buns, they are delicious!

After an exhausting morning on the Via Ferrata, you will probably want some down time in the afternoon. This is a good time to head into Banff and enjoy some shopping or take a walk along the Bow River. When you are ready for dinner, check out the Bear Street Tavern . The pizza is amazing and they serve it with this honey and oil dipping sauce. It sounds strange but it works and is delicious!

Get ideas for more things to do in Banff with kids!

Day Seven: Fly Home

If you have some time before heading home, take a drive over to Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka. Lake Minnewanka is huge (and there is the ruins of a town at the bottom) and you could spend a whole day there swimming, playing, or taking a boat cruise.

We really loved our time at Two Jack Lake. You can walk around a good portion of the lake and soak in the beautiful views. When you are there, keep an eye out for Alberta’s famous red Adirondack chairs.

10 day Canadian Rockies Itinerary

If you do have 10 days in the Canadian Rockies, you have time to get away from the crowds and experience some of the lesser-visited National Parks or Provincial Parks. We started our trip in Kananaskis, which is about 35 minutes from Banff, but in this itinerary it makes sense to end there if you are flying out of Calgary, since you will be even closer to the airport.

Day Seven: Kananaskis

If you are staying 10 days, use the seven day itinerary above and then, instead of flying home, continue down to Kananaskis. Spend your morning at Two Jack Lake in Banff or take a hike on the Tunnel Mountain hiking trail, and then head on down to the Pomeroy Mountain Lodge in Kananaskis.

On your way you could stop and enjoy some whitewater rafting or stop at Canoe Meadows and watch the kayakers braving the man-made rapids there.

The Pomeroy Mountain Lodge is a great mountain resort with a ski village vibe, making it a good home base for exploring the area. If you are over 18, there is also a beautiful Nordic Spa (for an additional fee).

Even if you can’t spend the afternoon soaking in the hot and cold tubs at the Nordic Spa, all hotel guests can enjoy the indoor waterpark (although best for the under 12 set), the indoor/outdoor hot tubs, and the sauna and steam rooms. There are also multiple restaurants on site, but you will want to make reservations in advance.

Day Eight: Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes

The thing to know about Kananaskis is that there is a LOT of wildlife in the area. We saw endless signs about bear alerts and warnings to expect bear encounters. We did end up seeing a grizzly bear momma with her two cubs, but luckily only from the safety of our car. Visitors are advised not to pull over or stop for wildlife on the side of the road and definitely do not get out of the car.

Before heading out on any hikes, it is good to check the Alberta Parks website for safety notices and bear warnings. Also, pop into the Peter Lougheed Provincial Park visitor center and they will let you know where wildlife has been spotted recently, as well as educate you on what to do in case of an animal encounter. Bear spray is highly, highly recommended!!

We really enjoyed exploring the shorelines around Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. There were enough people around that we didn’t worry too much about bears (although we carried our spray and tried to tag along behind groups.) The views were just lovely, especially when we cut through the woods to a less busy part of the lake.

Originally we were planning on hiking the Rawson Lake Trail, but that was closed due to a negative bear encounter. Instead, we finished up our day at the Highwood Pass picnic area. We took a short trail through the meadow to see the wildflowers, but skipped the Ptarmigan Cirque Interpretive Trail. If offers wildlife viewing and views of the Rockies from the highest paved pass in Canada, but we were tired and a bit scared about recent bear sightings up there.

Day Nine: Spray Valley & Chester Lake

If you have a good 4×4 rental car, I would recommend driving the Smith-Dorrien/Spray Trail highway through the Spray Lakes region. It is a gravel road that can be quite bumpy, so you will need to take it slow on the 65 km between Kananaskis and Canmore, but you don’t need to drive the whole length.

Just be sure to be fueled up and bring snacks and drinks because you won’t find much along the way except beautiful mountain views and maybe a grizzly bear or moose sighting. In the summer and winter months, you can stop in to Mount Engadine Lodge for tea in the afternoon.

If you are up for a good, rewarding hike, plan to spend a few hours hiking to Chester Lake. Be aware that the first two miles of this six-mile round trip hike is uphill. All the huffing and puffing was worth it as the trail levels out through an alpine meadow with beautiful views of the mountains.

Eventually we arrived at the stunning, emerald green Chester Lake. During our whole trip we only saw a dozen other people, and there were only three others fishing at the lake when we arrived. We circumnavigated the lake, taking in the view from every direction, scrambling over a rock pile at the base of the mountain at the far side of the lake.

Luckily the way back is mostly downhill. The workout will be satisfying and you won’t feel at all guilty at dinner that evening!

Day Ten: Fly Home

If you have time before your flight, there are plenty of other hikes and photo stops in Kananaskis Country before you make the 1.25 hour drive back to Calgary.

The Canadian Rockies makes a great vacation — whether it is a mother-daughter trip, family vacation, girls’ trip, or whatever. There is so much to see and do. Just be sure to follow my tips and plan early because it is an extremely popular destination.

PIN THIS FOR LATER

The post Planning the Perfect Canadian Rockies Itinerary (7 or 10-days) appeared first on We3Travel .

Make your dream trip to Banff and Jasper a reality with this easy-to-follow 7 or 10 day Canadian Rockies itinerary.

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Stavropol Krai

canadian rockies tours 5 days

  • 2 Other destinations
  • 3 Understand
  • 6 Get around
  • 11 Stay safe

Stavropol Krai is a region in Southern Russia , which borders Krasnodar Krai to the west, Rostov Oblast to the north, Kalmykia to the east, and all the republics of the North Caucasus to the south.

Cities [ edit ]

Map

  • 45.05 41.983333 1 Stavropol — this capital city is located in a particularly mountainous area of the region and was one of Russia's most important bases during the Russian conquest of the Caucasus ; former home to Mikhail Gorbachev and it has a particularly nice urban park
  • 44.200833 43.1125 5 Mineralnye Vody — a health spa city named for its "Mineral Waters" at the edge of the; a common flight destination for visitors to the North Caucasus

Other destinations [ edit ]

Understand [ edit ].

Stavropol Krai contains a large number of Caucasian health spas/sanatoria, which Russians have visited for over 200 years to treat various ailments (and just to escape the northern climate of Moscow and Saint Petersburg . As such, the region has been home to many of Russia's most prominent figures, including writers such as A.S. Pushkin and Mikhail Lermontov, whose works have embedded the Pyatigorsk region into the national consciousness. A great read for anyone visiting the region is Lermontov's short novel, A Hero of Our Time , which is set in various areas in the south of the Krai.

Stavropol Krai is also notable for its exceptionally diverse climactic and topographic diversity. The environments range from sand deserts, to mud flats, to steppe, to forest, to mountains, to permafrost!

Talk [ edit ]

Russian is the soup of the day.

Get in [ edit ]

By rail, most visitors will arrive at the regional transit hub of Stavropol .

Domestic flights to Stavropol ( STW  IATA )and to Mineralnye Vody ( MRV  IATA ) (which is closer to Mount Elbrus, the North Caucasus , and the health spas) are common around Russia.

Get around [ edit ]

See [ edit ].

  • Mountain Beshtau Uranium Mines (RU) . 238 kilometers of mines inside Mount Beshtau 7 km from Pyatigorsk city. Closed in ~ 1971, but explored by diggers today. The site guides offers adventure descend into the mines with ropes and equipment. ( updated Mar 2019 )

Do [ edit ]

  • Mountain climbing
  • Quail hunting
  • Sulphur baths

Eat [ edit ]

Drink [ edit ], stay safe [ edit ].

Because of its proximity to the conflict in Chechnya , the security situation is very poor in Stavropol Krai. While kidnappings are unlikely, there have been fairly regular bombings of public areas and official facilities in the southern cities and in Stavropol over the years. While a visitor is fairly unlikely to be victim to such terroristic attacks, the resulting crackdown has led to strict and unfortunately corrupt policing of the area — a visitor is quite likely to be harassed for bribes.

Stavropol Krai is the nearest “island of freedom” (in every sense) for residents of neighboring Chechnya and Ingushetia, who often visit this region for entertainment purposes (alcohol, nightclubs), therefore, it is not uncommon to run into them in entertainment establishments and at night on the streets. They are often armed with knives and pistols. To prevent conflicts, it is better to refrain from reacting to possible provocations on their part and simply walk away from them.

Learn [ edit ]

  • Stavropol State University — located in Stavropol, owned in 1996
  • North Caucasus Gumanitarium Technological University — main located in Stavropol, but have own filials in Pyatigorsk, Kislovodsk and Ingushetia
  • North Caucasus Gumanitarium Technological Institute;
  • Stavropol State Medical Academy
  • Stavropol State Agrarium University — one of the best agrarium university in Russia;
  • Pyatigorsk State Linguistic University — one of the best linguistic university in Russia.Located in Pyatigorsk;
  • Pyatigorsk State Technological University — located in Pyatigorsk
  • Kislovodsk State Technological University — located in Kislovodsk

Connect [ edit ]

Mobile [ edit ].

In Stavropol krai there are three GSM operators (MTS, Beeline, Megafon), one 3G-UMTS operator (Beeline) and one CDMA operator on 800 MHz frequency (RusSDO) and they often have offers that give you a SIM card for free or at least very cheap. If you are planning to stay a while and to keep in touch with Stavropolean and other North-Caucasus, South-Russians people, then you should consider buying a local SIM card instead of going on roaming. If you buy a SIM card from a shop you'll need your passport for identification. It only takes five minutes to do the paperwork and it will cost less than $10.

Go next [ edit ]

Stavropol Krai is a common jumping off point for tourists venturing into the North Caucasus . Basically any city in the region can be reached via minibus or taxi from Mineralnye Vody.

canadian rockies tours 5 days

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Canadian Rockies Tours & Trips in May 2025

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18 tour packages in Canadian Rockies in May 2025

Canada and the Rockies (11 Days) Tour

Canada and the Rockies (11 Days)

Absolutely amazing tour seeing some beautiful places! Sofia was so knowledgeable on fhe best places to see and do in our spare time as well as on the tour. She created a fun filled atmosphere and enabled the group to bond well together. Such an unforgettable experience!
  • €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Canadian Rockies: National Parks Westbound Tour

  • Hiking & Trekking

Canadian Rockies: National Parks Westbound

Guide, group, campsites, scenery, weather, food, activities and attractions were consistently wonderful!

Great Resorts of the Canadian Rockies Tour

  • In-depth Cultural

Great Resorts of the Canadian Rockies

Our tour guide was Jennifer - and she was superb! Her love for the area, the history and the beauty of this country was always on display. Her enthusiasm was infectious, still she was able to accommodate a diverse collection of needs from our group of 42. Jennifer was a delight. Your survey has a glitch - citing the guide, even with a name, does not provide any means of submitting that information. Very frustrating as the tour guide is the most critical feature of the trip.

Canadian Rockies Express Tour

Canadian Rockies Express

Itinerary was great, scenery was beautiful, and our guide was fun. I was the only male in the group with my wife and 11 other females and it worked out fine. Everyone was very congenial, and the diversity of the group added to the experience. Only thing I would change would be the accommodations in Vancouver. While the hotel was fine it was very far from the downtown and sights, so we spent most of our time the last day in the van in traffic. Overall, it was a fantastic trip.

Hiking in the Canadian Rockies Tour

Hiking in the Canadian Rockies

Great week..great people especially the two guides Jordan and Mikeala

Great Resorts of the Canadian Rockies with the Rocky Mountaineer Tour

Great Resorts of the Canadian Rockies with the Rocky Mountaineer

The only thing that was not organised right was the weather. Otherwise everything was excellent.

Heart of the Canadian Rockies Tour

  • Coach / Bus

Heart of the Canadian Rockies

Amazing tour with a lot to see. Good hotels and transports.

Canadian Rockies Tour

  • Active Adventure

Canadian Rockies

Amazing scenery and great group of people to travel with.

Canada\'s Rockies (7 Days) Tour

Canada's Rockies (7 Days)

The tour from Trafalgar was great.

Wonders of the Canadian Rockies (10 Days) (7 destinations) Tour

Wonders of the Canadian Rockies (10 Days) (7 destinations)

Amazing scenery and a wonderful CEO: I had the best time!

Western Canada by Rail Tour

  • Train & Rail

Western Canada by Rail

Truly stunning mountain scenery through the Rockies to Vancouver with guest appearances from bears, elk, eagles and gophers! A well paced and organised trip led by an excellent guide Sibylle. Travelling in style on the Rocky Mountaineer was a memorable experience, even though we were in Silver Leaf. A class operation. A minor gripe that there was so little time at the end of the tour in Vancouver and Vancouver Island, luckily we added a couple of extra nights in Vancouver to explore the city.

Grand Canadian Rockies Tour

Grand Canadian Rockies

Real Canada Tour

Real Canada

MICHELLE WAS AN ABSOLUTE SUPERSTAR!! Her enthusiasm and energy was incredible, and her knowledge of the Rockies was unbelievable! Great trip, but it was even better thanks to Michelle!

Classic Canadian Rockies  Tour

Classic Canadian Rockies

Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta (Small Groups, 8 Days) Tour

Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta (Small Groups, 8 Days)

Reviews of canadian rockies tours in may.

One of the best trips of my life! Still thinking about it months later
This trip was the best experience of my life so far! My CEO Melanie was so amazing, I felt so at ease and happy throughout every step of the tour. This is the perfect trip to see some of Canada. 100000/10 would recommend to everyone!
The lake cruise was cancelled due to weather condition, globus suppose to refund the fees back to us. Its been a month since the tour ended. Still havent received the refund.

Other Regions in Canada

  • West Coast Canada (385)
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  • Alberta (141)
  • Icefields Parkway (85)
  • Yukon and Northwest Territories (73)
  • Banff National Park (59)
  • British Columbia (49)
  • Jasper National Park (31)
  • Canadian Maritimes Provinces (30)
  • Canadian Shield (27)
  • Nova Scotia (27)
  • Quebec (22)
  • Newfoundland and Labrador (19)
  • Dempster Highway (15)
  • Ontario (14)
  • Spring 2024 tours (60)
  • Summer 2024 tours (90)
  • Fall / Autumn 2024 tours (68)
  • Winter 2024 / 2025 tours (11)
  • Spring 2025 tours (14)
  • Summer 2025 tours (23)
  • Fall / Autumn 2025 tours (17)
  • Winter 2025 / 2026 tours (1)

International Versions

  • Deutsch: Kanadische Rocky Mountains Rundreise im Mai 2025
  • Français: Circuits Rocheuses canadiennes en Mai 2025
  • Español: Rocosas canadienses Circuitos y Viajes en Mayo 2025
  • Nederlands: Canadese Rockies Rondreizen in Mei 2025

THE 5 BEST Stavropol Krai Multi-Day Tours

Multi-day tours in stavropol krai.

  • Private Tours
  • Nature & Wildlife Tours
  • Multi-day Tours
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
  • 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • Budget-friendly
  • Good for Big Groups
  • Good for a Rainy Day
  • Good for Couples
  • Good for Kids
  • Honeymoon spot
  • Good for Adrenaline Seekers
  • Hidden Gems
  • Adventurous
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

canadian rockies tours 5 days

1. Elbrus Guide

canadian rockies tours 5 days

2. Caucasus Explorer

PaolaTestori

3. Adventure. Dream. Team

canadian rockies tours 5 days

4. Climbing Brothers

5. mountain-consultants.

canadian rockies tours 5 days

7. Companions Adventure Club

canadian rockies tours 5 days

8. Travel123.Caucasus

canadian rockies tours 5 days

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COMMENTS

  1. 5 Day Canadian Rockies Express Tour

    Gate 1 Travel has provided quality, affordable escorted tours, river cruises and vacation packages for 40 years. We look forward to showing you More of the World for Less on your next vacation. ... 5 Day Canadian Rockies Express Calgary, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise & Banff National Park - $949 from $599 (Land Only) with code: TZCNR350

  2. Canadian Rockies Road Trip: Banff, Lake Louise & Jasper

    Day 2: Banff to Jasper (3 h 30 min) Icefields Parkway, a scenic stretch of the Canadian Rockies. Head north along the Trans Canada Highway to Lake Louise (taking the alternate route through the Bow Valley Parkway). Lake Louise marks the southern extremity of the Icefields Parkway, a famous 144-mile (232 km) stretch of highway that winds through ...

  3. The Most Epic 5 Day Itinerary & Road Trip into the Canadian Rockies

    Day 2, 3 & 4: Travel to Banff National Park and the Townsite of Banff Banff National Park is a breathtakingly beautiful protected wilderness mecca located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. It is Canada's oldest national park, established in 1885, and covers over 6,600 square kilometers of rugged mountains, glaciers, and turquoise lakes.

  4. 10 Best Canadian Rockies Tours (from Vancouver, and other cities

    Canadian Rockies Tours & Trips. Find the right tour package for you through Canadian Rockies. We've got 220 trips going to Canadian Rockies, starting from just 3 days in length, and the longest tour is 34 days. ... Via Railway Experience|5-Day Vancouver to Rockies Railway Full Experience Tour Departure. 3.5 (4 reviews) ...

  5. Canadian Rockies Tours

    These mountains and fertile land are breathtaking on Tauck's award-winning Canadian Rockies tours. 800-788-7885 or ... where a cultural tapestry rich with timeless traditions and tales of life long ago coexists with present-day innovations. Whether you're exploring Israel, Jordan, Egypt or Morocco, our journeys through the Middle East introduce ...

  6. The Ultimate 10-Day Canadian Rockies Road Trip Itinerary

    The Ultimate 10-Day Canadian Rockies Itinerary. Day 1: Calgary to Canmore. Day 2: Hiking in Canmore. Day 3: Banff Town & Iconic Sights. Day 4: Hiking in Banff National Park. Day 5: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, & Johnston Canyon. Day 6: Icefields Parkway. Day 7: Hiking in Jasper. Day 8: Jasper Town & Iconic Sights.

  7. 5-Day Rockies Unique Tour (Banff & Jasper & Yoho National Park)

    With the Explorer tour 5-Day Rockies Unique Tour (Banff & Jasper & Yoho National Park), you have a 5 days tour package taking you through Calgary, Canada and 4 other destinations in Canada. 5-Day Rockies Unique Tour (Banff & Jasper & Yoho National Park) includes accommodation in a hotel as well as an expert guide, transport and more.

  8. Self Drive the Canadian Rockies: A 5 Day Itinerary From Jasper to Banff

    How to Self Drive the Canadian Rockies: A 5 Day Itinerary From Jasper to Banff. You'll need to order a Park permit pass (which is free of cost) in order to obtain access to the parks. As you can imagine Canadian National Park issued a record number of passes this year due to high demand. You can order your pass from the Canadian Parks Website.

  9. Canadian Rockies by Train: Trips, Tours & Vacation Packages

    Canadian Rockies by Train. View Dates Book Now. Request A Quote. 9 DAYS. From $5,199. $4,699 pp*. Save up to $700. *Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy, tour inclusions and available options may vary based on departure date. Please select a date below for more details.

  10. 5-day Canadian Rockies Bus Tour

    Tour Itinerary. Day 1: Vancouver to Jasper Scenic Drive. Day 2: Jasper to Banff Sightseeing. Day 3 Banff & Lake Louise Sightseeing. Day 4: Banff to Kelowna Scenic Drive. Day 5: Kelowna to Vancouver Scenic Drive. [B] = Breakfast. ★★ For these optional activities, an additional fee will apply. ★ Departure and arrival times may vary.

  11. Canadian Rockies

    Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown. Calgary, AB. Highly-inclusive 7-Day Canadian Rockies Tour, 100% Risk-Free Deposit, Fully-Guided, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, Icefields Parkway, Yoho National Park, Ice Explorer Glacier Ride, Lake Louise Gondola, Calgary, Bow River Float Trip, & More!

  12. Canada's Rockies Tour 2024

    Book your 9 Day Canada tour to Calgary, Jasper and Banff with Trafalgar and enjoy toe-tapping music, delicious food, and a spectacular rodeo atmosphere. ... My Trafalgar. Destinations. Ways To Go. Deals. About Us. Get Inspired. 866 513 1995. or call your travel agent. Customers. Agents. Home. Tours. Canada's Rockies. 4.8. 468 reviews. Canada's ...

  13. 5-Day Thrilling Canadian Rockies Tour From Calgary: Banff, Jasper and

    Highlights. • Stay Calgary Downtown Hotel. • Visit & Stay 3 stunning Rocky Mt. National Parks - Banff/YOHO/Jasper National Park. • Stay at Banff & Jasper town centre - Easy access for shopping & restaurants. • Special arrangement to Johnston Canyon walk. • Discover Icefield Parkway - Lakes/Glaciers/Valleys.

  14. Canadian Rockies 5-Day Tour with Fairmont Banff Springs 2023

    Experience three of Alberta's national parks and its most spectacular scenery, with none of the hassle, on this 5-day tour. A driver and guide handles all the navigating straight from the Calgary airport, so you can focus on the views of Banff, Jasper and Yoho National Parks, plus the glaciers and waterfalls of the Icefields Parkway drive. Hotel bookings are also arranged, including a night at ...

  15. Spectacular Canadian Rockies Tour 2024

    9 Day Canada Tour from Vancouver to Calgary. Travel. 9 days, 1 country and 8 cities. Accommodation. 8 nights. Meals. 8 Breakfasts, 1 Welcome Reception, 3 Lunches, 1 Dinner. ... Spectacular Canadian Rockies trip reviews. Or search for something else. As Seen on. Help & Info. Who We Are.

  16. 10 Best Canadian Rockies Fully Guided Tours 2024/2025

    Find the best Canadian Rockies Fully Guided tours with TourRadar. Compare 193 tours with 1721 real tour reviews. Book now and save with TourRadar.com! Deals of the Week Women's Day Up to 50% OFF. ... 7-Day Rockies 5 National Parks Special Tour. 4.3 (7 reviews) ...

  17. 5 of the Best Canadian Rockies Tours from Vancouver

    10-day Rocky Mountains Whistler Big West Tour from Vancouver. A trip for the adventurously inclined. This ten day tour takes you by bus through some spectacular scenery, then offers you the chance to leap out into it: if you want literally. There's ziplining and bungee jumping on the itinerary, as well as white water rafting and kayaking on ...

  18. Planning the Perfect Canadian Rockies Itinerary (7 or 10-days)

    10 day Canadian Rockies Itinerary. If you do have 10 days in the Canadian Rockies, you have time to get away from the crowds and experience some of the lesser-visited National Parks or Provincial ...

  19. Things to Do in Stavropol Krai

    There is also a great souvenir market along the way. Great way to spend a day as well as in the adjacent park. Bring... 7. Essentukskiy Park Resort. 505. Parks. By NorthCaucasusFan. It's a pretty standard park in the Mineral Waters region, huge with trails zig-zagging throughout.

  20. 10 Best Canadian Rockies Summer 2024 Tours & Trips

    Find the best tours & trips in Canadian Rockies in Summer 2024 with TourRadar. Choose from 90 tours with 1094 real tour reviews. Book now and save with TourRadar.com! Deals of the Week Women's Day Up to 50% OFF. ... 9 Day Rockies Hiking and Camping Tour. 4.8 (5 reviews) ...

  21. Stavropol Krai

    Map of Stavropol Krai. 45.05 41.983333. 1 Stavropol — this capital city is located in a particularly mountainous area of the region and was one of Russia's most important bases during the Russian conquest of the Caucasus; former home to Mikhail Gorbachev and it has a particularly nice urban park. 44.043056 42.864444.

  22. THE 10 BEST Stavropol Krai Tours & Excursions

    Top Stavropol Krai Tours: See reviews and photos of tours in Stavropol Krai, Russia on Tripadvisor.

  23. 10 Best Canadian Rockies Tours in May 2025

    Wonders of the Canadian Rockies (10 Days) (7 destinations) 4.3 (19 reviews) Amazing scenery and a wonderful CEO: I had the best time! Destinations Calgary, Banff National ... Reviews of Canadian Rockies Tours in May Alice Evans 23 Oct, 2022. 5. This was my first solo trip and I had the BEST time! ...

  24. THE 5 BEST Stavropol Krai Multi-Day Tours

    Browse the best multi-day tours from Stavropol Krai, Russia directly on Tripadvisor with itineraries and attractions to suit you. Book your Stavropol Krai tour with confidence with our low price guarantee and 24/7 support.