Canada and the Rocky Mountains should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. The scenery is magnificent and you’re bound to make a friend or two while you’re there. With some of the most impressive glacial lakes and mountain ranges in the world, it’s no wonder people flock here all year round to experience its beauty.

What’s particularly great about this area around Banff and Jasper though, is despite being a tourist destination, it maintains that small-town charm. By the end of the trip you might even consider moving there.

Mode of transport: Car! Having the convenience of a car gave us the flexibility of seeing everything without time constraints, and allowed us to discover some hidden gems. There are many car rental options in Calgary, it’s recommended you book in advance. If you’re not driving, there are tourist bus services that operate between Calgary and Jasper.

Time of year: For sightseeing, most people recommend visiting in Summer between the months of June to mid-September. The weather is warmer and optimal for going on hikes and scenic adventures; just watch out for bears and other wildlife if you are heading deep into nature. Summer is peak time for tourists so accommodation might be slightly more expensive (or booked out), so it’s worth booking in advance. Winter is also busy (particularly around the holidays) as there are many excellent ski fields to enjoy, however a lot of the sights and things to do listed in this article are not accessible during the Winter months.

We travelled in the off-peak season in mid-late October (Autumn/ Fall). We were fortunate to have good weather conditions that allowed us to see and do everything we wanted to, however some sights and hikes were already closed due to snow.

7-DAY ITINERARY

Overview:
DAY 1 – Calgary to Banff
DAY 2 – Lake Louise and Yoho National Park
DAY 3 – Bow Valley Parkway and Johnston Canyon
DAY 4 – Banff National Park
DAY 5 – Icefields Parkway
DAY 6 – Jasper and Valley of the Five Lakes
DAY 7 – Jasper National Park

Highlights – Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon, Columbia Icefield/ Athabasca Glacier.

OPTIONAL DAY – Calgary

You may decide to spend a day in Calgary before setting off for Banff. Calgary is a lovely city with lots of things to see and do, including Calgary Tower, Royal Tyrrell Museum (dinosaurs!), Calgary Zoo and Heritage Park Historical Village. For something a bit more low-key, you can shop, dine and explore 17th Avenue and the Entertainment District or stroll around Prince’s Island Park.

DAY 1 – Calgary to Banff

Pick up the rental car and drive to Banff (1.5 hours from Calgary), admiring the view as you head towards the Rocky Mountains. Banff is a beautiful, quaint resort town with a population of approximately 8000 people, and it is the perfect base for exploring the Banff National Park and Yoho National Park.

There’s plenty to do in town to keep you occupied, including shopping, visiting museums, arts and culture activities, and grabbing a bite or drink at one of the many restaurants and bars around the main arcade.

Banff Gondola is a must-do, where you will experience breathtaking 360 degree views of the mountains. At the summit you’ll also find restaurants to dine at and the Above Banff Interpretive Centre and Theatre. Nearby are the Banff Upper Hot Springs if you’re after a relaxation retreat, and while you’re in the area it’s worth stopping by the Bow Falls, as well as seeing the prestigious Fairmont Hotel.

The Cave and Basin National Historic Site is another popular attraction as it is the birthplace of the National Park- go on a Discovery Tour then explore the underground cave and mineral waters.

Recommendations: Magpie & Stump serve up incredible tacos and margaritas; Tommy’s Neighbourhood Pub is great for a feed or a drink after a big day exploring; Bear Street Tavern have exceptional pizza and beers; Earls have delicious lunch and dinner options; and Pacini is a great Italian restaurant WITH A TOAST BAR!

Accommodation: We stayed at Inns of Banff which was perfect for our budget. It has a pool, spa, sauna and restaurant for your convenience. It’s about a 10-15 minute walk into the town centre.

DAY 2 – Lake Louise and Yoho National Park

Take a day trip into the Yoho National Park to see some of the most stunning scenery Canada has to offer. Lake Louise will be the first sight to stop at, which is located about 45 minutes from Banff. Enjoy a stroll around the blue lake or hire a canoe and go for a paddle. If you’re there in Winter, experience Lake Louise as an ice-skating rink.

From Lake Louise you can drive further into the mountains to Moraine Lake (25 minutes), however this road is closed between October-May due to heavy snowfall and avalanche risks.

Drive into the Yoho National Park and visit Emerald Lake (35 minutes from Lake Louise) – this is the largest lake in the park and is named after its bright emerald colouring. Go for a walk or hire a canoe to experience its beauty. On your way back to Banff, stop off at the Natural Bridge and Kicking Horse River for some more scenic views (10 minutes from Emerald Lake).

DAY 3 – Bow Valley Parkway and Johnston Canyon

Drive along the Bow Valley Parkway to Johnston Canyon (40 minutes from Banff). Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular hikes in the area and is suitable for families and most fitness levels. The trail to the Lower Falls is relatively flat and takes about 30 minutes from the car park, however the trail to the Upper Falls is a bit steeper and takes an additional 30 minutes one-way. There are many viewing points along the way.
Tip: The trail is accessible all-year round, although in Winter and late-Autumn it can be quite icy and you will need to wear ice cleats. Snowshoes and ice-cleats are available to hire at the start of the trail.

In the afternoon, take a 15 minute drive out of Banff to Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake and Cascade Ponds. Here you’ll also be able to hire a canoe if you’re interested (we did a lot of canoeing) or go for a walk.

DAY 4 – Banff National Park

This is a good day to check out all the hidden gems near Banff that you may have missed. Drive or walk up to Surprise Corner on Tunnel Mountain Drive/ Buffalo Street to have an excellent view of the National Park – it might not be well-signed but you will see a car park and viewpoint when you get there. A little further up Tunnel Mountain Road you will come to another car park where you can take a short walk to view the Hoodoos (a natural monument).

Drive up to Mount Norquay, a ski resort 15 minutes from the main Banff township. Mount Norquay is bustling with snow sport enthusiasts in Winter, but there’s plenty to see and do in the warmer months too, plus you’ll have stunning views of Banff.

In the afternoon, drive to Vermilion Lakes and watch Mount Rundle glow while the sun sets.

DAY 5 – Banff to Jasper (via the Icefields Parkway)

Leave Banff and drive towards Jasper via the Icefields Parkway. Jasper is approximately four hours from Banff if you take minimal stops, but you’ll want to allocate the whole day for the drive so you can see all the sights on the way. There are several viewpoints to stop at, including the impressive Bow Lake.

A must-see attraction is the Columbia Icefield Adventure, which includes taking the Ice Explorer shuttle bus to Athabasca Glacier, and checking out the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. It is recommended you book in advance or get there early.

Other points of interest to stop at along the Icefields Parkway include Sunwapta Falls, Goats and Glaciers Lookout (formerly Goat Lick Lookout) and Athabasca Falls.

Arrive in Jasper. Jasper is an alpine town, smaller and quieter than Banff, with most things in walking distance.

Recommendations: The Jasper Brewing Co. produces some excellent local beers and ales, but they also cook up an amazing pub feed. Jasper Pizza Place is another favourite!

Accommodation: We stayed at the Tonquin Inn which is about a 10 minute walk from the town centre. Amenities include onsite dining, fitness room, swimming pool, spa and sauna.

DAY 6 – Jasper and Valley of the Five Lakes

Time to stretch the legs and explore the magnificent scenery around Jasper. You may like to pack a picnic lunch, we recommend grabbing something from Bear’s Paw Bakery.

Drive to the Valley of the Five Lakes car park (approximately 10 minutes from town). This hiking trail is a 4.8km circuit, passing five beautiful lakes, and is appropriate for most skill levels. Note: Be careful of wildlife. If you’re visiting in July or August, seek advice on bears and wildlife beforehand.

In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely stroll around Patricia Lake and Pyramid Island, then step outside at night and look up at the stars. Jasper is a Dark Sky Preserve, which means it’s an excellent place for stargazing. If you’re there in October, you may like to visit the Jasper Dark Sky Festival.

DAY 7 – Jasper National Park

Day trip into the Jasper National Park to experience more incredible scenery and nature.

Drive to Maligne Canyon and Lookout (approximately 15 minutes from Jasper). The Maligne Canyon Loop Trail is a moderate 3.4km circuit that features a waterfall, but there are also more advanced hikes in the area. From here, continue on this road and drive towards Medicine Lake and Maligne Lake (it’s worth the trip!).

If you’re up for visiting one more magnificent lake, drive to Talbot Lake (about 20 minutes from Jasper). Boat rentals are available or enjoy a walk around the area. The Miette Hotsprings are a further 35 minutes from here and are a great place to relax. Note: Check opening hours beforehand.

WHERE TO FROM HERE?

The closest airports to Jasper are Edmonton International Airport (YEG), 4 hours from Jasper, and Calgary International Airport (YYC), 5 hours from Jasper. SunDog Tours operate a shuttle bus between Jasper and Edmonton. If you continue to drive, Vancouver is about 8.5 – 9.5 hours from Jasper, with lots of things to see on the way too!

TIPS:

– Hiring a car: Hire a car you feel comfortable driving; Check over the vehicle and take photos when you do the condition report (take note of any damage); Familiarise yourself with the vehicle and things like how to open the petrol tank; Read up on local road rules (drive on the right!).
– Download offline maps on your smartphone (via Google Maps, etc.) so you can use your navigation/GPS if you don’t have internet access. No one wants to get lost in a new place!
– Travelling in Summer and Spring: Be aware of wildlife in the area during the warmer months. It’s recommended you take bear spray with you, especially if you’re heading deep into the national parks. Seek advice if you’re unsure about wildlife areas and encounters.

HAPPY TRAVELLING!