CANADIAN ROCKIES 10 Days

This itinerary visits Banff National Park, the Icefields Parkway, Yoho National Park and Jasper National Park.

The Canadian Rockies mountain range spans the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. With jagged, ice-capped peaks, it is a region of beautiful alpine lakes, diverse wildlife and outdoor recreation sites. About 50 peaks in the Canadian Rockies surpass 3,350 meters (11,000 ft). Mount Robson at 3,954 meters (12,972 ft ) is the highest. They are considered more spectacular than the American Rockies.

Tips:

• Travel Guides: Moon Canadian Rockies, Lonely Planet or Fodor’s Canadian Rockies.

• Download the All Trails <app> on your smartphone. Essential for any hike.

• Make sure you stop at a National Park Booth to purchase your Park Pass.

• The Canadian Rockies are open all-year round. However some businesses are closed beginning in early October to mid-May. In addition many roads and hiking trails become less accessible due to snowstorms.

  • Ski enthusiasts: The best ski season in the Canadian Rockies is between December and March.

DAY 3

• Visit Lake Louise-known for its turquoise lakes and mountain backdrop. <Learn more>

• Moose, bears, cougars and elk are common sights.

• Canoe rentals are available at the Fairmont Lake Louise canoe docks.

• Engage in at least one hike.

  Best Hikes at Lake Louise:

  <Read more>

DAY 4

• Explore Yoho National Park. <map> The park contains alpine lakes, cliffs, waterfalls and wooded trails.

  • Wapta Falls, located on the Kicking Horse River.

  • Emerald Lake (easy shoreline trail) - this turquoise lake offers superb walking and paddling.

  • Takakkaw Falls (10 min. stroll from parking lot.) - these falls are among the highest in Canada.

• Overnight: Lake Louise.

• Distance: Lake Louise ---> Yoho Park 35 min.

DAY 5

• Next stop - Icefields Parkway - a 240 km stretch of double-lane highway winding along the Continental Divide connecting Banff and Jasper National Parks.

• Exceptional photo opportunities along the way. <Points of Interest>

• Bow Valley - area with short trails. A nice spot to grab a photo.

• Peyto Lake - a vibrant blue glacier fed lake, located 40 km (25 mi) north of Lake Louise.

• Lake Cephren - a easy trail, great for a family hike. 8 km. RT.

  • Located on Hwy 93 North, 60 km north of Lake Louise in the Waterfowl Lakes Campground.

• Columbia Icefield - two (2) hours north of Banff or one (1) hour south of Jasper.

  • The best time to visit the Icefield is before 1PM or after 3PM. It is the largest Icefield in the Rocky Mountains.

  • <Tickets and pricing>

• Saskatchewan River Crossing - a region where elk and moose are commonly seen. <location>

• The Icefields Parkway is open year-round. In winter it is sometimes closed due to avalanches.

  • Check current road condition information by calling (toll-free) 511 within Alberta or 1-855-391-9743 in North America.

• Overnight: Jasper (4 nights) <where to stay>

• Distance: Lake Louise ---> Jasper (with no stops) 4 hr. / 240 km.

DAYS 6-8

• Three (3) days exploring Jasper National Park.

  • The park is known for its vast wilderness, majestic peaks, abundant wildlife and outstanding natural beauty.

• Lake Maligne-located 1 hr. from downtown Jasper. It is famed for the color of its water, the towering peaks & several glaciers.

  • The best hiking trails. + <trail map>

  • Moose Lake Loop - an easy self-guided 3 km. trail where moose are regularly spotted.

  • Within the lake sits Spirit Island, a frequently photographed islet.

• Explore Spirit Island - a tiny picturesque islet in Lake Maligne and one of Canada’s most popular attractions.

  • Only accessible by boat (Lake Maligne Boat Tour). <departure location>

  • Take a cruise to Spirit Island. A “must do” tour. Duration: 2 hr. Best time for a photo is the afternoon.

  • <Cruise operates from June 3, 2023 — October 9, 2023>

• Medicine Lake - a common place to spot moose at dawn or dusk, drive 23 km from Jasper town center. <location>

• Valley of the Five Lakes - a moderate walk, 2 hours, it is a place of beautiful colors consisting of five (5) lakes.

• Pyramid Lake <map> is a wonderful after dinner walk close to the town of Jasper. The trail is family-friendly, perfect for people of all ages, with beautiful views of the stunning lake.

• Day hiking in Jasper Park <read more>

  • Download the Day Hiking Guide.

• Overnight: Jasper.

DAY 9

• Today drive back to Calgary. Head south on the Icefields Parkway toward Banff.

  • If time permits, stop and explore Banff. The town consists of boutiques and restaurants mixed with souvenir shops.

• Sunwapta Falls - a five (5) minute walk from the parking lot, off Icefields Parkway, located 55 km south of Jasper. <location>

• Overnight: Calgary

• Distance:

  Jasper Park ---> Banff, 4.5 hr.

  Banff ---> Calgary, 1.5 hr.

DAY 10

• Depart anytime for your flight back home.

• Historical weather Data - click here.

• During the months of June through September you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures.

  The last 2 weeks of September is the best time for fall foliage season.

• Cold season /winter are the months of November through April.

• May is the wettest month.

• February is the driest month. Most likely to get clear blue skies. BUT temperature is very cold.

• Sunrise/Sunset time.