Circling the Canadian Rockies
Difficulty
Distance
Recom. Days
Trip type
Circling the Canadian Rockies
Circling the Canadian Rockies
Banff National Park
Banff National Park
Begin your Canadian Rockies road trip in the morning by making the scenic 1.5-hour drive west from Calgary to Banff National Park.
Established in 1885, Banff is Canada’s first national park. The park encompasses 6,641 square kilometers of unspoiled, remote wilderness. It is home to bears, elk, bighorn sheep, and moose–just to name a few.
Spend your time in Banff exploring on foot, by boat, or on a bike. This stunning region offers a multitude of opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation.
Visiting
Banff National Park
1
Recom. Days
68 miles/ 110 km
from Calgary
1h8min
drive
Visit
Tunnel Mountain
Breathtaking views overlooking the Bow Valley. This scenic valley was carved out by glaciers over a million years ago and is now home to some of Banff's most popular attractions.
Lake Minnewanka
Paddle across this serene lake. The lake also offers a great opportunity to walk to several waterfalls, swim, or simply relax along the pebble shore while taking in the majestic view of the surrounding mountains.
Banff Gondola
Catch the sunset on a ride up Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views of the park.
Eat at
Eddie Burger & Bar
$
American-style burgers, fries, and milkshakes in a retro-style diner.
The Maple Leaf Grille
$$
Canadian Cuisine in a cozy mountain lodge atmosphere
The Bison Restaurant
$$$
Elegant farm-to-table gastronomy with an elegant atmosphere
Parking
Bear Street Parkade
Free parking downtown, 9 hour maximum
Stay at
Two Jack Main equipped campsite
fall asleep under the stars
Icefields Parkway
Icefields Parkway
As you leave the charming town of Banff, head down Highway 93, also known as Icefields Parkway. Icefields Parkway is a famous highway connecting Banff to Jasper National Park. This stunning highway offers breathtaking scenery alongside multiple opportunities for exploration.
As you drive, you’ll find yourself flanked by towering peaks, massive glaciers, and sparkling lakes. Stay on the lookout for herds of moose and elk wandering the valleys and be prepared to pull over for a photo of the picturesque backdrop.
Each bend in the road will offer more opportunities to explore the Canadian Rockies. Find vistas, hiking trails, and pristine lakesides perfect for punctuating your long, scenic drive through the mountains
Visiting
Icefields Parkway
1
Recom. Days
65 miles / 106 km
from Banff National Park
1h15min
drive
Visit
Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint
A short 20-minute hike that leads to spectacular vistas overlooking the snow-dusted mountain tops. If you listen closely, you might even hear the thunderous rumbles of the ice reshaping the landscape.
Mistaya Canyon
Walk across the narrow bridge to gain a true sense of the powerful Mistaya River that flows at the bottom of the diving canyon below.
Peyto Lake
The most iconic view in the Canadian Rockies, this lake boasts an unbelievable blue color and multiple opportunities for hiking and exploring.
Eat at
Big Horn Cafe
$
A casual diner known for its homemade pies and sandwiches.
Num-Ti-Jah Lodge
$$
The historic lodge will have mountain views and be offering elk, bison, and trout.
Glacier View Inn
$$$
An elegant dining experience with an extensive wine list and high-quality meats.
Parking
Mistaya Canyon Parking Lot
Free parking
Stay at
Honeymoon Lake
$$
A serene spot located along Honeymoon Lake
Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park
Reward yourself for completing the Icefields Parkway drive by stretching your legs in Jasper National Park. This park is located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. The national park is characterized by abundant wildlife, thundering waterfalls, vast ice fields, and seemingly endless alpine scenery.
The park offers a multitude of opportunities to canoe, kayak, and hike, around the quintessential alpine scenes of the Canadian Rockies. In the evenings, explore the town or join a dark sky astronomy tour to learn all about the planets.
Once you’ve had your fill of nature, head to the charming mountain town of Jasper, located in the park. Learn about the history of the park, sip tea in cozy cafes, or spend time in any of the quaint shops located along the main street.
Visiting
Jasper National Park
2
Recom. Days
7 miles / 11 km
Icefields Parkway
9min
drive
Visit
Miette Hot Springs
Enjoy a soak in these remote sulfur hot springs located just east of Jasper town.
Columbia Icefield
Ride an Ice Explorer onto the glaciers for incredible scenery
Athabasca Falls
Hike to this thunderous cascade– one of the most stunning waterfall displays found on the Canadian Rockies Map.
Eat at
Patricia Street Deli
$
A cozy and casual deli with homemade soups, sandwiches, and salads. It’s best known for its breakfast
The Raven Bistro
$$
A swanky bistro offering creative takes on traditional Canadian cuisine. Enjoy elk tenderloin and Alberta Steak.
The Crimson Jasper
$$$
A fine dining option at the Crimson Hotel. This restaurant is perfect for anyone who fancies a farm-to-table meal.
Parking
Miette Hot Springs Parking Lot
Located in walking distance of the springs
Columbia Icefields Glacier Discovery Centere
Free Parking with access to the Columbia Icefields
Stay at
Whistlers Campground
$$
Located in Jasper Town
Yoho National Park
Yoho National Park
When exploring the Canadian Rockies, Yoho National Park offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with Canadian history. For nature lovers and History Buffs, Yoho National Park is a perfect detour to break up your trip down the Icefields Parkway.
Marvel at the impressive Spiral Tunnels, be enamored by the views of the continental divide, and explore lush valleys and towering waterfalls. Located in the true heart of the Canadian Rockies this off-the-beaten-path location gives you a chance to escape the crowds of tourists.
Explore the area on foot, by boat, or even by bike. Whatever level your passion for the outdoors, Yoho has something for every nature lover.
Visiting
Yoho National Park
1
Recom. Days
100 miles/ 161 km
from Jasper National Park
1h53min
drive
Visit
Spiral Tunnels Viewpoint
Observe an incredible feat of engineering and the continental divide from this spectacular vantage point.
Takakkaw Falls
Fed by the Daly Glacier this spectacular waterfall will leave you breathless.
Lake Agnes Trail
Hike this scenic trail through dense forests and past cascading waterfalls. Arrive at a mountain lake and enjoy a snack in the floating tea house.
Eat at
The Siding Cafe
$
A small cafe in Field that offers home-cooked meals and delicious baked goods. Perfect for breakfast and lunch.
Truffle Pigs Bistro
$$
Elk burgers, wild-caught salmon, and bison stew. Enjoy Canadian Rockies classics in this relaxed, rustic environment.
Lake O’Hara Lodge Dining Room
$$$
Located in a remote region of Yoho, this off-the-beaten-path restaurant offers fine dining with incredible mountain views.
Parking
Takakkaw Falls Parking Lot
Easily accessible and proximal to the falls
Chateau Lake Louise
Park in this free parking lot to reach the Lake Agnes Trail
Stay at
Emerald Seasons RV Park
$$
Located in Fields, offers full hookups, laundry, showers, and wifi.
Lake Louise
Lake Louise
When traveling through the Canadian Rockies in your campervan, you cannot miss Lake Louise. Get up early to miss the crowds and catch the golden morning light dancing across the serene surface of the lake.
Hike around the water's edge, stretch your legs in the Ink Pots, a stunning series of blue-green pools, and enjoy soaking up the steam at the Upper Hot Springs.
Visiting
Lake Lousie
1
Recom. Days
42.9 km
from Yoho National Park
32 min
drive
Visit
Lake Louise
A turquoise lake with abundant wildlife
Ink Pots
A series of blue-green pools that cascade into a canyon
Upper Hot Springs
Sulfurous hot water baths surrounded by stunning views
Eat at
Lagan’s Bakery
$
A quaint bakery in Lak Louise Village
Bill Peyto’s Cafe
$$
A cozy waterfront cafe at the Lake Louise Inn
The Post Hotel Dining Room
$$
Elegant dining with regional cuisine
Parking
Lake Louise Lakeshore
Paid Parking within walking distance of Lake Louise
Stay at
Castle Mountain Campground
$$
30 minutes from Lake Louise with full hookups
Kananaskis Country
Kananaskis Country
East of Banff lies the scenic Kananaskis region. This area of protected parkland is home to abundant wildlife like moose, elk, bears, birds, and wolves. It is a popular local spot for outdoor recreation.
While exploring the region, you will find diverse and beautiful landscapes ranging from mountains to valleys and flats. Enjoy activities like climbing, fishing, and even skiing if you choose to go in the winter.
Visiting
Kananaskis Country
1
Recom. Days
61 miles /98.3 km
from Lake Louise
1h01min
drive
Visit
Wasootch Peak Hike
A hike that ends with a breath-taking 360-degree view of the Canadian Rockies’ Continental Divide
Heart Creek via Ferrata
Climb ladders, bridges, and mountain trails to reach spectacular views
Chester Lake
Off-the-beaten-path alpine lake framed by rugged peaks
Eat at
Grizzly Paw Brewing
$$
Canmore pub food in a laid-back environment
Crazyweed Kitchen
$$
Locally sourced Canadian cuisine located in Canmore
The Kananaskis Mountain Lodge
$$$
Elegant lodge dining with pasta, seafood, and an extensive wine list.
Parking
Town Centre Parking
Paid Parking in the heart of Canmore
Stay at
Three Sisters Campground
$$
Canmore Campground with full hookups and mountain views
53 miles/ 86 km
from
56 min
Kananskis