One Week in the Canadian Rockies

There is so much to see and do in the Canadian Rockies, it can be hard to squeeze everything in. So I’ve compiled a list of everything you must see in one week. This itinerary implies that you are driving from Banff north towards Jasper but it can be done backwards, mix and match, etc depending on where you’ve flown into or driven from.

Downtown Banff

Days 1 & 2 - Banff

Start your day off at Lake Minnewanka to avoid crowds. For sweeping views of Banff and Bow River Valley, take the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain. On the way to the gondola be sure to stop at the Fairmont Banff Springs even if you aren’t staying there - it is a stunning hotel. For a different view of the hotel, take Tunnel Mountain Road to Surprise Corner. While you’re in the area, make a stop at Bow Falls.

Start your second day off early at Moraine Lake to avoid crowds. Then, because you work so hard, soak up some relaxation at Banff Upper Hot Springs. Spend some time in the town of Banff for beautiful views, excellent shopping and awesome food. Catch the sunset at Vermillion Lakes to see how it got its name.

Natural Bridge over Kicking Horse River

Day 3 - Kootenay & Yoho National Parks

If you choose to start your day at Kootenay National Park, it is a 25-mile drive west of Banff. You’ll definitely want to check out Marble Canyon and just to the south, Mount Assiniboine - dubbed Canada’s Matterhorn. Less than an hour’s drive to the north, you’ll find Yoho National Park - and gems like Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake. En route to Emerald Lake, stop at the Natural Bridge over the turquoise Kicking Horse River. Some other spots not to be missed here are Wapta Falls and Lake O’Hara.

Lake Louise

Day 4 - Icefields Parkway

Many people take the Icefields Parkway (highway 93) from Banff to Jasper (and vice versa) because of its unimaginable beauty. If it is your first time driving the Icefields Parkway, you should plan on taking a full day for the drive including the many stops along the way. We’re talking everything from glaciers to waterfalls. You’ll want to start early and make your first stop at the iconic Lake Louise on the way out of town. From Banff to Jasper there are so many amazing places to stop including but not limited to Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Athabasca Glacier and Sunwapta Falls. It all depends on your preferences - or you can try and hit them all!

Maligne Lake

Photo Credit: Tourism Jasper

Day 5 - Jasper National Park

If you’ve driven north on the Icefields Parkway, you will end up in Jasper, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Start your day by taking the famous 30-mile drive to Maligne Lake, stopping at various viewpoints along the way like disappearing Medicine Lake. Driving further north, you can get up close and personal with a glacier at Mount Edith Cavell. Even further north, you’ll come to Pyramid Lake which sits at the base of the stunning Pyramid Mountain. Make sure that you make time for stargazing because Jasper National Park is considered to be the world’s largest Dark Sky Preserve. On a clear night you’ll be able to get incredible views of the stars - and maybe if you’re lucky, the Northern Lights.

Make sure to check road and site closures here before you go and adjust your itinerary accordingly as weather changes and seasonality can greatly affect what you will be able to see and do.

Check out my next blog post for tips on avoiding crowds and crazy weather by visiting the area in a shoulder season.

Safe travels,

V.