Canadian Rockies · Route map
Classic Rocky Mountain Road Trip
Experience the absolute best of the Rockies on this iconic drive from Calgary through the dramatic peaks of Banff and Jasper.
- 1
Calgary
arriving Calgary Airport
Fly in and pick up your car
- 2
Banff
2 nights
Vibrant mountain town and iconic lakes
- 3
Lake Louise
1 night
Turquoise waters and spectacular hiking trails
- 4
Jasper
3 nights
Wild, rugged landscapes and quiet trails
- 5
Calgary
departing Calgary Airport
Drive back for your flight home
- ✦5 stops · 6 nights
A sample from our journal — written by Waypora, kept as inspiration
Use this as a starting pointThe day-by-day
Welcome to the Rockies
Arrive into Calgary
Flight · Morning · Calgary Airport
Pick up rental car
Car hire · Morning · Calgary Airport
Self-drive Calgary to Banff
Self-drive · Afternoon · Calgary to Banff
Drive takes about ninety minutes.
Stop in Cochrane at Mackay's for the best ice cream in the province.
Soak in Banff Upper Hot Springs
Excursion · Afternoon · Banff
Go late in the afternoon when the crowds thin out and the air cools down.
Overnight in Banff
Accommodation · Evening · Banff
Classic Banff Views and Trails
Hike the floor of Johnston Canyon
Excursion · Morning · Banff National Park
Arrive by 7:30 AM to beat the tour buses and enjoy the mist in peace.
Ride the Banff Gondola
Excursion · Afternoon · Banff
Ascend Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views.
Walk the wooden boardwalk to Sanson's Peak for the best photo angles.
Evening stroll along Banff Avenue
At leisure · Evening · Banff
Grab a local craft beer at Banff Ave Brewing Co.
Overnight in Banff
Accommodation · Evening · Banff
Iconic Lakes of Bow Valley
Self-drive Banff to Lake Louise
Self-drive · Morning · Bow Valley
Drive takes under an hour via the scenic Bow Valley Parkway.
Keep your eyes peeled for grizzly bears and elk along this quiet route.
Canoe on Lake Louise
Excursion · Morning · Lake Louise
It is pricey, but paddling on the turquoise water is worth every penny.
Hike to Lake Agnes Tea House
Excursion · Afternoon · Lake Louise
A historic, rustic cabin serving tea high in the mountains.
Bring cash because they do not accept cards deep in the backcountry.
Overnight in Lake Louise
Accommodation · Evening · Lake Louise
The Spectacular Icefields Parkway
Self-drive Icefields Parkway to Jasper
Self-drive · Morning · Icefields Parkway
This famous highway takes about four hours without stops.
Fill up your gas tank in Lake Louise as fuel is scarce on the Parkway.
Photograph Peyto Lake viewpoint
Excursion · Morning · Icefields Parkway
Take the short paved trail to the upper deck for the classic wolf-head view.
Walk the Athabasca Glacier ice
Excursion · Afternoon · Columbia Icefield
Wear thick layers even in summer because the wind off the ice is freezing.
Overnight in Jasper
Accommodation · Evening · Jasper
Deep Canyons and Alpine Lakes
Explore Maligne Canyon bridges
Excursion · Morning · Jasper National Park
Walk down to the fifth bridge to escape the main crowds.
Cruise Maligne Lake to Spirit Island
Excursion · Afternoon · Jasper National Park
Book the classic late afternoon cruise for the softest photography light.
Overnight in Jasper
Accommodation · Evening · Jasper
Hidden Valleys and High Ridges
Ride the Jasper SkyTram
Excursion · Morning · Jasper
Hike the extra summit trail from the top station for 360-degree views.
Hike the Edith Cavell Meadows
Excursion · Afternoon · Jasper National Park
Watch for small icebergs floating in the pond at the glacier base.
Overnight in Jasper
Accommodation · Evening · Jasper
Return to the Prairie
Self-drive Jasper to Calgary
Self-drive · Morning · Jasper to Calgary
Drive takes about five hours.
Grab breakfast sausage rolls at the Bear's Paw Bakery before leaving Jasper.
Drop off rental car
Car hire · Afternoon · Calgary Airport
Fly out of Calgary
Flight · Evening · Calgary Airport
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