Glacial lakes, epic peaks, and the drive of a lifetime.
Glacial lakes, epic peaks, and the drive of a lifetime.
AB T1W 2T6, CanadaAB T0E 1E0, Canada
Trip overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, driving the legendary Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper. Witness impossibly blue glacial lakes, colossal icefields, and jagged peaks, with abundant opportunities for iconic hikes and wildlife sightings.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — AB T1W 2T6
Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park
Start your mountain adventure just outside Banff National Park. Originally built for the 1988 Olympics, this park offers year-round trails for hiking and mountain biking with stunning views of the surrounding peaks, serving as a perfect warm-up for the days ahead.
1988 Olympic Way, Canmore, AB T1W 2T6, Canada
Johnston Canyon
Hike through a spectacular limestone canyon on a series of suspended catwalks. The trail leads to the powerful Lower Falls and the even more impressive Upper Falls, offering dramatic views into the turquoise water-carved gorge.
Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
Tunnel Mountain Village II Campground
Settle into your base for exploring Banff. This campground offers excellent facilities and is conveniently located just minutes from town, providing beautiful mountain views and easy access to hiking trails.
Tunnel Mountain Rd, Banff, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
Banff Ave Brewing Co.
Refuel after your first day of adventure with delicious pub fare and locally brewed craft beer. Grab a seat on the second-floor patio for great views of the bustling town and surrounding mountains.
110 Banff Ave 2nd Floor, Banff, AB T1L 1A9, Canada
Day 2 — AB
Moraine Lake
Witness one of Canada's most iconic scenes at the 'Valley of the Ten Peaks'. Climb the short Rockpile Trail for the legendary viewpoint over the impossibly turquoise water, a sight so famous it once graced the Canadian twenty-dollar bill. Note: Access is restricted to commercial transport or Parks Canada shuttles, so plan ahead.
Moraine Lake Rd, Improvement District No. 9, AB, Canada
Lake Louise
Gaze upon the world-famous turquoise waters of Lake Louise, with the stunning Victoria Glacier providing a dramatic backdrop. Walk the shoreline path or rent a canoe for an unforgettable experience on this picture-perfect glacial lake.
111 Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0, Canada
Lake Agnes Tea House Trail
Starting from the shore of Lake Louise, this moderately challenging 3.5 km hike takes you through a beautiful forest, past Mirror Lake, and up a final staircase to a rustic tea house built in 1905. Enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of pie while overlooking the serene, high-alpine Lake Agnes.
Lake Agnes, Improvement District No. 9, AB T0L 1E0, Canada
Day 3 — AB
Peyto Lake Panorama Overlook
Just a short walk from the parking lot on the Icefields Parkway, this viewpoint offers one of the most breathtaking vistas in the Rockies. Gaze down from a high vantage point at the vibrant, wolf-shaped Peyto Lake, fed by glacial silt that gives it an unbelievably vivid turquoise colour.
Icefields Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB, Canada
Athabasca Glacier
Experience the immense power of a glacier firsthand at the Columbia Icefield. Hike to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier to feel its chilling breath, or take a guided tour onto the ice itself aboard a massive Ice Explorer vehicle for a truly unique perspective on this ancient river of ice.
Icefields Pkwy, Improvement District No. 12, AB, Canada
Wapiti Campground
Your home base for exploring Jasper National Park, located on the banks of the Athabasca River. This year-round campground is a prime spot for wildlife viewing, with elk frequently wandering through the campsites.
Hwy 93, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0, Canada
Jasper Brewing Company
Unwind in the laid-back town of Jasper at Canada's first National Park Brewery. Sample a flight of their flagship beers and enjoy hearty, well-earned pub food after your epic drive up the Icefields Parkway.
624 Connaught Dr, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0, Canada
Day 4 — AB T0E 1E0
Maligne Canyon
Explore the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park, where the churning Maligne River has carved a narrow gorge over 50 meters deep. A series of bridges allows you to crisscross the canyon, offering stunning views of waterfalls, fossils, and the sheer power of erosion.
Maligne Lake Rd, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0, Canada
Maligne Lake
Visit the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. Take a boat cruise to the world-famous Spirit Island, one of the most photographed locations in Canada, for an iconic and serene farewell to the mountains.
Maligne Lake Rd, Improvement District No. 12, AB, Canada
The Bear's Paw Bakery
Grab some delicious coffee and freshly baked goods for the road at this beloved local bakery. Famous for their sticky cinnamon buns and raspberry white chocolate scones, it's the perfect place to stock up on treats before concluding your Rockies adventure.
4 Pyramid Lake Rd, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0, Canada
Experiences & guides
Bookable tours and stops worth a detour along this route.
Experiences
Guide content may not reflect current conditions. Always verify information before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
The Canadian Rockies road trip covers about 301 mi and roughly 7h 31m of driving, comfortably spread across about 4 days.
This itinerary maps out 14 stops from AB T1W 2T6, Canada to AB T0E 1E0, Canada. Highlights include Moraine Lake, Peyto Lake Panorama Overlook, and Athabasca Glacier.
It begins in AB T1W 2T6, Canada and ends in AB T0E 1E0, Canada, following a mapped, road-following route the whole way.
The estimated cost is around $284, covering fuel, lodging, food, and activities. Your actual total varies with the season, your pace, and the choices you make along the way.
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