road trip from vancouver to banff and jasper

Vancouver to Banff Road Trip Itinerary

Last Updated on February 1, 2024

The drive from Vancouver to Banff is one of the most beautiful drives in North America . Starting at the Pacific Ocean, you’ll cross multiple mountain ranges and arid wine country. You may see wildlife and there are lots of things to see and do along the way.

I’m a lifelong Seattelite, professional guide and experienced road tripper across Western Canada, Alaska and Washington, so I know how to craft the perfect itinerary to see everything the drive from Vancouver to Banff has to offer.

You can connect this drive to my Whistler to Jasper Itinerary for an even more epic road trip loop.

On your Vancouver to Banff road trip, you will be on the homeland of many indigenous people, including Squamish ,  Musqueam , Tsleil-Waututh , Lil’wat , St’át’imc , Shuswap , Syilx , Sinixt and Ktunaxa First Nations.

• Highlights of a Vancouver to Banff road trip

How long does it take to drive from Vancouver to Banff?

• Is the road open all year?
• 3 day Itinerary
• 5 day Itinerary
• Electric Vehicle Charging
• What to do if you have more time

What is there to see between Vancouver and Banff?

So much! This is an incredibly scenic drive that you could easily spend a week doing and not see everything. There are plenty of places to hike , five national parks and many provincial parks , lakes for swimming , paddling and fishing and plenty of charming towns with delicious food . Add in a visit to British Columbia’s wine country and you pretty much have it all.

A few highlights you don’t want to miss on the drive from Vancouver to Banff that are included in the itineraries below:

• The Sea to Sky Highway
• Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish
• Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola
• British Columbia wine country
• Giant Cedars Trail in Mt Revelstoke National Park
• Glacier National Park of Canada
• Emerald Lake
• Radium Hot Springs and Kootenay National Park (a worthwhile detour!)
• Lake Louise

Related : British Columbia Itinerary for 7 days or 2 weeks ; 7 Kootenay hot springs in 5 days – a dreamy Canadian road trip

You can make the drive from Vancouver to Banff in one long day but why would you when this spectacular drive is an incredible journey and trip all by itself?

There are multiple routes you can take but this article will focus on the shortest route from Vancouver to Banff, which takes you over the Sea to Sky Highway through Whistler to Kamloops and then over to Banff on the Trans Canada Highway . Going east from Vancouver to Abbotsford and then up to Kamloops is slightly longer but generally faster. I recommend going through Whistler because it’s even more scenic with even more things to do!

The route is 917 kilometers (568 miles). Expect at least 11 hours of driving time , not including stops.

This article includes recommended three and five day itineraries for your Vancouver to Banff road trip. The five day one includes a detour to Radium Hot Springs which is absolutely worth the additional 60 miles.

Related : Best things to do for three days in Vancouver

Is the road from Vancouver to Banff open all year?

Yes. You can drive from Vancouver to Banff anytime of year. This itinerary follows major highways that are cleared of snow in the winter.

Summer is the busiest time with lots of summer visitors enjoying the legendary views as well as pursuing lots of outdoor adventures like hiking, rafting and biking.

Winter is also quite busy as your journey takes you to many world famous ski resorts! There is also plenty of opportunity for cross country skiing along the way. If you are doing a winter trip, plan on driving time being much longer and be ready for winter driving conditions. Roads may be closed for a period of time during heavy snowstorms.

Fall is gorgeous in British Columbia with fall colors everywhere. Be aware that fall is a very crowded and popular time to visit Banff National Park, so be ready for summer level crowds.

Spring can be a wonderful time to visit. The weather is extra unpredictable in the spring and mountain areas are likely to still have deep snow (though probably not on the road).

Make sure to arrange your lodging along the way and especially in Banff well in advance no matter what time of year it is.

Vancouver to Banff Road Trip Itinerary – Three days

Day 1 – vancouver to whistler.

Driving Distance : 120 kilometers (75 miles) – about two hours of driving time

Don’t let the short distance today fool you. There is so much to see today as you start your journey from Vancouver to Banff. Depart from Stanley Park over the Lions Gate Bridge and start your journey on the Sea to Sky Highway heading towards Squamish and Whistler.

Once over the bridge, you’ll be in North Vancouver and passing through the Greater Vancouver area for awhile. You’ll pass Horseshoe Bay and it’s ferry terminal and then you’ll be driving along the edge of incredibly beautiful Howe Sound. Howe Sound is a fjord that extends up to the town of Squamish.

Shortly before arriving in Squamish, make sure to stop at Shannon Falls . If it’s a clear day, go up the Sea to Sky Gondola for epic views of the mountains and water. There are plenty of hiking trails here in Stawamus Chief Provincial Park if you’d like to get out and stretch your legs.

Stop in Squamish for lunch (I love the Howe Sound Brewing) and then head up the steep mountain pass to Whistler. Make sure to stop at Brandywine Falls along the way!

When you arrive in Whistler, check in and have dinner in one of the many wonderful restaurants in Whistler. If there’s enough daylight and it’s a clear day, ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola (or you can save that for the morning if the weather looks better the next day).

Day 2 – Whistler to Revelstoke

Driving Distance : 510 kilometers (316 miles) – six hours and fifteen minutes of driving time

Today you’ll come down from the mountains onto the dry side of British Columbia. The weather here is hotter in summer and colder in winter and it is much drier than Whistler, Squamish and Vancouver. Plenty of agriculture and vineyards great you along the journey to Revelstoke. Make sure to stop and taste some British Columbia wine and soak up the sun in Kamloops or the area around it.

Caen Road Community Park (between Chase and Salmon Arm) has a great swimming beach if you want to get out of the car for a bit and soak up the sun.

Enjoy dinner and stay overnight in the town of Revelstoke.

Day 3 – Revelstoke to Banff

Driving Distance : 390 kilometers (240 miles) – 3 hours and 30 minutes of driving time

Heading out from Revelstoke, you’ll quickly enter Mt Revelstoke National Park. Stop here at the Giant Cedars Boardwalk to wander through a forest with ancient trees that have been there for hundreds of years.

Further on you’ll enter yet another national park, Glacier National Park of Canada (not to be confused with the American national park in Montana!). Stop here to take the short but steep hike (less than a mile but dropping 100 feet) down to lovely Bear Creek Falls.

Back on the road, continue on the Trans Canada Highway towards Yoho National Park and Banff National Park. Take the 45 minute detour in Field to the internet famous Emerald Lake. This gorgeous lake and it’s picturesque lodge and frequently photographed and all over the internet for good reason! Escape the crowd by walking on the trail around the edge of the lake.

Back on the road, you’ll soon come to even more famous Lake Louise. Lake Louise is extremely crowded and there is a shuttle from the main highway to avoid the traffic and parking mess. Sometimes even the shuttle gets very backed up. If this is the case at the time of your visit, I recommend skipping Lake Louise for now and returning very early in the morning on another day of your Banff trip.

Once you return to the road, you’ll be in Banff within an hour, wrapping up your Vancouver to Banff road trip!

Vancouver to Banff Road Trip Itinerary – Five days

Driving Distance : 75 miles (about two hours of driving time)

Like the three day itinerary above, you’ll be starting with a short day to Whistler. It might sound short but it will take all day with all the amazing stops you’ll be making!

Day 2 – Whistler to Kamloops

Driving Distance : 300 kilometers (186 miles) – about four hours of driving time

Today you’re leaving Whistler and driving to Kamloops. Make sure to make time for wine tasting today in the Thompson Valley as well as exploring the shops and restaurants of Kamloops.

Day 3 – Kamloops to Golden

Driving Distance : 360 kilometers (225 miles) – just over four hours of driving time

Today you’ll leave the arid wine country and head back into the mountains, passing through two spectacular national parks, Mt Revelstoke National Park and Glacier National Park of Canada (different from the American one in Montana!). You’ll have plenty of time to explore in these national parks as well as spend some time at the beach on Shuswap Lake.

Heading out of Kamloops, if you want to get in some lake time with a great swimming beach, stop at Caen Road Community Park on the shores of Shuswap Lake, between the towns of Chase and Salmon Arm.

When you’ve had enough sun, head back on the road and get ready to visit the hidden gem of Mt Revelstoke National Park! Start on the Meadows in the Sky Parkway , a paved road that takes you from the lowlands in town up to an alpine meadow with amazing views. Trailers and long RVs are not permitted (or possible) on this road, but there’s a shuttle you can take and an area to drop your RV lower down.

Meadows in the Sky Parkway is just 16 miles, but takes you to what feels like the top of the world in the alpine meadows of Balsam Lake. From here you can do a variety of short or longer hikes to explore even bigger views, endless wildflower meadows in mid to late summer and a historic fire lookout.

Once you drive back down to town and continue on the Trans Canada Highway towards Golden and Banff, you’re find the deep forests of Mt Revelstoke National Park. Stop at the Giant Cedars Trail off the highway and stroll the boardwalk deep into a forest of 500 year old cedar trees.

Stop at the Roger’s Pass National Historic Site at Roger’s Pass. In addition to more stunning scenery, this site also commemorates the location where the Canadian Pacific Railway connected Canada from coast to coast by rail for the first time in 1885.

Find dinner and overnight in the delightful town of Golden.

Day 4 – Golden to Radium Hot Springs

Driving Distance : 103 kilometers (64 miles) – just over an hour of driving time

Since this is five day itinerary and you have a little more time, I highly encourage you to add a total of 60 stunning miles to your trip by going to Radium Hot Springs and Kootenay National Park . The town of Radium Hot Springs is just over an hour from Golden, with plenty of places to stay. Very near town is the actual Radium Hot Springs, operated by Parks Canada. This is the best Parks Canada hot springs in my opinion, I’ve never had to wait and it’s so much less crowded than Banff Hot Springs and Miette Hot Springs (in Jasper). It is also the location of one of my absolute favorite campgrounds in Canada (and you can walk to the hot springs from your campsite!).

When you arrive in Radium, you definitely need to go for a soak in the hot springs! I also recommend driving into Kootenay National Park on this day so that you can get to Lake Louise early the next morning. Kootenay is a small but beautiful park! Make sure to go to Marble Canyon which is one of the most gorgeous places I’ve ever been as well as the views from the highway.

Related : Why you should visit Canada’s Kootenay National Park

Day 5 – Radium Hot Springs to Banff (and Lake Louise)

Driving Distance: 188 kilometers (117 miles) – about two and a half hours of driving time (including Lake Louise)

Get up early and grab breakfast and coffee to go at the Big Horn Cafe and head north through Kootenay National Park towards Banff. When you join up with the Trans Canada Highway again, instead of going to the right (directly to Banff) go left towards Lake Louise. I highly recommend parking and taking the shuttle and getting there as early as possible. This will save you a ton of time! It should take you about an hour and a half to get to Lake Louise from Radium Hot Springs.

When you get to Lake Louise, you have a few options. Of course you want to spend some time checking out the view of the famous lake with it’s stunning mountain scenery. Canoes are available for rent if you’d like to get out on the water and there are several hiking trails starting from Lake Louise.

I also recommend checking out Morraine Lake , which is a bit further up the road and every bit, if not more, beautiful. You can take the shuttle between the lakes (check to see if reservations for the shuttles are required).

Once you get back to your car, it should take about 45 minutes of driving time to get to Banff and complete your Vancouver to Banff road trip!

If you aren’t tied of gorgeous waterfalls and mountain scenery yet, stop at Silverton Falls and Johnston Canyon Falls between Lake Louise and Banff.

Electric Vehicle Charging between Vancouver and Banff

Fast charging is plentiful in the greater Vancouver Metro area. Fast charging is also available in Squamish, Whistler, Lillooet, Cache Creek, Kamloops, Chase, Salmon Arm, Sicamous, Malakwa, Revelstoke, Glacier, Golden, Field and Canmore.

Make sure to use Plugshare to determine the latest as new chargers are being built all the time!

Things to do if you have more time

If you have more time, it’s easy to spend many days exploring the city of Vancouver or Banff and Jasper National Parks. Kootenay National Park and Radium Hot Springs are also great places to spend more time.

There are lots more hot springs to visit in Southeastern British Columbia, along with lots of fun outdoors oriented towns like Vernon, Nelson and Trail. You’ll find plenty of lakes for swimming or paddling as well as plenty of hikes and ski areas.

Related: Lussier Hot Springs Soaking Guide

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Vancouver To Banff Road Trip Itinerary – 3 Epic Routes!

If you’re looking for an epic way to experience the Rocky Mountains, a road trip from Vancouver to Banff is definitely it. But where do you start and what are the best stops along the way? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with this ultimate guide.

The first time I did this trip (yes, I’ve experienced it on several occasions) It was an unforgettable road trip that left me with memories for a lifetime and an insatiable desire to go back again (and again). The drive itself is approximately 10 hours, but you’ll want to take your time and make frequent stops along the way.

There are a ton of scenic stops along the way, so don’t be afraid to take detours and explore the hidden gems that British Columbia and Alberta have to offer. In fact, I highly recommend it! Some of my best experiences on this road trip were from spontaneous stops and adventures.

This road trip is definitely one for the bucket list – don’t even think about skipping it. Plus, it’s the perfect opportunity to bust out your favourite road trip playlist and belt out your best rendition of “Don’t Stop Believin'”. This trip through Western Canada will make you wonder why you haven’t explored the region before, and you’ll see why in no time!

So without further ado, let’s jump into the details of this epic road trip from Vancouver to Banff! In this post I’ll cover everything you need to know – from the top recommended places to stop, to what to do in each location, and even what local delicacies you have to try.

(By the way, this is gonna be a long post, so you might wanna grab a pen and take some notes!)

A City Girl Outside contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for reading!

Vancouver to Banff Road Trip Overview

There are several routes you can take on the drive from Vancouver to Banff, depending on your starting and ending points. But one thing’s for sure – you won’t be disappointed with any of them!

The most direct route from Vancouver to Banff is actually through the Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) – this route is 847km long and takes approximately 9 hours 15 minutes without stops. But this route is also the least scenic, and what fun would that be?

In this guide, I’ll take you through the classic Vancouver to Banff route via the Sea to Sky Highway and the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), which takes about 10 hours without stops. There will be plenty of places that’ll make you want to hit the brakes and soak in the beauty.

But I’ve also listed two alternative routes at the end of this post too, which will explore other incredible places such as the Okanagan Valley, Mount Robson, Jasper and the Icefields Parkway.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “It’s gonna be a long drive, isn’t it?” Well, yes and no. Yes, because there’s just so much to see that you’ll want to stop every few minutes for pictures. And no, because this drive is actually pretty manageable and can be completed in a week (more if possible!) if you plan it out properly. Plus, with the numerous stops along the way, you won’t even feel like you’re driving long distances.

Note: The driving time from Vancouver to Banff may vary depending on road conditions, traffic, and your own pace. I recommend taking at least 7-10 days for this road trip so that you can explore each stop at a leisurely pace. But you can amend it to 3-5 days and just leave out some places.

If you are returning to Vancouver by car, you could even spread out these stops and do some on the journey back. There’s also the option to choose one of the other two routes listed to take on the way back.

Before hitting the road, make sure your car is in good condition for a long drive. Check the fluids, tires, and brakes to ensure a safe journey. Also, remember to pack some snacks and drinks for the road – you’ll thank me later!

Okay, let’s get down to business. You’ve got a long drive ahead of you, but trust me, these stops will make it totally worth it. Here are my top picks for must-see places on your Vancouver to Banff road trip!

→ Check out my Canada packing list for all seasons for all the essential items you’ll need when visiting Canada year-round, from hot to cold! (Don’t come unprepared like I did!)

Route #1: Vancouver to Banff Via Whistler & Duffey Lake Road

You’ll kick off your road trip in the bustling city of Vancouver. This awesome west coast seaport city is where your Vancouver to Banff drive begins!

Vancouver is absolutely stunning (as you’ll see with most of the stops on this itinerary) with a mix of urban and natural beauty. Even though Vancouver is a city, you’ll never feel like you’re missing out on nature – it’s got snow-capped mountains up north and the beautiful Pacific Ocean to the west.

Stanley Park: Stanley Park is a true gem of Vancouver and a must-visit on your way to Banff. This 400-hectare natural wonder is one of the largest urban parks in North America – it’s actually bigger than New York’s Central Park! (Which is incredible because Central Park is massive)

Stanley Park is like the city’s own backyard, but you won’t find just any old swing sets here. Instead, you can expect lush forests, beautiful gardens, historic landmarks, and even a beach or two. Biking the famous seawall is a great way to experience the park to its fullest. It’s a 9 km (5.6 miles) path that wraps around the park’s outer edge and promises some seriously breathtaking views.

My favourite part of Stanley Park however, is the famous Totem Poles at Brockton Point. These spectacular monuments are one of the most visited attractions in British Columbia, telling the stories of First Nations history in the area.

The Vancouver Aquarium is located right in the middle of the park and is home to over 50,000 animals including dolphins, seals, penguins, and so much more. And don’t miss the park’s miniature train—it’s a hit with both the little ones and the young at heart.

Granville Island: Granville Island is an urban oasis right in the heart of the city. It’s more of a peninsula than an actual island, but don’t let that fool you. This vibrant spot is packed with a myriad of unique attractions that are sure to make it a highlight of your road trip.

Start off by meandering through the bustling Granville Island Public Market. This place is a foodie’s paradise, with an array of fresh produce, locally-sourced meats, artisan cheeses, delicious bakery items, and more. And if you’re a seafood lover, you’re in for a treat! You’ll find some of the freshest catches here, from Pacific Northwest salmon to succulent oysters. It’s the perfect spot to grab a picnic lunch to enjoy by the waterfront.

But Granville Island isn’t just about the food. It’s also a hub of arts and culture. Take a stroll around the Railspur District, where you’ll find a collection of artist studios. Whether you’re into pottery, jewellery, painting, or glassblowing, you’ll find it all here. It’s fascinating to watch the artisans at work, and maybe even pick up a piece or two to remember your trip.

For the beer lovers out there, don’t forget to stop by the Granville Island Brewing Co. This is Vancouver’s first microbrewery, and these guys know their beer! Take a tour of the brewery, learn about the crafting process, and of course, sample a pint or two. Their English Bay Pale Ale is a must-try!

Capilano Suspension Bridge: The Capilano Suspension Bridge isn’t just any ordinary bridge, my friends. Nope, it’s a heart-racing, adrenaline-pumping, 137-metre long bridge strung high above the Capilano River. It’s one of Vancouver’s oldest and most thrilling attractions – and with good reason!

As you sway 70 metres above the river (that’s about the same height as a 20-story building, by the way), you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the lush rainforest below. Seriously, the views from up here are downright mesmerizing. But it’s not just about the bridge – there’s a whole park to explore here.

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, check out the Cliffwalk. This cantilevered walkway (read: hangs off the edge of a cliff) takes you on a thrilling journey through the rainforest via a series of suspended walkways with glass floors. Yup, you read that right – glass floors!

For a more serene experience, wander through the Treetops Adventure, a series of seven suspension bridges connected by platforms attached to eight massive Douglas fir trees. You’ll be able to explore the forest at your own pace, from a unique, elevated perspective.

If you have some time before starting your journey, I highly recommend spending at least 2 days in Vancouver .

Where To Stay In Vancouver

• Fairmont Pacific Rim: Offering stunning views of the city and harbour, the Fairmont Pacific Rim is a luxurious and modern hotel located at the heart of Vancouver. It features a rooftop pool and extensive spa facilities.
• The Listel: This eco-friendly hotel is located near the shopping district of Robson Street and offers contemporary rooms with art and modern amenities. The hotel also features an on-site restaurant and bar.

Shannon Falls

Your Vancouver to Banff road trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Shannon Falls, British Columbia’s third-highest waterfall. It’s located just off Highway 99, and towers 335 metres high which means you can often see it right from the highway.

The park surrounding the falls offers a network of well-marked trails, so take some time to explore the area. To reach the falls is an easy, short trail that leads right to the base of the falls where you can feel the cool mist on your face. It’s just about a kilometre long, and when you finally get to the falls, you’ll be amazed.

The best time to visit is in late spring and early summer when the winter snow on the nearby mountains has melted, making the falls even more powerful. There is no entry fee for Shannon Falls which makes it a great rest stop and one of the best free things to do in Squamish .

Sea to Sky Gondola

After visiting Shannon Falls, hop back onto Highway 99 and make your way to the Sea to Sky Gondola . This is definitely a must-do on any Vancouver to Banff road trip itinerary. The gondola takes you up more than 885 metres above sea level, where you’ll experience the most breathtaking views of Howe Sound.

Once you reach the top there is plenty to do! Make sure you walk across the suspension bridge and check out one of the main hikes. There are easy and challenging hikes depending on what you’re in the mood for. So don’t worry, if hiking isn’t your thing there are lots of easy walks with amazing views.

Once you’re done exploring, grab a drink or some food while enjoying the sights. The gondola costs $69.95 CAD per adult for a day admission. You can also hike to the top of the Chief for similar views, but the gondola is great for saving time – plus the suspension bridge and lookouts are so cool!

Located just an hour outside of Vancouver, Squamish is a coastal town known as the “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada”. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs and take a break from driving. You can go for a hike, mountain bike ride, or even try rock climbing!

To get to Squamish you’ll be driving on the breathtaking Sea-to-Sky Highway (officially known as BC Highway 99). There is much to see along this highway, so be prepared to make many stops.

While many of the main attractions in Squamish can be done in a day, I do recommend an overnight stay so you can spend a full day here. There are so many hidden gems, and the sunsets here are insane!

Downtown Squamish is the heart of this vibrant mountain town, with a unique blend of outdoor adventure meets small-town charm. Lined with a variety of locally-owned boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. For coffee head to Sunflower Bakery where you’ll the best donuts in town! Don’t forget to appreciate the intricate murals and public art pieces that add a splash of colour and creativity to the town (my personal favourite is the Squamish Wings mural)

The Stawamus Chief is one of the top hikes in Squamish and is considered moderate to hard. There are 3 peaks that you can choose to hike to, the most popular being the first and second peaks. It’s a 3.7-mile loop trail that requires a decent amount of effort, especially towards the end when the scrambling begins. You’ll gain a total of 654 meters (2,145 feet) in elevation, but the views of Howe Sound are absolutely mind-blowing!

If you want to experience the the outdoors but not big on difficult hikes, walking the Squamish Estuary is really beautiful around sunset and the trailhead is in the middle of Downtown. For something a bit more magical, my favourite easy hike in Squamish is Mamquam Falls , a hidden gem that leads to a bright glacial blue waterfall in a dense forest. To get here will require a 20-30 minute drive along a forest service road.

If you’re into awesome water adventures, you gotta give whitewater rafting in Squamish a shot! Don’t worry if you’ve never rafted before – there are trips for all levels of experience, and Squamish has got some of the best spots for it.

The Cheakamus and Elaho rivers are the most popular spots for rafting, and they offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Plus, it’s a great way to cool off on a hot summer day. This tour includes return transportation and provides all the necessary equipment.

The best way to end an eventful and adventurous day in Squamish is by visiting one of it’s craft breweries. My personal favourite is Backcountry Brewing. They have a unique selection of brews, plus an outdoor patio with stunning views. You can also check out A Frame Brewing and Howe Sound Brewing.

Where to stay in Squamish

• Sandman Hotel & Suites Squamish: This comfortable hotel provides a great base for your adventures in the Squamish region, offering cozy room, a well-equipped fitness centre, hot tub and waterslide! Plus they even include a delicious breakfast.
• Squamish Adventure Inn: Ideally situated for outdoor enthusiasts, this inn offers a variety of room types and a communal kitchen, making it great for budget travellers and groups. This is a great way to meet others, especially if travelling solo!
• Executive Suites Hotel & Resort: If you’re after something a little fancier, check out Executive Suites Hotel & Resort. They’ve got a range of room styles, from standard queens to one-bedroom family suites. Plus, they’ve got a pool, fitness centre, and an on-site restaurant.

Garibaldi Provincial Park

Next up on this Vancouver to Banff itinerary is Garibaldi Lake, one of the most breathtaking alpine lakes in Canada. You absolutely can’t miss this place on your itinerary! It’s one of the most visually stunning spots you’ll ever see.

Situated with Garibaldi Provincial Park, Garibaldi Lake is a stunning bright turquoise lake surrounded by towering mountains, making it a popular spot for hiking and camping.

Getting to Garibaldi Lake however does require some effort, as a result it’s not as crowded as other Canadian lakes (ahem, Lake Louise…). To reach it you’ll need to hike a 9-kilometre trail (one way) with a 900-metre elevation gain. It’s quite a challenge, but totally worth it. I mean the photos just don’t do it justice!

Panorama Ridge Hike:

If you’re up for an epic hike, you gotta check out Panorama Ridge. It’s a 28.3km (18 mile) loop trail that’s pretty popular (so expect some traffic). Panorama Ridge is undoubtedly one of the best hikes in Whistler and as a result it does get pretty busy. The viewpoint features a panorama of the Coast Mountains and Garibaldi Lake below. It is one of the most stunning views near Whistler!

While you can hike Panorama Ridge in a day, it does makes for a really long day of hiking, taking approximately 12 hours (I did it in 8.5 and regretted it). I have done this as a day hike and it’s intense. I personally recommend making it an overnight night hike, this way you get to really soak in the views. But I think those stunning views of Garibaldi Lake make every bit of effort totally worth it.

Black Tusk:

Black Tusk is another must-see in Garibaldi Provincial Park. This distinctive, volcanic rock formation is a sight to behold and can be seen from various points within the park. If you’re up for a challenge, take on the Black Tusk hike, which offers stunning views of this unique landmark at the top.

The hike is steep but relatively moderate until you get to the base of Black Tusk, this is where you’ll encounter a steep section of shale, which is loose volcanic rock. This short section was challenging but showcases some incredible views of Garibaldi Lake.

The last part of the Black Tusk hike is called the chimney – this is for experienced climbers only and requires a fair bit of scrambling. I chose not to complete this last part as it can be dangerous.

It’s important to note that this trail is entirely exposed with little shelter from the sun so be prepared with water and sunscreen.

As you make your way towards Banff, you’ll pass through Whistler – home to one of North America’s top ski resorts. But don’t let that fool you, there’s plenty to do in Whistler in the summer months as well. You should spend a night or two here before continuing your Vancouver to Banff trip, as there are countless activities to choose from.

If visiting Whistler in winter , skiing or snowboarding is a must. There are over 200 runs and over 8,000 acres of terrain to explore. And if you prefer a slower pace, there’s also and abundance of Whistler snowshoeing trails . If visiting Whistler as a non-skier , there is still plenty of exciting activities, including dog sledding tours , iceskating and snowmobile tours .

If there’s one thing you need to do when visiting Whistler on this Vancouver to Banff drive, it’s the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. I’ve experienced this gondola in different seasons and it never fails to take my breath away.

The gondola showcases fantastic vistas of the Coast Mountain range. It runs between the mountains of Blackcomb and Whistler, and is the longest and highest gondola of its kind in the world. If you have the patience to wait, the glass-bottom gondolas allow you to get a unique perspective of the valley below.

After your ride on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola , make sure to take advantage of all the activities available at both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. The High Note trail is one my favourites in the area, where you can see beautiful views of Cheakamus Lake from above. In the early summer season you can also hike Pika’s Traverse, where you’ll walk between two HUGE walls of snow.

The Whistler Train Wreck is an intriguing and unconventional attraction tucked away in the forest near the Cheakamus River. It’s a favourite activity of mine since it can be accessed year-round.

This unique trail leads you to a cluster of colourful, graffiti-adorned train cars scattered haphazardly about the landscape, a result of a derailment that occurred back in 1956. The 5km round-trip hike is fairly easy, making it a suitable trail for all ages.

There are many beautiful waterfalls in Whistler , and most only require a short walk. Brandywine Falls is located a short 15-minute drive outside of Whistler along the Sea to Sky Highway . It’s a great option if you’re short on time or not up for a long hike. Alexander Falls is another stunning waterfall located just 20 minutes north of Whistler in the Callaghan Valley, the viewing platform is located at the parking lot.

Nairn Falls Provincial Park is about a 25-minute drive from Whistler, and there is a 1.5 km hike to the falls. While all 3 can be accessed year-round, the parking lot for Brandywine Falls does close in winter, and if you park on the highway you may get towed.

You can also experience the valley between these two mountains on a zipline tour. The Sasquatch is a must-try for adrenaline junkies, as it’s the longest zipline in North America.

But if you’re looking for more adrenaline-fuelled activities, try ATVing in Whistler . This tour lasts three hours and you’ll experience the backcountry on a side-by-side which is similar to an ATV but you get to sit next to each other!

And when you’re exploring Whistler’s outdoor playground, don’t forget to stop at one of Whistler’s many lakes for a refreshing swim or paddle boarding session. Green Lake is a popular spot with crystal clear water and gorgeous mountain views but it’s also the coldest. I recommend Lost Lake, which is closest to Whistler Village, or Alta Lake which has 3 main beaches.

Lastly, you can’t leave Whistler without trying its delectable cuisine. The town is famous for its fine-dining scene, but also has some hidden cheap eats. If you want to know what the best restaurant in Whistler is, it’s the Rim Rock Café (but that’s our secret!) My other favourites include Araxi, Il Caminetto and the Wildflower.

Also don’t forget to try some of the local specialties, such as Poutine, a dish made with French fries, cheese curds, and gravy. Don’t forget to grab a famous Beaver Tail before hitting the road again (The Beavertails Whistler location finally opened as of 2023!)

Where to stay in Whistler

• Fairmont Chateau Whistler: I have yet to stay at this Fairmont property but I do visit often to go to the Mallard Lounge and the Wildflower and this hotel is so beautiful. Offering luxurious rooms and superb service, the Fairmont boasts ski-in, ski-out access, a golf course, and a spa.
• Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside: With stunning mountain views, this hotel offers well-equipped suites with kitchens, an outdoor heated pool, and two hot tubs. It’s also one of the best location in Whistler being within walking distance to the Whistler Gondola.
• Nita Lake Lodge: Nita Lake Lodge is one of the most beautiful places to stay in Whistler, and the only lakefront hotel in town. I stayed here to celebrate my husbands birthday one year. The suite we booked looked out onto the lake and was so clean and spacious. This hotel also features a full-service spa, and complimentary shuttle service to the ski lifts.

Joffre Lakes

Next on this Vancouver to Banff road trip, we’re heading to the spellbinding Joffre Lakes. Joffre Lakes is made up of three spectacular glacial lakes, each more impressive than the last. And oh boy, their vibrant turquoise colour will leave you astounded!

Now, here’s the skinny about the hike to Joffre Lakes. It’s a 10-kilometre round trip, and there’s about a 400-meter elevation gain. I’m not going to sugar-coat it – the trail is a bit of a workout, especially the challenging climb to the second lake. But trust me when I say, every drop of sweat will be worth it!

Along the trail you’ll pass by breathtaking views of massive glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and majestic mountains. And, if you’ve got the stamina, we recommend pushing on to the third lake. Why, you ask? Well, the view of Matier Glacier that feeds the lake is simply… jaw-dropping!

Don’t forget to pack a picnic – the third lake is a perfect spot to relax, munch on some snacks, and maybe even take a refreshing (albeit chilly!) dip. Just remember to pack out whatever you bring in as this is a protected area.

Next up on the drive is Lillooet, a small town that’s often referred to as the “land of the gold rush”. Known as “Mile 0” on the Gold Rush Trail, this historical town offers stunning views of rugged mountains and winding Fraser river.

Right before you arrive in the town of Lillooet, you’ll pass by the bright blue waters of Seton Lake. On a hot day this lake is pure bliss. There is also a small hike just before you reach the lake called the Seton Lake Lookout which features a stunning view of a bend in the road with the lake and mountains – it’s definitely one of the best views I’ve ever seen!

Take a stroll through its historic downtown area and learn about its rich history. And make sure to stop by Fort Berens Estate Winery for a taste of their award winning wines. You can order a glass of vino and wander the beautiful grapevines. The Vineyard is conveniently located along the highway you’ll be taking to reach your next stop!

But don’t let the town’s historical charm fool you. For the thrill-seekers, Lillooet has a lot to offer. Get your adrenaline pumping with some river rafting or go mountain biking in the rugged terrains.

The drive from Whistler to Kamloops takes around 4 hours without stopping, but as mentioned above there is quite a bit to do in between so expect it to take a bit longer.

(You also have the option of staying in Pemberton or Lillooet to venture to Joffre Lakes and Seton Lake, which would mean driving directly to Kamloops the following day.)

One of the things I love about this part of the drive between Joffre Lakes and Kamloops is how the landscape quickly transforms from a dense evergreen forest to a more dry desert – proving BC is seriously wild!

This drier climate actually makes Kamloops the perfect spot for wine making, and is home to some of the province’s newest vineyards. And trust me, there are plenty of tastings to satisfy your thirst in this charming little city. So wine lovers take note!

If you’re more into outdoor activities, there are plenty of options in Kamloops as well. You can spend the day hiking or mountain biking through Kenna Cartwright Park, or take part in water activities like fishing, boating and swimming in the many lakes and rivers.

Before you hit the road again, make a quick stop at the BC Wildlife Park. This is not just any zoo – it’s a rescue and rehabilitation facility for animals! Get up close and personal with Canadian wildlife including bears, cougars, bison and more.

Kamloops is a great one-night stop to break up the drive, but you can skip it and continue on since there is SO much ahead of you.

You can’t drive from Vancouver to Banff without stopping in Revelstoke. This town is like Whistler’s little sister – a ski town that still has that local small town charm.

In the summer it gets HOT here, like I mean REALLY hot. When I was last here in July temperatures were hitting 45c degrees plus (on this particular day I spent a lot of time enjoying the AC) so be prepared to head out early before things start heating up.

The main attraction in Revelstoke is the world-class ski resort, with over 3000 acres of skiable terrain and an average snowfall of 40 feet per year. But don’t worry if you’re visiting in the summer as there’s still plenty to do! You can take a ride on the Revelation Gondola for some stunning views, hike or bike on the various trails, or go white water rafting on the Columbia River.

But no matter what season you visit, make sure to take a stroll through the charming downtown area and check out some of the local shops and restaurants. And if you’re a fan of craft beer, don’t miss out on a visit to Mt. Begbie Brewing Co.

One thing I definitely suggest when you visit Revelstoke in the summer is driving the Meadows in the Sky Parkway in Mount Revelstoke National Park. As the name implies, this road takes you to the top of Mount Revelstoke and is surrounded by the most amazing alpine meadows.The wildflowers up here are absolutely stunning, with beautiful shades of purple, red, and yellow.

I highly recommend taking your time and making stops at some of the scenic viewpoints along the way, including Revelstoke viewpoint, Monashee viewpoint and Panorama Point.

When you reach the very top of Mount Revelstoke, there are a multitude of hikes you can do. Many of them are relatively easy which means you can do several within a few hours. While others are more advanced. If you only have time for one, I’d suggest checking out the Fire Tower Trail. It takes you to a fire lookout built way back in 1927, offering an epic 360° view of the Monashee and Selkirk mountain ranges. It’s definitely worth it!

And if you’re visiting on a hot day, a whitewater rafting tour on the Illecillewaet River is a great way to cool off and get an adrenaline rush. Or you can simply relax by one of the many lakes or rivers in the area.

Revelstoke is also home to some amazing hot springs, including Halcyon Hot Springs and Canyon Hot Springs. Both are great to take a break from driving and spend a day soaking in the mineral-rich water while enjoying stunning mountain views.

If you do decide to stay a night or two in Revelstoke, I promise you won’t regret it. This town is often overlooked by tourists, making it the perfect place to get a taste of local life and escape the crowds.

Where To Stay In Revelstoke

• Coast Hillcrest Hotel: This comfortable hotel offers spacious rooms, a wellness area, and two on-site restaurants. It’s located just a short drive from downtown Revelstoke and local ski lifts.
• Stoke Hotel: Offering stylish and modern rooms, the Stoke Hotel is located along the Columbia River, offering guests beautiful views and easy access to outdoor activities.

Glacier National Park Of Canada

After leaving Revelstoke, you’ll be heading straight into Glacier National Park of Canada, it’s on the Highway 1 so you really can’t miss it!

The road through Glacier National Park, known as “Rogers Pass,” is hard to miss. This mountain pass always catches me off guard with it’s out-of-this-world beauty. The mountains soar so high I can’t help but continuously say “wow!”. Trust me when I say, you will know Roger’s Pass when you get there!

You don’t have to hike to enjoy these views either. If you want a quick pit stop to stretch your legs you can stop at the Roger’s Pass Discovery Centre. This centre has some great information on the park’s history, environment and wildlife. Plus, there is a short trail that leads to an old train snow shed.

But if you are feeling adventurous, one of the best hikes in Glacier National Park is the Great Glacier Trail. It’s a 10 km (round trip) hike with about 300 meters of elevation gain. The trail takes you through beautiful forests and eventually opens up to a stunning view of the Great Glacier. Definitely worth the effort!

For an easier hike, check out the Hemlock Grove boardwalk trail. It’s a short and easy 1 km loop through an old-growth hemlock forest, perfect for all ages and abilities. You can also spot some amazing waterfalls along this hike.

And if you’re lucky, you may spot some wildlife in the park. Bears, moose, mountain goats and more call this park home, so keep an eye out while driving or hiking through the area.

After you’ve taken in the amazing scenery and hiked to your heart’s content, it’s time to continue on your journey towards Banff. But don’t worry, there are still plenty of stops along the way!

Golden is a small town that is often just considered a pit stop to get gas – well I can tell you it is so much more than that! Golden is often considered the “Heart of the Parks” because it borders 6 of Canada’s most spectacular National Parks (Banff, Kootenay, Glacier, Mount Revelstoke, Yoho & Jasper)

One of Golden’s highlights is the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. It’s perfect if you’re into skiing and snowboarding, especially right after some fresh powder. In the summer it transforms into a world-class bike park with some opportunities for hiking in the alpine.

If you’re up for some adrenaline-pumping fun, you can try white water rafting tour on the Kicking Horse River. With grade 3-4 rapids, it’s one of the best rivers in Canada for rafting. You can join a full-day tour that includes all the equipment, and an expert guide.

I opted instead to cool off at one of Golden’s local lakes, Cedar Lake. This hidden gem is surrounded by lush forest and offers a beach area to sit with a picnic. There is also a campground attached to the lake a boat launch.

The newest and most unique attraction in Golden is the Golden Skybridge which opened in 2021. At 426 feet high, it’s the highest suspension bridge in Canada and crosses over a rugged canyon in the Columbia Valley. There are other activities in the park for an additional charge, including the zipline across the canyon and the Railrider Mountain Coaster. They also have live bands play on select evenings.

I would not recommend this activity if you have a fear of heights – I held up a long line of people because I had to “shuffle” along along slowly. If you have experienced other suspension bridges you may be okay, but this was by far the scariest I’ve walked on.

Golden has surprisingly some of the best restaurants for a small town. I recommend both Reposados for great Mexican food, or Turning Point Restaurant (which had the freshest food and amazing service!)

And after you’re done, walk off your food by wandering around Golden Town. The Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge (Canada’s longest freestanding timber frame bridge) is a beautiful spot to explore on foot, starting from 8th Avenue North in Golden and stretching 46 meters (151 feet) across the Kicking Horse River.

Before you leave town, don’t miss out on visiting the Whitetooth Brewing Company for some delicious Belgian-inspired craft beer. My favourites were the Whitetooth Session Ale and Backyard Bivouac Pilsner.

Yoho National Park

Just when you thought this road trip couldn’t get any better, you’ll reach Yoho National Park. This park is known for its stunning waterfalls, turquoise lakes and incredible hiking trails. Yoho National Park is one of the most underrated in my opinion, you could explore this place for days and not even step foot in Lake Louise.

On the drive from Golden to Yoho, you’ll pass one of the most iconic railroads in Canada, the Spiral Tunnels. These tunnels were built back in 1909 to help trains climb up and down the steep mountain slopes. It’s definitely worth stopping for a photo-op and to witness the engineering marvel.

If you want to experience what I would consider the most beautiful part of Yoho National Park, consider a visit to Lake O’Hara, a hidden gem that is only accessible by shuttle bus.

Visiting Lake O’Hara however isn’t as easy as pulling up and walking to the lake shore, like you can do in Lake Louise. It does require a reservation for access, and these are like golden tickets. Of course, you always have the option of hiking the 2km access road also (which I don’t recommend if low on time!)

Bus and camping reservations are highly sought after. I spent 3 wonderful nights in this area to celebrate becoming a Canadian citizen and I already can’t wait to go back. Check out my full guide to visiting Lake O’Hara to find out everything you need to know.

If you weren’t able to get a reservation to Lake O’Hara, don’t fret, there are many other things to do in Yoho National Park that do not require pre-booking.

Emerald Lake is probably the most famous landmark in Yoho National Park . This vibrant lake is surrounded by beautiful mountains and its easy access makes it a popular spot for visitors (expect crowds!).

Emerald Lake gets busy, in fact it’s getting busier every year now that Moraine Lake is closed to personal vehicles. I would recommend getting here as early as possible, it’s also stunning first thing in the morning. You can also rent canoes here and it’s much cheaper than Lake Louise. If you want to splurge, you can’t beat a night at the Emerald Lake Lodge – check out my full review here .

If you want to explore Yoho National Park away of Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls is another must-see. This is BC’s second tallest waterfall at 373 metres (1,224 feet) tall. It’s important to note that the road up is steep with narrow roads and dramatic cliffs so come prepared (it’s paved the whole way) Don’t forget to grab a photo with the iconic Parks Canada red chairs before you leave!

If you’re up for a challenging but rewarding hike, check out the Iceline Trail. This 20 km trek takes you through stunning alpine scenery and offers incredible views of glaciers and mountains along the way. It’s definitely one of the best hikes in the Canadian Rockies.

After a full day of exploring Yoho National Park, you can spend the night at one of the campgrounds or head to the town of Field just outside the park for some cozy accommodations and delicious food – I highly recommend the Truffle Pig! (it’s located in a super cute alpine chalet)

As you continue towards Banff, keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. Yoho National Park is home to grizzly bears, black bears, elk and moose, so make sure to drive carefully.

Lake Louise & Moraine Lake

After exploring Yoho National Park, it’s time to continue on your journey towards Banff. The drive from Field to Banff is approximately an hour and a half, but I highly recommend taking your time and making some stops along the way – such as Lake Louise! My favourite place in the Canadian Rockies.

Lake Louise is possibly the most famous landmark in Banff, and one of the famous in all of Canada, but there is good reason for this. I have visited many places where the hype does not live up to the place – Lake Louise is not one of them.

This place really does take your breath away, and seeing it in person is the only way to really believe. But until then, please enjoy my photos from my many trips here!

As you may have guessed already, Lake Louise is busy. But there are some tricks to enjoying this place even with the crowds. One of them is coming for sunrise. Sunrise at Lake Louise is really special, it’s so quiet and you can relax and watch the mountain peaks turn pink in such a serene setting – truly bucket list-worthy.

Now depending on the time of year you are visiting will naturally depend on the amount of people. Sunrise in July and August will bring a lot of people – but substantially less than say… 12pm when it is bonkers! And my biggest tip, no matter the season or time of day, is to keep walking the lakeshore to your right. For some reason everyone congregates at the small boardwalk right in front of the parking lot when there is in fact – a HUGE lake to explore. You’ll get the same view but with less people around you.

After watching the sunrise, take off hiking on one of the many stunning trails in the area. My personal favourites are the Big Beehive and Little Beehive – both give similar panoramic views of Lake Louise from above, but the Little Beehive is ever so slightly easier. For something more challenging, try the Devil’s Thumb, and when you’re on your way back down stop for tea and cakes at the famous Lake Agnes Tea House .

If you want to try out canoeing on Lake Louise (which you’ve most likely seen photos of on Instagram) the best time to do so is in the morning when the Boathouse opens (there is a long line for the rest of the day). The Boathouse typically opens at 8am but can vary depending on the time of year.

After experiencing the beauty of Lake Louise, it’s time to go to the other “famous Canadian lake” – Moraine Lake! I love Lake Louise because I find it can handle crowds well, but if it were purely based on beauty – Moraine would top my list of favourite lakes in Banff .

Visiting Moraine Lake as of 2023 is quite the ordeal however – but certainly not impossible! (and on a better note, easier to visit than Lake O’Hara) Parks Canada has now restricted access to all personal vehicles visiting Moraine Lake.

The good news however, is that it may come with less crowds (which is always a good thing in my book) You will now have to book the park n ride shuttle through Parks Canada and park at the Lake Louise Ski Resort (see? really not that bad!)

Or you can opt to take a tour – the Hop On Hop Off bus still stops here, as do the Roam Transit busses, which are great if visiting Banff without a car . If you hoped to catch a sunrise at Moraine Lake, you’ll also need to book a tour. At present there is only one tour company operating sunrise tours to Moraine Lake which is Moraine Lake Sunrise Shuttle (does what it says on the tin…)

The perks of doing so means less crowds. When I visited Moraine Lake at sunrise back in 2021, the crowds were bigger than I’d seen at Lake Louise, so I personally would say the price is worth it.

It’s important to note that due to its high elevation (1,883 metres/6,178 feet) Moraine Lake is only accessible during the summer months.

Where to stay in Lake Louise

• Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: I stayed at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in a lake view room in 2022, and this hotel absolutely blew me away. Getting to wake up to the breathtaking views of Lake Louise every morning was an experience like no other. Besides the amazing view, the rooms were spectacular and the Fairmont offers a world-class service throughout. You can check out my full review of the Fairmont Lake Louise for more information.
• Deer Lodge: On my most recent stay in Lake Louise I booked the Deer Lodge. This hotel is a historical lodge so while it is full of character it does come with some old-time amenities (the showers are outdated and there’s no A/C). The hotel does come with a rooftop hot tub for soaking in the stunning surroundings however! And if you want cheaper accommodation walking distance to Lake Louise, this hotel is a 10-minute walk.
• Mountaineer Lodge: I absolutely loved my stay at the Mountaineer Lodge, the rooms are sooo comfortable and really spacious. This hotel is conveniently located within a short drive to the lake, and offers a free continental breakfast, and an indoor heated pool with a hot tub.

Bow Valley Parkway

After taking in the stunning views at Moraine Lake, it’s time to hit the road again and head towards Banff. There are two ways to get to Banff from Lake Louise. You can either continue on the Trans-Canada Highway 1, or take my recommendation and drive the Bow Valley Parkway.

There is quite a bit to see along the Bow Valley Parkway, the first stop you will come to is Morant’s Curve – a popular viewpoint of a bend in the railway with a stunning mountain backdrop made famous by Nicholas Morant. If you’re there are the right time you may even spot a train driving through.

A little further down you’ll start to see the view of Castle Mountain appearing above the tree line. Castle Mountain is my favourite mountain in the area and one of the best photography spots in Banff . If you want in a little secret, you can access a secret spot on the shores of the Bow River at Castle Junction that showcases this mountain in all its glory.

The last must-see spot on the Bow Valley Parkway is Johnston Canyon, one of the best hikes in Banff . This popular hiking trail takes you through a series of catwalks and tunnels, leading you to two beautiful waterfalls, the Lower and Upper Falls (add an extra hour or two for this stop). If low on time you can just hike to the Lower Falls which are the most popular.

Keep in mind there are seasonal closures on the Bow Valley Parkway from May to June and September – check ahead to see current closures.

In winter, the trail is usually packed snow and ice so make sure to bring crampons or rent them out in Banff. You can even explore an ice cave!

And finally, you’ve made it to your final destination – Banff! Although you would have entered Banff National Park back in Lake Louise, the town of Banff is the heart of it all. There is a lot to do in Banff, and I highly recommend spending around 3 to 4 days in Banff , but if you are low on time, you can still do a lot in Banff in just one day .

There are so many things to do in Banff in summer, below are just some of my favourite activities:

Banff Avenue: Banff Avenue is famous for its breathtaking view of Cascade Mountain that towers over the town. You’ve no doubt seen photos of this on social media. But besides these fantastic views, you need to experience the liveliness of Banff Avenue for yourself. Take a stroll to browse the many shops, restaurants, and galleries. You can also stop by the historic Banff Park Museum or visit the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies to learn more about the area’s history and culture. Grab a bite to eat at one of the many delicious restaurants. My personal favourites are Tooloulou’s for brunch and The Grizzly House for a unique fondue experience.

Banff Gondola: One of the biggest attractions in Banff is the famed Banff (or Sulphur Mountain) Gondola. Although the price tag isn’t the cheapest, I think you need to experience it at least once! The ride up the gondola is pretty special, featuring panoramic views of the Bow Valley. But the real treat is when you reach the top and can take in the 360-degree views of Banff and 6 different mountain ranges. The best part is the boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak which takes you up to the Cosmic Ray Station.

Lake Minnewanka: Just a short drive from Banff is Lake Minnewanka, the largest lake in Banff National Park. You can take a boat tour or rent a canoe to explore this beautiful lake while taking in the stunning mountain scenery. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can also hike along the shoreline and discover hidden spots along the way.

Banff Upper Hot Springs: After a long day of exploring, relax and unwind at the Banff Upper Hot Springs. These natural hot springs are located just outside of town and offer a relaxing soak with breathtaking views. It’s the perfect way to end your trip to Banff.

Surprise Corner Viewpoint: There are many viewpoints in Banff, but one of the most scenic is the Surprise Corner viewpoint. This is a quick 20-minute spot that offers a stunning view of the Banff Springs Hotel and the Bow River. It’s a popular spot for photos, so make sure to bring your camera!

Where to stay in Banff

• Fairmont Banff Springs: If you want to really splurge, the Fairmont Banff Springs is in my opinion the best hotel in Banff. Known as Canada’s “Castle in the Rockies”, this world-class resort offers luxury accommodations, a championship golf course, and a world-renowned spa.
• Banff Park Lodge: I stayed at Banff Park Lodge recently and scored probably the best hotel deal I’ve ever had in Canada ($350cad for 3 nights!) and the hotel was one of the best I’ve stayed at in Banff. The hotel has one of the best locations in Banff, it’s super close to the main area of Banff Avenue and the free Banff Gondola shuttle picks up from outside. The rooms themselves are really spacious and very clean – I definitely recommend staying here!
• Samesun Banff: For budget travellers, Samesun Banff offers affordable dorm-style accommodations with communal kitchens and social areas, perfect for meeting other travellers.

Route #2: Vancouver to Banff Via Kelowna & Highway 5

• Stop 1: Vancouver (same as route 1)
• Stop 2: Chilliwack
• Stop 3: Hope
• Stop 4: Peachland
• Stop 5: Kelowna
• Stop 6: Revelstoke (same as route 1)
• Stop 7: Glacier National Park (same as route 1)
• Stop 8: Golden (same as route 1)
• Stop 9: Yoho National Park (same as route 1)
• Stop 10: Lake Louise (same as roite 1)
• Stop 11: Banff (same as route 1)

Although the most scenic drive from Vancouver to Banff is through the Duffey Lake Road and up through Cache Creek, there are other options you can choose from.

The route through Kelowna also starts in Vancouver and heads east towards Hope along the Trans Canada Highway 1. You can then take Highway 5 before driving the 97C through to Peachland and Kelowna. This route takes around 9-10 hours and is a great option if you want to explore more of the Okanagan region in British Columbia. But before you get to Kelowna, there are (naturally) an abundance of places to stop!

Chilliwack is a great place to stop for some delicious farm-fresh produce or locally sourced honey. Bridal Veil Falls is a beautiful cascading waterfall that’s an easy stop just off the highway, with a short walk to the base of the falls.

After Chilliwack, you can stop in the town of Hope for a bite to eat or check out some local shops. The Othello Tunnels are a series of old railway tunnels that have since been turned into a scenic hiking trail through the mountain. This is a great spot to check out on this itinerary as they are located along this very route so no detour required!

As you continue towards Kelowna, make sure to stop in Peachland for some stunning lake views and maybe even a dip in the water. You can also take a scenic drive along Okanagan Lake and stop at wineries or orchards for some local treats.

Keep heading east towards Kelowna, but don’t miss out on stopping at Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park for some breathtaking views of the turquoise lake.

Once you reach Kelowna, there are plenty of wineries to explore in the Okanagan region, including Mission Hill Winery which offers tours and tastings. You can also take a stroll along the waterfront or enjoy some delicious food at one of Kelowna’s many restaurants.

After spending time in Kelowna, continue your journey to Banff by continuing north on the Highway 97 before joining Highway 1 again. From here the route from Revelstoke to Banff is the same.

Route #3: Vancouver to Banff Via Jasper & Icefields Parkway

• Stop1: Vancouver (same as route 1)
• Stop2: Squamish (same as route 1)
• Stop 3: Whistler (same as route 1)
• Stop 4: Lillooet ( same as route 1)
• Stop 5: Kamloops (same as route 1)
• Stop 6: Wells Grey Provincial Park
• Stop 7: Clearwater
• Stop 8: Mount Robson Provincial Park
• Stop 9: Jasper National Park
• Stop 10: Icefields Parkway
• Stop 11: Lake Louise (same as route 1)
• Stop 12: Banff (same as route 1)

The third itinerary option is to go north of Kamloops via Highway 5 and then onto Jasper before heading south to Banff through the Icefields Parkway. The route starts in Vancouver and follows the first itinerary through Squamish, Whistler and then to Kamloops.

From Kamloops you’ll drive north along Highway 5. This is a popular route as it takes you through the beautiful Wells Gray Provincial Park where you’ll find stunning waterfalls such as Helmcken Falls and Spahats Creek Falls.

You can also stop in Clearwater for some delicious local food. From here, continue your journey north towards Jasper National Park. Before you arrive in Jasper however, make sure to stop at Mount Robson Provincial Park to catch a glimpse of the iconic Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.

Once you reach Jasper, take some time to explore this charming mountain town. Jasper is an incredible place that really deserves more than a day. I recommend spending 3 to 4 days in Jasper so you can really soak in the atmosphere and explore all it has to offer.

If you only have time for a few things in Jasper, I highly recommend the Maligne Lake boat tour to Spirit Island , a visit to Pyramid Lake and the Valley of the Five Lakes hike .

When you’re ready, make your way down the Icefields Parkway towards Banff. This scenic drive is often referred to as one of the most beautiful drives in the world, and for good reason! You’ll pass by glaciers, turquoise lakes, and towering mountains on your way to Banff.

Some absolute must-do stops on the Icefields Parkway include Athabasca Falls, Sunwapta Falls, the Columbia Icefields , Peyto Lake and Bow Lake.

When you finally reach Banff, congratulations! You’ve completed one of the most stunning road trips in North America.

All three of these routes will require a Parks Pass as they all pass through several National Parks. To really appreciate all three routes you’ll most likely need at least 10 days to two weeks to do everything, so I recommend purchasing a Discovery Pass as it will work out cheaper.

Parks Canada National Parks Pass Info

If you are visiting or planning a trip to any of Canada’s National Parks, you will need to purchase a parks pass. There are a number of options available. 

Single Day Admission:

This option is great if you only plan to spend a day or two in a National Park. Valid for one person per day. See the Parks Canada website for current rates. Children 17 or younger are free. 

Group Daily Admission:

This is a great option if you have up to 7 people per one vehicle. It is cheaper than purchasing a pass for each person. See the Parks Canada website for current rates. 

Parks Canada Discovery Pass: 

A discovery Pass is, in my opinion, the best option for people visiting in groups for a week or more. This is an annual pass and is valid from the day you buy it. It will give you 365 days of entry to all of Canada’s National Parks. I purchased this for my 12 day trip to the Banff and Jasper in 2021 and used it 3 more times in Banff in 2022 and another for Pacific Rim in Tofino. If you are planning on traveling around Canada for an extended period of time, this is worth the money! 

The Discovery Pass will cover up to 7 people per vehicle. You can purchase the Discovery pass online or in person when you arrive. See the Parks Canada website for current rates. 

When To Take This Vancouver to Banff Road Trip

The beauty of the Vancouver to Banff drive is that it’s stunning year-round. However, each season offers unique experiences and views. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect during each season.

Spring in Canada, which spans from March to May, brings blooming wildflowers and a refreshing green landscape, making it a great time for your Vancouver to Banff road trip. Wildlife spotting is particularly exciting during this season as animals emerge after a long winter. However, be prepared for unpredictable weather; pack clothing suitable for both warm and chilly weather, and expect rain.

Summer, from June to August, is the busiest season for tourism in Canada. The weather is typically warm, and all the attractions are open. This is the best time for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. Be aware that popular spots might be crowded, so plan to start your days early.

The fall season, from September to November, is arguably the most beautiful time for the Vancouver to Banff drive. The foliage turns radiant shades of orange, red, and gold, creating a dramatic backdrop for your road trip. It’s also a more peaceful time to travel as the summer crowds have dissipated.

Winter in Canada, from December to February, is a magical time. The route from Vancouver to Banff is transformed into a winter wonderland, with snow-capped mountains and frozen lakes. It’s the perfect season for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. However, driving in winter requires preparation and caution, as road conditions can be challenging due to snow and ice. Ensure your vehicle is equipped for winter driving, and check the weather forecast regularly.

Regardless of when you decide to embark on your Vancouver to Banff itinerary, you’re bound to have an unforgettable experience. Just remember to pack accordingly and always drive to the road conditions.

Renting A Car

Now that you have a solid itinerary planned, let’s talk about transportation. While there are many ways to get from Vancouver to Banff, I highly recommend renting a car. Not only does it give you the freedom and flexibility to stop at all these amazing spots along the way, but it also allows you to explore the beautiful Canadian landscape at your own pace.

Consider renting from a company that you can drop the car off at your final destination in Banff, this way you won’t have to backtrack and drive back to Vancouver after completing the road trip.

Some popular rental car companies in Vancouver include Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis. Be sure to compare prices and read reviews before booking to ensure the best deal.

Before you start with the car rental process, keep the following tips in mind to ensure a smooth ride:

• Compare several companies: Rates can vary significantly from one company to another. Take some time to compare prices and offerings. Check if any promotions or discounts are available during your travel period.
• Insurance: Most car rental agencies offer their own insurance, though it can be quite expensive. As an alternative, check if your credit card includes car rental insurance coverage. Remember, you’ll need to provide proof of insurance when renting a vehicle.
• Roadside Assistance: This can be a lifesaver in the event of a breakdown or emergency. Ensure your rental company provides this service.
• Pick-up and Drop-off: Consider the location and timings of your pick-up and drop-off. Since you’re planning a one-way trip from Vancouver to Banff, there might be additional charges for dropping off at a different location.
• Check the car thoroughly: Before you head off, inspect the rental car for any existing damage and make sure all the features are working correctly.

And if you’re not comfortable driving or don’t want to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads, there are also organized tours available that take you from Vancouver to Banff. These tours often include stops at popular attractions and provide the added convenience of transportation, making it a stress-free option for those not wanting to drive.

Thanks For Reading!

So, have you picked which route you want to take on your Vancouver to Banff road trip? Whichever one you choose, I guarantee you’ll be in for a breathtaking journey through some of the most stunning landscapes in the world. And don’t forget to make stops along the way – there’s so much to see and do in this beautiful region of Canada.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your Vancouver to Banff drive and discover the beauty of Western Canada. Although I have experienced so much of this region, there is always more to see!

Explore More Of The Canadian Rockies

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• 4 Days in Banff Itinerary
• Best Banff Photography Spots
• Free Things to do in Banff

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About Rachael

Rachael is an avid adventurer and writer, originally hailing from London, England. She embarked on a life-changing journey by moving to Canada in 2016. Settling in the picturesque town of Whistler, British Columbia, Rachael found solace in the majestic beauty of the Canadian wilderness.

A City Girl Outside invites readers to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and encourages them to embrace the transformative power of exploration.

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Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

Banff To Jasper: 11 Stops Along Canada’s Gorgeous Icefields Parkway

Adam Cegledi / Shutterstock

• Activities and Interests
• Canada National Parks
• Destinations
• Lake Louise
• National Parks
• Road Trips In Canada
• Types of Travel

The Icefields Parkway in the Rocky Mountains is one of Canada’s most famous scenic road trips.

I’ve extended the route here by starting in the town of Banff, taking the Trans-Canada Highway for 57 km (36 miles) to Lake Louise, and then turning north on Highway 93/Icefields Parkway to go a further 230 km (140 miles) to the town of Jasper.

The trip is inside two national parks, Banff and Jasper , and can be done in either direction. It can also be enjoyed as an extension of this scenic Alberta road trip: Calgary to Banff .

This is a land of raw geology. The glaciers on the mountaintops carve the rocks into great bowls, their meltwater feeding the mirror-like lakes below. Avalanche paths and thundering waterfalls show the force of nature. Even the air is sharp and crisp. It’s invigorating to be here.

Most people visit between May and mid-October, and July and August are especially popular. September mid-week offers smaller crowds and some fall colors.

From October through April, the few businesses between Lake Louise and Jasper, including the Icefields Discovery Centre, close. The exact opening and closing dates may vary slightly from year to year and from one business to another.

The highway is open year-round. Parks Canada provides winter driving advice . You need a park pass to travel the Icefields Parkway at any time of year.

The visitor information centers in Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper are worth stopping into for advice about hikes, ski trails, animal sightings, accessibility, and anything else you’d like to know about travel in the parks.

Nick Fox / Shutterstock

The resort town of Banff is the main service center in Banff National Park. Stock up on gas and necessities here or in Lake Louise.

Spend at least a few days in Banff. Take in the historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel , the calm water and marshland boardwalks of the Vermilion Lakes, and the gondola up Sulphur Mountain. Not far from town, there are boat rides on Lake Minnewanka, a gondola to the alpine meadows of Sunshine Village, and easy, scenic hiking in Johnston Canyon.

Banff is a base for adventure travel and sports, like climbing, rafting, cycling, golf, and backpacking. The winter downhill skiing is world-famous.

The Upper Hot Springs is a naturally heated mineral water pool open daily till late in the evenings.

As far as wildlife viewing goes, elk sometimes wander in town. On the Trans-Canada Highway leaving Banff, bighorn sheep might cross your path.

Don’t stress the animals by feeding them or trying to get up close. If you see a bear, stay in your car with the windows up.

The speed limits in the national parks are meant to protect the animals. There are also a few special bridges to help them cross the highway.

Looking for more to do before driving out of Banff? Banff and Lake Louise Tourism is a great source of information on available activities, including Icefields Parkway tours.

Sopotnicki / Shutterstock

2. Lake Louise

The famously photogenic lake and the world-class ski resort of the same name are on opposite sides of the Trans-Canada Highway at Lake Louise.

In the winter, you can skate , ski, or snowshoe on the lake, all while admiring the glacier at one end and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise at the other. There’s an easy walking trail up the side of the lake in summer. For more of a challenge, put on your backpack and make it a full day of hiking.

Moraine Lake is especially popular in the fall when the needles of the larch trees turn gold.

From Lake Louise, head north on Highway 93/Icefields Parkway toward Jasper.

Michelle A Rusk Fine Art And Photography

3. Bow Lake

Bow Lake , Bow Glacier, Bow Glacier Falls, and Num-Ti-Jah Lodge are about 30 minutes north of Lake Louise. Bow Summit, the highest point on the Parkway, is a popular spot for taking pictures. There’s an easy hike here.

Ron Brittany via The Crossing Resort

4. Saskatchewan River Crossing

About 80 km (50 miles) from Lake Louise is the junction with Highway 11/David Thompson Highway. It runs parallel to the North Saskatchewan River, going east to beyond Red Deer.

The Crossing Resort has a gas station, the General Store and Gift Shop, a dining room, a cafeteria, a pub, and accommodation. This is a popular stopping place. (Remember: It’s closed in winter.)

Half an hour east is Abraham Lake, often photographed in winter when methane bubbles form tubes in the thick winter ice.

Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site is two hours east of The Crossing. This site features archaeology and stories of the fur trade.

Timothy Yue / Shutterstock

5. Parker Ridge

Parks Canada rates the Parker Ridge hike as easy, with a 2.5-hour round trip time. You may see small animals that look a bit like hamsters but are actually related to rabbits. These are pikas, and they only live at high elevations.

There are great photo opportunities, including a view of the Saskatchewan Glacier. The glacier’s meltwater feeds the North Saskatchewan River, eventually reaching Hudson Bay.

Arlene Waller / Shutterstock

6. Sunwapta Pass

Sunwapta Pass, about 5 km (3.1 miles) south of the Icefields Discovery Centre, is the second-highest point on the Parkway. It’s a major watershed divide and the boundary between Banff and Jasper National Parks.

7. Columbia Icefield Centre And Athabasca Glacier

The big man-made tourist attraction on the Icefields Parkway is the Columbia Icefield Centre, with Parks Canada’s interpretive theater and displays.

The process of alpine glaciation is nicely described in this pamphlet about the Athabasca Glacier (PDF).

In addition to the free offerings, you can buy tickets for private motorized tours of the Athabasca Glacier and the 1-km- (0.62-mile-) long glass-floored Skywalk high above the ground. These are both accessible to people using wheelchairs, but please check with the operator ahead of time. The current advice is that you need to book at least 72 hours in advance.

To see the ice up close without paying, follow the trail to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier. Signs show how much the glacier has receded in recent years.

There’s a hotel and restaurant at the Icefield Centre. (Note that it’s closed in winter.)

People are surprised how cold it can be at the glacier, even in summer. This is a vast sheet of ice. Being near it is literally like standing in a freezer. To enjoy yourself longer and in comfort, wear sturdy, warm boots and winter clothes, even in July.

Chill Chillz / Shutterstock

8. Sunwapta Falls

Sunwapta Falls is about 50 km (30 miles) north of the Icefields Centre. People like the easy access to the Upper Falls from the parking lot and the short hike to the Lower Falls. Nearby Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge has accommodation and a restaurant.

Mike Trachtenberg / Shutterstock

9. Athabasca Falls

Another 20 minutes toward Jasper brings you to Athabasca Falls, another favorite spot for its natural beauty. Like Sunwapta Falls, there is reasonably easy access from the parking lot.

Robert Bohrer / Shutterstock

10. Mount Edith Cavell

One of my friends loves this mountain so much he drives up from Calgary just to see it and walk up to the toe of the glacier. Not many mountains are named after women. Edith Cavell was a British nurse who helped around 200 British, French, and Belgian soldiers escape to safety from Belgium in the First World War. She was caught and executed by a firing squad.

i viewfinder / Shutterstock

The town of Jasper has about half the population of Banff. I agree with those who say it feels less commercial. Like Banff, it has a range of accommodations, dining, and activities in all seasons. You can easily spend a few days here, enjoying a range of outdoor activities in summer and skiing (both kinds) in winter.

The Jasper Sky Tram is an easy way to get up high for some alpine hiking, followed by a meal at the top or bottom station.

Jasper National Park is the second-largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world, perfect for stargazing.

Maligne Lake, 45 minutes away, is stunningly scenic and popular for paddling.

I asked my friends for their favorite places along this route. They were all different — something for everyone. They included geocaching (lots of places), the Fireside day-use area near Banff, combining a Parkway trip with a ride on the Rocky Mountaineer train, Pyramid Lake in Jasper, going from Jasper to Banff in an RV , and enjoying the view from the Big Bend. You can also combine this road trip with my recommendation for a scenic Alberta road trip: Calgary to Banff to enjoy more of what Alberta has to offer.

Writer Candy Harrington has described wheelchair accessibility in Banff and the Icefields here .

The websites for Parks Canada , Banff and Lake Louise Tourism , The Icefields Parkway , the Banff-Jasper Collection , and Tourism Jasper are good information sources. And each of the two parks ( Banff and Jasper ) has specific information about its operations.

Canadian writer Jill Browne lives in Calgary, Alberta, not far from Banff National Park. She travels regularly to London, England, often solo, and has lots of tips for walking and sightseeing there. Jill blogs about London history on LondonHeritageHotspots as well as on Instagram . She loves to plan family history trips for people, especially when their roots connect them to the British Isles. Her website, Genealogy And Travel is devoted to genealogy travel and family history tourism, no matter where you are. You don't have to fly to get in touch with your ancestry.

An experienced road tripper, Jill has driven across Canada and the U.S. multiple times. She and her geologist husband have explored some of Australia and the North Island of New Zealand by car, and are hoping to go back for more. Jill likes gardens, forests, and anything with plants, really. "Adventure without risking life and limb" is her travel motto, and the byline for her blog, Middle of the Road Less Travelled .

An Unforgettable Vancouver to Banff Road Trip Guide

Do you yearn for the open road, surrounded by Canada’s breathtaking scenery and the excitement of discovery at every turn? Then saddle up for a road trip adventure from Vancouver’s harbour to the picturesque mountain hamlet of Banff. This Vancouver-to-Banff journey promises to be nothing short of magnificent, with beautiful mountain ranges, crystal clear lakes, abundant wildlife and a plethora of unique experiences.

Vancouver is a bustling west coast city noted for its active downtown and unrivalled scenery, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coastal Mountain Range. The metropolitan landscape gives way to nature’s magnificence as you journey east, culminating in the snow-capped peaks and turquoise waterways of Banff. The UNESCO World Heritage Site alpine town in Alberta’s Rockies provides unparalleled natural beauty and outdoor activities.

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A road trip from Vancouver to Banff provides an opportunity to witness the striking difference between coastal rainforests and majestic mountainscapes, with the route being as memorable as the destination. This guide will lead you through the potential routes, sites to visit along the way and lodging options. Whether you’re looking for a quick trip or a multi-day adventure, we have you covered.

So, sit back, relax, and let’s hit the open road with this ultimate Vancouver to Banff road trip guide . Discover the enchantment of Canada’s terrain, with pauses to immerse yourself in welcoming towns, enjoy regional food, and capture incredible images to remember your journey.

Why Take a Road Trip From Vancouver to Banff?

The road trip from Vancouver to Banff is one of Canada’s most famous, offering unmatched experiences through 850 km of breathtaking scenery. Travelling by car allows you to explore at your own leisure, stopping at hidden jewels, taking in stunning vistas, and diving into quaint villages along the way.

Beginning in Vancouver, a city known for its cultural diversity and stunning maritime and alpine panoramas, you’ll instantly embark on a journey through some of Canada’s most breathtaking landscapes. One of the ways out of Vancouver, the Sea-to-Sky Highway, is a destination in and of itself, with towering mountains on one side and vast ocean views on the other.

The drive through British Columbia showcases the province’s vast biodiversity, with settings ranging from lush wine valleys to desert-like terrain. It’s an ecological haven, especially for nature enthusiasts, who will find plenty of options for animal watching, hiking, and simply enjoying the great outdoors.

As you go east, you’ll cross into Alberta and the Rocky Mountains, where Banff awaits. Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park, is a refuge for outdoor lovers, with world-class hiking, skiing, and a plethora of wildlife.

While the distance between Vancouver and Banff may appear intimidating at first, it becomes manageable and undoubtedly gratifying when broken down into a 1, 2 or 3-day (one-way) adventure. Each variation of the journey offers a distinct viewpoint, with more opportunities to explore and discover the longer you go.

A road trip from Vancouver to Banff caters to everyone, whether you’re a solo traveller searching for adventure, a couple looking for a romantic escape, or a family embarking on a memorable holiday. It’s an excursion that, with the correct planning and an adventurous attitude, delivers a riveting blend of natural wonder, cultural immersion, and road travelling fun.

Tip: If you are doing a round trip (Vancouver-Banff-Vancouver) consider taking a different route there and back creating a loop and covering twice as much beautiful scenery.

Which Route for Your Vancouver to Banff Road Trip

Regardless of the route you pick, your Vancouver-to-Banff road trip will be a journey of discovery and adventure. Here are the three most common options:

Route of Scenic Beauty

If you have the time for a beautiful, relaxed road journey, take the leisurely way along BC-99 N and BC-1 E. This route starts with the stunning Sea-to-Sky Highway, which travels through some of British Columbia’s most gorgeous scenery.

Begin your tour in Vancouver, travelling north on a road flanked by mountains, lush forests, and the winding shoreline of Howe Sound. Make a stop at Squamish, Canada’s ‘Outdoor Recreation Capital,’ for a brief hike or a ride on the Sea to Sky Gondola for panoramic views.

The famed ski resort of Whistler is just a short drive past Squamish and is well worth a visit any time of the year. However, even if you don’t partake in the abundance of outdoor, year-round adventure activities, the village will keep you busy for at least a couple of hours. So, if you’ve never been to Whistler, you may want to consider spending the night here.

Continue north through Cache Creek and on to Kamloops, situated at the confluence of the North and South Thompson Rivers. Here you’ll find more outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and skiing. This is close to the halfway point between Vancouver and Banff, so it can make for a good overnight stop.

From Kamloops, you will take BC-1 E and travel through the lovely landscapes and towns of Revelstoke and Golden, cities noted for their unique cultural attractions and gates to different national parks. This longer route fully captures the natural beauty and diversity of Canada’s landscapes.

Quicker and To the Point

If you want to go to Banff as quickly as possible, the Trans-Canada Highway BC-1 E and BC-5 N is the best option. Even though it is faster, this route still offers a variety of magnificent sights and excellent pauses.

After leaving Vancouver, travel east through the picturesque Fraser Valley, which is noted for its lush farmlands and vineyards. The trip then takes you through the Nicola Valley and the town of Merritt before arriving at Kamloops. From here you follow the same route as above.

While travelling through the gorgeous Rocky Mountains, make sure to stop at Glacier National Park and Yoho National Park, both of which are filled with glacier-clad peaks, turquoise lakes, and spectacular hiking routes. Even on this speedier route, Canada’s magnificent natural splendor is ever-present, making the trip to Banff a pleasure in and of itself.

Less-Travelled Route Through Wine-Country

This route is the longest option, so it will not be the standard choice if your only goal is to reach Banff. The first half of the journey will take you along the southern part of BC from west to east and then north to Banff.

Along the way, you will pass through Okanagan’s wine and orchard country, BC’s desert region, the Bohemian town of Nelson and then up through the Kootneys and Radium Hot Springs. It’s a long drive, but it really gives you a taste of the best of British Columbia.

Vancouver to Banff Road Trip Itineraries

A road trip from Vancouver to Banff can be personalized to your needs, whether you’re on a tight schedule or have the luxury of leisure. Let’s look at the daily schedules for a one-day, two-day, and three-day excursion.

One-Day Road Trip From Vancouver to Banff

While a one-day journey from Vancouver to Banff is very long, and not our first choice, it is achievable for people who are short on time or simply enjoy driving. This itinerary focuses on the “Quicker and To the Point” route above, with information on significant areas of interest, recommended pauses, and where to refuel yourself and your car.

Begin your day early because you will be travelling for about 9.5 hours without stopping. To make the most of your day, you should leave Vancouver as soon as the sun rises. The first striking sight as you drive east is Fraser Valley. This region is well-known for its beautiful farmlands and vineyards, which are framed by distant mountains. Consider stopping in Chilliwack, at the valley’s core, for a short coffee or breakfast snack. The Harvest Store & Cafe serves organic, locally produced food and would be a great place to start.

From late morning to early afternoon

Merritt, in the Nicola Valley, is a good place to refuel on food and gas. For a quick stop, Triple O’s Chevron is a decent option for a yummy and iconic Canadian White Spot burger.

If you don’t need to stop in Merritt, it’s only about a 1-hour drive to Kamloops, a thriving city at the convergence of the North and South Thompson Rivers. Consider taking a longer break for lunch and stretching your legs here. The city is recognized for its eclectic cuisine culture, with options such as the quirky Hello Toast and the nutritious Frick & Frack Taphouse.

Following lunch, your journey continues via the breathtaking alpine scenery of Glacier National Park (the Canadian one) and Yoho National Park. While time may not allow for a thorough investigation of these national parks, there are various vistas and small walking paths located just off the highway where you can take in the landscape, snap photographs, and breathe in the pure mountain air.

You should arrive in Banff by late evening, finishing your one-day road journey. After a hard day on the road, you’ll want to check into your hotel and relax. Consider staying at the Fairmont Banff Springs for a deluxe experience that includes expensive suites, a fully equipped spa, and various on-site eating options. If you’re searching for a more affordable choice, Banff Park Lodge is a pleasant option with beautiful views and an accessible location.

While the goal is to go to Banff in a single day, don’t be afraid to make unplanned breaks to take in the scenery. The trip is as essential as the destination, especially when the road is as beautiful as the trek from Vancouver to Banff.

Two-Day Road Trip From Vancouver to Banff

A two-day road trip from Vancouver to Banff offers a more leisurely journey. You’ll have more time to explore the attractions along the trip and see a greater range of scenery. You’ll take the scenic route through BC-99 N and AB-93 S, which offers breathtaking coastline and mountain vistas.

Day One: From Vancouver to Revelstoke

Start your trip north from Vancouver via the Sea-to-Sky Highway (BC-99 N), a breathtaking coastal route with magnificent ocean vistas on one side and towering mountains on the other. Take your time admiring the natural splendour, and consider stopping at Squamish for a brief trek up the Stawamus Chief for stunning views of Howe Sound.

Continue to Whistler, a world-renowned ski resort and year-round destination. Take a stroll around Whistler Village, stopping by the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre to learn about the region’s indigenous customs and grab a bite to eat.

Continue down Duffey Lake Road, which is part of BC-99, from Whistler. This winding mountain route provides stunning vistas, particularly near Duffey Lake. You’ll eventually arrive at Lillooet, which is a nice area to stop for a break.

Continue on to Cache Creek, and then east on the Trans-Canada Highway to Kamloops. This is a good place to consider stopping for the night as it’s about halfway to Banff. The Plaza Hotel has nice accommodations in the city centre, near to eateries and Riverside Park on the river.

Day 2: Kamloops to Banff

Take BC-1 E out of Kamloops, going via Salmon Arm and Revelstoke, both of which have stunning lake and mountain views. Consider a brief stop at Craigellachie, the location of the Canadian Pacific Railway’s final spike.

Further east, you’ll visit Glacier National Park and then Yoho National Park, both of which have plenty of picturesque stops and short walks. Take time to visit the Natural Bridge, an extraordinary rock feature that spans the Kicking Horse River.

You should arrive at Banff by late afternoon. As with the one-day trip, you might base yourself in Banff at the historic opulence of Fairmont Banff Springs or the budget-friendly Banff Park Lodge.

A two-day road journey from Vancouver to Banff allows you to take your time to see the different landscapes of British Columbia and Alberta. It is an incredible drive through some of Canada’s most breathtaking countryside.

Three-Day Road Trip Vancouver to Banff

A three-day road journey from Vancouver to Banff allows you to thoroughly immerse yourself in the varied Canadian landscapes. This plan recommends a novel route, travelling east on BC-3 E (Crowsnest Highway) for a change of scenery and pace.

Day One: Vancouver to Osoyoos

Begin your journey by using BC-3 E, often known as the Crowsnest Highway. This less-travelled road goes past picturesque villages and lush vineyards, offering an alternative to the more typical routes.

Your first stop will be at Hope, where you may see the Othello Tunnels, a collection of historic railroad tunnels and bridges nestled in a spectacular canyon.

Continue east to Manning Provincial Park, which is ideal for an afternoon stroll or a picnic. In the summer, the park is recognized for its diverse animals and bright floral meadows.

Arrive at Osoyoos around dusk, a remarkable desert town noted for its warm lakes and vineyards. Check out the Watermark Beach Resort, which has lakeside rooms and a wine bar.

Day 2: Osoyoos to Nelson

Before hitting the road again, start the day with a swim in Osoyoos Lake. As you go east, you’ll pass through Grand Forks, a tiny city with a rich Doukhobor past.

Continue on to Castlegar, sometimes known as the “Sculpture Capital of Canada.” Stop here to stretch your legs and maybe visit Millennium Park & Ponds.

Finish your day in Nelson, a lovely town with a thriving cultural scene and old buildings. Enjoy a relaxing night at the Hume Hotel & Spa, a renovated 1898 landmark with a unique combination of modern and historic characteristics.

Third day: Nelson to Banff

Begin your final part of the adventure by travelling north on BC-31 and then east on BC-95. The trip around Kootenay Lake is magnificent, and as you approach Banff, you’ll travel through Kootenay National Park.

Consider taking a diversion to Radium Hot Springs, a natural hot spring located within Kootenay National Park, before arriving in Banff. The mineral-rich water is an ideal introduction to the majestic splendour that awaits in Banff.

Arrive in Banff in the evening and check into your hotel. Your three-day adventure has brought you to a destination of incomparable natural beauty, whether it’s the opulent Rimrock Resort Hotel or the lovely Banff Boutique Inn – Pension Tannenhof.

A three-day road journey from Vancouver to Banff along the Crowsnest Highway gives you plenty of opportunity to see British Columbia and Alberta’s less-travelled roads. It’s a voyage full of beautiful scenery, attractive towns, and unique experiences.

Tip: The above itinerary can be shortened to just under 10 hours drive time by going via Merritt and Kelowna and Revelstoke. This will provide a look at the Okanagan wine country but not Nelson or the Kootenays.

Some Additional Things to see during your Road Trip

One of the things that makes a road trip from Vancouver to Banff so interesting is the range of views you’ll see along the route. This road trip is as much about the route as it is about the destination, with expansive landscapes that provide a view of nature’s majesty and villages loaded with cultural treasures. Here is a list of some must-see attractions:

Natural Attractions

Harrison Hot Springs: This resort town is about an hour and a half drive from Vancouver and is noted for its hot springs, gorgeous lake, and stunning mountain landscape. Before continuing your journey, have a relaxing swim in the springs or a lakeside promenade.

E.C. Manning Provincial Park: This park is known for its diversified fauna and unusual alpine meadows, and it offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and camping. Take a hike up to the Cascade Lookout for panoramic views of the park.

Osoyoos Lake: Nestled in Canada’s only desert, this warm-water lake is ideal for swimming, boating, or simply taking in breathtaking scenery. During the summer, its warm, sandy beaches are popular.

Kootenay National Park: As you approach Banff, you will drive through the magnificent Kootenay National Park. Visit Marble Canyon, walk the Juniper/Sinclair loop, or relax at Radium Hot Springs.

Cultural Attractions

Historic Yale : Visit this little village to learn about the region’s Gold Rush history. The Yale Historic Site comprises St. John the Divine Church, the Creighton House Museum, and other historic structures.

The Othello Tunnels: These are a collection of ancient railroad tunnels and bridges located near Hope that are now part of the Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park. The breathtaking canyon beauty and architectural feat make this a memorable stay.

Nelson’s Art Walk : Nelson is well-known for its thriving arts sector. Explore the streets of the town, which are lined with restored history buildings, public art works, and a wide range of art studios and galleries.

Cranbrook’s Canadian Museum of Rail Travel : This is a must-see for history aficionados. Explore magnificently restored train carriages, learn about the famous “Trans-Canada Limited,” and learn about the importance of railways in Canada’s growth.

These natural and cultural attractions not only break up the drive, but also enrich it, increasing your understanding and enjoyment of the landscapes and towns you pass through from Vancouver to Banff.

Top Sights to See in Banff

The stunning vistas that surround Banff will soon captivate your heart once you arrive. Banff, located in the heart of the Rockies, has a plethora of attractions that highlight the region’s natural beauty and cultural appeal. Here are some must-see attractions in Banff that should be on your itinerary:

Banff Gondola : Begin your journey of Banff with a bird’s-eye perspective of the town and its surroundings. Take the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for a breathtaking view of six mountain ranges, the Bow River, and the Banff townsite. It’s a fantastic chance for photographers.

Lake Louise: This is a Canadian Rockies icon known for its turquoise waters, Victoria Glacier background, and magnificent Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise on its eastern coast. It’s a site you won’t want to miss, whether you want to canoe, trek, or simply relax and absorb the vista.

Moraine Lake: Moraine Lake’s magnificent beauty is unparalleled in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. The lake’s bright blue water is a sight to see, and neighbouring hikes provide breathtaking views of the lake and its hilly surroundings.

Banff Upper Hot Springs: Soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs after a day of exploring. The naturally heated mineral water provides relaxation while seeing the mountains, making it a one-of-a-kind Banff experience.

Johnston Canyon: A climb through Johnston Canyon’s catwalks leads to a succession of waterfalls and deep pools. This trail’s features include the Lower and Upper Falls, as well as the secret cave.

Banff National Park Visitor Centre : Visit here to gain a better understanding of the area’s rich natural and cultural history. Here, you may learn about the park’s fauna and history, as well as speak with expert park employees about the best places to explore.

These attractions not only capture Banff’s beautiful nature, but also provide unforgettable experiences that capture the soul of this renowned mountain town. These Banff attractions will assure a wonderful vacation in this Rocky Mountain wonderland, from sweeping panoramas to calm lake views, hot spring soaks to instructive walks.

Choosing the proper lodging will tremendously improve your road journey from Vancouver to Banff. Whether you’re stopping for a rest along the route or staying in Banff for a few nights, there are a variety of alternatives to fit a variety of budgets and interests.

Where to Stay on a Vancouver to Banff Road Trip

Budget: There are various campsites and hostels dispersed along the road for people looking for a low-cost alternative. The HI Whistler Hostel is a popular option, with clean amenities and a shared kitchen for self-catering.

The Plaza Hotel in Kamloops offers nice accommodations in an excellent location surrounded by shops and restaurants. The Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort in Cranbrook , located farther along, has well-appointed accommodations and an on-site restaurant.

If you’re prepared to pay, the Echo Valley Ranch & Spa in Clinton provides luxurious accommodations in a tranquil environment. Expect luxurious accommodations, a full-service spa, and gourmet cuisine.

Where to Stay in the Banff Area

The Banff International Hostel and YWCA Banff Hotel provide modest accommodations in convenient areas for budget-conscious travellers. If you don’t mind staying a little out of town, the Tunnel Mountain Village I campsite is a cheap option with wonderful scenery.

In the centre of Banff, the Elk + Avenue Hotel offers contemporary accommodations and an on-site restaurant. Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows offer rustic comfort near the famed Johnston Canyon for those who prefer a cabin experience.

Consider the renowned Fairmont Banff Springs or the Rimrock Resort Hotel for a splurge-worthy stay. Both include magnificent accommodations and suites, as well as superb dining options and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

On this Vancouver to Banff road trip, you’ll discover hotels to suit your preferences, whether you’re a budget-conscious backpacker or a luxury seeker. It all comes down to selecting the one that best suits your needs and budget. Remember that it’s not only about the goal, but also about the trip, and getting a good night’s sleep is an important part of that journey!

Essential Tips for Your Vancouver to Banff Road Trip

Plan your itinerary ahead of time: Before you go, plan your itinerary and decide where you’ll stop along the way. Depending on the length of your journey, you’ll want to schedule rest stops and, if required, overnight lodgings. To aid with your planning, use internet mapping tools, guidebooks, or travel blogs.

Check the weather: The weather in Canada may be unpredictable, and conditions can vary greatly between Vancouver and Banff. Always check the weather forecast for your trip dates and make any necessary adjustments. Remember that safety should always come first.

Pack appropriately: Given the variety of terrain you’ll be crossing, it’s critical to be prepared for any eventuality. Bring a choice of garments to accommodate both hot and cold weather. Remember to bring your swimwear for hot spring dives and hiking boots for mountain treks. Remember that layers are your friend!

Watch for wildlife: You’re bound to see animals on your road journey, especially when you approach Banff National Park. Always keep a safe distance and never feed wild animals. It’s also a good idea to educate yourself on bear protection before your trip.

Fuel up: Gas stations might be scarce in certain rural areas between towns. Start your travel with a full tank and don’t allow it drop too low during your adventure. It’s better to refuel when you have the opportunity than to be stranded!

Enjoy the journey: While the destination is wonderful, the travel from Vancouver to Banff is an important part of the experience. Take in the scenery, visit the places you travel through, and immerse yourself in the local culture. This road trip is about more than simply getting to Banff; it’s also about having fun along the way.

You’ll be well-prepared for a terrific road trip if you follow these suggestions. Whether it’s a speedy one-day trip or a leisurely three-day trek, your trip from Vancouver to Banff is guaranteed to be spectacular.

A long-time resident of Bristish Columbia, Sarah is a writer, traveler, wine & food lover and co-owner of Discover the Pacific Northwest and Live Dream Discover.

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How To Drive From Banff To Jasper? & 10 Icefields Parkway Stops

Looking for an unforgettable road trip through the Canadian Rockies? Look no further than this guide to driving from Banff to Jasper in Alberta, Canada.

The drive from Banff to Jasper is one of the most magnificent journeys by road I have ever experienced. The road trip takes place along the famous Icefields Parkway and will typically take 3 ½ hours for the Banff to Jasper drive. However, all the fun in this route is stopping along the way at all the wonderful places.

I have extensive experience travelling throughout Canada and use my expertise from my road trip between Calgary and Vancouver to create this Banff to Jasper drive guide.

Having learned from mistakes I made on my journey, I have discovered how to make a Banff to Jasper road trip more enjoyable and successful. I will share insights into which stops are worth taking and what should be skipped.

Whether you’re a seasoned road tripper or a first-time traveller, this guide is an essential resource for anyone looking to explore the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies.

This article will help you with a Banff Jasper route or a Jasper Banff route. Read on to find out the 10 best things to do between Banff and Jasper.

One of the most important parts of your Jasper and Banff road trip is the car.

Do not leave booking your car rental to the last minute, especially given that most companies offer free cancellation. It is risk-free.

Where to Stay Between Banff and Jasper

Choosing where to stay on a Banff to Jasper road trip can be challenging due to the many logistical options. It is difficult to know where to stay on the drive from Banff to Jasper because of the limited accommodation available.

However, there are some hotels between Banff and Jasper if you want to make it work.

The best part of the options below is that you do not need to figure out Banff vs Jasper because you will be able to visit both.

Driving from Banff to Jasper in 1 Day

The first option for a Banff to Jasper road trip is to book a hotel at the beginning and end of the Icefields Parkway.

You can stay in either Banff or Lake Louise to commence your journey. These towns offer a wide range of upscale accommodation options than on Icefields Parkway, which may be more comfortable.

Then you will drive the entire distance from Banff to Jasper in one day, which will take around 3.5 hours to complete, if you do not make any stops. However, most people stop at various points of interest along the way because there are some spectacular things to see between Banff and Jasper.

At the end of your drive to Jasper, you will find various hotels to spend a few nights in this charming mountain town.

If you are driving from Banff to Jasper in one day, you should start the drive early in the morning to give yourself plenty of time to fit in the best Icefields Parkway stops.

Driving from Banff to Jasper in 2 Days

Your other option is to book one of the hotels between Jasper and Banff, such as Sunwapta Falls Lodge and Glacier View Lodge.

Sunwapta Falls Lodge is an extremely basic hotel, but it is conveniently within walking distance of the stunning Sunwapta Falls. However, given its remote location, the cost of the rooms and restaurant are steep due to the limited supply.

Nonetheless, Jasper is only a 40-minute drive from Sunwapta Falls; therefore, I suggest continuing to Jasper because there are better hotels.

Glacier View Lodge is one of the hotels between Lake Louise and Jasper that makes for a convenient mid-way point. The rooms are more elegant than Sunwapta Falls Lodge, with breathtaking views, and a good restaurant. So you may find more comfort in this option.

One of the negatives of staying along Icefields Parkway is that you will have to pack and unpack more times than if you book a few nights in Banff or Lake Louise beforehand and then a few nights in Jasper.

Best Hotels near Icefields Parkway

Below are the best hotels in Banff National Park for a Banff and Jasper road trip.

The following hotels are great options for a stay in Jasper .

Things to See Between Banff and Jasper

There are so many things to see and activities to do along the Icefields Parkway drive. Here is a list of my suggestions for the best Icefields Parkway stops.

• Morant’s Curve
• Lake Louise
• Moraine Lake
• Emerald Lake
• Athabasca Glacier
• Columbia Icefield Skywalk
• Sunwapta Falls
• Athabasca Falls

Map of Banff to Jasper (with recommended stops)

I have marked each stop along the drive from Banff to Jasper so you can understand what the route is like visiting Banff and Jasper National Parks.

If you are looking to continue your journey to Whistler in winter, read about Whistler vs Blackcomb here .

Now let’s go deeper into each destination.

The first stop along the way to Jasper is Banff, a very rustic and quaint ski town. It’s a great town to walk around and its also home to stunning scenery, such as Vermillion Lakes, Bow River , and Two Jack Lake .

The reflection of the mountain on the water at both Two Jack Lake and Vermillion Lakes are beautiful on a sunny day. But, if like me, you only visit them on a cloudy day, the backdrop of the mountains is still impressive.

If you have time you may wish to visit the Banff Hot Springs or go up the gondola to see a lovely view.

Another scenic spot located in Banff is Surprise Corner . Here you will see a lovely view of the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs hotel and the mountainous setting around it.

On the drive from Banff to Lake Louise you can opt to drive Bow Valley Parkway (1A). It is a road running alongside the Trans-Canada Highway, but it offers a more rural option. You may also have more chance of seeing some wildlife, particularly early in the morning.

Some options for excursions in Banff include the following:

2. Morant’s Curve

By driving Bow Parkway, instead of Trans Canada Highway, you will also pass Morant’s Curve . It is a beautiful spot located along Icefields Parkway, especially popular amongst photographers.

While this location is beautiful, the real magic happens when you capture a train passing by at the same time.

What makes seeing a train here even more special is that it is difficult to predict when a train will come past. However, if you persevere, and have the time to wait a little, you could see one pass and get the money shot.

3. Moraine Lake

In my opinion the most beautiful lake on your journey from Banff to Jasper is Moraine Lake . You will understand why as soon as you see it for yourself.

Moraine Lake is located about 45 minutes from Banff, so if you want an extra 45 minutes in bed, you should stay in Lake Louise town which is closer.

Moraine Lake is an extremely busy spot in Banff National Park. Therefore, it is no longer possible to drive to the lake’s car park.

There are three options for visiting Moraine Lake.

• Book Parks Canada shuttle (includes visits to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise)
• Book a tour that includes Moraine Lake
• Roam Public Transit is available for visitors staying in Banff town in September and October

The main viewpoint is a 5-minute walk from the car park and it is called the rockpile .

4. Lake Louise

Lake Louise is another glistening lake, but with more of a tinge of green.

Lake Louise is more easily accessed than Moraine Lake because it is possible to drive your car into the car park. However, it is still a busy spot, so arrive early (7:00 AM would be good in peak times).

When you visit Lake Louise, I suggest you also hike the Beehive Circuit Trail to Agnes Lake and the teahouse. Make sure that you start the trail relatively early because it can get extremely busy, particularly with tourists who may not be wearing appropriate footwear.

Trainers/running shoes are fine, but backless sandals/flip flops are not recommended. Hiking boots would be ideal. It started snowing while I was walking up to Agnes Lake in September.

There are only a handful of tables at the teahouse, so if you arrive later in the day you may have to wait a while for a table. I had a delicious apple crumble and a hot chocolate that fuelled me up for the journey back down. There are some bathroom facilities at the teahouse, but they are very basic.

The only way to get to the top of the trail where the teahouse is situated is by walking the relatively strenuous uphill trail. This means that the people who work at the teahouse spend a few days camping in the lodge near to the teahouse. They hike up and down around 2 times a week to bring provisions or take down waste.

During one of my nights in Lake Louise, I went for dinner at the Station Restaurant in Lake Louise, a recommendation from the front desk at my hotel. It is nestled into the small town, next to the railway and sports an old-fashioned train carriage just next to the main restaurant building.

Make sure you book a table because it is a popular spot and try to arrive early to your reservation so that you have time to look around the quaint surroundings.

5. Emerald Lake

While not technically located on Icefields Parkway, Emerald Lake is only a short detour away from the route. The lake is less well-known than other lakes nearby, but still worthy of a visit.

You can walk around the lake and then enjoy lunch or a drink at the Emerald Lake Lodge . You have to park a short walk away from the lake.

6. Peyto Lake

One of the more impressive viewpoints on Icefields Parkway is of Peyto Lake .

Set the GPS to Upper Peyto Lake Viewpoint and once you have parked your car, you can easily find the main lookout view.

It is less than a 10-minute walk from the car park to the top of the hill, but it gets a little steep at some points so make sure you are wearing suitable footwear.

Peyto Lake is a brilliant blue lake that appears to be in the shape of a dog/wolf’s head and has a thick wrap of trees surrounding the water. To add to the wonderful backdrop, there is a vast mountain range that frames the lake beautifully.

Just before you get to Peyto Lake, you will come across Bow Glacier Falls where you can hike 4.6 km round-trip as a way to stretch your legs.

7. Athabasca Glacier

Visiting the Athabasca Glacier had not originally been on my to-do list the first time I drove Icefields Parkway. However, as soon as I drove past, I knew I wanted to stop and get a closer look.

If you are looking for accommodation in the area, you can consider Glacier View Lodge . It is possible to book this hotel with the Columbia Icefields experience package .

You have two options for experiencing Athabasca Glacier and I will explain below.

Option 1 for Seeing Athabasca Glacier

You can book a tour and venture onto the glacier on the Ice Explorer. You will be accompanied by an experienced guide who will escort you out of the vehicle to walk on the glacier.

You are not allowed to walk on the glacier without this tour and guide because it can be dangerous. There is hollow ice on the glacier, hidden by a thin layer of snow and it can collapse, leading to freezing water.

If the Glacier experience is something you definitely want to do, then I would advise booking tickets in advance. However, if you are willing to chance it, sometimes you can show up and join the next departure, as the Ice Explorer leaves every 15 to 30 minutes.

If you haven’t booked a ticket, I would recommend arriving there early in the morning, or later in the afternoon to avoid busier times with group tours arriving.

Option 2 for Seeing Athabasca Glacier

You can walk up from the car park to the edge of the glacier. This is free to do so. However, to manage expectations, you cannot get anywhere near as close to the glacier as those on the tour.

Definitely make sure you have good walking shoes on and a warm jacket or lots of layers for this. When I was visiting in September, it was raining, and the wind was ice-cold. The climate is different on the Icefields. Katabatic winds create a tunnel of wind travelling down the glacier. So, it will be much colder than other places you visit that day.

What I found most intriguing, and devastating, were the signs that showed how much the glacier has reduced in size. Each year the glacier is receding more and more.

8. Columbia Icefield Skywalk

If you are looking for some excitement and adventure, you can also book tickets for the Columbia Icefield Skywalk . This is located right next to the Athabasca Glacier, so you can easily combine them.

The Skywalk is a 1km glass walkway looking over the mountainous scenery.

9. Sunwapta Falls

Another noteworthy stop along Icefields Parkway is Sunwapta Falls .

Sunwapta Falls is memorable because the water curves around a small patch of land with striking trees perched on top. In order to get the pictures that you see on the Internet, you need to step off the path, through the trees, and tread very carefully.

You can get to the falls by following signs to Sunwapta Falls, parking your car and walking a short distance to the falls.

You have to walk own a slight slope to get to Sunwapta Falls, so make sure you have suitable shoes on.

I stayed at Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge , which is the closest hotel to the falls, so I could walk 5 minutes down the road to get there.

Sunwapta Falls Lodge provided a good midpoint to stop for rest for my journey onward to Jasper, however the accommodation is very basic. So, next time I would skip staying along Icefields Parkway and continue the drive to Jasper.

Sunwapta Falls is only 40 minutes further to the town of Jasper where there are more options for accommodation.

10. Athabasca Falls

As you leave Sunwapta Falls, if you have time, you can also stop at Athabasca Falls where you will find another waterfall.

What makes this waterfall different to the others you may have seen is how powerful the water is.

Be ultra-careful when visiting Athabasca Falls and make sure you follow the rules. Sadly, a number of people have lost their lives when visiting the falls when they stepped off the paths.

Athabasca Falls will likely be your last stop on the drive from Banff to Jasper.

What to See in Jasper

Once you have arrived in Jasper, you will be looking for places to see around Jasper and there are some beautiful places nearby.

Pyramid Island

Pyramid Island is located in Jasper. The Island is found on Pyramid Lake and there is a little walkway to get onto the Island. Pyramid Island is a small Island, but the setting is stunning.

While on Pyramid Island you can hike the Pyramid trail, which is 5.4km one way and takes approximately 1 – 2 hours.

There is a limited number of parking spots, so I would advise coming at off-peak hours. There is also the option to stay at Pyramid Lake Resort .

Jasper Discovery Trail

Another place to stretch your legs and see Jasper up close, is the Jasper Discovery Trail. The loop is 8.3 km or will take around 2-3 hours. You can start the trail from various spots around Jasper town and there are signs to show you the way.

For more detailed information on hiking in Jasper, visit Parks Canada .

Maligne Lake

Maligne Lake is located around 50 minutes from Jasper. It is worth the drive because you will also find other fascinating spots nearby such as Spirit Island, Medicine Lake and Maligne Lake’s boat cruise.

On your way to Maligne Lake you will pass Medicine Lake – a disappearing lake. The reason for this is because it has a unique drainage system, which causes the water levels to change throughout the season.

You may want to pull the car over briefly and look at Medicine lake. The more photogenic lake in this area, however, is definitely Maligne Lake.

Set your GPS to Maligne Lake Cruise to find the main car park. Spend some time walking around Maligne Lake and the lovely boat house.

Spirit Island

Take some time to walk around Maligne Lake before you embark the lake’s boat cruise.

The boat will take you to Spirit Island and, on the way, your guide aboard the boat will give you interesting facts about the lake and surrounding area.

On the classic cruise you will have around 15 – 20 minutes to explore Spirit Island, which is the highlight of the cruise. So, make sure you use your time well to capture the magnificent island.

Book your Spirit Island tour here .

The Spirit Island and Maligne Lake boat tour is one of Jasper National Park’s most well-loved activities.

After the boat cruise, my boat cruise guide advised that I should walk to Moose Lake and I might be rewarded with a sighting of a Moose, and she was right.

I walked along the trail for around 15 minutes (it is signposted) and then reached Moose Lake where I waited for around 30 minutes to no avail. However, a couple that had arrived earlier warned me that there was an adult moose and its baby in the area, so we persevered.

I waited a little longer in the pouring rain and the two moose came back to the lake.

I was able to sit and watch the moose quietly for 20 minutes and I was extremely pleased to know that moose do indeed come to Moose Lake.

Note: you may not be able to do the walk to Moose Lake if you book a guided tour because of time constraints.

Maligne Canyon

On the way to Maligne Lake you can stop at Maligne Canyon . It is on the same road to Maligne Lake, so it is a convenient stop.

Here, you can hike as much or as little as you would like.

To really make the most of the Canyon, I would suggest booking a tour with an expert guide .

Tips for the Drive From Banff to Jasper

• A good place to begin your Canadian Rockies journey is by flying to Calgary and picking up a rental car before driving the Icefields Parkway. 
• Depending on where you are flying from and what time your flight arrives, you may wish to spend the night in Calgary before you start your journey. This is so that you can appreciate the drastic change of scenery in daylight. Soon after leaving the city the views quickly turn mountainous.
• Make sure you fill up your tank in either Banff or Jasper. There is a gas station in Saskatchewan River Crossing, but you will pay more for it.
• Also, there are limited refreshment stops along on the Banff to Jasper road trip. So, you may wish to bring a packed lunch with you or set off early so you arrive at your destination by lunch. There is the option of stopping for lunch at the Icefields Visitor Center or Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge.

• You should be prepared for having bad mobile phone reception in many parts of the drive. Make sure you have downloaded offline maps and have access to the address and spots you want to stop at.
• I would not recommend pulling over where there isn’t a car park because it’s not safe with the cars flying past. You also may encounter wildlife at an inconvenient time (and you do not want to bump into a bear when you are not expecting it).

Can You Drive From Banff to Jasper in Winter?

Summer is the best time to visit Alberta and see the province by car. Of course, it is possible to visit Banff and Jasper in winter too, but advice on activities, driving and weather will vary drastically.

It is possible to drive Icefields Parkway in winter, however conditions can be difficult due to snow and ice. The road can sometimes close due to avalanche warnings or storms. Parks Canada has a very informative post about driving the Icefields Parkway in winter .

If you decide to travel to Western Canada in winter, read my article on what to wear in winter .

If you are wondering whether the road from Banff to Jasper is open, you can check Parks Canada’s seasonal road updates page.

What to See on the Drive From Calgary to Banff

While this post is about the beautiful things to see along the road between Banff and Jasper. There are other places that you will drive past before reaching Banff that you should consider.

Whether you are passing through Canmore, or you have a day to spare in your itinerary, take a look at these spots and see if they take your fancy.

• Elbow Falls
• Prairie View Trail
• Blackshale Creek Suspension Bridge
• Chester Lake Trail
• Grassi Lakes

I have marked out each of the locations on a map below for your visual reference.

Further Reading to The Drive from Banff to Jasper article

You may be looking to extend your drive from Banff to Jasper to other regions. If so, for more information on road trips across Western Canada , be sure to check out my article with everything you need to know.

For the skiers and snowboarders, read about how to choose between Whistler and Blackcomb and things you need to know about skiing in Whistler .

If you like nature-inspired trips, you will enjoy my article on Yurt Camping in Bruce Peninsula or Backcountry Camping in Algonquin Park . Read this article for ideas on what to see in Ontario .

FAQ – Banff to Jasper Drive

Where does the icefields parkway start and end.

The Icefields Parkway takes you from Banff National Park to Jasper National Park. The road starts in Lake Louise and ends in Jasper.

Where should I stay on the Icefields Parkway?

Given that you can see Icefields Parkway in one day, it is unnecessary to spend the night on the road from Lake Louise to Jasper. There are more options for accommodation at either end of the road in Banff and Jasper.

However, if you wish to stay on Icefields Parkway, I would suggest either Glacier View Lodge (upscale) or Sunwapta Falls Lodge (basic).

Where to stay when visiting Banff and Jasper?

The best hotels to book when visiting Banff are Fairmont Banff Springs or Rimrock Hotel. The best hotels in Jasper are Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Mount Robson Inn, and Alpine Village Cabin Resort.

It is also possible to stay in Lake Louise, where there is the stunning Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Lodge.

Should I stay at Lake Louise or Banff?

Staying in Lake Louise is best for those looking for a peaceful stay close to nature and the breathtaking Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. However, keep in mind that Lake Louise is more expensive and offers fewer options for evening entertainment and dining compared to Banff.

On the other hand, Banff has a wider range of accommodation options, restaurants, and entertainment, making it a more lively and vibrant destination. If you enjoy exploring a bustling town with plenty of activities to choose from, Banff may be the better choice.

How many days do you need to see Banff and Jasper?

Ideally, you will allow at least two full days to explore Banff National Park; however, three days would be better. Plus, you need two days to see Jasper National Park. Remember that you will want another day to drive the Icefields Parkway road connecting Lake Louise to Jasper.

Is it better to drive from Banff to Jasper or Jasper to Banff?

An Icefields Parkway road trip is excellent from both directions.

Deciding your direction of travel for driving Banff to Jasper depends on which airport you will be arriving at to start your road trip. Additionally, it depends on whether you will continue your road trip across Canada or return to the same airport.

If you have booked round-trip flights to Calgary or Edmonton, you may end up driving Icefields Parkway both ways.

Samantha is the founder of Continuous Roamer, a travel website focusing on adventure and the outdoors.

With a love for adventure and the great outdoors, Samantha shares tips on skiing, luxury safaris, camping, and finding hidden food gems in different destinations.

With over 20 years of skiing experience across Europe, North America, and beyond, she's also an expert in luxury accommodations and experiences.

Whether camping in Canada or dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant, Samantha always seeks out the best experiences and accommodations, and her blog highlights the best of them for her readers.

Samantha is currently living in London.

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The Ultimate Guide for Banff and Jasper National Parks in 7 Days

Banff and Jasper National Parks offer the perfect adventure through the Canadian Rockies. Get ready for lakes of the brightest blues and emeralds, filled with wildlife of all shapes and sizes, and set against a backdrop of towering icy mountains and glaciers.

It’s a bucket-list trip for anyone who loves the outdoors. Here’s the perfect 7-day itinerary for you to road trip through our favorite Canadian national parks!

First, a few logistics.

When to go:  We went in early summer (mid-June), before the crowds got too hectic, and after most of the snow on the roads had melted. I’m sure Banff and Jasper are stunning in every season, but I was pretty happy with our choice. The roads were easy to drive, the weather was perfect for camping, and we had long summer days of daylight (5:30AM sunrises to 10PM sunsets).

How to get there: Fly into Calgary and rent a car for the quick 90-minute drive to Banff National Park.

Rental car note:  If you don’t have primary insurance coverage on rental cars through your credit card, this might be the only time I recommend it. Our rental care insurance agent told us it’s common for rocks to crack the windshield and I assumed he was just trying to upsell us. Sure enough, it happened to us on our last day and we were  so thankful our credit card had us insured.

How to get camping gear: If you are flying into Calgary like we did, you might want to rent camping gear when you arrive. We had a great experience renting from Rent-a-Tent and got everything we needed in one package.

Note: they don’t rent pillows or sleeping bags. We packed sleeping bags and pillowcases in our suitcases and picked up $4 pillows from the Calgary Walmart.

Day 1 & 2: Stay in Banff

From the town of Banff, you can easily explore a few of the top hiking spots, viewpoints, and lakes within a 15-30 minute drive. It’s a charming little mountain town with a main street for shopping and restaurants. Plus, the Bow River runs right alongside it for some great views.

• Stay in an oTENTik at Two Jack Lake Campground if you can book it in time. They’re spacious canvas tents with log beds and stunning lakeside views of one of my favorite lakes in Banff.
• Banff Campground is also a great option, where you’ll get a sneak peek at the breathtaking view from Tunnel Mountain on your way to the campground from Banff.
• Canoe down Bow River to Vermilion Lakes if the weather’s nice!
• Catch sunrise at Two Jake Lake to watch the sunlight spread across Mt. Rundle and reflecting on the water.
• Wander the shores at Lake Minnewanka , one of the longest lakes of the Rockies.
• Take the Mount Norquay open-air chairlift to the peak for insane views. If you’re into mountaineering, do the via ferrata (Italian for “iron road”) here which takes you on a guided route with suspension bridges, ladders, cable climbs, and more.
• Hike Ha Ling Peak trail if you’re looking for a gorgeous summit (and a little bit of a challenge). It’s only 3.5 miles round trip, but you’re starting at 5400 ft in elevation and gaining another 2500 ft during the hike. Plus, a bit of scramble on loose rocks and scree at the end. You’ll end up right along the top of a ridge with crazy views on both sides.

Day 3 & 4: Explore Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in Banff

Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are on everyone’s list when it comes to Banff National Park, and they really don’t disappoint. Keep in mind that the tour buses do stop at both, and you will likely be fighting crowds with selfie sticks when you first arrive. Just walk a little bit further down the trail in order to find some peace and quiet.

For lodging, there’s a wide range of great lodges and hotels in Lake Louise. Lake Louise Campground is also a great camping option right outside of town

• On the way to Lake Louise, stop at Johnston Canyon for waterfalls, canyons, and limestone cliffs. It’s all paved trails, stairs, and viewing platforms for a relatively easy walk. If you’re feeling adventurous, seek out the (not-so-secret anymore) canyon in the photo below.
• Walk around Lake Louise , rent a canoe, or grab a bite to eat on the outdoor patio of  Lakeview Lounge at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
• Moraine Lake is the little sister to Lake Louise, but with arguably even better views. It’s set in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, and your best view is from  Rockpile Trail . You can hike around the lake or rent a canoe (which we did) to get away from the crowds!
• For a longer hike, try the Lake Agnes Teahouse Trail or the Plain of Six Glaciers   Trail.

Day 5 & 6: Drive through Jasper on the Icefields Parkway

If you thought Banff was wild, then Jasper’s untouched wilderness will take your breath away. This drive is one of the most beautiful in the world, where every turn brings a different and unique landscape. If you’re driving in the morning, keep an eye out for bears (and other wildlife). They’ve been known to be particularly active and visible then.

• Stop just off the side of the road at Bow Lake at the base of Bow Summit. You’ll get a glacier-fed lake, a glacier, and snow-covered mountains all in one vista.
• Peyto Lake ‘s overlook is a quick uphill hike to see the most unbelievable turquoise blue water (caused by glacial rock flour).
• Camp at the  Wapiti Campground right along the Athabasca River.
• Walk on the Athabasca Glacier on the Columbia Icefield s. The drive to the glacier on the Ice Explorer is an adventure on it’s own. Make sure to bring a bottle so you can collect some ice-cold glacier water to drink.
• Visit Maligne Lake for its charming boathouse and cruise out to Spirit Island. You can also kayak and backcountry camp at Maligne Lake if you’re ready to paddle 2.5 to 8 miles each way .
• Get your fill of misty waterfalls, deep canyons, and bridges over rushing rivers at Maligne Canyon , Sunwapta Falls , and Athabasca Falls .

Day 7: Stop in Yoho National Park on your way back to Banff

If you have time before you head back to Calgary, then check out Yoho National Park. It’s a lesser-known but equally beautiful park just to the west, and you’ll pass it on your drive back.

• Make a quick stop at Emerald Lake if you haven’t gotten enough of gem-colored lakes. Grab a bite under one of the bright yellow umbrellas at Emerald Lake Lodge.
• Check out another stunning waterfall at Takakkaw Falls
• See where the powerful Kicking Horse River carved a Natural Bridge into the rock.

Enjoy your stay in the Canadian Rockies! Let me know if I missed any of your favorite spots, because I’m sure I’ll be back there again soon.

Pin this itinerary for Banff and Jasper by clicking any of the photos below:

All photography by Andy Fortson Photography.

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That ‘Bob Ross’-like road trip: Vancouver to Jasper

There are so many ways to enter both Jasper and Banff as seen from Vancouver, that it may be difficult to decide what route to take. There’s not really a ‘best’ route and every Vancouverite (yes, that’s a word) I asked seemed to have another favourite way to reach the Rockies. So many people, so many opinions I guess.  

I figured to start my journey in the north (Jasper) of the Canadian Rockies and drive onto the south (Banff) from there, as winter was coming. Funny enough and way too early in the season both Jasper and Banff were completely snowed in when I started my trip half September. Luckily the snow and icy roads melted a bit away when I left Jasper, otherwise it would have been impossible to drive that scenic Icefields Parkway in between those two iconic Rocky Mountain NP towns. 

Now that I’d decided to start in Jasper rather than Banff, I only had to figure out what northern route to take. As the owner of the house that I was housesitting considered the route to Whistler one of the most scenic drives around Vancouver, I figured I just had to drive via Whistler and Kamloops (with an overnight stay) to Jasper. 

I did not regret this route at all. In fact I loved it because I encountered so many scenic landscapes with both foliage ánd a bit of snow. I thought this northern route was way more beautiful than my ride from Banff, via Golden, Revelstoke, Penticton and Hope back to Vancouver. 

Whatever route you pick, I would suggest you to split it up. Although google.maps and maps.me will both state no more than 12 hours for any drive towards the Rockies, you just NEED to make a break sometimes, if only for the views. I stopped a gazillion of times, as around every corner another fascinating lake or little river or mountainous backdrop is waiting to be gazed upon. It would be a waste to miss out on those vistas I figured. After all, I was here to enjoy the landscape and nature of Canada.

So, if you’re considering to drive the same way (or you just want to see where I’ve been) let me show you how that drive looked like! 

I picked up the car at Vancouver Airport, drove through the city center to Stanley Park (the Central Park of Vancouver), crossed that gorgeous Lions Gate Bridge and made my first stop at Point Atkinson Lighthouse in West-Vancouver. Now although this wasn’t really far on the road yet, I just really wanted to see Vancouver from this rocky outcrop. Also, I’m a sucker for lighthouses. 

The lighthouse required a 10-minute hike through a nice little forest and the views from one of the rocks was indeed worth a break.

Unfortunately it started to rain shortly afterwards and that was a bit of bad luck for me, as I was about to drive that famous ‘Sea to Sky Highway’  (aka the Highway 99). So although I could understand this road surely has to be beautiful when the sun is out, when it’s all covered in drizzle, there’s little fun driving it… That’s also why I didn’t make any pictures, sorry!

You might be thinking right now “but wasn’t that the main reason you wanted to drive this upper road to Jasper anyway?”. Well yeah, a little. But funny enough the most brilliant part for me actually came right after I left the ski town of Whistler.

Especially the part from Pemberton to Lillooet was just absolutely stunning. This is the first snap I made when I left Whistler, near the Green Lake ↓

More snaps along the Duffey Lake Road to Lillooet ↓

And a break at the Duffey Lake itself. You see the many colours in the back in the middle of the picture? It was the start of my painter’s palette afternoon drive! ↓ And it was absolutely superb.

The road from Pemberton to Lillooet was quite bendy and mountainous from time to time, but the foliage luckily also kept on improving ↓

Here’s a view on Seton Lake and on the way between the mountains before reaching Lillooet  ↓

Lillooet itself was just a tiny town and as far as I could see not worthy of a stop, but its surroundings were absolutely amazing. Take a look at this mountain for example: a three-for-one season sale! ↓

Or this gorgeous waterfall on the way from Lillooet to Cache Creek  ↓

As I reached Kamloops in the dark (where I’d arranged an Airbnb stay), I unfortunately missed out on the nearby Kamloops lake and its views. So let me know how that’s like if you are gonna see it yourself!

Although I did prefer the road from Whistler to Kamloops, I also immensely enjoyed the views on the way from Kamloops to Jasper on the next day. Especially the first three hours were still very scenic ↓

The views on the North Thompson river with sheets of mist in the back were mystical. ↓ The place was so quiet that I stayed for half an hour staring at the mirror-like river.

Another great break that day was at the Rearguard Falls . Close to the road, seeing the falls requires a 10-minute steep hike which was great for a bit of stretching in between all of the driving. 

Although the falls itself didn’t impress me that much, it did really like the ‘Hansel and Gretel’ kind of trail ↓

And the falls were also one of my last breaks before the snow was coming in. 

Especially around the town of Valemount things were getting cold. ↓

But on the bright side, the more snow I encountered, the more spectacular the little rivers and lakes seemed to become! 

That’s it! And that’s how the upper road from Vancouver to Jasper looks like!

In hindsight I can definitely recommend you to drive this road. It’s quiet, well-constructed, I never got bored of the views and when I was there (around half September) the amount of foliage was enormous. I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen so many multi-coloured fall landscapes at once.

Here you can see what road to take! ↓

Tags: autumn , drive , how to get to jasper , jasper , kamloops , lillooet , national park , nature , outdoor , photography , roadtrip , vancouver , what road , what route to take , what to see , where to drive , whistler

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Banff to Jasper: What You Need to Know for Driving the Icefields Parkway

February 3, 2021 By Matthew G. Bailey 31 Comments

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Icefields Parkway Guide Last updated: September 3rd, 2022

Alberta is home to some of the top road trips in Canada , including the stretch from Banff to Jasper (or from Jasper to Banff), which is perhaps the most beautiful road trip in the country. In fact, various publications have awarded the Icefields Parkways as one of the most scenic road trips on the planet as it takes you through two Canadian Rockies national parks and all kinds of natural beauty including towering mountain peaks, turquoise lakes and rivers, glaciers, and lush alpine forest. 

The Icefields Parkway itself stretches for approximately 233km from Lake Louise to Jasper, but it clocks in at 288km if you include the drive from Banff to Jasper. Without stopping, it would take around four hours in good weather. However, it would be silly to drive this beautiful route without stopping to admire the natural attractions or take part in one of the many activities. If you can’t make the drive yourself, there are plenty of tour companies offering the experience as well. 

The drive is also located in the middle of the Canadian Rockies, which can be home to some inhospitable weather, especially during the winter months. Before setting out on the adventure, be sure to check in for road closures and hazards. You’ll also want to take particular care during the winter months as the roads are slippery and the weather can be very cold should your vehicle decide to break down. Even in the summer, there are hazards though, including wildlife encounters both on the road and on the trails, not to mention a lot of traffic. 

In this guide, we’ll help you plan your trip from Banff to Jasper as well as learn all the best things to do along the Icefields Parkway.

Banff to Jasper – Tips for Driving the Icefields Parkway

As mentioned, the Icefield Parkway starts around Lake Louise. So, first, you’d drive from Banff to Lake Louise and from there, it’s approximately 230 kilometres to the town of Jasper, Alberta . If you’re driving from Calgary to Banff , you’ll also pass by Canmore along the way. The highway is very well maintained and is extremely popular in the warmer months. However, if you’re hoping to drive it in the winter, just bear in mind that this is a mountain road and it closes frequently in the winter months due to heavy snow or other dangerous conditions. For a winter trip, you’ll want to be well-prepared for any worst-case scenario.

Icefields Parkway Map

Popular Questions – Quick Answers

Before we get into the detailed guide, we thought we’d quickly answer some of the most popular questions. Afterwards, please continue to read this detailed guide about the road trip from Banff to Jasper. 

What is there to see between Jasper and Banff?

Want a quick recap on the best things to do when driving from Banff to Jasper? Here are the popular highlights:

• The Town of Banff

Johnston Canyon

Lake louise.

• Moraine Lake
• Peyto Lake Viewpoint
• Glacier Skywalk and Columbia Icefields

Athabasca Falls

Sunwapta falls.

• Town of Jasper
• The Jasper Skytram
• Maligne Lake
• Maligne Canyon

Is Jasper or Banff better?

Is chocolate or ice cream better? I don’t think there is one proper answer to this question. Both towns and the surrounding areas are absolutely beautiful and some of the best scenery on Earth. In fact, just like chocolate and ice cream, perhaps they go better together! Banff is certainly in a more convenient location and because of that, it has far more tourists and far more attractions. Jasper is like a more local Banff. It still receives its fair shares of tourists but due to the increased isolation, remains far quieter and yet equally beautiful. 

How far apart are Banff and Jasper?

How many days should you spend in jasper.

We recommend visiting for three days, although you could easily spend longer. Three days in Jasper should give you enough time to see the top attractions and sights in Jasper National Park, including the town of Jasper, the Jasper Skytram, Maligne Canyon, and Maligne Lake. 

Where should I stay when visiting Banff and Jasper?

We will recommend some places towards the end of this article but just for a quick recap, some of the most popular options include Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Moraine Lake Lodge, Buffalo Mountain Lodge, Fairmont Banff Springs, Mount Royal Hotel, Becker’s Chalets, Best Western Plus Siding 29, Deer Lodge, and many more. 

Where do I buy a Jasper Park Pass

As with all Canadian national parks, you’ll need a Parks Canada Park Pass to enter.

Current daily fees are:

Adult [18-64 years old] $9.80 Senior [65+ years old] $8.30 Youth [6-17 years old] FREE Family [Up to 7ppl in a single vehicle] $19.60 Commercial Group (per person) $8.30

The daily passes expire at 4 pm the following day. However, if you’re going to be exploring this national park or any national park in Canada for more than 6-7 days, we highly recommend buying the yearly Discovery Pass, which offers incredible value. The Discovery Pass gives you unlimited admission for a year to all national parks and national historic sites across Canada.

Fees are as follows:

Adult $67.70 Senior $57.90 Youth FREE Family/Group $136.40

For more information, visit the Parks Canada website .

Icefields Parkway Weather (Best Time to Visit)

Just like Banff and Jasper, the Icefields Parkway drive is fairly mild and warm in the summer months and very cold in the winter. Icefields Parkway winter driving can be hazardous as the roads can be very icy. In the summer, it’s as easy as any highway, as long as you pay attention to your surroundings. Summers can be as warm as +25 Celcius whereas winters can drop to -40 Celcius. If you’re looking on a weather app, try looking up the Saskatchewan River Crossing weather as it’s fairly close to the middle and will be fairly accurate.

Banff to Jasper by Car

In our opinion, there’s no better way to see the Icefields Parkway than to drive it yourself. We love doing road trips in Canada and this is the best one of them all. Despite being a 3-hour drive, it always takes us six hours or more due to all the scenic stops along the way. Regardless, check the Icefields Parkway road conditions before you embark on your journey, especially if driving in the winter.

Note: the driving conditions are quite different between the summer months and the winter months. The summer months are a much safer time to go, although you still have to be on the lookout for wildlife and other cars as this is a very busy time of year on the highway. In the winter, however, the roads can be very slippery and covered in snow or ice depending on the time of year. 

While driving, you’re going to see so much incredible scenery as well as a fairly high chance of spotting wildlife. Every time we drive the Icefields Parkway, we notice people driving very slow or almost stopping in the middle of the highway to see wildlife or some incredible view such as a waterfall or a glacier. Do not do this. Find a place that’s safe to pull over. If there’s nowhere to stop, it’s much safer to continue driving. There is a lot of traffic and the last thing you want is an accident spoiling your Canadian holiday.

If you’re looking to rent a car for your trip, you can rent them in Calgary, Edmonton, Banff, or any other major city. There are many different rental car companies and we typically just use a search engine such as Expedia to scour prices and find a good deal. There’s also the option of renting an RV or a campervan, which is another very popular thing to do in this part of the world.

Banff to Jasper in the Winter Driving Tips

If you don’t have any winter driving experience, it might be risky to do this drive. There are days when it is dry, but due to its location, snowstorms can come out of nowhere. If you do have winter driving experience, there are still some things to note:

• Winter tires are mandatory. All-weather tires with the snowflake symbol are also allowed.
• There is no cell reception, so keep in mind you won’t be able to call anyone unless you have a satellite phone.
• There are no gas stations during the winter months, so fill up in Lake Louise or in Jasper if coming down from north to south.
• Bring snacks and warm clothes: Typically, we recommend having snacks and water as it is a long trip, but also packing an emergency blanket or extra clothing in case you do break down. Driving as a caravan (with other people driving their vehicles) is always preferred but not always possible.
• Always check road reports and weather to make sure it’s a good time to go. 

Rideshare from Banff to Jasper

If you’re looking to experience the Icefields Parkway by car but aren’t able to drive your own, you may want to consider rideshare. People have been doing this for a long time with sites like Kijiji and Craigslist, but in our opinion, it doesn’t sound like the safest option. However, now there’s Poparide.com, which allows you to select your driver based on reviews as well as your luggage requirements. Prices vary but typically range between $25 – $50.

Buying Gas on the Icefields Parkway

As wild as the Icefields Parkway is, It is not in the “middle of nowhere”. It traverses two national parks and is very well maintained. It’s only 230-km from the turnoff near Lake Louise to the town of Jasper. However, if you’re worried about gas, fill up before you begin because there’s only one gas station along the way. It’s about half-way at the Saskatchewan River Crossing. You can also fill up in Banff or Lake Louise.

In addition to gas, the only places to find food along the way would be at the Saskatchewan River Crossing, the Icefields Visitor Center, or Sunwapa Falls Resort, which is very close to Jasper. Once in Jasper, there are many incredible restaurants and fast food joints. You may want to pack snacks, especially if you’re planning on doing some hikes.

Banff to Jasper by Private Car

If you’d rather not drive your own car but also don’t want to be cramped inside a bus, you may want to consider a private tour. Obviously, these will be much more expensive, but they also come with an experienced driver who can tour you around worry-free.

• SunDog Tours offers private tours in a sedan, SUV, or shuttle between Banff and Jasper depending on the size of your group.
• Banff Tours also has different options of vehicles based on group size with a capacity of up to 24 people. If you’re a group, this might be ideal as you can also choose your points of interest along the way.

Banff to Jasper by Bus

Another popular method of driving from Banff to Jasper on the Icefields Parkway is by bus. Although it lacks the freedom of a car, it can be cheaper and also allows you to sit back and relax and not worry about being behind the wheel.

• Brewster Express offers a shuttle service from Banff to Jasper. For $120 per person one-way, your departure and drop-off locations can be customized to where you’re staying.
• SunDog Tours offers a one-way tour from Banff to Jasper that includes a four hour stop at the Columbia Icefield. The total tour time is 11 hours, so this is only if you want to see the sites they stop at along the way. However, if you’re visiting in the winter, they also have a direct route between Banff and Jasper as well as from Calgary to Banff. This service operates from October to April.
• Banff Tours provides a coach shuttle service between Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, and Jasper. The Pick-up points are at various hotels within each destination and tickets go for $120 per person each way.

Banff to Jasper by Train

If you’re looking for a magical train ride between Banff and Jasper, you’re out of luck. There is no direct train that goes from Banff to Jasper. However, there are a couple of train excursions that include the Icefields Parkway in some way.

• Rocky Mountaineer is a luxury train experience that includes Jasper National Park and Banff National Park. It’s a very popular train excursion but it comes with a very hefty price-tag for a 2-day trip.
• Icefield Discovery by Canada By Design is a tour that leaves from Vancouver or Calgary and explores a variety of landscapes including both Jasper National Park and Banff National Park.

Icefields Parkway Points of Interest

There are so many places to see and things to do along the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper. If you have loads of time and want to do hikes, there are many trails to choose from. We won’t get into that here because that’s an article of its own. However, if you just want to experience as much of it as you can in one day, there are a few MUST-DO stops that you don’t want to miss.

Below are some of the sights you should include on your Icefields Parkway itinerary:

Vermillion Lakes

(Located 2km from Banff or 286km from Jasper)

Located just 5 minutes west of Banff is beautiful Vermillion Lakes. There’s a short 2-km boardwalk loop, which allows you to take in the stunning sites and stretch your legs at the same time. Sunrise is popular here.

(Located 25km from Banff or 263km from Jasper)

This is one of the popular day hikes in Banff National Park. However, it will take you around 2-3 hours, so make sure you’ve built that time into your schedule. It’s a maintained trail that takes you through a canyon and up to some beautiful waterfalls. Johnston Canyon in the winter is even more spectacular.

(Located 57km from Banff or 231km from Jasper)

If you’ve made it to Banff, you’re likely planning to visit Lake Louise. After all, it’s one of the most famous sites in all of Canada. The lake itself sits in front of the Fairmont hotel and has gorgeous mountain views above the turquoise-coloured lake. There’s a variety of hikes you can do, as well as the opportunity to rent a canoe. On the other side of the Trans-Canada Highway is Lake Louise ski resort. In the winter, it offers some of the best skiing in the world, but in the summer they also offer gondola rides to the top of the mountain. It’s a great place to spot grizzly bears and also has a Wildlife Interpretive Centre at the top.

Bow Summit/Peyto Lake

(Located 100km from Banff or 188km from Jasper)

This is one of the most photographed lakes in the country. The short 2.9-km hike takes you to a viewpoint overlooking the stunning turquoise-coloured lake and the surrounding mountain valley. We highly recommend doing this! This will be your first stop along the Icefields Parkway.

Athabasca Glacier and the Columbia Icefields

(Located 185km from Banff or 103km from Jasper)

This is another must-see along the Icefields Parkway. The Columbia Icefields is one of the largest on Earth. It’s like a frozen river running down through the mountains, except it’s as deep as the oceans. It’s truly incredible. You can easily stop and view the icefield and the glaciers for free, but if you want to walk onto the glacier itself, you’ll have to pay for a Columbia Icefield tour. There are some unique walking tours as well, but for most people, the most popular thing to do is to the Glacier Adventure tour, which takes you on to the Athabasca Glacier via an all-terrain explorer. Some people may also call this area the Jasper Icefields, the Banff icefields, or even the Icefields Parkway Glacier, but the correct term is the Athabasca Glacier and the Columbia Icefields.

To guarantee your spot on the tour, you’re going to want to book in advance. The tours run like clockwork, leaving every 20 minutes or so. They start at the Columbia Icefield Visitor Centre, which also has a hotel. Here you’ll find a souvenir shop, a small restaurant, an outdoor viewing area, and various tours. The Icefield Centre also has a help desk for planning your trip around the area.

Please note that this activity is closed during the winter months. You can still pull off and admire the view, but none of the lodging, restaurants, or activities are open. 

Glacier SkyWalk (Next to the Columbia Icefields) 

While some may call this the Glacier SkyWalk Banff, it’s actually located in Jasper National Park. The Glacier SkyWalk is a glass-floor bridge that hovers 918-feet above the valley floor. It’s right next to the Columbia Icefields and is included in some of the packages offered by Pursuit. For example, a popular thing to do is to combine the Glacier Adventure Tour with the SkyWalk. For those afraid of heights, this might be a thrill as well! Please note that this closed during the winter months. 

Time to allow: 1 hour or more. 

(Located 234km from Banff or 54km from Jasper)

While there are a number of hiking trails in the area, the most popular thing to do is to walk as far as the waterfall and just admire it for as long as you want. It’s extremely popular with photographers as it features a little island just before the waterfalls, creating a fork in the river that meets back up before tumbling over the fall. Although more spectacular in the summer, it’s also beautiful in the winter.

Time to allow: 30-minutes or more

(Located 257km from Banff or 32km from Jasper)

Another extremely popular spot with photographers and tourists, this is not only a beautiful waterfall but also a small canyon that cuts through the valley. With sunlight, the water is bright turquoise, resembling that of a tropical beach. In the winter, it looks totally different as it’s covered in snow, but still very much worth the stop. 

Time to allow: 45 minutes or more

Scenic Stops along the Icefields Parkway

There are so many beautiful lookout points along the way and we’ve listed the ones we feel you MUST DO. If you see lookout points along the way not listed here, please stop and look. There are a variety of lakes right along the highway, which are also wonderful places to spend some time. Also, when you begin to drive you a mountain, you’ll notice a place to pull off and admire the view. This is the view from the picture below and we highly recommend stopping here as well.

Jasper to Banff Itinerary

Once you’ve made it to Jasper, you’ll be greeted with even more spectacular views, scenery, activities, and wildlife, as well as a thriving little mountain town with an array of restaurants, coffee shops, pubs, and shops. For more on what to do, check out our 3-day itinerary for things to do in Jasper .

Where to Stay in Jasper

If you’re up for camping, there are plenty of options for Icefields Parkway camping. Keep in mind though that they fill up very fast. You’ll want to book months in advance, especially if you’re visiting in the summer. There’s also a couple of Icefields Parkway hotels, including Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Resort and the Glacier View Inn, which is also known as the Columbia Icefield hotel. If you’re looking to be in a town with more things to do, you’ll want to stay in Jasper or Banff. Our favourite place near Jasper is located on the Icefields Parkway just 10-minutes from Jasper. It’s called Becker’s Chalets .

There’s plenty of options for Icefields Parkway accommodation, whether you’re looking for a hotel, a campground, or a place to park your RV. However, please note that the summer is EXTREMELY BUSY. Do book in advance.

Driving Distances – Icefields Parkway Driving Guide

• Banff to Columbia Icefields = 185 km (approx 2.5 hours)
• Distance from Jasper to Banff = 288 km (approx 3.5 hours)
• Distance from Calgary to Jasper = 412 km (approx 5 hours)
• Jasper to Columbia Icefields = 103 km (approx 1.5 hours)
• Distance from Banff to Jasper = 288 km (approx 3.5 hours)
• Distance from Lake Louise to Jasper = 232 km (approx 3 hours)

What To in Banff and Jasper

Banff and Jasper are two of the most beautiful areas in all of Canada. Both are small mountain towns surrounded by towering mountains and jaw-dropping scenery. Banff is the most touristy of the two and is much more accessible. Banff or Jasper are great places to experience the outdoors, with a variety of activities including hiking, camping, skiing, rafting, and much more. The Banff Jasper highway alone is a spectacular thing to do.

For more things to do in the area, check out the following articles:

• Things To Do in Banff
• Things To Do in Calgary
• Things To Do in Alberta
• Banff Restaurants
• Calgary to Banff
• Edmonton to Jasper

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About Matthew G. Bailey

Matthew G. Bailey is the founder and editor-in-chief of Must Do Canada. Growing up in Alberta to a mother from Quebec and a father from Newfoundland, Matt spent his childhood playing hockey under the Northern Lights and hanging out in the forest before moving to Calgary and travelling to more than 250 cities spanning 42 countries and 6 continents. He loves travel, learning new things, playing sports, writing, making videos, photography, and scuba diving. You can also find him at LiveLimitless.net .

Reader Interactions

October 18, 2018 at 12:54 am

Technically you can get gas at Saskatchewan Crossing. But it is a lousy stop for RV’s and the gas is SUPER expensive. The restaurant/general store also has tourist grade pricing so in a practical sense only stop there in an emergency.

Fill up at either Jasper or Banff for both food and gas.

Take your time and take in the scenery. Stay alert so you don’t hit wildlife or the occasional rock fall. And there is often cyclists on the side of the road during the summer.

October 18, 2018 at 2:55 am

Oh right! Totally forgot about that place. We always cruise by. But yeah, that’s true, plenty of places for those in an emergency, but much more sense to fill up in the towns.

November 2, 2018 at 12:31 am

I drove part of the Icefield Parkway a few years ago (from Banff to the Saskatchewan River Crossing). I think next spring/summer I need to do the whole thing. There are so many great places to stop at on this route.

November 2, 2018 at 4:24 pm

Totally, we always do it in a day, but next time I think we’ll do some hikes. Why did you go the crossing? Just for the drive?

November 2, 2018 at 12:55 am

Best trip I did so far!

November 2, 2018 at 4:23 pm

So many in Canada but this one is spectacular

November 2, 2018 at 4:34 pm

This is a great guide. Went to Jasper with the family for the first time last year and we are DEFINITELY going back!

November 2, 2018 at 6:26 pm

Thank you! We’re hoping to go in the winter for the first time!

February 18, 2020 at 3:50 am

We are staying in Lake Louise and trying to decide whether to go only as far as the Icefields Pkwy or to go on to Jasper. We have only about 24 hours (other days spent in the area). Thoughts?

February 18, 2020 at 4:16 pm

In the winter or summer? Well, it’s tough to say. I mean, the whole drive is really beautiful, as is Jasper. And the views from the Jasper Sky Tram are also incredible. But with 24 hours, it just comes down to how much time you want in the car. Up and back down the entire parkway without even stopping is 6 hours. So, toss in all the stops and any activities, and that might be a lot more. In the winter, it might take longer as well due to icy conditions.

November 2, 2018 at 9:41 pm

It’s amazing been here before when I was little, didn’t drive yet then but these are nice tips, hope to visit there again. Lake Louise is breath taking especially walking on it frozen over

November 2, 2018 at 11:13 pm

Where r u from? Yeah, we love it in the winter to. More quiet and still so beautiful

November 3, 2018 at 2:22 am

We have driven the Icefields Parkway in both directions, and each trip was different. It is well worth doing both ways!

November 3, 2018 at 2:19 pm

Totally. I love coming back down from Jasper to Lake Louise. I find it better that direction, though both are amazing of course

November 11, 2018 at 3:03 am

that picture is so gorgeous!! i can’t stop staring :’)

November 11, 2018 at 5:24 pm

I don’t blame you 🙂

August 23, 2020 at 11:50 am

Your site is very helpful and attractive. I’m probably just missing it, but I’m looking for information about traveling from Jasper to Banff by public transit or a tour company. Ideally I would like to find one that makes a stop for an couple of hours at the Ice Fields. Can you help?

August 24, 2020 at 9:40 am

Thank you! We’re constantly trying to make it better 🙂 There is a section on this page that says Banff to Jasper by Bus. Did you see that section?

November 15, 2020 at 2:51 pm

We will be traveling/visiting Banff and Jasper in late May with a rental car. Will the lake’s be frozen? Should we rent a 4/wheel drive?

November 16, 2020 at 2:37 pm

Mmmmm, it’s always hard to say as Alberta’s weather is so unpredictable. I believe the lake can possibly still be frozen, although likely not hard enough to walk on anymore. However, with the exception of Sunshine Resort, all other ski resorts close by end of April, which means the weather is too warm. So, it may or may not. But no, you wont need a 4×4. For the most part, the weather will be very mild, with maybe some light snowfalls or rain. But most of the winter requirements are done by April.

April 4, 2021 at 10:41 am

We went once and did the icefelds and the gondola it was fantastic would love to go again and see and do more.

April 5, 2021 at 2:46 pm

One of these days, one of these days🙏🏻🥰

April 23, 2021 at 3:17 pm

This is a great article, I can’t wait to try these tips out and see it all for myself!

May 25, 2021 at 4:17 pm

This stretch is on my bucket list. You guys provide so much info and I love the stops you added (including time one should take). I also like how one person commented on doing this twice- once in each direction. Fabulous idea. Stretch this adventure into a few days!

Can’t wait to be able to travel again and get back out to Alberta to do this.

August 17, 2021 at 11:57 am

I would love to visit so many places in Canada.

February 24, 2022 at 12:44 pm

I bicycled from Jasper to Banff fifty years ago and it was spectacular! My wife and I are planning the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff this September. The plan is to spend a day in Banff, then rent a car and go to Jasper, with one full day in Lake Louise. From Jasper we would drive to Calgary. Do you think one full day in Jasper is sufficient?

February 24, 2022 at 1:35 pm

Oh, nice! We love Jasper in the fall. I mean, you can certainly see the town and do an activity or two. But you can definitely do 2-3 nights in Jasper, as well. This might help: https://www.mustdocanada.com/things-to-do-in-jasper/

September 11, 2023 at 11:51 am

Thanks for the tips! We just visited from Boston, MA, USA and did the drive over two days. We drove from Fairmont Hot Springs, BC to Jasper and spent the night. Then we drove to Banff the next day. We stopped at the Athabasca Glacier and Falls the first day and had a nice dinner. The next morning we did the a 7km hike at The Valley of the Five Lakes which was beautiful! We also did some hikes at Lake Louise and Moraine, and some great small ones in Kootenay, Numa Falls, Paint Pots, and Marble Canyon. The Canyon was stunning! Can’t wait to visit again.

September 12, 2023 at 3:57 pm

Oh wow, sounds like quite the trip. You drove from Boston?

March 25, 2024 at 8:37 am

planning a milestone trip for thanksgiving weekend 2024. sounds like this is end of season…. are things usually open or closed that weekend? thinking 2 nights banff. drive and spend night in jasper drivr back to banff for another 2 night. too ambitious for that time of year?

March 25, 2024 at 12:53 pm

Canada’s thanksgiving in October? It’s still a great time. but yes, some things are closed. In Banff, everything will be open still. It’s just Jasper and I think it’s jus tthe sky tram that might eclosed. But its a wonderful drive and maybe you can time it with the Dark sKy Festival: https://www.mustdocanada.com/jasper-dark-sky-festival/

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Canada , Travel · June 25, 2023

Canadian Rockies Road Trip: Banff to Jasper Itinerary

Are you getting ready to embark on an unforgettable road trip from Banff National Park to Jasper National Park? I grew up in Alberta and lived in the Rockies, and am STILL blown away by the turquoise lakes, towering peaks, and the wonders of nature at every turn. When you check this Banff to Jasper Itinerary experience off your bucket list and travel this scenic route with awe-inspiring vistas and literal breathtaking landscapes, you’ll discover the spectacular beauty of the Canadian Rockies. 

Follow my epic travel guide with this Banff and Jasper itinerary, and get ready to immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of Banff and Jasper National Parks. I hope you’re ready for an extraordinary adventure!

Banff to Jasper Road Trip Questions

Before we get to the Banff and Jasper itinerary, I want to answer some of the most asked Banff to Jasper Road Trip Questions.

How long does it take to drive from Banff to Jasper? 

When you drive from Banff National Park to Jasper National Park, you’ll cover a distance of about 288 kilometers (179 miles). This is along the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) and Icefields Parkway (Highway 93). The duration of your drive can vary depending on a lot of factors traffic, road conditions, wildlife traffic jams (yes, that’s a real thing), and the number of stops you make along the way. 

On average, it takes about 3 to 4 hours to drive from Banff to Jasper. However, many people choose to extend their trip to fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking landscapes. You may want to make frequent stops at the various attractions and viewpoints along the way. I highly recommend you give yourself extra time so that you can fully appreciate the stunning scenery and explore the remarkable sights, transforming your drive into an unforgettable adventure. You won’t regret it!

Looking for a rental car? I’ve got you covered with these rental car options for your road trip.

What is the most scenic route from Banff to Jasper?

The journey from Banff to Jasper is along the iconic Icefields Parkway, also known as Highway 93. It is widely regarded as one of the most breathtaking drives in the world.

What is the best time of year to visit Banff and Jasper? 

The best time of year to visit Banff and Jasper National Parks really depends on your preferences and the type of experience you’re seeking. Here’s a breakdown of the different seasons:

• Summer (June to August): This is the peak tourist season when the weather is generally pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) in Banff and slightly cooler in Jasper. The summer months offer the advantage of longer daylight hours, allowing you to maximize your outdoor activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the national parks’ iconic attractions well into the evening. However, be prepared for larger crowds, more traffic, and higher accommodation prices during this time.
• Fall (September to October): Fall in Banff and Jasper is characterized by stunning foliage as the forests transform into a brilliant palette of golden hues. The weather remains mild, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). This season offers fewer crowds compared to summer, making it a great time to enjoy the beautiful landscapes, hike on scenic trails, and potentially witness wildlife during their fall migrations. This is one of my favourite times to visit because there are fewer crowds however the lakes haven’t frozen, so you still get more of that “summer” experience.
• Winter (November to March): If you’re a fan of winter activities, like skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and ice skating, then visiting Banff and Jasper during the winter season is ideal. The parks are transformed into a winter wonderland, with snow-covered peaks and frozen lakes. Temperatures can drop below freezing, ranging from -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F). Be prepared for shorter daylight hours, but you’ll have a chance to witness the stunning beauty of the parks in a peaceful and serene setting. Here are 3 Reasons to visit Banff in Winter .
• Spring (April to May): Spring in Banff and Jasper is a transitional period, where you can witness the parks coming alive with vibrant wildflowers and the return of wildlife. The temperatures gradually start to warm up, ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F), but snow and chilly weather can still be present, especially during early spring. It’s a quieter time to visit compared to summer, with opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and enjoying the emerging beauty of nature.

For the purpose of this Canadian Rockies road trip travel guide, I’m going to base the recommendations I make in my Banff and Jasper itinerary on the Summer and Fall season.

Your Ultimate Banff to Jasper Road Trip Itinerary

A road trip from Banff to Jasper offers breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies and stunning natural landscapes. Here’s a detailed itinerary for your journey, including the main route, distances, estimated driving times, and some alternative routes you can consider:

Banff to Jasper Itinerary Day 1:

• Start your road trip in Banff, Alberta.
• Drive from Banff to Lake Louise (58 km / 36 mi, approximately 45 minutes).
• Spend some time exploring Lake Louise and its famous turquoise waters. Consider hiking around the lake or visiting the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise . (*Note: during the busy summer season, many parts of the Fairmont are only accessible for hotel guests.)
• Drive from Lake Louise to the Columbia Icefield (125 km / 78 mi, approximately 1.5 hours).
• Take a guided tour onto the Athabasca Glacier or visit the Glacier Skywalk for panoramic views. Try this Full Day Icefields Parkway Tour which includes both. 
• Continue driving from the Columbia Icefield to the town of Jasper (103 km / 64 mi, approximately 1.5 hours).
• Arrive in Jasper and settle into your accommodation.

Banff to Jasper Itinerary Day 2:

• Explore Jasper National Park.
• Visit Maligne Lake (50 km / 31 mi, approximately 1 hour) and consider taking a boat tour to Spirit Island. This Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour with Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island is incredible! 
• Drive to Maligne Canyon (10 km / 6 mi, approximately 15 minute drive) and do an easy hike along the scenic canyon trails.
• Head back to Jasper and spend the evening in the town, enjoying its charming atmosphere and local restaurants.

Banff to Jasper Itinerary Day 3:

• Take a day trip to Mount Edith Cavell (45 km / 28 mi, approximately 1 hour) for stunning views of Angel Glacier.
• Hike the Path of the Glacier Trail for a closer look at the glacier and surrounding peaks (approximately 1 hour).
• Return to Jasper and explore some of the local shops and galleries or continue to Sunwapta Falls (56 km, approximately 1 hour).
• Take a short walk to view the impressive waterfalls and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. If time allows, try a River Rafting Trip on Sunwapta River .
• Return to Jasper (56 km / 34 mi, approximately 43 minutes)

Banff to Jasper Itinerary Day 4:

• Depart from Jasper and start your return journey. You may want to give yourself 1-3 more days for your return trip based on your route. *Various route options are available below.

Alternative Banff to Jasper Itinerary Return Routes:

• Icefields Parkway Loop:
• From Jasper, drive south on the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) to Lake Louise.
• Continue on Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) to Yoho National Park and visit attractions like Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls. If time allows, I recommend you do the Full-Day Yoho National Park and Grizzly Bear Refuge Tour . 
• Return to Banff via Highway 1, completing a loop. This route adds additional driving time but offers diverse scenery and more attractions.
• Highway 16 Route:
• From Jasper, drive east on Highway 16 to Hinton.
• Continue on Highway 16 to Edmonton, Alberta’s capital city.
• Explore Edmonton or continue further eastward to Saskatchewan or Manitoba.

Here are some recommendations for the Best Things to Do in Edmonton . 

What are some recommended places to eat and stay during the road trip?

During your road trip from Banff to Jasper, you’ll come across various dining and accommodation options that cater to different tastes and budgets. Here are some recommended places to eat and stay along the route.

Best Places to Eat:

• STOCK at Fairmont Banff Springs (Banff): STOCK Food + Drink is a great place to fuel up with coffee, pastries, soups and sandwiches before your road trip. Eat in or grab your goodies to go.
• Storm Mountain Lodge (near Castle Junction): Stop by this charming lodge’s restaurant for a unique dining experience. Enjoy delicious dishes made from scratch, using fresh ingredients and flavors inspired by the Canadian Rockies.
• Columbia Icefield Glacier View Restaurant (Icefields Parkway): Situated at the Columbia Icefield Visitor Centre, this restaurant offers panoramic views of the surrounding glaciers. Grab a bite while enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
• Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge (near Sunwapta Falls): This lodge features a restaurant that serves hearty meals with a focus on regional flavors. It’s a great place to relax and refuel after exploring the nearby waterfalls.

Looking for the Best Restaurants to Dine in Jasper ? Look no further!

Places to Stay:

• Fairmont Banff Springs (Banff) : This castle-like hotel offers a luxurious stay with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Experience the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains while enjoying top-notch amenities and services.
• Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (Lake Louise): A renowned luxury hotel overlooking the iconic Lake Louise, the Fairmont offers elegant accommodations, world-class dining, and a range of outdoor activities for a truly unforgettable experience.
• HI-Rampart Creek Wilderness Hostel (Icefields Parkway): For budget-conscious travelers, this wilderness hostel provides a unique experience. It’s a rustic and off-the-grid accommodation option with shared facilities, perfect for those seeking a closer connection with nature.

I’ve got an entire post dedicated to Where to Stay in Jasper, Alberta. Check it out!

Remember to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, as they can fill up quickly. Additionally, explore other lodging and dining options along the route to find establishments that suit your preferences and budget.

Banff and Jasper Itinerary: Highlights and Must-See Attractions

Here are some iconic and must-visit attractions on the Banff to Jasper route, along with information about each location, its natural features, activities, and popular outdoor adventures:

Johnston Canyon:

• Johnston Canyon is known for its stunning waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, and scenic canyon views. 
• The Johnston Canyon trail is relatively accessible, making it suitable for a wide range of visitors. The trail is well-maintained, with a mostly paved path and sturdy catwalks and bridges that provide safe passage through the canyon. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for families, casual hikers, and those looking for a shorter, less strenuous hike.
• The highlight of Johnston Canyon is the opportunity to see two beautiful waterfalls: the Lower Falls and the Upper Falls. The Lower Falls are easily accessible from the trailhead, requiring just a short walk. The Upper Falls are located further along the trail and involve a moderate uphill hike. Both waterfalls are impressive and offer great photo opportunities.

Lake Louise:

• Lake Louise is known for its stunning turquoise-colored waters, surrounded by towering mountain peaks.
• It offers scenic beauty and opportunities for photography, leisurely walks along the lakeshore, and relaxation in a serene setting.
• Visitors can hike around the lake, rent canoes to explore the waters, or enjoy a meal at the historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise .
• Popular hikes in the area include the Lake Agnes Tea House hike, Plain of Six Glaciers hike, and Big Beehive hike, offering varying levels of difficulty and panoramic views.

Moraine Lake

• Moraine Lake is renowned for its stunning turquoise-blue waters surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains and dense forests. The vibrant color of the lake, caused by rock flour suspended in the water, creates a mesmerizing visual spectacle that is truly awe-inspiring.
• The Valley of the Ten Peaks serves as a majestic backdrop to Moraine Lake, adding to its allure. The ten towering peaks provide a dramatic and picturesque scene, making it one of the most photographed locations in the Canadian Rockies.
• The area around Moraine Lake offers several hiking trails for different skill levels. The Rockpile Trail is a short hike, an easy 5 minute walk really, that provides a panoramic view of the lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks. For more adventurous hikers, trails like the Larch Valley/Sentinel Pass or Eiffel Lake offer a chance to explore the surrounding alpine landscapes.
• Please note, as of 2023 personal vehicles do NOT have access to Moraine Lake. You must take the Park & Ride Shuttle or ROAM public transit. Neither of these options are available for sunrise. If you wish to visit Moraine Lake at sunrise, this private tour of Moraine Lake at Sunrise is a great option. 

If you wish to do a day trip from Banff to visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, I highly recommend this Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Private Tour . You will be picked up from your Banff hotel and as its a return trip, you won’t need to worry about finding parking at these iconic landmarks. 

Icefields Parkway:

• The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) is a renowned scenic highway that stretches from Lake Louise to Jasper, offering breathtaking views of glaciers, waterfalls, and rugged mountain landscapes.
• It is considered one of the most scenic drives in the world.
• Along the way, you’ll encounter viewpoints like Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and Mistaya Canyon, which provide excellent photo opportunities and short walks to admire the natural beauty.
• Wildlife sightings are common, so keep an eye out for animals such as bears, elk, and mountain goats.

Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield:

• The Athabasca Glacier is a part of the Columbia Icefield, one of the largest icefields in North America.
• Visitors can take guided tours onto the glacier to explore its unique landscape of ice formations and learn about glaciology.
• The Glacier Skywalk is another attraction in the area, offering a glass-floored observation platform with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Maligne Lake:

• Maligne Lake is known for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque setting within Jasper National Park.
• Boat tours to Spirit Island are a popular activity, providing access to one of the most photographed locations in the Canadian Rockies.
• Hiking trails around Maligne Lake offer opportunities for exploration, such as the Maligne Lake Lakeshore Trail and Bald Hills Trail.
• Wildlife viewing is also common in the area, with chances to spot moose, bears, and various bird species.

Outdoor Activities:

• Hiking: There are numerous hiking trails available throughout the Banff to Jasper route, ranging from easy walks to challenging mountain hikes. Make sure to check trail conditions, bring appropriate gear, and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
• Biking: Cycling is a popular activity along the Icefields Parkway, with designated bike lanes and stunning scenery. Bicycles can be rented in Banff or Jasper.
• Wildlife Watching: The Canadian Rockies are home to diverse wildlife. Keep a safe distance and be respectful of the animals. Wildlife can often be spotted along the roadside or during hikes.
• Canoeing and Kayaking: Lake Louise, Maligne Lake, and other nearby lakes offer opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. Rentals are available at these locations.
• Photography: The entire route provides exceptional opportunities for photography. Capture the beauty of the landscapes, lakes, glaciers, and wildlife. Be prepared with the right equipment and take advantage of golden hour lighting for stunning shots. However do be aware that you are not allowed to use drones in Canada’s national parks.

It’s important to check park regulations, obtain any required permits, and be prepared for outdoor activities by carrying essential gear, water, and snacks. Stay informed about wildlife safety guidelines and practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of these areas.

More Questions about Banff and Jasper, Answered

Is it worth driving to jasper from banff.

YES! When they said ‘life is about the journey, not the destination’ I’m certain they were talking about driving from Banff to Jasper. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should not be missed. Here are a few reasons why driving the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper is worth it:

• Stunning Natural Landscapes The route between Banff and Jasper is a visual feast for nature lovers. You’ll be treated to majestic mountain peaks, pristine turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and vast glaciers. The panoramic vistas along the Icefields Parkway are simply awe-inspiring, offering endless photo opportunities and moments of pure wonder.
• Wildlife Encounters The Canadian Rockies are home to a diverse array of wildlife, and driving along this route increases your chances of spotting them. Keep your eyes peeled for elk, deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and even the elusive black bears or grizzly bears. Just remember to observe them from a safe distance and respect their natural habitat.
• Must-see Attractions and Viewpoints Along the way, you’ll encounter several must-visit attractions that are unique to this region. Stops such as beautiful Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Peyto Lake, Athabasca Glacier, and Maligne Lake offer unforgettable experiences and showcase the natural beauty that has made the Canadian Rockies famous worldwide.
• Scenic Viewpoints and Hiking Trails The Icefields Parkway is dotted with numerous scenic viewpoints and hiking trails. These stops allow you to immerse yourself in the pristine wilderness, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and appreciate the grandeur of the surrounding landscapes up close. From short walks to longer hikes, there are options available for all fitness levels and time limitations.
• Flexibility and Freedom Driving from Banff to Jasper gives you the freedom to set your own pace and explore the route at your leisure. You can stop whenever you want to take photos, stretch your legs, or simply soak in the beauty of the surroundings. It allows you to fully appreciate the journey and create your own unforgettable memories.

What is the best parking lot at Lake Louise?

The best parking lot at Lake Louise depends on what you plan to do and the time of year you’re visiting. Here are a few options:

• Park & Ride: If you prefer to avoid the congestion near the lake, you can park at the Park & Ride area across the Trans Canada Highway from the Lake Louise Village. This lot has free parking. From there, you can take the shuttle bus to the both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. The shuttle operates throughout the day. This option allows you to avoid the stress of finding parking and provides flexibility for your visit. Read more for further details about Park & Ride parking and reservations . 
• Lake Louise Lakeshore Parking Lot: I do not recommend this parking option during high season (June to September). While this parking lot is closest to the lake itself and is the most convenient if you want to take a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore or enjoy the iconic views of Lake Louise, it fills up quickly (by 7 am) during peak tourist season.

Keep in mind that during high season, parking at Lake Louise can be challenging, and the lots can fill up quickly. It’s best to arrive early in the day or consider visiting during less busy times, such as October to May, to increase your chances of finding parking.

Are there any fees or permits required for visiting the national parks?

When visiting Banff and Jasper National Parks , you will need to pay an entrance fee, which grants you access to the parks. The fees vary depending on the season and are charged per vehicle. Additionally, if you plan to visit multiple national parks and sites in Canada within a year, purchasing a Discovery Pass can offer cost savings.

For specific activities, such as backcountry camping, fishing, or guided tours, additional permits or licenses may be required. Backcountry camping permits are necessary if you plan to camp in the backcountry, and fishing licenses are required for anglers. Guided tours and activities may have separate fees and reservations, so it’s best to check with authorized operators or visit the Parks Canada website for detailed information.

Is it better to drive from Banff to Jasper or Jasper to Banff?

Driving from Banff to Jasper or from Jasper to Banff both offer unforgettable road trip experiences through the stunning Canadian Rockies. Choosing the direction depends on personal preference, timing, and itinerary. And of course which airports you are arriving into and flying out of. Driving from Banff to Jasper allows for a gradual build-up of awe-inspiring scenery, passing through attractions like Lake Louise and the Columbia Icefield. On the other hand, driving from Jasper to Banff creates anticipation as you approach the grandeur of Banff National Park and offers breathtaking views along the Icefields Parkway. Consider a circular route if possible to enjoy the best of both directions. Whichever way you choose, prepare for incredible natural beauty, wildlife sightings, and a memorable journey through the Rockies.

How many days do you need to see Banff and Jasper?

To fully experience the highlights of Banff and Jasper, I recommend a minimum of 5 to 7 days. Spend 2 to 3 days in Banff National Park, exploring attractions like Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon, and engaging in outdoor activities. Allocate a full day for the scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway, making stops at Peyto Lake and the Columbia Icefield. Reserve another 2 to 3 days in Jasper National Park to visit Maligne Lake and Athabasca Falls, and enjoy hiking and wildlife viewing. If you have more time, extend your stay to delve deeper into the natural wonders and take advantage of additional outdoor activities.

What is the weather like in Banff and Jasper?

The weather in Banff and Jasper National Parks varies depending on the season and elevation. Summers are mild to warm, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) in lower elevations. Fall brings cooler temperatures and changing foliage colors, while winters are cold with temperatures often below freezing, making it ideal for winter sports. Spring has milder temperatures, but it can still be chilly, with rapidly changing weather patterns. It’s important to check the local forecast and dress in layers to accommodate the variable conditions that can occur in the mountainous regions.

What are the safety tips and precautions for the road trip?

When embarking on a road trip through Banff and Jasper, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Here are some safety tips and precautions to consider:

• Plan and Prepare Before your trip, plan your itinerary, research road conditions, and check for any closures or advisories. Ensure your vehicle is in good working condition, including checking tires, brakes, and fluids. Pack emergency supplies, including a first aid kit, extra food and water, warm clothing, a flashlight, and a roadside emergency kit.
• Follow Traffic Rules and Speed Limits Observe and obey all traffic rules and regulations, including speed limits. Be aware of wildlife crossing areas and reduce your speed accordingly. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles and use turnouts when necessary to allow faster traffic to pass.
• Wildlife Safety Wildlife, such as elk, deer, and bears, are commonly seen in Banff and Jasper National Parks. Admire them from a safe distance and never feed or approach them. Be cautious when driving at dawn or dusk when animals are more active and may be crossing roads. Use wildlife underpasses or overpasses where available.
• Stay on Designated Roads and Trails Stick to designated roads and trails and avoid venturing into restricted or closed areas. Off-road driving is strictly prohibited and can cause irreparable damage to the environment.
• Weather Awareness Mountain weather can change rapidly, so stay informed about weather conditions and be prepared for sudden changes. Check weather forecasts, road conditions, and avalanche bulletins if traveling during winter. Adjust your plans if necessary for safety.
• Rest and Fatigue Management Take regular breaks during long drives to combat driver fatigue. Fatigue can impair reaction times and increase the risk of accidents. If feeling tired, find a safe place to pull over, rest, and rejuvenate before continuing.
• Cell Phone Coverage Be aware that cell phone coverage may be limited in certain areas, especially in remote parts of the parks. Inform someone of your travel plans and check-in with them regularly.
• Leave No Trace Respect and preserve the natural environment by practicing Leave No Trace principles. Pack out all garbage, dispose of waste properly, and avoid littering. Respect wildlife and their habitats.

Remember, safety is paramount, so exercise caution, use common sense, and be prepared for unexpected situations. Stay alert, enjoy the breathtaking scenery, and have a memorable and safe road trip through Banff and Jasper.

Banff to Jasper Itinerary

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Road Trip: Banff and Jasper National Parks, Canada

One of the crown jewels of western Canada, here you'll take in exhilarating vistas of forest, crag, and glacier.

Starting on the fringe of the Great Plains and climbing through the incomparable mountain scenery of Banff and Jasper National Parks, this magnificent drive—one of the crown jewels of western Canada—combines exhilarating vistas of forest, crag, and glacier.

The route begins near Calgary, heads west 84 miles (135 kilometers) to the border of Banff, then goes 36 miles (58 kilometers) to the northwest through the heart of Banff to Lake Louise. For 144 miles (232 kilometers), the route follows the Icefields Parkway, one of the world's most stunning roadways, farther north to Jasper. Along the way, look for elk, bears, and other wild creatures; stop to take guided hikes, tour historic buildings, and attend a campfire chat.

Begin in Cochrane

From Calgary, follow Highway 1A northwest to Cochrane, an old ranching town at the foot of the Rockies and now a Calgary bedroom community. Little of the cowboy era remains at Cochrane Ranche Historic Site (Junction of Highways 22 and 1A; tel. 1 403 932 4705), headquarters for Alberta's first large-scale ranch—a 109,000-acre (44,111-hectare) flop, founded in 1881. Other ranches thrived, of course, and an interpretive mural and bronze statue on-site celebrate both failures and triumphs.

Enter Banff National Park

To the west, Highway 1A weaves through prairie foothills and climbs along the Bow River to Trans-Canada 1 and on into the forest and grand interior mountain valleys of Canada's first national park, Banff National Park (tel. 1 403 762 1550; $9.80), established in 1885. Stretching roughly 300 miles (480 kilometers) along the jagged crest of the Canadian Rockies, Banff and the adjoining Jasper National Park take in a vast tangle of great strapping peaks, mauled by glaciers and capped by the largest ice fields south of Alaska. Meltwaters thunder from the heights, pool in gemlike alpine lakes, and rush down the forested walls of broad U-shaped valleys into powerful rivers. It's a staggering, heart-swelling landscape, rich in wildlife, laced with hiking trails, and traversed by the most spectacular system of roads in the Rockies.

An 1880s railroad town and tourist destination from the start, Banff (tel. 1 403 762 8421) lies along the Bow River in a broad valley ringed with forested peaks that dwarf a crush of hotels, restaurants, and shops. The dense evergreen trees, swift blue waters of the Bow, and an abundance of bike trails, picnic spots, and footpaths mitigate the traffic and help Banff avoid the carnival air that can mar national park gateways.

Whyte Museum

For a quick summary of Banff's human history, visit the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies (111 Bear St; tel. 1 403 762 2291; $6), which bridges the 10,000-year gulf between those who hunted huge Pleistocene mountain sheep with chert spears and the Victorian gents who tackled the same peaks in waistcoats and ties. Nearby, western Canada's oldest natural history museum, the rustic 1903 Banff Park Museum (91 Banff Ave; tel. 1 403 762 1558; fee) remains true to its era with stuffed specimens of moose, bears, bison, foxes, and dozens of birds displayed in elegant glass-fronted cabinets.

Banff Museums and Natural Sites

Across the river stands the park's administration building, a noble stone facade reminiscent of an English country house and surrounded by expansive lawns, rock grottoes, and terraced gardens. While you're in the area, stop at the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum (1 Birch Ave.; tel. 1 403 762 2388; fee) to admire the handiwork of various native peoples. Next, follow Cave Avenue west through the forest to the birthplace of Canada's national park system, Cave and Basin National Historic Site (tel. 1 403 762 1566; fee), where two hot springs bubble to the surface—one inside a cave, the other nestled against the hillside—both within a restored 1914 native stone bathing complex. Duck through a low tunnel into the cave, with its wide pool of clear sulfurous water. Admire the view from the reflecting pond, and peer into the colorful waters of the basin. Exhibits explain how this compelling spot led to the establishment of Banff.

Upper Hot Springs

Since swimming is no longer allowed at Cave and Basin, follow Mountain Avenue to Upper Hot Springs (tel. 1 403 762 1515; fee), where a historic stone bathhouse and outdoor pool face the tilted gray slabs of Mount Rundle. Nearby, the Sulphur Mountain gondola (tel. 1 403 762 2523; call for schedule, fare) climbs 2,292 vertical feet (698 meters) to a summit restaurant, trails, and knockout alpine vistas.

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Back in Banff, follow Banff Avenue across the bridge to Spray Avenue, then drive up to the 1928 Fairmont Banff Springs hotel (405 Spray Ave.; tel. 1 403 762 2211; fee for tours, offered daily in summer excluding Sundays). Pick up a map in the lobby and wander through this colossal stone palace—rustic, elegant, and a bit medieval. In 1941 a week of room, board, and golf, plus a round-trip first-class train ticket from San Francisco, cost $145.75.

Lake Minnewanka

Northeast of Banff, follow the five-mile (eight-kilometer) loop road toward Lake Minnewanka, an immense, fjordlike lake cradled between massive peaks, and explore the remains of Bankhead, an old coal-mining town. Then head north on the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A). A slower, quieter route than Trans-Canada 1, it still delivers you to Lake Louise in about an hour, offering better views of the mountains and a far better chance of seeing elk, deer, coyotes, and bears.

Johnston Canyon

Along the way, hike up Johnston Canyon (16 miles/25 kilometers northwest of Banff), a narrow limestone chasm with two thundering waterfalls. Crowded but worth it, the spectacular 1.6-mile (2.7-kilometer) trail veers out over the rushing water on catwalks bolted to the cliffs. Admire the immensely powerful falls, amid the blast and spray and percussive, gut-thumping crash of exploding white water.

Lake Louise

To reach Lake Louise, follow Highway 1A past the Lake Louise townsite, cross the river, and climb through steep subalpine forests to the jammed parking areas below the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel (tel. 1 403 522 3511), a massive, cream-colored edifice walling off the eastern lakeshore. Rubberneck the lobby, then amble out to the dazzling shoreline. The lake itself stretches off between high, knobby peaks to the abrupt wall of glacier-clad Mount Victoria, which soars 11,365 feet (3,464 meters). Take the shoreline path to the end of the lake and back (3.1 miles/5 kilometers), or hike up to the teahouse at Plain of Six Glaciers (3.4 miles/5.5 kilometers). Follow the cutoff to Moraine Lake, a luminescent turquoise gem nestled beneath a long row of crumbling summits that form the Valley of the Ten Peaks.

Lake Louise Visitor Centre

Back in town, stop by the Lake Louise Visitor Centre (tel. 1 403 522 3833) for a geology summary of the Canadian Rockies. Out back, you'll find the start of the Bow River Loop, a 4.3-mile (7-kilometer) interpretive trail. For a grandstand vista of the glacier-capped peaks, glide up the flanks of Mount Whitehorn on the Lake Louise Sightseeing Lift & Gondola (tel. 1 403 522 3555; May to Sept.; fee).

Icefields Parkway

Most people find it hard to tear away from Lake Louise, but a great swath of sensational country awaits north along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93). Named for the Columbia Icefield and the squadron of glaciers visible along the route, the parkway bowls along for 143 miles (227 kilometers), passing through long, forested river valleys cradled by walls of dazzling peaks. Drivers frequently spot elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black and grizzly bears, wolf, or caribou. After about 21 miles (34 kilometers) of forest and crag, pull over beside Bow Lake for a good look at Crowfoot Glacier clinging to the scabrous cliffs of Crowfoot Mountain. From the lake's north end, you can make out Bow Glacier Falls, a ferocious cascade plummeting nearly 400 feet (120 meters). A 3-mile (4.7-kilometer) trail leads to its base.

Mistaya Canyon

At Bow Summit, follow the spur road west and stroll to where Peyto Lake Viewpoint overlooks a creamy blue lake, its glacial source, and the broad, forested valley of the Mistaya River. Continue past Waterfowl Lakes, and walk down to Mistaya Canyon, a sinuous fissure so narrow and deep you may have trouble seeing the water that crashes through it.

Saskatchewan River Crossing

At Saskatchewan River Crossing, pick up the gravelly bed of the North Saskatchewan River and begin a climb toward the treeless alpine zone. Not far beyond the Weeping Wall (the damp brow of curving limestone to your right), the road makes a sharp curve and begins a steep ascent. As you round its northern flank, consider hiking to the crest of Parker Ridge, a fairly strenuous climb to a panoramic vista of the Saskatchewan Glacier, curving down from the edge of the vast Columbia Icefield.

Enter Jasper National Park

Soon you cross Sunwapta Pass into Jasper National Park (tel. 1 780 852 6176; fee), descending to the toe of Athabasca Glacier, a broad ramp of ice and snow slanting down between Mount Athabasca (on the left) and Snow Dome. Signs along the spur road record the pace of its retreat during the past hundred years. Hike to the edge of the glacier, but don't venture onto the ice without a qualified guide—the crevasses are deep, and people have died in them.

Columbia Icefield Centre

Across the highway, learn about glacial mechanics at the Columbia Icefield Centre (tel. 877 423 7433; www.columbiaicefield.com ), a thronged activity complex where you can grab a bite, book a tour of the glacier via Ice Explorer (all-terrain vehicle), or visit the best natural history museum in either park. A large three-dimensional model of the Columbia Icefield clearly shows its extent (100 square miles/259 square kilometers) and its three meltwater drainages (Arctic, Atlantic, Pacific). Other displays examine wildlife of the alpine zone and explain how glaciers form, grow, and retreat.

Sunwapta River

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Follow the Sunwapta River northwest as it rushes down into the forest and gathers strength from countless creeks and waterfalls spilling from the Winston Churchill Range to the west. Peer over the cliffs at Sunwapta Falls, a great ripping blast of foam, then coast along the Athabasca River to Mounts Fryatt, Brussels, and Christie viewpoints. With a natural mineral lick on both sides of the road, the nearby Goats and Glaciers viewpoint is one of the park's most dependable sites for spotting mountain goats. Next, turn onto Highway 93A and take in Athabasca Falls, usually crowded, and for good reason. Here, the river's milky blue waters funnel into a chasm and break into a creamy plume of white water with Mount Kerkeslin as a backdrop. Several miles farther north, take the slow, 9-mile (14-kilometer) side trip to the base of Mount Edith Cavell, a vast wall of dark gray rock and snow that sweeps upward nearly a vertical mile from the parking area. Angel Glacier spills from the cliffs like an immense petrified waterfall, and two loop trails beckon.

Then it's on to Banff's northern counterpart, Jasper (tel. 1 780 852 3858), a turn-of-the-century railroad town and resort area that lies along the Athabasca River within sight of four mountain ranges. Small lakes—some warm enough for a dip—dot the valley floor, and trails for walking and biking loop throughout.

Jasper Tramway

For an aerial view, board the Jasper Tramway (south of town off Highway 93; tel. 1 780 852 3093. April-Oct.; fare), soar over the steep northern face of Whistlers Mountain, and walk a short distance to the summit through wildflowers. Jasper lies about 4,300 feet (1,311 meters) below, the Columbia Icefield shines to the south, and you might catch a glimpse of Mount Robson to the west. The view can leave you speechless.

Maligne Canyon

Southeast of town, Maligne Canyon (follow signs off Trans-Canada 16) cuts across the forest floor as a deep, serpentine crack where the Maligne (muh-LEEN) River slips, pools, swerves, and drops among potholes, hollows, and smooth overhanging walls of limestone. Loiter or hike along the brink, then continue beside the river past Medicine Lake to Maligne Lake, the region's longest (13.7 miles/22 kilometers) and deepest (318 feet/97 meters). Book a 90-minute cruise (Maligne Tours; tel. 1 780 852 3370; June-Sept.; reservations advised; fee) and glide down this narrow lake toward the bulky, glaciated peaks that crowd its southern shore.

Mount Robson Provincial Park

If there's time, consider a half-day side trip into Mount Robson Provincial Park (55 miles/88.5 kilometers west on Trans-Canada 16; tel. 1 255 566 4325) to see 12,972-foot (3,954-meter) Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and a stunner even after you've grown blasé about mountains.

The best time to drive this mountainous route is June to September. For local weather conditions, see www.weatheroffice.gc.ca . For general information about Banff, see www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/index_e.asp ; for general information about Jasper, see www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper/index_e.asp . Do not expect to find a vacant campsite in Banff or Jasper National Parks after 4 p.m.; reservations are advised (tel. 877 737 3783; www.pccamping.ca ). You should visit popular sites before 10 a.m. or in the early evening to avoid crowds.

—Text by Thomas Schmidt, adapted from National Geographic's Driving Guides to America: Canada (1st ed.)

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Vancouver & the Canadian Rockies Road Trip Planner

Snowy peaks, rushing rivers, and vineyard-lined valleys. Elaborate totem poles rising from the rainforest. Waterfront cities buzzing with outdoor cafés. Whales breaching and seals sunning just offshore. Clichés? Perhaps. But in Canada’s most naturally spectacular region, these clichés are true. Stretching from Vancouver to the Rockies, western Canada is tailor-made for a road trip.

In Vancouver, an active city bordering the mountains and the sea, begin your trip by strolling or cycling through a 1,000-acre (400-hectare) rainforest park and exploring diverse cultures, from the original aboriginal inhabitants to modern-day communities that reflect the city’s position on the Pacific Rim.

A 90-minute ferry ride across the Strait of Georgia, Victoria retains its British roots even as it has morphed into a contemporary city. It’s now known as much for its locally produced wine, beer, and spirits as for its tradition of afternoon tea. Beyond Victoria, opportunities abound for exploring Vancouver Island’s forests, waterways, and dramatic coastal regions.

Back on the mainland, the Sea-to-Sky Highway is one of Canada’s most beautiful short drives, winding along the coast between Vancouver and Whistler. North America’s largest winter sports mecca, Whistler is nearly as busy in spring, summer, and fall, with hikers, cyclists, and other adventurers exploring the peaks and lakes.

Travel east from Vancouver to the sunny Okanagan Valley, with its string of freshwater lakes, orchards, and Canada’s only desert—and more than 200 wineries lining its back roads.

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From the Okanagan, head to the Rocky Mountains. The Trans-Canada Highway passes through several of British Columbia’s mountain national parks, including Mount Revelstoke, Glacier, Yoho, and Kootenay, each more dramatic than the last.

Just across the provincial border in Alberta are the marquee destinations of any western Canada road trip: Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper. The region’s best scenic drive takes you along the Icefields Parkway, with its incredibly blue lakes and the largest area of glacial ice in the Canadian Rockies.

Once you’ve had your fill of hiking, rafting, and savoring the mountain vistas, continue on to the gateway city of Calgary, which not only hosts Canada’s biggest annual cowboy party but also offers distinctive museums and a pretty riverfront promenade. Or follow the southern route back toward Vancouver, exploring the Kootenays’ funky mountain towns and detouring along B.C.’s Hot Springs Highway.

From the ocean to the mountains, there’s plenty to experience, taste, and enjoy. Let’s hit the road.

High season in Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies runs from May through October, when most attractions and roads are open and the weather is generally warm and sunny. July and August are the region’s peak travel months, with the sunny, temperate conditions balancing out the big crowds and high prices.

Ask the locals about the best time to visit the Canadian Rockies, though, and everyone will say September. The summer crowds begin to abate, the weather is still mild, and the trees take on their fall colors. Temperatures can remain pleasant into October, though the nights get colder, and snow frequently begins in late October or early November.

While the long days and fewer tourists make May and June a reasonable alternative for a Rockies trip, prepare for more rain than in the summer. You might have occasional damp days on the coast, but the Rockies can be hit with a “June monsoon” when the rain turns heavy. These showers bring spring flowers, so pack a raincoat and get outdoors anyway.

Winter is mild in Vancouver and Victoria; rain is common from November through March, but snow is unusual. As soon as you rise above coastal elevations, winter travelers should prepare for heavy snow. It snows a lot in the mountains of B.C. and in the Canadian Rockies, when severe weather can close highway mountain passes. Always check the forecast before you hit the road.

Before You Go

If you’re traveling in the summer, particularly in July and August, consider booking your hotel reservations in advance. Many of the national park campgrounds fill up early, so reserving a campsite for summer or holiday travel is also a smart idea. Car reservations are recommended on B.C. Ferries in the summer as well.

Visitors to Yoho National Park should note that two park activities require advance reservations and careful attention to the reservations procedure and deadlines: visiting Lake O’Hara and touring the Burgess Shale fossil beds. Refer to the Yoho National Park section in Moon Vancouver and Canadian Rockies Road Trip for specifics.

Carolyn B. Heller

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Moon Vancouver & Canadian Rockies Road Trip

by Carolyn B. Heller

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Planning A Summer Road Trip in the Canadian Rockies

“Hey Guys! We just finished a road trip in Country X and it was the best drive of our travels so far”

I’m sure you’ve read this line umpteen times in our posts over the past couple of years. It’s no secret that we love road trips, but it so happens that every once in a while, we go on a gorgeous road trip that knocks our socks off. Amongst the dozens of road trips we’ve been on, our most scenic experiences have included our  road trip through Bavaria , our drive through  Iceland , and the few weeks spent driving though New Zealand . Our epic road trip to Leh Ladakh  was definitely THE most scenic of the lot.

That is till we found ourselves in the Canadian Rockies! You’ve probably guessed by now what’s coming next. Yes, you’re right! Our road trip in Canada has been the impressive drive of our life. YET. That’s sure to change in the future as we discover more of this crazy world 🙂

This road trip wasn’t even part of our grand North and Central America plan to begin with! It so happened that our Alaska cruise ended in Vancouver, and some of our friends showed us a picture of a turquoise lake nestled in the mountains. Water so turquoise that it prompted me to say “definitely photoshopped”. We were so intrigued by this image that we read more and more about Banff and Jasper national parks and decided, on a whim, to take a week long detour to the gorgeous province of Alberta. Well, it turns out, the photo of the lake wasn’t photoshopped. This is what we saw a few days ago:

Now after looking at these photos, can you blame us for getting tempted to plan this short road trip to the Canadian Rockies? And you know what, we must have seen hundreds of such picturesque sights throughout our week long sojourn in the Rockies! Now that we are all set to say goodbye to the pristine beauty of this region, we thought we’d take you on a visual treat through Banff and Jasper national parks, and truth be told, relive our magical week there too 🙂

Planning a Road Trip in the Canadian Rockies

Winter affords a variety of magical activities including snowshoeing, skiing, sleigh rides but summer is when the bears wake up and elks come out to play. There are a number of activities – hiking, canoeing, fishing, and boating on offer. Roads, alleys, even highways are laden with flowers – pristine daisies, colourful flowers, and Alberta’s characteristic wild roses. Moreover the lakes, being glacially fed, acquire their distinctive blue colour only in June when they are full. Soaring cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and azure blue skies all melt to make perfect frames. Trust us, you can’t make this up. Don’t believe us? Here you go:

Here’s our suggested 1 week itinerary (easily customisable to 10 days) for a road trip in Alberta Canada. Of course you could spend weeks exploring this gorgeous corner of our planet, but a week offers a perfect introduction to the area without breaking the bank 😉

Quick Top tips for a road trip in the Canadian Rockies

• Stock up on non-perishable snacks in Calgary. Supermarkets can get quite expensive in Banff and Jasper and are hard to find
• You will want to stop every 10 minutes because the scenery wows. Factor that into driving times
• If your nationality is allowed to, apply for ETA Canada online. If your nationality is not applied to online, make sure you get your visa stamped in your passport.
• Buy passes online to prevent wasting time at the entry gates
• There are lots of cable car rides in the area. If you want to go on one gondola ride, make it the Jasper Sky Tram
• If you want to choose just one hike, make it Peyto Lake
• Don’t pay for a wildlife tour – bear sightings are common in both national parks. We spotted plenty of bears on the day we drove the Icefields Parkway.
• Day 5, Day 5, Day 5 🙂

Day 1 Fly to Calgary and pick your rental car

The most logical place to start a road trip to Banff and Jasper is Calgary. It’s well connected domestically and internationally and is only a short 2 hour drive from the fairytale town of Banff.

We picked up our rental car at Calgary airport. We can’t stress enough on the need for a car when exploring this region. There are plenty of tour agencies who ferry tourists to majors attractions, but trust us when we say, you’ll be missing out on a WHOLE lot if you don’t drive yourself through the Canadian Rockies. We rented our car with Hertz – make sure you book in advance if travelling during the summers!

The night was spent at a hotel nearby, all set for an early morning start. I stayed put at the hotel but Vid did nip out for a sunset shot or two under the ruse of “wanting to get comfortable behind the wheel of a new car” (these photographers, I tell you :-)):

Stay : We stayed overnight at Clique Airport Hotel when we got to Calgary. Just like with Banff and Jasper, hotels were booked out in Calgary. On comparing the prices and availability with other sites, we found a decent deal on  Clique hotel , which is a great option close to the airport – it’s affordable, modern and clean. It also offers free parking for guests – perfect if you’re renting a car.

Days 2-4 Explore Banff National Park

We started early to drive to Banff National Park. The drive is gorgeous but the real fun begins on getting to Banff. 3 nights are enough to explore Banff National Park. You need to purchase a park pass (CAD 9.8/day) to enter the national parks. Once that’s done, many of the attractions, public toilets, and parking are free.

Here are some of our favourite and not-so-favourite things to do in the area:

• Lake Moraine : Let this be the first thing you see in the area. Lake moraine’s sparkling turquoise waters will seduce you within seconds
• Lake Louise and Gondola Ride : It’s easy to combine your visit to Lake Moraine with a gondola ride at Lake Louise. The experience is said to afford incredible views of the area- we are sure it’s stunning in winter but it’s a bit underwhelming in summer. The gondola ride costs CAD35, so we’d suggest skipping it!
• Short cruise on Lake Minnewaka : It’s impossible to be all laked out in this area – there are dozens of lakes in the national park, each one better than the last. Minnewaka is the largest lake in Banff. Expect incredible mountain scenery, rocky cliffs,  and emerald green waters. If you’re lucky you might spot grizzly bears and bald eagles too! An hour long cruise costs CAD 60 but there are longer wine and cheese cruises if you have an evening to spend in the area. If you’re short on time, you could skip this cruise and opt for one in Jasper instead.
• Bow Valley Parkway : When driving from Banff to Lake Louise, venture onto Highway 1A, also known as Bow Valley Parkway . It’s a very scenic drive and affords great views of Bow river that meanders through the valley alongside the parkway. There are plenty of gorgeous hikes and trails here.
• Johnston Canyon : Situated half an hour away from Banff on Bow Valley Parkway, this is a really nice, albeit crowded, hike through a gorge. It’s an easy trail to the Lower Falls, and if you want moderate exercise, make your way to the Upper Falls. We did, and it was fun!
• Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake scenic loop drive : This stunning drive starts very close to Banff town and loops through Two Jack Lake, Jackson Lake, and Minnewanka Lake. We were told that it’s a great little drive to spot wildlife and it didn’t disappoint! While we didn’t spot any grizzlies, we did spot elks, deer, and lots of birds.
• Banff Town : Walk through the picturesque town of Banff and soak in the hustle bustle of the area. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes to grab lunch here.
• Take a tour : If you’re in Banff for a longer time, take a tour that suits your interests. You could opt for a helihike to a nearby glacier, go canoeing on Bow River, or go for a horse ride in the area.

Stay :  Try to find accommodation in Banff. Fairmont is a great option if you enjoy luxury hotels. But do beware accommodation in Banff is extremely limited and runs out months in advance. We couldn’t get a single hotel room in Banff during the month of August. So we chose the neighbouring town of Canmore as a base and stayed at Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge . Double rooms will set you back by CAD 170/night (not including breakfast). The rooms were spacious and comfortable but not particularly luxurious. However the location was great to get on to the highway to Banff quickly.

Day 5 – Drive the Icefields Parkway and explore glaciers

For the two of us, this day was definitely the highlight of the entire road trip. If you, like us, are exploring Banff and Jasper on your road trip of the Canadian Rockies, then spend day 5 driving from Banff to Jasper. The route is home to the uber-scenic Mountain roadway called Icefields Parkway . This 230 km road is one of the most scenic roads in the world. You could cover it in 4 hours or so, but that would be criminal as you’d be missing out on so much! Take your time (and LOTS of it) driving this stretch.  Here are a few pit stops you must  make along the way:

Now there are dozens of lakes in the area and you’ll cross a few as soon as you start driving the ice fields Parkway but resist the temptation to stop- instead save that time for bow lake, which is truly as gorgeous as they come. The glistening waters of the lake are truly spectacular on a sunny day. There are loads of picnic benches next to the lake, so it’s a perfect spot for brunch.

2.Peyto Lake

Travelling extensively has spoilt us rotten – these days we seldom find panoramas that knock our socks off but Peyto lake is definitely one of them. A short 10 minute hike takes visitors to a vantage point but don’t stop there. Carry on for another 10 minutes on the main trail and then for another 5 minutes on a small alpine trail that leads to another, much more scenic, view of the lake. It’s so gorgeous, we were transfixed to the spot for the good part of an hour!

3.Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre

For stunning views of the glacier and surrounding valley and some gorgeous photos hop on the Glacier Skywalk (CAD32, 15 minutes) or the Glacier Adventure (CAD65, 80 minutes).Here you can actually walk on the Athabasca Glacier after a short drive in a specially designed monster truck.

You can actually drive quite close to the glacier for free. There’s a parking lot which offers decent views of the glacier. However you need to take one of these tours in order to get ON the glacier itself . It’s worth booking tickets in advance as the tours are quite popular during summer months. You could definitely skip the Glacier Skywalk but do try and go on the Glacier Adventure where a monster truck will transport you to the middle of Athabasca Glacier!

And don’t forget that this stretch of the park is home to lots of animals and birds, so drive carefully and be attentive. You never know when a bear or mountain goats spring onto the highway from nowhere. Always keep your eyes on the road as it’s easy to get distracted. We spotted tons of beautiful wildlife on this day.

Stay : You’ll undoubtedly be tired at the end of this day, what with all that driving. Make sure you book your accommodation in Jasper at least 6 months in advance as accommodation as Jasper runs out quickly during peak summer months. Fairmont  offers great rooms with views to boot. Try to find a hotel in Jasper but if you can’t, we suggest accommodation in nearby Hinton – it offers easy access to the Jasper National Park.

Day 6:  Explore downtown Jasper and drive to Maligne Lake

Jasper National Park is the largest park in the Canadian Rockies. Banff is prettier while Jasper is more rugged and handsome. Jasper is a charming lil town with a few restaurants, supermarkets, and panoramic views of the Rockies. Spend a lazy morning walking around town after the long drive on Day 5.

If you’re up for a bit of a drive then head to Maligne Lake. The sparkling lake is home to a tiny “island” called Spirit island (technically a peninsula but turns into an island when the lake’s water level rises) and it’s easy to spend a couple of hours there. We took a lake cruise at Maligne – it’s a fun tour that lasts 1.5 hours and offers an opportunity to acquaint oneself with little corners of the lake and the spellbinding scenery all around.

Rest in the afternoon and set off on an aimless drive to experience some gorgeous panoramas during sunset. Trust us when we say this, you could drive to any part of the park and find yourself in paradise. We went on an aimless drive to Athabasca falls and loved watching the sun set over the gushing walls.

Day 7: Jasper’s Skytram and Athabasca Falls

You have a long drive back to Calgary the next day, so it’s best to take it easy. We enjoyed a well-deserved lie-in and lazed around till noon on Day 7 🙂 We boarded the Jasper Skytram in the afternoon, and were pleasantly surprised on getting to the top. The sun was shining bright and there was a nip in the air – perfect weather to relax and enjoy the spectacular view of Jasper town below. An afternoon well spent!

Day 8- Drive back to Calgary

We started early in order to catch sunrise at Sunwapta Falls , an hour’s drive from Jasper. Seeing the ochre sun rising up form the mountains right behind the falls was the perfect start to the day!

We were so glad we started early from Jasper on this day. The first 2-3 hours of the drive were breathtaking. Scenes appeared in front of us as if right out of a painting – empty roads winding through the valley as the rising sun lit the valley in orange hues and clouds hung around low as if hugging the trees. Vid must have taken at least 50 photos in a span of 30 minutes.

Brunch spot for the day was at Waterfowl Lake that offered perfect reflections of the peaks that rose across from us – could not have asked for a better spot to munch on our sandwiches 🙂

There’s so much to see and soak in when driving the Icefields Parkway that one day is just not enough.A lot of people start at Calgary, drive to Banff and Jasper, and then continue on to Edmonton before flying out from there. That’s why we recommend flying in and out of Calgary so that you get to drive this scenic road twice!

Stay : We reached Calgary by brunch and spent our last night at Clique Hotel, before flying out of Calgary

Budgeting for this road trip

Expect to spend CAD 2500-2700 for 2 people on a week long road trip in the Canadian Rockies. You will spend approximately CAD200 on fuel, CAD700 on car rental, CAD900 on good mid-range accommodation, CAD500 on food & drink, CAD 150 on national park fees, and CAD200+ on activities and tours. Of course this cost is heavily dependent on the season you travel in, the kind of tours and hotels you choose, and the number of people in your group. It will increase if you dine out a lot or opt for luxury accommodation. It will decrease significantly if you travel in a group and share car rental and accommodation costs. These prices are for a trip taken during peak season in August 2016. Prices in the low season will be significantly lower.

There you have it – our itinerary for one of our most favourite road trips so far. Have you driven in the Canadian rockies? We’re sure you loved it as much as we did, yes? 😀

*All costs true of August 2016.

Want to see where all we have driven? Read about all our road trips

Are you crazy about road trips too? Here are some of our favourites:

Carnivals and Beaches: A Road Trip Through Spain

Lions and Wineries: A Road Trip Through South Africa

The Land of Game of Thrones: A Road Trip Through Croatia

Picture Postcards Everywhere: A Road Trip Through New Zealand

Glaciers and Icebergs:   A Road Trip Through Iceland

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209 thoughts on “ planning a summer road trip in the canadian rockies ”.

Nice post.All these spots are beautiful & gorgeous. Truly picturesque….

Thanks a million Anant 🙂

We want to take a trip next year and was trying to decide on a planned tour or doing a drive. We have just retired and a little nervous because we only speak English. Will there be a language problem for us. We had thought about the middle of June. Do we still have to worry about snow ? You have really got me interested in doing our own thing.

You’ll be just fine with English in Canada 🙂 There won’t be snow in mid-June, at least not on the majority of the roads that you’ll be driving 🙂

Trust us, you’ll have a great trip 🙂

Could you tell what passes you are referring to that we should buy online?

These are passes for the national parks – Banff and Jasper – you need to buy passes if you’re spending time in these national parks 🙂

I’d LOVE to do a road trip, this is awesome you really made the trip with this one. Road trips can be awesome, I need one asap! x

Thanks – you should definitely plan a road trip, especially to Banff National Park if and when you get a chance 🙂

Your pictures are absolutely breathtaking!!! I love road trips so much 🙂

Thanks Lubka – Banff and Jasper National Parks are stunning they made our job of capturing them on camera easy 🙂

Fantastic landscapes! Lots of amazing photos, but the deer with the rainbow is extra special.

Thanks Galina – I think spotting wildlife made our road trip in the Canadian Rockies uber special 🙂

WOW your pics are SO amazing, super pretty. I’ve never thought of doing a road trip in Canada but I am super in love with these pics! xx

Thanks Olivia – we always head to a warm place for a holiday, so Canada wasn’t on our radar till recently. But we’re so glad we went! I hope our post persuades you to make a trip to that corner of the world 🙂

Wow what an absolutely amazing trip – I love the colour of the water and that pic of you on the glacier in the red chair is just awesome. I’m off to follow you on insta now x

Thanks a ton Sam – so happy to hear that 🙂 Fun fact – The water of the lakes in the area is THAT blue because of glacial silt and rock flour that accompanies glacial water to the lakes every summer 🙂

OMG Those waterfalls look absolutely INCREDIBLE. Definitely a breath taking trip to pop on my bucket list! xxx

Thanks Laura – the waterfalls were amazing but it was the lakes at Banff National Park that stole our hearts 🙂

Oh my goodness those photos are so amazing!!! Some of them don’t even look real they are so crisp and perfect!!

Thanks Francesca – being married to a professional travel photographer helps eh 😉

Being Canadian, I actually laughed out loud at this comment!

Lol Susan – then you’d know those panoramas lend themselves very well to stunning photos 🙂

Yes, they do but it was your add “eh” at the end of the sentence – a true giveaway of being in Canada 🙂

I would love a road trip like this. Looks so beautiful . Fantastic photos

Thanks a ton Beth – so happy to hear you enjoyed going through the photos 🙂

My friend’s went to Canada for their honeymoon! They said it was the BEST! H x

It’s the perfect place for a honeymoon – picture-postcard panoramas at every turn 🙂

I just turned to the screen round to my hubby and went ‘wow’… seriously amazing photos and scenery which is out of this world x

Yay – so happy to hear that Rachel – driving around Banff National Park and Jasper National Park was dreamy – we did not want to leave 🙂

Wow I can’t even believe that these images are real, Canada looks out of this world beautiful. I would love to capture the landscapes.

Thanks Ana – I’m sure you’d do an amazing job at capturing the landscapes 🙂

Oh my god those views are insane, your photos are incredible. I’d love to go to the Canadian Rockies x

Thanks Rhian – we weren’t expecting the Canadian Rockies to be this special because no one ever talks about them, but they’re well and truly special 🙂

Your trip sounded so nice. I love those views of the landscapes. It would be so cool to check out the national parks.

Thanks a ton Liz – I’m sure you’ll love driving through the Canadian Rockies 🙂

Now you have confused me to choose between south africa, new zealand or Canada next year ?

Hehe that’s a really tough choice Kamakshi – New Zealand and Canada are both STUNNING. Choose NZ if you have 2 weeks or more and Canada if you have a week. South Africa, on the other hand, offers experiences like safaris and sun-hazed beaches which are missing from Canada. If that’s the kind of thing you like, South Africa it is 🙂

We did the same trip 2 months ago and like you mentioned this is by far the best place we’ve been to! The locals say Lake Louise freezes in winter and people go ice skating on the lake! Can’t wait to go back!

So glad we aren’t the only ones to feel that way Priyanka 🙂 We’re currently talking about re-visiting the area during winter months

Savi and Vid thanks so much for this amazing guideline to travel. Seems you guys are living the dream life and making the world so jealous but at the same time helping them a lot too :). We just took the Bavarian Alps trip following your basic guidelines for the trip and adding a few more points for ourselves and it was amazing ! I would reallly want to know which camera and lenses is Vid using for these spectacular photos. They blow my mind away !

Hey Neha – thanks a million. You must send us photos from your roadtrip to Bavaria at bruisedpassports at gmail dot com. We use a Nikon D610 for all our photos. I use the camera with 4 different lenses – all details in our article on Travel and Photography Essentials https://www.bruisedpassports.com/featured/travel-photography-essentials

We were thinking of making a trip to Banff and Jasper this summer.. But now its confirmed.. We Have To Go..!! Thanks for the super helpful itinerary..I hope mid September is still not too late. I heard the night skies in Jasper are amazing, just cannot wait to see all that beauty ?

Hey Sravani – we hear it’s great in September too 🙂 The night skies are truly amazing. Send us photos from your trip to the Canadian Rockies in September

Wow, breathtaking landscapes! Banff has been on my list for a while now, you guys put it right on the top after this post 🙂 Btw, do you guys have an international driver’s permit? Could you briefly describe the procedure to get the same? Thanks a lot!

Hey Anu – any driving license works fine, as long as it’s in English. If it’s not in English, you will need to get an international driver’s permit 🙂

The pictures are breathtaking. You guys define Travel goals! Couple goals! GOALS! 🙂

PS – Canada. 2017. Same time. Thanks to you guys!

Damn, thanks a ton for all the love Aaditya. You MUST send us photos from Canada next year – we’d love to share them with our readers 🙂

You give us goals!! So picturesque!

Thanks a million Nisha 😀

Breathtaking pictures …Canada is such a beauty

Thanks guys -we really enjoyed our time there 🙂

Absolutly breathtaking beautiful photos – wow this look amazing! I would love to do this one day. xx

Thanks Anna – we won’t forget this road trip in the Canadian Rockies for a long long time to come 🙂

Wow absolutely stunning pictures! My sister in law has been to Canda many times but only ever in the winter as they go skiing but she always raves about what a beautiful country it is and says she would love to go in the summer one of these days. That lake is stunning, need to add this to my list of things to see

The lakes of Banff and Jasper National Parks are definitely the highlight of a visit to the Canadian Rockies 🙂

No I haven’t but your photos are making me want to. What an adventure.

You must go if you like nature (and LOTS of it) on your holidays 🙂

Hey guys, thanks for sharing the extremely gorgeous pictures of your trip. It is so surreal to see these pictures on the fone, I can hardly imagine the feel of experiencing it. Your post brought a constant smile on my face throughout. I wish you two many more, happy and enchanting trips for life.

P.S. I absolutely loved the Bavarian road trip post too.

P.P.S. sorry for a long comment. Couldnt contain the excitememt.

Thanks a million for your comment Surya- we love long comments from our readers, so there’s absolutely no need to apologise. This was a magical roadtrip – aah! 🙂

Sounds like a trio of a life time! We love to visit the Canadian Rockies as a family. It’s so scenic!

Thanks a ton – it’s very family-friendly and kids are catered for everywhere. You should definitely visit 🙂

Love the pictures! Husband and I are Canadians and live in Toronto – and Canadian Rockies are definitely on our list but you know how it is when it’s your homeland – you keep pushing it down the list in favour of more exotic, further destinations. After 4 years of traveling to different continents, I think it’s time we see our country :). Maybe next summer….thanks for this post! Definitely reminded me how beautiful Canada is.

That’s so true Naima – you should definitely make a trip to see the Canadian Rockies. Do send us photos when you go 🙂

Great recap of your trip to the Canadian Rockies! You’ve covered the best of the attractions. I can never get enough of these lakes and mountains, be it in summer or winter! I’m fortunate to live in Calgary and enjoy these natural wonders. Glad you made it to this side of the world! Safe travels!

Thanks Smitha – what a gorgeous place to call home 🙂 Aah

I would love to visit Canada one day, it looks seriously awesome!

It’s a gorgeous country Tara – we can’t wait to go back and explore more 🙂

OMG! The views are just amazing! What a place to visit! Stunning, simply stunning!

Thanks a ton Agata 🙂

This road trip is on my bucket list. It looks so beautiful.

Thanks Dannii 🙂 Hope you make it there soon

This place seems magical and the credit goes to vid’s expertise with the camera !!!! The beauty definitely leaves me spell bound and so are the posts .. They are so well written and put up !!!! Kudos !!!

Thanks for appreciating the hard work that goes into maintaining the blog Kushagr. The Canadian Rockies are magical and I had an amazing time capturing them 🙂

Wow I would so love to do this road trip! Hopefully one day x

Hey Hannah – hope you make it to the Canadian Rockies soon. I know you’ll love them 🙂

Savi and vid , I have been following you guys for a year now and could not resist my first comment now . Truly you guys are amazing . We are travel junkies and love to travel and this blog has been a fantastic resource in planning our trips . The funny thing is you guys posted the Peru itinerary when we had just booked our flights to Lima , and now I see the Canadian Rockies and we plan to visit end of this month 🙂 I see NZ and Aussie on your blog and we have plans of visiting end of this year ! Its been very close timelines , we missed bumping into you guys . Definitely would love to catch up with you guys if you are anywhere around California .

Hey Shruthi – it’s lovely to hear from you. So happy to hear Bruised Passports has helped you plan your trips easily. Yay. You MUST send us photos from the Canadian Rockies with your full name(s), we’d love to share them with our readers 🙂 Hope our paths cross somewhere around the globe super soon

Oh my goodness, your pictures are incredible.. I really REALLY want to visit now!

Thanks a ton 🙂 So happy to hear that

OMG wow, seriously the photos are simply amazing, I think you have sold it to everyone that sees this post!

Thanks Melanie – so chuffed to see everyone enjoying these photos so so much 🙂

Your photos are incredible! I have to go now!

Thanks Jemma – it’s the location working its magic 🙂

These photos are magical and so colorful. I love the mountains and the waterfall. I love this blog because it always takes me on a joinery!

xoxo, Candice http://www.candicenikeia.com

Thanks a ton Candice – so happy to hear we’ve been successful in taking you on a journey through the Canadian Rockies with us 🙂

Very Inspiring!

Thanks Lalitha 🙂

OMG, Canada looks out-of-the-world stunning! I’ve always wanted to visit Alaska, but never considered a trip to Canada so far. Now I think I should. I can imagine how a road trip here would be. Would also love to know about the Alaskan cruise! I love all your cruise posts! 🙂

Thanks a million Ramya – yes Canada was stunning 🙂 Alaska posts coming up soon – will publish them this week or next

As always beautiful pictures and well written details:)Savi as always u make all loactions even more special with your boho outfits.Amazing road photos.Moraine and peyto both look so unreal,but it’s amazing that you guys explored so many other beautiful spots even on an unplanned trip . can’t wait to explore all these places.

Thanks a ton Ramya 🙂 You’re very generous – we’re a tad compulsive about researching and visiting the prettiest places in the area, so we just had to hit up all these spots 😉

Paradigm shift 😀

I always thought Canada as a cold and gloomy Place.This is one of your best posts and my favorite ! <3 <3

Thanks Shilpa – so happy to hear that. Canada is stunning and I’m glad we changed your mindset about it 🙂

superb click guys:)))) all poster perfect….

Thanks Komal 🙂 So happy to hear you enjoyed our photos

Exotic vacation spot

Thanks Jaspreet 🙂

Banff is a fairy tale-ish winter wonderland around New Years. Chateau Lake Louise and Fairmont Banff Springs offer the best specials(as best as they can be). the incredible summers move on to be magical winters, hope you can visit it sometime in winters and add this to you winter holiday bucket list 🙂 Love your posts!

We’d love to re-visit during winter months Finla- we love cold-weather holidays, so I know we’d like it tons 🙂

I love your blog! The Canadian Rockies is definitely on my list for summer 2017. Is it safe enough to do this road trip solo?

Of course Bonita – this route is super safe for a solo traveller, no problem 🙂

Hi lovely pictures. can you tell me what lens you guys are using or what camera lens will be best for landscape photography 🙂

Hey Ishani,

You can read about our photography gear here: https://www.bruisedpassports.com/everything/travel-photography-essentials

In general, for landscape photography, you should buy an ultra-wide or wide angle lens – e.g. 15-30 or 18-35

Do you recommend getting insurance when renting a car? Love your blog,40% of my bookmark is filled with your posts.

Hey Shaila – that’s awesome. Glad you enjoy Bruised Passports so much 🙂 We ALWAYS recommend getting insurance while renting a car. It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially while travelling in a foreign country

Stunning shots. When I am a little down, I go through the pictures on your blog and I am all perky <3

Aww that’s the sweetest thing we’ve heard all week – thanks a ton for all the love Deepika 🙂

Stunning pictures. The spirit island is surreal! Can’t wait to do a trip there soon.

Hope you make it to Canada super soon Aditi 🙂

You guys are such an inspiration! I am planning a trip there this September and this post just confirmed some of the agenda! What car did you rent while on this roadtrip? Do the roads in early September require an SUV? Can hardly wait to get there after seeing your amazing photos!

We had rented a normal Sedan but got upgraded to an SUV. Yayy! No, you definitely don’t need an SUV in September.

Have a great trip and share photos with us 🙂

Wow. So beautifully captured. Thanks a million as we are planning our summer road trip to Canadian Rockies in August. Will follow your adventures in future

Thank you so much dear Sharad for liking our post on the Canadian Rockies.You are sure to enjoy it while you are there. Have fun and happy travels to you:)

It seems like you had the perfect weather for the road trip! Maligne lake in Jasper NP is one of my favourites of all time. I have done a canoe trip there last year and am repeating the experience this year! I am based in the Canadian Rockies and can only confirm the beauty of this place! Did you guys do any exploring around Canmore and Kananaskis Country? A lot of people miss out on this place without realizing how beautiful it is. Banff and Jasper steal all the visitors! haha

No we didn’t but planning to visit Canada soon and will definitely look into exploring Canmore and Kananaskis Country – thanks for the suggestion 🙂

Hi… Stunning Adventure Trip! I just want to ask if did you bopk any tour a long the way of your travel? How many hotels did you book for the whole trip. Me and my bf are planning to do the trip in canadian rockies this coming august for a week. Thanks.

Hey Charlene,

If you’re going in the first half of August, it’s better you book all hotels in advance. We really struggled to get accommodation even when we started booking a couple of months in advance. We booked one hotel in Calgiri, one in Banff, and one in Jasper.

We did not book any tour along the way 🙂

I traveled to Banff and Jasper a week ago and followed your itinerary. You have done a fantastic job with planning your trip. I intend to do more of the road trips you have beautifully planned.

Vid’s pictures are so beautifully captured. It is the main thing which made me undertake this trip 🙂

So happy to hear that Janice – do share your photos with us too 🙂

We have a road trip planned to Banff & Jasper at the end of July, can you give suggestions on what type of clothes to pack? Or what kind of weather we’ll expect? Thanks, awesome pictures too!

Hey Rae – would suggest packing summer clothes with one light jumper/cardigan and one winter jacket. The weather is warm most days but it turns pretty quickly in the Rockies 🙂

Can you give an estimate of cost for a road trip like the one you took? I know depending on hotels/car rental and etc but a rough idea? We are from midwest America and will have to fly out there.

Hey Glenda,

If you visit in July/August, things will be more expensive. Including car rental, hotels, meals, and activities, expect to spend around 150-200 CAD per person per day in those months 🙂

Have a great trip!

Amazing post. All of your shots are incredible and have really helped me plan my trip! Myself and a few friends are doing a road trip starting in Calgary and going to Banff and Jasper, and then down to Vancouver. A quick question – your shot of Calgary from Nose Hill Park is amazing. Where did you park your car? I imagine the park is pretty big so wondered if you could help me with your location in the park for that view? Thanks in advance 🙂

Happy to hear our posts were helpful 🙂 I parked the car at the 14th Street parking lot – here is a map of the place – https://goo.gl/Cd5NTG

Have a great trip and do share photos with us when you’re back

Hi! I’m planning to do a similar trip in the summer of 2018 but thought of reversing the route, Jasper first, then ending in Banff so that we would get a long drive out of the way early when we had the most energy and then tracking back. Can you see of any reason why this wouldn’t work as well? I just hate the thought of driving on my last day there.

Hey Mariel – reversing the route shouldn’t pose any problem at all. Have fun in the Canadian Rockies 🙂

The pictures look so unreal like desktop wallpapers. The views are so pretty. Absolutely wow…

So happy you enjoyed these photos Loreta – Canada is a pleasure to photograph 🙂

Hey guys, this is a brill post! Thanks for sharing these awesome pics and providing all this helpful advice! We are planning to do a road trip soon. Can you please me where you guys stayed in Jasper? Thanks so much!

Jasper was somewhat a last minute addition to our trip so all accommodation was booked already (we went in the super peak season i.e. first half of August). In the end, we managed to get a private room in Jasper Downtown Hostel – the room was fine albeit a bit small but the location is pretty good. If we were to go again, we’d book a hotel much in advance 🙂

Hey, was looking for just such a trip. Booked tickets to Calgary last week of June 2018. Care to give us a detailed break up of your itinerary? just the days and places pl.

All the information is in this article 🙂 Hope you have a great trip in the Rockies – they’re gorgeous

My husband and I went to Germany, Austria and Switzerland for our honeymoon this past May and used your blog post as a guide for the Bavarian portion of our trip! It was incredible!! We are starting to plan an anniversary trip in May 2018 and the Canadian Rockies seem like the perfect place. Do you think that would be too early in the season for a road trip?

I should clarify… Late May-early June

Hey Shannon – absolutely not. The area is stunning all year round. Sure the lakes might not be exactly this blue but there’ll be lesser tourists and accommodation will be easier to find 🙂

hi, i am from india (mumbai) want the above mention itinerary which ends vancouver in 12 days i might be travelling with wife and daughter in may 2018 can we three can go on our own with proper advance booking of hotels, i want to drive the complete route vegetarian foods available ? please guide me thanks your above itinerary was class apart with picture.

Hey you can stop at supermarkets to stock up on vegetarian foods. And yes, you can easily plan the above trip yourself 🙂

Awesome factual itinerary but I can’t believe you didn’t spend any time in Kananaskis Country. It’s just south of Banff National Park mainly accessible from Canmore. In the 14 months I lived in the Canadian Rockies, I found that “K Country” was much more picturesque than Banff NP or even Jasper NP! Well I guess now you have an excuse to go back again….. like you needed one anyway haha. Safe Travels.

Hey Marta – glad you enjoyed reading our article on A Summer Road Trip in the Canadian Rockies. Definitely jotting down Kananaskis Country for our next roadtrip in the area – thanks a ton for the suggestion 🙂

Hey, awesome blog post, loved reading it. Wonderful pictures and very informative! We are thinking about renting a RV, I see that you have rented a car. So what would be your recommendation?

We can’t comment on the bit about RV as we don’t have personal experience in Canada for driving an RV. That said, we saw plenty of RVs on the road. Personally, we prefer a car most of the times.

Hi, We are planning a trip to the Rockies this Aug and found your itinerary perfect. Thank you for such a detailed trip report.Your pictures are absolutely stunning and inspiring to anyone wanting to visit the area. Did you visit Lake Moraine before Louise? I’ve read a lot about parking issues there and how its better to get there as early as 7 am to get a good picture. We are planning 3 nights in Banff, 3 in Jasper and a night in Calgary before flying out. Should we stay a night in Lake Louise instead? Any inputs on this would be appreciated.

Hi Savitha,

Yes, make sure you get to Lake Moraine super early – parking can be an issue there for sure. No need to spend the night at Lake Louise .

Guys awesome post , looking forward to visit Banff this July.

Thanks for the detailed post.. It helped us plan our trip for July. Would it be possible if we were to plan Day 4 for Lake Louise, Lake Moraine and then drive to Columbian Icefields for Overnight. Day 5 go the Glacier Adventure and head to Jasper.

We are planning to do the Bow & Peyto lake on our way back from jasper on Day 8. Even, do you have any suggestions for Hotels or B&B in Jasper?

Is there anything you can suggest for Calgary.

Hey Nikita,

You’re welcome. Yes you can do Lake Louise, Lake Moraine on Day 4 and then to Icefields (not sure about overnight accommodation in that area).

In Jasper you can stay at Fairmont – when we went it was peak tourist season and we couldn’t get any decent accommodation

Hi you guys, my family and I (kids included) are planning to travel and stay in Banff for 3 nights, jasper 3 nights, and whistler 3 nights. Where do you suggest we stay in all 3 places? We’re thinking both fairmont properties in Banff and jasper, if you have any other suggestions do tell!

Hey you can’t go wrong with Fairmont in Banff and Jasper National Parks but would suggest you book in advance as it gets really busy 🙂

My boyfriend and I are planning to take a trip up to Banff National Park and I was wondering if you found it necessary to have a car with four wheel drive or do you think a compact car would do the trick?

Hey Danielle,

A compact car is just fine for Banff 🙂

We are planning for visit to Canada on 30th Sept.2018. Planning for Alaska Cruise from Seattle to Seattle (only available and last sailing) on 30/9 and from 7th oct, planning Canada road tour.

Can you suggest good route (Seattle to Seattle) by road, places to visit, good decent accommodations (not too expensive, but decent with good location and view), things to keep in mind, entrance fees bookings, etc. Our tour shall end on 14/10/18 and shall be flying back.

hey Minesh,

Sorry could not understand your question mate – what do you mean by Seattle to Seattle by road? If you’re asking for a good drive starting from Seattle and coming back to Seattle, well, can;t help you there as this article is all about our drive in Canadian Rockies!

Loved your blog, we are heading there in August also a very far trip for us to get there, we are also like you doing Alaska first and then heading to Calgary for our week in the Rockies.

How did you manage to get your photos with almost no other people in it? as I have heard it can get crowded.

Did you use a tripod with a Automatic setting to capture the photos of the both of you together? we also have that problem normally as its just the two of us travelling by ourselves 🙂

Hey Annika,

You will love this road trip in Canada 🙂 Well at places where we know crowds can be a problem, we go either the first thing in the morning or last thing in the evening to avoid the crowds. Yes we usually use a tripod for our own photographs 🙂

Hey guys! Great details! Anything to watch out for regarding the drive particularly?

Just enjoy the gorgeous views and make sure you stop at the beautiful lakes that you’ll pass 🙂

Hey guys, I’m from Calgary and there’s nothing I love more than travellers praising the natural beauty of my province 🙂 Even though it’s beautiful in the summer, it’s even more amazing in the winter time. During November – February is when you really get to see the true beauty of the Rocky Mountains all snow capped ❤️ Do try to come out again during the winter if it still interests you!

Also I recommend going to Quebec City if you’re ever back in Canada ??

Hi Raveena,

Thank you 🙂 Yes, absolutely LOVE Canada and it’s equally beautiful (if not more) in Winters 🙂 can’t wait to go back and drive through Alberta in winters 🙂

Hey ! Just what I was looking for past three week , trying to figure a road trip through the rockies. It’s so well put and easy to adapt My only concern is we have a two year old toddler on board with us , would you suggest for us to go ahead with the trip or postpone it for later ? Also we were the trip around mid August , hoping to catch the northern lights. Is it a possibility ?

Hey no need to postpone it – your kid will have a great time ☺️

Northern Lights might not be possible ?

Hi if we don’t want to drive or take train what are the options ? U know anyone where I can get car & driver for 12days Planning a trip in 1 st week June 2 adults & 2children How many days do u suggest in Calgary ? Planning to start in Calgary , Banff , lake Louis , Jasper , Kamloops & vancover

Hey Jesal – Unfortunately I don’t know where one can rent a car with a driver in Canada. Self drive cars or public transport are the most convenient options 🙂

Canadian rockies are so beautiful. Thanks for the itinerary. Was planning to go next year and this will be extremely helpful. Want to do the Leh road trip too but situation in Srinagar makes me hesitant.

I’m actually beyond impressed with not only the quality of this post with its insane details and incredibly gorgeous images, but honestly this whole website and how well it’s all set up. This all is incredibly inspiring and I appreciate all the work you put into this!

Thanks for your kind words, Austin!

hi, what car do you suggest as we are travelling with 5 bags and after 11 night in canadian rockies we are planning cruise from vancouver for 7 nights than way back to india suv is ok or any other you suggest , also suggest good car rental company Thanks

Hey our car rental option for Canadian Rockies is linked above. An SUV is a great option 🙂

Hello! This looks amazing. We are going in June this year, but we are camping in a wee Jeep/tent. Any recommendations? I guess this brings our price down quite a lot! 🙂 We are coming from Scotland. Any advice on weather etc would be great.. obviously we can see general averages but be great to hear from someone who’s actually experienced it.

Hey you will be quite comfortable in a Jeep/tent during June. Of course you have to allow room for vagaries of weather, so would suggest carrying a really warm down jacket (or equivalent) and some woollies 🙂

How could you click such awesome shots. Hats off

hey guys, did you travel in the month of august? we are planning to travel around august end- sept start. are the waters always so blue- i mean all throughout summer months?

Hey yes we travelled in August. If the sun is out, the water is blue 🙂

Hi, you say Vid is the photographer, can you tell me what equipment he used to take such stunning photos? Was there any photoshop or touching up of his photos or are they au natural?

Hey Linda – most of these photos are shot with a Nikon D610. They didn’t need to be touched up coz Alberta is stunning during summer months (and all year round actually!)

That’s exactly the camera I have too !!! 😀

Hi Savi and Vid,

What pass is suggested to visit national park banff and jasper for 8 days?

I believe it’d be cheaper to buy the annual pass than buying daily pass for 8 days. The same pass will give you entry to Banff, Jasper, and many other national parks 🙂

Heading there in September just read about your trip thanks so much for great ideas, was thinking of taking a escorted bus tour but think it will be better if just the two of us hit the open roads of the Canadian Rockies.

Hey Jacquie – yes you would have so much more fun and flexibility if it’s the two of you by yourselves. We’d definitely recommend that 🙂

Hi Savi and Vid, Banff and Lake Louise have always been on our bucket list. Your pictures and itinerary just confirmed that it is a must do for us. If we do a 10 or 12 day itinerary, which areas would you recommend to spend more time? Thank you so much. Jan

We’d spend more time in Banff for sure. The area around Banff is just so spectacular that you could be out exploring all day and still not get tired.

Can we travel with a 7 months old baby? Also us July/August good time?

Yes that should be fine and July/August is the best time for this road trip 🙂

My family and I just followed your itinerary and we had a wonderful 7 day trip. Thank you so much…

so happy to hear that 🙂 please share some photos with us when you get the chance 🙂

My husband and I would love to do this trip. We are both retired and a little nervous. Could you tell us what time of year is best? Is September too late. To go?

Thank you so very much.

September should be absolutely fine – please don’t be nervous, you’ll have an amazing time 🙂

Wow ! Thank you very much for such a wonderful and highly detailed post… and the incredible pictures. We are planning a trip in July 2020 and this post is of great help. And you two seem to be such a loving beautiful couple.

You’re welcome Ram. Have a great time driving in the Canadian Rockies. It’s a treat to the eyes 🙂

Hi Can you please tell me the location from where the road as shown in following image link was taken. https://www.bruisedpassports.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Canada-road-trip-rockies-banff-jasper-itinerary-85.jpg Thanking you in advance

This is somewhere between Jasper and Banff. To be honest, you’ll see such views pretty much the entire way between Jasper and Banff.

such nice travel content, thank you for sharing with us.

Hi Savi and Vid.. How are you? Hope your parents are recovering. I am planning a trip to Alberta with my friends and will be using the itinerary for our travel with little changes. I wanted to know do u have any additions to be made? Also I am checking the same accommodation which you have opted because I know you guys are the best!!

Thank you 🙂

Hey Avanti,

Apologies for the delay in replying to you. We don’t have any additions to make – hope you have a great trip in Alberta and do share photos with us when you’re back 🙂

We’ve just booked our honeymoon for August 2022 and this site has made me feel so excited. So many ideas and tips when I felt completely over-faced by the thought of planning it all at the same time as planning the wedding. Thank you a million times!

So happy to hear this Hannah 🙂 Have the best honeymoon ever

What photography trick do you use for waterfalls ?

How does water look that hazy in all the pics ?

I am planning a trip in first week of september and will be following this itinerary . But do not knwo how to click such gorgeous pics .

Hey Shipra – thank you. If you shoot with a DSLR, try using long exposure & an ND filter (Neutral Density Filter) for that effect 🙂

Woww!! Awesome details in the itinerary. Will be missing out in this summer, looks like we need bookings in advanced. But definitely planning this trip for summer 2023.

Thank you! 🙂

Very informative and impressive post you have written, this is quite interesting and I have gone through it completely, an upgraded information is shared, and keep sharing such valuable information.

Hi Savi, Where did you stay in Jasper ? I cannot seem to find the hotel you booked 🙁

Hey if you book in advance Fairmont Jasper is a great option. We stayed in Hinton as all accommodation in Jasper was sold out!

Great content.. started reading reading out your blogs.. too good..

Nice Article!! Very informative. Thanks for sharing the details..

Really nice content.. loving it…

Lot of fun to read. Thanks

Wow, your road trip through the Canadian Rockies sounds absolutely breathtaking! ???? It’s amazing how a spontaneous detour led to such unforgettable experiences. The turquoise lakes and majestic mountains look like something out of a dream. Thanks for sharing your journey and these stunning photos with us. Can’t wait to see where your next adventure takes you! ????️????✨

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3rd time's the charm: Finally taking a Canadian dream trip to Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper

Like many travelers, we had epic plans for the summer of 2020. We had mapped out a highly anticipated multigenerational family trip to Canada with my parents and kids for June 2020. It was a big trip that would let us tick off several bucket-list destinations while simultaneously giving us the chance to escape Texas' summer heat.

But then, we all know what happened: The coronavirus pandemic swept the globe. Suffice it to say, the trip couldn't happen.

So, we rebooked the trip for June 2021 hoping, like many, that the Canadian border would reopen by then. Much to our disappointment, though, it remained closed to U.S. tourists, prompting us to cancel the trip once again.

Fast forward to June 2022, and luck was on our side. The third time was indeed the charm, as restrictions lifted and we were finally able to use our flight vouchers that had collected dust for two years to head across the border.

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Our merry band of travelers (which now included a range of ages, from my 6-year-old daughter to my 73-year-old father) took off for points north, bound for Alberta and all it had in store. We may have all aged by two years by the time the trip became a reality, but it was just as grand as we had hoped — and well worth the years of planning, waiting and replanning.

Here's how we booked our trip to Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper, Alberta, including what we did, where we stayed and what we ate.

How to plan an epic Alberta adventure

Since we had a week to work with, we wanted to enjoy Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper on the same trip.

Adding Jasper definitely makes the trip longer and more involved, so if you're pressed for time or just want to move at a slower pace, know that there's plenty to see and do in Banff and Lake Louise.

With prices at their peak from July through August (the region's busy season), we decided to plan our trip for June to save money. From our experience, visiting a month before the peak travel season didn't lead to any major sacrifices on our part, so the cost-cutting move proved worthwhile.

We knew we'd need a rental car (and, specifically, a harder-to-book minivan to accommodate our large group), so we immediately started looking for a reservation. Luckily, we began planning our trip far enough out to snag a rental car without any trouble. Had we waited until we arrived at Calgary International Airport (YYC) in June, we would've discovered they were sold out.

With our dates and the rental car settled, we began to plan our trip. We started our adventure in Banff before moving on to Lake Louise and briefly checking out Jasper. We rounded out our Alberta visit with a one-night stay at Kananaskis Mountain Lodge in Kananaskis Country, a region located about an hour west of the Calgary airport.

Assuming you visit in the summer, Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper are where you head to look at pretty lakes, streams and waterfalls and enjoy a number of outdoor pursuits, including hiking, canoeing and horseback riding.

There are plenty of options for all of these activities, but here are the ones we recommend:

Explore Cave and Basin National Historic Site

This destination in the heart of Banff was not only instrumental in the creation of Canada's first national park but is also a place that's held special meaning for thousands of years for people tied to Canada's First Nations community. Cave and Basin National Historic Site's rich history makes it a must-visit destination in Banff.

The actual cave is very short and small, with the pungent smell of sulfur. It is still cool though — both literally and figuratively.

While you'll likely only be inside for no more than five minutes, you can also look around outside, view the historic site's movie and peruse the site's exhibits to extend your visit to about 30 minutes.

Children 17 and younger can visit for free, but adults are required to pay 8.50 Canadian dollars (or about $6.50) each to enter. Travelers ages 65 and older are eligible for the reduced senior rate of CA$7 (less than $5.50).

Ride the Banff Gondola

Experiencing the Banff Gondola was a lot of fun, but we had sticker shock when we strolled up to the ticket office and found out that adult gondola tickets cost a whopping CA$70 (about $54) each during the warmer months.

Fortunately, the kids were free, as admission is waived for each child 15 and younger who is with an adult and rides before 10 a.m.

To save yourself from being stunned upon arrival, try to reserve your tickets online in advance, as you may have luck snagging a lower rate.

Despite the high price, the views were exceptional and worth the hit to our budget. We loved taking in the stunning scenery while strolling along the extensive boardwalk at the top.

In total, we spent about 90 minutes here, which felt like the right amount of time for most families.

Take a dip in the Banff Upper Hot Springs

Our stop at the Banff Upper Hot Springs was also a little different than what I imagined. These historic natural hot springs looked like a pretty basic swimming pool.

Still, at only CA$29 (roughly $22) — which is what a family pass for two adults and two children costs — we found the springs to be a fun spot to enjoy a dip.

Try to arrive first thing in the morning to beat the crowds, as your experience will be much more enjoyable if you're not rubbing elbows with hordes of visitors.

To dial up the nostalgia and avoid hauling around a wet bathing suit all day, I opted to rent the "old-timey classic" swimsuit. A clean and well-appointed locker room was available on site, so we could comfortably change and safely store our belongings while in the springs.

Go for a hike in Johnston Canyon

A popular Banff destination for hiking is Johnston Canyon, a stunning natural wonder in Banff National Park.

Our hike through this impressive canyon, which was carved into the limestone bedrock by water over thousands of years, was easy enough for everyone in our crew to complete. We did the 1.1-kilometer (a little more than a half-mile) hike to the lower falls, which took no more than an hour to complete.

More challenging trails are available as well, should you find yourself wanting to break a sweat.

Sign up for an Open Top tour

While we didn't actually go on an Open Top tour, we found ourselves wishing we had, as the classically styled vehicles we kept spotting at our hotel caught our eyes.

Priced at CA$42 (about $32) for adults and CA$24 (approximately $18.50) for kids, these tours help you see some of the area's top sights in just 90 minutes without having to do any driving or planning. Based on recent reviews, you'll also get some great stories along the way.

Hit the trails on horseback

Another activity we didn't have time to do in Banff was horseback riding. If we had stayed more than one night at the Fairmont Banff Springs, we would have found a way to fit in this activity, as there are trails conveniently located next to the hotel.

You can choose a one- or four-hour ride, which cost CA$89 (a little more than $68) and CA$249 (nearly $191), respectively. The minimum age is 8 years old for the shorter ride, while every member of your party will need to be at least 10 years old for the four-hour ride. If you're traveling with a younger kid, note that there are trail rides with lower age minimums in Jasper.

To save money, book in advance online to get the 10% discount. There's also a package discount available, should you find yourself also visiting places like local hot springs and the gondola.

Get an eyeful of Peyto Lake

Several lakes in varying shades of hard-to-believe colors are worth visiting while in Alberta, but Banff's Peyto Lake is one of the most breathtaking.

To get to this beautiful lake, which is free to visit, you need to embark on an easy 10-minute hike. We thoroughly enjoyed the brief hike thanks to the snow that was still on the ground during our mid-June visit. We found ourselves having an impromptu snowball fight before arriving at the lake.

Once Peyto Lake came into view, we were floored by the color. It was, without question, the richest hue of blue I've ever seen.

Rumor has it that, on sunny days, the lake takes on a brighter, turquoise appearance, so know that the color may vary slightly depending on when you visit. It gets its color from suspended rock flour in the water.

Related: Planning the perfect Banff summer vacation

Lake Louise

Marvel at moraine lake.

One of the absolute highlights of our trip was unquestionably our time in the Lake Louise area at Moraine Lake.

While Peyto Lake wowed us, the mesmerizing blue-green color of Moraine Lake's glacier-fed water was equally as impressive. Photos simply don't do this lake justice.

The lake is free to visit, though you'll need a bit of luck (or lots of strategizing) to avoid paying for transportation.

If you arrive early (or late) or just happen to time your visit perfectly, you can park right at Moraine Lake. We pulled up late in the morning just as the "parking is full" sign was being put out, so we had to head to the parking lot near Lake Louise Ski Resort's gondola and pay to take a bus back to the lake.

For what it's worth, Lake Louise's Fairmont also had a shuttle to Moraine Lake, but it was very expensive compared to the bus option, which only cost CA$8 (about $6) for adults and less for kids and seniors. We read that you needed advance reservations to use the bus, but we had no problem getting walk-up tickets during our visit.

No matter how you get to the lake, don't miss it. We walked around and admired it for about an hour. Be sure to wear hiking boots, as the trail can be slick.

Hop on the gondola

Lake Louise's gondola is said to be the best way to spot wildlife in the area from a safe distance.

However, the weather was rainy, overcast and generally not good the day we tried to ride, so we ultimately passed on this attraction.

If you don't want to do multiple gondola rides during your Alberta vacation, consider prioritizing this one, as it's much more affordable than the Banff gondola. Tickets cost CA$54.99 (approximately $42) for adults, with CA$10 (less than $8) discount cards easy to find everywhere there's a stand with tourist brochures.

Paddle around Lake Louise

While the weather was also not cooperative for this activity, we powered through the less-than-ideal conditions. That decision ended up being the right call, as our canoeing adventure was one of the highlights of our trip.

Renting canoes from the Fairmont's dock is an expensive activity at CA$95 (about $73) for an hour or CA$85 (a little more than $65) for 30 minutes. Prices are even higher for non-hotel guests.

Still, nothing beats watching those iconic red canoes out on the blue water except being in one with a paddle in your arms. The wind put our canoe skills to the test, so we didn't make it more than 20 minutes before heading back to shore, but had the water been calmer, we would have loved exploring for a full hour.

Saddle up at the Jasper Riding Stables

Next to canoeing and seeing some of the gorgeous lakes, my favorite activity was riding through the forest on the back of a horse.

While we didn't have time to go horseback riding in Banff, we made sure to go riding in Jasper at the Jasper Riding Stables. Because it was less expensive — CA$79 (about $60.50) for a one-hour ride — and had a lower minimum age of 6 years, this stable was the perfect place for our crew to spend some time with horses.

Unlike other parts of our trip when I found myself worrying about bear encounters (despite carrying bear spray with us at all times), I found myself able to truly relax while on horseback. The guides seemed more than comfortable handling the possibility of coming across bears, which helped put my mind at ease.

With one less thing for me to worry about, I was able to focus on the lovely scenery. On this particular day, our ride included no one but our party of four and our two guides, which was an absolute dream scenario.

Take a scenic drive full of impromptu stops

Like Banff and Lake Louise, Jasper had lots of lakes featuring an array of blue and green colors, but I'll give a special shoutout to a particularly green body of water we stopped at on the way to the Jasper East Cabins. I don't know its name, but we discovered it while driving around the area.

Besides pulling over for the lake, we made frequent stops to watch wildlife. We saw bears, moose and more on the side of the road as we drove through Jasper.

Roadways here offer enough space to safely slow down and pull over to enjoy the view, so we took full advantage of this free show. You'd be remiss if you didn't do the same when you visit.

Explore Maligne Canyon and the bridges in Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a must-see destination on its own, but its bridges and Maligne Canyon, the park's deepest canyon, can't be missed.

From the bridges, you'll enjoy phenomenal views of the park. You're almost guaranteed to spot wildlife, too, while exploring the area around the canyon.

Check out the Columbia Icefield

For around CA$90 ($69) for adults and CA$60 ($46) for children, you can explore the Columbia Icefield.

With the tour fee, you get the chance to walk out onto the Athabasca Glacier and enjoy a skywalk experience. Know, though, that this isn't the only way to see the glacier.

If you're looking to save money (like we were) or the tour option sells out (as is often the case), you can instead park farther away and walk toward the glacier to see it up close. Don't attempt to walk onto the glacier on your own, though, as access to the actual icefield is only for those who pay for a tour.

Where to stay

Fairmont banff springs.

For most first-time visitors to the area, the Fairmont Banff Springs is probably at least in the conversation when debating where to stay in Banff. The 100-year-old, UNESCO World Heritage-listed "Castle in the Canadian Rockies," as it's lovingly called by many, is a bucket-list destination in and of itself.

We only stayed at the 745-room property one night due to the high room rates, but we enjoyed our visit overall and wholeheartedly recommend hanging your hat here — or, at the very least, visiting for a drink, a meal or maybe a spa treatment.

That said, if you only have the time and budget to pick one iconic Fairmont while in Alberta, this shouldn't be the one.

The views were phenomenal, and the convenience of being by the lake and having an array of amenities available at your fingertips was great. However, these highlights weren't enough to justify the close-to-$1,000 a night price tag for a room.

The room itself looked more like a $125-per-night budget-brand option desperately in need of renovation than what you expect to find at a high-end hotel.

Still, I'm glad we tried it for a night.

The Dorothy Motel

For less than a third of the price of the Fairmont, you could instead stay at a fresh take on the traditional motel concept.

My parents decided to stay at The Dorothy Motel (also in Banff) using their Capital One miles from their Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (which is currently offering a 75,000-point welcome bonus after you spend $4,000 in the first three months of opening your account). This meant that rather than pay more than $200 for a one-night stay, they had zero out-of-pocket costs for their room.

It was far from a full-service resort, but if you want to try something a little different and conserve your cash a bit, it was a more-than-suitable option.

Canmore accommodations

If nothing in Banff proper is meeting your needs, you can stay in nearby Canmore, Alberta, and drive the 20 minutes into Banff. In Canmore, you'll find more abundant vacation home rentals, cheaper hotel rates and some traditional hotel points properties from brands such as IHG and Choice Hotels .

To balance out our Fairmont extravaganza, we spent a night at the Quality Resort Chateau Canmore using Choice Privileges points we purchased during a Daily Getaways sale . While our points got us some larger room types that sounded cool on paper, one night was the right length of time to spend at the property.

Go in with modest expectations, and you'll probably be OK for a short stay.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

You don't need to splurge on your lodging in Banff if you don't want to, but if there is one hotel worth paying up for, it's the Fairmont in Lake Louise.

Granted, we got a suite to share with my parents, so that helped keep us away from the very small entry-level rooms (some of which don't have air conditioning), but we all quickly agreed that the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise was worth the big price tag.

Staying right on the blue-green lake was not only a dream come true, it was a reality that lived up to (and exceeded) our expectations.

The views from our suite were awe-inspiring, and the decor was much more elevated than what we found at the Banff location.

If you are on the fence about which of the two Fairmonts to pick, know that you'll have access to fewer amenities at the Lake Louise property if you're not staying the night, so you shouldn't show up and expect to enjoy the same perks as paying guests.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

There is also a Fairmont in Jasper, if you want to hit the trifecta of the three luxury resorts.

But remember, this location is often sold-out for long periods of time due to passengers from the Canadian Rocky Mountaineer train staying here while in the area, so you'll want to look into making reservations as far in advance as possible. We weren't able to snag a coveted room during our visit, so we only had a chance to walk around the grounds.

It was a cute property that I would have loved to try for a night, though it didn't seem like a property that would overtake the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for the top Fairmont in Alberta, so I quickly got over my disappointment.

Jasper East Cabins

Because we weren't able to stay at the Fairmont, we instead chose to book a more affordable cabin. There are a few options more centrally located, but we reserved a cabin at Jasper East Cabins , a spot a little east of town. It was by no means the Fairmont, but it had a classic look we enjoyed. Not to mention, availability wasn't an issue.

A three-bedroom cabin set us back about $500 per night, with smaller cabins costing less. You're a bit removed from civilization here, but you will find a brewery within walking distance, should you crave something to do outside your cabin. There's also a well-stocked general store on site that had a great selection of basics and even some organic, higher-end options.

Related: TPG's guide to the Canadian provinces

What to eat

A fancy meal at the fairmont.

Even if you don't stay at a Fairmont while in town, you'll want to try a fancy meal at one (or more) of the Fairmont properties — if you can swing it.

At the Fairmont Banff Springs, we dined at 1888 Chop House one night for dinner and loved everything we tried.

It wasn't cheap, but the classic steakhouse offered excellent service and divine dishes. And don't discount it if you're not a huge meat eater, as even the vegetable plates and sides were outstanding. It's probably no surprise the Wagyu and the scallops were fantastics, but the sides (a flavorful beet salad, sautéed mushrooms and Brussels sprouts), seriously stood apart.

Appetizers here start at CA$20 to CA$30 (about $15 to $23), while entrees generally cost anywhere between CA$50 and CA$80 (or roughly $38 to $61).

If 1888 Chop House isn't in your budget, don't fret: You can enjoy an equally memorable bite while grabbing a drink at the Rundle Bar. Most happy hour drinks (think: wine, beer and select cocktails) cost around CA$10 (less than $8) while offered from 3 to 5 p.m. There is a short menu of appetizers and small bites, too.

At the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, we failed a little bit in the dinner reservation-making department, so we weren't able to eat at any of the higher-end sit-down spots, but we were able to order drinks and snacks in the Lakeview Lounge, which showcased jaw-dropping views of the lake from its windows. Since there was still snow on the ground, I warmed up with a mulled wine made of red wine, brandy with hints of honey, cinnamon and cloves.

If I had to do it all again, I'd be better about planning and make dinner reservations for the adjacent restaurant. There is also a spot for fondue and a lively restaurant called Alpine Social, should you find yourself feeling more adventurous.

A pastry and a slice of pizza

In our experience, Alberta excelled at bakery items and pizzas.

The Bear's Paw Bakery in Jasper was a sublime spot for morning pastries and all things baked and delicious. (If you're going to Bear Paw Bakery, don't be creative, get the bear paw. Trust me.)

We also really enjoyed Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. in nearby Canmore, which had both indoor and outdoor seating and a variety of great pizzas for about CA$20 (approximately $15) each. I loved my fig, bison and brie pizza that also had caramelized onions, mushrooms and arugula scattered on top.

Casual pub grub paired with a cold brew

Next to our cabins in Jasper was the Folding Mountain Brewing Taproom and Kitchen, which had a not-to-be-missed kitchen to go along with its taproom.

We were pleasantly surprised by our meal here, as there's not a lot available in this part of Alberta, so the venue could easily get away with being mediocre due to the lack of options. But the food was solid, and it was great to have a selection of beers on tap to enjoy with dinner.

At this point, I'd had enough "on-the-go" food and ordered the Hikers Veggie Bowl which contained couscous, spiraled beets, arugula and yams. It might not sound great, but after days of basics, it tasted like (vegetable) heaven. Plus, you can add meat for a few extra dollars, if that's your thing.

A picnic lunch

No visit to Alberta would be complete without enjoying a meal outdoors.

There's no need to eat every meal in a restaurant when you're surrounded by stunning natural wonders, so we found ourselves preparing at least one picnic a day (often lunch) to set up on a random rock, picnic table or chair.

If you stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs and are feeling extra bougie about your picnic lunch, you can order one with your breakfast via room service to save for later. We did this during our stay and found the meal to be incredibly convenient and tasty. The cost was on the higher end at CA$40 (nearly $31), but there was enough food for two to enjoy — including a ham-and-cheese sandwich on a baguette and a gooey chocolate chip cookie — making the price easier to stomach.

Bottom line

When I look back through our collection of lake, stream, mountain, wildlife and waterfall images stashed away in our trip photo album, I admittedly find everything blending together in my mind.

But that's the beauty of travel, isn't it? You often don't have just one thing you are planning a whole trip around. Instead, you typically have an abundance of can't-miss activities and sights to experience throughout your vacation to create countless memories you'll cherish forever.

Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper more than delivered in terms of things to see and do. Although some of what we did involved preplanned routes and stops, many of our favorite memories from the trip happened organically while exploring this beautiful part of Canada.

This may have been my first trip to Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper, but it most certainly won't be my last.

10 Day Banff and Jasper Itinerary

The Canadian Rockies in Alberta will forever be a bucket list destination for many travelers…and for good reason! The astonishing mountain landscapes, thriving wildlife, and endless hiking trails bring in millions of visitors each year. With so much to do and see, it can be overwhelming planning a trip, especially since you could spend months there and still not see everything. I have put together the perfect 10 DAY ITINERARY for traveling Banff and Jasper National Parks. The drive from Banff to Jasper is only 3 hours but there are SO MANY amazing stops along the way that it will take a full day in itself.

Detailed Itinerary

• Day 1 – Fly into Calgary
• Day 2 – Lake Louise

Day 3 – Moraine Lake & Johnston Canyon

• Day 4 – Drive the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper

Day 5 – Maligne Lake and Maligne Canyon

Day 6 – sulphur skyline trail.

• Day 7 – Drive the Icefields Parkway from Jasper to Banff (the city)

Day 8 – Moraine Lake and Sulphur Mountain Gondola

• Day 9 – Lake Louise
• Day 10 – Fly home from Calgary

DAY 1 – Fly into Calgary and Drive to Banff

Once you have arrived in Calgary and rented a car, make sure to stop at a grocery store for any supplies. Most grocery items in Banff will be expensive. The drive from Calgary to Banff is a little under 2 hours. For the first 3 nights we stayed at the Lake Louise Inn which is only a 5 minute drive from the iconic Lake Louise ! I would recommend staying in this area when visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake because both are almost 1 hour away from the city of Banff. This will make it much more convenient as well as give you an advantage for finding parking.

Day 2 – Lake Louise to Hike Little Beehive Trail and Visit Lake Agnes Teahouse

You have traveled all this way to see the iconic Lake Louise, so why not the first day?! Lake Louise is absolutely incredible and there are over 30 hikes that start here. The best times to arrive are before 9:00AM or after 3:00PM if you want to find parking, otherwise you may have to take the shuttle. I highly recommend the Little Beehive Hike via Lake Agnes Teahouse. This hike will bring you to an amazing view overlooking Lake Louise. Make sure you stop at Lake Agnes Teahouse for soup and sandwich on the way up, its a pretty strenuous hike! Don’t forget to bring cash. They do not accept credit cards due to no electricity.

Before heading back to the hotel after a long day of hiking, make sure to stop at the Fairmont Hotel Lake Louise for a drink. It is a perfect way to end the day and the hotel is a must see (very expensive to stay there).

Moraine Lake was our favorite place to visit on the trip. It is about a 15 minute drive from Lake Louise Village but parking is very limited. I would recommend getting there early in the morning or late afternoon, unless you are taking the shuttle. There is an easy trail that goes around the lake as well as the famous rocks where people take photos. Since Emily and I made this trip in June, the water was still very low which was nice for walking on the rocks along the shore.

After spending a couple hours at Moraine Lake, we headed out to Johnston Canyon (30 minute drive). Johnston Canyon is carved from thousands of years of water erosion on limestone bedrock. There are several waterfalls and a strong river current going through the canyon. It is a must see! The hike around the canyon takes about an hour and most of it is on a bridge along the canyon. After you finish the hike there is an ice cream stand at the end to reward yourself.

Day 4 – Drive to Jasper National Park via the Icefields Parkway

The drive between Banff National Park and Jasper National Park is regarded by many as one of the most scenic drives in the entire world. You take Highway 93, also known as the Icefields Parkway , the entire way. Around every turn you will see dramatic mountains, waterfalls and rivers, and even ancient glaciers. The drive takes 3 hours straight through but you are going to want to plan an entire day for this drive. There are endless landmarks to stop at and you will probably see a ton of wildlife along the way. For a more detailed list please see Best 5 Stops Along the Icefields Parkway .

• Athabasca Falls

• Athabasca River (follows the Icefields Parkway most of the way)

• Athabasca Glacier

In Jasper , we stayed at Alpine Village Cabin Resort . Located right on the Athabasca River and very close to the Jasper restaurants and brewery, Alpine Village is a perfect place to stay for your few days in Jasper. They often have Elk walk right through the camp.

Maligne Lake and the famous Spirit Island are must sees when in Jasper National Park. It is about a 45 minute drive from downtown Jasper through slow mountain roads. The best way to see Maligne Lake is by boat. Maligne Lake Boat Tours are seasonal between late May-October and run several times a day. We chose to do the 90 minute tour which ended up being the perfect amount of time to see boat around the lake as well as hike around Spirit Island. The weather wasn’t the best when we went, but even in the snow it was an incredible experience.

After the boat ride, head on over to Maligne Canyon . It is on the way back to Jasper and is a cool place to stop for an hour or two and hike around. The trails are fairly easy and have several different vantage points of the canyon. We hiked the Maligne Canyon Loop Trail .

The Sulphur Skyline Trail is a must if you are in Jasper. Keep in mind that the hike is challenging and long but the views at the end are worth it. At the end, you are on the top of a mountain with 360 degree views as far as the eye can see. The entire hike took us about 5 hours out and back, and the very end is the most challenging as it gets very steep. Once you reach the top you will forget how tired you are, the views are AMAZING!

After the long hike, make sure to reward yourself with a beer or three at the Jasper Brewing Company .

Day 7 – Drive the Icefields Parkway from Jasper back to Banff (the city)

On day 7 get a full breakfast in downtown Jasper and then drive back down the Icefields Parkway. Take this opportunity to stop at any locations you missed on the way there. The views are also different on the way back so it will be like you are driving it for the first time!

Once you arrive in the city of Banff you will have unlimited dinner options so take the evening to explore the city.

Since we loved Moraine Lake so much we went back for a couple hours to explore. From the city it is about a 40 minute drive.

After returning to Banff, get dressed up for a fancy dinner at the Sky Bistro on Sulphur Mountain . Take the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain. You can purchase tickets online to save yourself a long wait. There is a visitor center, two restaurants, coffee shop, and a huge boardwalk with 360 degree views overlooking Banff. The views are incredible!

I highly recommend making reservations in advance for the Sky Bistro as they are usually fully booked.

Day 9 – Lake Louise to Canoe and Hike the Plain of the Six Glaciers Trail

On our last full day we completed a bucket list item by Canoeing on Lake Louise ! The blue water is even more dramatic when you are right on top of it. You can rent canoes at an hourly rate. It is $125 per hour, which is expensive, but it is completely worth it.

After canoeing, make sure to get some lunch to fuel up for the Plain of Six Glaciers Hike . Otherwise known as the “P6”, this trail is one of the most famous in Banff National Park. It is a 9 mile hike out and back and its difficulty is moderate. The P6 starts just beyond the valley at Lake Louise and continues back through the valley. The views are amazing and you will probably see a lot of wildlife. We had a little encounter with a PORCUPINE! At just under 4 miles, you will reach the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse where you can grab some soup and a sandwich to refuel. Keep in mind that there is no electricity so they only take CASH.

This hike is the perfect way to spend the last day of your trip. After the long day, make sure to get a nice dinner in downtown Banff to cap off your amazing trip.

Day 10 – Fly Home from Calgary

I would say that there were no regrets on this trip and nothing we would have changed. If you are looking for the perfect 10 day itinerary for visiting the Canadian Rockies then this is it!

The ULTIMATE Banff Itinerary You Should Follow (2024)

Planning a trip to Banff and need a helpful Banff itinerary? Then you are in for a trip of a lifetime, because Banff National Park is truly one of the most spectacular places in the entire world. The first time we visited Banff, we knew it was something special. It was so special that we decided to move to Alberta a few years ago and haven’t looked back.

If you’re planning to visit Banff for one, two, three days, or longer than a week, you’ll still need to have a general plan so you can see as much as you would like in your time here. No matter how many days you have here, it still won’t be enough to uncover the beauty of this place, but you’ll at least get to the highlights.

Here is the best Banff itinerary, including things to do, Banff travel tips, a packing list, car rental tips, and the best time to visit Banff . This itinerary is primarily summer-focused, but you can also use it for winter trips and just exclude any summer activities like canoeing and paddleboarding from your travel plans.

Banff Itinerary – Day 1

Welcome to Banff National Park, one of the most beautiful places in the world! I know you’re on vacation, and you probably want to sleep a bit, but trust me, it’s worth it to get up and make the most out of your time in Banff because there is a lot to see and do! Let’s get into day one on your Banff itinerary.

• Morning at Moraine Lake
• Canoe on Lake Louise

Hike Around Lake Louise

• Dinner at The Fairmont

Spend the Morning At Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is the most popular thing to do in Banff and arguably the most famous sight to see in Canada. This iconic lake is a picturesque picture of Canada (seriously, just Google image “Canada” and see what comes up). With the ten peaks rising high over the glacier waters, Moraine Lake is certainly a Banff attraction to see.

Moraine Lake is about an hour’s drive away from the Town of Banff and only twenty minutes further than Lake Louise. With its popularity and millions of Instagram location tags, you used to have to arrive well before 6 am to grab a parking spot between June and September.

However, as of 2023, Parks Canada has restricted personal vehicles at Moraine Lake. So now the only way to get to Moraine Lake is with the Park & Ride Shuttle, staying at the Moraine Lake Lodge , Roam Transit Bus, or Private tour/shuttle like the Moraine Lake Bus Company or Radventures Earlybird , a disabled tag, or to bike/hike in. Though there are still ways to see sunrise at Moraine Lake .

We think this is a great choice, as Moraine Lake was, quite frankly, loved to death. Members of our private Facebook group have noted that they were getting to Moraine Lake as early as 3-4am in 2022 to ensure a spot, every year it seemed to be that you had to get to Moraine Lake earlier and earlier, and it was all becoming a bit too much.

We break down exactly how to get to Moraine Lake in our latest update.

No matter how you get to Moraine Lake, we recommend enjoying the scenery, but also making time to enjoy a Moraine Lake hike , or go canoeing in paradise.

Just note that if you think you’ll make your visit to Moraine Lake quieter and easier by visiting in the off-season, you may want to think again. Moraine Lake Road closes between (approximately) October 10 and June 1st. The road gets covered in snow, and the avalanche risk is high.

Canoe On Lake Louise

After your visit to Moraine Lake, you’ll probably want to head to Lake Louise. Lake Louise is the other iconic lake that millions from around the world flock to Banff to see, it should be on everyone’s Banff itinerary. It is certainly a highlight of any trip to Canada.

Lake Louise, while not AS scenic as Moraine Lake, is still pretty darn mesmerizing. This glacier-fed lake sparkles bright turquoise blue under the sun and the mountains rising up around it providing the perfect backdrop for any photo. If you’re already visiting Moraine Lake for the day, you might as well get to Lake Louise, too, as it’s just a short drive away and is easily connected via the Lake Connector Shuttle. Also, nearly every Moraine Lake tour also runs to Lake Louise right after Moraine Lake.

Keep in mind that the lake is frozen solid from late October to early June. Though, unlike Moraine Lake, Lake Louise is accessible year-round.

More Guides to Visiting Lake Louise

• When is the Best Time to Visit Lake Louise?
• Lake Louise Parking: Everything You Need to Know
• All You Need to Know About The Lake Louise Shuttle
• Lake Louise Canoe Rental: 10 Tips You Need to Know

Stay in Lake Louise!

Are you wondering where the best place to stay in Lake Louise is? There are multiple hotels and cabins in the area, but we have our favorites that we recommend to readers!

• Fairmont Chateau: The only hotel on Lake Louise. It’s the most luxurious, but also the most expensive place to stay in the park. If you want primo access to Lake Louise, you’ll have to splurge and spend a night here.
• Paradise Lodge : Just a walk away from Lake Louise, these are charming Lake Louise cabins that you can’t help but love. They are cheaper than the Fairmont, but are still very close to Lake Louise.
• Baker Creek Mountain Resort : Now these cabins are not that close to Lake Louise, they are about a 15 minute drive from Lake Louise on the Bow Valley Parkway. However, if you are seeking seclusion and the feeling of being in the Canadian wilderness this is your place.

If you want to go for a hike while visiting Lake Louise (and I highly suggest you do), numerous hikes range in difficulty, leaving right from Lake Louise. The most popular and easiest hike is to the Lake Agnes Tea House . This is an easy hike that can be done in under two hours and is iconic in Banff. However, be warned, its ease and beauty make it a busy one! To escape the crowds (and get better views), keep climbing to the Big or Little Beehive.

Another longer option is Devil’s Thumb, but this should be attempted by seasoned hikers. Other hikes include Fairview Lookout, Plain of Six Glaciers , and Mount St. Piran.

Dinner and Stay at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is the most iconic hotel in Banff National Park. It’s easily one of the best places to stay in all of Alberta, and it overlooks the beautiful lake. If you book early enough and score yourself a room here in the summer, enjoy it!

After your day enjoying Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, you can now relax and have dinner at the Chateau and enjoy a night in the Fairmont. Ensure you take advantage of the location and catch the stars at night around the lake without the daytime crowds! Keep in mind that reservations are highly recommended for any Lake Louise restaurant at the Chateau.

Drive the Icefields Parkway

• Stand Up Paddleboard on Bow Lake

Take in the Views at Peyto Lake

Have lunch at athabasca glacier.

• Columbia Skywalk
• Drive on to Jasper

Wake up early at Lake Louise and enjoy sunrise, have a coffee with views, and then get ready to head out for a road trip on the Icefields Parkway. The Icefields Parkway is one of the most beautiful road trips you can take in the entire world.

The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North) connects Lake Louise with Jasper in Jasper National Park. The drive itself is stunning, but there are so many pull-offs along the way. Bow Lake, Peyto Lake , and Herbert Lake are just to name a few. I won’t break down every single stop to make here, as there are so many. Instead, I’ve created a full Icefields Parkway guide.

Swing By Bow Lake

You can’t miss Bow Lake on your way up the Icefields Parkway. It’s a huge lake, and you’ll see many people stopped here admiring the view.

This is one of the best places to enjoy the water if you have a stand-up paddleboard, canoe, or kayak. Note that there is no where to rent these watercrafts, so you’ll either have to have your own or rent one for your trip to Banff if you have a rental car. Radventures offers daily stand up paddleboard rentals. Or if you think you would like to paddle on all the lakes in the Rockies on your trip, we recommend buying a stand up paddleboard.

There are also some phenomenal hikes and scrambles around Bow Lake if you have lots of time. The easiest and quickest is the hike to Bow Glacier Falls, but longer day hikes we love are Helen Lake, The Onion or Mount Jimmy Simpson .

Peyto Lake (PEE-toh) is a glacier-fed lake in Banff National Park. This is probably the third most popular lake to visit in Banff, after Louise and Moraine. The reason is its unique shape and absolutely mind-blowingly blue water.

Peyto Lake is easily accessible from the Icefields Parkway. To get a great view, all you have to do is park and hike up an easy 10-minute path to the viewpoint. It’s the perfect place to come and enjoy the stellar Banff National Park views in both winter and summer, and there is a nice viewing platform to see the lake.

Peyto Lake is just past Bow Lake on your left hand side when driving from Lake Louise to Jasper. It’s a busy stop, so if you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend getting an early start before 8am in the summer.

As you continue driving the Icefields Parkway, you’ll take in all the incredible views ahead of you. There are plenty of sights, but I won’t list them all here as I encourage you to check out our step by step guide to the Icefields Parkway so you can determine where you want to stop.

Around the 130 km mark (from Lake Louise), you’ll get to the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre. It’s here you can step inside, use the restrooms, have lunch, and embark on an excursion.

Athabasca Glacier is a popular place to stop along the Icefields Parkway. You can see Mount Athabasca here and even walk on Athabasca Glacier or enjoy the Ice Explorer vehicle experience if that interests you!

Columbia Icefield Skywalk

If you’re already at Athabasca Glacier, you may as well enjoy an experience just a couple of kilometers down the road to the Glacier Skywalk . Here, you can step out on a cliff-edge walk, see the glaciers around you, and enjoy views of the Sunwapta Valley.

The Columbia Icefield Skywalk has views of wildlife, waterfalls, and fossils. It’s a fun, family-friendly thing to do in Banff. However, in my opinion, you can get the same experience for free by going on a beautiful hike in Banff National Park.

If you’re an avid outdoor person and hiker, the Skywalk can feel like a lame way to waste money. However, if you have never experienced walking on glass and descending down a valley floor, it may be an exhilarating experience.

*Note that you must pre purchase tickets for this experience. There is no parking along the Icefields Parkway, and you must park at the Discovery Center, check in there, and be shuttled to the Skywalk. Skywalk tickets are included in all Ice Explorer tours.

Continue to Jasper

After Athabasca, you have the option to stay the night on the Icefields Parkway at the Glacier View Lodge , or you can push on to Jasper. As you leave, you’ll exit Banff National Park and enter Jasper National Park.

The views continue, though, and the drive is just as stunning. A few of the best stops ahead of you include Tangle Creek Falls, Athabasca Falls, Sunwapta Falls , and Horseshoe Lake. After visiting, continue on to Jasper Town and relax here for the night.

• Explore Downtown Jasper
• Jasper SkyTram

Maligne Canyon

• Spirit Island
• Athabasca Falls
• Overnight in Jasper or Camp Along the Way

Jasper Town

Wake up in downtown Jasper after staying at a cute Jasper cabin and have a coffee and baked treat at Bear’s Paw Bakery or have a delicious breakfast in Jasper at Sunhouse Cafe. Take a stroll around town and enjoy the fresh mountain air. After your morning you’re going to want to hop in the car and get ready for another beautiful road trip. Set the GPS for Maligne Lake and start driving down Maligne Lake Road.

Maligne Canyon is one of the things to do in Jasper that will keep you occupied and fulfilled, regardless of the season you visit. Carved slowly out of limestone over the years by the rushing waters within, the deep canyon walls reach nearly 200 feet in places, making it one of the most dramatic sights in Jasper National Park.

The canyon area is a hot hiking spot when the ice thaws in late spring and summer due to its natural beauty and the sheer number of amazing and unique geological features you’ll find. Guided tours are available, but you can also visit on your own, though visiting in the winter without a guide isn’t recommended for those not equipped for Canadian winters, as you’ll need special cleated or spiked boots to walk on the ice safely.

Maligne Lake and Spirit Island

A great place to visit in Jasper is Spirit Island in Maligne Lake . As you may have guessed by its name, Spirit Island is a serene and revered place, especially for the area’s indigenous people. Due to its sacredness, the island is off-limits, but boat tours are available, which will take you close enough to appreciate its splendor. The cruises run daily and often in the summer. The standard cruise allows for 15 minutes near Spirit Island, but Pursuit sells Premium Cruises which allow for 30 minutes. We recommend booking the Maligne Lake cruise in advance, as it’s a very popular thing to do in the summer and cruises do sell out.

Want to stay at Spirit Island longer? For those who need a little more exertion and adventure to view the island by kayak or canoe, this option is only for the physically fit because the roundtrip is difficult to complete in a day. There are campsites nearby where you can book an overnight spot, breaking the trip into a day and a half and giving you a wonderful night in the wilderness.

Drive Back to Jasper

After your time at Maligne Lake, it’s time to get in the car again and drive back to Jasper on the same road you came. You’ll do this on Maligne Lake Road, one of Canada’s most gorgeous roads. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, we almost always see moose on this road.

If you missed a stop at Medicine Lake, now is your time to stop and see it. Medicine Lake is part of the Maligne Valley watershed and is nearly 7 km (4.3 mi) long. In the summer, it looks like a normal Canadian lake, but it’s actually called the disappearing lake, as in the winter, the water completely disappears.

Spend an Evening Up the Jasper SkyTram

Going up the Jasper SkyTram is one of the best ways to end your day in Jasper. It’s here you can enjoy unparalleled views and on a clear day, you can even see Mount Robson (the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies) in the distance.

Once you load onto the Jasper Gondola, you’ll begin the thrilling ride up to the Summit Station at 2,263 meters (7,425 ft). The two cozy trams hold 20-24 people and bring you up 2,263 meters in 10-minutes, On the way up, the views become expansive as you leave the tree line and enter the alpine. Once at the top, we recommend a quick hike up to Whistlers Summit via the Whistlers Summit Trail.

Option: Stay Longer in Jasper, or Drive Back to Banff Via the Icefields Parkway

We recommend staying at least three days in Jasper, as there is so much to do and we crammed a lot into the day above. Some even prefer Jasper over Banff! With more time in Jasper, you can enjoy a canoe on Pyramid Lake, hike the Valley of Five Lakes Trail , or have lunch on Lac Beauvert. However, if you are short on time, you can drive back to Banff either in the evening or in the morning!

As mentioned, this is an itinerary to give you ideas and not set in stone. The perfect itinerary depends on your timeline. If you plan to spend more time in Jasper, you can follow our ultimate Jasper itinerary .

If you can give more time to Jasper National Park, here are some ideas for activities to keep you entertained.

• Stunning Jasper Hikes You Shouldn’t Miss
• Awesome Things To Do in Jasper
• Jasper Lakes Well Worth a Visit
• How to Hike the Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson Provincial Park

Overnight in the Town of Banff

After your time in Jasper, it’s time to head back to Banff the same way you can. Stop at any sights along the Icefields Parkway that you missed the first time around. We’ll start the next day as if you’ve woken up in Banff!

Banff Itinerary – Day 4

• Sunrise on Tunnel Mountain
• Walk Around Downtown Banff

Check Out Bow Falls

• Hike or take the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain

Catch Sunrise on Tunnel Mountain

Tunnel Mountain is right in the heart of Banff. It’s beloved by locals for its accessibility, and you can hike it year-round. It may be one of the smallest mountains in Banff National Park, but it still offers tremendous views of the surrounding valleys and Mount Rundle, especially if you wake up early at get after it at sunrise.

The hike moves slowly up the mountain through several switchbacks and offers various viewpoints out into the Bow and Spray Valleys. It’s a great Banff hike for sunrise or sunset, and it rarely disappoints. The best part is it’s only 4.5 km round trip and shouldn’t take more than one hour up. It’s also one of the easiest hikes you can do with only 266 meters of elevation gain.

Stroll Down Banff Ave

It’s hard to believe there is a town in the center of one of the most beautiful national parks on earth, but there is, and walking around Banff is a must for any visitor.

There are plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants to enjoy in Banff , and the entire time you have unreal views of Cascade Mountain. But really, I just love strolling and admiring the mountain views from down low.

If visiting during Banff in the Summer, you’ll be happy to know that Banff Avenue closes a large portion of the road to vehicles. It’s pedestrian and cyclist only, so you can fully take advantage of strolling these streets. In case you’re wondering, there are plenty of Banff patios where you can enjoy a beer under the sun during this time!

Cascade Gardens

If you’re strolling around Downtown Banff in the summer you can’t miss a stop at  Cascade Gardens . It’s located at the end of Banff Avenue, nearly impossible to miss. From the garden, you get great views of Mount Rundle and Cascade. This should go without saying, but please don’t pick the flowers, apparently it happens a lot!

Bow Falls are a must-see Banff waterfall. They are only a short walk away from the town and Cascade Gardens and take you into magnificent nature. From May to November, they are typically free-flowing. However, if visiting in the winter, it’s a completely different sight.

Depending on when you see them in the winter, Bow Falls may be frozen, but we’ve been lucky and seen their beauty, half in ice and half in water – a splendid experience! There are nice walkways and viewpoints for visitors so they can view safely.

Sunset on Sulphur Mountain

One of the best places to catch the sunset in Banff is from the top of Sulphur Mountain. The Banff Gondola runs all day to take visitors up and down, making it the easiest mountaintop to catch the sunset in Banff.

If you’re up for some activity, you can also hike up Sulphur Mountain, save some money, and get your legs moving. The peak can be reached in under two hours through a path of easy but relentless switchbacks. If you want to hike up and take the gondola down, you can purchase one way tickets for half price (unfortunately it doesn’t worth the other way around).

Purchase Banff Gondola Tickets

Sunrise on Vermilion Lakes

Stand up paddleboard on two jack lake.

• Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata

Scenic Cruise Around Lake Minnewanka

Dinner and drinks in banff.

Vermilion Lakes is one of my favorite places to go to Banff for both sunrise and sunset. If you’re up for yet another early morning, make your way here with a coffee in hand. Mount Rundle, arguably the most famous mountain in the park, towers over the lake, creating an epic backdrop at any time of the year.

It’s the perfect place to come early morning and enjoy your coffee before a great breakfast in Banff or travel to sunset with a few beers. You can also take a canoe, kayak, or paddleboards out here and enjoy the water as the lakes are pretty calm and a great place for a chill ride – even for beginners!

Coffee recommendation : Whitebark. Breakfast Recommendation : Tooloulous

Just a ten-minute drive away from Vermilion Lakes is Two Jack Lake . Two Jack is one of the most photographed lakes in the Canadian Rockies due to its proximity to Banff, and its stunning Mount Rundle Views. In the summer, it’s a popular spot to come with a stand-up paddleboard or kayak. Keep in mind there is no where to rent watercraft here, so you’ll have to come with your own or rent one in Canmore or Banff at Bow Valley SUP.

One of the top things to do in Banff National Park is enjoy Lake Minnewanka. Lake Minnewanka is a glacial lake right next door to Two Jack Lake. This lake is 21 km long and 142 meters deep, making it one of the largest lakes in the Rockies. Mount Inglismaldie and Mount Aylmer towering over Lake Minnewanka are seriously impressive all year round. Oh yea, and there’s also a Canadian resort ghost town under the lake ! In the summer, it’s a busy place to hike around and go canoeing on, or you can book a scenic cruise back to Devil’s Gap!

Evening at Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon  is one of the top attractions in Banff and can attract quite a crowd in the summer. That’s why we suggest ending your day here, as visiting after 5pm provides the best chance for a crowd-free experience.

A summer hike is visceral as the roaring water reverberates through the canyon and into your chest. As a hiker, you get up close and personal with the canyon thanks to a series of suspended walkways. Along the way, hikers catch scenic glimpses of the mountains,  multiple waterfalls , and a chance to spot wildlife.

The waterfalls in the canyon are roaring come  July  as the snow melts high in the surrounding mountains. No matter the season, it’s an easy hike in Banff along a well-maintained trail suitable for all ages. If you find yourself with spare time, continue on to the Ink Pots for an extended hike.

Adventure Option: Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata

If you’re a beginner hiker but want to see what hiking in the Rockies is all about, I highly suggest the Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata . This is an assisted climbing experience up Mount Norquay. There are four different routes that vary in length and difficulty. Perfect for any visitor in Banff with many different options for families too.

The sun has set over Banff National Park. It’s time to refuel for the day at one of Banff’s many places to eat. A few of our favorites are:

• The Best Restaurants in Banff
• The Best Breweries in Banff
• Amazing Banff Patios to Enjoy this Summer

Our favorite restaurant in Banff with a great atmosphere and high-quality farm-to-table food. They have a seasonal menu and won several national awards in Canada for exceptional service.

Three Bears Brewery

Our favorite spot in Banff for pizza and beer!

Block Kitchen and Bar

A small restaurant with some of the most innovative dishes and drinks in the valley. Reservations are not accepted here and it is tiny, but if you manage to get a table you won’t be disappointed.

Nourish Bistro

This healthy cafe is the perfect lunch spot in town with reasonably priced lunch combos and coffee.

Banff Sushi

We love sushi, and we love a good deal, so Banff Sushi is a slam dunk for us. The novelty of the sushi train was definitely appreciated and brought us back to Japan as we nabbed tantalizing bites of sushi off the Canadian train engine. If you like sushi, this may be one of the best deals in Banff.

Day 6 (Head to Canmore)

Today is the day to head to the town right next to Banff—Canmore. I personally love Canmore more than Banff (and not just because I live here) because it feels less like a tourist destination and more like a place where real day-to-day operations happen.

Hike to Grassi Lakes

Explore downtown canmore.

• Walk Around Policemen’s Boardwalk
• Sunset Paddle Around The Reservoir

With clear water and mesmerizingly blue water, Grassi Lakes is remarkable and easy to reach on a short hike. Though there are other trails in the area, these are clearly marked, and great for all ages making them one of the best things to do in Canmore.

About five kilometers south of town, the lakes are easy to get to, and you may want to consider packing a few some food for a picnic, as it’s one of the most picturesque places around Canmore. Stunning views of a nearby waterfall and the town of Canmore below present plenty of photo opportunities.

Grassi Lakes is easy enough for just about anyone to complete. I would feel comfortable bringing older parents or healthy grandparents on this short hike. Be forewarned, it’s ease makes it particularly busy, and we recommend starting your hike first thing in the morning to avoid crowds.

Strolling Downtown Canmore is like strolling Downtown Banff…without the masses. Stroll Main Street and pop into the art galleries, or grab a coffee at Eclispse. We also always love running into Stonewaters for home inspo ideas!

For lunch, head downtown to one of Canmore’s many restaurants. I love sitting outside at The Tavern or Communitea as they have fun patios in the summer. They have great food and awesome drink specials. Though if you’re really looking for a good patio experience in Canmore, The Wood has the best views in Canmore. Grizzly Paw Brewery and Pub is another popular option, as it’s right on Main Street, but it’s more expensive and offers less good food, in my opinion.

If visiting in the summer, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that, like Banff, Canmore also restricts vehicles on Main Street.

Walk the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk

If you want to spend a quiet morning or afternoon strolling through nature, head to the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk. The elevated walkway presents year-round opportunities without a need for waders, boots, or snowshoes. It’s accessible from downtown, and the trailhead is near the intersection of Main Street and Spring Creek Drive.

The four-kilometer Canmore trail is well marked, easy to follow, and will bring you right back to your starting point, so you won’t have to drop bread crumbs or call for a helicopter rescue.

The boardwalk’s pleasant mix of town and country is the best of both worlds, and you’ll think you’re much farther away from civilization than you really are. Don’t miss the Giant Head Statue near The Drake at the beginning or end of your walk!

Sunset Paddle Around The Rundle Forebay Reservoir

The Rundle Forebay Reservoir, or “Canmore Res,” is a local place to head in the evening and take a swim, paddleboard, or kayak and watch the sun go down over Ha Ling Peak and the Little Sister. It’s a quiet place to relax in nature and is perfect for a picnic dinner. Please make sure to clean up after yourself, every time I visit, there is trash left about carelessly.

Adventure Option: Sunset on the EEOR

East End of Rundle (EEOR) is one of the most popular hikes in Canmore . It’s a beautiful hike up that offers visitors astonishing views over Canmore, the Bow Valley, and Ha Ling Peak. Although, just because East End of Rundle (or EEOR, or “Eeyore” as locals like to call it) is close to town doesn’t mean it’s an easy climb up to the summit.

EEOR trail is a 5.8 kilometer out and back trail. It’s certainly a steep and strenuous uphill battle for almost the entire hike. There are hardly any flat parts, and the climb starts right from the car park. There is moderate exposure and some scrambling required, but nothing too scary or difficult for the average to the advanced hiker.

We are reasonably fast hikers and completed the trail in four hours with a 45-minute summit beer stop at the top and about 15 extra minutes for sunset photos. If we were really moving with no long stops, we could have done EEOR in under three hours.

The average hiker will probably be able to summit in two hours and descend in 1.5 hours. If you are slower, five hours round trip is probably a safe time to estimate. If you can get up there for sunset, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views over Ha Ling and Whiteman’s Pond, though to get a good view like in the photo above, you only have to hike halfway to the “viewpoint.”

Not feeling EEOR? Similar hikes nearby are Ha Ling , Rimwall Summit, Reads Tower, and Windtower

Day 7 – Get Out of Banff

If you happen to have extra time in this area, then you are doing Banff the right way. We recommend you venture to neighboring Kananaskis Country or Yoho National Park and explore what these other parks have to offer.

Hike in Kananaskis Country

Head to yoho national park, sunset picnic on the smith dorrien.

Kananaskis is another Alberta Park that is just as beautiful as Banff. Located closer to Calgary, it’s a quieter area to enjoy, usually filled with more Albertans than foreigners. There are some amazing lakes to enjoy and fantastic hiking opportunities here. Keep in mind you need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass to enjoy Kananaskis, this is in addition to the Parks Canada Pass you need to visit Banff.

Yoho National Park is just past Lake Louise and close to Golden, BC. It offers fantastic sightseeing opportunities, beautiful lakes, and awesome hikes. The most famous sight in Yoho is Emerald Lake , which most visitors want to see while in the park. If you have the time and capacity, we highly recommend adding a day to explore Yoho National Park.

Some of the best things to do in Yoho are:

• Canoe on Emerald Lake
• Wapta Falls
• Hike the Iceline Trail
• Marvel at Tak Falls

The dirt road that leads up past Grassi Lakes and the Canmore Nordic Center is Smith Dorrien Trail. It’s an unpaved road that is open year-round, avalanche conditions withstanding. As you make your way up the pass between Mount Lawrence Grassi and Rundle, you’ll find some impressive views.

Once through the pass, you’ll enter Kananaskis Country, an Alberta Provincial Park. Along the drive, you pass some superb lakes and impressive mountain vistas. Keep your eyes peeled as you’ll likely spot some wildlife too; we’ve seen just about everything, such as bears, moose, elk, deer, goats, bighorn sheep, and coyotes.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Banff

This itinerary focuses on a seven day Banff trip, which is the average amount of time a visitor typically plans their trip for. That being said, we think anywhere between 5-7 days is sufficient amount of time to get a taste of what the Rockies have to offer and see the highlights, though you will 100% leave wanting to return.

When is the Best Time to Visit Banff?

High season (June-August, December-February)

Banff National Park has a high season for winter enthusiasts and those after that perfect North American summer getaway. The first is much quieter than its summer counterpart, but around the holidays, prices rise, and crowds flock to Banff. Those after a ski vacation should visit Banff in February, and ski runs become busier. During these two winter times, you’ll find higher accommodation prices.

However, that’s nothing compared to summertime in Banff. Numbers balloon between June and August, and while I would love to say that because of this, it’s not a good time to visit, I would be lying.

July and August bring about the best weather in the park. Long days and sunshine await you during the summer. The wildflowers are in full bloom, and it’s a great time for anyone looking for a summer adventure. However, the crowds can be insane, especially Downtown and at Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, and Lake Moraine.

Shoulder Season (May, September-October)

The shoulder season months are still a wonderful time to visit Banff National Park. May is still winter, and there is still snow on the ground. The glacier lakes will be frozen, but the summer crowds have not appeared, making it a great time to visit Banff.

If chasing the fall and seeing the yellow larches are your thing, you’ll want to visit for Banff in the fall in September and October. After Labor Day, the crowds start to fizzle out as the kiddies return to school and summer vacations are over. However, larch season, which starts around the third week of September brings plenty of people in. Hiking is still great, as the winter gods haven’t dumped snow yet.

Low Season (November, March, April) 

These are generally cold, cloudy, and what some may call “miserable” months. Unless, of course, you like the winter, snowboarding and skiing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and don’t mind a bit of mixed weather. What is the best part about this time of year? There are fewer tourists, lower prices, and plenty of snow!

Download AllTrails

If you plan to do any hiking, download AllTrails first. Alltrails gives you the latest review of a hike and all the logistical information you may need. If you pay for AllTrails Pro, you can also download offline trail maps to your phone. We use AllTrails for most hikes, and although it’s far from perfect, it gives you some ideas about the trail based on recent hiker reviews.

Consider Renting a Car

Being in North America, your options for transport are limited. Most visitors to Banff will rent a car in Calgary as this is the easiest way to get around. Renting a car in Banff ensures that you can get to where you want to go on your own schedule.

Depending on your travel season, car rentals in Calgary can be quite affordable. During the shoulder season and off season you can often get great deals on rental cars if you book far enough in advance.

It’s best to get a car with winter tires in the winter, so make sure to check with your car rental agency. If you do decide to drive from Alberta into BC, these winter tires are mandatory! You can see road conditions here , which are super helpful between November and late April.

Other Transport Options

You may not feel comfortable driving in Canada, and that’s okay! There are other options to get to and from Banff and around the town. However, they are limited, so keep that in mind. To get from YYC to Banff, the Banff Airporter is a good option and costs $152 (CAD) round trip.

Once in Banff, there is the Roam bus system to get around town. It also runs to popular sites like Lake Louise and easily gets you to Lake Louise Ski Resort and Banff Sunshine Ski Resort. If you’re booking a private or group tour, most tour operators offer pick up and drop off at your hotel in Banff or Canmore.

Dress for the Mountains

If I had a dollar for every time I saw a visitor wearing poor mountain clothes, I would have, like, $500. Come to Banff dressed for mountain weather. Here’s my Banff packing list, but in short, that means packable down jackets even in the summer.

The weather here can change at a moment’s notice, and you don’t want to be underdressed. It’s essential to pack layers and HIKING BOOTS . Yes, hiking boots or hiking shoes. If you plan to go hiking while visiting Banff, please do not show up in Converse shoes. In the winter, microspikes are also glorious on hikes and are a pretty inexpensive investment.

This Banff Itinerary is Just a Starter

This Banff itinerary by no means covers everything you can do in Banff. Heck, we have been exploring these mountains for years and always find new activities to get up to!

That being said, this entire website is packed with things you can do in the region so we encourage you to click around to get more ideas! Some popular items not mentioned but definitely worth doing (or returning for another trip) are:

• Biking or driving the Bow Valley Parkway
• Waiting for the train at Morant’s Curve
• Having a picnic at Cascade Ponds
• Venturing into Kootenay National Park for the Day
• Taking in the views from the Lake Louise Gondola
• Riding the Norquay Chairlift and have lunch at the Cliffhouse Bistro
• Biking the Legacy Trail
• Going for a Horseback Ride

Get a National Park Pass

All visitors to Banff National Park need a Parks Canada pass to recreate. The Parks Canada pass covers all national parks in Canada. This includes Jasper, Yoho, Glacier, and Kootenay National Park. Note that the Parks Canada Pass does not cover recreation in Kananaskis Provincial Park.

Parks Canada Day Pass Rates

Parks canada discovery pass fees (yearly pass), our favorite banff hotels.

Luxury – Banff Springs Hotel

Mid Range – Baker Creek Lodge

Budget – Rundlestone Lodge

Recommended Tours

• 3-Hour Horseback Ride Around Bow Valley : If you want to tackle the Rockies via horseback, this tour is a great option.
• Banff Gondola Tour : The most popular thing to do in Banff!
• Banff Hop on Hop Off Bus : See multiple sights on your own timeline, without having to worry about driving.
• Banff Ghost Walking Tour : If you want to hear a few spooky stories from the Rockies, this is a great tour.
• Ice Explorer Glacier Tour & Glacier Skywalk : Combine the two most popular things to do at Athabasca Glacier.
• Jasper Food Tour : Eat your way around Jasper!
• Moraine Lake and Lake Louise Sightseeing Tour : Don’t worry about getting yourself to the lakes on this hands off tour from Banff.
• Moraine Lake Sunrise Tour : If you want to see Moraine Lake in all her glory, prepare to wake up early and tackle the day.
• eBike and Hike to Johnston Canyon : A great way to get active on the Bow Valley Parkway and see Johnston Canyon.
• Banff Food Tour: Eat the Castle : For the foodies. Eat your way around history! Ice Explorer Glacier Tour and Glacier Skywalk Viator

This is by no means all you can do in the Canadian Rockies, but it is a Banff itinerary guide to help you get started with planning your own customized trip. If you have any other questions leave a comment or see our Canadian Rockies travel guide for more articles about photography spots, lakes, hikes, and everything else.

↓ Join the community ↓

The  Banff Blog Facebook Group  is your headquarters for Canadian Rockies travel advice and information, including hike and off-season travel information. You can also meet new adventure buddies.

Plan Your Trip to the Canadian Rockies

• Tours (New in 2024): The Banff Blog is partnering with one of the leading tour companies in Western Canada so readers can experience the magic of the Rockies with other travelers – without having to think about a thing. See all our 2024 tour offerings here!
• Hotels in the Rockies: There are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to wilderness cabins. See all our favorites here.
• Get to Banff or Canmore Without a Car : The Banff Airporter provides fantastic service connecting you from the Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Banff or Canmore.
• Get Around : We suggest renting a car to get around. You can search for rental cars on Rentalcars.com. Or embark on an epic campervan trip. We like to compare prices on Motorhome Republic and Outdoorsy .
• Cheaper Airfare: We also use Going to watch for cheap airfare deals!
• Hop On, Hop Off : This tour is taking Banff by storm. It’s exactly what it sounds like, hop on and off a bus bound for all the best attractions at your own pace!

About Natasha

Natasha calls Canmore, Alberta home. After traveling across seven continents and 90 countries with Cameron, she settled down in the stunning Canadian Rockies. She loves to help others travel and make their planning easier. She is a winter enthusiast and loves to snowboard, ice skate, and snowshoe and enjoy all the fantastic summer opportunities in Banff like hiking, scrambling, and biking. You can find her in the mountains or enjoying a coffee by the river. Learn more on the about us page! If you have found the content on this site helpful to your trip planning please consider supporting The Banff Blog. You can say thanks directly by buying us a coffee . All support is much appreciated!

4 thoughts on “The ULTIMATE Banff Itinerary You Should Follow (2024)”

Great blog. Very helpful. Just FYI – we left Canmore at 3:10 am on Wednesday, July 20th and got to Moraine Lake lot at 4:20am. Lot was full. Was told it’s been like that every day so you may want to amend your comment above about arriving by 6am.

Thanks – this year has been worse than previous years unfortunately, which is why we try to direct those to our 2022 updating parking schedule in the post! We recommend trying to take the shuttle if possible! Though we are aware you will miss sunrise.

Hey guys, This is awesome info and I took most of the idea for my upcoming Sept 2024 itinerary from your blog. Any suggestions on sunrise/sunset spots in Jasper, Banff (other than Louise & Moraine) and Yoho. We are planning 2 nights in Field/Golden, 2 nights in Jasper and 3 nights in Banff area. Once again, thanks a lot this wonderful blog.

Hello! Maybe this page will help you https://thebanffblog.com/banff-photography/ Enjoy your trip!

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Banff To Jasper: 10 Things To Know About This Mountain Vacation Road Trip

From the best time to visit to beautiful stops along the way, discover everything about the mountainside vacation road trip from Banff to Jasper.

• Bring your own fuel: There's only one gas station between Banff and Jasper, so make sure to fuel up before the scenic drive and pack a picnic lunch along the way.
• Limited connectivity: Don't rely on mobile apps for navigation, as there is no internet connection along the Icefields Parkway. Download map directions before starting the drive.
• Wildlife encounters: Be prepared to encounter bears, grizzlies, and coyotes along the way. Take precautions, keep a safe distance, and refrain from feeding the animals. Remember to acquire a park permit for the drive through Banff and Jasper National Parks.

Driving from Banff to Jasper on a road trip features unique mountain scenery and attractions, ideal for tourists who want to experience an adventure in the Canadian Rockies. More popularly known as the Icefields Parkway road trip, the 288-kilometer journey is easily one of the best vacations in Banff to take , and it should take around four hours to complete in good and steady weather.

However, scenic drives can be affected by weather changes and forced closures during the winter season. Visitors must have all the proper equipment, like winter tires, to ensure safety and watch out for road reports. For those well-prepared for the road trip from Banff to Jasper, many treasures await, from scenic stops to fun attractions.

Here’s what to know about the drive from Banff to Jasper on a road trip and what to expect, as well as stopovers tourists should be sure to add to their Canadian Rockies road trip itinerary.

Scenic Views: 10 Mountain Vacations In The U.S. That Are Worth Every Penny

10 there’s only one gas station between jasper and banff.

Tourists driving and bringing their own cars must know about the single gas station along the way at the Saskatchewan Crossing , which is almost exactly halfway between Jasper and Banff. Cars should be fueled up before taking the scenic drive between Jasper and Banff and vice versa.

Like gas stations, the drive only has a few stopovers for meals, so it’s better for tourists to prepare a picnic lunch and pack snacks to enjoy while taking in the scenic view along the road. These stopovers include the Sunwapta Falls Resort, Saskatchewan Crossing, and the Icefields Visitor Center.

• Restrooms are everywhere along the drive, but tourists can expect a full-functioning toilet in the Saskatchewan River Crossing Resort and the Icefields Discovery Center.
• Packing snacks and meals before hitting the road is ideal for tourists visiting Banff on a budget .

The gas station along the way has more expensive fuel prices than the ones in Banff and Jasper.

Heading To Jasper? Take A Scenic Cruise Of Maligne Lake

9 the icefields parkway has poor signal.

Driving from Banff to Jasper and vice versa genuinely allows tourists to connect with nature because only a single place along the entire road trip has Wi-Fi connection, which is inside the Columbia Icefield Discovery Center .

The Wi-Fi is free for everyone, with the password written on the building wall, but visitors can only use the internet inside the building. Cell service is also unavailable along the parkway.

• It can be difficult to navigate through mobile apps, such as Google Maps or Waze, since there’s no internet connection on the road.
• Travelers should download map directions or trail instructions before starting the drive.

8 There’s Abundant Wildlife On The Road

One thing to know when visiting Alberta is that bears are almost everywhere, especially when hiking in Banff National Park , which also means even the route to Jasper from Banff (and back again) has abundant wildlife.

Tourists can spot bears, grizzlies, and coyotes along the way, so hitting the road means taking extra precautions and concentrating on the road while driving and keeping a safe distance from any creatures that may be encountered. It’s totally fine to take photos of the wildlife spotted on the road, but visitors must also be mindful of the traffic and be respectful of animals by keeping a safe distance.

Tourists should not feed any animals.

7 Driving From Banff To Jasper Needs A Park Permit

The drive from Banff to Jasper is within various national parks, including Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, both of which are home to some of the most beautiful scenery in Canada. This means tourists taking the scenic drive between Banff and Jasper should acquire a park permit.

Visitors can purchase park passes at the park gates online or directly at the Visitor Centers in Lake Louise and Banff . Note that the permits should also be printed, so it’s easier to show these at the checkpoints.

• There are two kinds of park permits: day passes, which expire at 4 p.m. on the day of departure, and discovery passes, valid for a year after purchase.
• Permits are free for tourists driving along Banff National Park on Canada Day, July 1.

The Best Times To Visit Jasper & Banff National Parks

6 the drive takes longer in summer and winter.

Driving along the Icefields Parkway during winter and summer can give tourists some truly spectacular scenery; however, it'll also provide travelers with more time to check out the many unusual experiences in Banff National Park because the route time definitely takes longer.

The route from Banff to Jasper and vice versa gets extremely busy during summer, with transportation congestion every July and August. On the other hand, snowfalls can significantly affect the roads from November to April, so tourists should prepare winter tires and remain cautious for slippery driveways, and allow for a longer travel time (which is a great excuse to plan to stay in the many stops along the Icefields Parkway).

• It’s best to start the drive around sunrise during summer or winter.
• June to October are some of the best months to drive the Icefields Parkway between Jasper and Banff because of the beautiful nature views.

5 There’s No Train Service Available From Banff to Jasper

Unfortunately, the road trip from Banff to Jasper has no available train service for tourists without vehicles, but there are Canadian Rockies train journeys that visitors should check out that include the drive along the scenic Icefields Parkway.

Two of the most famous train rides in the Canadian Rockies include The Rocky Mountaineer and Canada by Design, with the former more luxurious than the latter. The Canada By Design tours usually start in Calgary or Vancouver and lasts six to eight days.

• The Canada by Design tours, including snowboarding and skiing, are best enjoyed during winter.
• Tourists who prefer to join private tours can check out Banff Tours, a luxury transportation rental featuring sedans, SUVs, buses, and more.

4 There Is Limited Accommodation On The Icefields Parkway Between Jasper And Banff

The mountain vacation road trip from Banff to Jasper has limited accommodations for tourists and only a single luxurious option, with the Fairmont Park Lodge in Jasper offering the best amenities for a full hotel stay.

Budget hotels on the Icefields Parkway include the Num Ti Jah and the Glacier View Lodge at Athabasca Glacier, while tourists can also choose to stay in hostels and shared rooms along Rampart Creek, Mosquito Creek, and Hilda Creek.

• Camping spots are also available on the way on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Toiletries are limited in most hostels and shared rooms, so tourists must do a grocery shop before hitting the road.

Visitors must book accommodations between Banff and Jasper online and in advance, especially on July and August weekends, because they fill up fast.

3 Tourists Can Enjoy A Picnic At Bow Lake

Travelers shouldn’t mind enjoying a stopover for lunch, especially finding a picnic table by Bow Lake. This tourist destination features crystal blue lake water surrounded by wildflowers and tall trees.

Driving during the summer is the best time to stop by Bow Lake as the water finishes thawing, but it’s also famous in the winter season for ski touring and snowshoeing. Num Ti Jah is also near this tourist destination for tourists looking for a place for an overnight stay.

• Tourists can take beautiful photos of Bow Lake on the bridge along the highway.
• Bow Lake is also open for fishing, but tourists should have the corresponding license and permit.

2 Riding The Bus From Banff To Jasper Is Cheaper Than By Car

Aside from driving and joining tours, another affordable option to travel from Banff to Jasper is by riding the bus. Riding the bus between Jasper and Banff is ideal for those who don't want to worry about being responsible behind the wheel. Brewster Express and SunDog Tours are the best options for traveling by bus.

The Brewster Express costs $135 per person on a single trip, with the pick-up and drop-off locations totally customizable depending on where the tourists are staying. SunDog Tours can be a better option for visitors who plan to see various stops along the way.

• The SunDog Tours feature a direct route from Banff to Jasper in the winter, from October to April.
• Return trips are more budget-friendly than booking one way.

1 Tourists Can Stop By Various Hiking Trails

Tourists driving from Banff to Jasper should take advantage of various hiking trails, including Mistaya Canyon, an easy 1-kilometer trail for travelers to take in breathtaking waterfall views. It should only take an hour to hike up the canyon and take panoramic shots of the place.

Tourists who reach the bridge can admire the Mistaya River underneath, surrounded by limestones that have eroded over time.

• Visiting the Mistaya Canyon and hiking the trail is free for all tourists driving along the mountain road trip from Banff to Jasper.
• The area surrounding the canyon is not fenced, so visitors must be extra careful to avoid accidents.

Seattle-to-Banff 7 Day Road-trip Itinerary

O Canada… One of my favorite parts about living in Seattle is the accessibility to our gorgeous neighbors up north. Growing up, we used to take road trips to Vancouver once or twice a year to feast on delicious dim sum and Chinese food (which puts Seattle Chinese food to shame). In college, my friends and I started taking an annual ski trip to Whistler, which to this day is still one of my favorite traditions. Banff has always been high on my list of places to go, but I had never done a real roadtrip this long so I procrastinated planning until last fall! We did the whole drive of Seattle-to-Banff and back in 7-days, and it was such a fun way to explore more of Western Canada! 

Since this trip was the same year I travelled to Patagonia, I was fairly money-conscious while planning. Luckily I was able to drive my own car (my poor baby Prius), and we decided to stay in budget-friendly Airbnbs the whole way, so it was a really nice way to take a full vacation without breaking the bank! 

While this isn’t a fully baked itinerary, I wanted to share our general driving route, places to stay, eating locations, and activity ideas for those of you looking to plan a similar roadtrip in the future!

8 am – Leave Seattle

4 hour drive

12 pm – Explore Hells Gate

• Explore and Lunch – Salmon chowder

1 pm – Leave for Salmon Arm

3.5 hours hour drive

6pm – Dinner in Salmon Arm at Aquatico Bay Steak & Seafood menu

Over night in salmon arm: Airbnb  

9 am – Leave for Banff area

3.5 hour drive

Buy park passes here: https://www.banfflakelouise.com/parks-pass-online

12 pm – Yoho National Park. Below are all separate, will need to drive to each:

• Emerald Lake: can drive to
• Lake O’Hara (sounds hard to get to in a day so unlikely)
• Wapta Falls: 4.7km out and back; furthest away from others but on the way, want to start here
• Takakkaw Falls: 1.6km out and back

30-60 min drive

7 pm -Overnight in Banff area: Hotel

5 am (sunrise) – Lake Louise

Hike up to the Teahouse

12 pm – Moraine Lake

• Moraine Lake Lodge Canoe
• Rockpile trail Moraine Lake (40 min, lower end of parking lot)
• Late Lunch at the Fairmont (Lake Louise) 

Driving through Banff area

• Peyto Lake – quick 3.8 mile hike
• Spiral Tunnel view point on drive back to air bnb

Overnight in Banff area Airbnb (glamping): Airbnb Pre download map and know how to get here, as there’s spotty service in this area!

Glacier National Park

• Avalanche Lake (trail of cedars) or Hidden Lake overlook 
• Columbia Wetlands

Overnight in Banff area Airbnb (glamping): Airbnb

Morning exploring the Banff area

12 pm – Leave for Kamloops 

~4 hour drive 

7pm – Dinner & overnight in Kamloops

• Pioneer park beach 
• Rent bikes around the town
• Paul Lake paddling on the way to kamloops if we leave early enough 

Dinner: Sushi: menu  

Overnight in Kamloops: Airbnb  

9 am – Leave for Whistler

4 hour drive – Kalei

1 pm – Afternoon in Whistler

• Walking through the Olympic village
• Bike tour depending on how body feels
• Peak 2 Peak Gondola

Lunch: Peaked Pies: Menu  

Overnight in Whistler at the Aava Whistler Hotel: Hotel

10 am – Leave Whistler

2 hour drive

12 pm – Stop in Vancouver for lunch

• Granville Island
• Stanley Park Seawall
• Dim Sum in Chinatown

3 pm – Leave Vancouver

3 hour drive

6 pm – Get back to Seattle

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Train From Vancouver To Banff: How To Take This Scenic, Bucket-List Journey

• Vancouver is a laid-back, environmentally conscious city on the coast of British Columbia, while Banff is a renowned resort town famous for its mountains and outdoor activities.
• The Rocky Mountaineer train offers a luxurious and scenic journey from Vancouver to Banff, with comfortable accommodations and breathtaking views of Canada's wilderness.
• The best time to travel on the Rocky Mountaineer depends on personal preferences, with different months offering unique experiences and potential savings on rates.

Vancouver is heavily populated by laid-back and environmentally conscious people and is situated directly on the coast of British Columbia. The legendary resort town of Banff , located in the adjacent province of Alberta, is renowned for its mountainous landscape, turquoise waterways, and some of the nation's greatest skiing and other outdoor activities .

With a height of 4,537 feet (1382.8 meters) , it also happens to be Canada's highest town. The 560 miles (900 kilometers) that separate these two Canadian locations traverse three mesmerizing mountain ranges: the Coast, Columbia, and Rocky Mountains.

From Vancouver, visitors may choose to fly, brave the Canadian motorways, or even board a train that passes through some of the country's most breathtaking scenery on its journey to Banff. Visitors can see the Canadian wilderness up close and personal by taking the train from Vancouver to Banff.

Related: Scenic Views: 10 Mountain Vacations In The U.S. That Are Worth Every Penny

Rocky Mountaineer: A Journey From Vancouver To Banff

The renowned Rocky Mountaineer is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This opulent sightseeing train only passes through the Canadian Rockies during the day, stopping to emphasize the region's natural wonders.

Passengers will savor hand-crafted, regional fare, top-shelf drinks, and an unending supply of snacks and sweets while listening to knowledgeable guides who will highlight Western Canada's stunning natural beauty and tell the region's illustrious history. The Rocky Mountaineer makes an overnight stop at Kamloops, a lakeside community, so travelers can rest comfortably and prepare for the remainder of their voyage from Vancouver to Banff.

Every level of service on the Rocky Mountaineer train from Vancouver to Banff has unique windows that provide scenic panoramas. Passengers can contemplate the wildlife, mountains, and vibrant flowers. They can even see some of Canada's renowned greenery if they go during the fall. Rocky Mountaineer trains from Vancouver to Banff are renowned for providing an upgraded experience, regardless of the level of service they select.

Oversized windows, excellent food, and plush reclining chairs are all available for their enjoyment during the trip.

The Scenic, Bucket-List Train Itinerary From Vancouver To Banff

A breathtaking two-day trip on the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff includes Kamloops hotel accommodations.

Day 1: Vancouver To Kamloops

Passengers will travel from the coast to central British Columbia aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train, which departs from Vancouver. They will enjoy traveling through the Fraser Valley, the province of British Columbia's agricultural heartland.

The Fraser River, which is home to many salmon, winds through this ancient valley, which is surrounded by beautiful green mountainsides.

The scenic train passes distinctive geographical features like the roaring waves of Hell's Gate as it goes through marvelous river valleys cut into the lofty Coast and Cascade Mountains.

As the train ascends onto the parched interior plateau and makes its overnight stop in Kamloops, the atmosphere progressively changes. On board the train, breakfast, and lunch are complimentary.

• Hotels: Fairmont Waterfront, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Pan Pacific, Sutton Place Hotel, and Sheraton Wall Centre

Related: Vancouver To Kamloops: Why This Scenic Train Is The Best Way To See Canada's Fall Foliage

Day 2: Kamloops To Banff

As it draws closer to the breathtakingly beautiful snow-capped Rocky Mountains, the train progressively departs the ranchlands of south-central British Columbia. Passengers will traverse three national parks of Canada on the route from Vancouver to Banff: Glacier, Yoho, and Banff.

They will travel across the Kicking Horse Canyon and Spiral Tunnels Rogers Pass and beyond Craigellachie, the historic location where the Canadian Pacific's last spike was driven rail was installed.

On the way to gorgeous vacation spots in Banff , pass by the Continental Divide. On board the train, meals are served for breakfast and lunch.

• Hotels: Banff Caribou Lodge, Rimrock Resort, Moose Hotel & Suites, Fairmont Banff Springs, and Elk & Avenue
• Cost: Price varies according to the month, starting at CAD 2049 (USD 1505) in April and October

Best Time To Travel On Rocky Mountaineer

There is no best time to travel from Vancouver to Banff. It all depends on the passenger’s preferences. A snowy mountain background and significant financial savings may both be experienced in April.

If passengers want to take home a camera roll full of images that look like postcards and yet save money compared to the peak season pricing, which typically goes into effect in the latter week of May/early June, May is a terrific month to take a Rocky Mountaineer train trip from Vancouver to Banff.

If passengers want to experience some of the warm summer weather, beautiful scenery, and animal-watching chances, but avoid the full summer rush of tourists traveling to the well-known mountain towns of Lake Louise, Jasper, and Banff, June is a perfect time to take the Rocky Mountaineer train.

Warm weather and beautiful landscapes make July and August a top choice for those who wish to go trekking and enjoy the outdoors. The Rocky Mountaineer's most popular month for travel is September since it is such a wonderful time of year.

The golden hues of the larch and poplar trees provide a lovely setting to the low light of the sun glistening off the blue lakes as the leaves begin to change color. Finally, the last of the fall colors may be seen in October while avoiding the heavy tourist traffic. As the Rocky Mountaineer rail travel season ends in October, rates decrease once again.