Day 1: Calgary to Banff (125 km, 1.5 hours)
- Activities:
- Walk around Banff Avenue to explore shops and enjoy local dining.
- Visit Surprise Corner and Bow Falls for iconic views of the town.
- Short Hike: Tunnel Mountain (4.3 km, 1.5–2 hours, moderate).
- Camping: Tunnel Mountain Campgrounds.
- Tip: Hike Tunnel Mountain in the evening for breathtaking sunset views over Banff.
- If you prefer a different type of sunset experience, head to Banff Ave Brewery. There’s a cozy little balcony where you can watch the sunset while enjoying a pint of freshly tapped
beer.
- Day 2: Exploring Banff National Park
- Activities:
- Ride the Banff Gondola for stunning views. Alternatively, hike up and take the gondola
down for free. - Drive to Vermilion Lakes.
- Hikes:
- Johnston Canyon to Ink Pots (11.7 km, 4–5 hours, moderate). Start early or go later in the
day to avoid crowds. - Fenland Trail – a tranquil, easy loop for nature lovers.
- Camping: Tunnel Mountain Campgrounds.
Day 3: Banff to Lake Louise (60 km, 1 hour) - Activities:
- Morning: Visit Moraine Lake for a breathtaking sunrise (shuttle required).
- Lake Louise for canoeing, photography, or hiking.
- Hike: Lake Agnes Tea House (7.3 km, 3–4 hours, moderate).
- For an extra challenge, extend to Devil’s Thumb for panoramic views.
- Other Stops: Bow Valley Parkway and Castle Mountain viewpoints.
- Camping: Lake Louise Trailer Campground in town, or try Protection Mountain Campground for scenic views.
Day 4: Lake Louise to Icefields Parkway (100 km, 1.5 hours)
- Activities:
- Enjoy a short, easy walk to the breathtaking viewpoint at Peyto Lake (500 meters).
- Hike: Bow Glacier Falls Trail (9 km, 3–4 hours, moderate), offering stunning glacier and waterfall
views.
- Stops: Mistaya Canyon and the Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint.
- Camping: Rampart Creek Campground.
- Tip: Don’t miss the Athabasca Glacier Trail and the Wilcox Trail Red Chair viewpoint—both offer spectacular scenery. Both are short.
Day 5: Exploring Icefields Parkway
- Activities:
- Hike: Parker Ridge (6.4 km, 2,5 hours, moderate) for incredible views of the Glacier.
- Visit the serene Waterfowl Lakes for a picnic or light exploration.
- Camping: Rampart Creek Campground (second night).
Day 6: Icefields Parkway to Yoho National Park (120 km, 1.5 hours)
- Activities:
- Stroll the Emerald Lake Shoreline Trail (5 km, 1.5h, easy).
- Visit Takakkaw Falls, just a short walk from the parking area.
- Explore Natural Bridge and Wapta Falls.
- Camping: Kicking Horse Campground in Yoho National Park.
Day 7: Yoho to Canmore (100 km, 1 hour)
- Activities:
- Explore Lake Minnewanka - rent a boat, kayak, or enjoy one of the hiking trails around the
lake.
- Walk around Canmore and stroll along Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk. Also visit Larch
Island Trail and Quarry Lake. - Looking for an adventure? Spend the day on the stunning Smutwood Peak Trail. This 18km hike offers breathtaking views and a challenging 7-hour trek for those with extra energy to spare.
- Camping: Spring Creek RV Park or Bow Valley Provincial Park. Alternatively, stay at Two Jack Lakeside Campground near Lake Minnewanka.
Day 8: Exploring Canmore
- Activities:
- Hike: Ha Ling Peak (7.4 km, 4 hours, difficult). This steep trail rewards hikers with
incredible views over the Bow Valley. - Spend the afternoon relaxing at Quarry Lake or exploring downtown Canmore.
- Camping: Stay another night in Canmore.
Day 9: Canmore to Kananaskis (50km, 40 minutes)
- Activities:
- Hike: Grassi Lakes Trail (4 km, 1.5 hours, easy)—perfect for families and photographers.
- Visit Troll Falls, an easy and scenic 3.4 km hike.
- Relax at Wedge Pond, a quiet spot surrounded by mountains.
- Camping: Mount Kidd RV Park or Bow Valley Provincial Park.
- Tip: Kananaskis is a peaceful alternative to the busier Banff area, offering equally spectacular scenery.
Day 10: Kananaskis to Calgary (130 km, 1.5 hour
- Activities:
- Morning Hike: Rawson Lake Trail (6.8 km, 3 hours, moderate).
- Extend Rawson Lake Trail to Sarrail Ridge for
breathtaking views (11.5 km, 6 hours, challenging).
- Make a final stop at Barrier Lake.
- Tip: Take the scenic route back to Calgary and enjoy the last views of the Rockies.
Tips:
- Reserve Campgrounds Early
- Popular spots like Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper fill up quickly, especially during peak
season. Book your campsites months in advance.
- Check Shuttle Services
- Some destinations, like Moraine Lake, require shuttles as parking is restricted. Review
schedules and book your shuttle tickets ahead of time to avoid disappointment. - Research Hiking Trails
- Check trail conditions, closures, and difficulty levels before setting out. Some hikes may
require sturdy footwear, bear spray, or permits.
- Pack Bear Safety Essentials
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Hike in groups and make noise to avoid surprising
wildlife - 1.Layer Your Clothing
- Weather can change rapidly in the Rockies. Pack base layers, waterproof jackets, and extra
socks to stay comfortable.
- Fuel Up Frequently
- Gas stations are sparse along the Icefields Parkway and in remote areas. Fill up whenever
you have the chance.
- Stay Connected
- Download offline maps and trail guides since cellular service is limited in many areas. Apps
like AllTrails or Gaia GPS are helpful.
- Stock Up on Supplies
- Buy groceries and camping essentials in larger towns like Calgary, Canmore, or Jasper, as
smaller stores in tourist areas can be pricey.
- Plan for Rest Days
- Allow time to relax and enjoy campgrounds or picnic areas. Rest days are essential to
recharge for longer hikes and drives.
- Check Road Conditions
- Mountain roads can be affected by snow, construction, or wildlife. Check Parks Canada’s website or
local apps for updates before driving.
- Carry Emergency Supplies
- Bring a first aid kit, extra water, flashlight, and tools for unexpected situations on the road or trails.
- Stay Flexible
- Weather, wildlife sightings, or personal energy levels may require you to adjust plans. Keep
alternative activities in mind.
- Wake Up Early
Beat the crowds at popular spots like Lake Louise or Moraine Lake by arriving at sunrise. Morning
light also enhances photo opportunities.
