Banff & Jasper National Parks 🇨🇦
"Turquoise lakes and rugged Rockies in America's backyard."
Just a flight away from CT, the Canadian Rockies offer world-tier hiking and canoeing. Your budget allows for stays at iconic lodges like the Fairmont Lake Louise and guided mountaineering tours on the Athabasca Glacier.
A high-octane mountain adventure blending world-famous turquoise lakes with strenuous alpine hikes and the legendary Icefields Parkway drive.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Welcome to the Bow Valley
Morning — Arrive in Calgary, pick up a rental SUV, and drive to Banff (1.5 hours). Grab coffee and a hearty breakfast at Whitebark Cafe.
Afternoon — Hike the Tunnel Mountain Trail for panoramic views of the town and Mount Rundle, followed by a visit to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site.
Evening — Stroll along Banff Avenue for dinner at Park Distillery and gear shopping at local outdoor stores.
💡 Purchase your Parks Canada Pass online in advance to skip the entry gate lines.
Day 2 · Iconic Lakes and High Teas
Morning — Early departure (pre-7 AM) for Lake Louise to beat the crowds. Take photos of the turquoise water before it gets busy.
Afternoon — Hike the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail (14km round trip) for a rugged mountain experience and tea at the historic stone teahouse.
Evening — Relax tired muscles at the Upper Hot Springs while watching the sunset over the peaks.
💡 Reserve the Lake Louise/Moraine Lake shuttle weeks in advance; personal cars are no longer allowed at Moraine Lake.
Day 3 · Canyons and Larches
Morning — Visit Moraine Lake at sunrise to see the 'Twenty Dollar View.' Hike the Rockpile and Larch Valley trails.
Afternoon — Head to Johnston Canyon. Hike past the Lower and Upper Falls to the Ink Pots (vibrant mineral springs) for a quieter, more athletic challenge.
Evening — Dinner at Bear Street Tavern for their famous honey-drizzled pizza to carb-load for Jasper.
💡 The Ink Pots hike adds 6km to the Johnston Canyon walk but avoids 90% of the tourists.
Day 4 · The Most Beautiful Drive on Earth
Morning — Drive the Icefields Parkway, one of the world's most scenic drives. Stop at Peyto Lake (short hike to the viewpoint).
Afternoon — Stop at Bow Lake and hike the trail to Bow Glacier Falls. Continue north to the Columbia Icefield for a guided glacier hike (Ice Walk).
Evening — Arrive in Jasper. Check into your lodge and enjoy a casual meal at Jasper Brewing Co.
💡 Fill your gas tank in Banff; there is only one expensive gas station along the 230km Parkway.
Day 5 · Deep Canyons and Alpine Tundra
Morning — Explore Maligne Canyon, crossing the six bridges and marveling at the 50-meter deep limestone slots.
Afternoon — Head to Maligne Lake. Hike the Bald Hills trail for 360-degree views of the Maligne Valley and the famous Spirit Island from above.
Evening — Dark Sky Preserve stargazing. Jasper is one of the best places on earth to view the Milky Way.
💡 Rent a kayak at Maligne Lake for a true 'mountain sport' workout rather than taking the tour boat.
Day 6 · Summits and SkyTrams
Morning — Ride the Jasper SkyTram to Whistlers Mountain. Hike the remaining 200m elevation to the true summit for an intense cardio burst.
Afternoon — Challenge yourself with the hike up Old Fort Point for the best views of the Athabasca River and the Jasper townsite.
Evening — Farewell dinner at Syrahs of Jasper for upscale mountain cuisine (elk or bison).
💡 Wear layers; the temperature at the top of Whistlers Mountain is often 10°C colder than the town.
Day 7 · Waterfalls and Departure
Morning — Grab a breakfast sandwich at Bear's Paw Bakery and begin the scenic return journey south.
Afternoon — Quick stop at Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls for final photos before the 4-hour drive back to Calgary International Airport.
Evening — Late evening flight home from Calgary.
💡 Check the 511 Alberta app for road conditions and construction on the Parkway before departing.